The ManKind Podcast

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🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARY
ADHD, Intensity, and Mission: Lessons from Oskar Schindler with Kevin Roberts

What if ADHD isn’t a disorder—but a different way of experiencing the world?

In this powerful conversation, Boysen Hodgson sits down with longtime MKP brother Kevin Roberts—author, ADHD coach, and expert in neurodivergence—for a deep dive into the gifts and challenges of living with an ADHD brain.

Kevin shares how intensity, support, and mission have shaped his life—and how those same elements helped Oskar Schindler save over 1,200 lives during the Holocaust. From school struggles to screen addiction, from neurobiology to mentorship, this episode reframes ADHD not as a deficit, but as a calling.

🧠 Top Takeaways:

• ADHD is real—and rooted in brain structure and genetics.
• Support systems are essential for navigating neurodivergence.
• Purpose and intensity can unlock incredible focus.
• Relationships matter: “It’s the singer, not the song.”

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone exploring your own neurodivergence, this episode offers insight, compassion, and tools to reframe difference as potential.

 📬 Get Kevin’s free ebook Get Off That Game Now: Contact him with your MKP weekend info for a free copy.

Contact Kevin:  https://kevinjroberts.net/hire-me/

Kevin's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinRoberts-530

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

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In this episode of the Mankind Podcast, Dr. Marie-Ange E. Tagne shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Cameroon to becoming a leader in Silicon Valley. She discusses the importance of resilience, mentorship, and representation, as well as her experiences with imposter syndrome and the impact of positive male role models in her life. Through her story, she emphasizes the value of hard work, determination, and the need to write one's own narrative in the face of challenges.

Takeaways

- Dr. Marie-Ange Itagnu's journey exemplifies resilience and determination.
- Cultural background plays a significant role in shaping identity and values.
- The importance of mentorship and representation in achieving success.
- Imposter syndrome is a common experience, even for high achievers.
- Positive male role models can significantly impact women's journeys.
- Hard work and perseverance are essential for overcoming challenges.
- Failure is a part of the journey towards success.
- It's crucial to believe in oneself and one's abilities.
- Life's challenges are not injustices but features of growth.
- Writing one's own narrative is vital for personal empowerment.

Follow Marie-Ange:

Book: For Such A Time As This

LinkedIn: Here

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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What if the path to powerful leadership doesn’t start with strategy, but with shadow?

In this week’s episode of the ManKind Podcast, Dr. Max Klau returns to explore the deep inner work necessary to grow authentic, servant-hearted leaders at scale. Drawing from decades of experience at City Year, the New Politics Leadership Academy, and now his newest venture—the Center for Courageous Wholeness—Max unpacks how confronting our inner fears, projections, and disconnections unlocks our ability to lead with integrity and purpose.

We discuss the roots of servant leadership, how unexamined values can limit even the most well-meaning service work, and why every leader must engage their shadow to show up fully in the world. With a balance of personal insight, proven frameworks, and spiritual grounding, Max offers a clear call: to change the world, we must first do the work within.

Whether you’re a seasoned changemaker or just waking up to your call to serve, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Check out the upcoming workshop on July 23, 2025.

Center for Courageous Wholeness: https://www.centerforcourageouswholeness.org/

Max Klau's Website: https://www.maxklau.com/

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
#Sponsorship #Ad

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Why do so many men feel stuck in a loop of work, stress, and responsibility — and how can you break free?

In this episode of The Mankind Podcast, host Brandon Clift sits down with Evan LaPointe, founder of Core Sciences, to uncover the fascinating brain science behind purpose and fulfillment.

Evan has worked with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe to help leaders and teams reconnect to what really matters — and today he brings that insight to you. You’ll learn why purpose isn’t just a lofty idea but a biological need, how your brain’s wiring keeps you chasing the wrong things, and the simple three-step process to start living with meaning again.

