Modern Masculinity

Jason Heinritz shares his journey from being a self-described workaholic chasing accolades to finding peace through faith and intentional living. Jason opens up about his struggle with numbing himself with weed and alcohol after long workdays, the transformative moment when he took a demotion and got rebaptized, and how fasting and prayer became essential tools for navigating major life decisions—including moving his family from Wisconsin to Seattle to help start a church. He discusses the importance of being a "Jesus guy" without the baggage of religion, the power of setting boundaries around work (now working just 28 hours per week), and practical ways he's raising his kids with spiritual grounding in a world full of distractions. Jason also breaks down why modern masculinity should follow Jesus' example of leading with love while standing firm in truth, and shares his Wake Up Jesus People movement designed to awaken the warrior within men.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Jason introduces himself and his journey from workaholic to finding peace through faith(00:02:00) - Moving from Wisconsin to Seattle to help start a church and balancing multiple roles(00:06:00) - The importance of having a North Star and purpose beyond material success(00:08:40) - Breaking free from numbing with weed and alcohol after work(00:12:18) - The practical and spiritual power of prayer and fasting(00:17:00) - How fasting releases chains and builds personal agency(00:18:00) - Different types of fasts: liquid fasts, Daniel fasts, and navigating them with family(00:22:00) - Setting intentions before fasting and avoiding perfectionism(00:26:00) - Why Jesus is the ultimate example of integrated masculinity(00:31:00) - Jesus as tough but loving: flipping tables and speaking truth(00:36:00) - The sacred start morning routine: prayer, journal, exercise, and scripture(00:38:00) - Raising kids with spiritual grounding while attending public school(00:40:00) - Explaining the "why" behind faith instead of enforcing rules(00:44:00) - Modern masculinity defined: following Jesus, leading with tough love, and servant leadershipLinks And Resources:WebsiteJason Heinritz on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector...

Hector sits down with Donovan Owens, founder of the Life is REPS community, for a tactical deep-dive into what it truly means to master modern masculinity. Donovan shares his raw journey from rebellious teenager to sitting on the edge of his bed with a pistol, contemplating suicide—and the spiritual moment that changed everything. They explore Donovan's REPS Operating System (Repetitive Excellence Produces Success), breaking down practical tools like the Mastery Morning routine, the four power pillars (adventure, worthwhile work, real relationships, and strong self), and why excellence requires both presence and resourcefulness. This isn't philosophical fluff—it's actionable wisdom on creating systems that prevent you from falling prey to society's strategic traps of convenience, comfort, and unhealthy dopamine. Donovan challenges men to define success on their own terms, communicate consciously with those around them, and recognize that mastery isn't a destination but a daily commitment. Whether you're battling defaults, seeking clarity, or ready to tap into the deepest version of yourself, this conversation delivers the framework to become the man that matters—to yourself first, then to your world.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Welcome and Introduction to Donovan Owens(00:01:15) - The Journey: From Rebellious Teen to Rock Bottom(00:06:42) - The Moment That Changed Everything: Gratitude and Survival(00:10:28) - Daily Battles: Ego, Humility, and Incomplete Manhood(00:14:35) - The Mastery Morning: Your Three Essential Wins(00:22:18) - Building the REPS Operating System(00:31:47) - Excellence vs. Perfection: Quality Over Quantity(00:38:25) - Society's Strategic System of Traps(00:42:15) - Liminal Thinking: Examining Your Belief Bubbles(00:47:20) - Defining Modern Masculinity: Being the Man That MattersLinks and Resources:Life is REPS Website: https://lifeisreps.com/Life is REPS Newsletter: https://lifeisreps.com/newsletterLife is REPS YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lifeisrepsHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Jake Kennington is a structural engineer, children's book author, and founder of Actively Human who discovered that achieving his career goals left him feeling more lost than ever. After