Podcasts about Iron John

Just in time for the weekend, a conversation from the vault (actually recorded 2 years ago, but freshly published now).My guest today is Jayson Gaddis, founder of The Relationship School, which he co-teaches with his wife. He is the author of “Getting to Zero: How to Work Through Conflict in Your High-Stakes Relationships” and has trained over two hundred coaches across eleven countries.I'd been aware of Jayson for a few years, though what drew to me reach out was discovering a paper he wrote back in 2005 called The Deep Masculine, while researching my own program by the same name, and realized we had been walking parallel trails for a long time.His path took him through the college fraternity system, where hazing and sexual conquest offered a distorted version of the belonging every young man actually needs. He took on an advocacy role that led him through seventy-five college campuses in thirty-five states, until disillusionment called him into the wilderness. He took young men on seven-day backpacking trips to see what might happen if initiation was replaced by solitude and sweat instead of alcohol and shame.The trail finally bent toward relationship, after a breakup in a Whole Foods parking lot at age twenty-nine made him ask a terrifying question: maybe I'm the problem.In our conversation today, we explore his perspective on ‘the deep masculine' and what it actually takes for a man to stop defending, start feeling, and learn the single most important relationship skill there is: repair.Jayson reminds us that most men don't come to this work through inspiration. They come through pain. And the path back to connection runs through the body, the present moment, and the art of intimacy.LINKS: * Jayson Gaddis' Relationship School* Getting to Zero - book Would love to hear your comments on this conversation. Post your thoughts below. Heads up, if you are a man seeking to explore the mythopoetic path, you are invited to join The Deep Masculine - my 3 month online quest to repattern your relationship to sex, soul and purpose. Developed with my colleague Deus Fortier, it draws from embodied somatics and the mythopoetic lineage. Robert Bly's Iron John. The archetypal map of King, Warrior, Magician and a special emphasis on the Lover.We work with four pillars. Mythopoetic maps. Somatic skills. Ritual rhythm. And brotherhood. Ongoing connection with men around the world who are walking the same terrain.If you're not quite ready for the deep dive, check out The Archetypal Compass. This mini-guide is designed to help you navigate the internal archetypes of the soul, providing a map for those ready to move beyond personal inquiry and toward a more conscious stewardship of their lives and the world.SHOW NOTES0:07 — Fraternity Culture: Ian asks Jayson to unpack what the system promised, delivered, and took from the young men inside it.0:09 — Broken Initiation: Jayson on hazing as a distorted rite of passage, where alcohol and peer pressure replace traditional thresholds into adulthood.0:12 — Sex and the Mask: The conquest culture inside fraternities, where bravado hides the private shame of sensitive, lost young men.0:16 — Wilderness Initiation: Jayson proposes seven-day backpacking trips for fraternity men, and the breakthroughs that came from solitude and physical exertion.0:18 — The Parking Lot Epiphany: At age twenty-nine, breaking up with a woman at Whole Foods, Jayson faces the possibility that he is the problem.0:27 — The Deathbed Offering: Ian shares the night his grandfather was dying, when he told his own father he was glad to be his son, and what melted in the aftermath.0:29 — Father Repair: Jayson describes doing similar work with his dad, accepting that the man did the best with the values he had.0:32 — Learning to Feel: Jayson recalls six months of therapy where the only words he could find were I don't know, then numb, then anger, and eventually something more nuanced.0:36 — The Defensive Man: On the wound of not getting it right, the shame underneath, and how to approach it as a team rather than a battlefield.0:38 — It's Not About That: Ian tells the story of watching another couple at a festival fall into the blame-defend loop, and whispering to a friend that the argument was not really about the surface conflict.0:39 — The Repair Template: Jayson offers a simple practice of owning what you did and imagining its impact on your partner, and why repair is the most important relationship skill.0:46 — Present, Body, Heart: Jayson revisits his three invitations from the 2005 paper and translates them into practical entry points for men who are scared to feel. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Can you feel it? Already the summer heat is ebbing. Walking the trail near my house, I see the first leaves curling at the edges, turning toward brown and gold. I am not ready for the season to change, and yet I know it must.With the shift toward autumn comes the next invitation for the Deep Masculine, my three-month online quest.This invitation is for the men who have been listening. Absorbing. Contemplating. I know you are there...Perhaps you've listened to a few episodes or many. You have felt the spark when the conversation lands. You have recognized a calling towards this mythic terrain and a longing for who you might become.Then you close the laptop or finish the episode, and go back to the life that is not quite “wrong” enough to force you out of it.I know the feeling. I have been that man. I harvested wisdom to feel like I was changing…without risking anything.But the core patterns of stuckness remained.I think deep down, most men want the same thing: richer relationships, meaningful work, and a deeper sense of being alive.But here's the truth: real change takes work. It takes commitment. And it takes the willingness to give up the part of you that keeps you stuck.It's understandable to feel that it hasn't been the right time yet.You've needed more money. More clarity. More space.That you will begin the work when the kids are older or the job is less stressful. This is the same lie that has kept good men in comfortable paralysis for their entire lives.You already know enough. Another conversation or instagram reel or well-written book will not free you.The question is whether you will let your ache turn into action.So here is the invitation:The Deep Masculine is my 3 month online quest to repattern your relationship to sex, soul and purpose. Developed with my colleague Deus Fortier, it draws from embodied somatics and the mythopoetic lineage. Robert Bly's Iron John. The archetypal map of King, Warrior, Magician and a special emphasis on the Lover.We work with four pillars. Mythopoetic maps. Somatic skills. Ritual rhythm. And brotherhood. Ongoing connection with men around the world who are walking the same terrain.We track the Wild Man, with the hard distinction that Bly himself made. Wild is not savage. The wild man is deeply attuned to the natural order, moving with his own sense of rightness. This in stark contrast to the ‘savage man' - one who is disconnected from that order. He is dangerous. The world has seen enough savagery dressed up as masculinity. We are after something far older and more disciplined than that.We also center the Lover, because most men's work chases the King and the Warrior while neglecting the one archetype that keeps all the others humane. In the words of Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette, the Lover keeps the other masculine energies loving and related. Without him, men default to numbness or anger. We are doing the work of resensitizing, of coming back into right relationship with the living world.And we go into the shadow, the parts of you that were punished into exile did not die. They just found distorted ways to express themselves. Integration is how you reclaim that vitality and wield it consciously rather than letting it leak out in addiction, manipulation, or self-sabotage.This is the end of our third year running the Deep Masculine, gathering men from all over the world, including Australia, the UK, and across North America.Ultimately, what we've found is the deepest wound is disconnection. The medicine is walking the path with other men.And so, the next Fellowship is gathering.We begin the week of September 21st.Book your intake call on the calendar before September 1st, and get a 30% early-bird discount on the investment. (The call itself can happen after the 1st. What matters is that you reserved your spot before the deadline). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

"Living the life of yes and — it's worked out really well for me. It makes people give other people palpitations because it's so unsteady. But with great highs come sometimes great lows, and it helps you respect every bit of it." — Paul Pape   Paul Pape is one of those guys who is genuinely hard to categorize — and that's exactly the point. He's a custom fabricator, a creative entrepreneur, a business consultant, and the founder of Gamify Business. Over 20-plus years, he's made over 3,000 custom pieces for clients ranging from private individuals to multibillion-dollar companies, including animatronic horses for The Tonight Show, a Han Solo carbonite casting for Kevin Smith that came with some unusual modifications, and a fully functional bomb that was supposed to be a ring box.   His core operating philosophy is borrowed from improv theater: yes, and. You never say no. You say yes, and you figure it out. It's a principle that has made him a lot of money, made him impossible to replace, and given him a life doing exactly what he loves — on his own terms, at his own pace.   Nicky and Paul dig into what that philosophy actually requires: the willingness to keep learning, to treat failure as a step rather than a stop, and to refuse the comfortable lie that creativity has no commercial value. They also go deep on the disappearing culture of trades and hands-on mastery — why fewer men are choosing it, what that costs all of us, and why the men willing to get dirty right now are sitting on a wide-open opportunity.   This is a conversation about craft, ownership, and what it means to build a life with your hands and your mind on your own terms.   Learn more & connect: Paul Pape and Gamify Business: https://www.gamifybusiness.com   Resources mentioned: Gamify Business: https://www.gamifybusiness.com The Sovereign Man Movement: https://www.sovereignman.ca Sovereign Circle: https://www.sovereignman.ca/sovereign-circle Battle Ready Program: https://www.sovereignman.ca/store/p/battle-ready-program Robert Bly, Iron John: https://www.amazon.com/Iron-John-Book-About-Men/dp/0306824264   You're invited to come to a Sovereign Circle meeting to experience it for yourself. To learn more, go to https://www.sovereignman.ca/. While you're there, check out the Battle Ready program and check out the store for Sovereign Man t-shirts, hats, and books.

Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations). What are men really longing for?In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Boysen sits down with filmmaker, mythosomatic guide, and founder of The Mythic Masculine, Ian MacKenzie, to explore the deeper story underneath modern masculinity.Together, they unpack the roots of mythopoetic men's work, the cultural loss of village, the rise of the manosphere, and why so many men are searching for belonging, purpose, and deeper initiation.Ian shares his own journey into men's work through Iron John, the ManKind Project, and years spent studying myth, ritual, animism, and cultural regeneration with influential teachers like Stephen Jenkinson, Martin Shaw, and Michael Meade.This episode explores:Why masculinity may be better understood as a strategy rather than a certaintyThe difference between mythopoetic men's work and the manosphereWhat happens when men grow up without village, mentorship, and rites of passageWhy grief, ritual, and brotherhood matter for modern menThe role of myth in helping men reclaim meaning and purposeEmerging conversations around masculinity, identity, and cultural evolutionWhy healthy masculinity may depend on learning how to belong againThis conversation is thoughtful, challenging, and deeply hopeful.Whether you're new to men's work or have been walking this path for years, Ian offers a compelling vision for how men might reconnect with themselves, each other, and the world.Learn about the Cascadia Men's Conference: August 6 - 9 | Squamish Valley, Canada https://www.cascadiamensconference.com/Learn about the Deep Masculine JourneyEnrollment closes midnight Monday, May 18.The Journey Starts: Tuesday, May 19, 2026MKP men get 10% off the Guided or Self-Directed Paths. Next steps:Explore The Deep Masculine JourneyBook your intake callSome of the Authors & People we mentioned today: Bayo Akomolafe - https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/Stephen Jenkinson - https://orphanwisdom.com/about-stephen-jenkinson/Sophie Strand - https://sophiestrand.com/Riane Eisler - https://rianeeisler.com/ BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.#Sponsorship #AdSupport the show

Melanie Reinhart joins me once more to speak into and from the 12th house of the wheel of houses. The episode itself is a wonderful example of how that which we talk about can sometimes be 'conjured up' by our speech. This is something that Gregory Bateson called a 'metalogue' - a word introduced to me by Melanie many moons ago. Our metalogue was a disruption from the gods of technology who seemed to think that some of what we shared was best kept in silence. And so we were kicked off the call at a particularly poignant moment in this one. None-the-less, the essence of the house was thoroughly explored. And we share with you whatever the deities allow us to reveal. This completes our 'series within a series' on the water houses - those elusive and hard to grasp places of reality. I'm forever grateful to Melanie for her generosity of spirit in sharing her depth of wisdom with us on the podcast. The image for the podcast cover is from Patron of the show, Lucy Dodd. It's a piece she calls "Sun Moon and Mermaid" made with, in her words, 'Iron oxide and Copper ink, blue spirulina, cochineal and some other stuff.' She completed it just as our Iron John episodes were released. REFERENCESAuthors & ThinkersGregory Bateson → Concept of metalogue → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_BatesonCarl Jung → Concept of the numinous → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuminousDane Rudhyar → The Astrological Houses: The Spectrum of Individual Experience (also published as New Mansions for New Men)David Abram → Cultural perception / reality frameworks → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_AbramC. A. Meier → Ancient Incubation and Modern Psychotherapy (republished as Healing Dream and Ritual)Brian Clark → Rewilding the psyche (concept referenced)Mythological Sources & FiguresHyginus → Fabulae (mythographical fragments)Dionysus → Greek god of ecstasy, twice-born myth → https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Dionysos.htmlAsclepius → Greek god of healing and incubation temples → https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Asklepios.htmlAriadne → Associated with Dionysus, labyrinth, and Corona BorealisRiver Lethe & Mnemosyne → Rivers of forgetfulness and memory in the underworldChiron & Chariklo → Centaur healer and his consort (associated with weaving/spinning)Join the Newsletter!Podcast Musician: Marlia CoeurPlease consider becoming a Patron to support the show!Go to OnTheSoulsTerms.com for more.

Part Two of our wanderings with Iron John/Hans. The episode begins with the moss bed made for the boy in the forest. Ryan shares soulful reflections on moss itself; known as a 'boundary layer' that draws moisture not from the ground up but from the air down. Moss forms little cups to gather water from the electricity in the air, which must be one of the most Aquarian/11th House symbols I've ever heard. We re-enter the story where we left off in part one; the boy is learning to listen in to his inner most knowing. In speaking for the scent of the wild flowers he shows us that his time asleep on the moss transformed his sense of reality. He is becoming ready to work with the gold/wound split in his consciousness.In the second half of the story we encounter much Chironic imagery. A three-legged 'hobblety jig' horse speaks to our current moment as Chiron moves through the last phase of Aries and Saturn/Neptune through the first. What does this story tell us about Aries energy, wounded kings, lost wildness and the world's deep thirst?It's a longer episode than most, but once you listen in you'll see why. To get the most nourishment from this story we needed to move more with Kairos time than Kronos. The result, however, is a very nourishing alchemical brew. So grateful to Ryan's wife, Holly Parson Nielsen, for the artwork for the episode. It conjures the movement of the story so well from the well to the moss to the gold. Thank you Holly. If you'd like to know more about Ryan's work, or perhaps book a session with him to explore his approach to astrology, mythology and the dreaming body, go to yourveryownmyth.com.Join the Newsletter! Podcast Musician: Marlia CoeurPlease consider becoming a Patron to support the show!Go to OnTheSoulsTerms.com for more.

Azriél Patricia. Azriél is a New York–based actress, singer, writer, and founder, and a self-reclaimed Nepo Baby. A graduate of NYU Tisch, she has appeared on Younger, High Maintenance, and Crashing, and held a recurring role on Katy Keene as one-third of Josie and the Pussycats. On stage, her work includes Notes From the Field (A.R.T., Second Stage, and the Notes from the Field adaptation), plus workshops/readings including Hell's Kitchen at The Public Theater, Iron John, and The Angelmakers. Beyond stage and screen, Azriél has built a thriving social media community for her sharp, cheeky take on Nepo Babies, creating content rooted in self-discovery and radical authenticity. She's the creator of an original series loosely based on her life, titled (No) Sex and the City, and the founder of SEELAH™, an artist-first visual media platform and cultural institution.   https://www.instagram.com/azrielpatricia/ https://www.instagram.com/seelahsanctuary/ https://linktr.ee/Azrielpatricia?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn_6hUkw4PORN5QR7rRMBKh-DvM8VN42qOoT1g_WhHyJZ9XOw9_OwQUwYs6Qw_aem_q4LLWRxuZuRASuZcnVrqzQ  

Ryan Nielsen joins the podcast again (see episode 104 for our circuitous meanderings on Allerleirauh) to explore the Grimm tale of Iron John (or Iron Hans) whilst reflecting about the cusp between the known and unknown worlds (the 11th and 12th house cusp). Iron John is a story that was made famous by the poet Robert Bly in the 1990s. It became the central story that he worked with in his book by the same name. Robert uses the story to illustrate the many trials and tribulations in the process of becoming a man in the modern world. Ryan and I pick the story up not from the hands of Bly but from the creative commons of the story itself. We let the images lead us. The story comes alive in a new way in this conversation as we riff and bounce and feel and atune to it with the backdrop of the 11th and 12th house to guide us. If you'd like to connect with Ryan he has just launched his new website: yourveryownmyth.com.Join us on Patreon to discuss the episode! You can join in for free or pledge some appreciation. Join the Newsletter! Podcast Musician: Marlia CoeurPlease consider becoming a Patron to support the show!Go to OnTheSoulsTerms.com for more.

