Embracing the True Meaning of Showing Up with Marcy Axelrod

How Are You Showing Up?

In this episode of Real Men Feel, Andy Grant hosts Marcy Axelrod, a best-selling author and TEDx speaker, who delves into the true essence of 'showing up.' Marcy explains that showing up isn't just about being present but a deeper existential experience influenced by our beliefs, thoughts, and attention systems. They discuss the three roles we habitually play—self, situational, and societal—and how truly showing up can change our lives and improve our performance.

Marcy also shares insights from her latest book, 'How We Choose to Show Up.' She provides practical steps for individuals to truly show up, emphasizing the importance of care, noticing, and acceptance.

00:00 Welcome to Real Men Feel

00:18 Introducing Marcy Axelrod

01:22 Understanding 'Showing Up'

03:12 The Two Attention Systems

04:43 Levels of Showing Up

09:40 Society's Impact on Showing Up

17:18 The Natural Progression of Showing Up

24:18 Marcy's Personal Journey

24:53 A Childhood Memory and Its Impact

25:48 The Journey into Psychology and Consulting

26:09 Practical Steps to Show Up in 2025

27:31 The Importance of Noticing and Gratitude

28:31 Belief Systems and Emotional Care

32:34 The Role of Society and Individual Responsibility

36:04 The Concept of Showing Up

38:58 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Connect with Marcy

Marcy Axelrod -- http://www.choosetoshowup.com/

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy/

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/marcyaxelrod/

Resources

How We Choose to Show Up: Nature's Playbook for Creating a Meaningful Life, Marcy Axelrod

-- https://amzn.to/4jjkIrq

Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations Fail, William Ophuls -- https://amzn.to/3PIVbu5

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Ready to create your best year yet? Book a Clarity Call with Andy at https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 337

Balancing Sports, Academics, and Mental Health

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Walker Ferguson, a senior at Wake Forest University majoring in economics and minoring in communications. Walker is a former football player and co-founder of Ascend, a meditation and wellness app. They discuss Walker's experience balancing sports, academics, and entrepreneurship and how personal struggles led to the creation of the app.

The conversation touches on the stigma around men asking for help, the importance of community, and the unique features of the Ascend app. Walker shares his journey of embracing discipline and consistency, the impact of mindfulness, and his vision for Ascend's growth. He also emphasizes the importance of reading, self-care, and maintaining spirituality.

The episode concludes with Walker expressing his pride in positively impacting others' lives and looking forward to Ascend's future.

00:00 Welcome to Real Men Feel

00:19 Introducing Walker Ferguson

00:33 Balancing Academics, Athletics, and Entrepreneurship

03:48 The Journey to Creating Ascend

04:31 The Importance of Community and Asking for Help

12:36 Features and Benefits of the Ascend App

18:41 Personal Growth and Reflections

26:59 Looking Forward: Goals and Aspirations

30:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Walker and Ascend

Ascend -- https://ascendmeditations.app/

Walker on LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/wferguson17/

Ascend Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/ascendapp.ai/

Ascend Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/people/Ascend-Meditations/61558681012579/

Resources

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven R. Covey

-- https://amzn.to/3C7mZFr

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Ready to create your best year yet? Book a Clarity Call with Andy at https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 336

Mastering Emotional Avoidance with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, a New York-based therapist and author of 'Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want.' They delve into a master class on emotional avoidance, discussing why people engage in it and how it can worsen emotional experiences.

Dr. Maidenberg introduces her ACE methodology — Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment — to help individuals connect with their core values and lead fulfilling lives. She also offers insights into men's unique struggles with emotional expression and practical strategies for managing intense emotions. Additionally, they explore EMDR therapy and the importance of setting sustainable goals.

