Mojo for the Modern Man

In this first act with Jake Kaufman, we explore the profound impact of childhood environments on adult behavior patterns. Growing up in small-town Michigan where vulnerability was discouraged, Jake developed protective masks of perfectionism after experiencing sexual assault at age twelve. Drawing from Rumi and Jung, we examine how early trauma shapes our unconscious behaviors, particularly in men who often lack the tools or permission for emotional expression. The discussion weaves through the neuroscience of early childhood development, the power of proper mirroring, and why even accomplished individuals need guides for growth. Jake's journey illuminates a central truth about transformation: our primary task isn't pursuing success, but discovering and dismantling the internal barriers that stand against it.Bio:Jake Kauffman is an Executive Producer and Founder of Transient Productions. He completely gave up his corporate career to move to Los Angeles and pursue his dream of producing original films that are both inspirational and compelling. He is currently wrapping production on my first feature entitled “I’m So Good I’m Embarrassed,” a documentary chronicling the last year in the life of his 93-year-old grandfather. His intention is to empower others to prioritize making intimate and lasting connections in their relationships.Book: 

In the captivating second half of our conversation, Damon Lembi takes us on a rollercoaster ride from his dashed baseball dreams to becoming CEO of LearnIt. He shares invaluable insights on finding joy in work, balancing healthy competition with compassion, and the humbling journey of building a business. Damon’s candid reflections on identity beyond career and heartwarming stories about his father's kindness to parking attendants remind us of the importance of integrity and treating everyone with respect. As we explore the entrepreneurial spirit of his family and the ups and downs of their business ventures, Damon’s resilience shines through. He leaves us with a powerful message from his book "The Learn It All Leader": great leaders are continuously in the making, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and growth, regardless of background or current success.Bio: After dedicating the initial 22 years of his life to the pursuit of becoming a Major League Baseball player, Damon pivoted in 1995 to help his father (Walt Lembi, Founder of Learnit) by investing his heart and soul in Learnit to help individuals gain the knowledge and confidence they need in attaining their professional goals through the value of education. Damon has a deep commitment to the Learnit team past and present and the San Francisco Bay Area community as a whole, where he was born and raised. Damon attributes Learnit's longevity and success to the ability to surround himself with "A" players and taking advantage of learning / evolving through past mistakes. Outside of Learnit, Damon is an avid reader, moviegoer, and live music fanatic. Most of all, Damon loves spending time with his wife, children—Lucy and Wally, and his dog.WebsiteLinkedInFaceBookInstagram

In today's episode, I sat down with Damon Lembi, whose journey from baseball prodigy to business leader is a masterclass in personal growth and resilience. We dive into Damon’s sports-centric childhood, his battles with imposter syndrome in college baseball, and the pivotal moment when a coach's challenge became a lifelong lesson in self-belief. Damon shares his three-step formula for conquering self-doubt – work hard, focus deliberately, and learn and let go – which has shaped his approach to leadership and mentoring. We also challenge the conventional wisdom of always climbing the corporate ladder, with Damon offering refreshing insights on finding the right fit for one's skills and passions. From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, Damon’s story is a home run of perseverance, self-reflection, and embracing challenges, served up with a side of humor and heart.Bio: After dedicating the initial 22 years of his life to the pursuit of becoming a Major League Baseball player, Damon pivoted in 1995 to help his father (Walt Lembi, Founder of Learnit) by investing his heart and soul in Learnit to help individuals gain the knowledge and confidence they need in attaining their professional goals through the value of education. Damon has a deep commitment to the Learnit team past and present and the San Francisco Bay Area community as a whole, where he was born and raised. Damon attributes Learnit's longevity and success to the ability to surround himself with "A" players and taking advantage of learning / evolving through past mistakes. Outside of Learnit, Damon is an avid reader, moviegoer, and live music fanatic. Most of all, Damon loves spending time with his wife, children—Lucy and Wally, and his dog.WebsiteLinkedInFaceBookInstagram