moving his family 800 miles for what he thought was his dream job, Jake realized his priorities had fundamentally changed—but he was still living a previous version of his life. In this conversation, Jake shares his framework for redefining success (REDAC: Redefine, Realign, Reconnect), why working on yourself isn't selfish when you have a family, and how a simple morning routine transformed his marriage. He opens up about the uncomfortable moment when he saw his own bad behavior mirrored in his son, why creating something and sharing it is the key to human connection, and what 15 years of fatherhood has taught him about growing up alongside your kids. This episode is for any man who feels like he's checking all the boxes externally but struggling internally, wondering if there's more to masculinity than just providing and performing.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The Moment Everything Changed: When His Son Mirrored His Worst Behavior(00:01:00) - Jake's Current Challenges: Balancing Fatherhood, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship(00:04:00) - The Children's Book: Writing Life Lessons for His Unborn Son(00:07:00) - Growing Up Alongside Your Kids(00:10:00) - When Your Kid Mirrors Your Worst Behavior(00:13:00) - The 800-Mile Move That Didn't Fix Everything(00:16:00) - Redefining Success: The REDAC Framework(00:19:00) - Why Your Definition of Success Must Evolve(00:22:00) - The Morning Routine That Saved His Marriage(00:24:00) - Why Working on Yourself Isn't Selfish(00:27:00) - What 40 Roommates Taught About Human Connection(00:30:00) - The Simple Recipe for Human Connection(00:33:00) - Modern Masculinity: Becoming a Man of ValueLinks And Resources:WebsiteJake Kennington on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on

Marc Azoulay, founder of Men's Therapy Online, breaks down why traditional therapy often misses the mark for men and what actually works. Marc shares his journey from impatient entrepreneur to new father, exploring how men can harness their drive without burning out. We dive deep into the millennial man's dilemma—raised to reject toxic masculinity but ending up overly feminized and lacking direction. Marc explains why community and men's groups are essential, how to master the art of knowing when to "pull your sword," and why the modern man must learn to navigate his inner world with the same skill he applies to external challenges. This episode is a blueprint for men seeking to integrate strength with emotional intelligence, responsibility with vulnerability, and power with purpose.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Meaning comes from responsibility and commitment(00:02:43) - The cardinal sin of impatience and becoming a new father(00:06:15) - Men and women are different but equal(00:09:30) - The invisible preventative work men do(00:13:42) - Inner demons: You can't outwork them, you have to face them(00:18:35) - The millennial man's identity crisis: Not our fathers, but who are we?(00:23:12) - Why having children forces you to become a man(00:28:45) - Responsibility isn't a burden—it's a gift that gives life meaning(00:35:17) - Vulnerability as a superpower: The soil doesn't lie(00:40:28) - Stoicism misunderstood: It's not suppression, it's seeing reality as it is(00:46:52) - When to pull your sword: Mastering the proper use of force(00:51:33) - Focus on your biggest weakness, not your strengthsLinks And Resources:Website: https://menstherapy.online/Marc Azoulay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcmazoulay/Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-santiesteban-64326340/Hector Santiesteban on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hector_podcast?lang=enThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Matt Myers of Nerd Fitness for what turns into an impromptu coaching session about the real challenges of staying fit as a busy dad and business owner. Matt breaks down why the fitness industry's "just be disciplined" approach fails most people, revealing that success isn't about motivation—it's about clarity, support, and learning to adjust your approach as life changes. They explore the dad bod phenomenon, food noise and GLP-1s, the myth that one fitness modality works for everyone, and why being "fitness agnostic" might be the key to long-term success. Matt shares practical strategies for working out when you only have 5-10 minutes, how to stop the yo-yo cycle of falling on and off track, and why judging yourself for not maintaining your peak fitness routine is counterproductive. This conversation will resonate with any man trying to juggle health, family, and career without losing his mind.