Men in the Arena with Matt Kovatchis & MD

Matt Kovatchis & Mike David ("MD") dive into different arenas with special guests from around the world to discuss all things mental health and personal growth, including but not limited to, therapy, vulnerability, trauma, self-doubt, fixed vs growth mindset, self-love, among many others.

095 - The CURRENT State of Youth Mental Health with Mental Health Advocate and Creator Madeline Kivett

Madeline Kivett is a college student at Winthrop University and a mental health advocate through her volunteer work with NAMI and Instagram Page Yourmentalhealthisapriority that has amassed more than 60,000 followers. She’s the first EVER guest to return for a second time.She vulnerably shares her journey of overcoming personal struggles with anxiety and depression. She discusses the importance of community, acceptance, and the role of social media in fostering positive mental health conversations. Madeline emphasizes the significance of language in discussing mental health and how vulnerability can lead to deeper connections. She reflects on her growth and the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in understanding and addressing mental health issues on college campuses.

09-24
44:56

094 - A Vulnerable Conversation on Love & Faith!

In this candid conversation, Matt and MD reconnect after a hiatus, discussing the challenges and impacts of podcasting on their personal growth. They explore themes of love, service, and spirituality, reflecting on how their experiences and guests have shaped their understanding of humanity and fulfillment. The dialogue delves into the complexities of faith, the role of authority, and the challenges of living a life rooted in love and compassion. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of authenticity and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

09-04
52:01

093 - Dr. Bisleen Attli on Her Journey From Depression to THRIVING!

Dr. Bisleen Attli is a mental health focused and CBT-certified naturopathic doctor and TedX speaker - which is a fancy way of saying she bridges the world of psychology and physiology to promote mental health and brain health.Bisleen shares her personal journey with mental health, discussing the impact of bullying, self-image, and the importance of environment. She emphasizes the ability to change through neuroplasticity and the significance of identifying limiting beliefs. Dr. Attli advocates for holistic approaches to mental health, including nervous system regulation and simple, consistent wellness strategies. The discussion also touches on the dangers of overconsumption in a fast-paced society and the importance of finding stillness for creativity and personal growth.

07-24
39:49

092 - I Was Homeless And A Drug Addict! Austin Becker Shares His Story

Austin Becker is a Professional Skier, Podcaster, creative director and entrepreneur. He’s also a mental health advocate - inspired by his own mental health challenges.Austin Becker shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, the impact of his past experiences, and how they shaped his advocacy work. Austin discusses his struggles with addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the lessons he learned along the way. He highlights the significance of rebuilding relationships and the pride he feels in giving others a voice through his podcast.

07-03
47:24

091 - Insights From 90 Days in a Hospital Bed With Career Readiness Speaker Nicki Joiner!

Nicki Joiner is an award-winning entrepreneur and dynamic career readiness speaker dedicated to helping students navigate their future careers with confidence and clarity. With a background in corporate recruiting and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs, she brings a unique blend of industry insight and higher education expertise to every talk.In this conversation, Nicki shares her journey from higher education to corporate recruiting and ultimately to becoming a career readiness speaker. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, the complexities of happiness, and the value of aligning personal values with career choices. Nikki emphasizes the need for students to explore various career paths while being realistic about their skills and market demands. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of validating feelings and the lessons learned from both personal and professional challenges.

06-27
48:46

090 - Going From Suffering From to Living With Anxiety With Award-Winning Youth Speaker Brittany Richmond

Brittany Richmond is a former counselor turned award-winning youth mental health speaker. She speaks to thousands of students throughout the country on mental health and anxiety.Brittany Richmond, a former counselor and youth mental health speaker, shares her journey with anxiety and how it has shaped her life and career. She discusses the importance of being open about mental health struggles, the role of acceptance in managing anxiety, and the need for connection and communication among young people. Brittany emphasizes the significance of forgiveness and gratitude in healing and encourages listeners to create spaces for open dialogue about emotions.

06-12
47:38

089 - Going Viral on Social Media with Real Estate Internet Personality Dean Lauvina!

Dean Lauvina is a luxury real estate agent and owns the page Deanchicagoliving, where he famously highlights properties in Chicago to a following of more than 300,000 people.Dean Lauvina shares his journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a successful luxury real estate agent in Chicago. He discusses the challenges of navigating family expectations, the impact of social media on his career, and the importance of authenticity in pursuing one's passions. Dean also highlights inspiring stories from his community and reflects on the fulfillment and challenges of his work in real estate.

05-22
35:03

#088 - He Lost $300,000 in ONE Day - Recovering Sports Betting Addict Chaz Donati

Chaz Donati is a Sales Manager, mental health activist, hybrid athlete, and a recovering sports betting addict.Chaz Donati shares his profound journey through gambling addiction, detailing the early signs, the impact on relationships, and the challenges of recovery. He discusses the silent nature of gambling addiction, the societal implications of sports betting, and the importance of community support. Chaz reflects on his rock bottom moment, the role of his dog in saving his life, and his ongoing efforts to rebuild his life and find purpose beyond gambling. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of addiction and the importance of mental health advocacy.

