ManTalks Podcast

I sit down with Josh Trent to explore how marriage, father wounds, and emotional epigenetics shape a man’s inner world. We talk honestly about porn, anger, healing the mother wound, and what it actually takes to build emotional safety with your partner.

Josh unpacks how breathwork, mentorship, and men’s work helped him transform survival patterns into real love and leadership. This episode is raw, personal, and directly speaks to men who are ready to stop repeating cycles and start leading with truth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Welcome and setup

00:31 Marriage as tran...

I dive into the single most important skill that many modern men have lost but that women deeply crave: containment. I discuss why mastering your own internal fire—your anger, impulses, and emotions—is the key to shifting from being perceived as a potential predator to a trusted protector. We explore how developing this capacity doesn't mean castrating your masculinity, but rather harnessing it to create a sense of safety that feels like "shade in the desert" for your partner.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Introduction

01:29 The #1 Skill Women Crave

02:32 Understanding the Predator-Prey Dynamic

I sit down with fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa for a blunt, science-driven conversation about what’s really happening to our reproductive health. We get into why fertility challenges are rising, how men contribute fifty percent of the equation, and the lifestyle choices that quietly sabotage conception.

I also explore the emotional and relational pressures couples face when trying to conceive, along with practical steps to improve fertility before pregnancy even begins. This is one of the most eye-opening fertility discussions I’ve had on the show.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Fertility As A Health Indi...

I break down how women can naturally inspire a man’s masculine energy without controlling, nagging, or pushing him. I share what actually shuts men down and what makes us come alive in relationships.

I also talk about playfulness, admiration, and the subtle shifts that completely change how a man shows up. If you want a more connected, confident, and balanced relationship, this conversation will help you get there.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Why Women Want to Understand Men

03:20 - Letting Go of Control

06:05 - The Nagging Trap

...

I dive deep with Alex Grendi into the realities of performance anxiety, premature ejaculation, and the pressure men carry in the bedroom. We unpack how self-worth, porn, and emotional tension affect arousal and sexual confidence. Alex breaks down the psychology behind performance issues and shares practical solutions men can start using immediately. This conversation is honest, raw, and a must listen for any man who wants a healthier relationship with sex.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Introduction

00:35 How self-worth affects sex

01:17 Emotional roots of performance issues

02:03 Porn and male conditioning

03:19...

I break down what emotional intelligence truly means for men and why so many of us get it wrong. I talk about the four traps that keep men disconnected from their emotional life and how these patterns sabotage leadership, relationships, and self-trust.

I also share a simple 3A framework you can use to build real emotional mastery without losing your edge. If you’re a man who wants to lead with clarity, presence, and strength, this one’s for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Why Men Struggle With Emotional Intelligence

01:07 - Emotions as D...

I sit down with Dr. Orion Taraban to break down what’s really happening in the modern dating and relationship landscape. We get into why dynamics between men and women have shifted, how power works in relationships, and what actually drives attraction today. Orion and I challenge a lot of popular narratives and get honest about what men need to focus on to succeed relationally. This one pulls no punches.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Modern dating is deteriorating

04:50 Tech, AI, and dehumanized dating

10:30 Double standards in attraction

15:45 How the marketplace really wo...

I unpack the subtle and often misunderstood behavior known as avoidant gaslighting. I explore why avoidant partners distort truth, not always to manipulate, but to protect themselves, and how these patterns create distance and erode trust. You’ll learn how to recognize this behavior, respond without escalating, and set boundaries that foster accountability and connection.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - What is avoidant gaslighting?

02:50 - Truth distortion and misremembering

05:26 - “The Turn” and shifting blame

07:39 - Why avoidants retreat from closeness

10:04 - How to name and address the behavior

1...

I sit down with my guest to explore the pain that shaped his relationships, especially the deep wound left by his father. Together, we uncover how childhood neglect and emotional distance can carry into adulthood, shaping how men love, trust, and show up. You’ll hear the raw, unfiltered process of reconnection, forgiveness, and reclaiming the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden for too long.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - The struggle to connect in relationships

03:00 - Unpacking the father wound

06:00 - Facing hidden grief and sadness

10:00 - Speaking truth to his...

I break down one of the biggest imbalances destroying modern relationships — the lack of reciprocity in expectations between men and women. I talk about how men are often taught to meet every expectation a woman has, but rarely to define their own standards. I’ll share how this dynamic leads to resentment, imbalance, and frustration, and what men can do to restore integrity, respect, and balance in their relationships.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – The core imbalance in modern relationships

00:57 – What women are taught vs. what men are taught

02:44 – The cost of overgiving and having no...

