The Grounded Warrior Podcast

In this episode, Larry Kesslin, author of The Joy Molecule, shares his personal journey of redefining success after facing major life challenges, including divorce and identity shifts. We explore why achievement alone does not lead to fulfillment, and how inner peace must be cultivated from within rather than pursued externally.

Larry introduces his concept of the Ascension Ladder, a framework that moves from survival and ego driven success toward self-actualization and transcendence. We discuss money as energy, the illusion of identity, and why joy is not dependent on circumstance but on agency over your thoughts and emotional state.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Peace and Joy in Life

04:46 Redefining Success and Significance

09:39 The Ascension Ladder: From Survival to Self-Actualization

14:20 Understanding Money as Energy

18:18 The Joy Molecule: Connection and Purpose

24:05 Lessons from Life Experiences and Relationships

36:30 The Identity Illusion and Its Impact

43:37 Lessons from Life Experiences

44:28 The Journey of Letting Go

53:08 Understanding Peace and Joy

01:01:57 The Ascension Ladder: A New Perspective

Links

Connect with Larry

Email:  ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Website: ⁠https://5-dots.com/⁠

Book: ⁠https://a.co/d/01CnWAZ6⁠

Connect with Me

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com⁠⁠⁠

Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Larry Kesslin, author of The Joy Molecule, shares his personal journey of redefining success after facing major life challenges, including divorce and identity shifts. We explore why achievement alone does not lead to fulfillment, and how inner peace must be cultivated from within rather than pursued externally.

Larry introduces his concept of the Ascension Ladder, a framework that moves from survival and ego driven success toward self-actualization and transcendence. We discuss money as energy, the illusion of identity, and why joy is not dependent on circumstance but on agency over your thoughts and emotional state.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Peace and Joy in Life

04:46 Redefining Success and Significance

09:39 The Ascension Ladder: From Survival to Self-Actualization

14:20 Understanding Money as Energy

18:18 The Joy Molecule: Connection and Purpose

24:05 Lessons from Life Experiences and Relationships

36:30 The Identity Illusion and Its Impact

43:37 Lessons from Life Experiences

44:28 The Journey of Letting Go

53:08 Understanding Peace and Joy

01:01:57 The Ascension Ladder: A New Perspective

Links

Connect with Larry

Email:  ⁠[email protected]

Website: https://5-dots.com/

Book: https://a.co/d/01CnWAZ6

Connect with Me

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com⁠⁠

Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Randy Bishop, creator of the Re Method, joins the conversation to explore why growth is not about fixing what is broken, but about becoming more aware, connected, and grounded. We unpack the core principles of reflecting, reframing, and restoring, and how these practices help men navigate life transitions with clarity and intention.

We also examine the impact of technology on human connection, why in person relationships still matter, and how vulnerability plays a critical role in emotional health. This conversation is a reminder that personal growth is an ongoing process, and that none of us are meant to do it alone.

00:00 Introduction to the Re Method

03:15 The Impact of Technology on Connection

10:36 The Importance of In-Person Connections

14:36 The Need for Community and Support

21:31 Finding Balance in Life

27:15 Reflection and Personal Growth

31:33 The Journey of Lifelong Learning

37:21 The Importance of Vulnerability and Connection

48:38 Navigating Life Transitions

57:24 Embracing the Process of Becoming

Links

Connect with Randy

Email:  [email protected]

Book: https://www.amazon.com/author/randyebishop⁠

Connect with Me

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com⁠

Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/⁠⁠

In this episode, Sean McManus, founder of McManus Strength and Nutrition, discusses the importance of self-confidence, particularly for Christian men. Sean shares insights on self-worth, explaining that many men feel pressured to serve others at the expense of their own well-being.

We go into the significance of physical health and nutrition in building self-confidence. Sean explains how taking care of one's body through exercise and proper nutrition can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability. The episode concludes with Sean sharing his personal journey of growth, mentorship, and the importance of discipline in achieving a fulfilling life, encouraging men to embrace their worth and take actionable steps towards improvement.