I'm pleased to share this #mini episode with Maria Souza, a Comparative Mythologist, Poet, and Educator, and founder of Women & Mythology. As we name in the conversation, we've known about each other for some time and appreciated each others' work from afar. Just as Robert Bly's ‘Iron John' is the book that ignited the mythopoetic men's movement, so too, does Clarissa Pinkola Estés's book ‘Women Who Run With The Wolves' occupy that position for women.Maria shares how her journey with myth began has evolved into her podcast, along with courses that bring mythopoetic depth into the lived experience of women today. We touch on iconic stories like La Loba, Seal Skin/Soul Skin, and La Llorona—each a mirror of feminine initiation, creativity, and soul recovery. In this tradition, myth isn't escape - it's a way of waking up, a path to gather the scattered bones of the psyche (and culture) and sing them back to life. LINKS* Women & Mythology Website* Women & Mythology on InstagramTo receive new posts and support The Mythic Masculine, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.SHOW NOTES* 0:00 — Ian welcomes Maria and introduces a dialogue on Women Who Run With the Wolves as a counterpart to Iron John in the mythopoetic tradition.* 1:17 — Maria recalls her studies with Martin Shaw and her search for stories that speak directly to women's initiatory paths.* 2:41 — Early book study circles evolved into her first myth-based teaching course.* 4:46 — Contextualizing Clarissa Pinkola Estés' book: a 30-year creation published in 1990, still resonant due to its timeless archetypal themes.* 7:13 — The book quickly became a global bestseller, sparking women's groups and soulful discussion circles.* 10:01 — Myth gives women a language to “wake up” to their inner and outer experiences, offering deep recognition and practical insight.* 11:49 — Stories like Seal Skin/Soul Skin, Baba Yaga, and La Llorona reveal key initiations around creativity, intuition, and integration.* 21:15 — Ian reflects on the power of La Loba's “singing over the bones” as a metaphor for enlivening the psyche.* 29:48 — Maria describes her “Year of Myths” immersion—one myth a month as a practice of ongoing maturation.* 34:36 — She shares her next creative focus: introducing Brazilian myths and under-told folktales to her community. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Jonathan Stensland, a poet and long-time collaborator and friend of Robert Bly.This conversation was recorded in 2024 at the 40th anniversary of the Minnesota Men's Conference. Speaking from the banks of the Saint Croix River, Jonathan offers a unique insider's perspective on four decades of men's work.In his early 20s, Jonathan was involved with Bly as he worked on his seminal book ‘Iron John', through typing-up handwritten pages, revisions, and countless conversations- a process he describes as practically like quilt making. His relationship was deeper than professional collaboration, as akin to a godson to Bly and his wife Ruth.In our conversation today, we explore the origins and evolution of the mythopoetic men's movement, from its roots in Robert Bly's poetry about fathers and grief. We delve into the power of men gathering around the goodness that exists in the marrow of masculinity. He speaks to the movement's influence on broader culture, and the morphogenetic field that made new ways of being available to men everywhere.We ask: What does it mean for a 40-year tradition to cross from the wilderness into culture? How can we broaden the spaces where men can do the necessary soul work of maturation? And what mythic stories might guide the next chapter of this work?You're invited to join the 41st Fall Conference Oct 7-12, 2025 “Men Who Stand Atop the Old Mound of Miracles”Catch the companion conversations to this episode: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

In this week's show Lian is joined by Stephanie MacKay. Stephanie is a mythologist, wilderness guide, and cultural craftswoman devoted to the long, slow work of remembering how to belong—to land, to lineage, to story, and to each other. As founder and director of Fianna Wilderness School, she has spent the past 15+ years guiding rites of passage, seasonal myth circles, and nature-based mentorship rooted in the wilds. Stephanie's work braids together her Celtic ancestry, years of deep study with Martín Prechtel and the Animas Valley Institute, and a fierce love of story as medicine. She is dedicated to uncovering the vestiges of intact cultural origins within the body of ancient European stories. Drawing from the wellspring of these old mythologies, she seeks to uncover the hidden pathways that lead us to our cultural origins—reviving traditions long forgotten and reawakening the deep cultural wisdom carried in our bones. Whether she's guiding wilderness quests, tending seasonal myth circles, or walking the long road of cultural regeneration, Stephanie's devotion is to the deep remembering of who we are and how we belong—through mythic threads that call us back into sacred relationship with the world. In this episode, Lian and Stephanie explore the deep, woven threads that bind our personal myths to the land beneath our feet. Together, they journey through the ways in which stories live within us… ancient seeds waiting for the right conditions to sprout. Stephanie reflects on how her own path led her from disconnection back into a living relationship with land and story, and how myth can offer us both memory and medicine. They explore the longing many of us feel to recover our cultural roots, and how stories act as carriers of ancestral wisdom across time and place. From childhood connections to the land, to the rediscovery of myth as a portal into belonging, they speak of how both land and story hold the potential to restore us to ourselves. Along the way, Lian and Stephanie reflect on myths such as Cinderella and Iron John… tales often dismissed yet still holding profound keys for our times. At the heart of this conversation is a reverence for the slow, relational work of remembering: tending to the land beneath us, listening for the stories that call us home, and understanding that these are not separate acts… but parts of the same ancient dance between earth and soul. We'd love to know what YOU think about this week's show. Let's carry on the conversation… please leave a comment wherever you are listening or in any of our other spaces to engage. What you'll learn from this episode: How reconnecting with the origins of our surroundings… even something as simple as a table or a weaving… can begin to restore our relationship with land and story. Why stories carry ancestral memory and wisdom, offering us a way back to belonging even when our cultural roots feel severed. How working with myth both psychologically and spiritually invites us into deeper relationship… with ourselves, with the land, and with the unseen. Resources and stuff spoken about: Visit Stephanie's website Fianna Wilderness School website Join UNIO, the Academy of the Soul: This is for the old souls in this new world… Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth. Be Mythical Join our mailing list for soul stirring goodness: https://www.bemythical.com/moonly Discover your kin & unite with your soul's calling to truly live your myth: https://www.bemythical.com/unio Go Deeper: https://www.bemythical.com/godeeper Follow us: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Thank you for listening! There's a fresh episode released each week here and on most podcast platforms - and video too on YouTube. If you subscribe then you'll get each new episode delivered to your device every week automagically. (that way you'll never miss a show).

The boys are back and getting ever closer to finishing the tales from the Brothers Grimm! Learn the value of a child ($600), how not to look at women, and what to say to your man Cham!

Ryan Michler shares six essential books for fathers in this heartfelt episode of *Friday Field Notes*. Reflecting on fatherhood's profound impact, he draws from personal experiences, including a near-death hunting trip with his son. Michler recommends reads like *The Boy Crisis* and *Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters* to help fathers navigate modern challenges, raise resilient sons, and nurture daughters' self-worth. Emphasizing sovereignty and emotional regulation, he inspires men to lead with purpose,0making this episode a powerful guide for fathers committed to growth.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Fatherhood's Importance 02:31 - Father's Day Reflections 04:52 - Book 1: The Boy Crisis 06:09 - Book 2: Iron John 07:09 - Book 3: Wild at Heart 09:36 - Book 4: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters 11:02 - Book 5: Men's Work 12:02 - Book 6: Sovereignty 14:31 - Closing Thoughts and Resources

