The Powerful Man Show
The Powerful Man is a show for married businessmen looking to improve their relationships, their health, their businesses, and themselves. Your hosts, Doug Holt and Tim Matthews have decades of experience helping married businessmen step into their power, live up to their potential, and live a life they love. The Powerful Man Show tackles conversations and topics designed to help men become better fathers, lovers, husbands, and leaders in their communities. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to subscribe and also head over to thepowerfulman.com for more information.
Unmasking Truths: Overcoming Self-Deprecation
Episode #1098
A lot of men struggle to own their wins.
Instead of standing tall, they make a joke. They downplay it. They get the dig in before anyone else can. It sounds like humor. But underneath it is often low self-worth, fear of looking arrogant, or a need to stay in control.
In this episode, we unpack why so many men use self-deprecation as armor. We talk about where it starts, how it gets wired in from family, school, or early work environments, and how it follows you into your business and your...
Nurturing Growth: Encouraging Your Partner [Revist]
Episode #1097
How do you encourage your partner to grow… without making them feel like they're not enough? That's the question we're digging into in this episode
A lot of men make this mistake. They start doing personal development. They feel better. They see the benefits. Then they turn to their wife and say, "You should do this too." What she hears is, "Something's wrong with you." And that's where the resistance starts.
We talk about why pushing growth almost always backfires, and what actually works instead. It starts with being the example. Not in...
Navigating Marriage: When to Step In and Be Your Best Self [Revist]
Episode #1096
This is a theme we come back to a lot because it matters. When a marriage is struggling or falling apart, most men don't know what their role is anymore. They feel stuck between fighting for it, protecting their kids, and just trying to survive the day. In this episode, we break down what leadership actually looks like in the middle of a broken marriage.
There's a real chance your marriage may not work out. That's just the reality. But how you show up during this season will shape your kids for the rest...
Breaking Stereotypes: A Conversation on Family, Identity, and Personal Growth
Episode #1095
In this episode, Doug sits down with Nino, a member of the TPM team, to have a real and honest conversation about identity, family, and personal growth especially from the lens of someone who didn't grow up around this kind of work.
Nino shares his first experience attending an Alpha Reset and opens up about what it was like coming from a background where talking about emotions, growth, or family leadership wasn't the norm. They get into cultural expectations, generational patterns, and what it means to take ownership of your life as a man.<...
Breathe Deep: A Guide to Managing Anger and Strengthening Relationships [Revist]
Episode #1094
When you're triggered, it's easy to react, say something you regret, or shut down completely. In this episode, Doug and Chris take on a real question from a listener: "How do I calm myself down when I get angry, especially when old stuff keeps coming back up?"
They walk through simple but powerful tools that help you stay grounded and present when emotions flare up. You'll hear how breathwork, awareness, and asking the right questions can help you respond with clarity instead of reaction. They also break down how anger is often tied to...
The Misguided Perception of Being Grounded: What Men Need to Know
Episode #1093
A lot of men think they're being grounded by staying calm, staying quiet, or keeping the peace, but what if that's not grounded at all? In this episode, Doug and Tim break down how men often collapse emotionally without realizing it, and why that shutdown is just another form of reaction.
You'll hear real stories, including a wake-up call from Doug's own marriage, and how what he thought was self-control was actually stonewalling. This isn't about being more stoic or strong. It's about being real, being present, and learning to lead emotionally instead of...
The Power of Celebrating Wins: Break Free from the Drift
Episode #1092Â
If you're feeling stuck, drifting, or like you've lost your drive, this episode is a reminder that the way out isn't about grinding harder. It's about learning to catch the wins you're already creating and most men miss them completely.
Doug and Tim get real about why high-achieving men tend to ignore or downplay their progress, and how that habit keeps them trapped in the drift. They explain why celebrating wins isn't just fluff, it's a muscle. And if you're not training it, you're probably stuck living in the gap between where you are a...
Revisit: Unlocking Intimacy: Practical Steps for A Thriving Relationship
Episode #1091Â
ÂWe're bringing this one back because it's one of the most asked-about topics from men inside The Powerful Man. How do you rebuild connection with your wife when things feel flat, distant, or disconnected? Doug is joined again by his wife, Erin Holt, for a candid conversation on what actually works when it comes to rebuilding intimacy in a long-term relationship.
