In this episode of The Evolved Caveman, Dr. John is joined by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat, a multifaceted expert whose journey from skepticism to healing spans numerous disciplines. From a childhood in Iraq marred by war to groundbreaking research on trauma and refugees, Dr. Kasim's relentless pursuit of healing has led him through the realms of sales, counseling, and mindfulness. Together, they explore the power of authenticity, the transformative effects of mindfulness and laughter yoga, and the importance of embracing all emotions. Tune in to uncover how Dr. Kasim navigates life's challenges, turning suffering into growth, one breath at a time.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat

00:29 Kasim's Early Life and Journey to Healing

03:06 The Power of Authenticity

03:32 Kasim's Experience During the Persian Gulf War

05:46 Challenges of Growing Up in a War-Torn Country

07:04 Discovering a Passion for Counseling

10:11 Transition from Business to Counseling

16:55 Research on the Impact of War on Children

22:37 The Journey into Mindfulness and Meditation

30:22 The Challenge of Silent Retreats

31:23 Understanding Mood Swings

33:22 Benefits of Mindfulness

35:27 Discovering Joy Through Meditation

36:40 The Importance of Positive Emotions

40:48 Laughter Yoga: A Path to Happiness

45:45 The Science Behind Laughter

50:04 Embracing All Emotions

53:11 The Power of Shared Humanity

Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your Ascent:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop.

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in the San Francisco Bay Area:

👉 GuideToSelf.com

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing to heal relationships, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 LoveIsntEnough.net

🎙️ Straight talk on evolution, masculinity & growth on the best podcast for men:

👉 TheEvolvedCaveman.com

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation from the best therapist for women near you:

👉 JoreeRose.com

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who are stuck in their lives, visit her site at 

👉 MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com  

💬 The best podcast for women who seek to get unstuck in live and make the next 30 years better than the last 30:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast

In this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John explores the next wave of the AI revolution, emphasizing emotional intelligence over technical prowess. Addressing an audience of modern men, he stresses the importance of evolving beyond outdated ideals of stoicism and rugged individualism. Dr. John outlines seven practical steps to enhance emotional intelligence, including naming emotions, staying curious, seeking therapy, practicing vulnerability, slowing down, listening to understand, and taking responsibility. As AI rapidly develops emotional nuances, men are urged to prioritize connection, authenticity, and empathy to stay relevant and fulfilled in a rapidly changing world.

Please be sure to leave a 5 star review and share with someone who needs to hear this message. Both help us to build a bigger audience and teach more people. Thank you!

Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your Ascent:

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop at https://guide-to-self.mykajabi.com/store 

🧠 Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive coach in San Ramon Valley:

👉 https://GuideToSelf.com 

💬 The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier, safer love life:

🎙️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-isnt-enough/id1774236475 

👉 For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing in couples counseling, visit their top couples counseling site: 

👉 https://LoveIsntEnough.net 

🎙️ Top 10 Podcast for Men looking to evolve with greater communication skills, grit, mental toughness and happiness:

👉 The Evolved Caveman Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-evolved-caveman-podcast-w-dr-john-schinnerer/id1463310003 

🌱 Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation (aka, the best therapist for women near you):

👉 https://JoreeRose.com 

📸 For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who don’t want the next 20 years to be like the last 20, visit her site at 

👉 https://MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com 

💬 The top 10 podcast for women over 40:

🎙️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-forward-with-joree-rose/id1454834765 

#loveisntenough #relationshipadvice #loveandrelationships #relationshiptips #relationshippodcast #relationshiptools #relationshipgoals #marriage #marriageadvice #marriedlifetips #marriedgoals #marriagetips #couplestherapy #couplegoal

In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John sits down with Rich Heller—a marriage whisperer with two decades of experience and the brains behind the *Rich in Relationship* podcast. Think of Rich as a relationship mechanic who helps couples stop setting emotional fires and start building actual connection (without needing a fire extinguisher or a therapist on speed dial).

They dig into the juicy stuff: Rich’s own WTF moments that shaped his career, how generational trauma likes to crash your relationship uninvited, and why shame is the sneaky gremlin screwing things up behind the scenes without your knowledge or permission. They also take a sledgehammer to outdated ideas of masculinity (spoiler: being emotionally clueless isn’t sexy), and explore how to create relationships that don’t suck—with actual tools, not just good vibes.

This one’s for anyone who wants less drama and more connection—minus the woo-woo fluff.