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The Power of Self-Compassion in Fitness(00:01:00) - Balancing Work, Family, and Fitness as a Dad(00:04:00) - The Dad Bod Phenomenon and Life's Demands(00:08:00) - Why "Just Be Disciplined" Fails Most People(00:12:00) - Hector's Fitness Journey: From Peak Shape to Reality Check(00:16:00) - Setting Realistic Goals for Your Current Season(00:19:00) - Making Time for Fitness When Business Demands Everything(00:23:00) - Learning to Dial Your Workouts Up and Down(00:27:00) - Why Being Fitness Agnostic Beats Loyalty to One Method(00:34:00) - GLP-1s, Food Noise, and the Future of FitnessLinks And Resources:WebsiteMatt Myers on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Gio Bartolomeo shares his transformative journey from being a hustling entrepreneur stuck in his head to discovering profound spiritual awakening through breathwork and plant medicine. After years of chasing success and feeling unfulfilled, a death experience during an ayahuasca ceremony showed him there was more to life than material achievement. Through breathwork, particularly after training with Wim Hof, Gio had an out-of-body experience that taught him to get out of his analytical mind and into his heart. He discusses how modern masculinity requires both strength and softness, the importance of men's community, and why following intuition over logic has transformed his life and business. Gio breaks down different types of breathwork practices, explains how to quiet the mind to hear your heart's wisdom, and shares why creativity and authentic expression are the keys to living a fulfilling life.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Gio's out-of-body breathwork experience and rebirth moment(00:03:00) - Wrestling with business scaling and finding authentic purpose(00:05:00) - Discovering spiritual calm amidst global chaos(00:08:00) - The journey from Catholic upbringing to spiritual awakening(00:12:00) - The unfulfilled entrepreneur and the search for meaning(00:14:00) - First ayahuasca ceremony and confronting death(00:17:00) - Meeting Wim Hof and the transformative breathwork experience(00:21:00) - Getting out of your head and into your heart(00:25:00) - Rediscovering intuition and curiosity as a man(00:29:00) - Intention, authenticity, and creating from the heart(00:33:00) - Different types of breathwork: resilience vs. exploration(00:37:00) - Finding your authentic vibration and tribe(00:40:00) - Defining modern masculinity: strength with softnessLinks And Resources:Website: https://www.elementalrhythm.com/Gio Bartolomeo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gio-bartolomeo-1a7b2566/?originalSubdomain=caHector Santiesteban on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-santiesteban-64326340/Hector Santiesteban on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hector_podcast?lang=enThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern...

In this episode, Larry Pruett shares hard-won wisdom from 36 years of marriage and 21 years as an entrepreneur. After scaling an e-commerce business to high six figures and now coaching married couples, Larry reveals the critical missing piece in most men's lives: meaningful relationships with other men. He breaks down the fundamental communication differences between men and women, explains why guys need three types of relationships (mentor, peer, and mentee), and shares practical strategies for understanding your spouse without playing guessing games. Larry also discusses the importance of being vulnerable in the right contexts, how to balance business success with home life, and why ancient wisdom still applies to modern relationships. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for men who want to build stronger marriages, deeper friendships, and leave fewer regrets.