The Mature Male

Ross Morales Rocketto is a political organizer and consultant with over 20 years in electoral politics. He co-founded Run for Something, helping elect 1000+ progressive candidates, organized White Dudes for Harris (200k participants, $5M raised), and was named to Time's 100 Next list in 2022. Now he's shifting focus to The Man Project, working to facilitate healing for 100 million men.Key Topics Discussed:The Male Isolation Crisis - How 65% of men feeling "unknown," economic changes undermining traditional provider/protector roles, and the death of third spaces contribute to political radicalization and cynicism toward democratic institutionsPolitical Communication Failures - Why the left has struggled to authentically connect with men, the difference between policy alignment and authentic messaging, and how grievance politics exploits male frustration more effectively than empathetic outreachOnline vs. In-Person Community - The fundamental differences between digital echo chambers that incentivize outrage and real-world relationships that build empathy, accountability, and genuine dialogue across ideological differencesScaling Empathy and Healing - Moving beyond political solutions toward authentic community-building, the importance of showing up to uncomfortable spaces, and creating tension that facilitates growth rather than comfort that enables stagnationResources - Find Ross's Work:Instagram: @rossmoralesrockettoSubstack: Ross Morales RockettoLinkedIn: Ross Morales RockettoGet in touch in the comments below or head to...Website: www.weslambert.meListen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

THE GUIDE TO GROWING UP - Your Year-Long Journey to Masculine MasteryIf you're tired of living reactively and want to become the man you're meant to be, this is your roadmap.The Problem: Most men today are stuck in unconscious patterns—drifting through life without direction, struggling with relationships, lacking purpose and authentic confidence.The Solution: A scientifically-designed 50-week transformation program that combines ancient masculine initiation wisdom with modern psychology and behavioral science.What Makes This Different:Not another quick-fix—this is deep, lasting transformationFollows the proven 3-phase initiation model used for millennia32 systematic lessons with practical exercises and accountabilityComplete system: video lessons + workbook + curated readingsStrategic integration breaks so you actually internalize the changesYour Transformation Path:🔥 Break free from inherited patterns and build rock-solid foundations💪 Develop systems for lasting change and emotional mastery❤️ Master relationships, communication, and authentic leadership👑 Integrate everything and create a legacy worth leavingTime Commitment: Just 2-4 hours per week spread across focused sessions.From understanding your story to creating your mission—this program takes you through the complete journey from unconscious living to conscious mastery.Ready to grow up? Get the complete program at https://payhip.com/b/MyFwnAncient wisdom meets modern psychology. One year to the man you're meant to become.

Stuart Motola is a men's relationship coach with over 15 years of experience helping thousands of men break free from frustrating relationship patterns. Unlike traditional therapy approaches, Stuart focuses on explicit action and reprogramming old relationship dynamics through his unique system that offers men a clear roadmap to lasting positive results.In this episode, we explore:The Perfect Storm: How the "nice guy" and "martyr" archetypes create a toxic dynamic where men pivot onto their partners instead of themselves, leading to emotional absence and relationship breakdownLittle Boy Wounds: Understanding how childhood attachment trauma and family-of-origin patterns unconsciously drive adult relationship behaviors, and why 90% of college-educated divorces are initiated by women citing emotional unavailabilityThe Three-Level System: Stuart's practical framework for healing core wounds through story work (voice dialogue), inner child integration, and somatic practices that transform unconscious enemies into conscious alliesAssertiveness vs. Aggression: Learning to communicate boundaries and needs without dominating or people-pleasing, plus the crucial difference between showing up powerfully versus trying to control outcomesFind Stuart's Work:Website: StuartMotola.comYouTube: Stuart Motola (200+ videos on men's relationship work)Weekly Men's Call: Tuesdays at 12 PM EasternBook: "Fixing You Is Killing Me"Get in touch in the comments below or head to:Website: www.weslambert.meListen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108 or Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Lee is a business psychologist, male allyship specialist, and founder of Male Allies UK and Essentialized Workplace Wellbeing. Inducted as a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences in 2023 and recognized as a gender equality changemaker by UN Women, Lee is one of the UK's leading voices on male allyship and gender equity. He's also the author of "Momentum: 13 Ways to Unlock Your Potential."What We Cover:The Modern Male Crisis - Why traditional masculine stereotypes are failing men and boys, leading to declining mental health outcomes, addiction rates, and life satisfaction across all age groupsTechnology's Impact on Male Development - How digital connectivity is replacing real-world social skills and why 50% of boys find online worlds more engaging than real life, plus the dangerous rise of AI companionsResearch Insights from 1000+ UK Boys - Key findings about what young men actually think about masculinity, why they're not interested in Andrew Tate, and their desperate need for physical spaces and authentic role modelsBuilding Male Advocacy Skills - Why men need to develop self-advocacy abilities to challenge systems that aren't serving them, and how caregiving can transform masculine identity and leadership capabilitiesResources - Find Lee's Work:Website: LeeChambers.orgLinkedIn: Lee ChambersBook: "Momentum: 13 Ways to Unlock Your Potential"Organizations: Male Allies UK, Essentialized Workplace Wellbeing