01:32 Rich Heller's Journey to Marriage Coaching

04:16 Personal Reflections on Divorce

05:08 Managing Anger and Emotional Triggers

11:33 Conflict Resolution in Relationships

17:22 Understanding and Releasing Trauma

30:05 The Metaphor of Cleaning the House

30:49 Exploring Masculinity Myths

31:43 The High Plains Drifter and Masculine Myths

32:48 Replacing Outdated Masculine Myths

35:39 The Importance of Connection and Vulnerability

36:16 From Fixer to Feeler: Helping Men Connect

39:48 Understanding Men's Root Fears in Relationships

42:41 The Role of Shame in Men's Lives

47:55 The Difference Between Shame and Guilt

53:08 Relational Wealth and Personal Fulfillment

About Dr. John’s Cool Guest;

Rich Heller, MSW, PCC, ELI-MP, Rich is the podcast host of Rich in Relationship, and Marriage Transformation Coach. He helps couples move from conflict to synergy, from parallel lives to true connection, and from routine to transformation.

Rich holds a BA from Vassar College in sustainable social change and an MSW from Hunter School of Social Work, specializing in relational dynamics. He is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Master Practitioner of MER and NLP, and a trained mediator and parent coordinator.  Rich has helped thousands of couples break free from old patterns and build relationships rooted in love, partnership, and prosperity—including his own marriage of 20+ years.

Welcome back to a special joint episode of The Evolved Caveman and
Love Isn’t Enough podcasts, where your favorite therapist power couple,
Dr. John and Joree, lovingly drag your toxic relationship habits into the
daylight. This week? We’re tackling the last two horsemen of your relational
apocalypse: Contempt and Stonewalling. (Because your love life wasn't
already teetering on the edge after Criticism and Defensiveness last
week.)
First up: Contempt — the "I’m better than you" flavor of loathing that turns
every dishwasher squabble into a power play. It's got everything: eye-rolls,
sneers, and the emotional subtlety of a flamethrower. According to the
Gottmans, contempt is basically the kiss of death. Spot it in the first 5
minutes of a fight? That relationship’s got the lifespan of a mayfly (that is,
breakup is around the corner!).
Then there's Stonewalling, the cold shoulder’s evil twin. It’s when one
partner shuts down, checks out, and basically becomes a decorative plant
during conflict. Spoiler: that's not sexy. Or helpful. Or sustainable. It’s also a
harbinger of breakup.
John and Joree keep it real by admitting they used to suck at this stuff too.
But they’ve done the work — and now they're here to help you recognize
these behaviors before your relationship flatlines.
So if you're tired of feeling unheard, judged, or like you’re arguing with a
brick wall (or *being* one), tune in. You might cringe a little, but hey —
growth isn’t supposed to be comfy.
Wanna Climb Higher Up The Happiness Hill ? Here’s Where To Begin Your
Ascent:
�� For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Online Anger Management Class (which has
over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop.

�� Top tools for emotional mastery and high tech execs from the best executive
coach in the San Francisco Bay Area:
�� GuideToSelf.com
�� The best podcast for relationships and those who want to create a happier,
safer love life:
��️ Love Isn’t Enough Podcast
�� For the tremendous work Dr. John & Joree are doing to heal relationships,
visit their top couples counseling site:
��  LoveIsntEnough.net
��️ Straight talk on evolution, masculinity & growth on the best podcast for men:
�� TheEvolvedCaveman.com
�� Joree’s expert work on mindfulness, therapy & transformation from the best
therapist for women near you:
�� JoreeRose.com
�� For more info on the superb counseling Joree is doing with women who are
stuck in their lives, visit her site at
�� MindfulnessAndTherapyCenter.com
�� The best podcast for women who seek to get unstuck in live and make the
next 30 years better than the last 30:
��️ Journey Forward with Joree Rose Podcast

Welcome back to a special joint episode of  The Evolved Caveman and Love Isn’t Enough, where Joree and John lovingly drag your relationship habits into the light—so you can stop sabotaging your love life one passive-aggressive comment at a time.

In this episode, we’re saddling up with the Four Horsemen of the (Relationship) Apocalypse, straight from the research of the OG love nerds, Drs. John and Julie Gottman. These four bad boys—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—aren’t just annoying. They’re *statistically proven* to predict divorce with a freaky 92% accuracy rate.

That’s right. If these habits are riding around unchecked in your relationship, you're not just arguing over the dishwasher—you might be headed for Splitsville.

Today, we’re going deep on the first two horsemen: Criticism (AKA “Let me tell you why you suck”) and Defensiveness (AKA “Oh really? Well what about YOU?”). Joree and John keep it real with personal stories, hilarious moments of self-awareness, and insight from working with clients who, let’s just say, *learned the hard way*.

