Dear Men: How to Rock Sex, Dating, and Relationships With Women

<p>Advice for smart men on how to succeed with women in sex, dating, relationships, and marriages. Beautiful women give you a peek behind the curtain into what the feminine really craves from the masculine ... and how to give it to us. If you want deep dating advice, help with relationships, or tips on how to have sex with women in a way they'll swoon over, c'mon in. Personal growth is sexy, haven't you heard? </p><p>And if you're ready to do the work, come work with us -- we'd love to have you: www.evolutionary.men/apply.</p><p>Get in touch at dearmenpodcast@gmail.com.</p>

379: Can ketamine really treat depression (and PTSD and ADHD)? (ft. Sam Mandel)

According to Gallup News, nearly 48 million people in the US alone struggle with depression, which is a staggering ~18% of the population. In fact, depression is the leading cause of disability in the country.And the US isn't the only place affected -- rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and more are rising globally, especially post-pandemic.We need new, innovative, and effective ways of meeting this challenge, which impacts not only adults but teenagers and even children. And as you can imagine, depression in one parent or family members impacts the whole family, including intimate partners.Here are a few questions of the many questions I pose to Sam Mandel, CEO and co-founder of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles:What exactly is ketamine, and how is it used to treat depression, ADHD, OCD, etc.?Is ketamine safe? What are the risks? How long does it take to see results? What are the statistics on how well it works?How much ketamine do you need to get results? How is it dosed?Can ketamine be used to treat tweens or teens in distress (self-harm, suicidality, etc.)?How much does it cost? Is ketamine covered by insurance?---Memorable quotes from this episode:“Suicidality is a spectrum.”“Depression doesn’t discriminate."“It’s a happy cry in a lot of ways!”“On ketamine, the whole brain is lit up.”“It’s really never too late to make major changes to who you are.”“There are a lot of people who are really suffering who are high-functioning.”“Poor sleep has a domino effect on energy, memory, mood, etc.”“People often have a spiritual experience.”“It’s the ketamine plus care.”---Mentioned on this episode:Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles: ketamineclinics.comDear Men episode 364: What exactly is complex PTSD, and how do you know if you have it? (ft. Setareh Vatan)

09-19
01:16:50

378: 'It’s never been natural for me to reach out when I’m in the sh*t’ (ft. Jason Lange & Luke Adler)

When things are bad, are you good at asking for support?More than once, we've had clients disappear for a bit, and upon reappearing say things like, "Sorry, I just had one of the worst weeks of my life last week."And we wonder: Why, during some of your darker times, are you not reaching out for love?Here we break down the reasons why this pattern exists. Why is it so hard for men in particular to ask for help? What helps shift a man from this kind of pattern into a healthier one of interdependence?And how does all of this show up in a marriage, love relationship, or even in dating? Because make no mistake -- it does.If you want to be successful with women, be the best husband you can be, or just feel more settled, grounded, and confident when it comes to dating or relating, check this out.Support the podcast and join The Heart of Shadow at melaniecurtin.com/heartofshadowWork with usReady to go deeper than the podcast and take action? Jason and I can help you break old patterns and transform your sex & love life for good. To see if you're a fit for our flagship program, Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“You don’t know the love that you’re missing.”“I don’t want to share this because it could be ammo for attack.”“Men don’t want to be a burden, and ‘put their feelings on someone else.’”“I’ve been there — men hold it all inside.”“I gotta go back to that stoic man who doesn’t need other people.”“We don’t trust society. We don’t trust culture.”“So much of the wounding men carry come from peer relationships when they were young.”“When one man brings forth the truth or vulnerability, it inspires the other men.”“Every time a man disrupts this kind of culture, you’re lighting the way for another man.”“When we collapse and don’t reach out, there’s something in the background: This belief that there’s not enough. Not enough money, not enough money, not enough women.”“Is my wife gonna still love me tomorrow?”“What is masculinity? That’s the debate we’re having right now as a culture.”“It just leaps out of our hearts.”“It’s moving from ‘I am alone’ to ‘I belong.’”“By joining the group, you actually become more yourself.”“The shared value is: We want to grow.”“As I was running myself ragged, I was running my wife ragged.”“I’m just going to be here with you in it.”

