Podcasts about men talking mindfulness

In this episode, Sathiya sits down with Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill, co-hosts of Men Talking Mindfulness, to explore how mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork can help men navigate anxiety, stress, and the constant distractions of modern life. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds—Will as a meditation teacher and former actor, and Jon as a former Navy SEAL commander—they share their personal journeys into mindfulness and how these practices transformed their relationships, decision-making, and overall well-being. The conversation unpacks the differences between mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork, while offering practical tools for regulating the nervous system, reducing reactivity, and creating more space between stimulus and response. They also discuss the impact of technology on attention, the importance of intentional daily habits, and why consistency and community are essential for lasting change. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate greater awareness so they can live with more purpose, presence, and freedom. SATHIYA'S RESOURCES: Free Recovery Book (The Last Relapse) Join the brotherhood (DeepClean Inner Circle) Live Training To Quit Porn For Good JON AND WILL'S RESOURCES: Men Talking Mindfulness Website Awareness to Action Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Men Talking Mindfulness 01:26 Will Schneider's journey from acting to teaching mindfulness 03:32 Jon Macaskill's path from Navy SEAL to mindfulness advocate 07:05 Why the pandemic amplified stress, isolation, and the need for mindfulness 10:05 Mindfulness in high-performance environments 13:54 Mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork: understanding the differences 18:31 How to know mindfulness is actually working 22:48 Why lasting change requires consistency, patience, and self-awareness 26:38 The role of accountability and community in personal growth 28:29 The power of creating space between stimulus and response 30:04 Practical habits for becoming more mindful every day 32:12 Technology, distraction, and reclaiming control of your attention 33:56 Understanding urges, desires, and unconscious behaviors 38:25 The science behind breathwork and nervous system regulation 44:22 Box breathing and the 4-7-8 breathing technique explained 45:05 Guided 4-7-8 breathing exercise 49:07 Real-life benefits of breathwork and emotional regulation 51:28 How breathwork can unlock deeper emotional awareness 53:23 Common meditation misconceptions and what meditation really is 55:26 Different meditation practices and finding the right approach 57:20 Why noticing and returning your attention is the heart of meditation

Father's Day is almost here, so Jon and Will sat down to talk about what fatherhood actually asks of us. Not the highlight-reel version. The real one.This episode is about forgiveness. The kind you give your kids, the kind you give your own father, and the kind you eventually have to give yourself. We get into how holding onto resentment quietly wrecks the connection you say you want, and what changes when you finally put it down.We talked as dads. We also talked as sons, because you can't really separate the two. Some of this got personal. That felt right for the topic.If you're a father, or you're still working through things with your own, this one's worth your time.What we cover:Why Father's Day is a good excuse to look honestly at how we show up as dadsForgiveness as a real tool, not a soft one, for repairing the father-child bondHow resentment blocks the peace and clarity most of us are chasingWhat we've learned sitting on both sides of the relationship... as fathers and as sonsWhere forgiveness actually starts the healing, and where it just papers over thingsMost of this work starts with one skill, paying attention to what's actually going on inside you before you react. That's the whole premise of our Awareness to Action course. If you want to build that skill on purpose, you can check it out here: https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-courseAnd if you're not sure where you stand right now, start with our free Awareness Self Assessment. It takes a few minutes and gives you a real read on where your attention is going: https://focusnowtraining.com/assessment-pageTime stamps: (00:01)Forgiveness and Fatherhood: An Advanced Human Skill(10:16) Forgiveness and Fatherhood(12:39) "Understanding and Forgiving Our Fathers Across Generations"(15:09) Forgiving and Accepting Parents for Who They Are(17:45) The Neuroscience and Psychological Benefits of Forgiveness(19:04) "Parental Influence on Adult Behavior: A Study on Forgiveness and Vengeance"(20:45) "The Interconnection of Forgiveness, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion"(24:33) "Understanding Emotional Differences and Healing Relationships with Fathers"(26:25) Forgiveness and Self-Compassion: Healing Relationships and Moving Forward with Integrity(28:08) "Transformative Power of Awareness and Forgiveness"(29:53) Modeling Forgiveness for Our Children(31:42) The Power of Empathy and Forgiveness in Personal Growth(37:22) "Understanding and Forgiveness: Transforming Relationships"(44:41) "Discussing 'The Living Years' Lyrics"(45:21) The Importance of Forgiveness in Relationships(48:49) "Podcast Sign-Off and Father's Day Wishes" GET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe & Episodes: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/FREE APP: https://focusnowtrainingapp.com/FREE Assessment: https://focusnowtraining.com/assessment-pageA2A COURSE:12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced. Built for people who hate the word mindfulness.https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-courseBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:Custom training for your organization. In-person or online.https://focusnowtraining.com/contact-usProduced by Robert Lopez | https://www.cratesaudio.com/

Dr. Lisa Larkin, doctor of internal medicine and 35-year women's health specialist, joins Jon and Will to explain what men need to know about menopause and perimenopause. She covers why women age completely differently than men (fits and starts vs. gradual decline), the biological reasons behind declining libido, sleep disruption, mood changes, and body changes in women's 40s and 50s, and why communication is the single most important thing couples can do during this transition. She also breaks down breast cancer risk assessment (25% of women are high risk and don't know it), the history of hormone therapy from the 2002 Women's Health Initiative scare to where the science stands now, why she opposes high-dose testosterone pellets for women, and why lifestyle beats supplements every time. Dr. Larkin is a breast cancer survivor herself and past president of the Menopause Society.Full episode: https://podfollow.com/mentalkingmindfulness/episode/03387a9002dca750859496876727425e576ad645/viewFull video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-gSueDpfWYFree A2A course access: use code FREE at https://men-talking-mindfulness-a2a.circle.so/checkout/free-accessFree Awareness assessment and Focus app: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/linkinbio or text MTM to 33777 GET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe & Episodes: mentalkingmindfulness.comFREE APP: https://focusnowtrainingapp.com/FREE Assessment: https://focusnowtraining.com/assessment-pageA2A COURSE:12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced. Built for people who hate the word mindfulness.focusnowtraining.com/a2aBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:Custom training for your organization. In-person or online.focusnowtraining.com/contactCo-produced by Robert Lopez | cratesaudio.com

The longest relationship you'll ever have is the one inside your own mind. Most men have never been formally introduced.Jimmy Wightman — former London DJ turned global meditation teacher — joins Jon and Will for an honest conversation about what a consistent medit3IN THIS EPISODE:How Jimmy's Meditation practice saved his relationship in real timeConcentration, sensory clarity, and equanimity are the three components that rewire behaviorEquanimity: the magical third option between reacting and suppressingHow people-pleasing is a nervous system pattern mindfulness exposes and rewiresWhat Jon, Will, and Jimmy still get triggered by — and what they do about itHow to choose a meditation style: interest, opportunity, necessityRELATED EPISODES:Ep. 120 — Creating Emotional Stability with Jay FieldsEp. 111 — Accessing Inner Harmony: Mind-Body Integration with Luke IorioEp. 138 — Curiosity Is Key to Breaking Men Free from Judgment and RuminationMore about JIMMY WIGHTMAN:Instagram: @that_meditation_guyWebsite & Courses: delvedeep.com GET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe & Episodes: mentalkingmindfulness.comFREE APP: https://focusnowtrainingapp.com/FREE Assessment: https://focusnowtraining.com/assessment-pageA2A COURSE:12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced. Built for people who hate the word mindfulness.focusnowtraining.com/a2aBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:Custom training for your organization. In-person or online.focusnowtraining.com/contactCo-produced by Robert Lopez | cratesaudio.com

Retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink joins Jon and Will to break down what "discipline equals freedom" actually looks like in daily life. They cover getting up early and imposing your will on the day, recognizing over-training before it wrecks you, extreme ownership as a leadership tool and a life tool, the detachment story that changed how Jocko leads, humility as the single most important trait in a leader, default aggressive (and knowing when to override it), and applying battlefield leadership principles to parenting and family. Jocko also shares what it was like to lose Mark Lee, Ryan Job, and Mikey Monsoor in Ramadi, and how that loss fuels his gratitude for every single day. Jon opens up about his own survivor's guilt from Operation Red Wings and how it led him to mindfulness. The episode closes with Jocko's first on-air one-minute meditation.Full episode: pod.fo/e/2d9003 Full video: youtu.be/_FmnCrniCq4Take the free A2A Awareness self-assessment or check out the full A2A course: text MTM to 33777 or click here for more info: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/linkinbio