They unpack how most men miss the early signs of disconnection, how emotional safety gets slowly eroded, and why small, ignored moments matter more than you think. Erin shares the perspective from the ot...
Breaking Free from The Drift: Finding Purpose and Passion
Episode #1090Â
Most men don't realize they're drifting until it's already been years. Life feels "fine" on the surface, business is steady, the marriage isn't falling apart, the kids are growing up, but deep down, you know something's off. That fire, that drive you once had? It's gone.
In this episode, Doug and Tim break down what "the drift" actually is, how it silently pulls high-performing men into a rut, and why so many stay stuck for years. They unpack how good habits and strong traits can eventually trap you, why predictability is a relationship killer, a...
Revisit: From Hesitation to Confidence: Mastering Relationship Dynamics
Episode #1089
We're revisiting this conversation because it keeps coming up. A lot of men struggle with how to ask for what they want in their relationship without feeling weak or sounding needy. The truth is, it's not about the words you use. It's about how you show up when you say them.
In this episode, Doug and Chris break down why hesitation kills trust, how your energy shifts the way your wife hears you, and what to do when you're afraid of her reaction. They walk through a simple way to speak clearly, ask directly...
Revisit: Unveiling Truth in Relationships: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Episode #1088
This is one of those episodes we had to bring back. It's a real conversation about what happens when men quietly settle for less in their marriage, their health, or their life in general. Doug and Chris revisit the hard truth: when you stop taking action, you're not pausing, you're choosing. And that choice has consequences.
They talk about the trap of tolerating a "not that bad" marriage, the fear that keeps men from speaking up, and how easy it is to lose yourself trying to keep the peace. Doug shares what he's seen...
Revisit: Making Choices That Matter: The Power of Action in Relationships
Episode #1087
If you keep waiting for the "right moment" to fix your marriage, you're already making a choice and not the one you want. In this episode, Doug and Chris break down what it really looks like to stop spinning your wheels and start leading your relationship. They talk about why indecision kills intimacy, how hesitation builds resentment, and how taking real action imperfect or not is what actually starts to shift things.
You'll learn how to evaluate where you're at across what they call the Five Territories: self, health, wealth, relationships, and business. You'll...
Creating a Vision: Planning for Family and Personal Success
Episode #1086
Most men create a vision for their business but rarely take the time to do the same for their marriage or family. In this episode, Doug and Chris unpack why that's a problem, and how to start creating a clear, shared vision at home. This isn't about long meetings or forcing your wife to sit on the couch and talk about feelings. It's about finding a way that works, walking, talking, asking the right questions and using that to get aligned.
They share real examples from their own lives: how to include your kids...
Revisit: Surrounding Yourself with Success: Relationships and Growth
Episode #1085
This episode is a powerful revisit to one of the most important conversations for any man feeling stuck in his relationship or his personal growth. Doug and Chris break down a common trap: spending your time and money on everything but the things that really move the needle your relationships, your mindset, and your growth as a man.
They get honest about how easy it is to drop cash on toys, tech, and distractions... while putting off the real work that could actually improve your marriage, deepen your connection with your kids, or help...
The Masculine Dilemma: Abdication of Power in Relationships
Episode #1084
Ever feel like you've lost your edge at home or like you're walking on eggshells, waiting for your wife to tell you you're doing it right? In this episode, Doug and Chris dig into one of the most common (but rarely talked about) patterns they see in men: the quiet, often unconscious habit of giving up power in relationships.
They unpack how this shows up in everyday life from needing permission to make decisions, to becoming another "child" in the household dynamic. Doug shares how even well-meaning guys slip into people-pleasing, indecision, and needing...
Navigating Long-Term Relationships: Beyond Expectations
Episode #1083
In this episode, Doug sits down with Andrew to unpack one of the biggest challenges men face in long-term relationships: staying consistent not just for a few weeks, but for the long haul.