09-12
01:14:56

377: How do you overcome the fear of being alone? (ft. Jason Lange & Luke Adler)

"I'm afraid that if I don't do what she wants, she'll leave ... and then I'll be alone."The truth is, almost all human beings have a visceral, primal fear of being alone. We are social animals, and our survival has depended on inter-connectivity since time immemorial. We fear and are stressed by isolation, separation, and loneliness.It is also true that this fear of being alone is a driving force behind any number of unhealthy relationship patterns. When you're afraid of being alone, you're far more likely to compromise your sense of self for someone else. You're more likely to put up with toxic behaviors or staying with partners with untreated Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder, for example.Here, we dive into themes around codependence, interdependence, worthiness, fears like, "If I don't have kids, who will take care of me when I'm old?", and how men we know and have worked with have grown into or past these kinds of thoughts. Because we've witnessed (and experienced ourselves) the power of knowing at a cellular level that you're not alone, and how that can change everything.---Work with usReady to go deeper than the podcast and take action? Jason and I can help you break old patterns and transform your sex & love life for good. To see if you're a fit for our flagship program, Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“I was terrified of being alone, and hated it.”“They have the awareness, they just don’t know what the f*** to do about it.”“The default for many men is talking about pussy, sports, or engines.”“I’m in some kind of pain and I don’t know where it’s coming from and I don’t know what to do about it.”“This guy has so much on his back, his insides are collapsing… and he has no one to talk about it.”“We keep doing the addiction because there’s so much fear of touching what’s underneath it.”“Goddamn I was lonely.”“I can’t leave this partner because I’d be alone (and they’d be alone).”“The work doesn’t occur unless you do it.”“It does take a kind of tribal experience to heal.”“A part of him got to relax that had never relaxed before.”“When you can root someone into their true size, it’s kind of a miracle.”“We go deep, and we go deep fast.”“Inside of you is an impulse for something more.”“You do not have to go alone.”---Mentioned on this episode:melaniecurtin.com/heartofshadow

09-05
55:56

376: UTIs are a gargantuan sex problem. Here’s a concrete way you can help! (ft. Meghan Blake of Good Kitty)

Worldwide, 150 million women get urinary tract infections (UTIs) yearly, and 30-44% of them get recurrent UTIs (defined as 2+ infections in 6 months, or 3+ in a year.)I was one of those women.UTIs are so prevalent that they are the second-most common reason for antibiotic prescriptions on the planet. And in case you've never had one, rest assured that UTIs are painful, disruptive, and deeply anxiety-producing.They are also, 90% of the time, contracted due to sexual intercourse.UTIs are a sex problem, which often also makes them a relationship problem. If you, as a man, has had a woman partner who was stressed about having sex out of fear of getting a UTI; a friend with serious health issues due to her gut biome being decimated by antibiotics; or a sex partner who was in tears, in despair at getting yet another one, you're far from alone.Fortunately, you be a hero to all the women in your lives by spreading the word about a solution:Good Kitty has an extremely effective prevention method. Their doctor-developed, urologist-approved formula supports good bacteria, neutralizes the bad when it matters (i.e. right after sex), and impacts the bacteria in the gut that cause UTIs, thus helping to prevent recurrence.This interview with Meghan Blake, CEO and co-founder of Good Kitty, is both entertaining sobering, enlightening, and uplifting. Also, I drop a few F-bombs, so that's always fun. ;)Real talk: Reliable UTI prevention is life-changing for both her sex life, and yours.Work with usIf you're committed to breaking old patterns and transforming your sex & love life in a real and lasting way, we'd love to work with you. To see if there's a fit, book a call here. www.evolutionary.men/apply---Mentioned on this episode:Good Kitty Co.: https://goodkittyco.com/ (use code DEARMEN20 for 20% off)---Memorable quotes from this episode:"Every time we had sex, this was the outcome."“I was desperate. It was like, 'This cannot be happening to me again.'”“These can be really serious infections if they’re not treated.”“I wanted to have someone to blame.”“I know it’s him!”“Guys are really wanting to help, and do whatever they can to care.”“This is getting in the way of our sex lives, and our sex lives are the source of a lot of our joy and connection.”“I don’t want to become a celibate person because of UTIs.”“It has made my heart burst open.”

08-29
54:46

375: What does it mean to 'be in your masculine'? (ft. Jason Lange)

