Most men think reactivity is the problem, however it’s not always. In this episode, I break down the key difference between clean, protective reactivity and the kind of emotional reactivity that damages trust and connection. I’ll walk you through what’s really underneath those short fuses, how to shift from unconscious reactions to grounded leadership, and how to start reparenting yourself in the heat of the moment. This one’s for the men who are holding a lot, doing a lot, and want to show up better for themselves and the people they love.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The real difference between healthy reactivity and unconscious reaction
• Why overextension leads to emotional snap points in men
• How Enneagram Type 2 patterns fuel people-pleasing and resentment
• A simple breath + grounding practice to shift reactivity in the moment
• Journal prompts to help you respond, not explode, under pressure

Links

Free Gift: The Strongman's Scoreboard

Vital Man Collective - Men's Group and Private Community

Men of Movement Retreat, Oct. 9-12th in Mt. Shasta, CA

Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Mike

Mike's Website

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a pattern you know isn’t serving you… and no matter how much you try, you keep repeating it?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and returning guest Greg Schmaus to explore why good men so often betray themselves—even when they’re doing everything they can to “fix it.” We go deep into Family Constellations, the victim triangle, and the unconscious contracts many of us form in childhood that silently shape our relationships, sense of power, and integrity.

This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and deeply practical—especially if you’ve ever said, “I know better… but I still can’t change.”

In this episode, we cover:

• The victim triangle as a constellation
• Why men stay stuck in self-betrayal
• How childhood dynamics shape adult relationships
• The link between infidelity and hidden family contracts
• Family Constellation work as a path to healing

LINKS:

October 9-12th Men of Movement Retreat, Mt. Shasta - Learn More

Healing 4D with Greg Schmaus - Click Here

Apply to Work with Mike - Click Here

Mike's Website

In this solo episode, I share the transformative experience of my sixth sacred hunt—a trip that reset me from the inside out. From deep rest under an old tree to the intensity of a final morning harvest, this journey was filled with humbling insights on pace, presence, and purpose. I reflect on what it really means to walk with the land, how the hunt became a mirror for my life back home, and the unexpected ways these immersions in nature sharpen my leadership, my relationships, and my soul.

In this episode, I share:

• What sacred hunting taught me about presence
• The moment the land forced me to slow down
• Why success isn’t always about the kill
• How nature sharpens leadership and awareness
• The power of unplugging and walking with the land
• What makes this hunt different than all the rest
• Details on the upcoming Primal Reset Retreat

LINKS

Primal Reset Retreat, May 17-20th in Mt. Shasta, CA

Scared Hunting

In this episode of The Path, I’m joined by my longtime friend and brother Aleks Rybchinskiy—a practitioner who’s walked the holistic performance path for decades and played a key role in the creation of BERSKI, a nutrient-dense organ meat snack line co-founded by Richard Blomberg of Eleiko.

This conversation is for the man who’s done a lot of things right—built a strong body, built a business, maybe even a family—but is still seeking more alignment with his values. We explore how nutrition, especially ancestral foods like liver, can become a tool for reclaiming energy, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. We also get real about fatherhood, time, and discerning what’s truly worth showing up for.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why liver outperforms muscle meat in protein and micronutrient content
• The problem with most liver supplements—and what “desiccated” really means
• Understanding the labels: grass-fed vs. grass-finished vs. pasture-raised
• How Aleks reversed his father’s fatty liver through daily liver intake
• How conscious nourishment supports masculine leadership and family life

LINKS:

BERSKI

• 10% Discount Code: THEPATH

Work with Mike:

1:1 Coaching | Vital Man Collective | Retreats

Follow Mike:

Website: Coaching.mikesalemi.io

May 17-20th Primal Reset Retreat, Mt. Shasta, CA

Instagram: @Mike.salemi

Most high-performing men don’t realize they’re crashing until something breaks. And by the time they feel it in their body, relationships, or clarity—it’s usually been coming for a while. 

In today’s episode of The Path Podcast, I share the 5 Misfires of the Modern Man—the subtle but powerful signs your system is screaming for a reset. These are the patterns I see in clients who are crushing it in business but quietly burning out behind the scenes. If you’re waking up tired, always tense, disconnected from your purpose, or just feel like your edge is slipping—this episode is for you.

• Topics Covered:
• Why 8 hours of sleep still leaves you tired
• How tension reveals unspoken emotion
• What flat workouts and low sex drive really mean
• The moment you realize you’ve outgrown your life
• What it costs to ignore your body’s signals

LINKS

• May 17-20, Primal Reset Retreat in Mt. Shasta, CA
• Vital Man Collective
• Website 
• Instagram: @mike.Salemi

In this episode of The Path with Mike Salemi, I sit down with Scott Estrada for a deeply personal and powerful conversation on healing, hydration, and the miracle of his father’s recovery.

After a traumatic spinal cord injury left Scott’s father with a grim prognosis, Scott devoted himself to creating a healing environment using everything he had learned over 40 years of studying human biology, hydration, and natural medicine. What unfolded inside that hospital room defied what most would consider possible.

