Mojo for the Modern Man

Matt Englar-Carlson is back for part two of our conversation - an introspective journey into healthy masculinity where Matt shares hard-earned wisdom on navigating the changing landscape of modern manhood. With humor and heart, he recounts how confronting rigid notions of masculinity in his work as a therapist sparked a personal quest to redefine what it means to be a good man. Matt and I dig into the transformative power of deep male friendships, the myth of the lone cowboy, and why we must teach boys to embrace their full range of emotions. I'm moved by Matt's vision of a future where men break free from the confines of traditional gender roles to live richer, more connected lives, and he leaves us with a powerful call to action - take the first step, however small, toward building your tribe and showing up as your most authentic self.Bio:Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson is Professor of counseling at the California State University at Fullerton. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 51: Society for Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity). As a scholar, teacher, and clinician, Dr. Englar-Carlson is passionate about training and teaching care providers to work more effectively with their male clients. He has over 35 publications and 60 national and international presentations, most of which are focused on men and masculinity and diversity issues in psychological training and practice. Dr. Englar-Carlson co-edited the books In the Room With Men: A Casebook of Therapeutic Change, Counseling Troubled Boys: A Guidebook for Professionals, and the forthcoming A Counselor’s Guide to Working With Men. He was featured as the guest expert in the 2010 APA-produced DVD Engaging Men in Psychotherapy. He is also the co-editor of the 24-volume monograph series Theories of Psychotherapy (APA) that features the world’s leading authorities on various theoretical approached to psychotherapy. In 2007 he was named the Researcher of the Year by the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity. His editorial board service includes being an editorial board member for the Psychology of Men and Masculinity (2006-2011), the Journal of Social Action (2008- current), The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families (1994- 2005), a board member for The Journal of Individual Psychology(1994-2000) and a contributing editor (2000-2007), an advisory board member for Counseling and Human Development (2006-2008), and a board member on the Advisory Board for the Men and Masculinity Series, Routledge Press.  He was also selected to the ACA Task Force on Sexual Minority Youth in Schools from 2004-2006. He is also a member of the APA Working Group to Develop Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men. As a clinician, he has worked children, adults, and families in school, community, and university mental health settings.LinkedInInstagram

Today I am thrilled to be joined by Matt Englar-Carlson who takes us on an introspective journey exploring the roots of his profound resilience as we begin our conversation. With candor, wit and a few laughs, Matt vividly recounts how an itinerant childhood and the grounding example of his marathon-running psychologist father instilled the tenacity to persevere through life's inevitable challenges. Whether sticking it out solo during a harrowing outward bound trip or finding solace in meaningful conversations with fellow runners, Matt's experiences reveal deep truths about healthy masculinity. I'm struck by his wisdom on the gift of loyal friendship during dark times and the healing power of simply showing up for others when they suffer. Matt leaves us with powerful advice - when facing life's difficulties, embrace the struggle, envision the light ahead, and trust that this too shall pass, but not alone.Bio:Dr. Matt Englar-Carlson is Professor of counseling at the California State University at Fullerton. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 51: Society for Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity). As a scholar, teacher, and clinician, Dr. Englar-Carlson is passionate about training and teaching care providers to work more effectively with their male clients. He has over 35 publications and 60 national and international presentations, most of which are focused on men and masculinity and diversity issues in psychological training and practice. Dr. Englar-Carlson co-edited the books In the Room With Men: A Casebook of Therapeutic Change, Counseling Troubled Boys: A Guidebook for Professionals, and the forthcoming A Counselor’s Guide to Working With Men. He was featured as the guest expert in the 2010 APA-produced DVD Engaging Men in Psychotherapy. He is also the co-editor of the 24-volume monograph series Theories of Psychotherapy (APA) that features the world’s leading authorities on various theoretical approached to psychotherapy. In 2007 he was named the Researcher of the Year by the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity. His editorial board service includes being an editorial board member for the Psychology of Men and Masculinity (2006-2011), the Journal of Social Action (2008- current), The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families (1994- 2005), a board member for The Journal of Individual Psychology(1994-2000) and a contributing editor (2000-2007), an advisory board member for Counseling and Human Development (2006-2008), and a board member on the Advisory Board for the Men and Masculinity Series, Routledge Press.  He was also selected to the ACA Task Force on Sexual Minority Youth in Schools from 2004-2006. He is also a member of the APA Working Group to Develop Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men. As a clinician, he has worked children, adults, and families in school, community, and university mental health settings.LinkedInInstagram