04-17
42:53

087 - Are You Actually Stuck? How to Gain Momentum in Life with Britt Frank!

Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is an author, speaker, and educator, and trauma specialist. She received her B.A. from Duke University and her MSW from the University of Kansas, where she is an award-winning adjunct professor. She speaks and writes widely about emotional wellness, leadership, and performance.Britt shares her journey from trauma and addiction to becoming a trauma specialist and educator. She discusses the importance of understanding the root causes of pain, the role of the brain in motivation, and the significance of micro yes moments in creating momentum. Britt emphasizes the need for self-compassion that does not equate to permission to avoid challenges, and she highlights the necessity of suffering for personal growth. The discussion also touches on finding one's North Star and the importance of living in alignment with personal values.

04-10
46:05

086 - From Religious Cult to Successful Entrepreneur With Transformation Coach Chelsea Linge!

Chelsea Linge is a transformation coach, entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder of Build the Bridge, an 8-week small group coaching cohort designed for leaders who want to scale their clarity, impact, and joy.Chelsea shares her transformative journey from a restrictive upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and transformational coach. She discusses the importance of trusting one's intuition, the evolution of her relationship with money, and the nuances of freedom and joy in life. Chelsea emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not just about freedom but also about creative expression and serving others. The conversation highlights the significance of choosing love and joy in everyday life, and how these choices shape our experiences and relationships.

04-03
53:39

085 - Simple Swaps to Radically Improve Your Health with Dr. Tania Elliott

Dr. Tania Elliott is a board certified internal medicine specialist and allergist who's amassed an audience of >500k on social media platforms.She discusses her journey as a healthcare disruptor, emphasizing the disconnect between patient care and the healthcare system. She shares her insights on the importance of access to care, the role of telemedicine, and the need for preventative health measures. Dr. Elliott also addresses women's health issues, particularly the importance of strength training and awareness of atypical symptoms in women. Additionally, she offers advice on navigating social media and maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.

03-27
38:37

084 - If You're Always Thinking About Food with The Founder of Somatic Eating

Stephanie Mara is a somatic nutritional counselor and mentor specializing in somatic eating.Stephanie Mara, a somatic nutritional counselor, discusses her journey into somatic eating, the connection between trauma and eating behaviors, and the importance of understanding our body's signals. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to nutrition that considers emotional and physical hunger, the impact of dieting as a form of trauma, and the significance of building safety in the body. The discussion also touches on the nuances of intuitive eating, the role of pleasure in food choices, and the importance of self-discovery in our relationship with food.https://www.stephaniemara.com/

03-20
52:03

083 - How to Feel FULLY Alive With Holistic Therapist Esin Pinarli

Esin Pinarli, LCSW, is the owner of Eternal Wellness Consulting, a Holistic Psychotherapist, & Coach - helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges to feel fully alive, supported, and whole. Esin Pinarli discusses the journey to feeling fully alive, emphasizing the importance of experiencing all emotions, both positive and negative. She shares her personal transformation from a party lifestyle to sobriety and therapy, highlighting the significance of inner child work and understanding anxiety. Esin explains the physicality of emotional health, the challenges of feeling stuck, and the necessity of self-awareness in the healing process. She also addresses resistance in therapy and the complexities of feeling emotions, advocating for a compassionate approach to discomfort and the importance of building a supportive relationship with oneself.

03-13
01:01:05

082 - How to Build a FUN Life with 5x Ironman Eric Hinman

Erin Hinman is a hybrid athlete (5x Ironman), serial entrepreneur, and brand builder, who specializes in scaling early-stage consumer and wellness brands.Eric Hinman shares his transformative journey from a party-centric lifestyle to becoming a hybrid athlete and entrepreneur focused on wellness. He discusses the importance of community, the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports like Ironman, and the lessons learned from his experiences in business and investing. Eric emphasizes the significance of enjoying the journey, building a fulfilling life, and inspiring others to pursue their passions with purpose.

03-06
39:40

081 - What It's Like to Grow Up (+ Escape) in a Religious Cult with Lindsay Dalton!

Lindsay Dalton is the founder of Inner Alchemy and a certified somatic facilitator and coach. Lindsay shares her journey from a restrictive cult upbringing to discovering her true self through somatic healing. She discusses the challenges of leaving her past behind, the emotional evolution she experienced, and the profound impact of breathwork and somatic practices on her life. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's body to process emotions and trauma, and how this work can lead to a more aligned and fulfilling life.

02-27
54:14

080 - Getting Sober With Chicago Content Creator Eatlizabeth!