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The Power of Asking Questions in Relationships(00:01:00) - From High Six Figures to Starting Over: Larry's Journey(00:03:00) - Why Men Need Other Men (Not Just Their Wives)(00:06:00) - The Missing Mentor: How to Find Guidance at Every Life Stage(00:09:00) - What Makes Someone Worthy of Respect? (A Powerful Exercise)(00:11:00) - The Mask Men Wear: When Vulnerability Goes Wrong(00:14:00) - The 3 Types of Relationships Every Man Needs(00:17:00) - Why You Keep Miscommunicating with Your Wife(00:20:00) - The House Analogy: How Men and Women Think Differently(00:23:00) - Stop Playing the Guessing Game (Just Ask Her What She Means)(00:25:00) - The Baked Potato Story: A Perfect Example of Male/Female Communication(00:28:00) - Why Men Jump to Fixing (And When to Just Sit and Listen)(00:31:00) - Modern Masculinity = Ancient Masculinity (Why the Principles Never Change)Links And Resources:WebsiteLarry on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Dr. Barry Davis spent 38 years as a college baseball coach before stepping away to write, speak, and consult on leadership and emotional intelligence. In this episode, he opens up about the personal challenges of transitioning from "coach" to a new identity, the evolution of young athletes over four decades, and how his own coaching style transformed from authoritative to emotionally intelligent. Barry shares candid insights about parenting in the age of technology, the importance of self-discipline and excellence in everything we do, and why creating a safe environment for failure is crucial for developing resilient leaders. His new book, "Old Dog New Tricks: The Power of Leading With Emotional Intelligence," tells the story of a volatile coach who must learn to lead differently—a story that mirrors Barry's own journey from a hard-nosed coach to someone who now prioritizes emotional connection, intentional listening, and creating spaces where people can thrive.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Creating Safe Environments for Growth and Challenge(00:01:00) - Introduction and Barry's Coaching Journey(00:03:00) - Challenges in Establishing Routine and Family Connections(00:06:00) - Transitioning Identity from Coach to Speaker(00:10:00) - Three Core Values: Self-Discipline, Excellence, and Fulfillment(00:15:00) - Athletics as Training Ground for Life Skills(00:19:00) - Excellence in the Small Things(00:23:00) - Evolution of Young Athletes Over Four Decades(00:30:00) - Parenting Philosophy and Creating Safe Learning Environments(00:33:00) - Best Parents Stay Outside the Circle(00:37:00) - Finding Your Own Path and Motivation(00:39:00) - Writing "Old Dog New Tricks" and Emotional Intelligence(00:43:00) - Where to Find the Book and ConnectLinks And Resources:Website: https://drbarrydavis.com/Dr. Barry Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbarrydavis42/Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-santiesteban-64326340/Hector Santiesteban on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hector_podcast?lang=enThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this deep dive with fitness expert and longtime friend Nate Palmer, we explore the cutting edge of men's health optimization—from peptides and GLP-1s to the fundamentals that most guys ignore. Nate shares his personal journey struggling with injury and mental health while being unable to train, revealing how breath work became his new coping mechanism when physical expression wasn't available. We break down the truth about popular compounds like BPC-157, CJC, and semaglutide, discussing how they work, who should consider them, and why they're the natural evolution in response to our toxic food environment. Nate explains why walking and sleep might be more powerful than any supplement, how to train while fasting without wasting your workouts, and why the aesthetic versus strength debate misses the point entirely. We also get into the controversial world of TRT, the surprising cognitive benefits of creatine and nicotine, and why the next decade will reveal a stark divide between those who take longevity seriously and those who don't. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for any man looking to optimize his health, performance, and aging trajectory.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Why Success Doesn't Protect You From Struggle(00:02:00) - Training as Therapy: Using Physical Expression to Process Life(00:04:00) - When You Can't Train: Finding New Ways to Cope(00:06:00) - The Compound That Cut My Recovery Time in Half(00:09:00) - GLP-1s Aren't Just for Weight Loss: A Response to Modern Food(00:13:00) - The Peptide Categories Every Man Should Understand(00:19:00) - The Unsexy Truth: Walking and Sleep Beat Most Supplements(00:22:00) - Stop Chasing Aesthetics: What Actually Matters for Longevity(00:27:00) - TRT for Your Mind: The Mental Health Benefits No One Talks About(00:32:00) - How to Actually Track What's Working: Blood Work and HRV(00:36:00) - Inside My Daily Stack: What I Take and Why(00:40:00) - Creatine for