Jake Stika is the co-founder and executive director of Next Gen Men, where he's passionate about changing how we see, act, and think about masculinity. He's spoken at the United Nations, co-authored a children's book about masculinity, and recently became the new publisher of Voice Male magazine, continuing a 40-year legacy of the pro-feminist men's movement. Currently completing his master's in social business and entrepreneurship through the London School of Economics.In this episode, we explore:The "paper cuts of patriarchy" - How boys are systematically disconnected from emotional intimacy and physical touch from early childhood, creating the foundation for men's mental health struggles later in lifeWhy "undefining" masculinity matters more than redefining it - Moving beyond toxic vs. healthy masculinity binaries toward recognizing 4 billion different ways to be a man, as long as they don't cause harmThe self-improvement trap vs. community-based growth - How the culture of individual optimization and extreme challenges can perpetuate isolation, and why sustainable change happens through consistent community practicesBuilding authentic male friendships and challenging social norms - Practical strategies for creating deeper connections while navigating the tension between authenticity and belonging in male peer groupsResources - Find Jake's Work:Next Gen Men: nextgenmen.caSocial: @NextGenMen on major platformsVoice Male Magazine (new publisher)

Tripp Lanier is the author of "This Book Will Make You Dangerous" and host of The New Man podcast, which has garnered millions of downloads. He coaches high-achieving men—from small business owners to startup founders to Navy SEALs—helping them escape the rat race and build meaningful careers aligned with their authentic selves. Tripp lives a quiet, simple life with his wife and daughter near the beach in North Carolina.In this episode, we explore:The "finish line" trap - Why successful men often feel empty despite achieving their goals and how the "religion of careers" keeps them stuck in unfulfilling patternsMoving from performance to essence - The critical shift from asking "who am I?" to "who am I really?" and how to shed the false identities that no longer serve youFear, integrity, and taking up space - How catastrophic thinking paralyzes high achievers, the importance of developing relationship skills, and what it means to live with true integrityFrom purpose to meaning - The evolution from self-focused achievement to generative contribution, and why meaning trumps purpose in the second half of lifeResources: Find Tripp's work at triplanier.com, grab his book "This Book Will Make You Dangerous" on Amazon, and listen to The New Man podcast on all major platformsGet in touch in the comments below or head to...Website: www.weslambert.meListen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108 or Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Nick Firchau is a journalist, podcast producer, and creator of Paternal, an acclaimed podcast featuring conversations about fatherhood, manhood, and masculinity. Over six years and 120+ episodes, Paternal has been featured in the Washington Post, Apple Podcasts, and Lifehacker, exploring the complexities that unite men across different backgrounds through conversations with psychologists, bestselling authors, entertainers, and professional athletes.In today's discussion we covered: The isolation crisis among new fathers - Why men struggle to find community and resources during the transition to fatherhood, and how cultural conditioning prevents them from seeking vulnerability and supportGenerational patterns and father wounds - How becoming a dad forces men to examine their own fathers, with 40% of guests having absent or negligent paternal relationships, and the challenge of breaking cycles without positive role modelsCreating authentic male friendships - The shift from surface-level conversations to identifying 3-4 key male friends for deeper connection, and why making new friends as fathers often works better than relying on old relationshipsIdentity transformation and self-care - Navigating the loss of independence when becoming a father while maintaining individual identity and finding healthy outlets beyond family responsibilitiesResources:Paternal Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and paternalpodcast.comInstagram: @paternalpodcastEmail newsletter signup at paternalpodcast.comContact for story submissions: paternalpodcast.com

