Podcast
The Grounded Warrior Podcast
Hosted by Phil Horning · EN
Welcome to The Grounded Warrior Podcast, a show dedicated to helping men navigate life's internal struggles and step into a more grounded, confident, and purposeful self. Host Phil Horning invites expert guests to share real stories, relatable insights, and practical tools that resonate with the modern man’s journey. Whether you're facing uncertainty, seeking motivation, or looking to develop deeper connections and clarity, you'll find valuable resources here to help you uncover your authentic self. For more information or to get coaching go to: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Larry Kesslin: When Success Isn’t Enough to Bring Peace
Feb 1701:05:51Summary readyIn this episode, Larry Kesslin, author of The Joy Molecule, shares his personal journey of redefining success after facing major life challenges, including divorce and identity shifts. We explore why achievement alone does not lead to fulfillment, and how inner peace must be cultivated from within rather than pursued externally.Larry introduces his concept of the Ascension Ladder, a framework that moves from survival and ego driven success toward self-actualization and transcendence. We discuss money as energy, the illusion of identity, and why joy is not dependent on circumstance but on agency over your thoughts and emotional state.Chapters00:00 Finding Peace and Joy in Life04:46 Redefining Success and Significance09:39 The Ascension Ladder: From Survival to Self-Actualization14:20 Understanding Money as Energy18:18 The Joy Molecule: Connection and Purpose24:05 Lessons from Life Experiences and Relationships36:30 The Identity Illusion and Its Impact43:37 Lessons from Life Experiences44:28 The Journey of Letting Go53:08 Understanding Peace and Joy01:01:57 The Ascension Ladder: A New PerspectiveLinksConnect with LarryEmail: larry@larrykesslin.comWebsite: https://5-dots.com/Book: https://a.co/d/01CnWAZ6Connect with MeWebsite: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/
SummaryRandy E. Bishop: You Are Not Broken, You Are Becoming
Feb 201:00:03Summary readyIn this episode, Randy Bishop, creator of the Re Method, joins the conversation to explore why growth is not about fixing what is broken, but about becoming more aware, connected, and grounded. We unpack the core principles of reflecting, reframing, and restoring, and how these practices help men navigate life transitions with clarity and intention.We also examine the impact of technology on human connection, why in person relationships still matter, and how vulnerability plays a critical role in emotional health. This conversation is a reminder that personal growth is an ongoing process, and that none of us are meant to do it alone.00:00 Introduction to the Re Method03:15 The Impact of Technology on Connection10:36 The Importance of In-Person Connections14:36 The Need for Community and Support21:31 Finding Balance in Life27:15 Reflection and Personal Growth31:33 The Journey of Lifelong Learning37:21 The Importance of Vulnerability and Connection48:38 Navigating Life Transitions57:24 Embracing the Process of BecomingLinksConnect with RandyEmail: randy@lifelessonscoaching.netBook: https://www.amazon.com/author/randyebishopConnect with MeWebsite: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/
SummarySean McManus: Building Confidence and Deepening Connection
Jan 1901:01:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sean McManus, founder of McManus Strength and Nutrition, discusses the importance of self-confidence, particularly for Christian men. Sean shares insights on self-worth, explaining that many men feel pressured to serve others at the expense of their own well-being. We go into the significance of physical health and nutrition in building self-confidence. Sean explains how taking care of one's body through exercise and proper nutrition can enhance mental clarity and emotional stability. The episode concludes with Sean sharing his personal journey of growth, mentorship, and the importance of discipline in achieving a fulfilling life, encouraging men to embrace their worth and take actionable steps towards improvement.Chapters01:28 The Importance of Genuine Connections04:10 Understanding Self-Worth09:40 Physical Health and Self-Confidence15:36 Building Sustainable Routines29:25 Sean's Personal Journey31:19 The Pressure of Fatherhood35:39 The Search for Guidance and Mentorship39:50 The Importance of Emotional Honesty44:47 Creating Safe Spaces in Relationships51:32 The Role of Communication in Men's Lives59:44 Final Thoughts: You MatterLinksConnect with SeanLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/seanmcmanusInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseanmcmanus/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.mcmanus.965TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theseanmcmanusConnect with MeWebsite: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedwarrior/
Transcribe →Jason Lange: Why Men Heal Through Connection and Embodiment