Send us a textHairy Spacemen, come forth from your cages and find your golden ball. If you don't know what I'm talking about, shame on you for not reading the book. On today's episode, we talk about Iron John and how to find our inner man. I mean, that sounds deeper than it is, but we do have some good conversations about finding what we've lost. Don't believe me? Listen in. And look what AI has to say about it: In this conversation, the hosts delve into the themes presented in the book 'Iron John,' exploring masculinity, personal growth, and the importance of embracing one's wild and untamed aspects. They discuss their mixed feelings about the book, the archetypes of masculinity, and the role of mythology in understanding oneself. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of relationships, the necessity of boundaries, and the cultural reflections on masculinity in modern society. Through humor and personal anecdotes, they navigate the complexities of becoming a whole man in today's world.KeywordsIron John, masculinity, archetypes, personal growth, mythology, emotional intelligence, relationships, self-discovery, boundaries, humorTakeawaysMixed feelings about 'Iron John' highlight its complexity.The warrior archetype resonates with personal growth.Mythology plays a crucial role in understanding masculinity.Embracing the wild man aspect is essential for growth.Navigating emotions requires learning to shutter.Iron men maintain boundaries in relationships.Cultural reflections reveal the challenges of modern masculinity.Confronting fears is part of the self-discovery journey.Finding balance between emotional vulnerability and strength is key.Sound Bites"I don't really do fantasy.""I want to embrace the pain of that.""Men need help."Chapters00:00Introduction and Audiobook Speed Adjustments00:40Humor and Kelsey Grammar's Influence03:36Book Club Discussion: Iron John06:41Mixed Feelings About Iron John09:32Mythology and Its Relevance12:37The Journey of Masculinity15:41Confronting the Wild Man Within18:34The Descent into Self-Discovery22:09Reconnecting with the Soul25:29Embracing Pain and Transformation26:54Exploring Masculinity and Father Figures30:00Intuition and Instinct in Modern Society32:50The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth36:37Navigating Relationships and Boundaries43:42Iron John: Redefining Masculinity47:46The Importance of Emotional AwarenessSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Just finished Iron John - A Book about Men by Robert Bly. It's book for men of all ages. Every man and woman should read it. Men need to read it to uncover what it means to be a man. Women need to read it to understand the men in their lives: fathers, sons, brothers, and spouses. Bly explores Deep Masculinity through legend of Iron John, a story from the Brothers Grimm. In this episode, I share how I learned about Robert Bly, and why I read it. I also share a passage on Law to Legends. This is the book that you have to read and reread. I... Absolutely... Loved... It!! Bly has left us countless and timeless pieces of wisdom and a whole host of authors to explore. This should be on every man's shelf.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."I remember coming across this quote at Burning Man years ago. It's from writer and essayist Anais Nin. It struck me then, and it reverberates for me still.This photo was taken that year. That sky is particularly specific to that time of evening, as the heat of the day dissolves into gorgeous blue & purple hues.I remember my friends and I were stopped at an art piece, after gallivanting around the playa on our bikes, weaving in and out of the dust and denizens of Black Rock City.That year was the Temple of Transition, and it was a threshold that changed everything.It was then I learned of the role of grief and the necessity to come together in tending the endings that make us human. It was then I recognized my marriage was over, even though it was another year before we parted ways.Recently I had the impulse to look up the words from Anais Nin, and discovered the rest of the quote:"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. Living never wore one out so much as the effort not to live. Life is truly known only to those who suffer, lose, endure adversity and stumble from defeat to defeat. Perfection is static, and I am in full progress."I love that. That a live worth living is not one of striving for success, but a willingness to fail again and again. This is how one comes to know life. To blossom is a risk. To expose your vulnerability, your authenticity and your creativity is to expose yourself rejection. To dare to become. Somewhere in there, your soul comes alive. This is the spirit of my upcoming Awakening the Wild Erotic, an ritual immersion for men release dysfunctional patterns around “eros,” the primal force of life, and step into a new phase of aliveness. This will our 5th time running the event, and men have found the container incredibly valuable. Upcoming AWE Dates: April 4-6, 2025 Vancouver Island has a few spots left. (Last chance to apply now!) We are also bringing AWE to the Montreal area July 18-20, 2025. Get the full details and apply here.Podcast RoundupOver the last few months I've been featured in a number of great podcasts. I figured I'd round them up as a digest and share below. The Authentic Man - Mythopoetic Masculinity and Navigating Conflict in RelationshipI really enjoyed this conversation with David Chambers, where we cover a number of topics, including: Domination vs. Partnership Culture, Reconditioning for Connection, Support systems for couples, Regenerating Culture, The Power of Deep Partnership, Understanding and Dealing with Jealousy, How to deal with conflict in a relationshipEvolving Man - Iron John And The Foundations Of Mythopoetic MasculinityA solid conversation with my longtime friend Ben Goresky. In this episode, I share my journey into the mythopoetic men's movement, which explores masculinity through myth, initiation, and men's groups. I open up about how the death of my grandfather led me to this work and helped me understand the challenges of modern manhood, especially in a culture that lacks clear rites of passage. We discuss the archetypes of the Hero and the King, dive into the themes of Iron John, and explore the importance of men's circles for personal growth and emotional support. We also reflect on the rediscovery of lost initiation practices, reconnecting with passion, and embracing The Deep Masculine to navigate life's stages and challenges.The Smiling Human - Myth as Medicine: Addressing the Crisis of MeaningIn this conversation, Oak Mountain and I discuss the themes of mythopoiesis, masculinity, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of identity. We cover the importance of myth in making sense of the human experience, the evolution of masculinity through different cultural eras, and the current crisis of meaning faced by many men today. RiverFlow - Weaving Love, Eros & Men's WorkIn this episode, Harry Friedman and I explore into rich territory. We explore the metaphor of polyamory as a wetland and “relational exclusivity” as a river, to understand different approaches to love and relationships. We dive into the traditional views of elder mentors around marriage and matrimony, contrasting those with the ideas of free love and open relating, particularly those espoused in the Tamera research project. We also discuss how romantic relationships can serve as vehicles for healing, while community plays a crucial role in the broader process of personal and collective healing.Tripping with Nick SunFinally, you're invited to check out this episode with Nick Sun', whose podcast “seeks to explore the fundamental question: How do we live as human beings during these crazy times without losing our freaking minds?”Thanks for reading. P.S. My Deep Masculine 3 month program is also live. There are pathways for both men & women. Get the full details here. Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