What does it mean for a man to embody the "warrior" archetype in a healthy, life-giving way? That's what I explore with my guest Josh Wilson today in Act Two of our conversation, as he opens up about his ingrained drive to battle injustice and protect the defenseless - forged from having a Vietnam vet father and getting into constant fights as a kid. We dive into the complexity of channeling this intense masculine energy, without descending into destructive violence or completely dismissing traditional ideals of protectiveness and assertion. Josh gets disarmingly candid about seeking out confrontations in his youth, always looking for the next "bad guy" to take down. Ultimately though, his story points to the warrior's true purpose - courageously fighting not just for abstract justice, but for the defense of beauty, love, and the sacred itself. It's a nuanced, thought-provoking dialogue on embodying the deepest callings of masculine spirituality.Bio: Josh is an accomplished podcast host, renowned for his contributions to developing top-tier media brands. He has skillfully produced more than two thousand interviews, featuring guests including investors, CEOs, and globally recognized thought leaders.His extensive experience in media has not only honed his expertise but also cultivated an expansive network and solidified robust alliances in the business world. This wealth of connections and insights positions Josh uniquely in the industry.Josh serves as a Capital Market Advisor and member of the IPO team at Greentree Financial Group, Inc. We are a family office based on the belief that the U.S. capital markets are the best and most efficient in the world, Greentree leverages its expertise to assist high-growth companies in accessing the U.S. capital markets through a public listing. In addition to navigating clients through the complexities of a public listing, Greentree also assists numerous public companies with its ongoing periodic compliance filing needs.LinkedinWebsite

What does it mean to truly receive - not just gifts or compliments, but grace, love, and acceptance itself? In this powerful conversation, my guest Josh Wilson opens up about the profound woundings and mixed messages he received growing up, which left him grasping for his identity as a man. We explore how the expectations of masculinity can breed deep insecurities, and Josh's brutally honest recounting of hitting rock bottom on a bridge provides a powerful wake-up call. Ultimately, his story points to the reality that before we can fully receive from others, we must first receive ourselves through radical self-acceptance and self-compassion. It's some raw, insightful stuff any man can relate to.Bio: Josh is an accomplished podcast host, renowned for his contributions to developing top-tier media brands. He has skillfully produced more than two thousand interviews, featuring guests including investors, CEOs, and globally recognized thought leaders.His extensive experience in media has not only honed his expertise but also cultivated an expansive network and solidified robust alliances in the business world. This wealth of connections and insights positions Josh uniquely in the industry.Josh serves as a Capital Market Advisor and member of the IPO team at Greentree Financial Group, Inc. We are a family office based on the belief that the U.S. capital markets are the best and most efficient in the world, Greentree leverages its expertise to assist high-growth companies in accessing the U.S. capital markets through a public listing. In addition to navigating clients through the complexities of a public listing, Greentree also assists numerous public companies with its ongoing periodic compliance filing needs.LinkedinWebsite

In the second act of my chat with Hawi James Ouma, we dive into his incredible journey from being wrongfully arrested to becoming a role model for young boys in Kenya's juvenile system. It all started with eight days in a police station that left him with a new perspective on life: find the treasure in your troubles. Now, Hawi is the driving force behind Life Song Kenya, where he mentors boys who are often stigmatized by society. Hawi’s story story is both heartwarming and jaw-dropping, and his parting words challenge us all to focus on what we have, instead of what we lack – inspiring, to say the least!Bio:About 1 in every 4 boys in Kenya is unfathered, underfathered or misfathered.Growing up without a father or a father-figure causes a boy to feel unappreciated, unloved and unprotected. Therefore, they become more vulnerable to juvenile delinquency, gender based violence, sexual assault, bullying, crime and conflict. They also become prone to dropping out of school, lacking an appetite for life or lacking respect for their mothers or the authority.Through my work, I help create an ideal environment where boys become more aware of who they really are. Together as a co-partners, I’m the catalyst that helps to remind boys and young men of the infinite treasure they possess. When I was being interviewed for a TV Production job, which I wasn’t qualified for, I said that life becomes a beautiful lifesong.LinkedINFaceBookInstagramXYouTube