What You'll Learn (Besides How to Stop Arguing Like 5-Year-Olds):

* Why your nervous system flips out in the middle of a fight

* How criticism is NOT the same as feedback (and why one will wreck your weekend)

* The sneaky ways defensiveness kills emotional safety

* How to stop being a porcupine when your partner needs a hug

* Simple ways to shift from reaction to curiosity (yes, even mid-argument)

* The absolute magic of non-defensive listening (hint: your partner might cry happy tears)

* And how to actually connect—even when you’re pissed

Because the goal isn’t just to stop fighting. It’s to fight smarter, love deeper, and maybe—just maybe—not feel like you're stuck in a never-ending episode of *Who’s the Bigger Jerk?*

Bottom Line?

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to show up, own your sh\*t, and stop letting bad habits ride roughshod over your connection. With curiosity, compassion, and a little non-defensive magic, you can actually make your relationship feel less like a battlefield and more like, well, love.

Want more tough love with tools?

💔 Check out the Relationship Master Class at

👉 [LoveIsntEnough.net](https://LoveIsntEnough.net)

(Spoiler: love isn’t enough. But boundaries, communication, and knowing what to do when your partner is annoying? Total game-changers.)

🎙️ Listen now on The Evolved Caveman Podcast

👉 [TheEvolvedCaveman.com](https://TheEvolvedCaveman.com)

💃 For Joree’s powerhouse work helping women ditch burnout, find joy, and stop dating emotionally unavailable man-children: 

👉 [JoreeRose.com](https://JoreeRose.com)

👔 For Dr. John’s work helping execs and high performers stop silently imploding: 

👉 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)

😡 For info on Dr. John's Ultimate Anger Management Course (which has over 20,000 graduates!), visit his High Performer Shop at https://guide-to-self.mykajabi.com/store. 

Ready for a no-holds-barred chat on anger management, male irritability and their impact on relationships? We've got Dr. John Schinnerer—yes, his last name is a mouthful—dropping some serious self-awareness bombs. Trina Glines interviews Dr. John to help you discover your authentic self and stop life's challenges from becoming roadblocks. Dr. John breaks down how anger actually works (hint: it's not just a secondary emotion) and gives four killer components: emotional, cognitive, physiological, and attentional. He even dishes on living with an angry ex-spouse and references John Gottman's 'four horsemen' that predict relationship doom. But hey, it's not all bad news! Dr. John's got the top tools to begin your transformation into Phil Jackson, aka the zen master. You'll learn how to keep your cool, stop fights, and maybe even enjoy life a bit more. Don't worry about long therapy sessions—his coaching style makes this stuff accessible. Whether you're an executive with an irritability issue, in a relationship with an testy twat, or just someone who's aware of their own anger issues, you're in the right place. So breathe, grab your journal, and get ready to take some notes. You're about to transform your anger into strength.

Wanna Go Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole? Here’s Where to Find Us):

👔 For Dr. John’s work helping execs and high performers stop silently imploding: 

👉 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)

💔 Curious about the couples counseling magic John’s doing with the amazing Joree Rose, LMFT?

👉 [LoveIsntEnough.net](https://LoveIsntEnough.net)  

(*Spoiler: Love isn’t enough, but skills, self-awareness, and maybe a glass of wine are.*)

🎙️ For all you evolving caveman out there, here’s the podcast info: 

👉 [TheEvolvedCaveman.com](https://TheEvolvedCaveman.com)

💃 For Joree’s powerhouse work helping women: 

👉 [JoreeRose.com](https://JoreeRose.com)

Follow Dr. John like the Evolved Caveman that you are:

📸 **Instagram:** [@TheEvolvedCaveman](http://instagram.com/@TheEvolvedCaveman)  

👥 **Facebook:** [Anger.Management.Expert](http://facebook.com/Anger.Management.Expert)  

🐦 **Twitter/X:** [@JohnSchin](http://x.com/JohnSchin)  

💼 **LinkedIn:** [Dr. John Schinnerer](http://linkedin.com/in/DrJohnSchinnerer)

Follow, click, explore, evolve. Or don’t. But your emotional health might suffer and your relationships could end in flames. No pressure. 🔥

Buckle up, intrepid listeners! Dr. John kicks off the latest episode of the Evolve Caveman Podcast with a bang, bringing on the illustrious Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D. This dude isn't just any therapist; he's a leadership coach, founder of Strength with Heart men's groups, and past president of the APA's division on Men and Masculinities. Oh, and did I mention he co-developed training for NASA? Yeah, the guy's got creds. John and Daniel dive into the intricacies of male relationships, the importance of play, and why guys need to stop being such jackasses about vulnerability and self-compassion. They riff on everything from the significance of boundaries to the irony of male loneliness, all while making sure to keep things breezy and sarcastic. Ever wonder why men are so scared of the word 'compassion'? You're about to find out. Daniel's current passion project: helping men balance strength with heart through the Men and Boys Compassion Coalition. A must-listen for anyone trying to upgrade their male operating system without losing their edge.