Jan 300:54:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jason Lange, Men’s Embodiment coach and founder of Evolutionary Men, joins the conversation to explore why connection, community, and embodiment are essential for men’s emotional health. Jason shares his personal journey out of disconnection and fear, and how men’s groups and safe containers helped him reconnect with his emotions and intuition.We discuss the role of ritual and initiation in marking life transitions, the impact of cultural expectations on men’s emotional lives, and why anger and vulnerability need space to be expressed in healthy ways. This conversation highlights why connection is often the missing medicine for modern men, and how embodied awareness creates lasting change.Chapters(03:10) The Journey to Embodiment(10:24) The Role of Community in Healing(16:34) Understanding Anger and Emotional Expression(23:29) The Importance of Initiation in Masculinity(29:45) The Impact of Fragmented Family Systems(35:41) The Cost of Disembodiment in Men(39:17) The Importance of Community and Containers(40:38) Rituals and Rites of Passage(51:37) The Power of ConnectionLinksConnect with JasonWebsite: https://evolutionary.men/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolutionarymen/Connect with MeWebsite: https://thegroundedwarrior.com/Coaching: https://thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/
Transcribe →Ryan Conklin: Grief, Gratitude, and the Power of Being Found
Dec 1900:41:27Tap to summarizeRyan Conklin is a Transformational Coach and founder of The Bridger Coaching. His work centers on connection, leadership and rites of passage, guiding people to alchemize pain, courage, and vulnerability into embodied transformation. He works at the intersection of personal clarity, emotional presence, and purposeful leadership.In this episode, Ryan and I explore the themes of grief, transformation, and the importance of community in navigating loss. They discuss the slow process of grief, the dialogue between sorrow and gratitude, and the significance of rituals and ceremonies in honoring what has been lost. Our conversation explores the need for completion in identity and the role of community in supporting individuals on their grief journeys. Ultimately, Ryan highlights the importance of being present and allowing oneself to be found in the healing process.(00:00) Introduction to Grief and Transformation(03:24) Understanding Grief: A New Perspective(10:37) The Dialogue of Grief and Gratitude(15:02) Tending the Fire: The Process of Healing(22:17) Letting Go of Old Identities(28:08) The Importance of Completion in Life(35:26) The Role of Community in GriefLinksConnect with RyanWebsite: https://www.thebridgercoaching.com/Email: 4ryanconklin@gmail.comConnect with MeWebsite: https://thegroundedwarrior.com/Coaching: https://thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/
Transcribe →Adam Volk: Unlocking the Unconscious with Jungian-Based Coaching
Dec 700:46:14Tap to summarizeAdam Volk is a Jungian-based depth coach and the founder of Volks Coaching. In this episode, Adam shares his journey of self-discovery and the profound impact Jungian theory has had on his coaching style. He discusses the importance of understanding the ego, the process of shadow work, and how societal influences can affect personal choices. We explore the depths of the psyche, the significance of grief in healing, and the creative potential that lies within each individual. We also explore the need for introspection and the power of symbolism to unlock one's true self.(00:00) Introduction to Jungian Coaching(02:14) Personal Journey and the Quest for Meaning(06:31) The Dark Night of the Soul(10:45) Emerging from Darkness: The Climb Out(15:22) Understanding the Psyche: Jung vs. Freud(23:30) Dreams and the Unconscious Mind(24:28) Understanding Triggers and Shadow Work(29:21) The Choice in Our Reactions(30:42) Autonomy vs. Societal Expectations(32:07) Exploring the Creative Mind(36:34) Symbolism and the Unconscious(45:15) Sharing Light and ConclusionLinksConnect with AdamWebsite: https://www.volkscoaching.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volkscoaching/Connect with MeWebsite: https://thegroundedwarrior.com/Coaching: https://thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/
Transcribe →Collin Chartier: The Transformational Journey From Triathlete to Breathwork Coach
Oct 2300:46:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Colin Chartier shares his journey from being a professional triathlete to becoming a breath and wellness coach. He discusses his experiences in competitive sports, the pressures of identity and performance, and the impact of a doping controversy on his life. Colin then reflects on his transformative multi-country cycling journey, highlighting the internal growth that accompanied his physical challenges and his discovery of breathwork. We then further discuss the importance of relinquishing control, the transformative power of breathwork in emotional healing, and the scientific basis of breath and its impact on the body. Chapters(03:11) Colin's Journey from Triathlete to Breathwork Coach(06:08) The Transition from Swimming to Triathlon(08:53) The Pressure of Competition and Identity(12:01) The Impact of Doping Controversy(15:02) Finding Freedom Through Cycling(18:07) The Internal Journey of Pain and Growth(25:02) Reinventing Oneself Through Journey(30:12) The Power of Breathwork and Letting Go(35:11) Understanding Breathwork: Science and Practice(44:52) Connecting Through Breathwork: Finding CommunityLinksConnect with Collin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collinchartier/Connect with Me:Website: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: the_grounded_warrior
