Men Talking Mindfulness: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Fitness to Elevate Performance and Resilience for Leaders and Teams Under Pressure!

Most of us were taught that anger is a problem to manage, suppress, or apologize for. The ancient Greeks thought that was a path to a half-lived life.This is the audio version of the Focus Now Training Newsletter — a weekly drop where Jon Macaskill breaks down the mindfulness, focus, and performance concepts from Men Talking Mindfulness into something you can act on this week.This week's topic: what the ancient Greeks understood about anger that we've forgotten. Jon covers the concept of thumos — the spirited force of the soul — and why Aristotle called anger a virtue. He shares the four personal roots of his own anger, why suppression is like shaking a Coke can, and five things you can start doing differently today.Paid newsletter subscribers get three deep resources: Mike LeBlanc's five-part framework for hard conversations, a four-week anger intelligence practice, and a thumos assessment. Subscribe at newsletter dot focusnowtraining dot com.The full episode with Mike LeBlanc — Marine veteran, Harvard MBA, and founder of billion-dollar robotics company Foundation — is available now on Men Talking Mindfulness. Mike's book, What If Anger Is the Answer, drops August 25th.anger management, emotional intelligence, men's mental health, mindfulness for men, thumos, Aristotle, hard conversations, emotional regulation, focus, leadership, Navy SEAL, performance, Men Talking Mindfulness, Focus Now Training, Jon Macaskill, podcast newsletter, anger as a tool, conflict resolution, emotional health, men's podcastHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if anger management is NOT about suppression, but about direction and training emotional intensity into clarity, discipline, and presence. Most men are taught that anger is a problem to manage, eliminate, or apologize for, but what if that belief is quietly costing you strength, identity, and performance? In this episode, Jon and Will sit down with Mike LeBlanc - Marine veteran, Harvard MBA, ancient Greek philosophy scholar, and founder of Foundation, a billion-dollar robotics company. They explore the Stoic concepts of Thumos, the spirited force of the soul that drives recognition, ambition, and righteous action. Mike is set to release his new book august this year 2026 What If Anger Is the Answer, which challenges modern assumptions about emotional regulation and reframes anger as a virtue when properly trained. This conversation is not about losing control. It is about taking control.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:- How to define anger as a warning light rather than a character flaw- The difference between anger that creates clarity and anger that creates chaos- Why shame is a tool for self-correction, not self-destruction- How to plan difficult conversations with precision, humanity, and strategy- The ancient Stoic Greek framework for training Thumos into virtue and presenceFOLLOW THE GUESTMike LeBlancEmail: Mike@foundation.botFoundation: foundation.botMarine Next Chapter Initiative: MarinesNextChapter.comBook: What If Anger Is the Answer - Available August 25th If our show resonates, here’s where to go next:SUBSCRIBE to our Newsletter - Thursday Three Things or Text MTM to 33777 for weekly tools and ideas that actually work. WATCH FREE training content on the FNT YouTube channeland if you want to bring this work into your organization, check out our workshops and corporate Training Programs.FOLLOW the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs it. https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Co-produced by Robert Lopez - cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why do you care so much about what other people think? In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider sit down with Army veteran, mental performance coach, and Skull Sessions podcast host Andy Riise to dismantle the most quietly destructive pattern in men's lives — the approval trap. There's a name for what's running in the background of your decisions, and it isn't a character flaw. It's biology. It's called Fear of Negative Evaluation, and it's one of the most studied psychological patterns in clinical research.The guys break down why your brain literally cannot tell the difference between social rejection and physical pain, why the audience judging you is half the size you think, and how approval seeking shows up in ways most men never connect to the root cause — over-committing at work, constant reassurance seeking in relationships, buying your kids' affection, and still chasing approval from people who haven't been in your life for decades. Understanding it is the first step to breaking free.In this episode, you'll learn:What Fear of Negative Evaluation is and why every man is dealing with it whether he knows it or notThe spotlight effect and the Cornell research that proves you're performing for half the audience you thinkHow approval seeking silently destroys your career, your relationships, and your sense of selfWhat "ghosts" are — and how to identify whose voice is still running in your headWhy it's not about not caring — it's about choosing deliberately what deserves your carePractical tools you can use this week to start breaking free from the approval trapFollow Andy:Website: https://andyriise.comTEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbNLu7JcZNAPodcast: https://www.skullsessionspodcast.