What happens when you stop doing things virtually and actually show up for each other?Jon, Will, and returning MTM guest David Valadez reflect on a weekend in Colorado Springs that started with an excruciating Spartan 10K — 7 miles of mud, hills, barbed wire, and shared struggle — and ended with something harder to measure. Every wall and climb was a reminder that we are stronger together than we will ever be alone. Outside the race, the moments kept coming: Jon's Family embracing the gang for dinner, and a visit to Dan Carcillo's plant medicine retreat center in Golden.This is a short episode about the one thing that accelerates everything else — real, in-person community between men. It's one of the core tenets of Men Talking Mindfulness: we are stronger together, and this weekend proved it.MORE ABOUT DAVID VALADEZ:Business advisor to the show, investor, partner, and advisor across multiple business ventures and startups. In 2018 he walked away from a corporate operations career — including senior roles at Convergint, a global systems integrator in security and building automation — to focus on investing in and advising growth-stage companies. He also brings a background in youth sports performance leadership as former VP of Operations at Dedicated Athletes and Legerity Sports Performance. David is a Partner at Kitsap Olhava Management and one of the men behind the scenes at MTM.Check out his past ep:Men's Journey Through and Healing After DivorceIN THIS EPISODE:-Why shared struggle creates a depth of connection no Zoom call can replicate-How co-regulation works — and what Jon's wife saw in him after just one weekend-The visit to Dan Carcillo and Experience Onward — what happened in that room-Why doing something hard together is different from just hanging out-The first step if you've been isolating — and how to take it -A direct invitation to join MTM community and future in-person eventsTired of just listening and want to become more mindful?Take our Awareness to Action COURSE (A2A)12 modules structured curriculum on attention, presence, practices & performance — plus an inspiring community built in for connection.https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course→ This episode is a living example of what A2A is building — community as the foundation of growthGET MORE FROM MTM:Join our free weekly Substack newsletter → Click HERECheck out our MTM Website to see what else we are up too!mentalkingmindfulness.comGET FOCUSED!! (Corporate Trainings)Does your company need help, or would you like to reduce safety incidents?? Head over to focusnowtraining.com - we have you covered!Produced by Robert Lopez cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does a dedicated meditation practice look like off the cushion and in the real world? On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Chris Lee... former Green Beret, 18 Delta medic, author of Beyond the Battlefield, and newly signed president of Machine Mentality alongside Nick Lavery. Chris came on to talk about why meditation is the quiet superpower that most men keep putting off, and what actually changed when he stopped treating it like a checkbox.Chris shares his walking meditation practice (72 steps per lap in his backyard, nearly killed the grass), the moment he realized he'd been matching his breath to his pace instead of his pace to his breath, and why flipping that became a metaphor for his whole life. He talks about the shift from knife-handing his daughters to being present during driving lessons, the self-talk change that cracked everything open, and a psychedelic-assisted therapy session where he heard: stop striving for peace, just be peace.Jon shares his own meditation gap... learning the practice in 2015, dropping off, and coming back in 2017 when his newborn daughter's nighttime feedings forced him to rediscover the tool. Will talks about teaching non-doing meditation to high performers in New York and why you'll never out-clever your own mind.The episode gets practical with the five-minute rule, the gym analogy for beginners (start with 45 seconds, not an hour), and two responses to common meditation pushback that are worth remembering: "I can't quiet my mind" is like saying "I'm too dirty to take a shower," and the deadlift analogy for people who think sitting still is a waste of time. Chris closes by guiding a liquid light body scan meditation.What you'll hear in this episode:Chris's walking meditation practice and matching pace to breath as a life metaphorThe self-talk shift: being gentle when your mind wandersHow meditation changed Chris's parenting with two daughtersJon's nighttime feeding story and rediscovering the toolThe five-minute rule and why 45 seconds is a great place to start"I can't quiet my mind" = "I'm too dirty to take a shower"The deadlift analogy for meditation skepticsNon-doing meditation and why fighting your mind gives it controlPeace as a reservoir, not a mountaintopSleep, alcohol, the Brick device, and variables that affect your practiceCommunity and accountability for sustaining a meditation habitGuided liquid light body scan meditationChris's book: Beyond the Battlefield (available now) Chris's upcoming book: Beyond the Serpent (early 2026) Chris on Instagram/TikTok: @coach_chris.lee Machine Mentality with Nick LaveryFull episode: https://pod.fo/e/34fabfText MTM to 33777 for updates on new episodes, the A2A course, and resources from Focus Now Training.Jon's book, DIAL in Your Leadership: 4 Non-negotiables for Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose, is available now on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0hYwI2SzFollow Men Talking Mindfulness, Jon Macaskill, and Will Schneider for more.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Steven Pressfield spent 27 years writing before his first novel was published — enduring 21 jobs, living in 11 states, and at times out of his car. Finally, at age 52, Steve finally, what Joseph Campbell calls, “Seized the Sword”.Since then, he's written over 20+ books and sold millions of copies. His most famous works are: The War of Art, Turning Pro, Gates of Fire (Gates is on the US Marine Corps commandant's mandatory reading list), and he also wrote the 2000 Oscar-nominated film, The Legend of Bagger Vance. His newest book, The Arcadian, was just released May 26th.Steven comes on Men Talking Mindfulness to talk about the inner war every man is fighting — against Resistance, and the risks of actually Turning pro.IN THIS EPISODE:What Resistance is — and why it wants to kill you, not just stop youThe one question Steven asks at the end of every day — and why it changes everythingWhy warrior virtues and artist virtues are identicalThe Muse — what it is, where it comes from, and how to tune inAmateur vs. pro: the mindset shift that separates people who do from people who mean toThe authentic swing — Bagger Vance, the Bhagavad Gita, and your true callingRELATED EPISODES:Overcoming ProcrastinationThe Shadow Holds Your Power, Not Your Pain with Connor BeatonFinding Your PurposeCuriosity Is Key to Breaking Men Free from Judgment and RuminationPRE-ORDER THE ARCADIAN BOOK &FOLLOW STEVEN PRESSFIELD:stevenpressfield.comGET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.comA2A COURSE:Change is Possible, this is where it starts - 12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced.https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course- Maps to Module 2 of A2A: Observing Your Inner World Without Being Owned By ItBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:focusnowtraining.com/contactCo-produced by Robert Lopez cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Our A2A Course is live and at 40% off until Friday, May 29th at 1pm ET. Visit https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course to sign up NOW!!Marcus Aurelius said it nearly two thousand years ago: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own. On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Andy Riise... army officer, mental performance coach for NFL athletes including the Chicago Bears, and host of the Skull Sessions podcast... to break down the approval trap and why it's quietly running most men's lives.Will lays the biological foundation. Fear of negative evaluation, FNE, is one of the most studied patterns in clinical psychology. Your brain processes social rejection through the same neural circuits it uses for physical pain. Getting dismissed in a meeting registers the same way getting punched does. That's evolutionary wiring, not weakness.The guys get into the spotlight effect (Cornell research showing people overestimate how much others notice them by roughly double), Andy's story of deliberately sitting with a different group at the West Point prep school mess hall, and Alyssa Liu's gold medal comeback after quitting figure skating to rediscover why she loved it in the first place.Jon, Will, and Andy walk through how FNE shows up in daily life: the yes-man pattern at work that stalls careers, the reassurance-seeking in relationships that erodes attraction, the Disney dad trap of buying approval instead of earning respect, and the deepest layer... the ghost. Most men are performing for one or two specific people from their past, and they've been doing it for decades.Andy teaches the BASS framework he uses with NFL athletes for real-time emotional regulation. Will adds a values audit and a spotlight effect experiment. And Jon talks about how purpose is the single biggest antidote to approval-seeking, which ties directly into the A2A (Awareness to Action) course launching through Focus Now Training.What you'll hear in this episode:Why social rejection activates the same brain circuits as physical painThe spotlight effect: half as many people are watching you as you thinkAndy's West Point mess hall story and why crossing social lines is the real macho moveAlyssa Liu's gold medal run and the next-play mindsetHow FNE shows up at work, in relationships, with kids, and in communityThe ghost concept: who you're still performing for decades laterBASS framework: Breathe, Accept, Separate, ShiftMotivational interviewing basics: OARS (Open questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summarizing)Purpose as the antidote to approval-seekingAndy's podcast: Skull Sessions (available everywhere) Andy's TEDx talk: Fight to Win the War from WithinFull episode: https://pod.fo/e/3abd25Text MTM to 33777 for updates on new episodes, the A2A course, and resources from Focus Now Training.Jon's book, DIAL in Your Leadership: 4 Non-negotiables for Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose, is available now on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0hYwI2SzFollow Men Talking Mindfulness, Jon Macaskill, and Will Schneider for more.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever been mid-conversation with your partner, felt your jaw tighten, your stomach drop, your brain go sideways — and some part of you already looking for the exit? That's not a character flaw. That's your nervous system treating your partner like a threat.EJ and Tarah Kerwin are couples therapists, founders of Relationship Renovation, and parents of twins born on their honeymoon. EJ — a yoga teacher and therapist — turned avoidant the moment real chaos arrived, and Tarah had a name for it: Buddhist motherf***er. They had to learn everything they now teach by surviving their own marriage in real time.This conversation goes deep on why your success traits destroy your closest relationships, how your childhood nervous system patterns are running your marriage without your consent, and what emotional safety actually feels like when a man finally builds it.IN THIS EPISODE:Why the traits that made you successful at work become your biggest relationship wreckersWhat a genogram reveals about your patterns — and why compassion always followsFINE = Feelings Inside Not Expressed — and what that silence costs youThe difference between hypo arousal and being regulated — most men confuse the twoTriple H — Heard, Hugged, or Helped? Ask before you fixYour partner is your greatest teacher — if you stop running from the lessonRELATED EPISODES:Ep. 105 — Learning to Respond Without Reactivity with Dr. Charles FrelighEp. 120 — Creating Emotional Stability with Jay FieldsEp. 