1999 was a golden year for movies.That year saw the release of The Matrix, American Beauty, and Fight Club - which remain some of my all time favourites.The latter two are particular compelling as I look through my present-day lens and what they had to say about men & masculinity at the end of the millennium.Both American Beauty & Fight Club depict similar themes of (white) men grappling with middle-class consumerism and a lack of potency, trapped in a meaningless existence.In American Beauty, Lester Burnham opens the film by detailing his boring life - from the teenager who hates him, to his wife who doesn't respect him, and his cubicle dwelling job sucking his soul. The high point of his day is “jerking off in the shower.”Tyler Durden, the rebellious bad boy in Fight Club, tells the Narrator (who lives a similar flat-line as Lester):"Men have become mortgages, marriages, car payments, and fucking cable bills. We are the middle children of history, no purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War is a spiritual war... our Great Depression is our lives.”We could label Lester & the Narrator as living the archetype of The Domestic Man.What's fascinating for me is to observe how each of these men respond to their intolerable condition, and how that relates to the theme of “finding the Wild Man” that Robert Bly speaks about in the fairy tale of Iron John.In one of the teaching sessions I attended with Stephen Jenkinson, he asked us once: what is the most dangerous kind of animal?Some ventured to say “a wild animal.”He made the case that was untrue. For while a wild animal may be hazardous to humans, it is living connected to its nature and the pulse of life. A more dangerous creature that is often unpredictable and malevolent in its behaviour?The name for that is “feral” he told us.This is a creature that has failed to be domesticated.I think of this in the arc of Tyler Durden and The Narrator in Flight Club. What begins as an underground men's group, committed to living raw and alive again, morphs into a revolutionary cell (Project Mayhem) that attacks the data centres of credit card companies, aimed at liberating a new society.It remains somewhat ambiguous whether this actually happens or if it's a fantasy of the Narrator's psychosis.Now, while you may agree that predatory debt needs to be unshackled from humanity (as I do) you may have issues with the tactics. And it's clear the tone of the revolutionary effort becomes poisoned with toxic ideology.You could call this response 'feral'.For Lester Burnham in American Beauty, his inner fire is reawakened by an encounter with his daughter's teenage friend, a nymph-like cheerleader that becomes an inspiration for his salvation. (You might say she has taken on his anima projection - the erotic feminine in him he has suppressed).Suddenly, he finds the courage to quit is job, start lifting weights, smoke pot, and tell off his wife. He's a middle-aged man regressing back to his teen years to remember what it was like to actually enjoy life.Lester is aided by the young Buddha-like neighbour Ricky Fitts, who operates within society from a place of conscious non-attachment, preferring to film every moment of beauty that he comes across - including the infamous plastic bag dancing in the wind.In the scene where Ricky is watching the footage with his girlfriend, he says:"There's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once. And it's beautiful. […] It's like God wants me to notice it. To recognize all this beauty. Maybe it's the secret that the whole universe is trying to tell us. Something, we all know deep down but we all kind of forgot. And I don't know if my heart is gonna explode or what. But I'm grateful. I am so grateful.”The moment itself is a portal into wonder, for the characters and for the millions of viewers who saw the film.It certainly was for me, watching the film at 18 years old.Near the end of the film, Lester Burham awakens from the spell he had cast upon his daughter's girlfriend. She was not the Goddess incarnate, just an insecure young girl who was terrified of rejection. His character softens to her and he becomes more like a supportive Father.Lester realizes he has no one else to blame for his life. He had abandoned himself, convinced that it was someone else's job to “save him.”Robert A. Johnson would call this finally slaying his inner Mother Complex.Robert Bly might say, he has freed the Wild Man from the cage.It is now his task to cultivate his own connection to the primal erotic foundation of life.Today, many men find themselves in a similar predicament.Buried under mortgages, parenting, the daily grind of a job, lacking a deeper sense of direction & purpose.These days, it's “easier” then ever to get lost in addictions, distractions, and despair.And yet, there are a growing number of men willing to “seek the golden ball” that they lost long ago, and step up to the Wild Man's cage.With this in mind, my collaborator Deus and I have crafted a 3 month online journey: The Deep Masculine.This immersion brings together over a decade of exploration into mythopoetic maps, somatic skills, ritual rhythm, and the power of brotherhood - for men to awaken their primal birthright.The doors re-open March 14th.Today more than ever, we need men ablaze with courage, fiercely in love with life, and willing to bow in service to beauty.Onwards,Ianp.s. For men able to join us on Vancouver Island, you are invited to our next Awakening the Wild Erotic (April 4-6, 2025). Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Ian MacKenzie is a mythosomatic guide & filmmaker, as well as the founder of The Mythic Masculine, a platform dedicated to realigning masculinity with thriving life. For over 15 years, he’s been tracking the global emergence of imaginal culture. From the desert of Burning Man to the heart of Occupy Wall St, he has sought and amplified the voices of visionaries, artists and activists who have been working toward planetary system change. He is the co-director of The Village of Lovers as well as Lost Nation Road, Amplify Her, and Sacred Economics. On this episode, we cover: Mythopoetic Men's Work: Exploring myth, men's groups, and men's initiation work. The Story of Ian’s Grandfather: How his death opened the door to men's work for Ian. The Challenge of Modern Manhood: Exploring how men become men in a culture with no clear passage into manhood. The Story of Iron John: Key themes and how it relates to modern men. The Hero vs. the King Archetype: Differences and what they signify for personal growth. Ian’s Journey Into Mythopoetic Work: From the feminine gateway to exploring the deep masculine. The Lost Culture of Initiation: The impact of the absence of initiation rites in modern society. Men's Longing for Depth: The hunger for cultural depth and initiation in men’s lives. The Importance of the Wound: How a wound or adversity plays a crucial role in men's initiation. Archetypes Explained: The significance of the wild man, the golden boy, and other archetypes. The Rediscovery of Passion: How modern men can reconnect with their passion and primal energy. The Evolution of the Mythopoetic Men's Movement: A look back at its origins and its journey. The Role of Story and Myth: Utilizing story and myth to transmit knowledge and wisdom. Men's Circles: The transformative power of being seen and supported by other men. Eros and Appreciative Consciousness: Cultivating beauty and life energy in oneself. Rediscovering the Inner Well: Accessing the inner source of life energy to prevent external dependency. The Red, White, and Black Armor: Understanding the stages of masculine development. The Necessity of Men's Support: How men can provide what women and the world sometimes cannot. Emotional Coaching and Accountability: The unique way men can inspire and challenge each other. The Deep Masculine: Defining and understanding the essence of the deep masculine. Links: The Mythic Masculine Ian’s Instagram Facebook Ian’s Films And Essays The Arka Brotherhood men’s communityThe Conscious Relationship Council, with Ben Goresky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greetings all - I'm excited to extend a special invitation for men who wish to dive into the cauldron of mythopoetic masculinity and eros. But before I get to that, I want to acknowledge a milestone: it's been over five years since I began The Mythic Masculine podcast. Time, as always, passes like a blink.This journey began after my previous film project, Amplify Her, which explored feminine archetypes through the lives of DJs and producers. That collaboration had me seek out writers like Marion Woodman (Dancing in the Flames) and Clarissa Pinkola Estés (Women Who Run With Wolves) and opened my path into mythopoetics. In the wake of Amplify Her, I realized I knew little about the masculine archetypal realm. When audiences asked if I'd do a similar project for men, the idea for a podcast took root. I was inspired by Iron John by Robert Bly—a book I found in my grandfather's study after his passing. That encounter was a doorway to the lineage of the mythopoetic men's movement, a movement that once sparked men's circles across the country.As I interviewed guests like storyteller Martin Shaw, Bill Kauth (Co-founder ManKind Project), and storyteller Michael Meade, the podcast became a space to weave voices from past and present, exploring shifting understandings of gender, myth, and archetypes.If you're curious about the history and insights from these five years, you can access my webinar An Introduction to Mythopoetic Masculinity here.In the last year and a half, The Mythic Masculine evolved. A pivotal moment came in the summer of 2023, when my longtime friend Deus Fortier and I hosted MXM—an event exploring masculinity, eros, and myth. We combined Deus' somatic and breathwork practices with my mythopoetic flavourings. The experience affirmed that men need spaces to explore these “forbidden” topics, reclaim vulnerability, and awaken their noble, erotic essence.This offering evolved into Awakening the Wild Erotic, which we've now held multiple times over the last year. For those unable to attend in person, we created The Deep Masculine, an online cohort blending ritual, somatics, and myth.Now, Deus and I rre thrilled to announce the next stage: an ongoing online men's circle, The Satyr's Den.Satyrs—wild, primal beings of Greek myth—embody the uninhibited joy of nature and erotic vitality. The Satyr's Den is a space for men to reclaim this energy in a way that honors life. Too often, men either misuse this power or suppress it altogether. This circle offers a path to mature, embodied Eros and relational mastery.The Satyr's Den includes:* Monthly Live Group Calls* Exclusive Podcast Conversations* Transformative practices and rituals* Webinars and community supportThis is for men with prior experience in men's work, shadow work, or similar transformational spaces. If you're new to this terrain, consider attending Awakening the Wild Erotic or Deep Masculine first.Special Offer: Join by the end of December to lock in a founding member rate of $49/monthYou'll also gain immediate access to an my conversation with Deus about his journey through the ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) series.If you feel called, apply here and see if the Satyr's Den is right for you.Thank you for walking this mythic path with me. More offerings are on the horizon—webinars, guest teachers, and courses in 2025. The journey continues, and I'm excited for what's to come.In gratitude,IM Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Talking points: masculinity, culture, mythopoetics, Robert Bly, Iron JohnMaybe you've heard it said that there are lots of "olders", but barely any elders. John Lee is one of the latter, in my opinion. A critical player in men's movements of the 90s and close friends with Robert Bly, John is a wealth of knowledge, insight, and honest talk—and no stranger to deep work. Listen in, team.(00:00:00) - Intro, and what brought John to where he is today(00:06:23) - The impact Robert Bly had on the mythopoetic men's movement, and what that was(00:20:36) - Why Iron John is still relevant(00:31:41) - Are men struggling with different things now compared to the start of the mythopoetic men's movement?(00:38:58) - The dark father archetype, and the difference between Robert Bly and Jordan Peterson(00:43:20) - What can the study of myth do for the average man, and how the manosphere falls shortJohn Lee is a pioneer in the fields of self-help, anger, codependency, creativity, recovery, relationships, and men's issues. In the mental health field, he is considered the therapist's therapist and regularly trains and mentors therapists on how to work with clients and how to work on themselves. He has taught his techniques and theories to thousands of individuals, couples, families, groups, corporations, and therapists all over the world. After 35 years of touring nationally and internationally, John Lee calls Austin, Texas his home.Connect with John-Website: https://johnleebooks.com/-Seminar; From Hero To Elder: https://wakingheartschoolofwisdom.com/events/from_hero_to_elder/***Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don't know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they're looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts |

Lori is the founder of Career Ecology and BuzzLink, two platforms dedicated to fostering authentic connection in the world. With over 20 years of experience as an executive recruiter, Lori blends ecology and psychology to dismantle barriers to human connection. Her work centers on liberating authenticity at critical touch points in everyday life. In this episode expect to learn: - How Gregory's workshop helped Lori take BOLD action toward getting her poetry book published - What biomimicry is and why Lori believes in mother nature - How you can use depressive episodes as tools for self-transformation - Why love is our sixth sense And much more. This episode was so much fun because Lori is incredibly well-read and well-spoken. We could have talked for hours and there will definitely by a part 2 coming in the future. Enjoy! Shownotes: Check out Career Ecology: https://www.careerecology.com/ Connect with Lori on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-wallace/ San Diego Locals can join the movement on: https://www.buzzlink.app/ San Diego Locals can sign up for Gregory's next workshop: https://liveastoryworthtelling.gregoryrussellbenedikt.com/workshop-signup Incredible podcast about using depression as a tool for self-transformation: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VBXgw0h9zSIUT3NZo0j1h?si=DQREF70eSCCr21gIQAN4aA&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A2dio7KUNuDHErlMumZtNt6 Some of theooks mentioned include: Iron John by Robert Bly, Devotions by Mary Oliver, and Michael Meade's various works and workshops For more Dare to Dream content, find us on: Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dare-to-dream-podcast/id1522983890⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/599zlweDDcmXP5YhOX6TFw⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoimyPFCjO_qrJhH4ALafcA⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thedaretodreampodcast/⁠ Join Vincent's Newsletter - Citoyens du Monde: ⁠https://vincentvanpatten.ck.page/⁠ Join Gregory's Newsletter - Live a Story Worth Telling: https://liveastoryworthtelling.gregoryrussellbenedikt.com/laswt For Vincent's writing from Japan, travel photography, and more, check out: ⁠https://vincentvanpatten.com/⁠ If you're feeling empty despite your “success”, book a discovery call with Gregory:  https://calendly.com/gregoryrussellbenedikt-1/discovery-call