Marlo Pedroso is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience specializing in integrative approaches including somatic focusing, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and internal family systems. As a queer child of Portuguese immigrants, Marlo brings a unique perspective to helping men transform their relationship with masculinity and develop authentic connections.In this episode, we explore:Navigating cultural expectations - How immigrant family backgrounds and traditional masculinity create complex identity challenges for modern menFather-son relationship dynamics - Setting healthy boundaries while grieving the emotional connection you may never have, and accepting parental capacity limitationsBreaking isolation through community - Why men's healing happens in relationship with others, and how to move beyond unhealthy self-reliance into authentic vulnerabilitySomatic approaches to emotional regulation - Practical body-based techniques to help men connect with their emotions and improve relational skills, moving from "neck-up" processing to whole-body awarenessResources:Website: marlopedroso.comSubstack: Find Marlo's writings, thoughts, and poems on his Substack profileGet in touch in the comments below or head to...Website: www.weslambert.meListen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108 or Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Jeff Hittner is an executive coach, leadership expert, and founder of Ambitious Dads. After learning he couldn't become a biological father, he redefined what fatherhood meant and now proudly parents two boys. The former founder of IBM's corporate social responsibility consulting practice has spent two decades coaching CEOs and, after interviewing over 200 modern fathers, now helps high-performing dads lead with presence, courage, and a version of success worth passing on.In this episode, we explore:The 6 Dad Gaps - The most universal challenges facing modern fathers, from confidence issues to the brotherhood gap that keeps dads isolated in their strugglesGood vs. Great Fatherhood - Why effort alone makes you a good father, but intentional growth and investment in yourself creates great fathers who lead with purposeApplying Leadership Skills at Home - How high-performing dads can transfer their professional coaching and feedback abilities to become better parents, including Jeff's powerful example of asking permission before giving feedbackRedefining Success as a Father - Moving beyond traditional metrics to create a version of success worth modeling for your children, embracing imperfection, and building resilience through intentional parenting momentsResources - Connect with Jeff Hittner:- Website: AmbitiousDads.com- Podcast: Ambitious Dads PodcastGet in touch in the comments below or head to...-Website: www.weslambert.me-Listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108 or Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833-Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_male-Email: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Davi Lazar is an award-winning film director, spoken word poet, and facilitator passionate about purpose-driven storytelling that explores vulnerability and resilience. In July 2025, he founded Yoga and Pints, a men's group in Waltham Forest, England, where men gather to stretch, talk, and connect authentically.Key Discussion Points:Creating Spaces for Male Connection - How yoga serves as a gateway for men to access emotions and why physical movement breaks down barriers to meaningful conversationMasculinity Evolution - Davi's personal transformation from an isolated, angry man to someone who processes emotions healthily and maintains deeper relationshipsAccountability vs. Victim Mindset - Why taking ownership of your actions, even when you've been wronged, is essential for growth and relationship repairCreative Expression as Healing - How filmmaking, poetry, and storytelling become vehicles for processing trauma and connecting with others through shared human experiencesResources:Learn more about Davi's work at davilazarfilms.comGet in touch in the comments below or head to:Website: www.weslambert.meListen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108 or Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Yaron Engler is a touring musician turned men's coach who has spent over a decade helping men remove their masks and live authentically. Having toured globally with major productions while simultaneously working with men since 2014, Yaron brings a unique perspective on creativity, personal growth, and masculine development. He's the creator of the CROP cycle framework and believes in radical honesty as the foundation for meaningful relationships and personal freedom.In this episode we explore:The universal mask-wearing problem - Why most men live behind personas at work and in relationships, and the heavy price we pay for not expressing our authentic selvesThe CROP cycle framework - Yaron's four-stage method (Cleansing, Reconnection, Observation, Playfulness) for removing what no longer serves you and reconnecting with your truthRadical honesty in relationships - How Yaron built his 17-year marriage on complete transparency from day one, and why most relationships fail due to accumulated lies and unexpressed truthsThe "Then What?" question - Moving beyond vulnerability and emotional opening to actually taking action and living with purpose and meaningResources:Find Yaron Engler on Instagram @yaroneenglerWebsite: yaroneengler.comBook mentioned: "Courage" by OshoRecommended read: "The Way of the Superior Man" by David DeidaTime stamps03:31 - The stages of recognizing you're wearing a mask08:15 - Common spaces where men keep their masks on most16:49 - Why cultural conflict creates deeper self-awareness26:06 - The heavy price of not following your inner truth34:38 - Moving toward radical honesty without burning everything down39:04 - Building relationships on complete transparency from day one46:49 - Practical steps for becoming more authentic daily51:04 - Introduction to the CROP cycle framework55:48 - Breaking down each stage: Cleansing, Reconnection, Observation, Playfulness59:47 - The "Then What?" question and moving beyond vulnerabilityGet in touch in the comments below or head to...Website: www.weslambert.meListen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Pasco Ashton is the founder of Men's Circle Club and a passionate advocate for men's personal development and authentic community building. After a transformative journey from investigative journalism to men's work, Pasco has dedicated his life to creating spaces where men can develop emotional intelligence, connect authentically, and support each other's growth. Through his platform at mencircle.club, he's facilitating meaningful conversations and building communities that help men navigate modern masculinity and personal development.Episode Highlights:Information Diet & Digital Detox: How the content you consume shapes your mental health, including the revolutionary concept of "constructive journalism" and practical steps to curate a healthier information diet that motivates rather than depressesEmotional Regulation Mastery: Breaking down the science of emotions as "energy in motion," learning the mammalian stress response of shaking to regulate, and creating safe containers for processing anger, grief, and vulnerability without harming othersThe Male Role Model Crisis: Exploring how absent or emotionally unavailable fathers create a developmental gap that leaves men guessing how to be masculine, and how men's circles provide peer mentoring that fills this crucial voidCommunity Building Secrets: The practical formula for creating authentic male connection (shared identity + location + experience), why vulnerability requires intentional structure, and how one dad's poster grew into a 150-person community in just 30 daysTimestamps03:45 - The Information Diet Revolution: Why What You Consume Matters More Than You Think08:28 - "Shake to Regulate": The Mammalian Stress Response Men Need to Reclaim15:22 - The Hidden Cost of Absent Fathers on Male Development23:36 - "Connection × Frequency = Trust": The Mathematical Formula for Building Brotherhood29:14 - From 0 to 150 Men: How One Poster Changed Everything About Male Community35:47 - Why Men's Wellness is 80% Female-Led (And What We're Doing About It)42:18 - The Journey from Burning Man to Men's Circles: A Personal Transformation Story48:52 - When Journalism Failed: How Losing Friends Led to Life-Saving Men's Work56:31 - Professional Facilitation vs. "Just Guys Talking": Why Structure Creates Safety63:12 - The Stanford Study That Will Legitimize Men's Circles in Mainstream HealthcareResources & ContactFind Pasco's Work:Website: mencircle.clubMen's Circle Club: Online men's circles with 4-week free trialFacilitator Training: Comprehensive certification program for starting your own men's circlesCommunity Building Training: Learn to create localized men's communities and dad groupsGet in touch in the comments below or head to:Website: www.weslambert.meListen:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Yv1ciX90C3zdPxD67kjyY?si=cf6bec6d6e874108Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mature-male/id1805978833Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@themature_maleEmail: wesjlambert@gmail.com