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyriiseIf you've ever held back in a meeting, softened your opinion to keep the peace, or made a decision based on what someone else might think — this conversation will change the way you see yourself and the way you move through the world.Focus Now Training - helping leaders and teams build focus, resilience, and emotional control. Visit focusnowtraining.comSubscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week’s episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we’ll send the link straight to you.2026 Spartan Race Team:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who's trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why does it feel harder than ever to focus?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider explore the hidden forces competing for your attention and why many people today feel mentally scattered, reactive, and drained.Modern technology, constant notifications, and the pressure to always stay connected have created an environment where attention is constantly pulled in different directions. What most people experience as a personal struggle with focus is often the result of living in an attention economy designed to capture and monetize your awareness.Jon and Will explain why attention is one of the most valuable assets we possess and why learning to direct it intentionally is essential for leadership, performance, and well-being.The conversation introduces the philosophy behind Focus Now Training, a system designed to help individuals train attention like a skill. Rather than relying on motivation or discipline alone, the practice focuses on strengthening awareness, recognizing distraction, and returning attention to what matters most.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why focus feels harder than ever in the modern world• How the attention economy competes for your awareness• Why attention is the foundation of leadership and decision-making• How distraction affects stress, productivity, and relationships• Practical ways to begin strengthening focus in daily lifeIf you’ve ever found yourself constantly checking your phone, jumping between tasks, or feeling mentally exhausted despite being busy, this conversation offers a new perspective on why it happens and what you can do about it.Training your attention may be the most important skill you develop.Subscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week’s episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we’ll send the link straight to you.Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources:https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will:https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team:https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to lead without losing himself.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Multiple sclerosis resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about choosing strength when your body forces change.In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Jim shares how a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis shattered his identity — and rebuilt it stronger. Multiple sclerosis resilience became the framework that helped him drop ego, reject victim mentality, and push his physical and mental limits in ways he never imagined.Instead of collapsing into “why me,” Jim chose discipline. Instead of clinging to status or past success, he chose growth. This conversation explores how multiple sclerosis resilience is forged through ownership, endurance training, and a refusal to let suffering define you.You’ll hear:• How ego amplifies suffering• Why victim mentality quietly destroys potential• The difference between pain and identity• How endurance challenges reveal hidden strength• Why pushing limits develops clarity and purpose• How chronic illness can deepen self-understandingThis episode is for the man who feels knocked down — by illness, career, or circumstance — and wants to rebuild without self-pity.Learn more from Jim Perona:• Website: https://www.jimperona.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimperonaofficial/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimperonaofficial/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimperonaofficial/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jimperonaofficial Subscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week’s episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we’ll send the link straight to you.Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources:https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will:https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team:https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to lead without losing himself.