It wasn't long after my entry into “mythopoetic masculinity” back in 2015 that I came across the Minnesota Men's Gathering, a yearly event that began in 1984 by Robert Bly, author of Iron John.The organization has released a trove of stories & lectures on their Youtube channel from celebrated teachers such as Bly, Lewis Hyde, Martin Prechtel, Martin Shaw, Daniel Deardorff, Malidome Some and many more. I have been tracking their yearly conference with a desire to attend - and when I heard it was the 40th anniversary, I heeded the call. I reached out and confirmed I my attendance, with the aim to produce a podcast episode afterward to share my experience.You're also welcome to join me at the Minnesota Men's Conference Oct 1-6, 2024. Get full details on their website.From the official announcement:The conferences were built around the notion that the souls of men were atrophying in a culture that was essentially in the process of colonizing its own people and of de-animating the living world. As an antidote to a culture of emptiness, of shallowness, and of disconnection from the web of being, men came together to work with mythic story, with images, with poetry, We placed ourselves into the mythic, into stories that contain traces of the old pathways to becoming a fully developed human being. The work has continued for 40 years. At this conference, we will look at what has been done, where we have failed, where there have been sweet deepenings, and where the trail may lead. In my pre-gathering podcast conversation today, I speak with conference organizers & storytellers Walton Stanley and Ben Dennis to discuss this moment of legacy and renewal. Both guests share their experiences from the conference, noting its evolution from a focus on Jungian psychology to including broader elements like ritual and influences from indigenous wisdom. They address cultural shifts, the importance of multi-generational participation, and the necessity of a greater narrative for men in today's world.More about my guests:Ben Dennis is a mythologist and writer with a love of story, myth, psychology, psychodrama, and storytelling. His mythic interests include Greek mythology, Native American story, European fairy tale, and Hindu epic literature. Ben holds his PhD in Mythological Studies with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Ben retired from the Seattle Fire Department after 28 years as a fire fighter and training coordinator for the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Peer Support Team. He leads retreats for Veterans and First Responders, and has been adjunct faculty at Antioch University Seattle.Walton Stanley is a writer and storyteller. He has held a life-long interest in myth, story, and in the power of story to transform the paradigms and frames in which we live. Walton is currently working, with Ben Dennis, on an anthology of selected tales and myths that have been shared in the past 40 years of the Minnesota Men's Conference He has also completed a book, Following the Wrong God Home, Gilgamesh: The Foundational Myth of Civilization and the Roots of Ecological Collapse exploring th mythic roots of human exceptionalism, and our disconnection from the web of being as expressed in one of humankind's oldest extant written stories, Gilgamesh.I'd love to hear your comments. Please share below! Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

We're now a month out from our next cohort of The Deep Masculine, a 3 month online journey for men that weaves together mythology, somatics, ritual & brotherhood. I invited my collaborator Deus Fortier to reflect on our initial journey which we launched earlier this year and completed in June.At its core, The Deep Masculine seeks to repattern men's relationships with eros - the primal force of life. Drawing from the mythopoetic men's movement and texts like Robert Bly's "Iron John" and "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover" by Douglas Gillette and Robert Moore, we offer a framework to help men rediscover a more intimate sense of aliveness.In "Iron John," Bly speaks about the Wild Man, the undomesticated male energy that holds the key to a man's soul. This archetype is deeply connected to the wisdom of the earth. Reconnecting with this energy is a recurring theme in our work.It's important to make a critical distinction between the "wild" and "savage" man. The former is deeply attuned and rightfully placed within the natural order, while the latter is dangerously disconnected. A savage man is willing to shoot up a shopping mall out of their own self-hatred poured forth as rage against others. This understanding is pivotal in redefining what it means to rewild in a positive, life-affirming way.Central to our inquiry is the archetype of The Lover. Modern men's work often prizes the King and the Warrior while neglecting the Lover, whose sensitivity and emotional depth are essential for integrated masculinity. “The Lover keeps the other masculine energies humane, loving and related to each other.” - Robert Moore & Douglas GiletteShadow work is also a significant part of the journey. Often, aspects of ourselves deemed unacceptable are relegated to the shadow. By integrating these parts, men can reclaim lost vitality and unlock deeper wisdom. This process includes exploring sexual shadow, addiction, and infidelity, and forging a pathway for healthier relationships.In the words of indigenous grandmother Pat McCabe, our ultimate vision is to “realign masculinity with thriving life.” This means developing the Lover's qualities such as courtship and appreciative consciousness, and fostering solidarity among men. If you are drawn to these themes, we invite you to apply for the next cohort beginning in late September. The application process itself is a valuable reflective journey. We're inviting a global brotherhood to gather around this fire. p.s. On Sept 4, I'm also hosting a free webinar An Introduction to Mythopoetic Masculinity. Open to all genders. Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we welcome back John Mark Comer to the podcast. Get ready to take notes on many key moments in this conversation that will have you hitting replay! John Mark deposits some helpful thoughts around information versus spiritual formation, stages in our spiritual journey, refreshing views on what parents really need- rest, and how we can practically keep taking one more step in the right direction. If you are feeling weary in parenting you will not want to miss conversation. ENJOY! John Mark Comer:The latest book: Practicing the Way Books mentioned:Iron John by Robert BlyDomestic Monastery by Ronald RolheiserCritical Journey by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich Podcast mentioned:Andy Crouch Motherhood retreathttps://www.intentionalparents.org/motherhood-retreat Watch on YouTube Follow us on Instagram:@intentional_parents @brook_mosser @Emosser @philmcomer @dianewcomer FREE TEXT Message Daily Devotional MERCH:Gear for the journey Grab a copy of our book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!) Website: Join our Legacy Builders: Blog The Intentional Film Series

Our guest, Carlos Davidovich, has run men's groups in Argentina and Spain for decades. He comes on the show to talk about cultural differences in masculinity and how Spanish cultures gel with the messages in Iron John. Carlos's Links: www.carlosdavidovich.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosdavidovich/ Get the Book! Iron John by Robert Bly: https://amzn.to/4fixRPr

In this episode, Elliott addresses the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely, emphasizing the importance of being seen and recognized by older male figures, as described in the book "Iron John." He suggests that loneliness often stems from a lack of acknowledgment rather than physical solitude and advocates for giving attention and recognition to others as a means of receiving it oneself, likening it to the biblical story of giving from the heart. Elliott concludes by highlighting the reciprocal nature of recognition and offers empathy to those struggling with loneliness while emphasizing the power of being seen by others.

“The first half of my career was spent putting people to sleep, and after my midlife crisis, I realized I had to start waking people up, including myself.”My guest today is Dr. Stephen Faulkner, a former medical doctor, pilot, and one of my key mentors on the path of mythopoetic masculinity.In this episode, Stephen reflects on his nearly 70 years of life and shares his profound emotional and spiritual contentment despite facing chronic health issues. He emphasizes the critical importance of engaging in inner spiritual work to avoid the bitterness and regret that often accompany aging.The Mythic Masculine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Stephen recounts his spiritual awakening at age 35, guided by the mythic maps found in "Iron John," and highlights the healing significance of connecting with nature and ritual. We speak on the transformative power of men's circles and the profound influence of Robert Bly on his journey, who also kindled a love of the great poet and artist William Blake.He shares the tale of Gilgamesh & Endiku which was part of how we first met.And finally, Stephen speaks of his recent near-death experience that brought him an unexpected sense of peace. He concludes with a heartfelt call for older men to mentor and support younger men, ensuring the continuity of wisdom and tending the fire across generations.LINKS* The enduring presence and power of William Blake (featuring Stephen Faulkner)UPCOMING OFFERINGSNext month, Deus and I are holding our next AWE (Awakening the Wild Erotic) Men's Weekend July 26-28 in Black Creek, about 3 hours north of Victoria on Vancouver Island. It's a ritual immersion in the archetype of the Lover, and if this calls to you, come join us. We're 60% full already.In September we're also launching our next cohort of The Deep Masculine, a 12-week online expedition into the alluring, seductive force that animates all of life - Eros and beyond. It's the most comprehensive container I've co-crafted to condenses almost a decade worth of men's work, myth, and somatics into a powerful journey. Book a Discovery Call now and see if it's right for you.And finally, for all genders, you're invited to take my online course Iron John: A Mythic Story About Men, which is a fantastic introduction to the book & a great way to integrate the chapters alongside my special guests like Stephen Jenkinson, Michael Gay, Sophie Strand and more.What do you think of this episode? I'd love to hear your comments below. Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Mark Nutter and Tom Wolfe bring their special blend of comedy and music to an evening entitled “Another Father's Day Ruined,” part of the Solo Sunday series held at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. Mark and Tom discuss their 30-plus-year partnership and reveal their collaborative – for want of a better word – "process;" the ways in which neither of them are Mick Jagger; the time Tom opened for Bill Hicks; a history of ruining other things, like opera and Gershwin; memories of writing and filming the Chris Farley and Matthew Perry comedy Almost Heroes; and almost dying while researching Wild Men, their early-90s parody of Robert Bly's Iron John. (Length 21:36)

Join us as we explore the mythopoetic men's movement, inspired by Robert Bly's "Iron John," and how it aimed to fill the emotional void left by distant paternal figures. We'll uncover the cultural significance of this movement, which relied on Jungian psychology and pagan spirituality, examining its rise in the context of post-World War II alienation and the 1960s cultural shifts. We'll also talk about its compromises with feminism. In our conversation with Will Spencer, we dissect the evolving landscape of masculinity, especially in the transition from manufacturing to a service-centered economy. We tackle the introspective journey many men embark on and how therapeutic practices can sometimes lead to complacency. Wrapping up, we delve into the importance of brotherhood and authentic male relationships, contrasting mythopoetic values with modern movements like feminism and the red pill ideology. We explore the allure of Eastern mysticism within tech culture, the evolution of Burning Man, and the intersection of Christian nationalism with biblical masculinity. Follow Will on the Renaissance of Men. Sign up for the New Christendom Press Conference in June 2024.Join the Patreon exclusive membership.10 Ways to Make Money with Your MAXX-D Trailer.Alpine Gold Exchange Website: alpinegoldogden.comSet Up a Meeting: https://calendly.com/alpinegold/alpine-gold-consultationTalk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial.Sign up for Barbell Logic.Buy your beef or pork box today from Salt and Strings Butchery. Use code "HMP" to get $20 off your next order.Visit Livingstones, your Reformed Design Partner for Churches. 