I sit down with Glen Henry, creator of Belief in Fatherhood and author of Father Yourself First, to talk about the real work of becoming a better man and father. We dive into the challenges modern dads face—balancing ambition, healing our own wounds, and showing up with patience and presence.

Glen shares raw insights on building relational equity, repairing trust, and learning to father yourself before fathering others. This one’s a heartfelt and honest look at fatherhood that every man needs to hear.

Buy Glen's book here:

https://a.co/d/3EP2Y...

I dive into how to desexualize your brain and regain control of your impulses in just 30 days. I break down the neuroscience of cravings, why willpower alone doesn’t work, and how to rewire your brain to stop falling into old patterns. I also share a practical five-step plan that you can follow to take back control of your urges and direct your energy where it matters most. This isn’t about shame—it’s about building trust, self-respect, and leadership within yourself.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Why impulse control matters

01:47 – You’re not weak, just condition...

I sit down with John Lee to unpack the critical difference between anger and rage. John shares his decades of experience helping men and women understand how rage can destroy connection, while healthy anger can build intimacy and trust.

We explore the generational cycles of rage, how it gets passed down to children, and what it takes to break free. If you’ve ever struggled with anger or felt trapped in rage, this conversation will hit home.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:10 – Welcome back, John Lee

00:37 – Anger vs Rage

02:11 – Why Rage Never Re...

I explore what it truly means to build self-worth as a man in a world that often tells us we’re not enough. Drawing from Nietzsche’s philosophy, I unpack how struggle, suffering, and the act of becoming shape our sense of value. This isn’t about chasing external validation or perfection - it’s about forging yourself into someone you respect. Join me as I share personal insights, lessons from fatherhood, and why facing life’s fire might be the path to authentic self-worth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - The age of hollow men

01:19 - Nietzsch...

I sit down with Monica Yates for a raw and honest conversation about modern relationships, polarity, and the evolving dynamics between men and women. We dive into why true intimacy isn’t about splitting everything 50/50, why safety matters more than equality in relationships, and how both men and women can better understand their roles without falling into resentment.

This one will challenge assumptions, spark debate, and hopefully leave you with some clarity about love, respect, and partnership.

A Man's Guide to Period Phases:

https://monicayateshealth.com/products/a-mans-guide-to-period-phases

Free resource from Mo...

I take you on a deep dive into the Father Wound through a Jungian lens. I explore how your relationship with your father shapes your identity, sense of worth, and connection to the masculine. You’ll learn how this wound shows up in perfectionism, rebellion, or emotional distance—and discover five practical steps to begin healing and “fathering yourself.” This conversation is about reclaiming inner authority, developing discipline, and embodying a mature, grounded masculinity.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:01 - Introduction & Overview

02:16 - Defining the Father Wound

07:07 - The Father Archetype & Order

10:06 - How th...

I sit down once again with Stephen Jenkinson to explore his latest work on matrimony, ritual, and the mothering of culture. We talk about how weddings have lost much of their meaning, what it means to return to vows with real weight, and how ritual can nourish not just a couple but an entire community.

Stephen shares how he reconstructs ceremony from broken shards of tradition and why it matters now more than ever.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Introduction

01:19 - Matrimony vs. Marriage

06:10 - The Mothering of Culture

13:32...

I break down what complex trauma really is - and how it quietly shapes the way many men think, love, and connect. I share the difference between acute trauma and complex trauma, how it’s formed in childhood through neglect or inconsistency, and how these early wounds show up in adult relationships. Most importantly, I give you real, actionable tools to begin healing and reconnecting with your sense of safety and self-worth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - The hidden struggle many men face

02:23 - What complex trauma really means

07:03 - How complex trauma is...

I dive deep into what really happens to men in a sexless marriage — emotionally, psychologically, and biologically. I break down why rejection cuts so deeply, how it impacts a man’s confidence and identity, and what couples can do to rebuild trust, safety, and intimacy.

Whether you’re in a relationship that’s lost its spark or trying to understand your partner better, this conversation offers a roadmap back to connection.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Why a sexless marriage hurts men

02:53 – Rejection and the male nervous system

05:25 – Hormonal and emotional fallout

10:32 – W...

I explore the real roots of self-worth and why so many of us struggle with it despite doing “all the right things.” I share how childhood experiences shape attachment and how that impacts our ability to value ourselves as adults. I also break down the crucial practices that build self-worth — from expressing needs and boundaries to taking healthy risks.

Finally, I open up about my own journey of failing my way to success and how you can begin your own process of healing.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – What really damages self-worth

02:29 – Attachment and early...