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why men shut down emotionally isn’t about weakness — it’s about conditioning. In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, PhD and former Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine joins Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill to unpack why men shut down emotionally under pressure, and how real strength is built through awareness — not suppression.As a Navy SEAL leader and founder of Unbeatable Mind, Mark has trained thousands of leaders in mental toughness, emotional discipline, and warrior mindset development. But in this conversation, he goes deeper — into emotional avoidance, masculine identity, and the cost of shutting down in relationships.Why men shut down emotionally often begins in environments where control is survival. Over time, emotional control morphs into emotional suppression. Mark explains the difference — and why suppression quietly erodes connection, intimacy, and leadership clarity.You’ll hear:• The difference between emotional mastery and emotional avoidance• How elite SEAL training shaped Mark’s understanding of stress and awareness• Why high-performing men confuse shutdown with strength• How breath training regulates nervous system reactivity• What integrated strength looks like in leadership and marriageLearn more from Mark Divine, PhD and former Navy SEAL Commander:Website: https://markdivine.com/Unbeatable Mind: https://unbeatablemind.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@markdivineofficialSubscribe to Your Thursday Three Things — practical focus tools connected to each week’s episode.Free and deep-dive versions available:https://newsletter.focusnowtraining.comOr text MTM to 33777 and we’ll send the link straight to you.Join the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources:https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will:https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team:https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to lead without losing himself.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Executive burnout isn’t just about being tired. Executive burnout is about running your mental battery into the red while everyone else depends on you. Executive burnout is what happens when productivity becomes identity and rest feels like weakness.In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Calm CEO David Ko to unpack executive burnout from the inside out.David shares what executive burnout actually looks like at the highest levels of leadership — from C-suite overwhelm to silent anxiety and the pressure of performance. He explains why 48% of executives report feeling overwhelmed and nearly half consider quitting — even when they look successful on paper.You’ll hear:• Why executive burnout costs organizations billions• The “mental battery” framework and how to monitor your energy• Why vulnerability is a leadership strength — not a liability• The real cost of sleep deprivation in high performers• Why checking email before bed fuels executive burnout• How to create tech boundaries without losing productivity• The link between mental health and physical health• Why men struggle to talk about well-being — and how to change itDavid also shares practical tools leaders can use immediately:Water. Window. Walk.Breath resets.Energy-based scheduling.Sleep discipline.This conversation speaks directly to high achievers, entrepreneurs, executives, veterans, and driven men who feel like they can’t slow down.If you’ve ever wondered:Why am I exhausted even when I’m winning?Why can’t I turn work off at night?Why does success still feel draining?This episode is for you.Follow David Ko & Calm:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkocalmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-koCompany: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calmWebsite: https://www.calm.com/Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfMore episodes, Resources & Spartan Race: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

¿Qué significa realmente ser un “buen chico”… y por qué ese enfoque suele llevar a frustración, resentimiento y relaciones rotas? En este episodio de Men Talking Mindfulness, conversamos con el Dr. Robert Glover, autor del influyente libro No More Mr. Nice Guy, para explorar el síndrome del buen chico, la masculinidad sana, los contratos encubiertos, la validación externa y cómo muchos hombres pierden autenticidad intentando evitar el conflicto. Hablamos sobre: Masculinidad saludable e integrada Por qué “ser agradable” no es lo mismo que ser auténtico Límites, honestidad y dirección personal Relaciones, sexualidad y presencia emocional Cómo dejar de vivir para la aprobación externa 👉 Este episodio fue traducido al español utilizando inteligencia artificial de Riverside. La traducción es generada por IA para ampliar el acceso al contenido y puede no reflejar palabra por palabra la grabación original en inglés. Si eres un hombre que quiere dejar de complacer a todos, recuperar su centro y vivir con más claridad, propósito y honestidad… este episodio es para ti. 🔗 Más información: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com What does it really mean to be a “nice guy”… and why does that pattern so often lead to resentment, burnout, and broken relationships? In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, we sit down with Dr. Robert Glover, author of the bestselling book No More Mr. Nice Guy, to unpack the Nice Guy Syndrome, healthy masculinity, covert contracts, external validation, and why so many men lose themselves trying to avoid conflict. We discuss: Healthy and integrated masculinity Why people-pleasing isn’t the same as kindness Boundaries, honesty, and self-direction Relationships, sexuality, and emotional presence How to stop living for approval and start living authentically 👉 This episode has been translated using Riverside’s AI-powered translation tools. The translation is AI-generated to improve accessibility and may not perfectly match the original English recording. If you’re ready to stop playing small, reclaim your voice, and live with clarity and purpose, this conversation is essential listening.