On this episode of Mojo for the Modern Man, I had the privilege of chatting with Donald Bialkowski, who might just be one of the most refreshingly honest therapists I've ever met – and believe me, I've met quite a few. Donald grew up in the quiet countryside of Green Bay, found himself teaching meditation while secretly perfecting what he calls "sophisticated substance use," until life finally caught up with him at 40 and cracked him wide open. The beauty of Donald's story isn't just in the transformation (though that's pretty remarkable), but in how he weaves together his own journey with this broader understanding of what keeps us men stuck – particularly this sneaky little thing he calls "the master emotion" of shame, which apparently loves nothing more than a good dose of isolation to really dig its heels in.

What really got me thinking was how Donald went from performing compassion as a young therapist to actually embodying it through his own messy process of growth. These days, he's helping other men navigate the murky waters of uncertainty and complexity, all while cheerfully dismantling the myth that we should somehow have it all figured out on our own. The whole conversation left me wondering about this sort of masculine paradox – how we're all trying to prove we don't need anyone, while secretly knowing that's exactly what we need most.

Website: www.onpurposementoring.com

I had a deeply moving conversation with Stephen Campolo, whose transformation from an overweight teenager to a fitness coach reveals layers of complexity that most weight loss stories gloss over. With remarkable candor, Stephen shared his journey through restrictive dieting, competitive bodybuilding at 17, and his ongoing dance with binge eating - including a sobering wake-up call when his gallbladder nearly ruptured at 30. What struck me most was Stephen's ability to hold seemingly contradictory truths: the discipline required for physical transformation alongside the persistent challenge of food addiction. His evolution from chasing six-pack abs to advocating for holistic health was catalyzed by losing his mother to cancer at 52, redirecting his mission toward helping others avoid preventable health crises. Stephen's willingness to shatter the fitness industry's façade of perfection by openly discussing his struggles makes this conversation particularly powerful, offering a roadmap for anyone wrestling with their own relationship with food, body image, and self-acceptance.

Website: https://www.flxbodyfitness.com/flx-body-type-blueprint-1

Act two with Jake Kaufman delves into the challenging terrain of genuine transformation and healing. We explore how surface-level changes often mask deeper patterns, illustrated by Jake's transition from chaotic restaurant work to a tech startup, where familiar dysfunction followed him. The conversation expands into broader themes of collective healing, examining why men's personal development spaces often remain underpopulated despite critical need. Jake's experience launching a men's group and writing his book reveals how healing moves from individual work through community support to broader social impact. His mission to help men break their silence around trauma highlights a crucial insight: isolation perpetuates suffering, while community creates pathways to authentic growth and connection.

Bio:

Jake Kauffman is an Executive Producer and Founder of Transient Productions. He completely gave up his corporate career to move to Los Angeles and pursue his dream of producing original films that are both inspirational and compelling. He is currently wrapping production on my first feature entitled “I’m So Good I’m Embarrassed,” a documentary chronicling the last year in the life of his 93-year-old grandfather. His intention is to empower others to prioritize making intimate and lasting connections in their relationships.

In this first act with Jake Kaufman, we explore the profound impact of childhood environments on adult behavior patterns. Growing up in small-town Michigan where vulnerability was discouraged, Jake developed protective masks of perfectionism after experiencing sexual assault at age twelve. Drawing from Rumi and Jung, we examine how early trauma shapes our unconscious behaviors, particularly in men who often lack the tools or permission for emotional expression. The discussion weaves through the neuroscience of early childhood development, the power of proper mirroring, and why even accomplished individuals need guides for growth. Jake's journey illuminates a central truth about transformation: our primary task isn't pursuing success, but discovering and dismantling the internal barriers that stand against it.

Bio:
Jake Kauffman is an Executive Producer and Founder of Transient Productions. He completely gave up his corporate career to move to Los Angeles and pursue his dream of producing original films that are both inspirational and compelling. He is currently wrapping production on my first feature entitled “I’m So Good I’m Embarrassed,” a documentary chronicling the last year in the life of his 93-year-old grandfather. His intention is to empower others to prioritize making intimate and lasting connections in their relationships.

Book: 

In the captivating second half of our conversation, Damon Lembi takes us on a rollercoaster ride from his dashed baseball dreams to becoming CEO of LearnIt. He shares invaluable insights on finding joy in work, balancing healthy competition with compassion, and the humbling journey of building a business. Damon’s candid reflections on identity beyond career and heartwarming stories about his father's kindness to parking attendants remind us of the importance of integrity and treating everyone with respect. As we explore the entrepreneurial spirit of his family and the ups and downs of their business ventures, Damon’s resilience shines through. He leaves us with a powerful message from his book "The Learn It All Leader": great leaders are continuously in the making, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and growth, regardless of background or current success.

