
Hosted by Dean Pohlman · EN

What if you wake up one day and despite living up to society's definition of success, you feel empty inside? That's what happened to today's guest Brian Dubow, host of Hit of Happiness and happiness coach. By all accounts, Brian reached a level of success that most people envy. But he slowly realized that his drive to work hard was a defense mechanism protecting himself from asking the harder questions - like why he wasn't happy. And why he didn't actually care about a job that made his peers envy him. So, his quarter-life crisis forced him to embark on a journey to rediscover his own happiness, quit his job, and launch Hit of Happiness - a podcast and coaching program that helps others build a life that matters. If you've been silently wondering why your life hasn't led to the happiness you imagined, this episode is your first step towards building a life that matters. To you. Here's what Brian and I discuss: How to undo your subconscious programming that's keeping you stuck in someone else's life Why thinking of happiness as an inside job is the fastest way to become happier in your day-to-day life The 3 phases of happiness (and why most men are stuck in the first two levels) And more, including… The insidious way people will push you to do what they want you to do (and how defining success for yourself prevents you from living another person's dreams) (6:01) How to tell if your desire to be busy is a sneaky way to avoid your emotions (this is the case for most men) (6:38) What to do when you reach society's definition of happiness but not your own (7:26) How inspiration from others means you have a version of them living inside you (9:11) The "happiness is an inside job" secret that can triple your happiness without anything changing in your external environment (10:39) A potent question (Brian asks himself this every two weeks) that reveals the path to the life you're meant to live (16:42) Why do so many men feel like they're enough logically but not emotionally? (22:23) How to "listen" to what your feelings of being comfortably numb are trying to tell you so you don't live your life on autopilot and full of regrets (30:59) The counterintuitive way your internal world creates your external surroundings (not the other way around) (42:08) The "mood follows action" mindset shift that sounds simple, but can completely change the trajectory of your happiness (49:34) Guest Bio: Brian Dubow is the founder of Hit of Happiness and just another human trying to figure out life's purpose. Founded in March of 2020, his company came out of his desire to make a difference as a response to COVID-19. What started as a blog and coaching business has now grown into a podcast, a thriving community, a corporate consulting company, and a happiness revolution. Brian is a Certified Happiness Trainer and feels strongly that understanding the science behind happiness is a powerful tool to improve overall wellbeing. By building habits backed by the science of happiness, we can all grow into our happiest and healthiest selves. Resources mentioned in this episode: 1. Hit of Happiness: If you're struggling with happiness or making your life count, Brian's happiness coaching and podcast can make you feel happier, more fulfilled, and more alive. Learn more here: https://hitofhappiness.com/ 2. Follow Brian on Instagram: @hitofhappiness and feel free to reach out personally to Brian if you have any questions. 3. Man Flow Yoga Events: We just announced new locations for 2026 in-person events. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 4. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7

Coming out is never easy. Despite the societal progress we've made culturally, there is a large swath of men who would, quite literally, rather be hit by a truck than come out. This pressure, if you feel it, only compounds with age. Especially if you're also married to a woman and have kids, like today's guest David was. David didn't come out until his late 50s - after a successful career in the U.S. Air Force as Brigadier General, after being married to a beautiful woman, and after having kids. The truth was, he had always wondered and had inklings about his true self. But he buried them and focused on his career and parenthood. But after his kids moved out, he couldn't wear the three-foot mask over his true self any longer. Coming out was one of the hardest things he's ever done. And it completely changed his personality. He went from being an introvert to an extrovert, and he uses his real personality to help other men who are coming out late. If you've been struggling with whether or not you're gay - or you just want to learn more about what gay men go through so you can be more compassionate and empathetic, listen now. Here's what David and I discuss: Why it's never actually too "late" to come out (even though it might feel like it) Why "letting people in" instead of "coming out" can make it easier How to better navigate coming out (especially if you're married and have kids) And more, including… Why the BEST way to improve your mental health is by moving your physical body (4:40) How to better handle coming out later in life (even if you've already married a woman and have had kids like David) (8:16) How cultural and subconscious homophobia can delay your coming out (14:30) Why letting your loved ones "in" (instead of "coming out") makes these tough conversations easier and less daunting (15:31) Dr. Joe Kort's (a sex therapist) "Beach Test" that can help confused men decide if they're gay or not (24:57) How finally accepting yourself as gay can alter your entire personality (David lived his life as an introvert until he came out) (26:16) The strange way your repressed fears get projected onto others (David first noticed this as the U.S. Air Force Brigadier General - where being gay could get him fired back then) (44:01) Guest Bio: David Cotton is a certified life transition & personal development life coach, retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, and former corporate executive who now dedicates his life to helping others step into their truth and live with intention. After decades of living in alignment with expectations rather than identity, David came out as a gay man later in life — a transformational experience that fuels his passion for guiding others through life's biggest transitions. David specializes in coaching men who are coming out later in life, as well as individuals of all backgrounds seeking clarity, courage, and authenticity in the face of personal change. His coaching practice is rooted in deep empathy, strategic reflection, and a belief that it's never too late to become the person you were always meant to be. He is also the creator and host of Out Late With David, a podcast that amplifies powerful, heartfelt stories of people who have come out later in life — often after years of silence or living in the shadows. Through real conversations and unflinching honesty, David offers listeners hope, insight, and a sense of belonging. Based in Palm Springs, California, David brings warmth, wisdom, and just the right touch of wit to his coaching, his podcast, and every life he touches. Resources mentioned in this episode: 1. David Cotton Coaching: Whether you're transitioning through a tough period in your life (like coming out) or you just want to get more out of your life, David's coaching might be able to help. Learn more here: LINK 2. Out Late with David Podcast: While coming out (especially "late") is never easy, hearing other men share their stories helps. That's what Out Late with David is about. Listen to it here: 3. Find more of David's Coming Out Resources: If you want more resources for coming out, check out David's Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/davidacotton 4. Man Flow Yoga Events: On February 28, I'm hosting a Saturday Workshop in Denver, CO. If you want to do yoga with me and get feedback in real-time, get your ticket here: https://shop.manflowyoga.com/collections/in-person-events/products/mfy-workshop-denver-february-2026-02-28 5. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7