ManTalks Podcast

The Rise of Misanthropy - Why Do So Many People Hate Each Other?

I explore the rise of misanthropy and why so many people seem to be losing faith in humanity. I unpack how social media, economics, and cultural conflicts fuel this growing sense of distrust and despair. I also share why I believe practicing a radical faith in humanity is not only possible but necessary. Join me as I challenge the narratives of fear and invite you to see a different way forward.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Introduction: What is misanthropy?00:58 – Social media and amplified othering03:38 – Economics and generational insecurity04:47 – Gender conflict and family strain11:20 – The idea of “Virtuous Misanthropy”16:49 – Catastrophic thinking and the future22:35 – Radical faith in humanity23:38 – Closing thoughts and invitation***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

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The Psychology Of The Man Child - Carl Jung and the Puer Aeternus

Sep 1800:28:31Tap to summarize

I dive into Carl Jung’s concept of the Puer Aeternus—the eternal child, or what we might call the “man-child.” I explore how this archetype shows up in our lives through procrastination, fantasy, and avoidance of responsibility. I share myths like Icarus and Peter Pan, the shadow side of this archetype, and practical steps to move from the eternal boy to the integrated man.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:01 – The Puer Aeternus: Eternal Child02:42 – Fixation on Youth vs. Responsibility04:12 – The Provisional Life07:01 – Myth of Icarus08:12 – Peter Pan and Neverland10:33 – The Seduction of Youth13:24 – The Shadow Side16:34 – Step 1: Accept Limitations18:47 – Step 2: Embrace the Ordinary20:14 – Step 3: Facing Failure21:50 – Step 4: Commit to the Process23:29 – Step 5: Seek a Mentor25:28 – From Eternal Boy to Integrated Man26:21 – Brutal Honesty and Feedback27:43 – Closing Thoughts***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

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Healing Childhood Wounds in Marriage - Men's Work Session

Sep 1500:48:37Tap to summarize

I sit down with Sandy to explore how childhood experiences and family dynamics shaped the way he shows up in his marriage and new role as a father. We dive into themes of complex trauma, feeling alone, and learning how to connect in the moment rather than after the fact. Together, we work through practical exercises on presence, nervous system awareness, and building safety in relationships. This is a raw, vulnerable dialogue about healing, fatherhood, and not carrying old patterns into the future.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Introduction00:37 – Childhood patterns and family role04:07 – Struggles in marriage and fatherhood07:34 – Feeling unseen as a boy11:17 – Working through tension in the body15:51 – “I’m not alone anymore”23:58 – Understanding complex trauma31:08 – Daily connection practice with partner36:50 – Breaking the freeze cycle42:05 – Learning from fatherhood44:30 – Closing reflections***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

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Are Men Actually Intimidated By Women

Sep 1200:11:20Tap to summarize

Today, I discuss the common belief that men are intimidated by successful women. We explore where this narrative comes from, why it persists, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. Instead of intimidation, attraction often breaks down when certain traits and behaviors enter the relationship dynamic. Tune in for an honest look at success, gender roles, and what makes relationships thrive or fail.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Are men really intimidated by women?01:04 – The origins of this narrative01:58 – Success vs. attraction in relationships03:52 – Clarifying the message about women’s accomplishments04:38 – What men actually get frustrated with06:59 – Influence, power, and attraction dynamics07:42 – Traits that push men away08:32 – Why “intimidation” isn’t the real issue10:14 – Relationship struggles with role balance11:00 – Closing thoughts and reflections***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

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Best Of ManTalks: 2024

Dec 30, 2024Tap to summarize

Talking points: trauma, culture, attachment, masculinityMaybe you’re new (or new-ish) to the podcast. Maybe you’re gunning for new insights so you kick off 2025 right. Either way, we here at ManTalks have got your back. In this episode, you’ll find extended clips from 2024’s top interviews, from the veteran perspectives of Michael Meade to the attachment expertise of Sarah Baldwin. Happy New Year, team.(00:00:00) - Peter Levine on the symptoms of trauma and using active imagination(00:19:41) - Michael Meade on the importance of myth, and AI’s possible effects on humanity (00:31:48) - Sarah Baldwin on anxious and avoidant attachment, and the goals for healing each(00:47:22) - Owen Marcus on co-regulation and importance of genuine connection for men***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

