In our pursuit of a healthier and happier society, it is vital that we recognize the often-overlooked struggles faced by men concerning their emotional well-being. Despite living in a world brimming with technology and constant communication, an alarming number of men silently battle feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It's a subject that deserves our attention, empathy, and understanding. 

This week on "On This Walk," my walking partner is Jed Diamond, founder of Men Alive. We discuss men's health and well-being, particularly the issue of male loneliness and the importance of connection.

Jed shares his personal experiences and journey to becoming a hands-on father and promoting healthy fatherhood. We explore the concept of the shadow self, the need for balance between outer success and inner fulfillment, and the historical context of male-female relationships. We also discuss personal responsibility, the role of men's groups in fostering connection, and Jed's work with Men Alive and the Moonshot for Mankind project.

In This Episode

Notable Quote

• “Our sons and our daughters are not saying, ‘Dad, I wish you would be more successful and spend more time away and make more money. They want your presence. And so my journey, what I've been teaching and writing about is to help men and the women who love them, the families that are connected, to find the way to be a full, complete whole man, which for me includes being successful in the outer world and making a good living and doing something that we believe in, but also being able to be a hands-on dad and a hands-on husband and a hands-on mate, and a hands-on person that is present to himself and other people.” – Jed (12:07)

Our Guest

Jed Diamond is a prominent expert in gender-specific healing and men's health, with 17 books to his name, including bestsellers The Irritable Male Syndrome and Surviving Male Menopause. He holds a Ph.D. in International Health and has practiced psychotherapy for over 50 years. Together with his wife, Carlin, they have five children, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. For more information, visit http://www.MenAlive.com.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Jed Diamond

Mentioned

• 12 Rules for Good Men- https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Good-Men-Jed-Diamond-ebook/dp/B07Z1FBG74

Are you tired of drifting through life, yearning for something more? Deep within us all, there's an insatiable craving for purpose and meaning that ignites our souls and drives us to make every moment count. But in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get lost in the chaos, losing sight of what truly matters.

This week on "On This Walk," my walking partner is Ryan Matthew. We dive into a deep conversation about personal journeys and finding purpose in life. Ryan shares his experiences of seeking external solutions to his problems, only to realize that the root of his issues was internal. Through self-discovery and facing suppressed emotions, Ryan undergoes significant changes, including divorce and loss of financial wealth. 

Ryan shares a profound story about a transformative experience he had, which symbolizes personal and collective transformation. We also discuss the fear some men have of embracing their feminine side and the importance of integrating both masculine and feminine energies. We challenge the notion that exploring emotions and self-discovery is solely feminine and advocate for a holistic approach to personal growth. We invite you to reflect on your own journey and how you may be locking yourself away from experiencing the fullness of life. The journey to self-discovery is a personal one, but it's also a journey we all share as human beings.

In This Episode

Notable Quote

• “I had just lost all of my financial wealth. I had just lost my marriage. My band had just ended all of these big things, and so there was a lot of turmoil in my life at the moment. But as I was pouring love into this man, I was pouring love into myself. The impact that those losses had on my life started to lessen. And it was like I was able to feel the emotion. And I was also able to feel a ton of joy. I realized that so much of what I was running away from in my life was this joy. This joy that was growing inside of me, and I'm still experiencing it today. The more I sit out in nature, the more this joy just continues to bubble up in me.” – Ryan (43:51)

Our Guest

Ryan Matthew is a tenacious truth seeker, certified professional coach, lightning protection master installer, and a powerful musician/songwriter. He has spent the second half of his life dedicated to unlocking his deeper purpose here, bringing his healing music to the people and becoming a lover of life and all things alive.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Ryan Matthew

What does it mean to be a man in a world where divorce rates are soaring? Are we missing a vital piece of the puzzle, a key ingredient that can unlock the secrets to successful relationships? It's time to confront these questions head-on and embark on a journey that steps in between the current, conflicting notions of masculinity. 

This week on "On This Walk," my walking partner is Elliott Katz. We discuss the challenges men face in relationships and explore the importance of leadership, decision-making, and taking responsibility in relationships.