Chapters

01:28 The Importance of Genuine Connections

04:10 Understanding Self-Worth

09:40 Physical Health and Self-Confidence

15:36 Building Sustainable Routines

29:25 Sean's Personal Journey

31:19 The Pressure of Fatherhood

35:39 The Search for Guidance and Mentorship

39:50 The Importance of Emotional Honesty

44:47 Creating Safe Spaces in Relationships

51:32 The Role of Communication in Men's Lives

59:44 Final Thoughts: You Matter

Links

Connect with Sean

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/seanmcmanus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmcmanus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.mcmanus.965

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theseanmcmanus

Connect with Me

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com

Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/⁠

In this episode, Jason Lange, Men’s Embodiment coach and founder of Evolutionary Men, joins the conversation to explore why connection, community, and embodiment are essential for men’s emotional health. Jason shares his personal journey out of disconnection and fear, and how men’s groups and safe containers helped him reconnect with his emotions and intuition.

We discuss the role of ritual and initiation in marking life transitions, the impact of cultural expectations on men’s emotional lives, and why anger and vulnerability need space to be expressed in healthy ways. This conversation highlights why connection is often the missing medicine for modern men, and how embodied awareness creates lasting change.

Chapters

(03:10) The Journey to Embodiment

(10:24) The Role of Community in Healing

(16:34) Understanding Anger and Emotional Expression

(23:29) The Importance of Initiation in Masculinity

(29:45) The Impact of Fragmented Family Systems

(35:41) The Cost of Disembodiment in Men

(39:17) The Importance of Community and Containers

(40:38) Rituals and Rites of Passage

(51:37) The Power of Connection

Links

Connect with Jason

Website: https://evolutionary.men/

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/evolutionarymen/

Connect with Me

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thegroundedwarrior.com/⁠⁠

Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/⁠

Ryan Conklin is a Transformational Coach and founder of The Bridger Coaching. His work centers on connection, leadership and rites of passage, guiding people to alchemize pain, courage, and vulnerability into embodied transformation. He works at the intersection of personal clarity, emotional presence, and purposeful leadership.

In this episode, Ryan and I explore the themes of grief, transformation, and the importance of community in navigating loss. They discuss the slow process of grief, the dialogue between sorrow and gratitude, and the significance of rituals and ceremonies in honoring what has been lost. Our conversation explores the need for completion in identity and the role of community in supporting individuals on their grief journeys. Ultimately, Ryan highlights the importance of being present and allowing oneself to be found in the healing process.

(00:00) Introduction to Grief and Transformation

(03:24) Understanding Grief: A New Perspective

(10:37) The Dialogue of Grief and Gratitude

(15:02) Tending the Fire: The Process of Healing

(22:17) Letting Go of Old Identities

(28:08) The Importance of Completion in Life

(35:26) The Role of Community in Grief

LinksConnect with RyanWebsite: ⁠https://www.thebridgercoaching.com/Email: [email protected]Connect with MeWebsite: ⁠⁠https://thegroundedwarrior.com/⁠Coaching: ⁠⁠⁠https://thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/

Adam Volk is a Jungian-based depth coach and the founder of Volks Coaching.

In this episode, Adam shares his journey of self-discovery and the profound impact Jungian theory has had on his coaching style. He discusses the importance of understanding the ego, the process of shadow work, and how societal influences can affect personal choices. We explore the depths of the psyche, the significance of grief in healing, and the creative potential that lies within each individual. We also explore the need for introspection and the power of symbolism to unlock one's true self.

(00:00) Introduction to Jungian Coaching

(02:14) Personal Journey and the Quest for Meaning

(06:31) The Dark Night of the Soul

(10:45) Emerging from Darkness: The Climb Out

(15:22) Understanding the Psyche: Jung vs. Freud

(23:30) Dreams and the Unconscious Mind

(24:28) Understanding Triggers and Shadow Work

(29:21) The Choice in Our Reactions

(30:42) Autonomy vs. Societal Expectations

(32:07) Exploring the Creative Mind

(36:34) Symbolism and the Unconscious

(45:15) Sharing Light and Conclusion

Links

Connect with Adam

Website: https://www.volkscoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volkscoaching/

Connect with Me

Website: ⁠https://thegroundedwarrior.com/

Coaching: ⁠⁠https://thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/

In this episode, Colin Chartier shares his journey from being a professional triathlete to becoming a breath and wellness coach. He discusses his experiences in competitive sports, the pressures of identity and performance, and the impact of a doping controversy on his life.