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ManTalks Best Of 2023

Jan 8, 2024Tap to summarize

Talking points: porn, masculinity, culture, redpill, relationships, dating, anxiety, mental health, lonelinessEvery January, we get a spike of newcomers to the podcast, and this year I decided to give them a warm welcome by compiling some of the hardest-hitting and most popular episodes of the year.If you're new to the show, dig in and see what convos mattered most to the community. If you're a longtime listener, now may be the chance to catch something you missed!(00:00:00) - Stirling Cooper on how porn impacts a man in the bedroom(00:04:46) - Advice for talking to your son about porn(00:10:43) - Scott Galloway on how the conversation around men is shifting, and why(00:13:21) - The knock-on effects of what men are struggling with(00:10:26) - Again, NOT saying this is wrong, but what are we creating further down the line?(00:11:40) - You can already see some consequences in the data(00:19:13) - A new definition of masculinity(00:26:42) - Scott on why guys like Andrew Tate are so popular(00:31:21) - Jillian Turecki on helping a partner through hardship, grief, and regret(00:39:17) - What goes into choosing a partner—and why we sometimes choose the wrong one(00:49:19) - The Disneyfication of modern relationships (00:52:20) - John Delony on the correlation between body disconnection and anxiety(00:56:16) - John’s definition of anxiety(01:00:53) - Do men have different things generally making them anxious?(01:05:09) - Loneliness CAUSES anxietyPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | and yes, even TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Boyd Varty - Lion Tracking, Meaning Making, And Healing Trauma

Mar 13, 2023Tap to summarize

Talking points: working in/with the wild, initiation, trauma, what nature teaches you, masculinity This has been one of my most anticipated guests of all time. Like, years. An incredible storyteller, a man with a mighty heart and passion for everything wilderness, this is an episode I encourage you to share with the men in your life. Seriously. The wildlife and literacy activist Boyd Varty, author of the memoir Cathedral of the Wild, had an unconventional upbringing. Born to a family of conservationists, Boyd grew up on Londolozi Game Reserve in the South African wilderness, a place where man and nature strive for balance, where perils exist alongside wonders. Founded more than 90 years ago as a hunting ground, Londolozi was transformed into a nature reserve beginning in 1973 by Varty’s father and uncle, visionaries of the restoration movement. But it wasn’t just a sanctuary for the animals; it was also a place for ravaged land to flourish again and for the human spirit to be restored. When Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years of imprisonment, he came to the reserve to recover. Since childhood, Boyd shared his home with lions, leopards, snakes, and elephants and has spent his life in apprenticeship to the wisdom of nature. Boyd survived a harrowing black mamba encounter, a debilitating bout with malaria, even a vicious crocodile attack, but his biggest challenge was a personal crisis of purpose. As a university student, he studied psychology and ecology, supplementing his education by learning martial arts in Thailand, hiking through the jungles of the Amazon, and apprenticing to a renowned tracker from the Shangaan tribe, deepening his intimate knowledge of the natural world. Boyd grew up speaking the local language and learning the true meaning of coexistence between people and with nature. Connect with Boyd -Website: https://boydvarty.com/ -Book: The Lion Tracker's Guide To Life: https://boydvarty.com/book/the-lion-trackers-guide-to-life/ -Podcast: https://boydvarty.com/about/40-days-40-nights/ -Twitter: https://twitter.com/boydvarty -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boyd_varty/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boydvartyinc/ This podcast is brought to you by Organifi! Plant-based nutrition that's science-backed, high quality, and something I use literally every day. Hit up the link for 20% off your next here: https://www.organifi.com/mantalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Experts On: Men And Masculinity - Past, Present, And Future

Jan 23, 2023Tap to summarize

All you newcomers to the podcast, this one is for you! Every now and then, we like to take segments from previous episodes that were particularly insightful, informative, or moving, and showcase them under theme. That way, you get a solid look at what we offer. In this episode: James Hollis on how the landscape of male culture has changed in his lifetime Owen Marcus on emotional intelligence Ben Goresky on what modern men seem to be facing John Wineland on the "integrated masculine" and embodiment Francis Weller on how men can nourish future generations ***This podcast is brought to you by Organifi! Plant-based nutrition that's science-backed, high quality, and something I use literally every day. Hit up the link for 20% off your next here: https://www.organifi.com/mantalksPick up my brand new book! Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the self-leadership they’re looking for.Are you looking to find purpose, navigate transition, or fix your relationships, all with a powerful group of men from around the world? Check out The Alliance and join me today. Check out our Facebook Page or the Men's community.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more episodes visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Francis Weller - Initiation (And Society Without It)