We dive into the science and spirit behind real healing—how structured water, mineralization, light, and nature all play a role in restoring the body at a cellular level. Scott also shares what it took to make peace with his father’s choices and how surrender, presence, and deep trust became part of the healing process.

Whether you’re into high-performance, holistic health, or the emotional journey of transformation—this conversation will move you.

We explore:

• The miracle recovery of Scott’s father

• The role of water, light, and hydration in cellular healing

• How modern environments create chronic dehydration

• Making peace with a loved one’s path

• What most hospitals and systems miss about true healing

LINKS:

Scott Estrada

• Website
• Ion

Mike Salemi

• Website
• Vital Man Collective
• May 17-20th Primal Reset Retreat

"I feel like I've lost myself over the years. I don't even know who I am anymore."

I've heard this countless times from men in my groups—and I’ve been there myself. Life transitions like fatherhood, career shifts, breakups, and injuries can leave you feeling disconnected from your fire, your passion, and even your sense of self. But this feeling isn’t random—it’s a pattern, and it has deep roots.

In this episode of The Path, we dive into Nice Guy Syndrome, a pattern of people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, and losing yourself in relationships. I’ll share my personal wake-up call, the hidden beliefs that fuel this behavior, and how to break free.

We’ll also cover:

• The three biggest traps that keep men stuck
• The difference between solitude and isolation
• How to rebuild self-trust and take action
• Why brotherhood and accountability are essential for growth
• How small shifts in language can change your story

If you’ve ever felt lost, this episode will help you find your way back.

Links & Resources

New Men's Community & Group

• Learn More about The Vital Man Collective, click here

Upcoming Men's Retreats:

• May 17-20th, Primal Reset Retreat Collab with Tim Corcoran, Mt. Shasta, CA - Click Here
• October 9-12th: Flagship Men of Movement Retreat, Mt. Shasta, CA - Click Here

Connect with me on Instagram: @Mike.Salemi

Website

In this episode of The Path, I sit down with Michael Chernow—entrepreneur, athlete, and founder of The Meatball Shop, Seymour’s, and Kreatures of Habit. Michael shares his raw and unfiltered journey of building businesses while staying deeply committed to fatherhood, self-mastery, and personal growth.

We dive into the power of structure, morning routines, and how he integrates discipline into every part of his life. Michael also opens up about his experience overcoming addiction, healing childhood wounds, and using breathwork as a tool for deep transformation.

Topics Covered:

• Balancing high-level entrepreneurship with being a present father
• The power of morning routines and non-negotiables
• The "Three C’s" Framework
• Overcoming self-doubt and the inner critic
• Breathwork as a tool for healing and transformation
• Building a structure that supports long-term success

LINKS

Michael Chernow:

• Instagram: @michaelchernow
• Kreatures of Habit

Mike Salemi

• Get Info on the Vital Man Collective
• Website
• Instagram: @Mike.Salemi
• Work 1:1 with Mike: Email [email protected]

Welcome back to the Path Podcast with Mike Salemi. Today's conversation is a raw look into the world of fitness, mindset, and the power of long-term commitment. My guest today is Mark England, is the co-founder of Enlifted, is a TEDx speaker, and a master of language and mindset. Together, he and I pull back the curtain on our fitness journey together, almost to the day we've been working together for one year, and many times multiple times a week. 

I've been training Mark on kettlebells and we're on this three year path together to level him up. We talk about everything from early morning training sessions to the frustrations of relearning fundamental movements and the profound impact of long-term coaching relationships. I'll tell you what, this is not your typical fitness podcast. We're talking real life, real challenges and real results. So get ready for some laughs, some hard truths and a whole lot of inspiration with Mark England.

Topics Covered:

• Morning Rituals that Work
• The Journey of Kettlebell Training
• Building Relationships for Long-Term Success
• Movement and Cognitive Skills
• The Connection Between Movement and Life Quality
• Physical Transformation and Its Impact

LINKS:

Mark England

Enlifted

Mike Salemi

The Vital Man Collective: Fill out this for more more info

Website

Instagram: @Mike.Salemi

Welcome back to The Path with Mike Salemi! Today’s conversation is a powerful dive into the evolution of men’s work, relationships, and what it means to truly embody presence. I’m joined by Dr. Edmund Knighton, a clinical psychologist, movement expert, and the co-creator of the Be Here Human program along with Jared Pickard (past Path Podcast guest).

In this episode, Edmund and I explore the challenges and opportunities men face in today’s world—balancing strength with softness, embracing humor as a tool for resilience, and understanding how vulnerability can transform relationships. We’ll also dive into the dynamics of masculinity and femininity, how men’s groups can foster personal growth, and the power of equanimity in holding space for life’s complexities.

You’ll hear us unpack concepts like empathy, movement, and the fluid nature of time, all while staying grounded in practical tools for navigating family life, creativity, and self-mastery. If you’re curious about how men’s work is evolving, how to cultivate deeper relationships, or simply how to be more present in your daily life, this conversation is for you.

LINKS:

Being Human Program:

http://beherefarm.com/human