Timestamps 00:01 - Introduction and Jesse's background in recovery and entrepreneurship01:44 - The origin story: childhood trauma and father's abandonment at age 306:41 - Rock bottom at 22: federal drug charges and court-ordered therapy09:56 - The power of co-regulation and finding an empathetic witness13:00 - Practical skills for holding space and developing presence16:57 - Understanding addiction as a spectrum beyond substances21:57 - Jesse's journey into psychedelic-assisted therapy after 15 years abstinent27:11 - Respecting psychedelics: safety, preparation, and integration32:13 - How your nervous system runs the show without your permission37:52 - Morning routines and the transformative power of crying43:15 - Dopamine addiction and reclaiming attention from technology50:43 - The correlation between trauma, addiction, and entrepreneurship56:15 - Breaking free from rigid identity and discovering new desires58:25 - Where to connect with Jesse and his workJesse Harless is a psychedelic experience curator, keynote speaker, therapist, nervous system coach, and bestselling author of "If Not You Then Who" and "Smash Your Comfort Zone with Cold Showers." He holds a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and hosts the Entrepreneurs in Recovery podcast. After facing federal drug charges at 22, Jesse transformed his life and now specializes in trauma-informed healing, working with heart-centered leaders and purpose-driven organizations.In this episode, we explore:The transformation journey - How Jesse went from standing before a federal judge for narcotics possession to becoming a leader in recovery and mental health, including the pivotal role of his court-appointed therapistTrauma, addiction, and entrepreneurship - The surprising connection between early wounding and high achievement, why 85% of successful people struggle with addiction, and how trauma can become your greatest business assetNervous system regulation mastery - Practical tools for understanding when your stress response is running the show, morning routines that actually work, and why crying might be your most underutilized healing toolPsychedelic-assisted therapy insights - Jesse's four-year research journey into psychedelics, the importance of respect and preparation, and how these medicines fit into broader mental health treatmentResources & Connect with Jesse:-Website: jessiharless.com-Podcast: Entrepreneurs in Recovery (Spotify, YouTube)-Books: "If Not You Then Who" and "Smash Your Comfort Zone with Cold Showers"