Access The Iron John course here.A few years ago, I was invited to steward an online offering for the Rowe Center, based in Massachusetts.With the passing of Robert Bly, esteemed poet, activist, and father of the mythopoetic men's movement, I opted to weave a 7 week journey revisiting his seminal book Iron John, inviting an array of special guests to join me. The roster includes Stephen Jenksinon, Sophie Strand, Ramon Parish, Michael Gay, Philip Folsom, Shay Au Lait & Stefanos Sifandos.The course was a big success, and since then, I've always wanted to re-release it for more folk of all genders to access the insights & experience.I'm pleased to announce the course is now available.A few more words about Robert Bly & the story:As named, he is perhaps most well known for his retelling of the classic German fairy tale, which illuminated the inner world of men in such a way that seemed long absent from modern Western culture. This longing to be gathered into the mysteries of men and manhood, of a mythic masculinity, drew much contention upon its release in the early 90's, and has reverberated to this day.It wasn't until I watched the documentary '1000 Years of Joy' that I grasped the larger portrait of a man who had already amassed a respectful body of work before he turned to culture and gender. My love for Mr. Bly grew tremendously, as a blazing example of what could lie ahead in the later half of life, a glimpse of elderhood to a troubled time.Note: I also interviewed the films director Hayden Reiss which I've included at the bottom. Whether or not you've seen the documentary, it's delightful to hear his stories of meeting & collaborating with Bly.In 2022, the spiral has come around as a new generation discovers Iron John alongside an urgent crisis of masculinity. What might Iron John offer in the wake of #metoo, Artificial Intelligence, post-truth, multi-generational trauma, and biospheric breakdown?Despite some contemporary references that are dated, the book holds up as a vital to the conversation of manhood as it did in its day.At the time, Bly was criticized by some feminists for "blaming women" for men's troubles - and yet, that has never been accurate. He writes "This doesn't mean that the women are doing something wrong: I think the problem is more that the older men are not really doing their job."That's not to say there aren't blindspots (there are), and thankfully a number of additional perspectives have added to the polyphony of emerging masculinities.Here's my interview with Hadyn Reiss, the director of the Bly documentary 1000 Years of Joy. I highly recommend viewing the full film. Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Andrea Villa, a scholar, a mentor of men, a restorer of old practices and languages of the sacred.He has spent several years studying male initiation with indigenous peoples from India to West Africa to Native America, developing a unique understanding of gender as intelligence. His passion is to support men in regaining their erotic agency in love & relationships.In today's episode, we delve into the profound realms of Eros as a multifaceted force that transcends mere physical attraction, touching upon the realms of the spiritual, the creative, and the deeply personal aspects of human experience. Andrea shares his journey of being undone by Eros, highlighting its crucial role in our connection to the world. He describes the important differences between masculine and feminine energies, and advocates for the significance of adoration and devotion in the dance of partnership.Andrea also introduces the concept of erotic discipline, a practice of staying present with beauty to transcend the visible and touch the essence of our being. And he references Dante's Divine Comedy, the monumental epic from the Middle Ages, and the poet's adoration of Beatrice as a model for a love that can elevate our spirits to the divine.I'd love to hear what you think of this episode! Leave your comments below.Heads up: I'm inviting Andrew to offer an upcoming webinar in the next month. Stay tuned for details.LINKS* Official Website - Andrea VillaALSO, BEGINNING THIS THURSDAY: There's only a few days left to join the very first online cohort of The Deep Masculine, a 3 month journey for men. I wanted to offer further insight behind the inspiration for this offering, with its roots in the soil of a fairy tale:First published in 1990, Robert Bly's "Iron John: A Book About Men" is a key work in the mythopoetic men's movement.The book rides the story of Iron John, a fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, as a framework to explore masculinity and men's issues. Throughout the book, Bly discusses the concept of "the deep masculine," a term he uses to describe an essential, positive aspect of mature masculinity that has largely been lost in modern society - due to cultural poverty, lack of rites of passage, and the absence of positive male mentorship.I've spoken on this thread in multiple conversations, including one with poet & author Sophie Strand in "Revisiting The Wild Man."​Mythopoetic men's work grew as a response to these challenges - and many men & organizations have picked up the torch from the first generation and the task they bequeathed to us.Now, it's also true the Wild Man archetype has become overly fetishized in many men's work spaces, with an emphasis on pushing back against the "domesticated life." (Think Tyler Durden in Fight Club, or Lester Burham in American Beauty).And yet, the Wild Man remains a mysterious and alluring presence for a deeper invitation into a lovership with life.After almost 5 years of inquiry, alongside mentors, elders & many conversations under The Mythic Masculine podcast, as well as numerous months in the creative cauldron, The Deep Masculine journey brings together the most effective elements we could muster for igniting the hearts & souls of men.We begin April 11. Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Inspired by Robert Bly, Mel Robbins.  Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).

Inspired by Robert Bly, Rumi.  Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).

Inspired by Robert Bly, Rumi.  Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).  

Inspired by Robert Bly, St. Francis, Mother Teresa .  Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).

Inspired by Robert Bly.  Audiobook.  Mature listeners only (18+).

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the StreetSmart Wisdom Podcast. I'm your host, Steve Stein, and today we're diving deep into the soul-stirring realms of mythology and psychology. Joining us are two remarkable minds: poet, writer, and maverick of the mythopoetic men's movement, Robert Bly, along with the profound thinker and self-explorer, Mikey Bracket. In this episode, Robert shares the transformative power of myths like Iron John, illustrating how these ancient narratives offer timeless wisdom that helps us navigate personal and relational complexities. With captivating insights, he sheds light on the soul's journey through these stories, challenging us to venture inward before aiming upward. Mikey Bracket champions the idea of embracing our inner characters—the knight, the child, and even the evil stepmother—without judgment, as he reflects on Robert's influential work and storytelling paradigms. From a program Steve Stein reocorded and published on BetterListen.com , Robert brings to us invaluable lessons from the Lindworm myth and how it fosters deep self-exploration. They discuss the evolving landscape of men's psychology and therapy, reaffirming the essential role of Robert's work in fostering emotional awareness and growth within men's organizations. With a blend of personal anecdotes and expert knowledge, they highlight the significance of revisiting the roots of the men's movement to ignite genuine, radical change. This potent conversation is not just for the ears but for the soul as we explore the indispensability of mythology in our quest for understanding what it means to be truly human. So, prepare to engage with the profound as we unpack the connections between inner shadow work, mythology, and living a soulful life. And for those yearning for more wisdom, don't forget to check out our sponsors at WisdomFeed+ for a nourishing community experience and visit surfingthesunami.com for insightful tools from world-renowned figures. All this awaits you here, on the StreetSmart Wisdom Podcast.   TIMESTAMP 00:00 Podcast at surfingthesunami.com offers wisdom and wellness. 04:22 Expresses gratitude for mentorship, speaks about shared interests. 08:39 Robert Bly's relevance in shaping men's work. 13:09 Reflecting on Robert's legacy and reclaiming it. 16:46 Finding passion for poetry transformed my life. 20:06 Men's camaraderie, soul exploration, and creative ideas. 23:12 "Iron John" myth applies to deep human wisdom. 26:44 Mythology connects to the soul before spirit. 31:03 Internal family systems therapy gaining popularity recently. 34:40 Internal role play to explore inner dimensions. 37:53 Robert exemplified authentic, kind, intentional living. 39:44 Sharing thoughts, lives, and podcasts with audience.   Connect with us: Facebook: https://bit.ly/FBpageWF Instagram: https://bit.ly/RealWisdomFeed WisdomFeed Website: https://bit.ly/WisdomFeedHome BetterListen Website: https://bit.ly/BetterListenWebsite

