The Mythic Masculine

Dive into a heartfelt exploration of the Minnesota Men's Conference as it celebrates 40 years of the mythopoetic tradition. Hear about unique rituals, the significance of storytelling, and the communal power of poetry and song. Ian shares his encounters with legends like Robert Bly and reflects on the importance of nature and solitude. Discussions emerge around the evolving role of masculinity, sexuality, and the legacy of these gatherings. Join a journey that combines myth, community, and introspection, culminating in powerful rituals and profound insights.

My guest today is Jonathan Stensland, a poet and long-time collaborator and friend of Robert Bly.This conversation was recorded in 2024 at the 40th anniversary of the Minnesota Men's Conference. Speaking from the banks of the Saint Croix River, Jonathan offers a unique insider's perspective on four decades of men's work.In his early 20s, Jonathan was involved with Bly as he worked on his seminal book ‘Iron John’, through typing-up handwritten pages, revisions, and countless conversations- a process he describes as practically like quilt making. His relationship was deeper than professional collaboration, as akin to a godson to Bly and his wife Ruth.In our conversation today, we explore the origins and evolution of the mythopoetic men's movement, from its roots in Robert Bly's poetry about fathers and grief. We delve into the power of men gathering around the goodness that exists in the marrow of masculinity. He speaks to the movement's influence on broader culture, and the morphogenetic field that made new ways of being available to men everywhere.We ask: What does it mean for a 40-year tradition to cross from the wilderness into culture? How can we broaden the spaces where men can do the necessary soul work of maturation? And what mythic stories might guide the next chapter of this work?You’re invited to join the 41st Fall Conference Oct 7-12, 2025 “Men Who Stand Atop the Old Mound of Miracles”Catch the companion conversations to this episode: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Miguel Rivera, a seasoned ceremonialist, musician, and ritualist.This conversation is a two part series recorded in 2024 at the 40th anniversary of the Minnesota Men’s Conference. Miguel is a longtime facilitator to the conference where he has played a pivotal role in guiding men through transformative experiences.Miguel's journey began in the vibrant cultural landscape of the 1980s, where he was drawn to the path of healing through indigenous medicine and becoming a Sundancer. His involvement in the men's movement began with an invitation from Robert Bly in 1992, where he suddenly found himself at the heart of a cultural force that sought to reconnect men with their inner selves and the sacred.The Mythic Masculine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In our conversation today, we delve into the transformative power of men's gatherings and the role of ritual in healing and initiation. Miguel shares his experiences of how these ceremonies amplify healing and create a sense of belonging and brotherhood.We also discuss the challenges faced by modern men, including the "lone wolf syndrome" and the importance of finding older men who can offer guidance and mentorship. Miguel's insights into fathering and the necessity of creating a safe and nurturing environment for the next generation are both poignant and profound.We ask: what is the legacy and evolution of the mythopoetic men’s movement? How can modern men find their way back to a sense of community and belonging in an increasingly isolated world?You’re invited to join the 41st Fall Conference Oct 7-12, 2025 “Men Who Stand Atop the Old Mound of Miracles”Also don’t miss my interview last year with conference organizers Walton Stanley and Ben Dennis.ADDITIONAL EPISODESCheck out these conversations for more on the history of the men’s movement. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Recently I spoke with Adam Lewis, co-founder of MANCAMP, a Canadian gathering dedicated to “the celebration of masculinity.” (Disclosure: Adam is also a mentorship client of mine).Now entering its second year, MANCAMP emerged from Adam’s experiences organizing raw and elemental camping trips with small groups of men in the wilderness. What began as paddling into Algonquin Park has grown into a vision of 150+ men coming together for a weekend of transformation, brotherhood, and celebration.Adam shares the story of how MANCAMP was born—first as a seed of inspiration, then through the alignment with his co-founder Geoff ‘Rawa Larden, and finally in the inaugural gathering last September that drew men from across Ontario. Despite the (sometimes) chaotic organizing of a first-year festival, the event sold out and left lasting ripples in the lives of the men who attended. From deep heartbreak to profound breakthroughs, Adam recounts stories of men who returned home more grounded, more alive, and more connected to their families and communities.In our conversation today, Adam and I explore the ingredients that shape the container: archetypal frameworks drawn from King, Warrior, Magician, Lover and a roster of diverse facilitators, as well as sweat lodge, ecstatic dance, shared meals, and the sober presence of men choosing to lean into the work, together. The medicine found in connection and brotherhood itself becomes the initiatory field.I am honored to join as a speaker at this year’s event, taking place September 18–21, 2025 at Merkaba Acres in Ontario. Use my promo code below for MYTHIC20 for 20% off the ticket price. Get full info & tickets here http://mancamp.ca This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Darren Silver, a rite of passage guide, ceremonialist, and storyteller. With nearly two decades of experience, Darren has devoted his life to ritual, wilderness living skills, and guiding transformational experiences across the world.. An apprentice to the old myths, he weaves the power of the natural world, vision, and community in service of regenerative culture.Darren’s path began in the forests of Virginia and later deepened through the teachings of Tom Brown Jr. From these roots, he cultivated a lifelong devotion to vision, animacy, and the mysteries between humans and the more-than-human world. His journey led him to wilderness therapy, guiding quests, and the practice of divination as passed down through the lineage of Malidoma Somé and Carter Brown.The Mythic Masculine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In our conversation today, we explore the initiatory dimensions of blood rites and the sacred hunt, and how encounters with mortality awaken a man’s power and responsibility. Darren shares stories of divination as a way of orienting one’s soul, restoring ancestral connection, and realigning with the genius each of us carries.We look at the role of wilderness rites of passage in breaking the spell of modern isolation, how vision arises both as daily practice and as life-altering encounter, and why ritual remains essential for men seeking to live in right-relation with themselves, their communities, and the living world.Together we ask: What do blood rites reveal about masculine initiation? How does divination open a dialogue with the unseen? And in an age of rupture, how might men return to the wild conversation that remakes us whole?LINKS * Courting the Sacred Hunt - Men’s Initiation Program beings Oct 1st* Darren’s official websiteADDITIONAL EPISODES This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Daniel Waite Penny is a journalist and cultural critic exploring the intricate ties between masculinity and climate change. He discusses how right-wing ideologies and the manosphere undermine effective climate action among men. The conversation highlights the misleading narrative of meritocracy, critiques dominance-based masculinity exemplified by figures like Trump, and emphasizes redefining masculinity to foster environmental advocacy. Penny also touches on the need for inclusivity in green jobs and the importance of community connection in tackling the climate crisis.