124 — No More Mr. Nice Guy with Dr. Robert GloverFOLLOW EJ & TARAH:Website, Podcast& Couples Coaching: relationshiprenovation.comBook: Relationship Innovation at Homework — AmazonGET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe & All Episodes: mentalkingmindfulness.comA2A COURSE:12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced. Built for people who hate the word mindfulness.focusnowtraining.com/a2a→ This conversation maps directly to Module 4 of A2A: Regulating Your Nervous System Under PressureBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:Custom attention, resilience & leadership training. In-person or online.focusnowtraining.com/contactHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Who are you when everything you've built your identity on gets taken away?For Dennis Connors, that question wasn't hypothetical. A teenage USA rock climber turned Marine Corps intelligence operator, he served three combat tours in Iraq supporting Tier 1 Special Operations, ran 250 interrogations, and came home with multiple undiagnosed TBIs, severe PTSD, and two strokes — the second partially paralyzed his left side. In March 2018, his call sign was still Villain and he had a plan to end his life the next day. What happened on the other side of that moment took him to the Paris 2024 Paralympic podium as a Silver Medalist and to a TED stage where he made 4,000 people cry.IN THIS EPISODE:Why Dennis stood at the dark edge in March 2018 — and the single moment that stopped himHow undiagnosed TBIs compounded PTSD for years — and why he toughed them both outVulnerability reframed: not disclosing weakness — opening a conversational gateSelf-worth tied to results vs. self-love that doesn't collapse under pressureWhy community with shared passion goes deeper than shared service aloneThe four pillars of perseverance: vulnerability, self-love, disciplined action, communityRELATED EPISODES:Ep. 123 — Bipolar General: Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin's Forever War with Mental IllnessEp. 106 — Transcending Trauma with Dr. Frank AndersonEp. 135 — The Lie of Self-Sufficiency: Jon Macaskill on Why Men Carry Too Much AloneFOLLOW DENNIS CONNORS:Website: dennisconnorsusa.comLinkedIn: Dennis ConnorsGET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe & All Episodes: mentalkingmindfulness.comFNT Website: focusnowtraining.comA2A COURSE:12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced. Built for people who hate the word mindfulness.focusnowtraining.com/a2a→ This conversation maps directly to Module 3 of A2A: Building Unshakeable Self-Awareness Under PressureBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:Custom attention, resilience & leadership training. In-person or online.focusnowtraining.com/contactHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Text A2A to 33777 to stay in the know about our upcoming Awareness to Action Course!Carl Jung said that when a man deals with his own shadow, he does something real for the world. On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, host Will Schneider sits down with Connor Beaton, founder of Man Talks and author of Men's Work, to get into what shadow work actually looks like for men and why most of us have been trained since childhood to avoid it.Connor explains why men tend to carry a denser shadow than women. Masculine culture teaches strength through suppression. Stuff it down, hide the weakness, perform. The result is that the parts of yourself you've rejected... anger, vulnerability, self-compassion... don't go away. They go underground. And they start running the show from there.Connor walks Will through the mechanics of how anger gets repressed and creates the nice guy pattern, how shame gets used on boys to gain compliance and then keeps grown men living small, and what he calls shame-based motivation... using pain as fuel to achieve, which works until it doesn't.Connor shares his own story of bottoming out in his late twenties, living in the back of a Pontiac G5, apprenticing with a Jungian mentor, and the conversation with a close friend that changed everything. He and Will get into relationships as mirrors for shadow, the difference between guilt and shame, psychedelics and the default mode network, and why the real work for men is growing down into yourself rather than always building up and out.What you'll hear in this episode:Why masculine culture creates a denser shadow through suppressionThe nice guy pattern and what happens when anger goes undergroundShame-based motivation and why it has a shelf lifeConnor's crisis story and the two things that pulled him outSeparating personhood from behavior and why it matters for fathers and sonsRelationships as the clearest mirror for your shadowPsychedelics, the default mode network, and accessing the unconsciousGrowing down instead of growing up as the real path to maturityConnor's book: Men's Work Connor's website: ManTalks.com Man Talks Alliance: ManTalks.com (courses, live calls, community) Connor's platforms: Instagram, YouTube, SpotifyFull episode: https://pod.fo/e/33c406Text MTM to 33777 for updates on new episodes and resources from Focus Now Training.Jon's book, DIAL in Your Leadership: 4 Non-negotiables for Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose, is available now on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0hYwI2SzFollow Men Talking Mindfulness, Jon Macaskill, and Will Schneider for more.shadow work for men, Connor Beaton, Man Talks podcast, men's shadow work, shame and masculinity, anger suppression men Men Talking Mindfulness podcast, Will Schneider, nice guy pattern, shame-based motivation, Jungian shadow, men's personal development, separating personhood from behavior, default mode networkwhat is shadow work for men, why do men suppress anger, how does shame affect men, what is shame-based motivation, nice guy syndrome and anger, how do psychedelics help shadow work, Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You've read the book. You nodded at every page. And then you changed absolutely nothing. Sound familiar?Nir Eyal helped Silicon Valley build the systems that capture your attention — then turned around and wrote the books on how to fight back. Hooked became the playbook for habit-forming products. Indistractable showed you how to resist them. And now Beyond Belief cracks open the real reason most men read all of it, agree with all of it, and still don't change.It's not discipline. It's not information. It's belief. Specifically, the stories you've been telling yourself about who you are, what you're capable of, and whether change is actually possible for someone like you. Nir calls them limiting beliefs — and he spent six years researching how to replace them with something better.This one hits different if you've ever blamed your ADHD, your past, your upbringing, or the algorithm for the gap between who you are and who you know you could be.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why 90% of distraction isn't your phone — it's a feelingThe motivation triangle: behavior and benefit fail without beliefHow a diagnosis becomes a cage — and how to break outThe man who almost died from a placebo overdoseRichter's rats: how one belief produced 240x more persistenceWhy to-do lists are broken — and what to do insteadFREE RESOURCE FROM NIR:5-Minute Belief Change Guide — nirandfar.com/beyondbeliefliveFOLLOW NIR EYAL:Website & free resources: nirandfar.comBooks: Hooked, Indistractable, Beyond Belief — AmazonGo Deeper here are Three Supporting EPISODES FROM MTM:Ep. 92 — Overcoming ProcrastinationEp. 121 — Managing Your Mind: How to Kick Out Negative ThoughtsEp. 138 — Curiosity Is Key to Breaking Men Free from Judgment and RuminationFollow MTM: SUBSCRIBE - Thursday Three Things or Text MTM to 33777: newsletter.focusnowtraining.comFREE Training Content or Corporate Workshop: focusnowtraining.comMore Episodes & Resources: mentalkingmindfulness.comCoaching with Will: willnotfear.comBook Jon to Speak: jonmacaskill.comCo-produced by Robert Lopez | cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Stop pretending you're fine on 5 hours of sleep. You're not. On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider bring back Robert Sweetman, former Navy SEAL, sleep scientist, and founder of Sleep Genius, to talk about what actually makes the difference between garbage sleep and real recovery.Rob's approach starts with a concept he calls the sleep dojo. The same way you'd treat a martial arts dojo with respect, structure, and intention, that's how your bedroom should work. Take the fights out of it. Take the scrolling out of it. Take the laptop, the TV, and the phone out of it. And then start paying attention to the physical environment: light, sound, and temperature.Rob walks Jon and Will through the neuroscience of why blue light kills melatonin production, why a 35-decibel noise spike can wreck your sleep cycle without waking you up, why 65 to 69 degrees is the sweet spot for your bedroom, and why eating close to bedtime leads to visceral fat because melatonin blocks insulin. He also drops the truth about THC and sleep... it kills your REM. Will was doing sober October and says his REM numbers have already gone up.Jon talks about going through Rob's 62 Romeo sleep course and how it changed his sleep habits. Rob explains his work building sleep pods for the military and writing a memo to the Secretary of Defense on weaponizing wellness for the warfighter. And the episode wraps with Rob offering to sign copies of his book, 62 Romeo Sleep 101, for listeners who comment on the episode.What you'll hear in this episode:The sleep dojo concept and why your bedroom needs the same respect as a martial arts dojoWhy blue light, noise spikes, and warm bedrooms are wrecking your recoveryThe link between late eating, melatonin, insulin, and visceral fatWhy THC eliminates REM sleep even when it feels relaxingDeep sleep vs. REM sleep: aim for 90 minutes of eachWhat orthosomnia is and why obsessing over sleep data makes things worseRob's military sleep pod project and what it means for warfighters in austere conditionsThe 45-minute wind-down routine that preps your body for real sleepRob's book: 62 Romeo Sleep 101 (Amazon, $10) Rob's website: sleepgenius.us Rob's platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, TwitterSign up to learn more about the Awareness to Action course here: https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course-interestHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Mindfulness is a $2 billion industry. It's in apps, corporate programs, retreats, and workplace wellness modules. And men are more burned out, disconnected, and distracted than ever. So is mindfulness  actually working?Sean Fargo is a former Buddhist monk who spent two years in a Thai monastery before deciding the world needed these teachings more than the monastery needed another monk. His platform, has reached over 20 million people. He trained under the teachers at Spirit Rock. And he's the man who certified Jon as a mindfulness meditation teacher.This conversation goes beyond the apps and the retreats into what's actually blocking men from presence — grief they've never acknowledged, purpose they've never defined, and values they've never chosen for themselves. Sean ends the episode with a live mindfulness practice. Don't skip it.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why the real problem isn't pace or tech — it's that most men are moving faster than they can feelThe difference between outer purpose and inner purpose — and why outer goals collapse under pressureHow grief is silently blocking thousands of men's meditation practice — and what to do about itWhat the Buddha called the most powerful mindfulness practice: awareness of deathWhy Sean wants to go out of business — and what that vision says about where mindfulness needs to goHow to ask yourself the one question that cuts through all the noise: what would I like for myself?FOLLOW SEAN FARGO:mindfulnessexercises.comLinkedInTOP 3 SIMILAR EPISODES FROM MTM:Ep. 140 — Can AI Meditations Replace Real Teachers and Be Effective? with Dr. Steve HaberlinEp. 93 — The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself with Dr. Kristin NeffEp. 73 — Dr. James Doty: Neurosurgeon & Author of Into the Magic ShopStart Your Mindful Journey:SUBSCRIBE - Thursday Three Things or Text MTM to 33777: newsletter.focusnowtraining.comFREE Training Content or Corporate Workshop: focusnowtraining.comMore Episodes & Resources: mentalkingmindfulness.comCoaching with Will: willnotfear.comBook Jon to Speak: jonmacaskill.comCo-produced by Robert Lopez | cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