Elliott shares his personal journey of realizing the need for these qualities after his divorce. We also discuss the impact of gender roles, media stereotypes, and the importance of respect in relationships. We emphasize finding a balance between vulnerability and strength, as well as the significance of personal growth and communication.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “You see a difficult situation, step forward, take charge, and it makes the woman feel so safe and protected. It makes her love you so much. That's what she wants. She wants a man who takes charge and the decision to be made. You're not imposing your decision. You can say, “Well, I think we should do this here. What do you think?” Instead of asking, “What should we do?” Don't say that. Come forward. Don't come empty-handed. Make a decision. And if she has input, that's great, but don't just leave it to her. Don't think you're being too passive. Don't think, well, I'm showing her I believe in gender equality. To me, the main thing is leadership.” – Elliott (18:32)

Our Guest

Elliott Katz is an accomplished author, penning two books, including his remarkable debut titled "Being the Strong Man a Woman Wants: Timeless Wisdom on Being a Man." Not stopping there, he has also graced the airwaves, making appearances on over 200 radio shows and television broadcasts. Utilizing his expertise as a coach and guide, Elliott has established himself as a prominent figure for men seeking personal growth and self-discovery.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Elliott Katz

Mentioned 

In the realm of human existence, one difficult truth continues to show itself: trauma, a seemingly relentless force, can grip our very souls and leave an indelible imprint on our physical form. It weaves its tendrils through our thoughts, actions, decisions and our relationships. 

This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Jennifer Wallace. We dive deep into the world of trauma and its impact on our bodies and minds. We also explore the concept of post-traumatic growth and the importance of working with the nervous system to release trauma and facilitate healing.

Jennifer shares her personal journey of overcoming a kidnapping and a rare form of breast cancer and how healing her nervous system has been crucial in finding safety, joy, and self-expression. This episode helps listeners break free from the chains of trauma and rediscover their unique path to true freedom.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “When people begin these journeys, there can often be these thoughts of like, there's something wrong with me. I'm the bad one. Like that's what complex drama teaches us. Like it's me, I'm the one who needs to change, and that's not true. Whoever's listening like that is not true. You are not broken. You are buried under complex trauma. You are buried under stories and emotions that just do not serve you anymore. And I think a lot of times on this journey, it is about the uncloaking of the soul. It is about the you that is you, to come forward and be fully self-expressed, to feel safe in your body to be whatever it is that you wanna experience, but you're just buried and it doesn't have to stay like that.” - Jennifer [57:09]

Our Guest

Jennifer Wallace is an expert in neuro-somatic intelligence coaching for promoting brain-based wellness and is also a knowledgeable psychedelic integration coach with a trauma-informed approach. Through her podcast, Trauma Rewired, she aims to emphasize the idea that by establishing a secure nervous system, it is entirely feasible to achieve healing, and behavioral transformation, and ultimately create the life one desires.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Jennifer Wallace

Mentioned 

Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong: And Other Things You Need to Know to Take Back Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Trauma-Response-Never-Things/dp/1683648846

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, we often get caught up in the daily grind and forget to prioritize ourselves. It's so easy to lose sight of what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. But picture this: a life where we're no longer held captive by our own unconscious thoughts and behaviors. A life where we can tap into those hidden parts of ourselves that hold the key to happiness, beauty, and a sense of playfulness.

This week On This Walk, I welcome back Tim Corcoran – previously on Episodes 15 & 16 – as we discuss the benefits of parts work and the ecology of self, and how it can help you rediscover your unique path to true freedom. Tim shares his personal experience with parts work and how it has transformed his life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and loving all parts of ourselves, even the destructive ones. The conversation also touches on how to discover your purpose through vulnerability, stillness, and connecting with nature and the importance of judgment as a tool for self-growth.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “All parts serve and all parts deserve love. Even if they are destructive parts, even if they are parts that have caused great damage and great pain, a part cannot exist without a function. They don't just exist randomly and they all serve the self in some way. It might get really twisted and sometimes it does, and the key is not to kill the part, the key is not to throw it away. That just leads to more pain and suffering. The key is to understand it and ultimately to love it. And it's through that embracing that we can really experience transformation.” - Tim (22:36)