I dive into the three “dark traits” that every great leader throughout history has had to master. From unpredictability to high stress tolerance to a lack of empathy, these qualities can make or break your leadership in relationships, business, and self-mastery. I unpack how to wield them without being consumed by them, drawing from history, psychology, and personal experience.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Why great leaders need dark traits

02:05 – Trait #1: Unpredictability

10:20 – Trait #2: High Stress Tolerance

18:15 – Trait #3: Lack of Empathy

27:48 – Integrating the dark traits

29:08 – Carl Jung on wrestling with the shadow<...

I dive into the anxious attachment trap and why it keeps sabotaging relationships. I share the hidden beliefs and behaviors that fuel insecurity, and I break down practical strategies to move toward secure attachment.

You’ll learn how to interrupt the cycle, communicate clearly, and start building safety and stability in your relationships.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Understanding anxious attachment

02:44 - Why it’s not your fault

03:57 - Common red flags and behaviors

05:54 - Pre-breakup anxiety explained

07:04 - Why you attract avoidant partners

10:16 - Brea...

I explore the rise of misanthropy and why so many people seem to be losing faith in humanity. I unpack how social media, economics, and cultural conflicts fuel this growing sense of distrust and despair. I also share why I believe practicing a radical faith in humanity is not only possible but necessary. Join me as I challenge the narratives of fear and invite you to see a different way forward.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction: What is misanthropy?

00:58 – Social media and amplified othering

03:38 – Economics and generational insecurity

04:47 – Gender conflict and family s...

I dive into Carl Jung’s concept of the Puer Aeternus—the eternal child, or what we might call the “man-child.” I explore how this archetype shows up in our lives through procrastination, fantasy, and avoidance of responsibility. I share myths like Icarus and Peter Pan, the shadow side of this archetype, and practical steps to move from the eternal boy to the integrated man.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:01 – The Puer Aeternus: Eternal Child

02:42 – Fixation on Youth vs. Responsibility

04:12 – The Provisional Life

07:01 – Myth of Icarus

08:12 – Peter Pan and Neverland

10:33 – The S...

I sit down with Sandy to explore how childhood experiences and family dynamics shaped the way he shows up in his marriage and new role as a father. We dive into themes of complex trauma, feeling alone, and learning how to connect in the moment rather than after the fact. Together, we work through practical exercises on presence, nervous system awareness, and building safety in relationships. This is a raw, vulnerable dialogue about healing, fatherhood, and not carrying old patterns into the future.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction

00:37 – Childhood patterns and family role

04:07 – Strugg...

Today, I discuss the common belief that men are intimidated by successful women. We explore where this narrative comes from, why it persists, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Instead of intimidation, attraction often breaks down when certain traits and behaviors enter the relationship dynamic. Tune in for an honest look at success, gender roles, and what makes relationships thrive or fail.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Are men really intimidated by women?

01:04 – The origins of this narrative

01:58 – Success vs. attraction in relationships

03:52 – Clarifying the message about women’s accomplishme...

I dive into the archetype of the Trickster—the part of us that thrives on chaos, sabotage, and disruption, yet also carries the medicine of transformation.

I explore how the Trickster shows up in mythology, film, and our daily lives, and why learning to embrace him can free us from stagnancy. You’ll discover how to build a relationship with this shadow energy and use it as a source of creativity, humor, and growth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:01 – Introduction to the Trickster Archetype

02:38 – The Joker as Chaos Embodied

03:47 – Loki, Hermes, and Bugs Bunny...

I break down why quitting weed is so damn hard and the science behind it. From brain rewiring and withdrawal to the skyrocketing potency of today’s cannabis, I explain the real reasons people struggle. I also share a proven step-by-step strategy to help you prepare, manage cravings, and quit for good. If you’ve tried before and slipped back, this roadmap is for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Why quitting weed is hard

01:09 – Reason #1: Brain rewiring

05:02 – Reason #2: Withdrawal is real

06:58 – Reason #3: Potency of modern weed

10:25 – Reason #4: New side effects

...

Connor sits down with storyteller Jameson Olsen to dive into the myth of Hercules and uncover its relevance for modern men. From the legendary labors to the tragedy that shaped his journey, Jameson unpacks how these ancient myths reflect the struggles of responsibility, temptation, betrayal, and redemption men face today.

They explore the crossroads between vice and virtue, the weight of personal choices, and the timeless lessons hidden in myth. This conversation challenges men to confront their own trials, learn from archetypal stories, and find meaning in bearing the burden of life’s hardships.

SHOW HI...

I dive into why many men feel invisible to women in the dating world and relationships, exploring the concept of sexual marketplace value. I break down the reasons behind this invisibility and share practical steps to stand out, from auditing your personal presentation to building a strong social network. Join me as I discuss how focusing on self-improvement naturally boosts your attractiveness and visibility to women.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Introduction to Male Invisibility

00:52 - Understanding Sexual Marketplace Value

03:11 - Why Most Men Are Invisible

04:43 - The Choice Paradox in...