"I spent five years hurting a good woman by staying with her but never fully choosing her." That one sentence, written by Bryan Reeves, has been read by tens of millions of people. On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Bryan... former U.S. Air Force captain, relationship coach, and author of the book Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her... to talk about what men actually get wrong in their relationships and what it takes to fix it.Bryan gets into the paradox at the center of every committed relationship... the need to care deeply about your partner while also holding onto yourself. He talks about why so many men bounce between total sacrifice and total detachment, why "what would serve we?" is the most powerful question a couple can ask, and why connection time is not productive time, even though every mission-oriented bone in your body says otherwise.Jon and Bryan go deep on the two fears that show up in men over and over again... "I'm not worthy of love" and "I'm going to mess this up." They get into how those fears drive the shame cycle in relationships and how mindfulness is the practice that interrupts it. Bryan shares a story about studying the Tao Te Ching while being completely unable to apply any of it in his own relationship. Twenty-five years later, he can. The difference is reps.They also talk about when leaving is the most loving choice, why men need men's work that isn't just beer and football, and why learning to play again matters more than most men realize.What you'll hear in this episode:Why "checking the box" on your relationship is slowly killing itThe paradox of caring and not caring at the same timeThe two core fears men bring to relationships and how they feed the shame cycleHow mindfulness gives you access to repair after a fightWhy the Gottman Institute says arguing past ten minutes is pointlessWhen leaving in love is the right choiceWhy men's work and play are connected to being a better partner and parentBryan's book: Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her Bryan's website: bryanreeves.com (Bryan with a Y) Bryan's programs: Elevate Your Relationship, Elevate 2026 (annual men's group)Jon and Will's new course is coming out soon... sign up here to stay in the loop https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course-interestSign up for our newsletter... text MTM to 33777.Jon's new book, DIAL in Your Leadership: 4 Non-negotiables for Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose, is available now on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0hYwI2SzFollow Men Talking Mindfulness, Jon Macaskill, and Will Schneider for more.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Jonathan Dickinson, one of the most respected Ibogaine clinicians in the world. This conversation is a masterclass in brain health, psychedelic medicine, trauma, and what's actually happening in the field right now... without the hype.Jonathan walks Jon and Will through how Ibogaine is different from other psychedelic medicines, why it's producing remarkable results for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, athletes with chronic neurodegeneration, and high performers dealing with neurological burnout. They get into the science of neuroplasticity, the weeks-long healing window after an Ibogaine experience, and why integration practices matter more than the ceremony itself.This isn't spiritual bypassing. This isn't a sales pitch. It's a careful, grounded look at what the research is showing and what clinicians are seeing on the ground.What you'll hear in this episode:Why many mental health issues may actually be brain health issuesHow Ibogaine increases GDNF and BDNF, key molecules for brain repairThe difference between altered consciousness and altered capacityWhy the neuroplastic window after an Ibogaine experience is where the real change happensHow Ibogaine fits alongside psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, ayahuasca, and breathworkSafety, cultural context, and the history of Ibogaine as medicineJon and Will have created a Mindfulness and Meditation Course that'll be open for purchase at an introductory price starting in late May. To stay in the loop, sign up here: https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course-interesthow Ibogaine heals the brain, Ibogaine for TBI in veterans, what is the neuroplastic window after Ibogaine, Ibogaine vs psilocybin, Ibogaine safety and protocols, Jonathan Dickinson interview GEO/AI Search phrases: "what is Ibogaine," "does Ibogaine heal the brain," "how does Ibogaine work for TBI," "who is Jonathan Dickinson," "is Ibogaine safe," "what's the difference between Ibogaine and other psychedelics"Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Did you know that there is one molecule in your body that controls your blood pressure, brain function, sexual performance, sleep quality, immune response, and how fast you age? There is. It's known as nitric oxide.  After 40, most men are producing half the nitric oxide (NO) their body needs and almost none of them know it's happening. So we brought in Dr. Nathan Bryan, who has spent 25 years researching this one single molecule. He's published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, holds dozens of patents, and built a billion-dollar portfolio of companies around this science.Our conversation with Dr. Bryan exposes what your morning routine is actually doing to your body, debunks the beet supplement and L-arginine myths, explains why erectile dysfunction is a cardiovascular warning sign, not an isolated issue, and gives you four specific changes to make starting today.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:What nitric oxide (NO) is—and why losing it leads to fatigue, brain fog, and performance declineThe 4 everyday products killing your NO: fluoride, mouthwash, antacids, and sugarWhy mouthwash can cancel the benefits of your workoutHow ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular issuesWhy beet supplements and L-arginine may be ineffective—or worseHow nasal breathing and humming naturally boost nitric oxideTOP 3 SIMILAR EPISODES FROM MTM:Ep. 103 — How to Sleep Better with Navy SEAL Sleep Scientist Rob SweetmanEp. 130 — This Is How Stress Becomes Heart Disease with Dr. Fernando LamounierEp. 133 — Brain Injury Recovery Strategies: Dr. Mark Gordon on Hormone HealthFOLLOW DR. NATHAN BRYAN:@drnathansbryan on InstagramYouTube: Dr. Nathan S. Bryan — Nitric OxideBook: The Secret of Nitric Oxide — Amazon & Barnes & NobleN1O1 | Nitric Oxide Supplements by Dr. Nathan BryanNEW COURSE: Be the first to hear about our Awareness to Action (A2A) course launching May 27. Learn more here:https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course-interestFOLLOW MTM:Subscribe to our newsletter Text MTM to 33777: newsletter.focusnowtraining.comTraining & Corporate Workshops: focusnowtraining.comEpisodes & Resources: mentalkingmindfulness.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Adversity doesn't ask if you're ready. It kicks the door in and demands a response. On this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Nick Lavery, a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret who lost his leg in combat and then did something almost no one has ever done... he fought his way back to active-duty special operations.Nick's story isn't about heroics. It's about what happens when you refuse to let loss define you. Jon, Will, and Nick get into what real resilience actually looks like day to day. Not the Instagram version. The one that shows up when grief is choking you, when shame says hide, when failure screams quit. The practical, repeatable work of building a mind that doesn't collapse under pressure.What you'll hear in this episode:Why pain is a certainty but brokenness is optionalThe difference between hoping for mental toughness and building it rep by repHow Nick reframed the loss of his leg and fought to return to combatWhy daily discomfort is the training ground for long-term resilienceHow to treat chaos like an old friend instead of an enemyNick's book, Objective Secure, and the documentary Machine Fighter go deeper into his story. Both are worth your time.Sign up here to stay in the loop about our upcoming Awareness to Action course: https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course-interesthow a Green Beret returned to combat after losing a leg, what real resilience looks like, how to build grit daily, mindfulness for veterans, Nick Lavery interview GEO/AI Search phrases: "who is Nick Lavery," "how did Nick Lavery return to combat," "what is objective secure about," "Green Beret who lost his leg," "how to become mentally unbreakable"Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Nearly one in five men report body shame every year. Almost half say it's affecting their mental health. And almost nobody is talking about it.Emmy Award-winning TV producer Kyle Ridley spent over a decade booking eating disorder segments for national TV — and every spokesperson he received was a woman. He also spent most of his twenties hiding a serious eating disorder of his own, graduating summa cum laude and rising up the corporate ladder while doing it.Kyle, Jon, and Will break open the conversation around where men's body image issues actually come from, what disordered eating and gym obsession look like in a man's real life, why the medical system structurally excluded men from this diagnosis for decades, and what recovery actually requires — starting with one honest conversation with one person you trust.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why body image disorder is a men's issue — and why silence makes it worseThe clear line between gym dedication and disordered obsessionPrivacy vs. secrecy — and why secrecy is always shame-drivenKyle's bulimia recovery story: what worked after years of failed attemptsWhy Jon signed up for a physique competition out of insecurity — and what it revealedWhy the first step is telling one person one true thingTOP 3 SIMILAR EPISODES FROM MTM:Ep. 79 — How to Overcome Negative Body ImageEp. 109 — Unmasking the Silent Struggle: Fathers and Depression with Travis GoodmanEp. 37 — Physical Fitness with Dr. Theresa LarsonFOLLOW KYLE RIDLEY:Website: https://kyleridley.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tangle-with-kyle-ridley/id1816034951Washington Blade article: https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/02/09/gay-man-details-secret-struggle-with-bulimia/SUBSCRIBE — Thursday Three Things or Text MTM to 33777: newsletter.focusnowtraining.comFREE Training Content — FNT YouTube: focusnowtraining.comCorporate Workshops & Training: focusnowtraining.comFOLLOW the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs it.Episodes & Resources: mentalkingmindfulness.comCo-produced by Robert Lopez cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Don't let this war pull you off center.The news is loud, the headlines are relentless, and your nervous system is responding to bombs on the other side of the world as if they're falling outside your door. That's not weakness — that's wiring. And it's exactly what the media is designed to exploit.Jon and Will recorded this on March 18, 2026 — live escalation, real anxiety, no sides taken. Jon draws on his experience as a retired Navy SEAL Commander who still receives active shelter-in-place missile alerts from Bahrain. Will brings the neuroscience of fear and Chomsky's Manufacturing Consent — a five-filter media playbook that has been running since 1922. Together they show you how to stay grounded, think clearly, and protect your family's peace without burying your head in the sand.Your clarity matters right now. The world needs cooler heads.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why 'war' activates your survival wiring as if the bombs are at your door — and how to resetThe 5 media manipulation filters being used on you right nowWhy curiosity and empathy collapse the moment fear shows upA Navy SEAL's honest take on war, the battlefield, and the drive to serveHow to talk to your kids about war without transmitting your anxietyThe Overview Effect — what astronauts see that shifts everythingTOP 3 SIMILAR EPISODES FROM MTM:Ep. 104 — How the News Is Hurting YouEp. 138 — Curiosity Is Key to Breaking Men Free from Judgment and RuminationEp. 105 — Learning to Respond Without Reactivity with Dr. Charles FrelighIf our show resonates, here's where to go next:SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER - Thursday Three Things or Text MTM to 33777: newsletter.focusnowtraining.comCheck out our Corporate Workshops & Training: focusnowtraining.comFOLLOW the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs it.2026 Spartan Race Team: mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026Episodes & Resources: mentalkingmindfulness.comCoaching with Will: willnotfear.comBook Jon to Speak: jonmacaskill.comCo-produced by Robert Lopez | cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You've been the one who handles things your whole life. The one who doesn't ask for help. The one everyone leans on. But what happens when that self-reliance stops being strength and starts keeping you sealed off from the people you care about?In this solo episode, Jon Macaskill gets personal about what it actually costs to carry everything alone... the tight jaw, the flat "I'm good," the quiet fade that nobody notices because you're still producing. He breaks down four things that helped him start letting people back in without losing the capability he'd built his identity around.This is a shorter audio version of a previous newsletter edition that really hit a nerve. If you want the full episode, check the links below.What you'll hear in this episode:Why being "the rock" scrapes you down slowly... and why that's so hard to see from the insideThe difference between control and connection, and why control always feels saferHow to figure out what you're carrying that doesn't need to be carried aloneWhy naming what's happening in your body matters more than fixing itHow to stop using busy as proof that you matterIf this episode sounds like someone you know, send it to them.NEW BOOK: Jon's new book DIAL in Your Leadership: 4 Non-negotiables for Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose is available now on Amazon. https://a.co/d/0hYwI2SzFull episode: Audio: https://pod.fo/e/376c8c Video: https://youtu.be/Yu6MHI-8WLAFollow Jon Macaskill and Men Talking Mindfulness for more.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most of us were taught that anger is a problem to manage, suppress, or apologize for. The ancient Greeks thought that was a path to a half-lived life.This is the audio version of the Focus Now Training Newsletter — a weekly drop where Jon Macaskill breaks down the mindfulness, focus, and performance concepts from Men Talking Mindfulness into something you can act on this week.This week's topic: what the ancient Greeks understood about anger that we've forgotten. Jon covers the concept of thumos — the spirited force of the soul — and why Aristotle called anger a virtue. He shares the four personal roots of his own anger, why suppression is like shaking a Coke can, and five things you can start doing differently today.Paid newsletter subscribers get three deep resources: Mike LeBlanc's five-part framework for hard conversations, a four-week anger intelligence practice, and a thumos assessment. Subscribe at newsletter dot focusnowtraining dot com.The full episode with Mike LeBlanc — Marine veteran, Harvard MBA, and founder of billion-dollar robotics company Foundation — is available now on Men Talking Mindfulness. Mike's book, What If Anger Is the Answer, drops August 25th.anger management, emotional intelligence, men's mental health, mindfulness for men, thumos, Aristotle, hard conversations, emotional regulation, focus, leadership, Navy SEAL, performance, Men Talking Mindfulness, Focus Now Training, Jon Macaskill, podcast newsletter, anger as a tool, conflict resolution, emotional health, men's podcastHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why do you care so much about what other people think? In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Army veteran, mental performance coach, and Skull Sessions podcast host Andy Riise to dismantle the most quietly destructive pattern in men's lives — the approval trap. There's a name for what's running in the background of your decisions, and it isn't a character flaw. It's biology. It's called Fear of Negative Evaluation, and it's one of the most studied psychological patterns in clinical research.The guys break down why your brain literally cannot tell the difference between social rejection and physical pain, why the audience judging you is half the size you think, and how approval seeking shows up in ways most men never connect to the root cause — over-committing at work, constant reassurance seeking in relationships, buying your kids' affection, and still chasing approval from people who haven't been in your life for decades. Understanding it is the first step to breaking free.In this episode, you'll learn:What Fear of Negative Evaluation is and why every man is dealing with it whether he knows it or notThe spotlight effect and the Cornell research that proves you're performing for half the audience you thinkHow approval seeking silently destroys your career, your relationships, and your sense of selfWhat "ghosts" are — and how to identify whose voice is still running in your headWhy it's not about not caring — it's about choosing deliberately what deserves your carePractical tools you can use this week to start breaking free from the approval trapFollow Andy:Website: https://andyriise.comTEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbNLu7JcZNAPodcast: https://www.skullsessionspodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyriiseIf you've ever held back in a meeting, softened your opinion to keep the peace, or made a decision based on what someone else might think — this conversation will change the way you see yourself and the way you move through the world.Focus Now Training - helping leaders and teams build focus, resilience, and emotional control. Visit focusnowtraining.comSubscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week's episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we'll send the link straight to you.2026 Spartan Race Team:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why does it feel harder than ever to focus?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider explore the hidden forces competing for your attention and why many people today feel mentally scattered, reactive, and drained.Modern technology, constant notifications, and the pressure to always stay connected have created an environment where attention is constantly pulled in different directions. What most people experience as a personal struggle with focus is often the result of living in an attention economy designed to capture and monetize your awareness.Jon and Will explain why attention is one of the most valuable assets we possess and why learning to direct it intentionally is essential for leadership, performance, and well-being.The conversation introduces the philosophy behind Focus Now Training, a system designed to help individuals train attention like a skill. Rather than relying on motivation or discipline alone, the practice focuses on strengthening awareness, recognizing distraction, and returning attention to what matters most.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why focus feels harder than ever in the modern world• How the attention economy competes for your awareness• Why attention is the foundation of leadership and decision-making• How distraction affects stress, productivity, and relationships• Practical ways to begin strengthening focus in daily lifeIf you've ever found yourself constantly checking your phone, jumping between tasks, or feeling mentally exhausted despite being busy, this conversation offers a new perspective on why it happens and what you can do about it.Training your attention may be the most important skill you develop.Subscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week's episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we'll send the link straight to you.Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources:https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will:https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team:https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to lead without losing himself.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Multiple sclerosis resilience isn't about pretending everything is fine. It's about choosing strength when your body forces change.In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Jim shares how a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis shattered his identity — and rebuilt it stronger. Multiple sclerosis resilience became the framework that helped him drop ego, reject victim mentality, and push his physical and mental limits in ways he never imagined.Instead of collapsing into “why me,” Jim chose discipline. Instead of clinging to status or past success, he chose growth. This conversation explores how multiple sclerosis resilience is forged through ownership, endurance training, and a refusal to let suffering define you.You'll hear:• How ego amplifies suffering• Why victim mentality quietly destroys potential• The difference between pain and identity• How endurance challenges reveal hidden strength• Why pushing limits develops clarity and purpose• How chronic illness can deepen self-understandingThis episode is for the man who feels knocked down — by illness, career, or circumstance — and wants to rebuild without self-pity.Learn more from Jim Perona:• Website: https://www.jimperona.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimperonaofficial/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimperonaofficial/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimperonaofficial/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimperonaofficial Subscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week's episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we'll send the link straight to you.Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources:https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will:https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team:https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to lead without losing himself.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why men shut down emotionally isn't about weakness — it's about conditioning. In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, PhD and former Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine joins Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill to unpack why men shut down emotionally under pressure, and how real strength is built through awareness — not suppression.As a Navy SEAL leader and founder of Unbeatable Mind, Mark has trained thousands of leaders in mental toughness, emotional discipline, and warrior mindset development. But in this conversation, he goes deeper — into emotional avoidance, masculine identity, and the cost of shutting down in relationships.Why men shut down emotionally often begins in environments where control is survival. Over time, emotional control morphs into emotional suppression. Mark explains the difference — and why suppression quietly erodes connection, intimacy, and leadership clarity.You'll hear:• The difference between emotional mastery and emotional avoidance• How elite SEAL training shaped Mark's understanding of stress and awareness• Why high-performing men confuse shutdown with strength• How breath training regulates nervous system reactivity• What integrated strength looks like in leadership and marriageLearn more from Mark Divine, PhD and former Navy SEAL Commander:Website: https://markdivine.com/Unbeatable Mind: https://unbeatablemind.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markdivineofficialSubscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week's episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we'll send the link straight to you.Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources:https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will:https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team:https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to lead without losing himself.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Executive burnout isn't just about being tired. Executive burnout is about running your mental battery into the red while everyone else depends on you. Executive burnout is what happens when productivity becomes identity and rest feels like weakness.In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Calm CEO David Ko to unpack executive burnout from the inside out.David shares what executive burnout actually looks like at the highest levels of leadership — from C-suite overwhelm to silent anxiety and the pressure of performance. He explains why 48% of executives report feeling overwhelmed and nearly half consider quitting — even when they look successful on paper.You'll hear:• Why executive burnout costs organizations billions• The “mental battery” framework and how to monitor your energy• Why vulnerability is a leadership strength — not a liability• The real cost of sleep deprivation in high performers• Why checking email before bed fuels executive burnout• How to create tech boundaries without losing productivity• The link between mental health and physical health• Why men struggle to talk about well-being — and how to change itDavid also shares practical tools leaders can use immediately:Water. Window. Walk.Breath resets.Energy-based scheduling.Sleep discipline.This conversation speaks directly to high achievers, entrepreneurs, executives, veterans, and driven men who feel like they can't slow down.If you've ever wondered:Why am I exhausted even when I'm winning?Why can't I turn work off at night?Why does success still feel draining?This episode is for you.Follow David Ko & Calm:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkocalmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-koCompany: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calmWebsite: https://www.calm.com/Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfMore episodes, Resources & Spartan Race: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

