What if the most important victories in sports never show up on the scoreboard?

In this powerful episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Tom sits down with Spencer Crace, college football coach and mentor, for a deeply honest conversation about masculinity, leadership, and the sacred responsibility of shaping young men through sport.

Spencer shares his journey into coaching and the moments that refined his philosophy, not just about winning games, but about building character, resilience, and brotherhood. Together, they unpack the invisible pressures facing young men today: comparison culture, criticism, identity confusion, and the quiet loss of free play that once taught boys how to fail, adapt, and lead themselves.

This episode goes far beyond X’s and O’s. It’s about fatherhood, patience forged through injury, the power of accountability within a team, and why coaches may be some of the most influential male role models a young man ever encounters. Spencer offers a grounded, compelling vision of leadership, one rooted in presence, humility, and integrity.

At the heart of the conversation is a simple but radical idea: you don’t win on the field if you’re losing at home. For coaches, parents, and men alike, this episode is a reminder that the greatest measure of success is who you become and who you help others become along the way.

00:00 — Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

02:02 — Spencer Crace: A Coach’s Journey

03:48 — Sports and Character Development

07:47 — Leadership Lessons from Youth Sports

10:51 — Criticism, Pressure, and Mental Toughness

14:21 — Injury and the Discipline of Patience

16:41 — Brotherhood and Team Culture

18:55 — Taking Team Values Into Real Life

22:29 — The Coach’s Role in Shaping Young Men

24:50 — Fatherhood and Coaching: Parallel Callings

29:29 — The Comparison Trap in Modern Sports

33:19 — Why Free Play Still Matters

36:03 — Challenges Facing Young Men Today

39:16 — Redefining What It Means to Win

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

DONATE:

https://funraise.org/give/Epik-Project/6e9de4e6-5b6d-4333-bd08-c043cd690405/

What does healthy masculinity look like in one of the most hyper-masculine spaces in the world?

In this powerful episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Tom sits down with Megha Parekh, one of the few female executives working inside the NFL, for a rare and honest conversation about masculinity, leadership, and cultural change in professional sports.

Megha shares her journey into the league, navigating bias, earning trust, and helping shape environments where accountability and empathy aren’t liabilities, but strengths. Together, they explore the evolving realities of masculinity in sports, the slow but meaningful erosion of misogyny in the workplace, and why courageous conversations matter more now than ever.

This episode goes beyond locker rooms and boardrooms. Megha and Tom examine the outsized cultural influence of professional sports, how athletes and organizations model behavior for millions, and why mental health awareness, ethical leadership, and human dignity must be part of the conversation. From addressing exploitation and trafficking to mentoring young athletes, Megha offers a grounded, hopeful vision for what leadership can become.

This is a conversation about power, responsibility, and the freedom that comes from showing up as your full self, regardless of expectations.

00:00 — Introduction to Masculine Wilderness

01:24 — Megha’s Journey to the NFL

03:27 — Expanding Roles in Professional Sports

08:21 — The Complexity of Masculinity in Sports

14:10 — Addressing Misogyny and Bias

18:04 — Creating a Supportive Work Environment

24:22 — Empathy and Accountability in the Workplace

30:00 — The Influence of Professional Sports on Masculinity

31:59 — Raising Awareness Around Mental Health

36:59 — Collaborating for Social Change

41:27 — Understanding the Buyer in Human Trafficking

47:11 — Empathy and Accountability in Justice

51:19 — Planting Seeds of Courage in Young Athletes

52:27 — Finding Hope in Cultural Change

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

https://www.instagram.com/epik_project/

https://www.jaguars.com/

In this powerful episode of the Masculine Wilderness podcast, Tom Perez sits down with Jenni Lippold, a people technologist, StoryCorp enthusiast, and a relentless believer in the power of human connection. Together, they explore how storytelling can soften political divides, dissolve concepts of the “other,” and transform our understanding of trauma, fear, and one another.

Drawing from over 12,000 recorded Storycore conversations, Jenni brings rare insight into what people are really longing for: to be heard, to be seen, and to matter. She breaks down why empathy isn’t just a virtue, it’s a skill, a practice, and a survival tool in a polarized world.

They dig into StoryCorps’ groundbreaking One Small Step initiative, which pairs Americans on opposite sides of the political spectrum for deeply human, surprisingly tender conversations. Through these stories, Jenni reveals the vulnerability, courage, and hope that emerge when we dare to listen past the noise.

This is an episode about connection, compassion, and the radical possibilities that open when we stop asking, “What do you believe?” and start asking, “What’s your story?”