They get real about why short-term effort isn't enough, why so many guys slip when things start improving, and how old patterns (especially the ones from childhood) keep showing up in marriage. Doug shares a powerful story about a man trying to turn things around after years of being emotionally checked out and why "two and a half weeks of trying"...
Revisit: Saving Your Marriage: Strategies for Rekindling Connection
Episode #1082
In this revisit episode, Doug answers real questions from men trying to figure out how to reconnect with their wives without coming across as needy or making things worse. If you're feeling stuck in a cycle of distance, scheduled sex, or surface-level conversations, this one is for you.
He shares actionable tips on how to shift out of the roommate dynamic and start dating your wife again, even if things feel cold or awkward right now. You'll learn why emotional safety matters more than you think, what most men get wrong about communication, and...
Letting Go of Expectations: The Key to Relationship Magic
Episode #1081
A lot of guys are stuck in the same loop. You work hard, you provide, and you think you're doing everything right. But deep down, there's frustration. Maybe she's pulling away. Maybe you're walking on eggshells. Or maybe you're just not getting the connection, intimacy, or appreciation you thought you would. This episode is about why that happens and how expectations are often the silent killer behind it.
Doug and coach Neil break down the difference between expectations and agreements, and why unspoken expectations build resentment fast. They walk through real examples of how...
Coaching for Success: Why Every Man Needs Guidance
Episode #1080
Ever feel like you've checked all the boxes career, marriage, kids, success on paper but still wake up wondering, "Is this it?" In this episode, Doug sits down with master coach Neil to talk about why so many high-performing men hit a wall, and what to actually do when you feel stuck, numb, or just off track.
They dive into what it really means to look in the mirror and not recognize the man staring back. You'll hear real talk about blind spots, why reading books and listening to podcasts won't cut it, and...
The Trust Equation: Honesty, Consistency, and Accountability
Episode #1079
If your relationship is on the rocks, it's tempting to go big. A new car, a luxury trip, maybe even building the dream home. But here's the hard truth trust can't be bought.
In this episode, Tim and Bruce break down why trying to buy your way out of broken trust never works, and what actually does. They get into the real building blocks of trust: honesty, consistency, and accountability. This isn't about doing grand gestures. It's about showing up every day the way you said you would and owning it when you don't.<...
Living Your Legacy: Impacting Now, Not Later
Episode #1078
Most men think of legacy as something they'll leave behind. But what if your legacy isn't about the future? What if it's about how you're showing up today?
In this episode, Tim and Bruce dive into the real meaning of legacy. It's not about money, titles, or what people say when you're gone. It's about the emotional footprint you leave on the people closest to you, right now.
They walk through three simple but powerful questions every man should ask himself. These are the kinds of questions that cut through the noise...
Unmasking Self-Sabotage: Navigating Chaos and Recovery
Episode #1077
Ever find yourself messing things up just when they're starting to go well? You're not alone. A lot of high-performing men struggle with self sabotage, especially when life starts to feel steady. In this episode, Tim and Bruce dig into the reasons behind it, whether it's a deep-rooted self worth issue, a nervous system that craves chaos, or an old identity that just doesn't fit anymore.
They explore how some men unconsciously create problems just to feel a sense of purpose or control. From procrastination and emotional withdrawal to overcommitting and burnout, the patterns...
Finding Balance: Bringing Work Values into the Home
Episode #1076
You know your core values at work. You've built a team culture, held people accountable, and led with purpose. But at home? Things feel off. Maybe you're clear and confident at work but second-guess yourself with your family. You say your family comes first, but your calendar tells a different story.
In this episode, Tim and Bruce talk about a pattern they've seen in successful men: strong leadership at work, but little direction at home. They unpack why many guys never define values for their family life, and how that lack of clarity leads...
Identity Crisis: Discovering Purpose After Business Success
Episode #1075
You'd think selling your business for millions would be the happiest moment of your life. But for many men, it brings something they didn't expect: confusion, disconnection, and a deep sense of loss.
In this episode, Tim sits down with Bruce to talk about what really happens after the big win. They share real stories from men who've reached the top only to realize the scoreboard at home looks very different from the one at work. We dig into identity, purpose, the emotional cost of achievement, and why many men feel like frauds even...