My guest today is Stephanie McKay, an educator and mentor in earth-based skills and ancestral ways. She is the co-founder of Fianna Wilderness School on Vancouver Island, as well as a monthly Mythology Club, where folks explore stories of predominately of Indo-European origins in an attempt to uncover the remaining vestiges of an intact, land-based culture and spirituality, indigenous to that landscapeIn our conversation today, we discuss her time studying with Martín Prechtel and developing the eyes and heart to see the rich layers of story. We name the distinct and modern act of looking to stories primarily through a psychological lens and what is missed when doing so. Of course, we dive into an animist retelling of Iron John, the story made famous within the mythopoetic men's movement through Robert Bly, and we talk about where stories go to survive in dark times, only to emerge again when the conditions are ripe.Check out upcoming dates & locations of the Mythology Club on Vancouver Island.SHOW NOTES* Stephanie's Myth Journey: Stephanie's passion for mythology stemmed from Martine Prechtel's teachings, leading her to found a mythology club.* Exploring Myth Lineage: The conversation touches on the mythopoetic men's movement, Robert Bly, Martine Prechtel, and the differing interpretations of mythology.* Introduction to Iron John: Initially hesitant, Stephanie delves into the Iron John story, discovering its deeper layers and significance.* Shifting Perspectives: Stephanie highlights a pivotal word in the story that changes its relational context, discussing the importance of reciprocity and forgetting in narratives.* Historical Clues and Forgetting: The conversation explores historical clues, deforestation, and forgetting reciprocal relationships, drawing parallels with elements in the Iron John story.* Cultural Debt and Initiation: The story highlights a culture with an intact initiation system, focusing on the concept of debt to the natural world. The idea of mutual indebtedness remains significant even as the culture is no longer intact.* Forgetting and Initiation: Forgetting or the rupture in agreements is seen as a crucial part of initiation. Remembering these agreements and debts is essential for reciprocity.* Domestication of Iron: The story delves into the domestication of Iron John, paralleling it with the contemporary taking of iron from the land, indicating a disruption in the relationship between the human and the holy.* Iron's Impact: Iron's arrival brought weaponry, alchemy, and further clashes, feeding larger-scale wars. The story connects iron's hunger for sustenance with societal impacts.* Rethinking Animacy: The narrative challenges the modern distinction between animate and inanimate objects, suggesting that elements like iron possess their own will and need for reciprocity.* Approaching Mythology: Reading myths involves turning prejudices upside down, exploring word origins, and researching curious elements within stories to unveil their deeper meaning.* Telling Stories: Oral storytelling allows a deeper connection, yet written texts provide a closer record of these ancient tales. Finding the oldest versions and comparing translations aids in identifying the core elements of a story.* Understanding Bones vs. Flourishes: Distinguishing between the bones (core elements) and flourishes (narrative embellishments) involves reading multiple versions, recognizing repeated motifs across different cultures, and using discernment.* Parting Thoughts: Encouragement to continue exploring myths, honoring the stories, and engaging with their depth and richness. Get full access to The Mythic Masculine at themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Shawn and David are back after a bit of a hiatus due to busy real world demands. Shawn gives updates on his life and recent adventures.Shawn outlines Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Volsung Saga, connecting the story of Sigmund and his son Sinfjotli. Chapter 9 on Sigmund's son Helgi and the associated Eddic Poems will feature in the next episode Volsung IV. David and Shawn make connections back to the previous short episodes on the sagas of historical kings and David's narrative on Richard Wagner's Song of the Neibelung as a condensed version of the similar story of Wotan/Odin and Sigfried/Sigurd. Sinfjotli is the tragic son of Sigmund who is born of a curse and dies by a curse. All of these are the steps which go into the making of a true hero.Other Notes:David's addendum to the episode: At 39 minutes when I get sidetracked from a thought about what Sigmund and Sinfjotli in wolf skins represents. It is the archetype of Sigmund as the Wild Man, which is the proper foster father to teach a hero to get in touch with his true nature (animal nature, earthy side; see Robert Bly's book Iron John). This Archetype is further confirmed in the way Sinfjotli's younger brothers get killed, it involves them playing with gold coins, leading them to encounter Sigmund (a golden ball tempts the boy to follow the Wild Man in Iron John). Podcast mentioned during the episode: Psyche Podcast guest Peter Rollins talking about many interesting points, including the importance of why we need desire, and need suffering and struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_lOTUSC8LsWays to support us:If you have been enjoying our show, please write a 5 star review on itunes to help spread our podcast to a wider audience: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-two-ravens-a-norse-mythology-podcast/id1604263830Follow us or leave a message on Instagram:Instagram: (@BetweenTwoRavens): https://www.instagram.com/betweentworavens/Check out David's writing: Prosoche Project (www.prosocheproject.com).Walled Garden (https://thewalledgarden.com/davidalexander)Our podcast is part of The Walled Garden Podcast Network. The Walled Garden is committed to the pursuit of Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, and the Divine, wherever it might be found. Visit thewalledgarden.com to learn more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisementThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5910787/advertisement

Hello, Spanish Stories for Kids fam! Okay, you've heard of Cinderella, Snow White, right? But what if I told you there's a Grimm Brothers' tale that's been flying under your radar, waiting to totally blow your mind? It's time for some major storytelling magic with the Spanish-adapted version of "Iron John" known in Spanish as "Juan Fierro." This isn't just any ol' fairy tale -- from embracing our wild side (in the best way possible!) to rekindling the childlike wonder we've all got inside... this story is so much more than it seems. So, want to dive into the lesser-known but ridiculously fabulous world of Iron John? Press play and let's get our fairy tale on together! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spanishstories4kids/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spanishstories4kids/support

On today's podcast Charlie from Charisma On Command talks about Robert Bly's book "Iron John", masculinity and why young men look up to YouTube prankstersThanks for listening!If You'd Like To Help Support The Podcast: http://www.patreon.com/charismaoncommand If you enjoy the podcast please SUBSCRIBE and Click the Notification bell

This episode is an investigation of the father wound.  I'll be exploring our own wounded fathers, the kind of wounds the masculine receives, and the shape our our own wounds as sons and daughters in a "time of no father," to quote Robert Bly.  I'm interested here in the archetypal and mythic terrain of the wounded feeling function, as Jung calls it.  I'm relying heavily on the Robert Johnson's book The Fisher King and the Handless Maiden, as well as Iron John by Robert Bly.  I'm curious what these important myths tell us about our wounded fathers, or the wounded masculine more generally.  This is the beginning of a two-part dive into this realm.  Enjoy!   

Have you stolen the key from beneath your mother's pillow? We explore the mythopoetic men's movement of the 1990s including a deep dive into Robert Bly's ‘Iron John: A Book About Men' which became a bestseller and was part of a movement whose thinking can still be found in today's online masculinity influencers. Our guest is Matt Christman of Chapo Trap House and the upcoming history podcast Hell On Earth. Full episode: http://www.patreon.com/QAnonAnonymous When you subscribe for $5 a month you'll get access to the full Manclan mini-series as it comes out (+ all episodes of Trickle Down with Travis View + an extra episode of QAA every week + access to our entire archive of premium QAA episodes) Guest is Matt Christman: https://twitter.com/cushbomb / http://patreon.com/chapotraphouse Cover art by Jess Johnson (http://instagram.com/flesh_dozer) Theme & music by Nick Sena (http://nicksenamusic.com) & Pontus Berghe. Editing by Corey Clotz.

Register for the 2023 New Christendom Press Conference here.Every man has an ancient Wild Man within. The question is, how do you let him out of the cage? The truth is, feminism, statism, & safetyism have been cages for men to live with wild man, or king, energy. Men are coddled, overprotected, and taught to be risk averse. But is this always a good thing? The same feminists who hate men also cry, "Where are all the GOOD men?" "You neutered them," we respond. Against that backdrop, how do you find your golden, God-given gifts and put them to use? How do you find the wild within and set it free? It's all about that Wild Man Energy. We'll discuss this from Robert Bly's perspective in Iron John.Become a Patron today to support this show! The Myth of the Nice Guy, Hard Men Podcast episode. 

Register for the 2023 New Christendom Press Conference here.In this episode, I talk with Dan Berkholder, a mountain man, beast killer, and all around great guy (and close friend) about our success with elk hunting season out West. We also talk about Robert Bly's "Iron John," why men need to release the wild man, experience danger, and taste meaningful risk.  Why is it that deep play is a form of rest? Why does strenuous activity relieve stress and restore health? How can a gang of men reduce the load of work exponentially? How is hunting an initiatory rite loaded with symbolic, ritualistic meaning? We talk about this and more from two epic elk hunting trips. JB Simmons' 2S Ranch provides high-quality grass fed beef loaded with nutrients and raised with care. You can order premium beef from their storefront at the Provision House website. Join on Patreon today and get exclusive content from EricConn.com.