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In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, James is joined by healer, creator, and guide Cara Elizabeth to explore what it truly means to live in your power. From the role of trust and surrender, to working with archetypes like the dragon and animal medicine, this conversation dives deep into healing trauma, embodying truth, and creating from the inside out.

Cara shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood abuse, releasing PTSD, and discovering how to co-create with the universe through visualization, movement, and energetic alchemy. Together, they unpack what safety really is, how to hold your frequency in uncertain times, and why your inner world creates your outer reality.

About Cara:

Cara Elizabeth is an artist, author, and speaker who resides in Brooklyn. She works with individuals and groups to find their power, step into their purpose, and turn trauma into their greatest asset. Cara connects people to their true self so they can become their own healer, shaman, and guru.

She is the creator of BodyTech, a movement-based healing technology that combines breathwork, animal embodiment, and energetic realignment. As a certified breath coach, and drawing on her training in Kundalini yoga and years of dance, Cara developed BodyTech to offer direct, physical access to emotional transformation and personal power.

She received her Bachelor's degree from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a focus in Painting and her MFA in Experimental Animation from CalArts. She is a Baháʼí and grew up in a Baháʼí family, which fostered her search to independently investigate all spiritual teachings and the science of reality.  

Cara Elizabeth credits her decades of complex PTSD, due to childhood sexual trauma, as not only her greatest asset but what led to her creation of Animal Apothecary. After very little success with healing from both western and alternative medical practices, Cara finally chose to no longer look outside of herself to fix what was broken, but instead to go within and heal herself. This is how Animal Apothecary was born.

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In this deeply honest and wide-ranging episode, I’m joined by sex coach and sexological bodyworker Jem Ayres for a powerful conversation about reclaiming pleasure, presence, and connection in everyday life.

We explore how prioritising pleasure — not just in sex, but in the smallest daily rituals — can transform how we show up in our relationships, work, and wellbeing. Jem shares her personal story of burnout, illness, and rediscovering the wisdom of the body, and we dive into topics like nervous system regulation, performance anxiety, people-pleasing, boundaries, and how to reconnect with your body when it’s been numb, stressed, or shut down.

About Jem:

Orgasmic Embodiment Coach.

Jem is a certified Sex Geek -  A trauma-informed, Certified Sexological Bodyworker, Sex Coach, Tantra practitioner and teacher.  She has been featured on Channel 4 & 5 documentaries and leads one2one sessions, couples work, workshops and retreats both online and in-person.

Jem has over 10 years' experience in the field of self-development through the body and teaches wat she calls 'Sexual Self-Development'.

Multi-talented and creative she is passionate about helping people to connect with themselves through the body, fine-tuning into the subtleties of our life force, using sexual energy to fuel all areas of life.

https:www.jemayres.co.uk

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 In this raw and deeply honest episode, I'm joined by relationship mentors Jack and Erica to explore the true nature of long-lasting, meaningful relationships.

 Together, we dived into the inherent mess that real connection brings—the unspoken expectations, emotional triggers, and recurring patterns that often go unresolved. Rather than avoiding discomfort, they share how conflict can be transformed into deeper trust and intimacy when approached with curiosity, presence, and compassion. 

From the damaging “shoulds and coulds” to the healing power of co-creating a shared vision, this conversation offers powerful insights into how we grow together, not despite the challenges—but through them. 

You’ll also hear an honest reflection on how men and women can both learn to hold space and meet each other with empathy and clarity. If you’re ready to build love that’s conscious, courageous, and collaborative—this episode is for you. 

About Erica:

Erica helps individuals and couples move from conflict and disconnection to collaboration and emotional intimacy. A qualified UK-based Relationship Coach with a background in holistic therapies and over a decade of experience supporting growth-centred people, she believes relational health is the missing pillar of wellbeing, and the foundation of a more connected, compassionate life.

Erica's approach blends emotional education, practical tools, and self-awareness to help people move from defensiveness to collaboration, from disconnection to intimacy. Through one-to-one and couples coaching, group programmes, retreats, and workshops, Erica creates spaces where people can finally learn what school never taught them: how to love well, repair fully, and thrive together

About Jack:

Jack is a qualified relationship coach who helps couples using a blend of practical tools, emotional insight and a hardline of removing restricting/untrue beliefs to support lasting change. Jack believes that much of our relational behaviour is shaped by the baggage we carry — often unconsciously — from past experiences. By helping clients understand how their nervous system responses & relational strategies impact connection, safety, and reactivity; He empowers them to build more consciously connected and authetic relationships through both individual ownership and collaboration with others.

https:www.ericamarmai.com

https:www.jacklongbottom-relationshipcoach.com

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In this soul-stirring solo episode, James opens up about five powerful lessons transforming his life—and how they can shift yours too. He shares his journey of reclaiming personal power, embracing patience, and recognising worth as something already within. You’ll also hear about his upcoming one-day retreat, Awaken Your Inner Dragon, a transformative experience to embody truth, fire, and sovereignty. Through stories, self-reflection, and a moving parable of the fox and the light, James explores how to break limiting habits, build a new empowered identity, and focus on the big picture. He closes with a reflection on gratitude as a source of personal magnetism and daily resilience. If you’re ready to go deeper than mindset and tap into your embodied truth, this one’s for you.