Colin then reflects on his transformative multi-country cycling journey, highlighting the internal growth that accompanied his physical challenges and his discovery of breathwork. We then further discuss the importance of relinquishing control, the transformative power of breathwork in emotional healing, and the scientific basis of breath and its impact on the body.

Chapters

(03:11) Colin's Journey from Triathlete to Breathwork Coach

(06:08) The Transition from Swimming to Triathlon

(08:53) The Pressure of Competition and Identity

(12:01) The Impact of Doping Controversy

(15:02) Finding Freedom Through Cycling

(18:07) The Internal Journey of Pain and Growth

(25:02) Reinventing Oneself Through Journey

(30:12) The Power of Breathwork and Letting Go

(35:11) Understanding Breathwork: Science and Practice

(44:52) Connecting Through Breathwork: Finding Community

Links

Connect with Collin:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/collinchartier/

Connect with Me:

Website: ⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com⁠

Coaching: ⁠⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching⁠

Instagram: ⁠the_grounded_warrior⁠

Miles Salisbury is a licensed psychotherapist in the Oregon area.

Miles and I discuss the intricacies of modern therapy and how it can sometimes fall short, especially for men. We discuss the importance of a therapist being self-aware, capable of delving beyond conscious-level conversations, and the therapeutic relationship with their clients. Miles shares insights on working with male clients, the phases of therapy, and how to find the right therapist. The discussion highlights the need for men to cultivate friendships and emotional connections, as well as the challenges faced in the current therapeutic landscape.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Miles Salisbury

02:57 Boundaries in Therapy

06:15 Understanding Wounds in Therapy

10:39 Building Trust with Clients

12:40 The Importance of Time in Therapy

15:45 The Male Perspective in Therapy

18:26 Phases of Therapy

28:30 Handling Masculinity in Therapy

33:43 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability

36:02 Understanding Anger and Emotional Expression

38:44 Cultural Shifts in Emotional Expression

39:44 The Importance of Identity Beyond Labels

42:46 Finding the Right Therapist

50:29 Building Male Friendships for Emotional Support

Links

Miles Ahead Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xIVBmTqNpiAc0FWVHpUct?si=67037abb59dd4428

Episode with Miles and I: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aFfVIliZnzQsj7SHdUiT7?si=zsmxHlloSgiSsL52nFkU8w

Instagram: / miles.graham.salisburyphd

Website: https://milessalisburylpc.com/

Connect with Me:

Website: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com

Coaching: ⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching

Instagram: / the_grounded_warrior

In this in-person episode, my close friend Kit Bargmann shares his incredible personal journey and wrestling with the complexities of manhood, relationships, and emotional growth. Kit reflects on the lessons learned from dark seasons in his life and the significance of surrendering to the journey of self-discovery and growth. Together, we explore the parallels of the hero's journey and identify areas that require confrontation, such as shame, embracing vulnerability, and finding the gold in pain and darkness, as essential steps in personal growth and healing.

Chapters

02:57 The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth

12:02 Lessons from Struggles and Pain

15:04 Understanding Relationships and Marriage Dynamics

28:44 Navigating Childhood Trauma and Anger

34:49 Transitioning to Personal Training and New Relationships

43:31 The Evolution of Relationships

55:02 Understanding Masculinity and Worthiness

57:13 The Weight of Emotional Burdens

58:27 Navigating Labels and Self-Identity

01:01:47 Finding Gold in Pain and Suffering

01:05:13 Inner Child Work and Healing

01:10:55 The Cost of Commitment and Growth

01:13:57 Surrendering to Transformation

01:15:58 Listening to the Inner Guidance

01:17:41 Embracing the Mystery of Life

Connect with Me:

Website: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com

Coaching: ⁠https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coaching

Instagram: / the_grounded_warrior