The Mythic Masculine

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.

Minna Salami, an author and social critic, discusses her concept of 'Sensuous Knowledge,' which integrates emotional intelligence and embodied understanding. She critiques rigid Eurocentric frameworks and advocates for a more holistic approach to masculinity. The conversation dives into the importance of complexity and diversity in knowledge, the tension between mind and body in Western culture, and how embracing our sensory experiences can lead to a richer life. Salami also explores themes of life, death, and true transcendence through a multi-faceted lens.

Heads up - we’re taking AWE on the road this July! I’m pleased to share this conversation with my collaborator Deus Fortier, and two colleagues, Paul Simard and Robin Corlux, who are supporting us to bring our men’s ritual weekend to the Montreal region this July. AWE is more than a retreat - it's an initiation into erotic maturity, focusing on the Lover archetype. This archetype, which emphasizes relational consequence and interconnectedness, is crucial for cultivating a deeper sense of beauty and soul. In a culture that often glorifies the King and Warrior archetypes, AWE offers a unique opportunity for men to explore the more nuanced and vulnerable aspects of masculinity.The weekend is a blend of mythopoetic and body-centered therapeutic practices. Participants will engage in rituals, hear mythic stories, and work with symbols to explore their deep psyche, as well as somatic exercises to embody and express their emotional landscape. The goal is to create a safe and trusting environment where men can de-armor, build non-sexual intimacy with other men, and reclaim a trust and connection to a deeper masculine essence.The weekend is not just a one-time experience but an entry into a continual process of returning to the wellspring of the Lover archetype.If you’re in the region (Montreal, Toronto, New York, etc) consider joining us. 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

The discussion dives deep into the hidden impacts of pornography on men today. It contrasts today's instant access to explicit content with the struggles of previous generations. The mythic loss resulting from this readily available imagery is deftly explored, revealing how it stifles personal imagination and authentic sexuality. Insights from mythtellers highlight the need for reconnecting to deeper erotic experiences. It’s a fascinating examination of how modern technology can distort masculine identity and intimacy.

Tyson Adams, a trauma-informed men’s coach and somatic bodyworker, shares his transformative journey from a 20-year pornography addiction to a life of empowerment and healing. He discusses the deep cultural silence surrounding male sexuality and the need for rites of passage. Tyson examines the psychological impact of porn, the quest for genuine intimacy, and the healing potential of celibacy and mindful self-pleasure. He urges men to reclaim their erotic sovereignty and foster a culture that honors sexuality as a sacred, life-giving force.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."I remember coming across this quote at Burning Man years ago. It's from writer and essayist Anais Nin. It struck me then, and it reverberates for me still.This photo was taken that year. That sky is particularly specific to that time of evening, as the heat of the day dissolves into gorgeous blue & purple hues.I remember my friends and I were stopped at an art piece, after gallivanting around the playa on our bikes, weaving in and out of the dust and denizens of Black Rock City.That year was the Temple of Transition, and it was a threshold that changed everything.It was then I learned of the role of grief and the necessity to come together in tending the endings that make us human. It was then I recognized my marriage was over, even though it was another year before we parted ways.Recently I had the impulse to look up the words from Anais Nin, and discovered the rest of the quote:"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. Living never wore one out so much as the effort not to live. Life is truly known only to those who suffer, lose, endure adversity and stumble from defeat to defeat. Perfection is static, and I am in full progress."I love that. That a live worth living is not one of striving for success, but a willingness to fail again and again. This is how one comes to know life. To blossom is a risk. To expose your vulnerability, your authenticity and your creativity is to expose yourself rejection. To dare to become. Somewhere in there, your soul comes alive. This is the spirit of my upcoming Awakening the Wild Erotic, an ritual immersion for men release dysfunctional patterns around “eros,” the primal force of life, and step into a new phase of aliveness. This will our 5th time running the event, and men have found the container incredibly valuable. Upcoming AWE Dates: April 4-6, 2025 Vancouver Island has a few spots left. (Last chance to apply now!) We are also bringing AWE to the Montreal area July 25-27, 2025. Get the full details and apply here.Podcast RoundupOver the last few months I’ve been featured in a number of great podcasts. I figured I’d round them up as a digest and share below. The Authentic Man - Mythopoetic Masculinity and Navigating Conflict in RelationshipI really enjoyed this conversation with David Chambers, where we cover a number of topics, including: Domination vs. Partnership Culture, Reconditioning for Connection, Support systems for couples, Regenerating Culture, The Power of Deep Partnership, Understanding and Dealing with Jealousy, How to deal with conflict in a relationshipEvolving Man - Iron John And The Foundations Of Mythopoetic MasculinityA solid conversation with my longtime friend Ben Goresky. In this episode, I share my journey into the mythopoetic men’s movement, which explores masculinity through myth, initiation, and men’s groups. I open up about how the death of my grandfather led me to this work and helped me understand the challenges of modern manhood, especially in a culture that lacks clear rites of passage. We discuss the archetypes of the Hero and the King, dive into the themes of Iron John, and explore the importance of men’s circles for personal growth and emotional support. We also reflect on the rediscovery of lost initiation practices, reconnecting with passion, and embracing The Deep Masculine to navigate life's stages and challenges.The Smiling Human - Myth as Medicine: Addressing the Crisis of MeaningIn this conversation, Oak Mountain and I discuss the themes of mythopoiesis, masculinity, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of identity. We cover the importance of myth in making sense of the human experience, the evolution of masculinity through different cultural eras, and the current crisis of meaning faced by many men today. RiverFlow - Weaving Love, Eros & Men’s WorkIn this episode, Harry Friedman and I explore into rich territory. We explore the metaphor of polyamory as a wetland and “relational exclusivity” as a river, to understand different approaches to love and relationships. We dive into the traditional views of elder mentors around marriage and matrimony, contrasting those with the ideas of free love and open relating, particularly those espoused in the Tamera research project. We also discuss how romantic relationships can serve as vehicles for healing, while community plays a crucial role in the broader process of personal and collective healing.Tripping with Nick SunFinally, you’re invited to check out this episode with Nick Sun', whose podcast “seeks to explore the fundamental question: How do we live as human beings during these crazy times without losing our freaking minds?”Thanks for reading. P.S. My Deep Masculine 3 month program is also live. There are pathways for both men & women. Get the full details here. 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