Have you ever had that feeling that you're doing everything you're supposed to be doing, but you still feel hollowed out, disconnected, and burnt out? Like no matter how hard you push, you just can't show up as the provider you want to be. These feelings are more than just a bad mood; they are alarm systems, letting you know that your vitality, your spirit, your very humanity is on the line.

This conversation on the We Are Already Free podcast is a map back to alignment, for both men and the women who love them. It’s a path of purpose and strength that begins by simply stepping outside. Our guide on this path is Carl Muir of Provider, a man who has walked through the fire of his own shadow to discover these truths for himself. He helps good men rediscover their purpose through men’s work and reconnection with nature, and his story is a potent reminder that sometimes, the old path must become impossible to walk so we can find our true one.

In This Episode, We Explore:

* Carl's unflinching story of going from a ‘successful’ life to burnout, and the the ego unraveling required to find his true purpose.

* Why the modern definition of a "provider" is a trap, and how to reclaim its true meaning - one rooted in emotional presence, ancestral strength, and communion with nature.

* Navigating a profound personal loss.

* The Māori wisdom "Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au" (I am nature, nature is me) and how this simple truth is the most potent medicine for our modern disconnection.

* The powerful, tangible shifts that happen in men's work when men are taken out of their routines and into the wild - and how to bring that healing back into your daily life.

* Why you carry the resilience of your ancestors, who survived wars and famines, and how you can tap into that strength to get through anything.

We Are Already Free with Nathan Maingard is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Timestamps:

* 0:00 Introduction: The Hollow Provider

* 3:31 Meet Carl Muir the Provider: From Burnout to Purpose

* 9:24 Losing and Finding Identity

* 14:32 What Does It Mean to Be a Provider?

* 26:42 Nature as Medicine: Healing Through the Wild and Men’s Work

* 30:01 Transformational Shifts: Stories from the Retreat

* 32:27 Carrying the Change Home

* 35:58 Final Reflections & Where to Find Carl Muir

Mentioned Resources & Links:

* Find Carl Muir and his powerful men's work at theprovider.co.nz

* Follow Carl's journey on Instagram: @provider_nz

* The men's leadership training Nathan and Carl attended: Sacred Sons

⭐ Support the Podcast & Access the Bonus Chat ⭐

In our exclusive bonus for patrons, Carl shares his deepest wisdom on one of the most important questions a man can ask: "How do you raise good kids in this crazy, disconnected world?" He speaks on leading by example, the gift of nature, and the humbling ways our children are often here to teach us. It’s a raw, emotional, and inspiring part of our chat that I know will land deeply for you.

If these conversations are a medicine for you, become a co-creator of the podcast. Your support allows me to remain free from chasing algorithms and advertisers, so I can focus only on creating and sharing what is true and of service to you.

Become a Patron to hear the bonus chat and co-create the show.

Shoutout to Maria, Brian Dusky, Martin, Kellie, Trinia, Cassandra, and all the other co-creators on Patreon. This happens thanks to you. Thank you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wearealreadyfree.substack.com