In this installment, I plunged into James Dewberry's colorful past, unearthing the bedrock of his disciplined mindset. James regaled us with uproarious tales from his youth – think DIY explosives – that showcased his unbridled curiosity. We explored his voyage into medical Qigong, ignited by a quest for healing alternatives. James's zeal for this time-honored practice was palpable as he unpacked its core tenets. Our dialogue then embarked on a globe-trotting adventure, with James emphasizing the transformative power of embracing new cultures. We capped off our chat with a thought-provoking exploration of love, where James challenged societal norms. Throughout, James's blend of scientific inquisitiveness, spiritual depth, and wanderlust left me musing: How might we all infuse our lives with such receptivity and passion?Bio:My journey into energetic healing, health and wellness, and coaching began over twenty years ago. After watching several friends and family members battle disease and injury, without any permanent resolution, I began an in-depth exploration of alternative healing modalities. Through dedicated practice and the pursuit of knowledge, on how to assist individuals in their healing journey (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), Medical Qigong, Qigong for health, Reiki, and Coaching were discovered.   I have been awarded my Masters of Medical Qigong,  Insight Qigong Teacher Certification, and Reiki Master Certification.  Complimenting my Alternative Health Practice, is my work as a Transformational Coach, focusing on Mental Fitness in conjunction with Health and Wellness.Medical Qigong, Chinese Energetic Medicine, is the oldest branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong has been used to create, improve, and sustain health for over 5,000 years. Through Medical Qigong sessions and prescription exercises, individuals are assisted in the purging of physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma. The body is then strengthened and brought back into balance, allowing its natural healing abilities to reassert themselves.Sessions are designed to integrate and balance all elements of an individual, leading to greater health and well-being. Medical Qigong can be done in person or through distance sessions in a safe, peaceful, and healthy environment. My coaching is centered upon assisting each individual in moving towards a balanced and healthy life through personal transformation.  This work is for everyone and I work with individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. My passion and specialty is in working with individuals who are over 35, single, and without children. 

In today's episode, I sat down with James Dewberry, a Southern-born thinker with a fascinating journey of self-discovery. We delved into James's childhood in Georgia during the 80s and 90s, a time of social change and lingering prejudices. James shared poignant stories, from witnessing Klan marches to navigating interracial friendships, all while wrestling with his own identity as a bookish athlete who didn't quite fit in. The conversation took an inspiring turn when James recounted how an African American teacher, Miss Rodney, taught him to read – a pivotal moment that opened up new worlds. We explored the impact of his family's diverse backgrounds, from his educated, book-loving grandparents to his father's "can't never could" mantra. James's reflections on integrity, self-honesty, and the importance of personal practice left me pondering: How do our struggles shape who we become, and what does it take to truly know ourselves? Bio:My journey into energetic healing, health and wellness, and coaching began over twenty years ago. After watching several friends and family members battle disease and injury, without any permanent resolution, I began an in-depth exploration of alternative healing modalities. Through dedicated practice and the pursuit of knowledge, on how to assist individuals in their healing journey (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), Medical Qigong, Qigong for health, Reiki, and Coaching were discovered.   I have been awarded my Masters of Medical Qigong,  Insight Qigong Teacher Certification, and Reiki Master Certification.  Complimenting my Alternative Health Practice, is my work as a Transformational Coach, focusing on Mental Fitness in conjunction with Health and Wellness.Medical Qigong, Chinese Energetic Medicine, is the oldest branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong has been used to create, improve, and sustain health for over 5,000 years. Through Medical Qigong sessions and prescription exercises, individuals are assisted in the purging of physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma. The body is then strengthened and brought back into balance, allowing its natural healing abilities to reassert themselves.Sessions are designed to integrate and balance all elements of an individual, leading to greater health and well-being. Medical Qigong can be done in person or through distance sessions in a safe, peaceful, and healthy environment. My coaching is centered upon assisting each individual in moving towards a balanced and healthy life through personal transformation.  This work is for everyone and I work with individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. My passion and specialty is in working with individuals who are over 35, single, and without children. 

In Act 2, Kip Ioane takes us deeper into his journey as a father, coach, and advocate for reimagining masculinity. We explore the unique challenges he faces raising three children with diverse needs, and how his own upbringing influences his parenting. Kip candidly shares the behaviors he hopes his children won't inherit, particularly his tendency to weaponize his voice. The conversation then shifts to his transformative work with Teams of Men, born from a crisis that forced him to confront the inadequacies in how he was developing young athletes. Kip's passion is palpable as he describes his mission to make emotional literacy, consent education, and healthy relationship skills mandatory for coaches. His insights on the "man box" and the power of sports to shape young men's character are both sobering and inspiring. As we wrap up, I'm left pondering the immense potential for positive change when we challenge traditional notions of masculinity in the spaces where young men are most receptive to growth.Bio: Kip Ioane ("eye-own") is the founder and lead facilitator of #TeamsOfMen, an organization that exists to empower coaches of male athletes to enlighten their players to the potential of a reimagined manhood. Based on his own work over a 22 year career as a basketball coach at the NCAA D3 level, TeamsOfMen provides players and coaches with in person workshops, course curriculum, discussion prompts, and conversation prompts to engage men in breaking free from the manbox, embracing emotional fluency and preventing gender violence and oppression. Working with middle school through collegiate level teams (mainly in football and basketball), Kip's vision is a new normal of all coaches prepping male athletes to take their platform of influence with the toolkits needed to spread positive masculinity to the next generation of young men.Website