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Curiosity in mindfulness is one of the most effective tools men have for breaking free from rumination—the endless replaying of conversations, mistakes, and imagined outcomes that keeps the nervous system stuck in stress.In this solo episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider explores how curiosity in mindfulness helps men notice rumination without feeding it. Instead of trying to stop thoughts or force calm, curiosity creates space to observe mental loops with awareness, allowing the nervous system to settle naturally.Will breaks down why rumination isn’t a thinking problem—it’s a regulation issue. When men feel under pressure, overwhelmed, or emotionally charged, the mind searches for certainty by looping. Curiosity interrupts this pattern by shifting attention from judgment to observation.Throughout the episode, Will explains how curiosity in mindfulness helps men step out of overthinking, reconnect with the body, and return to presence without shutting down. You’ll hear how curiosity softens self-judgment, why trying to “let go” often backfires, and how staying curious builds emotional regulation and self-trust.This episode is for men who feel stuck in their heads, replay conversations, or struggle to stop thinking—even when they want peace. Curiosity in mindfulness offers a grounded, practical way to relate differently to thoughts, stress, and inner pressure without forcing change.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when an 18-year-old says out loud what most adults are afraid to admit?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Carter Helbig—the youngest guest in the show’s history and the voice behind a viral graduation speech that reached millions.Carter speaks openly about grief, suicide loss, gratitude, and growing up under constant pressure. Through his own story, he reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: you always have a choice in how you show up for other people.Together, they explore how silence, comparison, and social media algorithms are shaping young men’s mental health—and why choosing kindness, presence, and responsibility still matters, even when life feels heavy.In this episode, you’ll hear:• Why “you always have a choice” became the core of Carter’s message• How grief and gratitude can exist at the same time• Why you never know what someone is carrying• The danger of assuming malice instead of humanity• How social media pressure impacts Gen Z men• Why asking for help is an act of strength• What fathers, mentors, and leaders can do to make young men feel seenIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to show up for others, this conversation is a reminder that small choices still matter.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to hold it all together.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of www.cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

AI meditations are everywhere right now—apps, chatbots, VR headsets promising calm in 10 minutes or less—but are AI meditations actually helping guys handle real stress, or just giving you one more screen to hide behind? In this episode, we get real about AI meditations, digital mindfulness, and whether any algorithm can truly replace a human teacher who sees you, feels the room, and knows when you’re about to lose it. We sit down with guest expert Steve Haberlin, PhD, to explore the intersection of technology, meditation, and human awareness. Steve has spent years studying both traditional mindfulness practices and emerging tech—AI, virtual reality, and digital training tools—and asking hard questions about where mindfulness is headed.Together, they unpack what technology can genuinely support in mindfulness practice—and what it can’t. They discuss the difference between guided experiences and embodied learning, why attention and nervous system regulation still require human relationship, and how men can engage technology without outsourcing responsibility for awareness.This episode isn’t anti-tech. It’s pro-discernment.In this conversation, you’ll hear:• The rise of AI-guided meditation and VR mindfulness tools• What technology can accelerate—and what it cannot replace• Why embodiment and nervous system regulation matter more than insights• The risk of mistaking consumption for practice• How real teachers differ from algorithms• Where mindfulness is likely headed in the next decade• How men can use tech without avoiding responsibility or presenceIf you’re curious about meditation apps, AI tools, or the future of mindfulness—but want grounded perspective instead of hype—this episode offers clarity.You’ll walk away with:✅ A realistic understanding of AI’s role in mindfulness✅ Language to evaluate meditation tools critically✅ A clearer sense of what real practice requires✅ Perspective on presence in an increasingly digital worldSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who’s trying to hold it all together.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