“I knew it was something I wanted to be in because I thought it’d get me chicks.”So begins Jason in describing his journey around learning to be "in his masculine" and "in his feminine." These are terms related to polarity that get thrown around a lot, and we wanted to break down what we're referring to in more depth.What does it mean to be dominating versus assertive? Is it ever helpful to be passive? How does healthy polarity impact a marriage -- and especially one's sex life? Can you re-polarize a love relationship that feels "off" or isn't working in some way (sexually or otherwise)? Where does being in the masculine intersect with trust?Listen to find out.Come to the Retreat!Want to go deeper than the podcast? Join us LIVE for our yearly, in-person retreat. As of this episode dropping, we've got 3 slots left. We'll be in NorCal this Labor Day weekend, Aug 28th - Sept 1st, 2025. To sign up or learn more, go here. www.evolutionary.men/retreat---Work with usReady to go deeper than the podcast and take action? Jason and I can help you break old patterns and transform your sex & love life for good. To see if you're a fit for our flagship program, Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“I like to think I’m super ‘in my masculine’ but a lot of times I’m just in my head.”“I was waiting, which meant she was being put in the lead.”“The friction points in my marriage are when she has to track something (and doesn’t feel like I’m tracking it).”“A lot of us Nice Guys shy away from this because we don’t want to be dominating.”“I have to read her body, but I also have to direct.”“This is masterful; I’m just going to let go completely for the ride.”“The willingness to get it wrong is part of what makes it meaningful.”“Good leadership always involves listening.”“I literally just needed to do the thing I wanted to do.”---Mentioned on this episode:DM episode 181: What exactly is polarity? We break it down.DM episode 103: Reverse polarity can kill your sex life as a couple -- unless you do this.DM episode 277: Want to maximize polarity? Learn to do this well.

08-22
01:05:26

374: The 3 main archetypes of men. Which one are you? (ft. Jason Lange) [replay]

How connected do you feel to your heart? How about to your cock?One of the advantages we have as coaches for men is that we seen the patterns that frequently show up for different men. We've noted three specific archetypes in our work and here, we go over them. (If you've ever heard me reference the heart/cock matrix, that's part of this episode.)Why does this matter? In large part because most women I know who are attracted to men (myself included) have a deep yearning to relate romantically with men who embody one specific archetype that we discuss here. We cover all three types of men, their differences, their paths, and the one that a lot of women crave from the depths of their being.(And while the themes in this episode are framed in a heterosexual/straight dating and relationship context, I believe there's a universal human longing involved here.)Come to the Retreat!Want to go deeper than the podcast? Join us LIVE for our yearly, in-person retreat. As of this episode dropping, we've got 4 slots left. We'll be in Northern California this Labor Day weekend, Aug 28th - Sept 1st, 2025. To sign up or learn more, go here. www.evolutionary.men/retreatWork with usIf you're committed to breaking old patterns and transforming your sex & love life in a real and lasting way, we'd love to work with you. To see if there's a fit, book a call here. www.evolutionary.men/applyMemorable quotes from this episode:"A lot of men were raised by a dad who they didn't want to be like.""For the basic bro, there's a lot of 'go' energy -- a lot of action-taking; and a lot of 'I' energy (rather than 'we' energy).""These kinds of men will get laid, but they won't get her to commit to them.""If he hasn't gone to those depths within himself, I don't trust him to hold my depths as a woman.""Nice Guys -- one of their superpowers is helping people to feel safe.""Growing up, these guys are learning to prioritize others rather than themselves.""'I was waiting for her to give me a sign that it was OK to kiss her.'""It's allowing yourself to be seen when you don't have it all together.""For these men, it feels like, 'I'm giving and giving and giving, and never getting.'""He re-polarized his relationship, and it changed everything.""Nice Guys will often end up in a relationship because the woman took the initiative.""Who were you raised by?""What does it mean to love myself and grow?""Around anger I had thoughts like, 'Why bother? It won't do anything anyway.'""It's the ability to go to wherever we need to go in any given moment."

08-15
01:20:56

373: What's it like treating Borderline Personality Disorder (pt. 2) (ft. Setareh Vatan)

A whole bunch of our clients have related with either parents or partners with BPD (or BPD traits). Here we go into even more depth around the origins of BPD, and what you can do as a partner if this is something you're contending with. We answer questions like:When you “cross” someone with BPD, they often want to punish you / make you suffer. Why?Why are folks with BPD traits so sensitive to rejection?Does BPD show up differently in women vs. men? We often hear about BPD women — why is that? What do you do if you've noticed that your partner has BPD traits?How do you know when it's time to leave the relationship vs. stay and work on it?---Come to the retreat!It's August 8th - September 1st in Northern California (about 2 hours north of San Francisco). We work hard to keep it financially accessible, and payment plans are available.As one man put it in this episode, “If you’re thinking about going, you’re already there.”https://evolutionary.men/retreat/---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Mentioned on this episode:Dear Men episode 354: What it's like treating BPD (pt. 1)Setareh Vatan's Psychology Today profileBook: Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality DisorderBook: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents---Memorable quotes from this episode:“Love alone doesn’t fix unaddressed wounds.”“When the inner experience feels unbearable, sometimes acting out anger feels like the only way to bridge the gap.”“‘I’m in pain; don’t leave me; come back.’”“Your partner is more than their defenses. That said, loving someone with BPD traits can be intense.”“Boundaries are not abandonment.”“‘I can see this feels really scary for you.’”“There’s usually a younger part asking, ‘Do I matter to you?’”“‘You matter to me. I’m not leaving you. I care when these things get hard.’”“This can erode your sense of self over time.”“I understand you feel abandoned when you don’t hear from me right away. I wasn’t ignoring you; I was in a meeting.”“Compassion for the person with BPD doesn’t mean excusing harm.”“BPD reflects unmet emotional needs and trauma.”“I’m the adult here that’s going to create that safety.”“I thought you were saying that I’m damaged, un-fixable, or broken.”“Underneath intensity is usually someone who longs for stability and connection.”“You can’t love someone’s pain away, but your steadiness, boundaries and compassion can make a difference.”“A healthy relationship requires BOTH people’s willingness to grow.”“I believe it’s possible for anyone to heal.”

