The Journey On Podcast: Episode with Andrew Cohn

Introduction to the Episode and Guest

In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller welcomes Andrew Cohn, an accomplished counselor, facilitator, and executive coach with over two decades of experience. Released on March 22, 2025, this episode delves deep into Andrew's transformative journey from practicing law to fostering personal and professional growth through spiritual psychology and men's retreats.

Andrew Cohn’s Early Life and Legal Career

Andrew Cohn's story begins in the suburbs of New York City, where he was raised in a family with strong legal ties—his father and uncle were both lawyers. This environment inspired him to pursue a law degree, believing that legal training would provide valuable skills regardless of whether he continued practicing. Andrew attended law school in Los Angeles, drawn by positive role models and the allure of litigation.

Reflecting on his legal career, Andrew shares:

“I was practicing litigation in Los Angeles during the early '90s, a time when California's legal landscape was rife with construction defect cases due to rapid development.” ([08:45])

He worked for a small firm for seven years, navigating the adversarial nature of litigation. Despite his success, Andrew realized that the constant battles and the adversarial system didn't align with his sensitive and cooperative nature.

Transition to Spiritual Psychology and Coaching

Feeling unfulfilled in his legal career, Andrew sought a path that resonated more deeply with his values. Encouraged by his then-girlfriend, he pursued a master's degree in spiritual psychology. This shift wasn't initially planned but emerged organically as Andrew explored ways to integrate deeper personal growth with professional development.

“I went back to school and got a master's in spiritual psychology not to change careers initially, but to explore something meaningful alongside my girlfriend.” ([31:42])

Andrew emphasizes the importance of personal healing and self-awareness in his transition:

“You have to work through the healing yourself. You don't do it from a distance.” ([40:21])

Men’s Circles and Retreats

A pivotal aspect of Andrew’s journey is his involvement in men's circles and retreats, particularly with the Mankind Project. Initially skeptical about men's retreats, fearing they might reinforce stereotypical "blokey" behaviors, Andrew found profound transformation through these experiences.

“I didn't expect to find such a supportive and nurturing environment with a circle of men. It was a beautiful counterbalance to the predominantly compassionate, feminine energy of my master's program.” ([61:14])

Andrew describes how these retreats helped him confront and release unhealed aspects of his personality, fostering genuine masculinity rooted in compassion and vulnerability.

Aikido and Personal Development

Andrew’s engagement with Aikido, a martial art focused on harmony and redirection rather than force, played a significant role in his personal growth. His practice of Aikido taught him to stay present and access a non-destructive form of power.

“Aikido taught me how to get out of my head and drop into a source of power that is beyond me, available without inflicting harm.” ([46:25])

This discipline complemented his work in spiritual psychology, reinforcing his commitment to non-adversarial approaches in both personal and professional settings.

Spirituality and Leadership Podcast

In 2020, Andrew launched his own podcast, Spirituality and Leadership, aiming to integrate spiritual principles with effective leadership practices. Inspired by conversations with clients about personal development, Andrew recognized the need for leadership that embodies qualities like forgiveness, compassion, and presence.

“My original hypothesis was that the workplace needs these spiritual qualities now more than ever, especially as younger team members join virtual environments.” ([92:16])

Guests on his podcast share insights on how spiritual principles can enhance leadership effectiveness, fostering inclusive and adaptive workplace cultures.

Insights on Leadership and Workplace Culture

Andrew’s professional focus lies in leadership and team development within corporate settings. He bridges personal growth with organizational effectiveness, advocating for healthy conflict and compassionate leadership.

“Healthy conflict is part of our job as leaders. We need to promote it in a way that’s inclusive and respectful.” ([100:37])

He utilizes methodologies like the "Five Whys" to uncover underlying issues in workplace dynamics, emphasizing inquiry and understanding over judgment.

Personal Accomplishments and Purpose

Among his many accomplishments, Andrew proudly highlights being a father, viewing it as his most significant achievement. This role has profoundly influenced his approach to coaching and personal development.

“Being a dad is my most proud accomplishment because I made it a priority from the beginning.” ([108:08])

Andrew's purpose centers on integration—merging the deeper spiritual aspects of oneself with everyday professional and personal life. He aims to help individuals and organizations align their values with their actions, fostering environments where genuine qualities can thrive.

“For me, it's about integrating the deeper parts of ourselves with the mundane, bringing spiritual dimensions into the workplace and personal relationships.” ([104:58])

Conclusion and How to Connect

Andrew Cohn's journey from law to spiritual psychology and leadership coaching exemplifies a profound personal transformation driven by a quest for meaningful engagement and compassionate interaction. His work bridges personal healing with professional development, offering valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to cultivate authentic leadership and supportive workplace cultures.

To learn more about Andrew and his offerings, listeners can visit Lighthouse Teams, explore his work through Equus, or tune into his podcast, Spirituality and Leadership, available on all major podcast platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Cohn ([08:45]): “I was practicing litigation in Los Angeles during the early '90s, a time when California's legal landscape was rife with construction defect cases due to rapid development.”

• Andrew Cohn ([31:42]): “I went back to school and got a master's in spiritual psychology not to change careers initially, but to explore something meaningful alongside my girlfriend.”

• Andrew Cohn ([61:14]): “I didn't expect to find such a supportive and nurturing environment with a circle of men. It was a beautiful counterbalance to the predominantly compassionate, feminine energy of my master's program.”

• Andrew Cohn ([104:58]): “For me, it's about integrating the deeper parts of ourselves with the mundane, bringing spiritual dimensions into the workplace and personal relationships.”

• Andrew Cohn ([46:25]): “Aikido taught me how to get out of my head and drop into a source of power that is beyond me, available without inflicting harm.”

This episode offers a rich exploration of personal growth, the power of vulnerability, and the integration of spiritual principles into leadership, making it a valuable listen for anyone interested in authentic personal and professional development.