About Dr. John’s Esteemed Guest, Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D.:

Daniel Ellenberg, PhD, is a licensed therapist, leadership coach, and the founder of Strength with Heart men’s groups and workshops. He is a past president of American Psychological Association (APA) division on men and masculinities and the founder/director of the Men and Boys Compassion Coalition through the Global Compassion Coalition (GCC). He is currently co-writing a book for men called Strength with Heart and contributed a chapter in A Global Dialogue on Masculinity. He has spent his entire career helping people, particularly men, navigate their lives more mindfully, skillfully, and compassionately. He co-developed and delivered training at several NASA space centers—including Resilience Dynamics, Introspection for Leadership Excellence, and The Neuroscience of Teams. 

Wanna Go Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole? Here’s Where to Stalk Us (Respectfully):

👔 For Dr. John’s work helping execs and high performers stop silently imploding: 

👉 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)

💔 Curious about the couples counseling magic John’s doing with the amazing Joree Rose, LMFT

👉 [LoveIsntEnough.net](https://LoveIsntEnough.net)  

(*Spoiler: Love isn’t enough, but skills, self-awareness, and maybe a glass of wine are.*)

🎙️ For all things caveman evolution, podcast-style: 

👉 [TheEvolvedCaveman.com](https://TheEvolvedCaveman.com)

💃 For Joree’s powerhouse work helping women ditch burnout, find joy, and stop dating emotionally unavailable man-children: 

👉 [JoreeRose.com](https://JoreeRose.com)

Follow Dr. John like the Evolved Caveman that you are:

📸 **Instagram:** [@TheEvolvedCaveman](http://instagram.com/@TheEvolvedCaveman)  

👥 **Facebook:** [Anger.Management.Expert](http://facebook.com/Anger.Management.Expert)  

🐦 **Twitter/X:** [@JohnSchin](http://x.com/JohnSchin)  

💼 **LinkedIn:** [Dr. John Schinnerer](http://linkedin.com/in/DrJohnSchinnerer)

---

Follow, click, explore, evolve. Or don’t. But your emotional health might suffer and your relationships could end in flames. No pressure. 🔥

**Ego Death & Psychedelic Rebirth — with AJ Murillo**

Here is another mind-bending episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*. This week, Dr. John sits down with AJ Murillo — author, psychonaut, and expert navigator of the inner cosmos — to talk all things *ego death*.

What the hell *is* ego death? And why should you care? Because it might just be the wake-up call your soul, your heart and your mind have been begging for.

AJ takes us through her deeply personal journey — from divine moments as a kid to full-on ego obliteration via psychedelics as an adult. We talk about prepping your mind and spirit for the plunge, managing emotional chaos mid-trip, and dodging the landmines on the path to inner transformation.

We also dive into:

- What happens *after* ego death — and why reintegration is the real test  

- How psychedelics can amplify self-awareness (if you’re ready to face the truth)  

- Why the mind-body connection is your best ally — or your worst enemy  

• And how letting go of who you *think* you are can lead to who you *actually* are

Why Ego Death Matters To You

1. Insecurity and Fear of Failure – When identity is tied to achievements or external validation, failure feels like a personal attack rather than a learning experience.

2. Relationship Struggles – A strong ego can lead to defensiveness, an inability to admit mistakes, and difficulty empathizing with others, causing conflict in romantic and social relationships.

3. Lack of Growth – Over-identification with a fixed self-image makes it hard to embrace change, take risks, or learn from feedback.

4. Perfectionism and Stress – A fragile ego fears imperfection, leading to anxiety, burnout, and chronic dissatisfaction.

5. Inauthenticity – The need to maintain an idealized self-image can cause people to suppress their true thoughts, emotions, or desires.

6. Victim Mentality – An ego that feels attacked easily can lead to blame-shifting and a refusal to take responsibility for personal actions.

7. Resistance to Vulnerability – Overattachment to ego creates a fear of being seen as weak, making emotional intimacy difficult.