08-08
01:27:38

372: Are you scared of women? (ft. Jason Lange)

If you've ever been scared of approaching a woman because you might make her uncomfortable; frightened about what a woman might ask of you; or worried about "getting in trouble" with your women partner, I have news for you: You're a normal man.That said, there are also some underlying patterns that may need addressing, particularly if this is a recurring pattern that's preventing you from even getting started dating, or holding you back from what you really want: A loving, healthy, life-expanding romantic partnership.Here we delve into the most common ways we've seen men be afraid of women -- and what to do about it.---Come to the retreat!It's August 8th - September 1st in Northern California (about 2 hours north of SF). We work hard to keep it financially accessible, and payment plans are available.If you're looking for an emotional/psychological breakthrough, and/or if you want to build loving and healthy male community, and/or if you just feel called to attend for a reason you can't quite identify, join us! As one man put it in this episode, “If you’re thinking about going, you’re already there.”https://evolutionary.men/retreat/---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“Girls were different creatures that I didn’t understand.”“If I put myself out there, what if she doesn’t like me?”“For Nice Guys, our self-worth is tied up her opinion of me.”“Someone would touch me and I would startle, like my body was braced.”“I get a sense that something is happening but I don’t know how to talk about it.”“Am I now blowing it because I should be touching her right now, but I’m not?”“Connection in and of itself is soothing.”00:34:05 Melanie Curtin: “My family didn’t know how to soothe. I had to learn how to self-soothe.”“It’s hard for us to relax as young boys if mom is wound up all the time.”“All I do is hear mom talk about how awful dad and men are.”“There’s a way you need to be in order to receive love.”“I have to rescue my mom.”“If we’re in fear of her (or her state), it’s hard for her to trust us.”

08-01
49:05

371: GuyTalk: What's it like doing in-person men's work?

“Every one of us walking onto that property was nervous.”So says one man on this episode, describing his experiencing attending his first in-person men's retreat.If you've ever felt intimidated or unsure about doing in-person work with other men, you're far from alone. In the words of one man on this panel, “There’s a shared understanding of the brutality between men.”But it doesn't have to stay that way. There can be a kind and loving experience of brotherhood.---Come to the retreat!It's August 8th - September 1st in Northern California (about 2 hours north of San Francisco). We work hard to keep it financially accessible, and payment plans are available.As one man put it in this episode, “If you’re thinking about going, you’re already there.”https://evolutionary.men/retreat/---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“I never felt like other boys.”"I wanted to be vulnerable and open, but I didn’t know how, and I wasn’t sure I could.”“I was nervous as hell.”“We lived on cheesy jokes and greasy burgers.”“I was deathly afraid to become a terrible father.”“I cried tears of joy for the first time in my life.”“I realized — through all the work I’ve been doing, therapy, self-reflection, etc. — how much love I have for myself (finally).”“I went into a panic because I’m having flashbacks of summer camp.”“If we’re gonna talk about this trauma, we might as well do it in the hot tub!”“There was racism even within my own church.”“When I was a boy, there was never any spiritual or deep, emotional holding by men in my life.”“Part of going to the retreat was to build my nervous system into more resilience.”“We’re going to be there no matter what.”“I can accept other men’s unconditional love, and it helped me know how to provide unconditional love to other men.”“I used to use my intellect to defend myself or talk my way out of things.”“I came into the first retreat a very tough nut to crack.”“There’s now a level of connection now with my wife that I can’t even describe.”“The dynamic within my whole family has changed.”“There is hope with change.”“You’ll make friends.”“Come for the food; stay for the healing.”“You WILL experience a transformation.”“This is where you get your master’s degree in men’s work.”“Just get there.”