¿Qué significa realmente ser un “buen chico”… y por qué ese enfoque suele llevar a frustración, resentimiento y relaciones rotas? En este episodio de Men Talking Mindfulness, conversamos con el Dr. Robert Glover, autor del influyente libro No More Mr. Nice Guy, para explorar el síndrome del buen chico, la masculinidad sana, los contratos encubiertos, la validación externa y cómo muchos hombres pierden autenticidad intentando evitar el conflicto. Hablamos sobre: Masculinidad saludable e integrada Por qué “ser agradable” no es lo mismo que ser auténtico Límites, honestidad y dirección personal Relaciones, sexualidad y presencia emocional Cómo dejar de vivir para la aprobación externa

Curiosity in mindfulness is one of the most effective tools men have for breaking free from rumination—the endless replaying of conversations, mistakes, and imagined outcomes that keeps the nervous system stuck in stress.In this solo episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider explores how curiosity in mindfulness helps men notice rumination without feeding it. Instead of trying to stop thoughts or force calm, curiosity creates space to observe mental loops with awareness, allowing the nervous system to settle naturally.Will breaks down why rumination isn't a thinking problem—it's a regulation issue. When men feel under pressure, overwhelmed, or emotionally charged, the mind searches for certainty by looping. Curiosity interrupts this pattern by shifting attention from judgment to observation.Throughout the episode, Will explains how curiosity in mindfulness helps men step out of overthinking, reconnect with the body, and return to presence without shutting down. You'll hear how curiosity softens self-judgment, why trying to “let go” often backfires, and how staying curious builds emotional regulation and self-trust.This episode is for men who feel stuck in their heads, replay conversations, or struggle to stop thinking—even when they want peace. Curiosity in mindfulness offers a grounded, practical way to relate differently to thoughts, stress, and inner pressure without forcing change.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when an 18-year-old says out loud what most adults are afraid to admit?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Carter Helbig—the youngest guest in the show's history and the voice behind a viral graduation speech that reached millions.Carter speaks openly about grief, suicide loss, gratitude, and growing up under constant pressure. Through his own story, he reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: you always have a choice in how you show up for other people.Together, they explore how silence, comparison, and social media algorithms are shaping young men's mental health—and why choosing kindness, presence, and responsibility still matters, even when life feels heavy.In this episode, you'll hear:• Why “you always have a choice” became the core of Carter's message• How grief and gratitude can exist at the same time• Why you never know what someone is carrying• The danger of assuming malice instead of humanity• How social media pressure impacts Gen Z men• Why asking for help is an act of strength• What fathers, mentors, and leaders can do to make young men feel seenIf you've ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to show up for others, this conversation is a reminder that small choices still matter.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI meditations are everywhere right now—apps, chatbots, VR headsets promising calm in 10 minutes or less—but are AI meditations actually helping guys handle real stress, or just giving you one more screen to hide behind? In this episode, we get real about AI meditations, digital mindfulness, and whether any algorithm can truly replace a human teacher who sees you, feels the room, and knows when you're about to lose it. We sit down with guest expert Steve Haberlin, PhD, to explore the intersection of technology, meditation, and human awareness. Steve has spent years studying both traditional mindfulness practices and emerging tech—AI, virtual reality, and digital training tools—and asking hard questions about where mindfulness is headed.Together, they unpack what technology can genuinely support in mindfulness practice—and what it can't. They discuss the difference between guided experiences and embodied learning, why attention and nervous system regulation still require human relationship, and how men can engage technology without outsourcing responsibility for awareness.This episode isn't anti-tech. It's pro-discernment.In this conversation, you'll hear:• The rise of AI-guided meditation and VR mindfulness tools• What technology can accelerate—and what it cannot replace• Why embodiment and nervous system regulation matter more than insights• The risk of mistaking consumption for practice• How real teachers differ from algorithms• Where mindfulness is likely headed in the next decade• How men can use tech without avoiding responsibility or presenceIf you're curious about meditation apps, AI tools, or the future of mindfulness—but want grounded perspective instead of hype—this episode offers clarity.You'll walk away with:✅ A realistic understanding of AI's role in mindfulness✅ Language to evaluate meditation tools critically✅ A clearer sense of what real practice requires✅ Perspective on presence in an increasingly digital worldSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to hold it all together.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