In this conversation, Matt Sturm, a guide and writer focused on evolving masculinity, shares insights on the crisis and rebirth of masculine identity amid global challenges. He discusses the importance of the 'organic masculine' framework and how integrating primal drives can mitigate destruction. Matt uses the myth of Hercules and the Hydra to illustrate modern battles against societal collapse. The episode also explores rites of passage, the warrior archetype, and the transformative journey from domination to meaningful relationships.

Note: you can watch the Youtube version of this podcast here.___Well, the saga around Aubrey Marcus continues.You may recall a few weeks back when I spoke about Aubrey, an American entrepreneur, influencer, and “psychonaut”, who released an episode of his podcast with his wife Vylana, their lover Alana, and their mentor Marc Gafni. The main reveal was that during a trip to Egypt, Aubrey received a “download” from the goddess Isis instructing him to “impregnate both women.”They described this not as polyamory but as “radical monogamy.”​Their episode originally titled “A New Pattern of Sacred Relationship" created a wide cultural ripple, sparking deep conversations around sex, relationships, monogamy/polyamory, spiritual bypassing, divine union, cult dynamics, and more.In my initial response with Deus Fortier, a central point I emphasized was the crucial role of community in holding the intense energies of intimacy and sex — something we learned through our years documenting Tamera, the radical “free love” community in Portugal, and featured in our film The Village of Lovers.Following that newsletter, a mutual friend connected me directly with Aubrey. I invited him and his partners to watch The Village of Lovers. They did - and they loved it.This opened the door for a deeper, more nuanced conversation directly between Aubrey and I, which is available now.In this new interview, Aubrey and I explore:* The cultural impact and backlash to his original podcast — and whether he can truly receive and integrate some of the core critiques rather than dismiss them only as a “witch hunt.”* His evolving understanding of power, influence, and community accountability — including reflections on the risks of spiritual grandiosity.* The difference between personal sovereignty and relational ecology, no matter your relationship container* The question of whether “downloads” or divine guidance can ever be fully trusted outside a community context.* The tension between individual desires and collective responsibility in love and intimacy.* What it would look like to truly embed these experiments in a supportive, truth-telling community.Rather than a debate or a takedown, this is a respectful invitation to wonder together.We seek to illuminate the edges and complexities of relational evolution - for ourselves and for all who are navigating love in these turbulent times.__ Note: This conversation has already been out almost a week, and while I’ve received a number of positive reviews, I want to address one of the main criticisms: my decision not to bring up the presence and influence of Marc Gafni. Someone even made the assertion that Aubrey must have “made a deal” with me prior to the interview. In truth, Aubrey and I didn’t speak at about what we would cover. I made the call for two reasons: Watching almost 2 hours of a podcast where Aubrey interviews Marc and his partner Kristina Kincaid spend a lot of time speaking to the controversy from their perspective. Aubrey also responded to the controversy around Marc in the follow up newsletter to the the “Sacred Relationship” podcast:"Finally as a last note, I’ve already addressed the historic controversy surrounding our lineage teacher Dr. Marc Gafni in a podcast that I did with his life partner Kristina Kincaid. I’ve read the published letters of analysis from those who have analyzed the issues well, and spoken to people who have known him for decades. I trust his goodness and his greatness. But more important than any of that, is what I feel in my own body after the hundreds of hours we have spent together with him and his partner. Whether that is grieving together for ten days after the