07-25
01:19:46

370: Are you codependent? (ft. Jason Lange) [replay]

Have you ever felt trapped in a relationship, or like you knew something was off but didn't know what to do about it? Maybe you've had a vague awareness that you're somehow suffering (and so is she), but again, you didn't know how to even start to go about addressing it.A lot of people know the term "codependence" but aren't clear on what it actually means in a concrete way, or what to do about it if it does fit. For example, how do you know if you're codependent or your spouse is? Can one person "be" codependent while the other is not?Here we go right into what codependent dynamics are, and aren't -- and how to grow into independence and ultimately interdependence.In Jason's words of his own experience: "It was years of trying as hard as I could to make things better but never being good enough to matter how hard I tried." And, "That rescuer is filled with needing to be needed. That’s where it began for me."If your love relationships have always confusing, unfulfilling, or just not quite right -- or if you've often felt like you were just taking care of your partner (she wasn't able to take care of herself), this will likely be helpful to you.The men we work long for MORE, and I also want to say direct: That's available. You don't have to stay stuck. Growth is always possible.Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode: “As long as my partner was approving of me, there was a sense of, ‘I’m OK.’”“There was a fear — if I’m not with her, I’ll be alone.”“We’re deeply entwined with each other where there’s almost no agency or independence.”“While the relationship was ‘safe’, we were both suffering deeply inside.”

07-18
01:02:46

369: GuyTalk: Setting healthy boundaries with parents

Did you have healthy boundaries modeled for you when you were growing up? Do you feel like you know how to set healthy boundaries with your folks?If not, then some of these things may apply:You felt like (or continue to feel like) you need to take care of your mom or dadYou don't really feel free to live your life as you'd like because you know this might "hurt" one or both of your parentsWhile growing up and/or when you're home these days, you have to walk on eggshells so as not to upset themYou feel that their emotional wellbeing is somehow your responsibility (As one man on the panel put it, "As long as I please them, they won’t be emotionally unstable.)You've heard terms like 'enmeshment' or 'emotional neglect' and thought, "Hmmm, that might apply to me."You just have an intuitive sense that you need to set some boundaries with one or both of your parents.---In this panel discussion, four men share their raw, authentic and vulnerable truths around boundaries they've needed to set with their mothers, fathers, or both. We also hit on some highlights around Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), since many emotionally immature parents have BPD patterns.---Memorable quotes from this episode:“The real hammer came down when my mom figured it out.”“I just remember the house being filled with almost like an emotional toxic gas.”“She said, ‘You’re gonna tell me NO?’ — and I’m 32 years old and trembling.”“I was at the mercy of conditional love.”“I needed to claim my sense of self.”“Before I got sober, I couldn’t even conceptualize what boundaries were.”“I don’t have a mother; I have a 60-year-old child.”“My role was: ‘I am responsible for healing my mom’s depression and sadness.’”“The two most important women in my life — my mother and my partner — are now at odds with each other.”“So I told my parents: 'The next time we have a conversation about my relationship with my woman, she will be there in the room with us.'”“I have true confidence now. I know what I need, and this is what I need from you.”“No one has the remote control to my emotions; they get the manual.”“I started to realize how much my autonomy was impacted, disrupted, and denied.”“When I set that boundary with my parents, my partner was just thrilled, and proud and happy.”“It was like no matter what I did, she was always going to be right... there was no space for me to exist.”“There is no capacity for this person to see where she has hurt others.”“As I pulled back more and more, the neediness ramped up and up and up.”“Mom, I’m sorry — I can’t have a relationship with you right now.”“There’s a part of me that just wanted to be the ‘good boy.’”“I’ve been no contact with my mom for six years, and honestly it’s been a relief.”“I started to come to myself from a place of compassion rather than from a place of shame.”“I really did make every effort possible for us to have a healthy relationship.”“If you’re feeling stuck, that’s the perfect time to reach out for help.”“You are not alone.”---Mentioned on this episode:Dear Men 354: What's it like treating Borderline Personality Disorder?Dear Men 345: The 4 male 'types' that partner with women with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)Dear Men 128: Feel like you're walking on eggshells? Recognizing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

07-11
01:47:57

368: Can a live retreat change everything? (ft. Jason Lange)