8. Spiritual and Existential Disconnection – When the ego dominates, people may struggle to find deeper meaning, purpose, or a sense of interconnectedness.

This episode is part mystical download, part grounded coaching, and 100% real. So if you're ready to challenge your identity, expand your consciousness, and explore the cosmic ballet that is *you* — buckle up.

Let’s crack the shell of the ego and see what’s on the other side.

Wanna Go Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole? Here’s Where to Stalk Us (Respectfully):

👔 For Dr. John’s work helping execs and high performers stop silently imploding: 

👉 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)

💔 Curious about the couples counseling magic John’s doing with the amazing Joree Rose, LMFT

👉 [LoveIsntEnough.net](https://LoveIsntEnough.net)  

(*Spoiler: Love isn’t enough, but skills, self-awareness, and maybe a glass of wine are.*)

🎙️ For all things caveman evolution, podcast-style: 

👉 [TheEvolvedCaveman.com](https://TheEvolvedCaveman.com)

*Mud, Meaning & Masculinity — with Poet & Positive Psych Star John Sean Doyle**  

What if embracing pain was the key to more joy, connection, and purpose?

In this thought-provoking convo, Dr. John sits down with **John Sean Doyle** — poet, lawyer, and “the poetic voice of positive psychology” — to talk about how to stay grounded in a chaotic world and live with more reverence, resilience, and kindness.

We cover:
- The beauty of *both/and* — joy and pain, awe and grief  
- How to raise kinder kids (and better men)  
- Why meaning and poetry are essential for a well-lived life  
- Lessons from working with drill sergeants, judges, monks, and more  
- His powerful book, *Mud and Dreams*

**About John Sean Doyle:**  
Sean is a poet, lawyer, and former positive psych professor. His writing and workshops help people recover reverence for life and create a culture of compassion — from the courtroom to the classroom to the dinner table.

📘 [JohnSeanDoyle.com](https://johnseandoyle.com)  
📩 [email protected]  
📱 IG/Twitter: [@JohnSeanDoyle](https://twitter.com/JohnSeanDoyle)

---

**Dig the episode?**  
🎧 [Listen on Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-evolved-caveman-w-dr-john-schinnerer/id1463310003)  
⭐ Drop a 5-star review — it helps more than you think  
📢 Share with someone who needs a dose of grounded wisdom

---

**Connect Like An Evolved Caveman:**  
📸 [@TheEvolvedCaveman](https://instagram.com/TheEvolvedCaveman)  
👥 [Anger.Management.Expert](https://facebook.com/Anger.Management.Expert)  
🐦 [@JohnSchin](https://twitter.com/JohnSchin)  
💼 [Dr. John Schinnerer on LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/DrJohnSchinnerer)  
🌐 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)

🎧 Production: Brian Donat at [B/Line Studios](https://www.BLineStudios.com)

---

Less grind. More grace.  
#MensMentalHealth #MudAndDreams #Resilience #PoeticMasculinity #TheEvolvedCaveman #EmotionalFitness #PositivePsychology

Heart Surgeries, Health Bombs & Why Men Are Too Dumb to See a Doctor – with Dr. Jacob Kendall

Hey degenerates, seekers, and emotionally constipated warriors—Dr. John here with another no-BS episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*.

This time? We’re going deep with Dr. Jacob Kendall, a man who’s basically stared death in the face (twice), wiped someone else’s ass for a living (caregiving, people—keep up), and still thought, “You know what? I should get *another* advanced degree.” Because apparently two heart surgeries and three fields of study (biology, social work, public health) weren’t challenging enough.

And now? He’s working on a Master’s in Divinity. Yeah, seriously. This man’s brain is playing 4D chess while the rest of us are still trying to spell “healthcare.”

We dig into:

- Why your health isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, social, and maybe even spiritual (yeah, I said it)

- Why men suck at going to the doctor (hint: it’s not bravery, it’s stupidity)

- How America’s obsession with *rugged individualism* is basically a slow-motion death cult  

- Hot takes on masculinity, male fragility, and why women outlive us by years (pro tip: it's not because of kale)  

- Why the U.S. healthcare system is like trying to fix a bullet wound with duct tape and a WebMD article  

- What the hell it means to *age well* without turning into a cranky, isolated shadow of your former self

This episode is jam-packed with real talk, brilliant insights, and a healthy dose of “WTF are we even doing with our lives?”

So pour a (healthy) drink, drop the ego, and press play.  Because staying healthy shouldn’t require divine intervention—but honestly, it might help.