Chapters:

00:00 — Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:37 — Jenni Lippold: A People Technologist’s Journey

04:20 — StoryCorps: Archiving Humanity’s Stories

06:08 — One Small Step: Bridging Political Divides

11:48 — Digital Conversations: The Evolution of Engagement

15:10 — Insights from 12,000 Conversations

21:24 — Empathy: The Key to Understanding

27:49 — The Power of Shared Stories

33:54 — The Role of Empathy in Change

34:23 — The Power of Data in Empathy-Building

39:22 — Storytelling’s Impact on Understanding

45:21 — Children and the Magic of Storytelling

49:33 — Trauma & Connection Through Shared Stories

51:10 — Fear, Human Behavior, and the “Other”

53:18 — The Future of Empathy Initiatives

01:02:43 — Masculine Wilderness Theme

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

https://storycorps.org/

This episode of the Masculine Wilderness Podcast is nothing short of extraordinary. Host Tom Perez sits down with Josie Heyano, an Alaska-based social worker whose depth of insight, cultural grounding, and fierce compassion bring a rare clarity to conversations about masculinity, exploitation, and community healing.

What unfolds is a deeply moving exploration of Indigenous identity, relational accountability, and the complex realities of human trafficking in Alaska—a region where historical trauma, geographic isolation, and systemic inequities converge in devastating ways. Josie breaks down concepts like tundra pimping with honesty and nuance, exposing the long-standing roots of exploitation targeting Indigenous youth and rural communities.

But this episode isn’t just about the problem; it’s about the power of culture, connection, and collective care. Josie shares how Indigenous frameworks of interconnectedness offer pathways for healing, resilience, and prevention. She invites listeners to reconsider their relationship with anger, describing how women’s anger is often a powerful, defiant force for change, and how men’s anger can be transformed into grounded leadership and accountability.

Throughout the conversation, Josie weaves together personal narrative, cultural wisdom, and professional experience to illuminate what true community responsibility looks like. From the role of beauty and creativity in surviving hardship to the slow work of building trust across generations, this episode challenges listeners to show up more thoughtfully, more courageously, and more relationally.

This is an episode that lingers... a call to remember where we come from, who we are accountable to, and how we can show up for one another with more heart.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:47 Josie Heyano's Cultural Introduction

03:42 Personal Stories and Connections to Alaska

05:52 Human Trafficking in Alaska

10:13 Roots of Exploitation in Alaska

15:06 The Role of Anger in Advocacy

19:46 Gender Dynamics of Anger

25:07 Men in Leadership and Community Responsibility

29:59 Listening and Respecting Women's Anger

34:31 The Shift in Human Trafficking Dynamics

35:55 Emotional Healing Through Connection

36:12 Traditional Practices and Gender Roles

40:18 Balancing Roles in Caregiving

42:12 Cultural Practices and Community Care

45:11 The Power of Relational Care

48:39 The Role of Beauty in Healing

54:38 Reconnecting with Roots and Traditions

58:36 Hope in Advocacy and Community Resilience

01:04:00 A Message to Men: Building Trust and Awareness

01:08:14 Masculine Wilderness Theme.mp3

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

https://www.signifyconsultingak.org/

What if the future of justice isn’t about punishment—but prevention?

In this episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Kristen Hubbell—former FBI agent and founder of Prevention Now—shares her extraordinary journey from federal law enforcement to leading one of the most innovative organizations in the fight against human trafficking.

Kristen reveals why justice without empathy falls short, why collaboration across communities is non-negotiable, and how technology—from big data to artificial intelligence—is reshaping what prevention can look like. Her insights challenge us to think differently about exploitation, not only as a criminal issue but as a human one that requires humility, curiosity, and shared responsibility.

And for men listening, this conversation is especially urgent: Kristen offers a direct call to action for how men can step into leadership, accountability, and advocacy in the fight to protect the vulnerable.

This episode isn’t just about trafficking—it’s about redefining justice for a new era.

00:00 Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:03 Kristin Hubbell’s Journey into Anti-Violence Work

03:38 Evolving Understanding of Justice

05:35 Responsibility for Justice

07:18 Transition from FBI to Anti-Trafficking Work

10:53 Founding Prevention Now

14:10 The Importance of Collaboration

15:10 Data as a Storytelling Tool

18:03 Empathy in Law Enforcement

22:13 Integrating Collaboration in Anti-Trafficking Work

26:57 Collaborative Efforts Against Human Trafficking

28:51 Utilizing Data for Community Collaboration

32:13 Understanding Risk Factors in Human Trafficking

36:18 The Role of Technology and AI in Prevention

44:06 Empathy and Understanding in Addressing Exploitation

47:55 Defining Prevention in the Anti-Trafficking Movement

🎧 Listen now and discover how empathy, collaboration, and innovation can transform the fight against trafficking.

Let’s Connect:

🌐 Learn more about Kristin’s work: www.prevention-now.org

🌐 Explore the movement to disrupt exploitation: www.epikproject.org

What does it cost to turn your pain into purpose, and how do you keep going when the weight of your story feels unbearable?