When Jason was in his mid-20s, he was stuck. He numbed out with porn much of the time, had never had sex, and struggled with dating and love relationship.Even outside of dating, it felt like something was missing in his life ... like he just wasn't completely alive. He knew he wanted something different, but didn't know how to get there.Then he attended one of his first personal growth events -- a men's workshop. When the attention was place on him, within twenty minutes a mentor had him on the floor (in a good way).He got to a place during that workshop that he hadn't gotten to in three full years of talk therapy. It was transformative, uplifting, and revolutionary to his nervous system. He released energy that had been stuck within him for decades. In a way, it set him up for the life he actually wanted to lead.If you've ever wanted MORE, you're not alone. You don't have to stay stuck. You can have the breakthrough you've been waiting for.---Work with us!Want to go deeper than the podcast? We're ready to work with you! To see if there's a fit for our flagship program, Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. https://evolutionary.men/apply/---Come to the retreat!This year it's Thurs Aug 28th through Mon Sept 1st in Northern California (about 2 hours from SF). For more info, go to evolutionary.men/retreat. We'd love to see you there.

07-04
55:08

367: 'For some reason, I tend to attract "projects."' (ft. Jason Lange)

Have you got a history of partnering with women who are physically or emotionally unstable? Maybe they've got an insecure living situation (or chaotic/dangerous ex-partner). Perhaps they're financially challenged, or they've got serious issues with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.You may even have been with a partner who became so emotionally dependent on you that you became concerned that if you weren't there, she'd be in serious trouble -- might even hurt or kill herself. As Jason puts it, "If I remove myself from the situation, I don’t know how my partner would survive."This episode is actually not about those women! ;) This episode is about the other side -- you.If you've wondered why you've repeated this pattern of attracting "projects," you've come to the right place. Here we break down what goes into the pattern of attracting women you feel you need to "save" or "rescue." We talk about the vulnerability involved in dating healthier women, as well as the immense payoff -- and how to get there.This episode will also resonate if you've ever felt burdened or resentful in your relationship -- like you're doing way more than your partner, and putting in more than you're getting back. We talk about the pain of feeling used ... and what to do about it.---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“There’s a type of security, safety, and polarity that comes from being the hero.”“If I’m doing stuff for you and you appreciate that, I get to feel good about myself.”“Just because you need some kind of help doesn’t mean I have to rescue you.”“When we overextend, we attract partners who don’t have a sense of boundaries.”“I know and trust she can handle herself.”“We are co-creating together, rather than one of us pulling the cart the whole time.” “When we’re not getting energy back as men, resentment builds like crazy.”“If I’m not winning, are you still going to love me?”“Get on a growth path.”“Getting into good community with men is inoculating yourself against future projects.”“I don’t want to do all the heavy lifting.”

06-27
48:12

366: Love can, in fact, be calculated. (ft. Zoey Charif)

Have you ever wished you could scientifically determine what’s wrong in your relationship? Or felt it would be helpful to somehow mathematically see how compatible you are with someone you’re dating? Or gone through a difficult period with a relationship partner and wished you could understand one another better? There’s a love tool that may be able to help. Zoey Charif went from getting a degree in Crimonology to writing about love and relationships — and in her love work, she brought to bear her curiosity about human behavior. The result? Her generating an instrument (like a personality test) that helps couples as well as singles grasp, another other things, compatibility. Perhaps the most interesting part is that Zoey herself has used it alongside her husband — to great effect in their marriage. ---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“What causes betrayals?”“We are driven by primal instincts.”“I feel lucky to be with you.”“No one wants to feel like, ‘I’m not doing well in my marriage.’”“We both started to step up.”“If you’re unhappy, your spouse is probably also unhappy.”“Change takes time.”“You are not put on this earth to be unfulfilled.”“You can’t be doing the work for both of you.”---Mentioned on this episode:Zoey's site: www.lovecaninfactbecalculated.com

06-20
01:00:05

365: Is staying together for the kids the right choice? (ft. Jason Lange) [replay]

What does it mean to be a good parent?If part of your job is to provide stability, then it can seem like even if your love relationship isn't fulfilling, it's best to grit your teeth and get through it -- at least until the kids are out of the house.The truth is a lot more nuanced.Consider the following, for example:What are you role-modeling to your children if you stay in a relationship that's physically or emotionally barren? What are they learning from you and your partner about conflict and repair? About boundaries? About warmth and affection?Would you want them to someday be in the relationship you're in?One confusing constellation of this can be when you're great co-parents with your wife/partner, but, say, your sex life is dead. In other words you manage the household well together, but there's no passion. Another is when you have a difficult spouse/partner and feel concerned that if you're not around to protect the kids from her, issues will arise.Here we delve into unhealthy (and healthy) relationship dynamics, whether "making it work" is a real thing, and what you impart to your kids daily, without saying a word.Growing almost always requires discomfort, but here's the good news: When you choose to lean into growth, you're teaching your children the bravest lesson of all.Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)