Your Brain + The Nicotine Conversation(00:42:00) - Training Fasted? You're Probably Wasting Your Effort(00:45:00) - Where to Get Started: Resources and ProductsLinks And Resources:WebsiteNate Palmer on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Alex Charfen returns to share his transformative journey from business optimization to internal healing work. After coaching thousands of entrepreneurs to over $100 million in revenue, Alex took a sabbatical to focus on sexual shadow work, tantric practices, and processing childhood trauma. In this raw conversation, he reveals why men are systematically traumatizing themselves through pornography, how to create genuine emotional safety in relationships (not just physical or financial safety), and why the belief that "50% of your thoughts will always be negative" is fundamentally wrong. Alex explains the critical difference between suppression and containment, shares his experience overcoming abandonment issues through EMDR therapy, and offers practical guidance on rational self-pleasure practices that can rewire decades of conditioning. He challenges modern masculinity narratives and provides a roadmap for men to step into true presence, process their triggers, and create the secure attachment they've been seeking. This episode is essential listening for any man who wants to understand why emotional containment—not fixing, processing, or withdrawing—is the key to everything he wants in life.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The Emotional Safety Women Actually Need(00:03:40) - Why 50% Negative Thoughts Is a Lie You've Been Sold(00:07:15) - Processing Abandonment Issues: From Infant Surgery to Adult Anxiety(00:12:45) - The Four Safety Types (And Why You're Missing the Most Important One)(00:18:30) - Masculine Presence: What "Being Seen and Heard" Really Means(00:25:20) - The Modern Masculinity Crisis: Sharing From the Wound vs. Sharing From Healing(00:30:15) - Sexual Energy Transmutation: What Napoleon Hill Got Wrong(00:38:25) - Pornography's Hidden Cost: Instant Gratification, Hyperstimulation & the Victim Position(00:47:20) - The Rational Self-Pleasure Practice That Changes Everything(00:56:45) - Modern Masculinity Redefined: Presence Over PerformanceLinks And Resources:WebsiteAlex Charfen on LinkedInAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedIn:Hector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this raw and unapologetic conversation, first-generation attorney Tyler Vance challenges everything you've been told about modern masculinity. From walking on the car side of the sidewalk to refusing to let political correctness dilute what it means to be a man, Tyler brings an old-school mentality to a generation that desperately needs it. He breaks down why the term "toxic masculinity" has been weaponized against natural male behavior, shares his philosophy on providing and protecting as a man's core purpose, and explains why he sleeps on the door side of the bed. This isn't about going back in time—it's about reclaiming the essential traits that make men valuable partners, fathers, and leaders. Tyler also opens up about navigating the legal world with integrity, the collapse of common sense in modern society, and why he believes most men have lost their sense of purpose. If you're tired of apologizing for being a man, this episode is for you.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Meet Tyler Vance: The First-Gen Attorney Who Refuses to Apologize(00:02:15) - From Courtroom to Content: How Legal Writing Shaped His Voice(00:05:30) - The Death of Common Sense: Why Politics Has Lost Its Mind(00:09:45) - Priced Out: The Cost of Living Crisis Destroying Young Men's Futures(00:14:20) - Old School in a New World: Defending Traditional Masculinity(00:19:10) - Inside the Courtroom: Strategy, Integrity, and Winning Cases(00:25:35) - The Toxic Masculinity Lie: Why Natural Male Behavior Is Under Attack(00:30:15) - The Provider Mentality: Why Real Men Protect and Provide(00:34:40) - Finding Purpose: How Fatherhood Changes Everything for Men(00:37:10) - What It Really Means to Be a Man in 2025Links And Resources:Tyler Vance on LinkedInTyler Vance on InstagramHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Cletus Coffey, former professional athlete turned men's coach, shares his journey from hiding behind athletic identity to discovering authentic masculinity. After a four-year career in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League, Cletus faced an identity crisis when his career