In this episode, I sat down with Kip Ioane, whose journey from Polynesian kid in Montana to college athlete and coach offers a fascinating lens on masculinity, sports culture, and fatherhood. Kip's story is a potent mix of cultural contrasts, high expectations, and the weight of family legacy. We dove into the complexities of father-son relationships, exploring how a single moment of vulnerability transformed their dynamic. Kip's candid reflections on using humor as a shield and "exploiting others' pain" struck a chord, highlighting the often unspoken insecurities young men face. But it's his evolution – from pressure-cooker athlete to thoughtful father – that really got me thinking. Kip's insights on redefining success for the next generation and the importance of letting kids find their own path in sports left me pondering: How can we foster resilience and ambition in our youth without sacrificing emotional well-being? It's a balancing act we're all still learning to master.Bio: Kip Ioane ("eye-own") is the founder and lead facilitator of #TeamsOfMen, an organization that exists to empower coaches of male athletes to enlighten their players to the potential of a reimagined manhood. Based on his own work over a 22 year career as a basketball coach at the NCAA D3 level, TeamsOfMen provides players and coaches with in person workshops, course curriculum, discussion prompts, and conversation prompts to engage men in breaking free from the manbox, embracing emotional fluency and preventing gender violence and oppression. Working with middle school through collegiate level teams (mainly in football and basketball), Kip's vision is a new normal of all coaches prepping male athletes to take their platform of influence with the toolkits needed to spread positive masculinity to the next generation of young men.Website

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Matthew Sloane, an artist, writer, and father whose journey from emotional disconnection to self-awareness is both touching and inspiring. We explored Matthew's childhood experiences of loneliness and bullying, his artistic pursuits, and his transformative path through men's work and relationships. Matthew shared candidly about his struggles with perfectionism, putting women on pedestals, and learning to integrate different aspects of himself. His story of creating "The Hiding Inside a Man," a book blending illustrations and personal insights, resonated deeply with me. We delved into the healing power of men's groups, the importance of playfulness in personal growth, and the ongoing practice of maintaining a healthy marriage while navigating parenthood. Matthew's reflections on fatherhood and his mission to give voice to men's inner worlds left me pondering the vital role of creative expression in our journey towards authenticity and connection.Bio:Matthew Sloane, a devoted father and husband for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience as an Integral Coach from New Ventures West. Co-founder and host of the podcast series Project Rad Dad, he fosters candid conversations among fathers. Recognized for his soulful book on masculinity, Hiding Inside a Man (available November 2024), Matthew is currently crafting his second book—an illustrated story for mindful fathers raising spirited daughters. As the creative force behind Fatherhood Dojo, his newsletter and podcast empowers fathers on their journey to authenticity and deeper connections with their true selves, fostering a community of support and growth.Website

In today's episode, I sat down with Braxton Wood, a homeschooled maverick who's rewriting the rulebook on education and career success. Without a high school diploma or college degree, Braxton shared how he climbed from recession-era collections work to a coveted tech company gig, all by "betting on himself." We dove into his DIY approach to learning – think marketing seminars in libraries with four attendees and an iMac for a projector – and how it shaped his "fail fast, fail cheap" philosophy. Braxton's take on the industrial roots of our education system had me rethinking everything I thought I knew about schooling. Between chuckles over his oil field mishaps and insights on embracing ambition, I couldn't help but wonder: could Braxton's unconventional wisdom spark a revolution in how we approach personal and professional growth?Bio: After going from a homeschool background with zero formal education to a prestigious role at a techgiant, I developed a framework for The Perfect Job Hunt. My career method has helped professionalssecure interviews with 80% of the companies they apply to, and I’ve successfully guided clients suchas Hollywood Producers, Vice Presidents, and Chief Officers to land positions making gobs moremoney and even work from home.Website

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of diving into the fascinating world of homeschooling with Braxton Wood, a self-proclaimed "homeschool dropout" turned successful entrepreneur. Braxton's journey from the mountains of Utah to the deserts of Arizona is peppered with unique insights and unconventional wisdom. We explored how his homeschooling experience shaped his work ethic, social skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. Braxton's candid reflections on breaking stereotypes, navigating full-time work as a teenager, and the unexpected perks of being "the pool guy" in high school had me chuckling. But it was his passionate critique of the traditional education system and his belief in the power of ambition that really got me thinking. As we wrapped up our chat, I couldn't help but wonder: are we doing our kids a disservice by clinging too tightly to outdated educational paradigms?Bio: After going from a homeschool background with zero formal education to a prestigious role at a techgiant, I developed a framework for The Perfect Job Hunt. My career method has helped professionalssecure interviews with 80% of the companies they apply to, and I’ve successfully guided clients suchas Hollywood Producers, Vice Presidents, and Chief Officers to land positions making gobs moremoney and even work from home.Website