06-13
53:42

364: What exactly is complex PTSD, and how do you know if you have it? (ft. Setareh Vatan)

Have you experienced any of the following yourself, or been in a love relationship with a partner who did?You've held beliefs like, "I must be broken," or, "The world is completely dangerous."You constantly tested your partner's loyaltyYou've thought things like, "I'm too much and my needs are too much."You've played out patterns to the effect of: "If I meet your needs perfectly, maybe you won’t hurt me or leave me."You've experienced health issues like chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic fatigueYou've alternated between pushing others away or clinging tightlyYou feel confused about your relationship issues because when looking back on your childhood you've thought, "No one overly abused me, so why is this happening?"---If so, you may be dealing with complex PTSD, also known as C-PTSD. Here we delve into what C-PTSD is, what it's not, and what to do about it.We also discuss the reality that trauma is intergenerational by nature. If your parents or their parents didn't get what they needed, and if those folks don't do their healing work, they're extremely likely to pass it on. But you don't have to.Whether you're coming with anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, disorganized attachment, fearful avoidant attachment, or somewhere in between, know this: Healing is ALWAYS possible.Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Mentioned on this episode:Setareh's Psychology Today profileMemorable quotes from this episode:"Developmental trauma can shape personality development.""They may deeply crave closeness while simultaneously fearing it.""This is the nervous system interpreting current stress as old danger.""Intimacy may be disrupted by this internal sense of danger that is hard to name.""Relationships can be a powerful source of repair.""Safe relationships can help reestablish trust, soften defenses, and over a period of time can support emotional regulation.""The body often holds what the mind cannot express.""It’s often intergenerational trauma playing out.""Trauma is both individual and collective.""Healing is absolutely possible. I have seen it!"

06-06
01:17:08

363: We women still need men. Just in a different way. (ft. Jason Lange)

We all know the "rules" have changed when it comes to dating and relationships. There are few absolute in terms of how to relate to a dating or relationship partner, which begs questions like:If not money, then what IS the modern man supposed to provide?If you're a man, it may be hard to grasp what a woman truly craves from you. There's good news on this front, though: We women still need you! In fact, many would say we need healthy, passionate, masculine men now more than ever. And there are two very specific things healthy, embodied women truly desire from men. Here we delve into those, and along the way touch on sexy time, how hot it is when a man has a strong backbone, and how to keep up with all the shifting dynamics going on when it comes to sex, love, and dating in the modern world. ---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Mentioned on this episode:Dear Men episode 262: Are you lonely?Dear Men episode 215: Are you intimidated by her big emotions? Here's what to do.Dear Men episode 329: How do you stay grounded when she’s upset or dysregulated?Dear Men episode 305: GuyTalk: Overcoming religious programmingDear men episode 327: Transforming shame into power---Memorable quotes from this episode: "How do I win in this?""Can you provide me steadiness in a turbulent world?""We men are being asked to show up more — with more complexity.""I just avoided conflict … deny, deflect, defend."“If we don’t have a capacity to attune and be present with ourselves, we can’t do it with a partner.""Emotional safety does not mean please and appease.""There’s not a lot we as a couple can do about that until I’ve worked with my own shame.""Women, more than ever, want to be polarized!""Most people want to know their partner wants to f*** them!"

05-30
44:11

362: From skeptic to believer (ft. Naushad Godrej)

Have you ever doubted? Whether you've doubted yourself, the existence of a higher power, the efficacy of "alternative" healing techniques, or anything that goes against the mainstream -- this has likely come up for you at some point.When Naushad was young, he came very close to being a pro soccer player. But physical injury after injury stymied him, and set him on a path of healing that took him from North to South America and beyond.This is one man's personal journey of going from being a skeptic to a believer. Not a blind faith believer, but one with nuance and consideration -- and longstanding impacts on not only his his sex, dating, and relationship life, but his experience with Life itself.---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“The limiting beliefs started to pick up and escalate.”“I could not sit with myself because there was so much anxiety.”“I had to ask for help, and that has historically been one of the most difficult things for me.”“Immediately all these doors start to open, without me trying.”“The messages are always there; it’s just a matter of whether we’re willing to listen.”“In the seeking, what that meant for me was having the humility to say, ‘I don’t know.’”“I’m in a dark hole and I don’t know what to do.”“The practice becomes not working or trying, but letting go and letting it come through.”“'True faith is being able to step forward when you can’t see.'”“What’s the next right door?”“This is the most important work you’ll ever do in your life.”---Mentioned on this episode:Naushad's site (https://resilientbeing.me/)Book rec: The AlchemistBook rec: The Celestine ProphecyDear Men episode 305: GuyTalk: Overcoming religious programming and trauma

