The diagnosis that changed everything: Keith McGuinnes on cancer, masculinity, and the power of receiving

What happens when a fit, healthy yoga teacher steeped in Eastern practices, meditation and spiritual growth is suddenly diagnosed with cancer?

In this episode, I sit down with Keith McGuinnes, founder of Awaken Intimacy and co-founder of The Open Institute, to explore how a life-threatening illness forced him to stop pushing, start receiving, and finally open to the deeper lessons of intimacy, vulnerability and connection.

We talk about:

• The shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis at 40
• Why he chose chemotherapy (even as a holistic health practitioner)
• How the experience broke his lone wolf mentality
• The power of receiving love
• What men are missing when they stay stuck in hyper-masculinity
• His work today helping men and couples reclaim intimacy, polarity and presence

This is a raw, real and powerful conversation about grief, grace, and growing up.

Show Notes

Keith’s Cancer Diagnosis

• What happened at age 40 and the symptoms he ignored
• Why chemo was the right choice (even as a long-time yogi)
• How the experience forced him to slow down, reflect, and receive

The Emotional Journey

• Grieving the years he couldn’t receive love
• Learning to express emotion and let people in
• How it shifted his relationship to his own body and energy

Masculinity, Polarity and Intimacy

• The trap of hyper-masculine giving and the strength in receiving
• Letting go of lone wolf energy in favour of connection
• Why true intimacy requires openness — not just strength

Post-Cancer Purpose

• Moving from survival to service
• Keith’s work through Awaken Intimacy and The Open Institute
• Building community, relational depth, and sacred spaces in modern life