In this powerful episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Kathy Bryan, founder of The Genesis Project and a survivor of human trafficking, opens up about the long, courageous road from survival to leadership. With unflinching honesty, Kathy shares what it truly means to become an advocate while still carrying the emotional residue of past trauma.

This conversation goes far beyond statistics or headlines. It’s a deep dive into the realities of trafficking across urban and rural communities and the nuanced challenges survivors face when their stories become public tools for change. Kathy doesn’t just share her experience; she issues a call to action.

You’ll hear about the critical role parents play in prevention, why traffickers are targeting increasingly younger children, and how digital culture has transformed the landscape of exploitation. Kathy offers practical, heartfelt advice for families navigating a world that often feels out of control and reveals what true connection looks like between parents and children.

This episode is a gut-check, a guide, and a testament to the power of resilience. If you want to understand the human side of trafficking and how to make a real difference, start here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:36 Kathy's Journey: From Trafficking to Advocacy

09:31 The Cost of Sharing a Survivor's Story

14:49 The Genesis Project: Building Futures

22:22 Understanding Trafficking in Rural Communities

24:54 Statistics and Myths Surrounding Trafficking

28:26 Understanding the Risks: A Shocking Reality

31:07 Empowering Parents: Navigating Safety in a Digital World

33:49 The Harsh Truth: Child Trafficking vs. Other Dangers

36:38 Breaking the Silence: The Stigma of Sex Trafficking

41:08 The Role of Men: Accountability and Cultural Change

47:39 Survivor Perspectives: The Emotional Toll of Injustice

50:45 Practical Advice for Parents: Engaging with Your Children

52:10 Masculine Wilderness Theme.mp3

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

https://thegenesisproject.life

https://www.instagram.com/simplykathy/, https://www.instagram.com/thegenesisprojectlife/ https://www.facebook.com/simplykathy/ https://www.facebook.com/thegenesisprojectlife

Why are so many men disconnected from their inner lives and what does it take to find the way back?

In this intimate and soul-stirring episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Andrew Carruthers invites us into a conversation many men never get to have about shame, emotional expression, and the quiet longing for authenticity. A former hairdresser turned Wayfinder, Andrew has spent years helping others navigate their emotional terrain, and now he’s sharing the raw truths and hard-earned wisdom that shape his work.

Together, Andrew and Tom explore the cost of silence in men’s lives, the weight of unspoken guilt, the armor of stoicism, and the stories that keep us from fully showing up. But this isn't a conversation about what’s wrong with men. It's a powerful reckoning with what’s possible for men: real emotional presence, radical self-awareness, and a return to community.

They go deep on the cultural rise of men’s work, not as a trend, but as a response to crisis. Andrew speaks directly to young men craving purpose, connection, and a path toward wholeness. His message is clear: you are not broken but must be brave enough to meet yourself.

If you're ready to drop the mask and step into something deeper, this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you feeling less alone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:10 Andrew Carruthers: The Wayfinder Journey

03:19 From Hairdressing to Coaching: A Personal Evolution

09:49 Understanding the Clientele: Leaders and Educators

14:39 Masculine Mythology: Shaping Identity and Work

18:35 Emotional Presence: Challenges for Men

24:45 The Role of Shame in Men's Lives

25:36 The Cycle of Shame and Confirmation Bias

26:57 The Power of Men's Groups

29:09 Cultural Expectations of Masculinity

31:22 The Evolution of Men's Work

33:31 Emotional Expression in Older Generations

36:38 Tools for Emotional Awareness

39:20 Difficult Conversations for Older Men

41:47 Rites of Passage and the Role of Elders

45:01 The Openness of Younger Generations

47:21 Finding Enoughness and Community Support

49:14 New Chapter

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

www.outofstep.life

Donate: www.epikproject.org/donate

What if the key to ending exploitation lies in the courage to tell the truth?

In this gripping and deeply personal episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Penny Ronning—leader of the Yellowstone Anti-Trafficking Task Force—shares a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of commercial sexual exploitation and why men must be part of the solution.

Through the lens of her own family’s history—marked by her mother’s survival of childhood trauma—Penny opens a powerful dialogue on how generational wounds shape us, and how storytelling can become a lifeline for healing. This isn’t just a policy conversation—it’s a human one.

Together, Penny and Tom tackle the uncomfortable questions many avoid: What does it mean to be a man in a world where children are sold for sex? How can we hold space for both accountability and empathy? And what kind of leadership does it take to dismantle an industry built on silence?

They explore the urgent need for cultural shifts, community-based solutions, and legislative change—but more importantly, they underscore why men’s voices are essential in this movement. This episode is a rallying cry for courageous leadership, emotional honesty, and relentless compassion.