Key Timestamps[01:19] - Sean's Wall Street resignation story and discovery of heart-centered leadership at Eileen Fisher[05:06] - The spiritual calling to work with men and why soul-level healing is essential[08:31] - What drives men toward right-wing ideologies: neglect, pandemic isolation, and feeling blamed[13:46] - The crucial distinction between "wounded not broken" and why it changes men's healing approach[19:39] - The "pivot" technique: moving from debate to exploring what's in your heart[26:57] - Teaching men to identify emotions vs. intellectualizing: "A feeling is one word, maybe two"[33:11] - The core unmet needs exercise: how 38 people revealed just 5 universal human needs[38:31] - "Training cops to be better cops vs. developing officers into better humans"[53:17] - The shadow of competition and how it isolates men from meaningful connection[56:28] - Practical spirituality across faith traditions and the universal definition of compassionSean Harvey is the Senior Strategic Advisor and founder of Warrior Compassion Institute, holding masters in both organization development and counseling. With over 20 years of experience in organizational transformation and men's healing work, he has served on faculty at Cornell, NYU, and Baruch College. Recently voted one of the top 15 coaches in Philadelphia, Sean received the Saul A. Silverman Award for Conflict Resolution and Healing. His book "Warrior Compassion" became a top new release in 2023. As an ordained interfaith minister and co-founder of Project Compassion, Sean works to transform cultures through men's soul-level healing.Main Topics Covered:From Wall Street to Men's Work: Sean's journey from corporate consulting to discovering his calling in men's healing work, sparked by his transformative experience at Eileen Fisher where he learned to lead with heart over polishUnderstanding Right-Wing Men: Insights into what drives men toward extreme political ideologies, including feelings of neglect, the "wounded not broken" mindset, and how to create bridge-building conversations that move from persuasion to understandingHealing Warrior Cultures: Working with first responders, military personnel, and police officers to address trauma, mental health challenges, and the costs of stoicism in hyper-masculine systemsPractical Spirituality for Men: How interfaith approaches and "practical spirituality for dudes" help men reconnect with their center, moving from the lies of the mind to the truth of the heart to the wisdom of the spiritFind Sean Harvey's Work:Website: warriorcompassion.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-harveyBook: "Warrior Compassion" (2023)Warrior Compassion InstituteProject Compassion

