ManTalks Podcast

Men's Work Sessions - Four Stories, Four Strengths, Four Struggles

Feb 17, 2025

A heartfelt exploration of men's journeys through trauma, validation, and relationships. One man shares his six-year sobriety story, battling people pleasing and feeling stuck. Another discusses the weight of seeking internal validation from a challenging father-son relationship. Themes of emotional safety and worthiness surface as a third participant confronts trust issues in connections. The final story challenges self-help contradictions and past trauma, promoting deep insights into emotional growth and vulnerability. A powerful reminder of shared struggles and healing paths.

01:29:36

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Quick takeaways

Men's personal journeys emphasize the importance of confronting past trauma to foster emotional growth and self-acceptance.

The podcast highlights the struggle for internal validation and the impact of childhood relationships on men's self-worth development.

Participants discuss the balance between self-love and self-discipline as essential for navigating personal growth and overcoming emotional pain.

Deep dives

Announcement of Free Demonstration for Professionals

A live demonstration will be offered for therapists, psychologists, and coaches who work with men. The session will focus on tools to help men manage resistance, aggression, and other challenging emotions. Participants can expect a real-time walkthrough of methods used when dealing with a man's shadow and issues related to anger and defensiveness. Even those unable to attend live can sign up for access to the recording, providing an opportunity for learning and insight.

Intro

2min

Reflections on Family and Sobriety

6min

Navigating Grief and Self-Acceptance

9min

Navigating Validation and Family Dynamics

28min

Facing Vulnerability and Emotional Growth

7min

Navigating Emotional Intimacy and Safety in Relationships

4min

Navigating Intimacy and Vulnerability in Relationships

2min

Navigating the Journey of Healing

31min

Talking points: trauma, validation, mindset, relationships

Recently, I put out a call on Instagram: who wants to join me for a short, recorded Q&A. We had a TON of respondents, but I wanted to highlight four in particular that I feel are unique, but at the same time offer a window into what so many men endure.

These are everyday men from completely different walks of life, all different ages, but united in a single fact: they’re doing the work. I’m deeply grateful to each of them for agreeing to be on the show.

(00:00:00) - The story of S, six years sober, who struggles with people pleasing and feeling stuck

(00:16:04) - C’s struggle with internal validation and the relationship with his father

(00:35:15) - D’s working on feeling worthy, but his relationships have never felt safe or trustworthy

(00:56:47) - P wrestles with some of the contradictions in the self-help space and past trauma

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Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men's Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

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