Sep 27, 2021Tap to summarize

In this episode, Francis and I discuss the role of community in processing grief, the cult of specialness, our addiction to progress, using beauty and ritual to stay mentally healthy, and how obsession with individualism has crippled our ability to feel like we belong. That’s just the tip of the iceberg with a man like Francis, and it’s a great honor to hear him speak with such depth and clarity on these complex subjects. Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer, and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. Author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief, The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation, (with Rashani Réa), and In the Absence of the Ordinary: Essays in a Time of Uncertainty, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from western poetic, psychological, and spiritual traditions. As a gifted therapist and teacher, Francis has been described as a jazz artist, improvising and moving fluidly in and out of deep emotional territories with groups and individuals, bringing imagination and attention to places often held with judgment and shame. Francis received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and two Master’s Degrees from John F. Kennedy University in Clinical Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. His writings have appeared in anthologies and journals exploring the confluence between psyche, nature, and culture. His work was featured in The Sun magazine (October 2015) the Utne Reader (Fall 2016) and the Kosmos Journal. (Winter 20201) He is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at conferences, bringing insight, poetry and a breath of humor to his talks. Francis is currently on staff at Commonweal Cancer Help Program, co-leading their week-long retreats with Michael Lerner. He has taught at Sonoma State University, the Sophia Center in Oakland, and has been the featured teacher at the Minnesota Men's Conference. He is currently completing his third book, A Trail on the Ground: The Geography of Soul. He has created three CD sets, two focusing on healing shame and one on “Restoring the Soul of the World.” His latest offerings are a 10-session audio series on "Living a Soulful Life and Why It Matters." and "The Alchemy of Initiation: Soul Work and the Art of Ripening." Connect with Francis: Website: https://www.francisweller.net/ Books: https://www.francisweller.net/books.html Programs: https://www.francisweller.net/programs--workshops.html Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the self-leadership they’re looking for. Are you looking to find purpose, navigate transition, or fix your relationships, all with a powerful group of men from around the world? Check out The Alliance and join me today. Check out our Facebook Page or the Men's community. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify For more episodes visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Francis Weller - The Death of the Hero and The Importance of Mythology

Jan 18, 2021Tap to summarize

It’s difficult for me to describe how much I value Francis Weller and his work, and I wanted him on because of his expertise on grief, something that is—inevitably—a part of every human life. We dig into Western culture's obsession with "the Hero", where we truly find redemption and healing, and the inherent emptiness of individualism. Heavy stuff, and incredibly powerful. This is also a part of a new series I’ve titled Living Through an Age of Crisis. Episodes in this series are dedicated to helping listeners navigate the confusion and chaos of our times. I’ll be bringing on experts in psychology, spirituality, history, propaganda, and culture to offer their insights on what the real situation is and how we can move through it. Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer, and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. Author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief; The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation, (with Rashani Réa) and In the Absence of the Ordinary: Essays in a Time of Uncertainty, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from western poetic, psychological, and spiritual traditions. As a gifted therapist and teacher, Francis has been described as a jazz artist, improvising and moving fluidly in and out of deep emotional territories with groups and individuals, bringing imagination and attention to places often held with judgment and shame. Francis received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and two Master’s Degrees from John F. Kennedy University in Clinical Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. His writings have appeared in anthologies and journals exploring the confluence between psyche, nature, and culture. His work was featured in The Sun magazine (October 2015) the Utne Reader (Fall 2016) and the Kosmos Journal. (Winter 20201) He is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at conferences, bringing insight, poetry and a breath of humor to his talks. Francis is currently on staff at Commonweal Cancer Help Program, co-leading their week-long retreats with Michael Lerner. He has taught at Sonoma State University, the Sophia Center in Oakland, and has been the featured teacher at the Minnesota Men's Conference. He is currently completing his third book, A Trail on the Ground: The Geography of Soul. He has created three CD sets, two focusing on healing shame and one on “Restoring the Soul of the World.” His latest offerings are a 10-session audio series on "Living a Soulful Life and Why It Matters." and "The Alchemy of Initiation: Soul Work and the Art of Ripening." Connect with Francis: Website: https://www.francisweller.net/ Books: https://www.francisweller.net/books.html Programs: https://www.francisweller.net/programs--workshops.html Did you enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the self-leadership they’re looking for. Are you looking to find purpose, navigate transition, or fix your relationships, all with a powerful group of men from around the world? Check out The Alliance and join me today. Check out our Facebook Page or the Men's community. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify For more episodes visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Editing & Mixing by: Aaron The TechSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Rise of Misanthropy - Why Do So Many People Hate Each Other?

The Psychology Of The Man Child - Carl Jung and the Puer Aeternus