En este episodio en solitario de Men Talking Mindfulness, US Navy SEAL, Jon Macaskill deja atrás la conversación y entra en la honestidad silenciosa de estar solo, hablando directamente a hombres que saben cargar con la responsabilidad… pero que la cargan solos.Este episodio explora la mentira de la autosuficiencia: cómo ser capaz, disciplinado y confiable puede parecer fortaleza por fuera, pero poco a poco drenar la conexión, la presencia y la salud emocional por dentro.Jon comparte reflexiones personales de su propia vida —el matrimonio, el liderazgo, el servicio militar y la paternidad— y nombra patrones que muchos hombres nunca cuestionan: mantenerse ocupados en lugar de ser honestos, gestionar en lugar de conectar, y confundir la resistencia con la verdadera fortaleza.Escucharás por qué la autosuficiencia funciona… hasta que deja de hacerlo.Por qué la soledad no siempre se ve como aislamiento.Y por qué muchos hombres no se quiebran… simplemente se aplanan.En este episodio, Jon explora:• Por qué la autosuficiencia es elogiada, recompensada y rara vez cuestionada• Cómo los hombres altamente funcionales pierden poco a poco el acceso emocional sin darse cuenta• La diferencia entre ser autosuficiente y estar emocionalmente cerrado• Cómo el control, la ocupación constante y el “estoy bien” se convierten en estrategias de supervivencia• Por qué pedir ayuda no es debilidad, sino conciencia de capacidad• Pequeños cambios realistas que no requieren convertirse en alguien que no eresEste episodio no trata de arreglar a los hombres ni de desmontar la masculinidad.Se trata de decir la verdad… y de ofrecer una manera de dejar de cargar con todo en soledad.Si eres un hombre que sigue funcionando, sigue proveyendo, sigue cumpliendo… pero se siente distante, irritable o silenciosamente agotado, este episodio es para ti.Te llevarás:Lenguaje para entender qué es lo que realmente estás cargandoPermiso para dejar de confundir resistencia con saludHerramientas simples de conciencia que interrumpen el patrón a tiempoUn recordatorio de que la conexión no requiere colapsarEnlaces y recursosÚnete al equipo de Men Talking Mindfulness en la Spartan Race 2026 y lleva la atención plena a un desafío del mundo real. Esto se trata de determinación, presencia y hermandad bajo presión. Más información y registro aquí:https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026Más episodios y recursos: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comFitness mental y coaching con Will: https://willnotfear.comReserva a Jon para hablar con tu organización: https://jonmacaskill.comSi este episodio conecta contigo, sigue el programa, deja una calificación y reseña, y compártelo con un hombre que necesite escucharlo.Este episodio fue coproducido por Robert Lopez de https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most men don’t grieve by sitting in circles and talking about feelings. They grieve by working harder, staying busy, isolating, or pushing pain down until it shows up as anger, anxiety, exhaustion, or illness.In this powerful episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Michelle Ann Collins—grief coach, mindfulness teacher, and survivor of profound loss—to explore how men actually process grief and why “try harder” is not a plan.Michelle shares her personal journey through her husband’s suicide, PTSD, dissociation, and recovery through somatic, body-based mindfulness. Together, they unpack why men are conditioned to suppress grief, how shame and regret keep men stuck, and why embodied practices—not forced emotional expression—are often the safest entry point into healing.This conversation offers real tools men can use in their truck, at work, or at home—without needing to relive the trauma or perform vulnerability.In this episode, you’ll hear:• Why men and women feel grief similarly but process it differently• How action-style grief shows up as overworking, isolation, or emotional shutdown• Why suppressing grief often leads to anxiety, panic, illness, or burnout• How embodied mindfulness helps men stay present without dissociation• What post-traumatic growth actually looks like in real life• A simple grounding practice men can use anywhere• How to move from the grief cave toward meaning without rushing the processIf you’re a man carrying loss silently—or supporting someone who is—this episode offers a grounded, compassionate path forward.Sponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Medical Edition Vol. 1 Release: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1 Release: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Medical Edition Offer Window: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition Offer Window: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comLearn more about Michelle’s work: https://inhabitjoy.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this solo episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Jon Macaskill steps out from behind conversation and into the quiet honesty of being alone—speaking directly to men who carry responsibility well, but carry it alone.This episode explores the lie of self-sufficiency: how being capable, disciplined, and dependable can look like strength on the outside, yet slowly drain connection, presence, and emotional health on the inside.Jon shares personal reflections from his own life—marriage, leadership, military service, and fatherhood—and names the patterns many men never question: staying busy instead of honest, managing instead of connecting, and confusing endurance with strength.You’ll hear why self-sufficiency works… until it doesn’t.Why loneliness doesn’t always look like isolation.And why many men don’t break down—they simply flatten out.In this episode, Jon explores:• Why self-sufficiency is praised, rewarded, and rarely