Whether you’re wrestling with male loneliness, burnout, or just feel like life is on autopilot, this episode gives you tools to reconnect with yourself, your relationships, and your impact.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why purpose is hardwired into your brain — and why ignoring it leaves you stressed and unfulfilled
• How the brain balances safety, reward, and purpose — and which one you’re stuck in
• The “purpose heatmap” exercise to see where you already matter
• Why shared purpose in men’s groups and workplaces creates powerful change
• How purpose-driven fulfillment is different — and better — than chasing rewards

👤 About Evan LaPointe:

Evan is the founder of Core Sciences, helping individuals and organizations unlock smarter decisions, shared purpose, and fulfillment by working with their brain instead of against it.

📧 Email: [email protected]
 🌐 Website: core-sciences.com

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
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In this soulful and deeply human conversation, Boysen is joined by Rhonda Schladand—somatic healer, educator, and co-founder of the Holding Space training. Together, they explore what it truly means to “hold space” as a leader in today’s polarized, fast-moving world.

Rhonda shares her personal journey—from early experiences in Al-Anon and bodywork to leading trauma-informed, somatic-based group trainings. With vulnerability and clarity, she speaks to the wisdom of the body, the challenge of real leadership, and the need for community connection. This episode invites a radical reimagining of leadership—not as control or performance, but as presence, trust, and grace.

In This Episode:

1. Waking Up the Voice Within – Rhonda’s path from co-dependency to somatic awareness
2. The Wisdom of the Body – How trauma shows up in our leadership and how to work with it
3. Beyond Binary Leadership – Letting go of control and embracing uncertainty
4. Holding Space in a Fragmented World – Why this practice is more urgent than ever
5. Community is the Container – Trust, resilience, and the return of the village
6. Leading with Grace – Slowing down, allowing, and honoring our full selves

Whether you're leading in a boardroom, circle, or within yourself, this episode is a powerful reminder: the most transformative thing we can do is stay present with each other.

🔗 Learn more about Rhonda’s work and Holding Space trainings:
👉 wisdomwindfall.com
👉 Women Within International

Use the ManKind Project USA's Holding Space Training Link to get $100 off the cost of the Training!

Keywords
leadership, somatics, holding space, trauma-informed, community resilience, mindfulness, binary thinking, cultural trauma, connection, grace

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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In this episode of the Mankind Podcast, host Brandon Clift engages with KC Nilsson, a seasoned U.S. naval officer, to explore the evolving definitions of manhood and leadership. They discuss the importance of integrity, the need for leaders to show up authentically, and the significance of community and connection in personal and professional growth. KC shares insights from his 20 years of experience in leadership development, emphasizing the need for resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to cultivate a sense of purpose among recruits. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in attitudes towards leadership, the importance of diverse leadership styles, and the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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What if the most radical thing a man can do today… is be gentle?

In this passionate and deeply insightful episode, I sit down with Johnny Cole—founder of Hey Brother Co., men's work facilitator, feminist, and marketing tech consultant. We talk about the transformative power of rethinking masculinity, the healing available in brotherhood, and what it means to model emotional leadership as a man.

Johnny shares his journey—from growing up in a violent household to discovering feminist thought in college, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to helping boys and men unlearn patriarchy and rehumanize themselves. Together we dive into the generational shifts in men’s behavior, the seductive pull of the Manosphere, and how shame-based systems keep us disconnected from our humanity.

Most importantly, Johnny shares how Hey Brother Co. is building cycles of healing—through retreats, virtual men's groups, mentorship programs, and powerful work with high school boys. You’ll hear how young men are breaking cycles, standing up to toxic norms, and learning to lead with love.

This is an urgent, emotional, and hopeful conversation about how we create a future where masculinity includes tenderness, integrity, and belonging.

Find Johnny Cole: @heybrotherjohnny and https://www.heybrotherco.com/

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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In this conversation, the participants discuss their experiences and perspectives on fatherhood. They explore the challenges and joys of being a father, particularly in the absence of a paternal father figure. 

