The Alpha Quorum Show

As part two of a two-segment episode, we discuss mortality and why we should consider the finite nature of our lives and how this helps men develop an attitude of reverence, which is the openness to all valuable things. 

Derik discusses 'rock bottom' and how men can find the gifts in his worst and darkest hours.  We must tell the truth in order to grow. 

Telling the truth requires humility which is an attribute of masculinity. It takes an Alpha to admit wrongs and work to make changes.  Sometimes 'rock bottom' is a gift toward discovering and rediscovering manhood.   

Mike says "gratitude is sexy" and Brad teaches how seeing the good in even your most difficult circumstances is a prerequisite for hope.  In order to know that the future is going to work out, we have to realize how things has always worked out.  Even in the midst of self-destruction, gratitude makes all the difference. 

Mike teaches about the Hero's Journey and how men either choose to be humble or are compelled into humility through hardship.  But there are 'guides' all around you. 

Luke Skywalker was reluctant to move forward into his future until he made the decision to start his journey.  Only then did he find a worthy mentor in Yoda.  

Take ownership in the problems of your life, tell the truth of your situation, especially when you have created your own mess. 

Maybe we are like Luke Skywalker, and are forced into growth.  You don't know every thing bro.  Humble yourself and develop a masculine sense of reverence.  Submit to the process of healing as you become a grown-ass man: an Alpha. 

Mike recounts some special moments where he and his dirt-biking brothers brought some love and service to an orphanage on the most recent of his 'Taco Tours' in Baja, Mexico.  

After last weeks episodes on porn, we decide to turn our discussion to reverence: the respect and awe of all valuable things.  We discuss the need for a having a framework for understanding the bigger-picture of life which helps men understand themselves, other people, hardships, and the universe as a whole.  

Whether you are an atheist or a faitheist, this episode will inspire you to tap into universal power and beauty, which ironically includes the need for you to 'lay down in the dirt' and be like David, King of Israel, who said he is "a worm, and no man."    

Talking points include Lieutenant Dan from Forrest Gump, narcissism as the enemy of spiritual growth, when you should just keep on sinning, and the need for a higher power and how to connect to it, with and without traditional religious practices. 

This is part one of a two-part episode which covers Reverence, from The Red 9, the principle characteristics of masculinity as seen by the Alpha Quorum. 

Segment 2 of a two-part episode about porn and compulsive sexual behavior.  We answer the following questions:

Taco Mike and Brad disclose their own struggles with this and other addictions and discuss ways men can get out of this cycle.  We discuss  steps men and young men need to take in order to avoid the pitfall of pornography, which is NOT alpha.  This information is based on decades of personal recovery and professional help for men who are dealing with these issues that diminish true masculinity. Feeling disconnection leads to self-indulgence, then shame and hiding, which returns the addict back to a feeling of isolation. Jeremy describes "warrior chemistry" and how to change one's mental state from temptation to fighting against the plague of porn and compulsive sexual behavior. Be sure to listen to Episode 036 as segment one to this epic series. 

In what is sure to become our most popular episode to date, we explore the topic of pornography and answer the following questions:

We discuss the neurological and chemical reasons that pornography can be so addictive.  We explore the difference between occasional perusal and addiction and the wiring in the male sexual drive that predisposes men to pornography.  Up to 70% of all men (and 33% of women) have had or will have a problematic relationship with porn in their lifetime.  Taco Mike describes evidences in the ruins of ancient societies about compulsive sexual pursuits.  Brad and Jeremy teach about why there is no safe use of pornography and that it isn't possible to habitually view pornography without an impact on those around us.  Other topics include rape culture, visual cues of fertility and so much more.  This is segment one of a two part series.  Look for the next episode soon!  

Disclaimer: We recognize that our views could be controversial.  We are using personal experiences and the experiences of men in the recovery environment who have badly damaged their personal peace and the strength and intimacy of relationships. 

 Introducing a new one-minute series called #alphashots. This one is about how much your woman DOES want to have sex. 

In this important episode, we discuss the ways that men struggle to control their impulses: rude comments, sexual mismanagement, anger and aggression are all explored as well as ways to take better control of urges coming from the surges of testosterone. Mike describes the differences between men and women as evidenced by their behaviors in their respective prisons, where he spends time every day for months at a time. 

Derik drops knowledge: "Society really lives or dies with how men choose to use their masculine attributes." We should be using our power to protect, not to dominate others. Masculine impulses, depending on how they are channeled, will make or break you." 

Mike teaches about 'the moment before the moment' where the control over these impulses can best be maintained. 

Excellent episode, guys! 

Taco Mike hosts his first show while Derik is at home with heart troubles. This episode is a deep-dive discussion on forgiveness.  Clean-shaven Taco Mike reports on his recent trip to Spain and Italy and confesses to placing 'Taco Tours' stickers in front of the  Colosseum and somewhere in the Vatican and explains how he is now an international fugitive. Chad catapults himself into manhood with his first home repair and visit to Home Depot.  

Chad Harmon and Mike Olsen share some deeply personal stories where they've had to learn how to see themselves and others in a more forgiving light.  We share some steps that you need to take to first acknowledge your wrongs and take a full and honest accounting for them and secondly, how to see yourself through the difficult process of forgiving yourself. 

This episode is jam-packed with ideas about what you need to do if you are harboring haunting secrets or other mistakes that have produced guilt and shame within you. 

You might laugh *and* cry listening to this episode!  Brad, Jeremy, and Derik share the most important lessons they've learned from their parents.  These deeply-personal experiences help you get to know these three in a new way. Jeremy illustrates the most important thing he learned by his parents' example which he has carried into his own life. Amid his usual cheeky humor, Derik shares a divinely-profound lesson that his father taught him after a family tragedy.  His story will leave you stunned with inspiration and motivation to see your problems in a healthier way.  Dude. Awesome episode.  Leave us a review if you agree!

Derik insults the driver of an orange Camaro while gassing up.  We discuss mindful, proactive awareness vs. the reactivity and the victim stance that people often like to put themselves in.  The conversation evolves into parenting and how to help children most: by letting them fail.  Brad describes 'the paradox of control' and Jeremy teaches how we manifest our own outcomes by our thoughts and how parents are being selfish by not allowing children to learn through natural consequences. 

The Alpha Quorum Show is proud to introduce a brand new series of podcasts where we interview influencers in the field of personal development. For our first interview, Derik spends some time with Rainier Wylde, host of the Lost Man Standing Podcast, and discusses how sometimes our calling in life can come from our most painful experiences. Rainier gets raw and personal about some of his greatest failures and how he was able heal himself and his relationships while sharing cigars, whiskey and honesty with his tribe.