Our Guest

Tim Corcoran is the founder of Purpose Mountain, where he offers Nature Based Purpose Guidance to support people with a love for wild nature who feel a deep yearning to discover their purpose. Tim also serves as co-Director of Twin Eagles Wilderness School, an organization he co-founded with his wife in Sandpoint, Idaho in 2005 dedicated to facilitating deep nature connection mentoring, cultural restoration, and inner tracking.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Tim Corcoran

Are you tired of constantly feeling like you're not enough? Do you find yourself yearning for a deeper sense of well-being and connection in your life? If so, then we have great news for you. A transformative practice called effortless mindfulness can help you unlock a world of inner peace and profound connection.

This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Loch Kelly, an award-winning author, licensed psychotherapist, and recognized leader in the field of meditation and awakening. He is the founder of the nonprofit Effortless Mindfulness Institute. The institute is dedicated to teaching direct methods to access awake awareness, living from a flow state, nondual mindfulness, and heart mindfulness. 

We discuss the concept of effortless mindfulness and how it differs from conventional mindfulness. Loch shares his journey toward mindfulness and how his father's passing led him to explore and develop effortless mindfulness. Loch provides a simple five-minute practice to help listeners access this more spacious awareness. The conversation also covers the importance of acknowledging the different parts that makeup who we are and how being aware of these parts can help us make more conscious choices.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “One of the unique premises of effortless mindfulness is that you're remembering to remember that the peace, love, freedom, clarity, and the optimal sense of self is already here within us and it's just uncovering, discovering, or remembering that it's not like other skills or knowledge where we need to use our mind to read a lot of books or develop a skill called meditation that will lead us to a cleaner mind. It's literally just like opening up to find a dimension that's subtler and more spacious, but more pervasive and more interconnected. And when we find that sense of being, then that's the goal of what we're looking for because there's a sense of wellbeing, bliss, and clarity that's already here within us.” - Loch (11:10)

Our Guest

Loch Kelly, M.Div., LCSW, is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, and meditation expert. Founder of Effortless Mindfulness Institute, he collaborates with neuroscientists, teaches nondual pointers, and promotes open-hearted awareness to reduce suffering and support personal development.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Loch Kelly

Mentioned

Are you feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? Do you find yourself suppressing emotions and putting on a brave face, even when you're struggling? If so, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, it can be hard to find the time and space to truly connect with our emotions and process what we're feeling.

This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Fish Fischer, co-founder of Somatic Breathwork™️, an emotional wellness modality designed specifically to help people clear out suppressed emotions, trauma, stress, and anxiety.

We discuss Fish’s journey from being a caddy in the PGA to discovering the benefits of somatic breathwork in helping him overcome stress and anxiety. We also explore the use of breathwork and somatic practices in helping men move through deeper blocks and feelings of being stuck. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and embracing our emotions to become more grounded and powerful leaders.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “To feel your life is like a living death. To feel your life is to actually be alive. Once you start to feel emotions, maybe a little bit of sadness, maybe a little bit of tears, maybe a little bit of anger, that is to truly feel alive. It's not to repress it. It's to know that it's there. See that is an actual feeling that's coming up in your actual body and then recognizing that there's a story with that. And really what that is, reading your body is the ability to actually understand somatic literacy. Can you be fluent in your own body sensations, feelings, and emotions, and can you know the story behind those? If you can do that, you can become fluent in your own body and the vessel that you have had your entire life is the vessel that has moved you. – Fish (20:00)

Our Guest

Fish Fischer is a visionary co-founder of Somatic Breathwork. His expertise in breath work merges ancient wisdom with modern science, empowering individuals to heal and transform through conscious breathing.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Fish Fischer

Mentioned

Have you ever felt like you were alone in your journey as if you were left to make things work on your own? It's a common feeling that many of us experience at some point in our lives. But what if there’s a much larger story that you’re a part of? A story that is bigger than you, bigger than your problems, and bigger than your wildest dreams.