ended at 28. Through two divorces, single fatherhood with three children, and toxic relationships, he learned that true strength comes from vulnerability, not performance. Cletus discusses the epidemic of men suffering in silence, the importance of morning routines for single fathers, how triggers reveal unhealed wounds, and why most men struggle to answer "who are you?" without mentioning career or family. He introduces his Be The Torch program, designed to help men create lives they desire rather than fitting life into their business. This episode tackles the reality of modern masculinity: choosing freedom, vulnerability, and truth over societal programming and the exhausting performance of being someone you're not.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The Single Father's Reality: Morning Routines and Self-Care(00:01:00) - From Pro Athlete to Lost Identity: When Your Career Defines You(00:09:00) - Who Are You Really? The Question Most Men Can't Answer(00:13:00) - The Identity Crisis: Life After Professional Sports(00:18:00) - The Two Deepest Wounds All Men Carry: Abandonment and Worthiness(00:23:00) - Your Triggers Are Mirrors: What's Really Behind Your Anger(00:26:00) - The Morning Routine That Changed Everything for This Single Dad(00:32:00) - Co-Parenting After Divorce: From Anger to Collaboration(00:38:00) - The Difference Between Correction and Criticism in Parenting(00:42:00) - Why Men Are Suffering in Silence and What We Can Do About ItLinks And Resources:Cletus Coffey's Morning RoutineBook a Call with CletusCletus on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Don Ross opens up about his journey from porn addiction and shame to helping men build authentic friendships and discover true manhood. Don shares how confession and vulnerability became the gateway to his freedom, and why modern society has made it nearly impossible for men to connect meaningfully with other men. He introduces his framework of the Five Marks of Manhood—strength, courage, skill, honor, and allegiance—as a practical roadmap for men seeking to level up in their lives. The discussion explores why men need tribes, not just nuclear families, and how the loss of male-only spaces has left an entire generation of men isolated and struggling. Don challenges the cultural narrative that porn is just a sex issue, revealing the deeper wounds around self-worth and identity that drive addictive behaviors. This episode is essential listening for any man feeling stuck, lonely, or searching for a clearer path to becoming who he's meant to be.Chapters:00:00:00 - Why Adulthood Blindsides Most Men00:00:44 - Meet Don Ross: From Addiction to Author00:01:36 - The Modern Man's Crisis00:02:21 - Why Men Can't Make Friends Anymore00:02:59 - Living a Double Life: Don's Secret Struggle00:09:17 - The Power of Confession: Breaking Free Through Vulnerability00:14:33 - What Does It Really Mean to Be a Man?00:18:50 - The Truth About Porn: It's Not About Sex00:20:54 - HALTS: Your Warning System for Self-Sabotage00:22:55 - The Five Marks Every Man Must Master00:24:22 - Why You Need a Tribe, Not Just a Family00:26:58 - The Male Loneliness Epidemic00:32:28 - How to Build Your Brotherhood00:39:17 - Writing the Book: What Surprised Me Most00:40:42 - Get the Book + Free Freedom GuideLinks And Resources:Don Ross's book: How to Be a Man - Available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2w7m67y8Free guide: Pathway to Freedom - manhoodtribes.com/freedomHector Santiesteban on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-santiesteban-64326340/Hector Santiesteban on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hector_podcast?lang=enThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

John Ulsh was given a 3% chance of survival after a horrific car accident 17 years ago left him paralyzed, shattered his pelvis, broke his back, and forced him to endure over 45 surgeries. Told he'd never walk again, John defied the odds when his 10-year-old daughter told him she missed her "old daddy." What followed was an extraordinary journey of physical and mental transformation—from 90 milligrams of morphine twice daily to squatting 400 pounds and benching over 300. In this raw conversation, John shares the reality of survivor's remorse, the loss of his best friend to suicide, the dark periods where he wished he'd died, and the hard-won wisdom about commitment, falling in love with the process, and building a life worth living after tragedy. This isn't just an inspirational story—it's a tactical blueprint