En este episodio en solitario de Men Talking Mindfulness, US Navy SEAL, Jon Macaskill deja atrás la conversación y entra en la honestidad silenciosa de estar solo, hablando directamente a hombres que saben cargar con la responsabilidad… pero que la cargan solos.Este episodio explora la mentira de la autosuficiencia: cómo ser capaz, disciplinado y confiable puede parecer fortaleza por fuera, pero poco a poco drenar la conexión, la presencia y la salud emocional por dentro.Jon comparte reflexiones personales de su propia vida —el matrimonio, el liderazgo, el servicio militar y la paternidad— y nombra patrones que muchos hombres nunca cuestionan: mantenerse ocupados en lugar de ser honestos, gestionar en lugar de conectar, y confundir la resistencia con la verdadera fortaleza.Escucharás por qué la autosuficiencia funciona… hasta que deja de hacerlo.Por qué la soledad no siempre se ve como aislamiento.Y por qué muchos hombres no se quiebran… simplemente se aplanan.En este episodio, Jon explora:• Por qué la autosuficiencia es elogiada, recompensada y rara vez cuestionada• Cómo los hombres altamente funcionales pierden poco a poco el acceso emocional sin darse cuenta• La diferencia entre ser autosuficiente y estar emocionalmente cerrado• Cómo el control, la ocupación constante y el “estoy bien” se convierten en estrategias de supervivencia• Por qué pedir ayuda no es debilidad, sino conciencia de capacidad• Pequeños cambios realistas que no requieren convertirse en alguien que no eresEste episodio no trata de arreglar a los hombres ni de desmontar la masculinidad.Se trata de decir la verdad… y de ofrecer una manera de dejar de cargar con todo en soledad.Si eres un hombre que sigue funcionando, sigue proveyendo, sigue cumpliendo… pero se siente distante, irritable o silenciosamente agotado, este episodio es para ti.Te llevarás:Lenguaje para entender qué es lo que realmente estás cargandoPermiso para dejar de confundir resistencia con saludHerramientas simples de conciencia que interrumpen el patrón a tiempoUn recordatorio de que la conexión no requiere colapsarEnlaces y recursosÚnete al equipo de Men Talking Mindfulness en la Spartan Race 2026 y lleva la atención plena a un desafío del mundo real. Esto se trata de determinación, presencia y hermandad bajo presión. Más información y registro aquí:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026Más episodios y recursos: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comFitness mental y coaching con Will: https://willnotfear.comReserva a Jon para hablar con tu organización: https://jonmacaskill.comSi este episodio conecta contigo, sigue el programa, deja una calificación y reseña, y compártelo con un hombre que necesite escucharlo.Este episodio fue coproducido por Robert Lopez de https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most men don't grieve by sitting in circles and talking about feelings. They grieve by working harder, staying busy, isolating, or pushing pain down until it shows up as anger, anxiety, exhaustion, or illness.In this powerful episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Michelle Ann Collins—grief coach, mindfulness teacher, and survivor of profound loss—to explore how men actually process grief and why “try harder” is not a plan.Michelle shares her personal journey through her husband's suicide, PTSD, dissociation, and recovery through somatic, body-based mindfulness. Together, they unpack why men are conditioned to suppress grief, how shame and regret keep men stuck, and why embodied practices—not forced emotional expression—are often the safest entry point into healing.This conversation offers real tools men can use in their truck, at work, or at home—without needing to relive the trauma or perform vulnerability.In this episode, you'll hear:• Why men and women feel grief similarly but process it differently• How action-style grief shows up as overworking, isolation, or emotional shutdown• Why suppressing grief often leads to anxiety, panic, illness, or burnout• How embodied mindfulness helps men stay present without dissociation• What post-traumatic growth actually looks like in real life• A simple grounding practice men can use anywhere• How to move from the grief cave toward meaning without rushing the processIf you're a man carrying loss silently—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers a grounded, compassionate path forward.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comLearn more about Michelle's work: https://inhabitjoy.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this solo episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Jon Macaskill steps out from behind conversation and into the quiet honesty of being alone—speaking directly to men who carry responsibility well, but carry it alone.This episode explores the lie of self-sufficiency: how being capable, disciplined, and dependable can look like strength on the outside, yet slowly drain connection, presence, and emotional health on the inside.Jon shares personal reflections from his own life—marriage, leadership, military service, and fatherhood—and names the patterns many men never question: staying busy instead of honest, managing instead of connecting, and confusing endurance with strength.You'll hear why self-sufficiency works… until it doesn't.Why loneliness doesn't always look like isolation.And why many men don't break down—they simply flatten out.In this episode, Jon explores:• Why self-sufficiency is praised, rewarded, and rarely questioned• How high-functioning men slowly lose emotional access without realizing it• The difference between being self-sufficient and being self-contained• How control, busyness, and “being fine” become survival strategies• Why asking for help isn't weakness—it's capacity awareness• Small, realistic shifts that don't require becoming someone you're notThis episode isn't about fixing men or dismantling masculinity.It's about telling the truth—and offering a way to stop carrying everything alone.If you're a man who's still functioning, still providing, still showing up—but feels distant, irritable, or quietly exhausted—this episode is for you.You'll walk away with:-Language to understand what you're actually carrying-Permission to stop confusing endurance with health-Simple awareness tools that interrupt the pattern early-A reminder that connection doesn't require collapseSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026-More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com-Mental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.com-Book Jon to speak with your organization: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if staying in a relationship without fully choosing your partner causes more harm than leaving?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Bryan Withrow Reeves—former Air Force captain, men's coach, and author of Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her—to unpack one of the most uncomfortable truths men face in modern relationships.Bryan speaks candidly about emotional absence, masculine shutdown, and the quiet ways men betray intimacy—not through infidelity or abandonment, but through disengagement. He shares his own story of staying in a relationship while no longer choosing it, and the damage that caused both partners.Together, they explore how mindfulness, nervous system awareness, and men's work help men develop the capacity to stay present during conflict, repair after rupture, and lead relationships with honesty rather than avoidance.In this episode, you'll hear:• Why staying without choosing is more damaging than leaving• How shame and fear drive men to emotionally withdraw• Why presence is not the same as proximity• How mindfulness creates the pause required for repair• When leaving is actually the most loving choice• Why men need other men to do this work well• How to begin choosing your partner—or choosing truth—todayIf you're a man in a relationship, coming out of one, or trying to understand why intimacy feels harder than it should, this conversation offers clarity without judgment—and responsibility without shame.You'll walk away with:✅ Language for emotional presence and honest leadership✅ A framework for conscious commitment✅ Tools to interrupt shutdown and avoidance✅ Encouragement to do relationship work with courage and integritySponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesMore episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your organization: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want fewer injuries, better readiness to train, and athletes who can actually handle pressure?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Chad McGehee, Director of Meditation Training at University of Wisconsin Athletics and co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation. Chad works directly with elite athletes and coaches to train attention, reduce injury risk, and improve performance—without adding more volume, stress, or drills.Together, they break down how mindfulness functions as strength and conditioning for the mind, why attention is involved in every rep and decision, and how short, consistent meditation practices are linked to better readiness, recovery, and resilience in high-pressure environments.You'll hear how Chad went from meditation skeptic to leading mindfulness inside a major Division I athletic department, how teams like Wisconsin Volleyball integrated daily practices, and why mental training supports both performance and mental health for athletes and coaches alike.In this episode, you'll hear:• How training attention supports injury prevention and recovery• Why mindfulness improves mood, energy, and readiness to train• How meditation helps athletes bounce back faster after mistakes• How coaches can introduce mindfulness without losing buy-in• Why the teacher's personal practice matters as much as the technique• Simple practices teams can use this weekIf you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader who wants sustainable performance without burnout, this conversation is a practical blueprint.You'll walk away with:✅ A clear understanding of how mindfulness impacts performance and injury risk✅ Simple meditation tools for warm-ups, cooldowns, and meetings✅ Language to help skeptical athletes and coaches engage✅ Encouragement to treat mental training like physical trainingSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesMore episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode helps you, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one coach, athlete, or parent who needs it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the most game-changing shift in your life is a three-letter word you've been afraid to use?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Jim Alling—former President of Starbucks, COO of T-Mobile USA, and CEO of TOMS—to explore how the simple word yes, paired with gritty gratitude and servant leadership, can transform the way men lead, live, and relate.Jim shares how saying yes to the right things—family, values, service, and curiosity—helped him navigate massive responsibility: tens of thousands of employees, billions in revenue, and the pressure of leading globally recognized brands. He also gets honest about the real cost of hustle culture, what burnout feels like at the top, and why the most effective leaders are often the most human.In this conversation, you'll hear:• How one mentor at Starbucks taught Jim the “power of yes”• Why he chose family and his child's health over a secure corporate path• What gritty gratitude looks like when life is hard—not polished• The difference between performative leadership and servant leadership• Why men who “have it all together” often feel empty inside• How to say yes without becoming a doormat (values, boundaries, clarity)• How humility, humor, and service kept Jim grounded across Nestlé, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and TOMSIf you're a man caught between success and burnout—or you lead people and want to make a real difference without losing your soul—this episode is for you.You'll walk away with:✅ A new understanding of yes as a doorway to purpose✅ A servant-leadership blueprint that still delivers results✅ Tools to integrate gratitude into pressure and responsibility✅ Encouragement to lead as your whole self—not just your titleSponsorPeptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release Dates• Medical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025• Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer Windows• Medical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026• Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions:https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & Resources