This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Jeff Harmon, founder of Brilliance Within Coaching, an innovative training and coaching firm. We talk about his journey toward realizing that he is part of a much larger story. We explore the importance of intentional connections with people who support and speak truth into our lives, regardless of whether they are part of a church community. We also touch on the concept of benevolent detachment, detachment out of love, and deep care. We conclude our conversation by delving into the importance of choosing from love, instead of fear.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “I'm not the hero of my story, and that's a relief. I think you said in our group last night, so many of us act as Atlas to put the world on our shoulders. And to have this moment, and it's not just one moment, it's over time to be able to say that it's not up to me, life is not up to me. I'm an active participant, or partner even. But it's just a big relief. And so that's the invitation that is available for everyone. And that's the conversation that I love to have because, you know, religion today, by its own doing, has such a horrible rap. But this isn't about going to church on Sundays or being part of an organization, just that it's the farthest thing from that. This is about entering into this love affair, this relationship, this bigger, and thereby this enormous story."- Jeff (09:58)

Our Guest

Jeff Harmon, a brilliant coach with 20+ years of relationship-building experience, empowers leaders to achieve their goals. Faced with a degenerative nerve condition in 2006, he embraces each day's value. Jeff's mission is to elevate leaders through innovative solutions, fostering high-performing teams that prioritize commitment and mutual respect.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Jeff Harmon

Mentioned

What is it like to live your life from a place of love instead of fear? Imagine the impact it could have on your relationships, your sense of fulfillment, and your overall well-being. In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, it's easy to let fear creep into our decisions and actions. But what if we chose love instead?

This week On This Walk, my walking partner is David Henzel, CEO of the online coaching platform, upcoach. Our conversation revolves around the significance of living with love instead of fear, and how it can influence our relationships and overall sense of fulfillment. We also delve into the importance of the narratives we create for ourselves, as they shape our life experiences, and explore how vulnerability and transparency build trust and strengthen team bonds. Stay tuned for more!

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

• “All the extreme things that happened to me in my life, I can grow from and learn from them. If you change the way you look at things, for example, my mother passed away 10 years ago and she was an amazing person. Not because she was my mom, but because she was really an outstanding, phenomenal person. And if I look at it from the standpoint like, ‘oh, poor me, I don't have her anymore. She would be retired by now living in our other house here on the property. Our daughter would learn so much from her, suck so much. She's not there’. Then I'd drag myself down versus if I turned around and see it from a place of gratitude. I had this amazing person in my life that I learned so much from. I'm so grateful that I had her, it's unbelievable how lucky I consider myself that I had this amazing person in my life. Then it just completely changed the story.” – David (48:10)

Our Guest

David Henzel is a veteran entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience building successful companies. He is the CEO of upcoach, leading a portfolio of businesses with more than 500 employees.

With a personal mission to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential, David’s passion project is ManagingHappiness.com, an online platform dedicated to personal development akin to Toastmasters, and LoveNotFear.com, a community-driven initiative focused on helping people and organizations to act out of love and not fear.

Resources & Links

On This Walk

David Henzel

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhenzel/

Mentioned books

The mental well-being of men has received some more attention of late—but not in a good way. Brace yourself as we share some painful truths about the stigma surrounding male mental health… And discuss the way back to true well-being.

This week On This Walk, my walking partner is Tim Perreira who shares his personal journey with mental health. After hitting a plateau in his life and being fired during the pandemic, he faced depression, weight gain, and a serious reconsideration of what matters. However, these challenges became a turning point for him to prioritize his well-being.

We delve into men's challenges when seeking support and the importance of morning routines for productivity and mental health. Please join us as we break the silence on men's mental health and much more!

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

Our Guest

Tim Perreira is a former college athlete turned tech sales pro who struggled to find purpose after sports. Despite achieving sales success through job hopping, he felt unfulfilled and realized something was missing. After being fired during the pandemic, Tim decided to pursue his passion for mental health and wellness. He founded PER, a company focused on improving men's health and crushing stigmas. 

Resources & Links

On This Walk

Tim Perreira

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/timperreira/

Mentioned