questioned• How high-functioning men slowly lose emotional access without realizing it• The difference between being self-sufficient and being self-contained• How control, busyness, and “being fine” become survival strategies• Why asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s capacity awareness• Small, realistic shifts that don’t require becoming someone you’re notThis episode isn’t about fixing men or dismantling masculinity.It’s about telling the truth—and offering a way to stop carrying everything alone.If you’re a man who’s still functioning, still providing, still showing up—but feels distant, irritable, or quietly exhausted—this episode is for you.You’ll walk away with:-Language to understand what you’re actually carrying-Permission to stop confusing endurance with health-Simple awareness tools that interrupt the pattern early-A reminder that connection doesn’t require collapseSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesJoin the Men Talking Mindfulness team at the 2026 Spartan Race and take mindfulness into real-world challenge. This is about grit, presence, and brotherhood under pressure. Learn more and join the team here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2026-More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com-Mental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.com-Book Jon to speak with your organization: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if staying in a relationship without fully choosing your partner causes more harm than leaving?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Bryan Withrow Reeves—former Air Force captain, men’s coach, and author of Choose Her Every Day or Leave Her—to unpack one of the most uncomfortable truths men face in modern relationships.Bryan speaks candidly about emotional absence, masculine shutdown, and the quiet ways men betray intimacy—not through infidelity or abandonment, but through disengagement. He shares his own story of staying in a relationship while no longer choosing it, and the damage that caused both partners.Together, they explore how mindfulness, nervous system awareness, and men’s work help men develop the capacity to stay present during conflict, repair after rupture, and lead relationships with honesty rather than avoidance.In this episode, you’ll hear:• Why staying without choosing is more damaging than leaving• How shame and fear drive men to emotionally withdraw• Why presence is not the same as proximity• How mindfulness creates the pause required for repair• When leaving is actually the most loving choice• Why men need other men to do this work well• How to begin choosing your partner—or choosing truth—todayIf you’re a man in a relationship, coming out of one, or trying to understand why intimacy feels harder than it should, this conversation offers clarity without judgment—and responsibility without shame.You’ll walk away with:✅ Language for emotional presence and honest leadership✅ A framework for conscious commitment✅ Tools to interrupt shutdown and avoidance✅ Encouragement to do relationship work with courage and integritySponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesMore episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your organization: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want fewer injuries, better readiness to train, and athletes who can actually handle pressure?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Chad McGehee, Director of Meditation Training at University of Wisconsin Athletics and co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation. Chad works directly with elite athletes and coaches to train attention, reduce injury risk, and improve performance—without adding more volume, stress, or drills.Together, they break down how mindfulness functions as strength and conditioning for the mind, why attention is involved in every rep and decision, and how short, consistent meditation practices are linked to better readiness, recovery, and resilience in high-pressure environments.You’ll hear how Chad went from meditation skeptic to leading mindfulness inside a major Division I athletic department, how teams like Wisconsin Volleyball integrated daily practices, and why mental training supports both performance and mental health for athletes and coaches alike.In this episode, you’ll hear:• How training attention supports injury prevention and recovery• Why mindfulness improves mood, energy, and readiness to train• How meditation helps athletes bounce back faster after mistakes• How coaches can introduce mindfulness without losing buy-in• Why the teacher’s personal practice matters as much as the technique• Simple practices teams can use this weekIf you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or leader who wants sustainable performance without burnout, this conversation is a practical blueprint.You’ll walk away with:✅ A clear understanding of how mindfulness impacts performance and injury risk✅ Simple meditation tools for warm-ups, cooldowns, and meetings✅ Language to help skeptical athletes and coaches engage✅ Encouragement to treat mental training like physical trainingSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesMore episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode helps you, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one coach, athlete, or parent who needs it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the most game-changing shift in your life is a three-letter word you’ve been afraid to use?