If you care about protecting the most vulnerable, if you believe that healing is possible, and if you're ready to face hard truths with an open heart, this episode is your invitation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Masculinity and Healing

02:40 Penny Ronning's Journey and Background

05:59 The Impact of Trauma on Lives

11:37 Legislation and Advocacy for Survivors

14:35 The Power of Storytelling in Healing

17:30 The Intersection of Art and Activism

24:05 Challenging Myths About Trafficking

29:15 Legislative Changes in Montana

33:58 Understanding the Demand for Exploitation

36:10 Collaborative Efforts Against Exploitation

37:22 The Role of Men in Addressing Exploitation

40:32 Empowering Voices in the Conversation

43:39 Humanity at the Core of the Issue

46:31 Community Solutions to a Societal Problem

50:15 Cultural Change and Responsibility

52:44 Mobilizing Male Allies

55:39 Leadership and Courage in Advocacy

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

Instagram: @pennyronning

LinkedIn: Penny Ronning on LinkedIn

Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czwA-IY89R8&t=657s

What’s really driving the rise of male supremacy—and how do we bring young men back from the edge? In this gripping and timely episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Dr. Pasha Dashtgard unpacks the complex, high-stakes terrain of modern masculinity in an age defined by digital distortion, political polarization, and emotional disconnection.

This conversation dives deep into the undercurrent of grievance politics—how a generation of disillusioned young men is being radicalized by influencers like Andrew Tate, and what that says about the state of modern manhood. But this isn’t a takedown—it’s an excavation. What’s missing in the lives of these men? What’s the void they’re trying to fill? And how can society respond without shame or silence?

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the emotional labor men have long suppressed—or the toll that takes on women and communities. Instead, it offers a bold vision for healing: grounded in relational intelligence, responsibility, and the courage to redefine what strength actually looks like.

This episode is a wake-up call, a roadmap, and a challenge. If you're a man searching for meaning, a parent raising sons, or someone who simply wants to understand the cultural reckoning happening right now—press play.

This is the conversation we all need to be having.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:52 The Rise of Male Supremacy and Online Radicalization

05:23 Grievance Politics and Its Historical Roots

12:25 The Impact of Rapid Social Change on Masculinity

15:44 Current Masculine Currents: Male Supremacy, Misogyny, and Isolation

23:24 The Impact of Masculinity on Self-Perception

29:24 Isolation and Emotional Labor in Male Relationships

35:27 The Influence of Andrew Tate and Male Supremacy

40:00 Building Healthier Masculinity: Solutions and Strategies

51:45 Masculine Wilderness Theme.mp3

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

www.instagram.org/epik_project

https://perilresearch.com/team/pasha-dashtgard/

What happens when a survivor becomes the leader of a movement? In this raw and deeply human episode, Tom sits down with Toni McKinley—Executive Director of the Magdalen House in Austin, Texas, and a survivor of sex trafficking herself—for one of the most profound conversations this show has ever hosted.

Toni doesn't just talk about trauma—she’s lived it, studied it, and transformed it into powerful leadership. Together, Tom and Toni unpack what trauma actually does to the brain, how memory is affected by abuse, and why traditional approaches to healing often fall short. But this conversation isn’t about theory—it’s about what it takes to rebuild your life from the ground up and why safe, supportive housing is absolutely essential for recovery.

And for the men listening—this one is especially for you. Toni speaks directly to the heart of what it means to be a man in today’s world. She challenges the cultural narratives that silence men emotionally and shares actionable tools for self-reflection, emotional growth, and healing generational wounds. They explore how men can show up—truly show up—for their families, their partners, and themselves.

This episode will shift your perspective on trauma, leadership, and the real meaning of resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how to break cycles of pain and step into a role of healing and leadership, this is your blueprint.

Warning: This conversation might just change the way you see yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Magdalen House and Its Mission

03:00 Understanding the Need for Supportive Housing

05:57 The Impact of Trauma on Survivors

09:07 Toni's Personal Journey and Healing Process

11:55 The Science of Trauma and Its Effects

14:49 Navigating Trauma Responses

18:01 Resilience and Recovery from Trauma

21:06 The Importance of Understanding Trauma

24:06 Toni's Story and the Power of Narrative

30:54 Understanding Trauma and Memory

32:31 The Importance of Relationships in Healing

34:54 Community and Connection: Healing Together

35:42 Navigating Relationships Post-Trauma

40:14 The Role of Men in Healing and Relationships

45:01 Men and Trauma: Breaking the Cycle

51:27 Agency in Healing: Taking Responsibility

54:07 Advice for Men: Healing Starts at Home

Let's Connect:

www.epikproject.org

https://www.magdaleneaustin.org

https://www.tonimckinley.com/

Instagram:

@MagdaleneATX

@Toni_Adventures1

Facebook:

MagdaleneATX on Facebook

LinkedIn:

Toni McKinley on LinkedIn

Magdalene House of Austin on LinkedIn