death of my father, grinding out sets with a barbell, or raising cups of wine with a bellowing “CHAAAAAAA.” He’s a brother, he’s my teacher, and he’s not my guru. Marc has been unwaveringly loving and fair to each of us individually in this relationship process, seeking only to serve our own highest sovereign will."To be clear: do I believe the presence of Marc and his influence is troubling? Yes. Do I find it odd that he plays in the original conversation with Vylana and Alana, where he contributes to the confusing and spiritual jargon? Yes.And yet, confronting Aubrey one more time about this did not seem a worthwhile avenue given he would have just repeated what he's already said. There was zero chance, in my opinion, about him changing is stance. And overall, my conversation aimed to be about Aubrey and his relational explorations with his partners, and not about Marc Gafni. There are plenty of podcasts and videos out there that critique Marc and Aubrey.The goal in my conversation with Aubrey was not to cover all the bases, but to bring in some additional pieces that would contribute to the collective feedback loop. Once again, you’re invited to watch The Village of Lovers to understand more deeply the lens I was attempting to offer. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Greetings friends. By now you have likely heard about, if not already listened to, Aubrey Marcus’ podcast “A New Pattern for Sacred Relationship.” If you haven’t I would recommend at least check out the first 30 minutes. Last weekend I listened to the whole thing, all 2.5 hours. I've also read and watched a number of responses to it (and there are many).Some folks call him a "false king" who is not a "real man". Others say the women (his wife and their lover) are being manipulated and have lost their own inner compass.Marc Gafni, their mentor (also featured on the podcast) calls them "evolutionary lovers in a field of erotic mystics" ... or something.It seems to have hit the cultural zeitgeist on sex, relationships, monogamy/polyamory, spiritual bypassing, divine union, cults, psychedelics, all of it.Just that alone has been fascinating to witness.A few days ago I posted an initial response on my Facebook. I also sent the episode to my friend and collaborator Deus Fortier, and he responded with is take here.I felt inspired to jump on a call today and record an emergent conversation between us. Enjoy! As named, you can stream my film The Village of Lovers.And check out Deus and I’s upcoming men’s offerings here: * Awaking the Wild Erotic (In-Person) * The Deep Masculine (Online)SHOW NOTES* 00:00 – Opening and framing: why this conversation matters now* 00:50 – Who is Aubrey Marcus? Context on his influence and subcultural position* 02:45 – Summary of the podcast episode: divine union, polyamory, and the “radical monogamy” claim* 06:50 – The Egypt “download”: Aubrey’s call to impregnate both women* 08:00 – Mark Gafni’s role as spiritual mentor and the atmosphere of unquestioned affirmation* 10:30 – Deus shares his initial unease and what made the episode feel “off”* 13:30 – The concept of krivda: when truth is wrapped in distortion* 17:00 – Power dynamics, spiritual bypass, and concerns about lack of transparency* 22:00 – Reflections on biological imperative and cultural conditioning around monogamy* 31:00 – Lessons from Tamara: embedment and forum as collective relational technologies* 40:00 – The danger of personal downloads without communal discernment* 44:00 – Deus’s personal journey of erotic healing, trauma, and moving at the speed of trust* 50:00 – How to offer better relational support to each other This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe

Chris Kyle, co-founder of the Big Tent Summit, has nearly three decades of experience in men's work. He discusses the evolution of masculinity, highlighting the shift from traditional norms to a more emotionally engaged identity. Conversations cover fragmentation among men, the allure of toxic masculine archetypes, and the importance of integrating both masculine and feminine energies. The Big Tent Summit aims to connect leaders and promote healthy masculinity, encouraging a more mature and grounded path.