00:00 Welcome to Real Men Feel 2025

00:20 Introducing Dr. Michelle Maidenberg

01:14 Understanding Emotional Avoidance

04:21 The Impact of Emotional Avoidance

07:15 Connecting with Core Values

16:31 Men and Emotional Avoidance

22:25 Introduction to Managing Negative Emotions

22:44 Understanding Stuckness and Core Values

23:54 The ACE Method: Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment

25:22 Sustainability of Change and New Year's Resolutions

29:18 Exploring EMDR and Healing Trauma

34:12 Personal Journey and Professional Insights

40:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Michelle

Dr. Michelle Maidenberg -- http://www.michellemaidenberg.com/

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemaidenberg/

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/drmichellemaidenberg

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/michellemaidenberg

Resources

ACE Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want, Michelle Maidenberg

-- https://amzn.to/3DIvffG

Michelle's YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/c/DrMichelleMaidenberg

Psychology Today Blog -- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/michelle-p-maidenberg-phd-mph-lcsw-r-cgp

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Ready to create your best year yet? Book a Clarity Call with Andy at https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 335

Finding Purpose and Authenticity with Mark Collins

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes guest Mark Collins, a pastor, coach, and author of Life Mastery: Living Life by Design. They discuss the importance of men understanding their inherent value and purpose, the dangers of false identities, and the unique impact each man can make. Mark shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges, such as fear of failure and imposter syndrome, and emphasizes the necessity of knowing oneself for true transformation.

The conversation explores how dissatisfaction can be a gift and highlights the importance of service, perseverance, and authenticity in men's lives.

00:00 Welcome to Real Men Feel

00:17 Introducing Mark Collins

01:04 The Journey of Coaching and Pastoring

02:37 Understanding Unique Purpose

04:32 Overcoming False Identities

08:56 Facing Fear and Imposter Syndrome

14:20 Steps to Unpack Identity

18:18 The Importance of Knowing Yourself

20:07 Exploring the Unique Impact of Every Man

22:44 The Role of Service and Joy in a Man's Life

25:57 Embracing Emotions and Overcoming Hardships

29:42 The Gift of Dissatisfaction and Self-Belief

33:08 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals

38:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Mark

Mark Collins -- https://freedom-for-life.net/

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-collins-freedom-for-life/

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/_freedomforlife_/

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/FreedForLife/

Resources

Life Mastery ebook -- https://courses.freedom-for-life.net/products/digital_downloads/LIFE-MASTERY

Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyers -- https://amzn.to/3ZRpIe5

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Ready to create your best year yet? Book a Clarity Call with Andy at https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 334

Evolving Definitions of Masculinity and Fatherhood with Frederick Van Riper

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant speaks with Fred Van Riper, a men's relationship and leadership coach who helps men and dads lead with purpose both at home and at work. Fred shares his journey of overcoming societal and personal expectations of masculinity, the importance of emotional resilience, and how men can cultivate deeper connections with their partners and children. They discuss topics ranging from the problems with the 'happy wife, happy life' mentality to the critical need for men to ask for help and prioritize their own happiness.

Fred offers practical advice for dads and men, emphasizing the significance of journaling, self-reflection, and positive self-talk. The conversation also delves into more personal stories, including the impact of Fred's father's passing and his own decisions to quit drinking and become a better dad.

00:00 Welcome to Real Men Feel

00:21 Introducing Frederick Van Riper

01:11 Debunking 'Happy Wife, Happy Life'

04:21 Redefining Masculinity

07:27 Embracing Emotions

15:08 Fatherhood and Coaching

28:24 Introduction and Personal Reflections

29:14 The Power of Journaling

30:21 Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations

31:49 Daily Intentions and Reflections

32:33 Building Strong Relationships

37:27 Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

42:31 Fatherhood and Personal Growth

48:59 Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Fred

Frederick Van Riper -- https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickvanriper/

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/frederickvanriper/

Resources

FREE Guide: How to Build Emotional Resilience -- https://www.seatatthetablecoaching.com/

Positive Intelligence -- https://www.positiveintelligence.com/

Dad's Interrupted Podcast -- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dads-interrupted/id1752356750

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 333

Navigating Life's Transitions with Authenticity and Resilience

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes guest Jon Emery, who shares his journey of personal transformation following significant life challenges, including job loss and divorce.