🐉 Tickets are now live!
Awaken Your Inner Dragon – 1 Day Retreat
📅 Sat 10 Jan 2026 | 🕙 10AM–4PM
📍 Eaton Manor, Shropshire
💷 £66 | 🎟️ Limited spaces

A powerful, somatic + energetic day to reconnect with your truth, ignite your inner fire, and rise into your power.

🔥 Movement | 💬 Voice work | 🌬️ Emotional release

This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a call to remember who you are.

🔗 Book now: 

https://calendly.com/action-r1y/awaken-your-inner-dragon-1-day-retreat

 #AwakenTheDragon #EmbodimentRetreat #DragonEnergy #Retreat #Transformation #Movement 

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In this powerful episode of Man: A Quest to Find Meaning, James sits down with biomechanical specialist and master personal trainer Ashley to dive deep into the truth about fitness, nutrition, and the mindset behind lasting transformation. Together, they explore why systems often matter more than goals, debunk common health myths around calories, steps, and metabolic types, and unpack the real reasons people struggle to achieve sustainable health.

Ashley opens up about his personal journey—from early career success to the emotional challenges of a recent separation—and shares how adversity has shaped his purpose. The conversation touches on the importance of emotional healing, inner child work, and the role of intuition in both personal growth and physical wellbeing.

You’ll learn the truth about calorie counting, metabolic typing, how fat is hormonally stored, why online PT culture may be doing more harm than good, and why movement without intention falls short. The duo also reflect on fear, self-worth, identity, and what it really takes to step into meaningful transformation. more intentionally, this episode is packed with raw insight, practical tools, and the inspiration to take action.

This is one you don’t want to miss.

About Ashley:

Ashley is a Master Personal Trainer and Biomechanical specialist who has coached in excess of 270 clients and managed 7 gyms across the world spanning an 18 year career in Fitness.

He has trained celebrities, pro athletes and has a genuine talent in transforming physiques and optimising people's overall health and performance. 

His real purpose is being a Father to two beautiful children. 

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We dive deep into a topic that affects every single one of us: purpose. What does it truly mean to live with purpose — and how do we even begin to discover it?

My guest today is Steven J. Whitten, a veteran of the automotive industry turned speaker, mental health advocate, and founder of MenAble. We talk openly about the difference between goals and purpose, why self-worth and identity are at the root of everything, and what it takes to let go of the limiting beliefs and expectations that no longer serve us.

Steven also shares his personal story of transformation — from decades of hiding his truth, to stepping fully into his power as a speaker, coach, and yes… even a drag queen. We also explore vulnerability, inner child work, and what it really looks like for men to embrace joy, authenticity, and connection.

If you're feeling stuck, unclear, or searching for something more, this conversation is for you. Let's get into it.

About Stephen Whitton:

Stephen Whitton is the founder of the global movement [M]enable, bringing mental WEALTH support to masculine environments. Following a lifetime career in the international Automotive Sector, Stephen rose through the ranks but want slowly burning out due to pressure and stress - as well as hiding a secret that was holding him back. He's now on a mission to get everyone talking and leaders to lead with courage - ensuring that 'everyone is safe (psychologically) always'.

Stephen is a Speaker, Social Entrepreneur and Survivor whose commitment to leading with courage, freedom and authenticity even sees him occasionally treading the boards as a uniques Drag Artiste too. 

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In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Man: A Quest to Find Meaning, James sits down with Merlin Matthews to explore the deep-rooted conditioning men receive from childhood—and how it continues to shape their emotional lives, relationships, and sense of identity. Together, they unpack the outdated scripts of masculinity: don’t cry, don’t be weak, be the lone wolf. With raw honesty and humour, they challenge the societal expectations that have left many men emotionally isolated, struggling with connection, and unsure of their place in a rapidly changing world.

Merlin shares valuable insights into how we can begin to break these cycles—through emotional literacy, self-regulation, co-regulation, and building genuine brotherhood. They discuss practical tools like breathwork, body awareness, vulnerability practices, and how men's groups can create much-needed spaces for truth and transformation. From ancestral wisdom to modern neuroscience, this episode bridges old wounds and new ways of being.

Whether you’re navigating relationships, grief, or just looking for more meaning in your life, this episode will leave you feeling seen—and more importantly, equipped. It’s time to redefine what it means to be a man, not through perfection, but through courageous progress.

About Merlin:

I set up www.Man.Academy, a World Transforming Men’s Movement, men help men help men…, personal & group empowerment and evolution.