The Journey of Authenticity: Breaking Free from Toxic Shame
Episode #1074
What happens when success on paper doesn't match how you feel inside? In this episode, Bruce shares the quiet crisis he faced in his 40s, one that wasn't loud or obvious, but deeply personal. He opens up about the years he spent hiding behind work, accomplishments, and a polished image, while quietly carrying a weight he didn't know how to name. Through honest conversation, Bruce and Tim unpack what shame really is, how it can quietly shape your life, and why so many men struggle to talk about it. This isn't about fixing everything overnight, it's...
Revisit: Activate Your Life: Transformative Relationships Through Personal Growth
Episode #1073
In this revisit episode, Gary and Heather return to share what it really looks like when a relationship is built on personal growth, shared responsibility, and honest partnership. If you're tired of going through the motions, feeling stuck in your marriage, or wondering if it's too late to turn things around, this one is worth your time.
Heather speaks candidly about what makes a man attractive to her. Not in theory, but in real life. Spoiler alert, it's not flowers or fancy vacations. It's a man who's grounded, consistent, and doing his own work...
Revisit: The Naked Truth: Deepening Intimacy Through Vulnerability
Episode #1072
In this powerful revisit episode, we sit down with Gary and Heather, a couple deeply rooted in the TPM community, to talk about something most men avoid: emotional honesty. We're digging into what it really takes to build deep intimacy and trust in a relationship, not through grand gestures but through the simple, consistent act of showing up honestly.
Gary shares how owning his needs and communicating them without shame became a turning point in his relationship. Heather opens up about how emotional safety, something she didn't realize she even needed, has become the...
Navigating Comparisons in Marriage: Finding Connection and Growth
Episode #1071
If you've ever wondered whether your wife is comparing you to other men, coworkers, friends' husbands, or even her dad, you're not crazy. She probably is. And while it's uncomfortable to think about, it doesn't mean she's a bad partner. It usually means she's hurting, disconnected, or missing something that used to be there. In this episode, Doug and Erin break down exactly why these comparisons happen, what they actually mean, and how to shift the dynamic without playing the blame game.
Erin shares the raw truth about how women experience disconnection and why...
A Woman's Perspective: Bridging Disconnection in Marriage
Episode #1070
If your marriage feels more like a business arrangement than a real partnership, you're not imagining it and you're definitely not alone. In this episode, Doug sits down with his wife Erin to unpack what disconnection looks and feels like from a woman's perspective.
They get real about how so many couples slowly drift apart, even when everything looks fine on the outside. Erin shares what's happening under the surface when a woman pulls away, why she might seem cold, distant, or buried in her phone, and what she's actually craving instead.
...
Revisit: A Balanced Approach to Health: Fitness, Business, and Lifestyle
Episode #1069
In this revisit episode, Doug sits down with former gym owner and coach David Sherban to talk about what actually works when it comes to building a healthy lifestyle, especially for busy business owners and dads who've let fitness slide. This isn't about hacks or crash diets. It's about taking small, doable steps that actually stick.
David shares how to make health and fitness a part of your life without giving up the things you enjoy. They cover simple strategies for building momentum, getting out of pain, managing stress, and making food choices that...
Trust, Betrayal, and Rebuilding: Navigating Relationship Challenges
Episode #1068
If you've been cheated on or you're the one who broke the trust, this episode breaks down what to actually do next. Doug and Chris get real about what betrayal looks like inside a marriage, the shame that often comes with it, and how most men either shut down or avoid dealing with it head-on.
They talk through how to stop sweeping things under the rug, the exact first steps to take when trust has been broken, and why just moving on doesn't work. You'll hear about the Clean Slate Method, why taking ownership...
Avoiding the Divorce Trap: Insights and Strategies for Men
Episode #1067
Divorce doesn't usually come out of nowhere. Most guys just don't see the signs until it's too late. In this episode, Doug and Chris talk honestly about what really leads to divorce and why so many men are blindsided by it, especially after the holidays.