Jon discusses the importance of knowing your values, developing a morning routine, and maintaining gratitude. He also talks about his work in podcasting, both as a host of Life's Checkmark and as a podcast coach helping others discover their authentic voices.

The conversation highlights the impact of supportive men's groups and the power of vulnerability.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:52 Meet John Emery: A Journey of Resilience

01:36 International Men's Day Discussion

02:50 John's Life Before and After the Turning Point

04:58 Navigating Job Loss and Divorce

07:28 Finding Support and Rebuilding

10:13 The Power of a Morning Routine

11:10 Starting the Life's Checkmark Podcast

14:31 Authenticity and Personal Values

16:48 Impact on Fatherhood and Personal Growth

18:22 Building Deeper Relationships with Your Children

18:57 The Power of One-on-One Time

19:29 Effective Communication Tips for Parents

20:05 Starting and Sustaining a Podcast

21:17 Overcoming Common Podcasting Challenges

22:38 The Joy of Helping Others Find Their Voice

24:57 Personal Growth Through Podcasting

27:20 Recommended Resources for Personal Development

28:32 Advice for Men Feeling Lost

31:34 The Mission of Life's Checkmark

32:09 Where to Find More Information

32:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Jon

Jon Emery -- https://www.lifescheckmark.com/

YouTube -- https://www.youtube.com/@lifescheckmark

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.emery.167

Resources

Life's Checkmark Podcast -- https://lifescheckmark.libsyn.com/

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom -- https://amzn.to/4ffqdnP

The Way of The Superior Man -- https://amzn.to/3VHk10X

Understanding Women: Unlock the Mystery -- https://amzn.to/41A3Gz4

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 332

Exploration of Inner Work and Consciousness with Markus Kasunich

In this episode of 'Real Men Feel,' host Andy Grant speaks with holistic life and relationship coach Markus Kasunich. They delve deep into the journey of 'knowing thyself,' discussing topics such as Markus's near-death experience, the integration of his IRAM model, and the importance of inner work.

Markus shares his insights on human conditioning, the fluidity of consciousness, and the tools needed to navigate and understand one's own psyche. They also touch on the expansion and contraction of human experiences, explaining how one's conditioning influences relationships and personal growth.

Markus emphasizes the importance of feeling and articulating emotions as a pathway to deeper consciousness and richer human experiences.

00:00 Introduction to Real Men Feel

00:16 Meet Markus Kasunich: Holistic Life Coach

02:05 Markus' Near-Death Experience

05:23 The Journey of Integration

11:08 Understanding the Human Condition

15:34 The Importance of Inner Work

20:17 Markus' Vision Quest and Mapping the Inner World

26:18 Understanding Conditioning and Healing

27:58 Introducing the Inner Relationship Archetypal Model (IRAM)

28:46 Applying IRAM in Real Life

31:39 Expansion and Contraction in Human Experience

36:12 The Role of Medicine in Healing

39:13 Starting Your Inner Work Journey

44:18 The Importance of Emotional Awareness for Men

46:58 Conclusion and Staying Connected

Connect with Markus

Markus Kasunich -- https://markuskasunich.com

Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/markuswkasunich/

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/markuswkasunich/

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kasunich-14a20870/

Resources

IRAM: A Map for Creating Conscious Relationships, by Markus Kasunich -- https://amzn.to/4f3ut9T

Relation-SHIFT Academy -- https://markuskasunich.com/relation-shift-academy/

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 331

Legal Thrills and Spiritual Wisdom with Bob Martin

They discuss meditation, mindfulness, the role of defense attorneys in the justice system, and the significance of yin and yang energy. Bob also reveals key moments that led him to change his life path and offers advice for those seeking to begin their own mindfulness practice.