Helping men understand and empower themselves and each other.

Open source and co-created with decent men.

Coaching Men since 2020 and running Men’s Circles since ’21

Deep Into Personal and Collective Development since 1990s

I believe that I (we) have been conditioned (since before I/we can walk) to play small and to "be a man" in a limited/crap manner, which is Way out of date.

This is not the full Man I/we could be.

There is a better way

I've been slowed down from achieving success by conditioning from my parents (including abuse), school and society which led to self worth / self love / self belief issues (and stopped me acting on red flags with a narcissistic lady, with whom I now share a (lovely) child).

Noteworthy fact... I founded the UK's biggest bicycle shipping charity (2nd in Europe), Re-Cycle, sending bikes, parts and tools to Africa. I handed it on after running it for a couple of decades. It is going strong, and Just About to ship bike number 150,000 (each bike is used by an average of 6 people).

https://www.Man.Academy

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Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough, no matter how hard you try? That little voice inside your head that whispers “you’re going to fail” — that’s self-doubt. And if left unchecked, it can quietly sabotage your dreams, relationships, and confidence.

In this episode of Man: A Quest to Find Meaning, I dive deep into the roots of self-doubt, why we all experience it, and the hidden ways it holds you back from reaching your full potential. You’ll discover the most common causes — fear of failure, fear of judgment, perfectionism, comparison, and imposter syndrome — and how they play out in everyday life.

Most importantly, I’ll share three powerful mindset shifts to break free from self-doubt and start building genuine confidence. You’ll also learn a simple strategy called “What if it works?” that you can use today to flip fear into possibility and take action, even when you don’t feel ready.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s built through action. This episode will help you move past overthinking, procrastination, and excuses, so you can step into bravery and live with purpose.

👉 Subscribe now for more conversations on masculinity, healing, and personal growth.

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In this deeply powerful episode, Nathan Simmons takes us on a raw and revealing journey into the nature of trauma, perception, and inner transformation. Exploring the quote “What’s normal to the spider is chaos to the fly,” Nathan unpacks how our experiences shape our understanding of the world—and why no two people truly share the same reality.

Through compelling personal stories of childhood illness, bullying, addiction, and recovery, he explains how unresolved trauma leads to self-sabotage, people-pleasing, addiction, and emotional disconnection. Nathan introduces the transformative practice of inner child healing, showing how we can reparent ourselves, release buried emotions, and reclaim the parts of us that were pushed into shadow.

He explores the role of subconscious programming, the myths of forgiveness, and how to shift from self-abandonment to self-leadership. With insights into societal division, political polarisation, and the collective wounds we carry, this episode invites listeners to see discomfort not as an enemy—but as a gateway to deep personal freedom.

If you're ready to understand why your triggers are your teachers, and how healing your inner world creates outer change, this conversation is a must-listen.

About Nathan:

Nathan is a powerful mix of trauma informed Hypnotherapist and Leadership coach, speaker author. With the last 5 years working mostly, not exclusively with men both 121 and in group experiences. 

Helping people to overcome imposter syndrome, people pleasing perfectionism and procrastination. He deeply understands why people do what they do, and how they trip themselves up, hold themselves back and continue to repeat destructive behaviours without even realising they’re doing it. He brings a unique perspective to all of this, which helps men just show up healthier ways as the man they truly are. 

Whether working 121 or leading medicine ceremonies Nathan’s inspiration is to connect people with the most powerful part of their mind so they can show up as themselves.

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In this episode of Man: A Quest to Find Meaning, host James welcomes breathwork teacher and healer Anthony Abbagnano to explore how men can reclaim their wholeness without reliving painful trauma. Together, they discuss why true transformation often lies in rescuing the forgotten parts of ourselves—the inner child left behind in moments of hurt—and how tending to those parts creates safety, presence, and deeper connection.

Anthony shares his own extraordinary journey, from a challenging childhood in boarding school to a life-changing breathwork experience at age eight, and how that discovery became the cornerstone of his healing path. The conversation dives into the paradox of desire—why we long for what we don’t have when, in fact, we’ve often received exactly what we’ve asked for—and how choice, awareness, and breath can shift everything.

Listeners will discover how breathwork can be used as an accessible tool for calming anxiety, unlocking creativity, and moving beyond old patterns, as well as how inner child practices help us reclaim our vitality and resilience. This is a powerful dialogue on responsibility, wholeness, and the hope that comes when we create space to breathe, belong to ourselves, and redefine manhood.

About Anthony:

Anthony Abbagnano is a pioneering breathwork expert and founder of Alchemy of Breath, the world's top-rated breathwork institute. He has helped thousands transform their lives through free weekly Breathe The World sessions, Facilitator Training, and BreathCamp retreats at ASHA in Tuscany, Italy. 

Learn more at www.alchemyofbreath.com and buy Anthony's book at https://iam.alchemyofbreath.com/book-podcast