This episode is a deep dive into why having fun is not optional for men's mental health—it is the silver bullet that so many guys are missing. From the outside, men are told to grind harder, stay stoic, and carry everything alone, but inside, loneliness, stress, and emotional exhaustion are quietly stacking up. Having fun becomes a radical act of rebellion against isolation, shame, and emotional numbness. John and Will unpack how having fun and playful presence can pull men out of their heads and back into their hearts, bodies, families, and communities, opening the door to real connection, creativity, and relief.Loneliness in men is now recognized as a genuine health risk, not just a feeling to tough out, and it is strongly linked to anxiety, burnout, depression, and even physical illness. In this conversation, John and Will explore how lightening up and making space for joy can interrupt that spiral. When men stop treating life as a never-ending performance review and start allowing play, silliness, and hobbies that feel good, their nervous systems calm down, stress chemistry shifts, and it becomes easier to open up, reach out, and let people in.You'll hear how simple practices—like reclaiming old passions, trying new playful activities, or bringing a sense of humor into daily routines—can build resilience and emotional flexibility. Research shows that enjoyable leisure and playful mindsets boost mood, sharpen focus, improve problem-solving, and enhance relationships, all of which are crucial for men who feel stuck, burnt out, or alone. This episode connects those insights directly to real life: how having fun with friends, partners, kids, or even solo can be the bridge from isolation to intimacy, from rigid seriousness to grounded presence.The tone is honest, unpolished, and real—no fake positivity, no macho posturing. If you're a man feeling the weight of loneliness, or you love a man who seems checked out, this conversation offers both language and tools to shift the story. You'll walk away with a new understanding of why having fun is not childish or trivial—it is a serious strategy for protecting men's mental health, rebuilding friendships, and rediscovering what it feels like to be fully alive.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:54 - Playfulness as a Tool for Connection05:45 - The Consequences of Losing Playfulness08:57 - Creativity and Brain Development11:51 - Playfulness in Adulthood14:51 - The Role of Fun in Mental Health17:41 - Breaking Free from Societal Expectations20:36 - Finding Joy in Everyday Life23:41 - The Courage to Be Playful26:53 - The Connection Between Play and Success29:47 - Embracing Vulnerability and Fun32:44 - The Adventure of Playfulness35:28 - The Playful Spirit of Jesus38:32 - Final Thoughts on PlayfulnessHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you've ever laid in bed wired, exhausted, and dreading tomorrow's alarm, this episode is your playbook on how to improve sleep quality as a man who actually has things to do. In this no‑BS conversation, we dig into how to improve sleep quality so you can boost recovery, calm your mind, and stop feeling like you're running on fumes. You'll hear how to improve sleep quality using simple, repeatable habits instead of gimmicks, and why better sleep might be the most powerful “performance enhancer” you're not truly using yet.Sleep is way more than closing your eyes; it's your nightly reset for testosterone, mood, focus, and emotional resilience, and guys who short-change sleep pay for it with anxiety, irritability, weaker gains, and a higher risk of burnout and health issues. That's why this episode with Sleep Genius founder and former Navy SEAL Robert Sweetman goes deep on practical sleep hygiene, stress management, and recovery tactics designed for high-performing men who still want to show up strong for their families, teams, and missions.You'll learn how to lock in a consistent sleep schedule without feeling like a monk, how to set up a “sleep cave” that's dark, cool, and distraction‑free, and how to use light, timing, and movement during the day so your brain actually wants to shut down at night. Rob unpacks battle-tested tools from elite environments—like deliberate wind‑down routines, mental off‑loading, breathing, and mindfulness—to help calm your mind before bed so you're not replaying your to-do list at 2 a.m.You'll also hear how better sleep accelerates muscle recovery, reduces injury risk, and improves decision‑making and reaction time, giving you an edge in training, career, and life. We link the science to real‑world habits you can use tonight—no magic supplements required. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear, simple plan for how to improve sleep quality, boost recovery, and calm your mind so you can wake up more energized, more grounded, and more dangerous—in all the right ways.Buy Robert's book here - https://www.amazon.com/62Romeo-SLEEP101-Weeks-Sleep-Restoration/dp/B0F8MLZQM2Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Chapters:00:00 - Introductions02:50 - Rob Sweetman on Improving Sleep12:19 - Sleep Hygiene and Mental Health26:31 - How Light and Sound Affect Sleep29:06 - Light, Sound, and Sleep Quality32:29 - Brown Noise for Better Rest33:50 - Noise, Temperature, and Sleep37:50 - Building Consistent Sleep Routines40:00 - New Sleep Solutions for the Military41:58 - Developing Military Sleep Pods43:37 - Better Sleep Tools for Warfighters48:45 - Coaching High Performers on Sleep52:02 - Common Sleep Disruptors53:26 - Healthy Sleep Habits58:11 - Sleep Tracking: Pros and Cons01:01:06 - Why Deep Sleep and REM Matter01:02:36 - How Meal Timing Affects Sleep01:05:02 - Processed Foods, Obesity, and Health01:07:27 - Intermittent Fasting Insights01:08:51 - Eating Habits That Support Sleep01:11:13 - Closing Thoughts and GiveawayHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to George's Self-Discovery Journey—a raw, real conversation inspired by the acclaimed movie, The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself. In this episode, George blazes a trail through the wild Scottish Highlands, bringing to life the core themes of his transformational film. If you're ready for something beyond the usual self-help chatter, this self-discovery Journey plunges you into discomfort and uncertainty—where letting go of control is the only way to discover your truth.George shares moments of falling apart and finding strength, trading comfort for courage. Be prepared for stories of surrender, of inner critics silenced in the mud and rain, and of what happens when you lose yourself to finally find what matters. No filters, no perfection—just the honesty of starting over, learning to cope, and the gritty reality of rediscovering yourself from the inside out. Whether you're struggling with burnout, searching for meaning, or daring to break old patterns, let The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself be your invitation to real personal change.Here is the Youtube link to he Subtle Art of Losing Yourself : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPMMore about George and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@George-ThompsonFeeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. Looking for a great Speak or Coach - Jon Macaskill can help - learn more here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:00:00 – Introductions03:00 – How Film Mirrors Personal Discovery09:29 – Creativity, Presence, and the Filmmaking Flo15:43 – Parts Work Explained & Our Link to Nature24:09 – Staying Authentic While Creating Online28:38 – Leadership, Purpose, and a Shifting World29:32 – Finding Meaning in Service Through Social Platforms32:02 – Responding to Criticism with Self-Affirmation35:11 – The MMA Method for Daily Growth36:06 – Rewriting Self-Image Through Affirmations37:27 – Facing Fear with Presence and Mindfulness40:13 – The Practice of Returning to the Present41:51 – Nature, DNA, and Interconnected Life46:11 – Holding Unity in a Dualistic World48:27 – Personal Growth and Accepting the Self51:01 – Vulnerability, Openness, and Community ConnectionHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Step into the next frontier in healing as we unravel the transformative world of ibogaine therapy in this groundbreaking conversation with Jonathan Dickinson of AMBIO Life Sciences. Ibogaine therapy isn't just another trend—it's a revolution for people who are ready to conquer TBI, PTSD, depression, anxiety and addiction. From the battlefield to the homefront, veterans and special operators are discovering how ibogaine therapy is changing everything they thought they knew about recovery, healing, and hope. With Stanford University's groundbreaking research at the center of this episode, and the buzz from Netflix's new documentary "In Waves and War," the world is finally waking up to how powerful ibogaine therapy can be. This documentary lays bare the real struggles and triumphs of veterans making the courageous choice to reclaim their lives—shining a spotlight on stories that echo everything Jonathan and AMBIO are living day after day.Get ready to challenge what you think about addiction and trauma as Jonathan shares with Men Talking Mindfulness the science, the stories, and the remarkable outcomes that make ibogaine therapy a true game changer. Whether you're struggling with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury, haunted by memories, or fighting to break free from depression or addiction, ibogaine therapy might just be the lifeline you've been searching for. Hear how brave veterans and special operators stepped up as pioneers, partnering with Stanford to unveil the brain-healing, life-rebuilding power of ibogaine therapy.  We dive deep into integration, mental wellness, and why men are flocking to ancient solutions like ibogaine therapy. This isn't about magic bullets or shortcuts—it's about stepping you're of isolation, getting help, owning your journey, and finally healing. Welcome to a new era of recovery, one where courage and connection drive true healing.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction03:52 – Ibogaine's Effects on PTSD and the Brain08:59 – What Makes Ibogaine Healing13:08 – Ibogaine's Cultural Roots and Modern Use18:24 – Ibogaine and the Ancestral Mind24:50 – Compassion, Pain, and Ibogaine Recovery30:15 – How the Brain Heals in Recovery33:11 – Misconceptions About Ibogaine Therapy38:05 – Global Legal Status of Ibogaine44:41 – Inside the Ibogaine Treatment Journey52:24 – Navigating Post-Psychedelic “Gray Days”57:34 – Integration After Psilocybin01:02:36 – High-Dose Ibogaine: Intensity & Control01:04:17 – Staying Aware Through Ibogaine's Intensity01:09:28 – The Arc of Psychedelic Transformation01:14:06 – Healing and Mindfulness in ChaosHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Self-doubt. It's loud, it's sneaky, and it's the voice in your head that tells you you're not enough - even when you're crushing it. In this episode, we dive deep into self-doubt, unpacking how it grips men and secretly drives our choices, our relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves. If you've ever found yourself second-guessing your instincts, replaying that conversation (again), or holding back because of that relentless self-doubt, you're definitely not alone. We'll get brutally honest about where self-doubt comes from, why it sticks around, and how you can finally break its grip and reclaim your personal power.Get ready for candid stories about the internal wars men fight every day, actionable strategies for smashing self-doubt, and a few laughs at the absurd stuff our brains conjure up when no one's watching. Expect practical takeaways, surprising insights into men's mental health, and tools you can use to step out of the self-doubt shadow—starting right now. If you're tired of self-doubt stealing your confidence and joy, this episode is your call to take back your manhood and make your mind your ally, not your enemy.Chapters:00:00 – Introductions05:19 – Embracing Worth and Authentic Leadership19:31 – Owning Your Inner Voice23:43 – The Journey to Confidence and Well-Being25:26 – Power of Personal Affirmations27:04 – Purpose, Brotherhood, and Self-Belief32:16 – Growth Through Self-Doubt33:51 – Seeking Feedback, Building Confidence35:09 – Vulnerability and the Strength to Ask for Help36:07 – Men and Overcompensation: Rewriting the Narrative37:04 – Redefining Vulnerability with Courage40:26 – Emotional Connection and Brotherhood41:20 – The Illusion of Confidence42:38 – Insecurity vs. True Confidence45:13 – Legacy and the Path of Growth46:40 – Strategies for Self-Reflection and EmpowermentFeeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most men train their bodies, few train their minds. From cold plunges to carrying rocks uphill, this one's about mastering the space between chaos and control. Will Schneider breaks down how to build real strength through breath, stillness, and doing hard things. Drop the excuses. Breathe deeper. Get calm enough to crush anything. Watch now and train your mind the Spartan way. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:24 Meet Will Schneider 01:50 Why helping only men 03:10 What led him to meditation 04:23 Joe's 70s yogi story 05:36 From acting to teaching mindfulness 07:12 Will's meditation classes in practice 08:01 Start with the breath 11:03 Yoga as mental training 13:19 Physical challenges for mental resilience 15:13 Calming down to know yourself 16:52 Understand anger, habits & emotions 19:26 Doing hard things soften the ego 21:01 Mind, body, and breath connection 22:30 Three practices for transformation 24:38 Where to find Will Follow @willnotfear and the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast for mindful living insights. Connect to Will: Website: willnotfear.com Instagram: @willnotfear LinkedIn: Will Schneider Facebook: Will at Will Not Fear Twitter/X: @willnotfear