Transcribe →Miles Salisbury: Why Most Modern Therapy Misses the Mark for Men
Oct 800:55:07Tap to summarizeMiles Salisbury is a licensed psychotherapist in the Oregon area. Miles and I discuss the intricacies of modern therapy and how it can sometimes fall short, especially for men. We discuss the importance of a therapist being self-aware, capable of delving beyond conscious-level conversations, and the therapeutic relationship with their clients. Miles shares insights on working with male clients, the phases of therapy, and how to find the right therapist. The discussion highlights the need for men to cultivate friendships and emotional connections, as well as the challenges faced in the current therapeutic landscape.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Miles Salisbury02:57 Boundaries in Therapy06:15 Understanding Wounds in Therapy10:39 Building Trust with Clients12:40 The Importance of Time in Therapy15:45 The Male Perspective in Therapy18:26 Phases of Therapy28:30 Handling Masculinity in Therapy33:43 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability36:02 Understanding Anger and Emotional Expression38:44 Cultural Shifts in Emotional Expression39:44 The Importance of Identity Beyond Labels42:46 Finding the Right Therapist50:29 Building Male Friendships for Emotional SupportLinksMiles Ahead Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xIVBmTqNpiAc0FWVHpUct?si=67037abb59dd4428Episode with Miles and I: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aFfVIliZnzQsj7SHdUiT7?si=zsmxHlloSgiSsL52nFkU8wInstagram: / miles.graham.salisburyphdWebsite: https://milessalisburylpc.com/Connect with Me:Website: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: / the_grounded_warrior
Transcribe →Kit Bargmann: A Journey of Surrender, Facing Darkness, and Rising Stronger
Sep 2601:23:41Tap to summarizeIn this in-person episode, my close friend Kit Bargmann shares his incredible personal journey and wrestling with the complexities of manhood, relationships, and emotional growth. Kit reflects on the lessons learned from dark seasons in his life and the significance of surrendering to the journey of self-discovery and growth. Together, we explore the parallels of the hero's journey and identify areas that require confrontation, such as shame, embracing vulnerability, and finding the gold in pain and darkness, as essential steps in personal growth and healing.Chapters02:57 The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth12:02 Lessons from Struggles and Pain15:04 Understanding Relationships and Marriage Dynamics28:44 Navigating Childhood Trauma and Anger34:49 Transitioning to Personal Training and New Relationships43:31 The Evolution of Relationships55:02 Understanding Masculinity and Worthiness57:13 The Weight of Emotional Burdens58:27 Navigating Labels and Self-Identity01:01:47 Finding Gold in Pain and Suffering01:05:13 Inner Child Work and Healing01:10:55 The Cost of Commitment and Growth01:13:57 Surrendering to Transformation01:15:58 Listening to the Inner Guidance01:17:41 Embracing the Mystery of LifeConnect with Me:Website: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: / the_grounded_warrior
Transcribe →Dave Boyd: Break the Mold, Live Authentically
Sep 1000:59:14Tap to summarizeDave Boyd is a former Marine and SWAT officer who now serves as a men’s coach and president of Uncivilized, Inc.Dave and I begin our conversation by exploring the complexities that AI introduces into today’s societal norms. From there, we delve into the importance of finding and maintaining authenticity in a world that is often overwhelmed with overstimulation. Together, we unpack the journey of self-discovery and the challenges men face when breaking free from the molds imposed by organizations, service, and society. We also explore the weight of prescriptive identities, the power of living by core values, and why surrounding yourself with supportive relationships is essential to becoming grounded and authentic to yourself.Chapters(00:00) The Rise of AI and Its Implications(02:24) Navigating Personal Identity in a System(05:29) The Quest for Authenticity(08:43) Fatherhood and Instilling Resilience(11:27) The Journey of Self-Discovery(14:41) Balancing Personal Values and Responsibilities(17:22) Living Authentically Across Different Roles(31:18) The Journey to Integrity(33:46) The Pain of Sacrifice(39:06) The Masks We Wear(42:57) Witnessing Our True Selves(48:48) Building Resilience and Core Values(57:33) The Importance of BrotherhoodLinksConnect with Dave:Website: https://www.manuncivilized.com/Instagram: / uncivilized_daveUncivilized Men's Group: https://www.manuncivilized.com/mensgroupConnect with Me:Website: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.comCoaching: https://www.thegroundedwarrior.com/coachingInstagram: / the_grounded_warrior
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