for overcoming setbacks, managing pain without narcotics, and understanding what it truly means to be a modern man who refuses to quit.Chapters:(00:00:00) - Introduction: The Man Who Survived the Impossible(00:03:00) - The Accident: 125 MPH Impact and 3% Survival Odds(00:09:00) - Finding Commitment When Everything Falls Apart(00:14:00) - Why Setbacks Don't Scare Him Anymore(00:20:00) - The Daughter Who Changed Everything(00:28:00) - Letting Go of Who You Were to Become Who You Need to Be(00:36:00) - Why Shortcuts and Quick Fixes Always Fail(00:42:00) - The Dark Years and Giving Yourself Grace(00:46:00) - His Best Friend's Suicide and 12 Years of Silence(00:54:00) - Defining Modern Masculinity: Self-Aware and UnapologeticLinks And Resources:John Ulsh's WebsitePre-order John's bookFollow John on YouTubeHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, host Hector Santiesteban sits down with Rich D’Ambrosio to unpack the evolving definition of masculinity. From divorce, fatherhood, and cultural conditioning to capitalism’s influence on male identity, they dive deep into how men can reclaim agency, embrace mindfulness, and move beyond outdated scripts of “provider” and “buffoon.” Together, they explore the balance between vulnerability and strength, the role of polarity in relationships, and why liberation is the ultimate path toward becoming an integrated, modern man.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to the Modern Masculinity Podcast00:00:53 - Meet Rich.00:02:54 - Using mindfulness to find a "North Star".00:05:00 - Reframing separation as an opportunity for growth.00:08:16 - Questioning the preconceived image of a father.00:09:00 - The struggle to find identity beyond family and career roles.00:10:44 - Viewing a past relationship as a formative "crucible".00:11:02 - A wake-up call about minimizing personal talents.00:13:09 - How men deprioritize themselves for family roles.00:14:11 - Discussing the post-feminist movement's effect on men.00:16:27 - The concept of "Mindful Masculinity".00:17:22 - Proposing feminism as a model for healthy masculinity.00:20:47 - Explaining relationship polarity using a simple example.00:30:52 - Redefining men's career paths beyond traditional roles.00:31:44 - A call for men to liberate and redefine themselves.00:35:17 - Capitalism as an alternative theory for men's struggles.00:37:06 - Where to find Rich online.Links And Resources:Rich’s Substack: Mindful Masculinity Hector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with leadership coach and Dad Nation host Mitchell Osmond to explore what it truly means to be a present, purpose-driven man in today’s world. Together, they unpack the myth of work-life “balance,” discuss how to integrate leadership at home and in business, and reflect on how modern men can build a meaningful legacy through alignment, confidence, and intentional fatherhood. Mitchell shares his journey of breaking generational patterns, redefining success beyond titles, and learning how to “be a B-minus dad” in different seasons of life. With vulnerable storytelling, practical insights, and a mission-first mindset, this episode speaks directly to men ready to own their role at home and in the world.Chapters:00:00:00 - The Real Talk Begins: Meet Mitchell Osmond 00:01:48 - Shifting Gears: When Life Demands a Pivot 00:02:34 - Juggling Fatherhood and the Grind 00:03:48 - What Does It Mean to Be a Man Today? 00:07:02 - The Moments That Made Me 00:12:31 - Finding Yourself Without Losing Everything 00:17:41 - Showing Up, Even When It's Messy 00:28:52 - Fatherhood Isn’t a Role—It’s the Legacy 00:31:00 - Final Words and Where to Go Next Links And Resources:WebsiteDad Nation PodcastDad Nation on YouTubeHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this raw and soul-stirring conversation, certified life transformation coach and spiritual leader Andrew L. Anderson joins Hector to explore what it truly means to be a man in today's world. From taking in children whose parents are incarcerated to rewriting deep-rooted beliefs formed in childhood, Andrew opens up about his own journey from performance-driven living to heart-centered masculinity. Together, they unpack topics like emotional intelligence, modern fatherhood, identity crises, and the healing power of service, gratitude, and nature. If you've ever wrestled with anger, frustration, or not feeling “good enough,” this episode offers both practical insight and compassionate encouragement. Discover why wholeness—not perfection—is the new masculine strength, and how aligning your head, heart, and gut can lead to lasting inner freedom.