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Jim Alling—former President of Starbucks, COO of T-Mobile USA, and CEO of TOMS—to explore how the simple word yes, paired with gritty gratitude and servant leadership, can transform the way men lead, live, and relate.Jim shares how saying yes to the right things—family, values, service, and curiosity—helped him navigate massive responsibility: tens of thousands of employees, billions in revenue, and the pressure of leading globally recognized brands. He also gets honest about the real cost of hustle culture, what burnout feels like at the top, and why the most effective leaders are often the most human.In this conversation, you’ll hear:• How one mentor at Starbucks taught Jim the “power of yes”• Why he chose family and his child’s health over a secure corporate path• What gritty gratitude looks like when life is hard—not polished• The difference between performative leadership and servant leadership• Why men who “have it all together” often feel empty inside• How to say yes without becoming a doormat (values, boundaries, clarity)• How humility, humor, and service kept Jim grounded across Nestlé, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and TOMSIf you’re a man caught between success and burnout—or you lead people and want to make a real difference without losing your soul—this episode is for you.You’ll walk away with:✅ A new understanding of yes as a doorway to purpose✅ A servant-leadership blueprint that still delivers results✅ Tools to integrate gratitude into pressure and responsibility✅ Encouragement to lead as your whole self—not just your titleSponsorPeptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release Dates• Medical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025• Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer Windows• Medical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026• Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions:https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & Resources🔗 More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com💼 Mental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.com🎤 Book Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode resonates, please follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you’ve been dealing with constant dizziness and brain fog and you can’t figure out why you feel off, spacey, or not fully in your body, this episode is for you. Dizziness and brain fog are not just random symptoms or signs of aging – they’re often your brain’s way of screaming that your balance system is overloaded and undertrained. Constant dizziness and brain fog can also quietly wreck your focus, drain your energy, spike your anxiety, and sabotage how you show up at work, in the gym, and in your relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn why what feels like a “mind problem” is often actually a balance problem – and how to start changing it from the ground up.Human Performance Specialist Caydrick Bloomquist breaks down the hidden role of your brain’s balance network in mood, focus, stress, and sleep, and why most guys never get taught how to train it on purpose. Caydrick’s work in Neuro-Functional Training and Mental Fitness shows that when you start working directly with your balance and awareness systems, you can shift how you feel faster and more powerfully than just trying to “think positive” or meditate harder. Instead of floating through your day half-present and half-dissociated, you learn how to get back in your body, stabilize your system, and actually feel like yourself again.You’ll hear how balance drills and vestibular-focused work – including spinning, head movements, and targeted visual-vestibular exercises – can literally help rewire your brain. These inputs tell your nervous system, “You’re safe and in control,” which can calm anxiety, clear brain fog, and reduce that ongoing dizzy, floaty feeling in a way that sitting still often can’t touch. If meditation has felt too slow or frustrating for you, this conversation gives you a more active, body-based way to train awareness, presence, and emotional regulation.We also explore why your balance system is really your awareness system – constantly feeding your brain information about where you are in space. When that system is off, your brain feels unsafe and ramps up symptoms like dizziness, weird vision, brain fog, irritability, and emotional overreactions. When you tune this system up, you don’t just stand steadier; you think clearer, react calmer, and sleep deeper because your brain finally trusts your body again.If you’re a man who’s tired of living with constant dizziness and brain fog, feeling like your brain is always half a second behind, this episode gives you a new map for what’s actually going on – and a path forward. You’ll walk away with a new understanding of why you feel the way you feel, plus practical ideas and a fresh respect for the “hidden hardware” driving your mood, focus, and performance.