The conversation touches on topics such as building self-awareness, unlearning negative patterns, creating traditions, and the importance of doing personal work as a father. The participants also share their own journeys and the impact of their upbringing on their approach to fatherhood. 

The conversation in this part focuses on the challenges and experiences of non-custodial fathers and the impact of the family court system. The participants discuss the importance of staying connected to their children, the labels and stereotypes associated with non-custodial fathers, and the need for reform in the family court system. 

They also highlight the role of self-love and personal growth in being a better father. The conversation ends with a reflection on the positive influence of the Mankind Project and men's groups in their journey as fathers. In this conversation, the participants discuss the importance of men's groups and the role they play in fatherhood. 

They share personal experiences and insights on how being part of a men's group has helped them become better fathers. They emphasize the need for men to show up and be present for their children, to be a safe place for them to rest, and to nurture their dreams. The participants also highlight the significance of father energy and the impact it can have on the next generation. They encourage men to seek support from other men and to father themselves in order to heal and grow.

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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In this powerful episode, Brandon Clift sits down with Dr. Gary Barker, CEO and co-founder of Equimundo, to explore one of the most pressing issues affecting men today: male loneliness. Together, they examine how boys and men are taught to disconnect from their emotions, why isolation is so common across generations, and how care and connection can be reclaimed.

Gary brings over 30 years of global research and advocacy to this conversation, offering a clear and compassionate look at what drives emotional isolation in men. From systemic social pressures to intergenerational trauma, he unpacks the roots of male loneliness and offers practical pathways forward. If you are a parent, partner, coach, or simply someone who cares about men's mental and emotional health, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Loneliness in men is not just personal. It is the result of deeply rooted social norms that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability.
• The cycle begins early. Boys often learn at a young age to disconnect from their feelings in order to "be a man."
• This pain is passed down. When men are raised without emotional connection, they often repeat those patterns as fathers and partners.
• Men do want connection. Equimundo’s research shows that when given the tools and support, men are eager to show up differently.
• Change is possible. With empathy, accountability and intentional relationships, we can interrupt the patterns of harm and create a more caring future.

Resources Mentioned:

• MenCare Global Campaign
• MenEngage Alliance

Connect with Gary Barker:

• Website: Equimundo.org
• LinkedIn: Gary Barker

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
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What does it mean to come home to yourself as a man—especially as a queer man in today’s world?

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Cator Sparks, a certified professional co-active coach, lifelong seeker, and GBTQ men’s group facilitator, to explore the intersections of identity, healing, and men's work. From his beginnings as a fashion editor in New York to his calling as a coach after heartbreak and upheaval, Cator shares a journey marked by courage, curiosity, and community.

We talk about the essential need for dedicated queer spaces in men’s work—and why they’re not about exclusion, but about belonging, safety, and unfiltered truth. Cator speaks candidly about his experience building sober, sex-free retreats for GBTQ men; his frustration with rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric; and his deep belief in the resilience, creativity, and joy of queer communities.

We go deep into what it means to be authentic in a world that rewards conformity—especially for straight men wrestling with their conditioning—and how the knot in our stomachs can point us toward the work we need to do. Cator also shares vulnerable and moving reflections about his father’s life and death, and the healing power of inner child work.

This is a conversation about boundaries, bravery, brotherhood—and the fierce, radiant joy of showing up as who you really are.

Themes we cover:

• Why GBTQ-specific spaces matter in men’s work
• Healing from homophobia—internalized and cultural
• Queer joy as resistance
• Creating spaces without substances, sex, or shame
• The changing landscape of masculinity and gender norms
• Intergenerational healing and authenticity
• Boundaries as an act of self-love

👉 Learn more about Cator’s work: catorsparkscoaching.com
👉 Explore GBTQ retreats: gbtqretreats.com
Follow him on Instagram: @catorsparks

Hearing the call? We're here. https://mkpusa.org

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
#Sponsorship #Ad

Support the show