Elizabeth is a content creator in Chicago and the podcast host of the Actually OK podcast. Elizabeth shares her journey of overcoming alcoholism, detailing her struggles with identity, mental health, and the societal pressures surrounding alcohol. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to recognize her addiction, her rock bottom experience, and the transformative process of recovery. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of community, spirituality, and self-acceptance in her journey, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding sobriety. Through her story, she aims to normalize conversations about addiction and inspire others to seek help.

02-20
46:32

079 - Former Gilmore Girls Actor David Sutcliffe On Why He Left Hollywood!

David Sutcliffe is a former actor turned life coach. He is known for playing Christopher Hayden on the television series Gilmore Girls and Detective Aidan Black on the television series Cracked. David Sutcliffe shares his journey from a successful acting career to becoming a core energetics practitioner and life coach. He discusses the profound impact of his chaotic childhood on his adult relationships and his struggle with trust and intimacy. David reflects on the tendency to recreate childhood patterns in adulthood and the challenges of helping others recognize their need for change. He emphasizes the importance of personal healing and the interconnectedness of individual growth with collective consciousness. In this conversation, David Sutcliffe shares his journey through the complexities of success, fame, and personal growth. He reflects on the fear of success he experienced while working on 'Friends', the challenges of navigating trust and vulnerability, and the profound need to be seen. Sutcliffe emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the choices we make in our lives, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of authenticity and personal fulfillment. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to David Sutcliffe 01:08: David's Journey from Acting to Therapy 02:36: Childhood Influences and Relationship Dynamics 05:27: Chaos and Comfort: The Addiction to Stress 09:25: Recreating Childhood Patterns in Adulthood 12:37: The Challenge of Helping Others Seek Change 16:28: Understanding Resistance to Therapy 20:37: The Role of Trauma in Success and Identity 23:06: The Importance of Personal Healing and Collective Consciousness 26:00: The Fear of Success and Personal Reflection 30:13: Navigating the Path of Self-Discovery 34:14: The Journey of Trust and Vulnerability 37:02: The Complexities of Fame and Identity 44:05: The Need to Be Seen and Authenticity

02-13
50:12

078 - Losing 87 Pounds And Changing His Life On The Carnivore Diet with Carnivore Ray!

Carnivore Ray, or Ray Hicks, is a carnivore & health digital content creator with an audience of >1,000,000 people across social media platforms. Carnivore Ray shares his transformative journey with the carnivore diet, detailing his initial skepticism, the surprising health benefits he experienced, and the impact on his mental health. He discusses the challenges of navigating social media as a content creator, the polarizing nature of dietary discussions, and the importance of personal growth through adversity. Ray emphasizes the significance of genuine connections with his audience and the heartwarming success stories that motivate him to continue sharing his journey.

02-06
52:08

077 - Learn Why Your SKIN Reveals Who You Really Are With Skincare Co-Founder Heather Chan

Heather Chan is the co-founder and CEO of Moonbow, a skincare brand merging Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern skincare science to bring harmony to both skin and spirit. Prior to that, she spent seven years in private equity before launching Moonbow in 2024. In this conversation, Heather shares her journey from a successful career in private equity to launching a skincare brand with her twin sister that merges traditional Chinese medicine with modern wellness practices. She discusses the importance of cultural identity, the impact of meditation on self-discovery, and the misconceptions surrounding Eastern and Western medicine. Heather emphasizes the significance of self-worth, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the need for men to embrace skincare as part of their self-care routine. Website: https://moonbowskin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonbow_skin/

01-30
49:44

076 - Nutrition Influencer Joey Wellness On Simple Health Swaps That Make a BIG Difference!

Joey Roselli (Or Joey Wellness) is a health and wellness content creator - specifically nutrition - with more than 1,000,000 followers on Instagram. Mike David and Matt Kovatchis welcome Joey Wellness, a health and wellness content creator, to discuss his journey towards health awareness and the importance of nutrition in mental health. Joey shares his personal experiences with diet, social acceptance, and the challenges of perfectionism in the health space. The discussion also covers practical health swaps, the significance of cooking with care, and the evolving values that guide Joey's mission to serve others and promote awareness about healthy living. Chapters 00:00: Welcome to the Arena 01:01: Joey Wellness: The Journey Begins 06:03: Awareness and Change in Nutrition 11:08: The Struggle of Social Dynamics 15:59: Finding Balance in Health Choices 21:04: The Reality of Cravings and Perfectionism 27:06: Stress and Its Impact on Nutrition 30:02: The Love in Cooking and Meal Preparation 31:19: The Importance of Cooking and Nutrition 33:30: Evolving Values and Spiritual Growth 36:52: Family Influence on Health Choices 40:12: Misconceptions in Nutrition 42:21: Struggles with Perfectionism 49:02: Awareness and Advocacy in Nutrition

01-23
53:50

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