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode is a deep dive into why having fun is not optional for men’s mental health—it is the silver bullet that so many guys are missing. From the outside, men are told to grind harder, stay stoic, and carry everything alone, but inside, loneliness, stress, and emotional exhaustion are quietly stacking up. Having fun becomes a radical act of rebellion against isolation, shame, and emotional numbness. John and Will unpack how having fun and playful presence can pull men out of their heads and back into their hearts, bodies, families, and communities, opening the door to real connection, creativity, and relief.Loneliness in men is now recognized as a genuine health risk, not just a feeling to tough out, and it is strongly linked to anxiety, burnout, depression, and even physical illness. In this conversation, John and Will explore how lightening up and making space for joy can interrupt that spiral. When men stop treating life as a never-ending performance review and start allowing play, silliness, and hobbies that feel good, their nervous systems calm down, stress chemistry shifts, and it becomes easier to open up, reach out, and let people in.You’ll hear how simple practices—like reclaiming old passions, trying new playful activities, or bringing a sense of humor into daily routines—can build resilience and emotional flexibility. Research shows that enjoyable leisure and playful mindsets boost mood, sharpen focus, improve problem-solving, and enhance relationships, all of which are crucial for men who feel stuck, burnt out, or alone. This episode connects those insights directly to real life: how having fun with friends, partners, kids, or even solo can be the bridge from isolation to intimacy, from rigid seriousness to grounded presence.The tone is honest, unpolished, and real—no fake positivity, no macho posturing. If you’re a man feeling the weight of loneliness, or you love a man who seems checked out, this conversation offers both language and tools to shift the story. You’ll walk away with a new understanding of why having fun is not childish or trivial—it is a serious strategy for protecting men’s mental health, rebuilding friendships, and rediscovering what it feels like to be fully alive.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:54 - Playfulness as a Tool for Connection05:45 - The Consequences of Losing Playfulness08:57 - Creativity and Brain Development11:51 - Playfulness in Adulthood14:51 - The Role of Fun in Mental Health17:41 - Breaking Free from Societal Expectations20:36 - Finding Joy in Everyday Life23:41 - The Courage to Be Playful26:53 - The Connection Between Play and Success29:47 - Embracing Vulnerability and Fun32:44 - The Adventure of Playfulness35:28 - The Playful Spirit of Jesus38:32 - Final Thoughts on PlayfulnessHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you’ve ever laid in bed wired, exhausted, and dreading tomorrow’s alarm, this episode is your playbook on how to improve sleep quality as a man who actually has things to do. In this no‑BS conversation, we dig into how to improve sleep quality so you can boost recovery, calm your mind, and stop feeling like you’re running on fumes. You’ll hear how to improve sleep quality using simple, repeatable habits instead of gimmicks, and why better sleep might be the most powerful “performance enhancer” you’re not truly using yet.Sleep is way more than closing your eyes; it’s your nightly reset for testosterone, mood, focus, and emotional resilience, and guys who short-change sleep pay for it with anxiety, irritability, weaker gains, and a higher risk of burnout and health issues. That’s why this episode with Sleep Genius founder and former Navy SEAL Robert Sweetman goes deep on practical sleep hygiene, stress management, and recovery tactics designed for high-performing men who still want to show up strong for their families, teams, and missions.You’ll learn how to lock in a consistent sleep schedule without feeling like a monk, how to set up a “sleep cave” that’s dark, cool, and distraction‑free, and how to use light, timing, and movement during the day so your brain actually wants to shut down at night. Rob unpacks battle-tested tools from elite environments—like deliberate wind‑down routines, mental off‑loading, breathing, and mindfulness—to help calm your mind before bed so you’re not replaying your to-do list at 2 a.m.You’ll also hear how better sleep accelerates muscle recovery, reduces injury risk, and improves decision‑making and reaction time, giving you an edge in training, career, and life. We link the science to real‑world habits you can use tonight—no magic supplements required. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, simple plan for how to improve sleep quality, boost recovery, and calm your mind so you can wake up more energized, more grounded, and more dangerous—in all the right ways.Buy Robert’s book here - https://www.amazon.com/62Romeo-SLEEP101-Weeks-Sleep-Restoration/dp/B0F8MLZQM2Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Chapters:00:00 - Introductions02:50 - Rob Sweetman on Improving Sleep12:19 - Sleep Hygiene and Mental Health26:31 - How Light and Sound Affect Sleep29:06 - Light, Sound, and Sleep Quality32:29 - Brown Noise for Better Rest33:50 - Noise, Temperature, and Sleep37:50 - Building Consistent Sleep Routines40:00 - New Sleep Solutions for the Military41:58 - Developing Military Sleep Pods43:37 - Better Sleep Tools for Warfighters48:45 - Coaching High Performers on Sleep52:02 - Common Sleep Disruptors53:26 - Healthy Sleep Habits58:11 - Sleep Tracking: Pros and Cons01:01:06 - Why Deep Sleep and REM Matter01:02:36 - How Meal Timing Affects Sleep01:05:02 - Processed Foods, Obesity, and Health01:07:27 - Intermittent Fasting Insights01:08:51 - Eating Habits That Support Sleep01:11:13 - Closing Thoughts and GiveawayHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.