Dr. John Gray is the bestselling author of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" with over 50 million books sold worldwide. As a relationship expert and founder of the Mars-Venus approach, he has spent over 40 years helping people understand the fundamental differences between men and women. His latest work focuses on the hormonal science behind masculine and feminine behavior.In This Episode We Cover:The Modern Testosterone Crisis - Why young men today have 20% lower testosterone than just 20 years ago, and how environmental factors and cultural shifts are feminizing an entire generation of malesThe Science of Male vs Female Brains - How mirror neurons, stress hormones, and brain blood flow work differently in men and women, and why traditional therapy approaches often fail menBreaking Porn and Masturbation Addiction - The shocking truth about how these habits destroy testosterone, brain power, and masculine energy, plus ancient techniques to reclaim controlHow to Support Women Without Losing Yourself - Why men shouldn't talk about feelings when upset, the art of "dodging" emotional attacks, and practical strategies for helping women feel happy without sacrificing your masculine frameResources:MarsVenus.com - Dr. Gray's official website"Beyond Mars and Venus" - Updated version with hormonal science"Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" - The original bestsellerLithium Orotate supplement recommendation for addiction recovery

Dr. Ryan McKelley is a licensed psychologist and professor of clinical counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse. With expertise in men and masculinities, he's co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and served as past president of the Society for the Psychology of Men and Masculinities. His work has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, and NPR, and he's been teaching a transformative course on masculinity for 15 years.Episode Highlights:The Best Year Ever Project - How Ryan and three friends created a year-long challenge based on Michael Easter's "The Comfort Crisis," focusing on physical, contemplative, family, and social pillars that pushed them outside their comfort zonesThe 96 Crayon Theory - Why men start with a full emotional range as children but are conditioned down to just 8 basic emotions by adulthood, and how to reclaim that lost emotional vocabulary through body awareness and metaphorTeaching Masculinity Studies - How even gender studies majors develop new compassion for men's experiences after learning about the restrictive pressures boys face from early childhoodSide-by-Side vs Face-to-Face Connection - Why traditional therapy and communication methods often fail men, and how physical activities create safer spaces for emotional expression and genuine connectionResources:Dr. McKelley's website: drmckelley.com"The Comfort Crisis" by Michael EasterUniversity of Wisconsin-Lacrosse Psychology Department

Todd Adams has spent 30 years in construction leadership and is a certified life and leadership coach specializing in men's development. Since 2010, he's co-hosted Zen Parenting Radio, a top 10 kids and family podcast. Todd is the co-founder and executive director of Men Living, an organization creating spaces for men to connect authentically and vulnerably. He's certified through the Conscious Leadership Group, Tony Robbins Core 100, and the HeartMath Institute, and is a member of the Mankind Project.Key Topics Covered:The Great Male Friendship Crisis - Why modern men struggle with shallow connections and how Todd's golf weekend revelation led to creating Men Living after only 4 out of 30 men said yes to real conversationBreaking Free from the "Man Box" - Understanding the invisible societal constraints that keep men trapped in outdated masculinity definitions and practical steps to operate from authentic self insteadEmotional Literacy as Life-Saving Skill - The four core emotions (anger, fear, sadness, joy) every man must master, why emotional intelligence beats physical health for longevity, and how vulnerability actually strengthens rather than weakens menCreating Spaces for Authentic Connection - How Men Living facilitates daily virtual meetings, the challenges of open vs. closed circles, and why one in seven American men having no close friends represents a crisis requiring immediate actionResources:Find Todd's work at menliving.org, zenparentingradio.com, and toddadamscoaching.com