00:00 Introduction to Real Men Feel

00:11 Meet Bob Martin: From Mob Lawyer to Mindfulness Mentor

01:09 Bob's Early Career and Transition

04:09 The Role of Defense Attorneys

08:42 Discovering Taoism and Master Ni

11:55 The Practice of I Ching

20:06 The Work Ethic of Happiness

25:46 Bob's Journey to North Carolina

27:35 Mindfulness and Meditation

33:37 Bob's Personal Challenges and Triumphs

37:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links

What Is Meditation Anyway, And Is It For Me? free ebook by Bob Martin -- https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/what-is-meditation-anyway/

Connect with Bob

Bob Martin -- https://www.awiseandhappylife.com

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-martin-995b30127/

Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/awiseandhappylife/

Resources

Balance -- https://balanceapp.com

Insight Timer -- https://insighttimer.com

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 330

The Male Loneliness Epidemic: Insights from 16-Year-Old Reuben Runacres

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes Reuben Runacres, a passionate 16-year-old expert in men's mental health and the male loneliness epidemic. Reuben shares his insights on why men experience loneliness, how societal changes have exacerbated this issue, and the impact of loneliness on both mental and physical health. He also discusses the potential of technology to bridge social gaps and introduces his vision for a new platform to connect people.

Reuben emphasizes the importance of purpose and connection in combating loneliness and improving mental health.

"Loneliness can kill you because it's as harmful as smoking 20 cigarettes a day. "

00:00 Introduction to Real Men Feel

00:17 Meet Reuben Runacres: A Young Advocate for Men's Mental Health

02:09 The Male Loneliness Epidemic

13:51 Impact of Loneliness on Mental and Physical Health

18:20 The Role of Technology in Combating Loneliness

23:36 Practical Steps to Overcome Loneliness

28:09 The Power of Weak Ties

32:04 Challenges in Modern Masculinity

32:41 Balancing Traditional and Modern Masculinity

41:13 The Importance of Purpose

44:56 Personal Reflections on Masculinity

48:59 Connecting and Moving Forward

54:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links

Dr Simone Rice -- https://drsimonrice.com/

Positive Masculinity -- https://positivemasculinity.org.au/

Connect with Reuben

X: https://x.com/ReubenRunacres

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 329

Navigating Spirituality with Integrity and Avoiding Red Flags

Andy Grant discusses the integration of spirituality and psychology with Katie Turner, a registered psychologist and author of 'F*ck Toxic Spirituality'. Katie shares her insights on spiritual awakenings, intuition, toxic positivity, and the importance of recognizing red flags in spiritual practices.

The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness, emotional maturity, and shadow work to navigate the spiritual path effectively. Katie also talks about her personal journey, professional experiences, and offers listeners access to her quiz on discovering dominant intuitive superpowers.

00:00 Introduction to Real Men Feel

00:19 Meet Katie Turner: Psychologist and Author

01:10 Katie's Spiritual Journey

02:43 Understanding Spiritual Awakenings

04:22 Challenges and Red Flags in Spirituality

12:42 The Role of Empathy and Sensitivity

32:28 Intuition and Spiritual Practices

35:16 Katie's Resources and Future Plans

38:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

"Intuition is our personal compass to align to our soul or that bigger part of us." Katie Turner

Links

Take Katie's FREE Quiz to Discover your Dominant Intuitive Superpower -- www.katieturnerpsychology.com

F*ck Toxic Spirituality: Avoiding Red Flags & Navigating the Spiritual Path with Integrity, Katie Turner -- https://amzn.to/3Z7XeNV

Explore the Akashic Records with Andy -- https://theandygrant.com/akashic

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Interested in a Clarity Call with Andy? - visit https://theandygrant.com/talk

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant

Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group

Support this podcast | https://anchor.fm/realmenfeel/support

YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 328