There's a reason January is known as "divorce season." While you're focused on work or coasting through the holidays, your wife may already be checking out or meeting with a lawyer. This conversation unpacks how good men end up in bad spots, and what to do now if your...
The Art of Being You: How Authenticity Leads to Success
Episode #1066
Ever feel like you're switching hats all day? One minute you're the leader at work, the next you're the dad, then the husband, then the problem-solver. And somewhere in all that, you start to lose track of who you really are.
In this episode, Doug and Chris talk about something most men never admit: how trying to show up differently in every area of life is draining you. Not just physically, but emotionally too. And the worst part? Most of us think we're doing it for the people we love.
This conversation...
Revisit: Breaking Patterns: Real Talk on Trauma and Personal Growth
Episode #1065
If you've ever felt like you're repeating the same arguments, blowing up or shutting down in your relationship, or avoiding the real conversations that need to happen, this episode will hit home.
Doug and Coach Chris talk honestly about how trauma from your past shapes how you show up today. Not in a therapy-session kind of way, but in the real-life stuff—how you react when you're triggered, how you protect yourself, and how easy it is to blame everything on your wife or your situation.
They share personal stories about the pa...
Revisit: Finding Light in the Darkness: Confronting Male Suicide
Episode #1064
In this powerful and deeply honest revisit, the men open up about a topic that often goes unspoken—suicide. This isn't theory. It's personal. They've been there. Some have stood on the edge. Some have lost people they love. And they're here to talk about what really goes on in those dark moments most men never share out loud.
They break down the real weight of shame, isolation, and the pressure to keep it all together. They share what helped them turn things around and why most guys don't reach out until it's almost to...
Revisit: 50 Shades of Integration: Harmonizing Masculine and Feminine Energies
Episode #1063
In this episode, we revisit a raw and honest conversation about what happens when masculine and feminine energies get out of sync in a relationship. This isn't about old-school gender roles. It's about energy, leadership, trust, and polarity — and what happens when those things go missing.
Doug and Coach Chris unpack why so many men are stuck trying to be the "nice guy" and how that often leaves their partner feeling more like a caretaker than a lover. They dive into what women actually want: leadership, decisiveness, and safety. Most men have stepped back fr...
Unmasking Authenticity: The Journey to Your True Self
Episode #1062
We're revisiting one of our most talked-about conversations — and it's still just as relevant today.
Most men think they're showing up as their real selves. But the truth? We all wear masks. Whether it's to protect ourselves, gain approval, or just keep the peace, those masks slowly become part of who we think we are.
In this episode, we get honest about why the masks go on in the first place, how they show up in everyday life, and what it really takes to start peeling them off. You'll hear stories from ou...
Trust, Safety, and Intimacy: A Man's Guide to Rekindling Love
Episode #1061Â
If your wife feels distant or emotionally checked out, you're not alone and it's not random. In this episode, Doug and Erin talk through why so many women pull back in relationships, especially when men start trying to improve themselves.
You'll learn what's really going on underneath the surface (hint: it's not about her not caring), and how broken trust and lack of emotional safety can make her retreat even when you're trying to do better.
Doug shares a story from a recent men's event where one powerful question helped a husband r...
The Power of Femininity: Connection and Trust in Relationships
Episode #1060
In this episode, Doug sits down with his wife Erin for a real, honest conversation about what happens when women feel like they have to carry everything and what shifts when they start softening back into their natural feminine energy. Erin opens up about her journey from being the "Angry Wife" to creating real connection, trust, and intimacy in their relationship.
They talk about the difference between leadership and control, why so many couples get stuck in power struggles, and what actually works to bring the spark back. If you're constantly walking on eggshells...
Revisit: Breaking Free from Validation: The Power of Self-Acceptance
Episode #1059
This revisit episode dives into a conversation that hits home for a lot of men. Doug and Master Coach Mark Smith break down the quiet trap of needing validation from women. Whether it's constantly checking in to see if your partner is happy, overthinking every interaction, or looking for approval at work, this pattern often runs in the background without being noticed.
They walk through where it comes from, why it shows up in relationships, and most importantly, how to break free from it. You'll hear about what it means to be grounded as...