Men Talking Mindfulness aims to empower men's personal and emotional growth through mindfulness. We offer engaging content and practical tools in a supportive community, guiding men toward a balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life.This is an episode Jon recorded with Chris Lazier and Shaun Emerson from the If You've Come This Far podcast... lots of fun stuff to know about Jon - a lot that we never knew before!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, the guys interview Jon Macaskill, former Navy SEAL and co-host of the "Men Talking Mindfulness" podcast. After doing a quick opening meditation, they discuss Jon's growing up in Louisiana, great coaches, Jon's choice to go into the military, his journey from enlisting in the Navy to becoming a SEAL, his struggles with PTSD and subsequent recovery through mindfulness. the creation of his podcast with Will Schneider and more.Learn more about Jon hereListent to Men Talking Mindfulness hereGet Mental at 20% discount: http://getmental.com/IYCTF

What if confidence wasn't about pushing through fear but about clearing the way for your most natural, grounded, and powerful presence?If you struggle with nerves before speaking or wish you could feel more present and authentic in front of an audience, this episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you!This time, I talk with Will Schneider—former actor, yoga teacher, and co-host of Men Talking Mindfulness—about how meditation, movement, and mindset can shape the way we show up.Listen in to learn:- What we can learn from acting and auditions and apply to speaking- How to get into the zone and stay there- How to break free from negative thought loops- Practical ways to stay grounded and focused- Tips for fostering vulnerability and forgivenessReady to transform your relationship with speaking? This conversation will help you step into the limelight with delight!Click here to check the full show notes.

Men Talking Mindfulness aims to empower men's personal and emotional growth through mindfulness. We offer engaging content and practical tools in a supportive community, guiding men toward a balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life. Here's the link to the full show: https://pod.fo/e/2a17edHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode covers a lot of ground. On the heels of last week's episode where we had to edit out our discussion of women in special operations, that's exactly where our conversation this week starts. We originally connected with our guest because of his LinkedIn post about a woman in her senior year at the Naval Academy who has been selected to attend BUD/S, but we quickly move on to focus on how mindfulness fits into human performance. Jon Macaskill is a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned consultant and mindfulness and meditation teacher. He was born in South Africa but grew up in Ruston, Louisiana.After graduating high school, he served briefly as an enlisted sailor in the US Navy before receiving an appointment to the US Naval Academy and graduating from there with a BS in mathematics 4 years later. He also has a Master's degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School.During his 24-year Navy career Jon served in Iraq, Afghanistan, off the coast of Somalia, and in Panama.After retiring, he served briefly as the Deputy Executive Director for the veteran nonprofit, Veteran's PATH. He now runs a podcast called Men Talking Mindfulness; does keynote speaking engagements on developing leadership, grit, and resilience; and owns his own consulting company, Frogman Mindfulness. In all three roles, his desire is to improve cultures and individuals through mindfulness, meditation, vulnerability, and compassion.Jon's wife, Beka, also served in the Navy and is now a civilian Orthopedic Physician Assistant. Together, they are the proud parents of three children, and after an adventurous 6 months as a family in an RV, they have settled on a small farm in Colorado Springs.

Welcome to Men Talking Mindfulness.Follow us and get notified of our latest weekly episode. We drop one every Monday.Please share our podcast too.Feb2025