Today I am so thrilled to be joined by Hawi James Ouma, an incredible man who survived some of the most turbulent times in Uganda, only to move back to rural Kenya after his father passed away. Hawi's journey is a cocktail of adventure, confusion, and raw emotion, though despite facing ostracism from his community and a stint in police custody, he found a guiding light in reading and storytelling. Through Shakespeare and Ben Carson, he learned to turn his focus from what he lacked to what he was great at—writing and storytelling. It was the key that unlocked a new perspective on life. Hawi's parting wisdom? Focus on your one thing, the one skill or passion that makes you, well, you – you never know what doors it might open. Stay tuned for Act 2 of our conversation next week!Bio:About 1 in every 4 boys in Kenya is unfathered, underfathered or misfathered.Growing up without a father or a father-figure causes a boy to feel unappreciated, unloved and unprotected. Therefore, they become more vulnerable to juvenile delinquency, gender based violence, sexual assault, bullying, crime and conflict. They also become prone to dropping out of school, lacking an appetite for life or lacking respect for their mothers or the authority.Through my work, I help create an ideal environment where boys become more aware of who they really are. Together as a co-partners, I’m the catalyst that helps to remind boys and young men of the infinite treasure they possess. When I was being interviewed for a TV Production job, which I wasn’t qualified for, I said that life becomes a beautiful lifesong.LinkedINFaceBookInstagramXYouTube

In today's episode, I welcomed back David Jurasek for Act 2 of our conversation, starting with his journey from feeling fragmented to achieving a more integrated and balanced self. He shared his mission to help men find their inner strength and navigate the complexities of modern masculinity. Through candid stories and reflections, we discussed the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies. As we wrapped up, David spoke about his efforts to bridge the gap between men and women, promoting healing and understanding. His fresh perspective on eldership encourages us to recognize and embrace all aspects of ourselves as we continue to grow.Bio: INTEGRITY Therapy is run by David Jurasek, a father, husband, Sensei and Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with 25 years experience helping boys and men of all ages.LinkedInWebsite

David Jurasek joins me today to share his profound insights on navigating shame, embracing authenticity, and embarking on the transformative journey towards self-discovery. Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, David illuminates the importance of confronting his inner demons of shame and self-doubt, which ultimately aided him in cultivating more genuine connections with others. As we explore the depths of human experience, David leaves us with a powerful reminder: "I want to live in the truth now," beckoning us all to strip away what’s unimportant and doesn’t truly serve us in the pursuit of a genuine life.Bio: INTEGRITY Therapy is run by David Jurasek, a father, husband, Sensei and Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with 25 years experience helping boys and men of all ages.LinkedInWebsite

I hope that you’re as excited as I am to welcome back Don Angelo Bivens for a captivating Act 2 of our conversation. Together, we navigate the intricate landscape of modern living, delving into the pressures of capitalism and the invaluable art of slowing down to foster genuine connections. Seeking answers amidst today's complexities, Don Angelo imparts profound insights on the power of self-awareness and the transformative journey toward authenticity, ultimately leaving us with a message of love, self-leadership, and the imperative of crafting a legacy rooted in integrity.Bio: Don’Angelo Bivens is a Certified Executive Coach, a Leadership Facilitator, and Speaker with a heart for humanity. While the bottom line in business is profit, how we attain that profit is key. Don’Angelo has both a deep understanding of what drives human behavior and the innate ability to produce results that are of great importance to leaders: meaningful, effective, and lasting solutions to obstacles that arise regularly. For this reason, Don’Angelo is highly sought after as a facilitator and coach who cuts through the noise.WebsiteLinkedIn

Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Don’Angelo Bivens, delving into his fascinating upbringing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From navigating the challenges of poverty and discrimination to embracing his identity as a gay Black man, Don’Angelo's journey is nothing short of inspiring. He has this inspiring aura of resilience and self-acceptance, and throughout our conversation, he emphasized the importance of grounding oneself amidst life's chaos and seeking support from genuine, agenda-free sources. It was a much needed reminder that authenticity and self-discovery go hand in hand, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for the power of embracing one's true self.Bio: Don’Angelo Bivens is a Certified Executive Coach, a Leadership Facilitator, and Speaker with a heart for humanity. While the bottom line in business is profit, how we attain that profit is key. Don’Angelo has both a deep understanding of what drives human behavior and the innate ability to produce results that are of great importance to leaders: meaningful, effective, and lasting solutions to obstacles that arise regularly. For this reason, Don’Angelo is highly sought after as a facilitator and coach who cuts through the noise.WebsiteLinkedIn