Bio:

After dedicating the initial 22 years of his life to the pursuit of becoming a Major League Baseball player, Damon pivoted in 1995 to help his father (Walt Lembi, Founder of Learnit) by investing his heart and soul in Learnit to help individuals gain the knowledge and confidence they need in attaining their professional goals through the value of education. Damon has a deep commitment to the Learnit team past and present and the San Francisco Bay Area community as a whole, where he was born and raised. Damon attributes Learnit's longevity and success to the ability to surround himself with "A" players and taking advantage of learning / evolving through past mistakes. Outside of Learnit, Damon is an avid reader, moviegoer, and live music fanatic. Most of all, Damon loves spending time with his wife, children—Lucy and Wally, and his dog.


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In today's episode, I sat down with Damon Lembi, whose journey from baseball prodigy to business leader is a masterclass in personal growth and resilience. We dive into Damon’s sports-centric childhood, his battles with imposter syndrome in college baseball, and the pivotal moment when a coach's challenge became a lifelong lesson in self-belief. Damon shares his three-step formula for conquering self-doubt – work hard, focus deliberately, and learn and let go – which has shaped his approach to leadership and mentoring. We also challenge the conventional wisdom of always climbing the corporate ladder, with Damon offering refreshing insights on finding the right fit for one's skills and passions. From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, Damon’s story is a home run of perseverance, self-reflection, and embracing challenges, served up with a side of humor and heart.

Bio:

After dedicating the initial 22 years of his life to the pursuit of becoming a Major League Baseball player, Damon pivoted in 1995 to help his father (Walt Lembi, Founder of Learnit) by investing his heart and soul in Learnit to help individuals gain the knowledge and confidence they need in attaining their professional goals through the value of education. Damon has a deep commitment to the Learnit team past and present and the San Francisco Bay Area community as a whole, where he was born and raised. Damon attributes Learnit's longevity and success to the ability to surround himself with "A" players and taking advantage of learning / evolving through past mistakes. Outside of Learnit, Damon is an avid reader, moviegoer, and live music fanatic. Most of all, Damon loves spending time with his wife, children—Lucy and Wally, and his dog.


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LinkedIn
FaceBook
Instagram

In this installment, I plunged into James Dewberry's colorful past, unearthing the bedrock of his disciplined mindset. James regaled us with uproarious tales from his youth – think DIY explosives – that showcased his unbridled curiosity. We explored his voyage into medical Qigong, ignited by a quest for healing alternatives. James's zeal for this time-honored practice was palpable as he unpacked its core tenets. Our dialogue then embarked on a globe-trotting adventure, with James emphasizing the transformative power of embracing new cultures. We capped off our chat with a thought-provoking exploration of love, where James challenged societal norms. Throughout, James's blend of scientific inquisitiveness, spiritual depth, and wanderlust left me musing: How might we all infuse our lives with such receptivity and passion?

Bio:

My journey into energetic healing, health and wellness, and coaching began over twenty years ago. After watching several friends and family members battle disease and injury, without any permanent resolution, I began an in-depth exploration of alternative healing modalities. Through dedicated practice and the pursuit of knowledge, on how to assist individuals in their healing journey (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), Medical Qigong, Qigong for health, Reiki, and Coaching were discovered.   I have been awarded my Masters of Medical Qigong,  Insight Qigong Teacher Certification, and Reiki Master Certification.  Complimenting my Alternative Health Practice, is my work as a Transformational Coach, focusing on Mental Fitness in conjunction with Health and Wellness.

Medical Qigong, Chinese Energetic Medicine, is the oldest branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong has been used to create, improve, and sustain health for over 5,000 years. Through Medical Qigong sessions and prescription exercises, individuals are assisted in the purging of physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma. The body is then strengthened and brought back into balance, allowing its natural healing abilities to reassert themselves.

Sessions are designed to integrate and balance all elements of an individual, leading to greater health and well-being. Medical Qigong can be done in person or through distance sessions in a safe, peaceful, and healthy environment. 

My coaching is centered upon assisting each individual in moving towards a balanced and healthy life through personal transformation.  This work is for everyone and I work with individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. My passion and specialty is in working with individuals who are over 35, single, and without children. 