Johnny Cole is the founder of Hey Brother Co., a men's work organization dedicated to redefining masculinity through emotional skill-building, community, and accountability. From leading retreats and youth mentorship programs to building an online brotherhood through virtual men's groups, Johnny's work invites men and boys to unlearn the harmful scripts of patriarchal masculinity and reclaim their emotional sovereignty. As a survivor of childhood domestic violence and a former college rugby player, Johnny blends lived experience with academic grounding—having studied gender studies, international relations, and economics, and worked in domestic violence intervention—to create spaces where men can show up fully, vulnerably, and with purpose.Since launching Hey Brother Co., Johnny has consulted with schools, nonprofits, and companies to develop gender-inclusive programs and policies, facilitated emotional wellness programming for over 50 high school boys, and cultivated a growing online community of men seeking a healthier vision of manhood. His social media presence challenges red pill narratives by modeling brotherhood, care, and self-awareness—often with humor, storytelling, and data. Whether mentoring boys, training facilitators, or designing healing-centered curriculum, Johnny's mission is clear: to help men & boys be more connected, accountable, and free—and to ensure the next generation of boys doesn't have to unlearn what we never should've been taught in the first place.Key Topics Discussed:From Trauma to Purpose - How growing up with a father in the South African Special Forces and experiencing domestic violence shaped Johnny's understanding of toxic masculinity and led to his healing journeyRedefining Patriarchy and Feminism - Breaking down misconceptions about these terms and explaining how patriarchy harms men through emotional self-mutilation and rigid masculine expectationsThe High School Revolution - Johnny's innovative mentorship program at Oberlin High School where he teaches teenage boys emotional intelligence, consent, and healthy masculinity, leading to measurable culture changeThe Men's Work Landscape - A comprehensive overview of different approaches to men's work, from traditional archetypal models to spirituality-based programs to feminist-informed practicesResources:Johnny's Instagram: instagram.com/heybrotherjohnnyHey Brother Co. on Instagram: instagram.com/heybrothercoJohnny's TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@heybrotherjohnnyHey Brother Co. virtual community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/heybrother/about?ref=b796bdf6365f4276b34b230666750f7b"The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love" by bell hooks (free audiobook on YouTube)State of American Men Report by EquimundoGlobal Boyhood Initiative research

Kenny Mammarella-D'Cruz, known as "the Man Whisperer," is a bestselling author, weekly columnist, and men's group facilitator with over 25 years of experience. A former child refugee who overcame PTSD, OCD, and Tourette's, Kenny found healing while working with dying men alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta. Today he runs daily online men's groups and helps men transition from fearful, reactive "boy consciousness" to authentic, responsive manhood.Key Topics Covered:From Trauma to Healing: Kenny's transformative experience working with dying men in Calcutta and how facing death became a pathway to his own healing from OCD, PTSD, and childhood traumaBoy vs. Man Consciousness: The crucial distinction between males operating from fear, reaction, and competition versus those who can respond from love, listen deeply, and collaborate authenticallyThe Inner Critic and Emotional Healing: Why men must learn to feel their feelings rather than think their way through life, and practical tools for befriending rather than battling your inner criticMale Loneliness and Authentic Connection: How modern men's profound isolation drives them toward toxic online gurus and why genuine in-person connection through men's groups is essential for healingResources:Website: themanwhisperer.co.ukDaily online men's groups and facilitator training programsWeekly column in the iPaperRegular appearances on Times Radio's Man Friday slot

Zac Phillips is a young men's facilitator, musician, and storyteller who brings a unique perspective to personal development and masculinity. His work focuses on creative action, youth mentorship, and helping people navigate authentic expression of both their masculine and feminine aspects.In this episode we explore:Creative action as healing - How creative expression and taking action can be just as confronting and effective as traditional therapy, and why life itself is fundamentally a creative spiritual processIntegrating masculine and feminine energies - Why men become more authentically masculine by also embracing their feminine aspects, and how to find balance beyond rigid polarity thinkingYouth mentorship principles - The power of listening, asking questions, and affirming rather than fixing, rescuing, or giving unsolicited advice when working with young peopleMoving from self-improvement to self-acceptance - Why building a foundation of self-acceptance is essential before layering on improvement efforts, and how to break free from the "more, more, more" addictionResources:Instagram: @iamzacphillipsCreative’s Catalyst newsletter: https://creativescatalyst.carrd.co/Rooted Futures: rootedfutures.org