05-23
01:24:06

361: Worried about being a late bloomer? (ft. Jason Lange)

Are you concerned about your lack of experience, whether that's sexually, in a dating context, or time in long-term relationships? Maybe you feel behind in some way, and hesitant or fearful about telling a woman about your level of experience.As Jason says, "For men in particular, it means something about you if you haven’t had sex."If it took you a while to start dating, have sex, or get into a relationship (or if, perhaps, you're not there yet as of today), you're not alone!Here we talk through Jason's experience around pursuing ("The hope was a girl would tell me they liked me, and THEN I would feel comfortable to make the move."); dating without a lot of sexual experience (“I was terrified of what a partner would think.”); and journey around overcoming these patterns ("When you have the right system, growth can happen pretty fast!”)Listen on to feel more relaxed and empowered about your dating and relationship experience -- wherever you're starting from.---Memorable quotes from this episode:"All my somatic, unprocessed wounding would come forward.""There’s this deep sense of being behind.""If you don’t like me, I get hooked on you in a sense.""In my family, we were robots in the same house.""He had people on his team to cross this divide.""I kinda ended up with a partner that I don’t really like.""Every man carries a few arrows in his heart.""Who even wants me? What is my value to society?""It was hard to throw myself into a career when I didn’t know myself.""Opportunity comes from connection."---Mentioned on this episode:DM 196: The “invisible” relationship pattern that can affect everything (on childhood neglect)Book: Of Boys & men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It

05-16
01:11:26

360: GirlTalk: Striking while the iron is hot!

Want to be even sexier to women than you are now? ;) Learn to strike while the iron is hot!Seriously though -- striking while the iron is hot makes you a man who can generate polarity, build trust, and have women want to surrender to you. Knowing how and when to take action is very sexy ... and passivity, not so much. And all of these principles apply whether you're in a dating relationship or you've been married for decades.Here we go through examples of men who've done this well in dating, relationships, and yes, definitely in sex! And we talk about times that we as women have felt confused, rejected, or both -- as well as times we felt lit up, radiant, desired, and HOT for the men in our lives!---Work with usWant to go deeper than the podcast? Jason and I are ready to work with you! We specialize in helping men break old patterns and transform their sex & love lives for good. If you're looking for high-quality relationship advice, we've got it.To see if there's a fit for our flagship program Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)---Memorable quotes from this episode:“Sure, I’m not happy, but at least I know my non-happiness.”“Relationships are a skill.”“I always felt his desire for me and I always knew where I stood and how he felt”"Panty Droppers: 'I’m on it,' 'I’ve got it,' 'I’ll take care of it now.'"“My inner turmoil is more important than your needs.”“I was saying, ‘I need more sex or this relationship won’t be successful.’”“He wasn’t willing to do the hard work — the work to really look at his trauma.""It’s deeply masculine to seek the right counsel.”---Mentioned on this episode:DM episode 332: Have you ever gone into freeze? Here's what's actually going on

05-09
01:32:22

Deep Kxur

Wow, the idea of dating apps that pay you is definitely intriguing. It is refreshing to see platforms finally recognizing the time and emotional energy people invest in online dating. If done right, this could really change the game making connections while also earning something back. Of course, it's important to stay mindful of privacy and intentions, but I’m curious to see how this new trend evolves in the dating world.https://femalesidehustle.com/

07-10 Reply

Simon Miller

I don't like multicultural dating. It's not about my understanding of tradition. The fact is that such couples often start quarreling on everyday issues. My daughters chose to search online with a stable search plan in their heads - https://women.naughtydate.com/women-looking-for-men/ I'm glad to say that each of them found a guy who became the perfect spouse.

12-26 Reply

Tom Goodwin

he goes on dates "for the people"

07-23 Reply

Tom Goodwin

🙄 every date I have ever put extra effort into has ended poorly. be chill

07-23 Reply

Jef Mangelschots

you describe how you were turned off by men who don't 'drive' . I don't know how you interact, but have you communicated to him your boundaries and expectations. in the 'old' days, men could 'drive' without fear of finding a blog written by the women the next day of how bad the date went. also in today's #metoo, women are going to have to verbalize their boundaries and expectations a lot more explicit then what women have been able to get away with in past decades. maybe the guy is simply waiting for a unambiguous verbal permission to take the next step. #metoo works both ways girls.

08-28 Reply

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