In today's episode, I sat down with James Dewberry, a Southern-born thinker with a fascinating journey of self-discovery. We delved into James's childhood in Georgia during the 80s and 90s, a time of social change and lingering prejudices. James shared poignant stories, from witnessing Klan marches to navigating interracial friendships, all while wrestling with his own identity as a bookish athlete who didn't quite fit in. The conversation took an inspiring turn when James recounted how an African American teacher, Miss Rodney, taught him to read – a pivotal moment that opened up new worlds. We explored the impact of his family's diverse backgrounds, from his educated, book-loving grandparents to his father's "can't never could" mantra. James's reflections on integrity, self-honesty, and the importance of personal practice left me pondering: How do our struggles shape who we become, and what does it take to truly know ourselves? 

Bio:

My journey into energetic healing, health and wellness, and coaching began over twenty years ago. After watching several friends and family members battle disease and injury, without any permanent resolution, I began an in-depth exploration of alternative healing modalities. Through dedicated practice and the pursuit of knowledge, on how to assist individuals in their healing journey (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), Medical Qigong, Qigong for health, Reiki, and Coaching were discovered.   I have been awarded my Masters of Medical Qigong,  Insight Qigong Teacher Certification, and Reiki Master Certification.  Complimenting my Alternative Health Practice, is my work as a Transformational Coach, focusing on Mental Fitness in conjunction with Health and Wellness.

Medical Qigong, Chinese Energetic Medicine, is the oldest branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong has been used to create, improve, and sustain health for over 5,000 years. Through Medical Qigong sessions and prescription exercises, individuals are assisted in the purging of physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma. The body is then strengthened and brought back into balance, allowing its natural healing abilities to reassert themselves.

Sessions are designed to integrate and balance all elements of an individual, leading to greater health and well-being. Medical Qigong can be done in person or through distance sessions in a safe, peaceful, and healthy environment. 

My coaching is centered upon assisting each individual in moving towards a balanced and healthy life through personal transformation.  This work is for everyone and I work with individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. My passion and specialty is in working with individuals who are over 35, single, and without children. 

In Act 2, Kip Ioane takes us deeper into his journey as a father, coach, and advocate for reimagining masculinity. We explore the unique challenges he faces raising three children with diverse needs, and how his own upbringing influences his parenting. Kip candidly shares the behaviors he hopes his children won't inherit, particularly his tendency to weaponize his voice. The conversation then shifts to his transformative work with Teams of Men, born from a crisis that forced him to confront the inadequacies in how he was developing young athletes. Kip's passion is palpable as he describes his mission to make emotional literacy, consent education, and healthy relationship skills mandatory for coaches. His insights on the "man box" and the power of sports to shape young men's character are both sobering and inspiring. As we wrap up, I'm left pondering the immense potential for positive change when we challenge traditional notions of masculinity in the spaces where young men are most receptive to growth.

Bio:

Kip Ioane ("eye-own") is the founder and lead facilitator of #TeamsOfMen, an organization that exists to empower coaches of male athletes to enlighten their players to the potential of a reimagined manhood. Based on his own work over a 22 year career as a basketball coach at the NCAA D3 level, TeamsOfMen provides players and coaches with in person workshops, course curriculum, discussion prompts, and conversation prompts to engage men in breaking free from the manbox, embracing emotional fluency and preventing gender violence and oppression. Working with middle school through collegiate level teams (mainly in football and basketball), Kip's vision is a new normal of all coaches prepping male athletes to take their platform of influence with the toolkits needed to spread positive masculinity to the next generation of young men.

Website

In this episode, I sat down with Kip Ioane, whose journey from Polynesian kid in Montana to college athlete and coach offers a fascinating lens on masculinity, sports culture, and fatherhood. Kip's story is a potent mix of cultural contrasts, high expectations, and the weight of family legacy. We dove into the complexities of father-son relationships, exploring how a single moment of vulnerability transformed their dynamic. Kip's candid reflections on using humor as a shield and "exploiting others' pain" struck a chord, highlighting the often unspoken insecurities young men face. But it's his evolution – from pressure-cooker athlete to thoughtful father – that really got me thinking. Kip's insights on redefining success for the next generation and the importance of letting kids find their own path in sports left me pondering: How can we foster resilience and ambition in our youth without sacrificing emotional well-being? It's a balancing act we're all still learning to master.

Bio:

Kip Ioane ("eye-own") is the founder and lead facilitator of #TeamsOfMen, an organization that exists to empower coaches of male athletes to enlighten their players to the potential of a reimagined manhood. Based on his own work over a 22 year career as a basketball coach at the NCAA D3 level, TeamsOfMen provides players and coaches with in person workshops, course curriculum, discussion prompts, and conversation prompts to engage men in breaking free from the manbox, embracing emotional fluency and preventing gender violence and oppression. Working with middle school through collegiate level teams (mainly in football and basketball), Kip's vision is a new normal of all coaches prepping male athletes to take their platform of influence with the toolkits needed to spread positive masculinity to the next generation of young men.

Website