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to the Modern Masculinity Podcast00:01:50 - Who Is Andrew L. Anderson?00:02:23 - Life’s Curveballs and How to Respond00:02:51 - Holding Space for Your People00:04:19 - Leading with Integrity, Not Ego00:04:52 - Fatherhood That Transforms the Man00:09:34 - Finding Identity in a Noisy World00:17:16 - Aligning Head, Heart, and Gut00:32:20 - Tools to Elevate Your Growth00:34:34 - Final Reflections & How to ConnectLinks And Resources:WebsiteAndrew Anderson on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Pablo—music producer and somatic breathwork practitioner—for a vulnerable conversation about navigating purpose, presence, and the paradox of modern masculinity. As a single man looking ahead to fatherhood, Pablo questions how much of his time should be spent on personal development versus being of service to others. Together, they explore the tension between self-work and contribution, the quiet weight of unrealized potential, and the profound shifts that happen when a man begins to ask, “What am I really doing with my energy?” Through honest dialogue and embodied wisdom, this episode offers a refreshing take on masculine growth, responsibility, and preparing for what's next—without losing who you are right now.Chapters:00:00:00 - Who Is Pablo? The Path Begins00:01:24 - The Quiet Battles Men Carry00:03:48 - Dating, Depth, and Masculine Energy00:07:43 - When Casual Isn’t Emotionless00:13:02 - Breathwork, Trauma, and Real Healing00:21:01 - Masculinity Reimagined: Final ReflectionsLinks And Resources:Pablo’s Music ProductionPablo’s Somatic BreathworkPablo on Instagram Hector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Chris Gray — a direct response marketing strategist and introspective father — to unpack the daily dance between ego, awareness, and authentic leadership. Chris shares how years of meditation and mindfulness have reshaped his approach to business, family, and self-acceptance. Using vivid analogies — from the ego as a GPS to a well-meaning but overbearing parent — he offers practical wisdom for men ready to stop fighting themselves and start integrating every part of who they are. Whether you’re a dad, a founder, or just a man learning to carry your weight with grace, this episode will leave you asking: who’s driving — you or your ego?Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome & Meet Chris Gray00:01:24 - Diving In: What We’re Really Carrying00:01:56 - The Path of Awareness: Making Peace with Ego00:04:32 - The Inner Dialogue: Listening to Yourself00:07:24 - Spiritual Lessons & New Perspectives00:12:26 - Redefining Masculinity & Growth00:19:47 - Why the Hard Stuff Matters00:25:44 - Closing Reflections & TakeawaysLinks And Resources:Chris's WebsiteChris Gray on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector welcomes Dr. Michael Brabant, a transformational psychologist and founder of Candor & Coherence, to explore what it really means to evolve as a man in today’s world. From confronting inherited patterns of stoicism and shame to understanding the power of emotional multiplicity through Internal Family Systems (IFS), this conversation is a masterclass in modern manhood. Michael offers real talk on the grind culture trap, the necessity of rest, and how true fulfillment comes not from chasing success, but from aligning with your soul. The episode calls on listeners to redefine strength—not as control or domination, but as the courage to feel deeply, grieve honestly, and live with unwavering authenticity. If you've ever felt like you were doing all the right things and still felt off-center, this episode might be the nudge your inner compass has been waiting for.Chapters:00:00:00 - A Different Kind of Masculine Conversation Begins00:00:37 - Why Your Inner Parts Might Be Running the Show00:01:59 - What Today’s Man Is Secretly Struggling With00:02:57 - How I Built a Business That Didn’t Betray My Soul00:04:32 - Escaping Survival Mode: The Real Upgrade00:07:48 - The Inner Voices That Shape Your Life00:12:07 - Masculine Archetypes Aren’t Just Theory00:15:39 - Why Men Must Grieve to Grow00:20:23 - The Real Process of Shedding Old Selves00:29:45 - What Rest Reveals About Who’s In Charge00:35:02 - Addiction, Avoidance, and Facing What’s Real00:43:04 - Rethinking Masculinity from the Inside OutLinks And Resources:Dr. Michael Brabant on LinkedInCandor and Coherence Hector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!