Listen to this episode for a raw and powerful conversation about loss, grief, and reclaiming self-trust. Together, we explore how childhood wounds shaped his sense of worth and authority, and what it means to step into becoming the true authority of your own life.

This is a deeply moving dialogue about forgiveness, healing, and learning to finally trust yourself.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Welcome and introduction

00:49 Confronting grief and loss

07:10 Childhood trauma and its impact

14:30 Speaking to his mother

22:50 Reclaiming voice and feelings

29:10 Inner...

I explore the character of Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings as a model of virtuous masculinity. I break down how he embodies the protector, the healer, and the humble king, and what that means for us as men today. Aragorn shows us how strength and gentleness, ambition and humility, can coexist—and why the world needs more of that balance right now.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction

00:27 – The hands of the king

03:13 – The protector king

06:22 – The humility of power

08:24 – Strength with purpose

11:11 – Brotherhood and bonds

13:39 – M...

I sit down with Roger for a powerful conversation about intimacy, leadership, and the courage it takes to be fully honest in a relationship. We explore how childhood wounds can carry into adult partnerships, and the work it takes to break free from old cycles of shame and avoidance. Roger opens up with deep vulnerability, and together we unpack what it means to step into responsibility and create real connection.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Opening & Welcome

00:52 – Roger’s Relationship Struggles

04:08 – Intimacy & Connection Challenges

07:56 – The Cycle of Avoidance

13:29 – Childhood Roots with Mom

I dive into how your shadow self might be quietly sabotaging your love life — and what you can do about it. Drawing from Jungian philosophy, I explore why we’re drawn to partners who embody the very traits we’ve disowned in ourselves. I share practical ways to spot your shadow at work in your relationship and how to begin integrating it for deeper connection and intimacy.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Welcome & Jung’s insight on fate

00:50 Your shadow’s hidden intelligence

02:37 What is the shadow?

04:20 How to know when your shadow is...

I sit down with Anthony Rispo to dive deep into social cognition, human behavior, and the cultural shifts affecting men and women today. We explore how disagreements can fracture relationships, the erosion of nuance in public discourse, and the role social media plays in polarizing people.

Anthony also shares his insights on gender dynamics, the state of therapy for men, and the growing narrative around being “better off alone.” This is a thought-provoking conversation that isn’t afraid to push into complex and sometimes controversial territory.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Anthony’s background and journey into psych...

I dive deep into the silent treatment often used by avoidant partners—and what it really means. I share why this behavior isn't always intentional, how it impacts you emotionally, and what practical steps you can take to respond in a grounded, respectful way.

As someone who used to be avoidant myself, I get the struggle from both sides. If you’re trying to navigate this dynamic in a relationship, this episode will give you clarity and tools to build healthier communication.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Understanding the Silent Treatment

01:28 Why Avoidants Pull Away...

I dive into the modern traps that disconnect men from their masculine core, like the "nice guy" culture and procrastination, which drain your inner fire. I share practical steps to rebuild momentum through small, daily habits, helping you reclaim your strength and direction without relying on motivation.

Join me as I explore how to balance empathy with assertiveness and take action toward your goals.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(00:00) - Introduction: Feeling Disconnected

(01:04) - The Nice Guy Trap

(02:46) - Conflict Avoidance and Inner Fire

(03:46) - The Procrastination Paradox

(06:41...

Talking points: relationships

So many men fall into a very specific (and usually confusing) trap. They're asked to "be more vulnerable", they go way too far with it, and it ends up pushing the partner into the mother/caregiver/therapist role way too often.

I've talked about this before, but let's go deeper. Here's how to interpret what's actually being asked of you.

(00:00:00) - What a woman does NOT mean, and one of the paradoxes of dating

(00:07:48) - What does she want, really?

(00:09:01) - What can’t be...

Talking points: masculinity, culture

Much like open pit mining, our culture has ravaged certain aspects of maturity and masculinity—and it's getting harder to remember what used to be the core components. Here are the most important principles I think most of us have forgotten to implement in our lives.

I'd also love to get your thoughts on this. DM me on Instagram or if you're listening to this on Spotify, drop a comment!

(00:00:00) - Learn to love and embrace the unknown

(00:04:45) - Embrace discomfort

(00:08:10) - Take re...

I was asked recently what I'd say to men who've been thinking about giving up. Who are at the end of their rope. Not an easy topic, and I don't have a magic bullet or tactical steps for you this time.

But I do have a gentle reminder.

(00:00:00) - Intro, and choice

(00:07:42) - On suffering and gauging what you can truly change

(00:15:31) - The risk of convincing

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