Broadcasting from my new home in Bali, I welcomed Stephen McGhee, a coach and speaker who has played a pivotal role in my professional development. We reminisced about our shared history and how our collaborations have fueled personal growth. We discussed the importance of teaching as a pathway to learning, which has been instrumental in the growth of my coaching practice. Stephen admired my achievements in Bali, attributing them to the life lessons we've learned together. Our conversation highlighted the transformative power of nature, with Stephen sharing insights from his involvement in significant expeditions like the Aconcagua Man Project. We explored how nature teaches coherence, bodily rhythms, and offers a broader perspective on leadership and vitality. The dialogue shifted to the art of deep listening as a critical leadership skill, emphasizing how truly listening can create meaningful connections and breakthroughs. We acknowledged that slowing down and engaging deeply with our environments and those around us fosters greater awareness and presence.We delved into personal transformations through conscious practices like aligning circadian rhythms with nature, enhancing sleep and wellbeing. We addressed the struggles of fast-paced city life, emphasizing the need to reconnect with simpler, natural practices to improve health and productivity. Stephen noted that practicing coherence with nature and being mindful of inflows like blue light can enhance mood and cognitive function without medication. We discussed overcoming barriers to personal growth, particularly the pitfalls of habitual behaviors that lead to stagnation. Leadership involves recognizing when to step back and facilitate space for others to uncover their paths. We emphasized the importance of becoming one's own guru, fostering self-reliance and authentic decision-making. Reflecting on the coaching industry, we discussed the impact of social media on expectations and the importance of celebrating authentic achievements. We explored vulnerability in dismantling barriers erected by ego and fear, cultivating healthier relationships and personal peace. Stephen encouraged listeners to embrace practices that foster light, leadership, longevity, and life, sharing his L4 initiative aimed at enabling fulfillment through community support and holistic exploration.

I had the pleasure of welcoming Gerard Adams, a devoted father and influential leader, to the podcast. Gerard shared his journey of self-discovery, which began at age 30, a pivotal moment he refers to as his "second mountain." After selling his company, Elite Daily, for $50 million, he experienced an existential void that led him to seek deeper fulfillment. A significant moment on a balcony revealed his calling to mentor others, particularly underprivileged youth. Gerard's understanding of God evolved through experiences like a psychedelic journey with 5-MeO-DMT, where he encountered love and self-love, recognizing God's presence as love itself. We explored the roles of vulnerability and surrender in personal growth and leadership, emphasizing the importance of letting go of ego to embrace divine guidance. Gerard also discussed his involvement in men's retreats, encouraging leaders to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace vulnerability. Our conversation shifted to personal aspects, with Gerard reflecting on the transformative impact of fatherhood. He recounted the profound experience of hearing his daughter's heartbeat for the first time and the challenges of balancing fatherhood, business, and personal growth. Gerard shared insights into co-parenting after separation, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with his daughter's mother for their child's benefit. We delved into the interplay of power, vulnerability, and leadership, underscoring how true strength lies in integrating these elements. Gerard revealed his motivation behind financial pursuits, focusing on service to others and societal impact rather than ego validation. We also covered practical advice for leaders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity in business dealings and balancing spiritual pursuits with financial goals. Gerard invited listeners to explore his leadership programs designed to help men reclaim their masculinity and power through adventure and personal growth.

In this engaging episode of the "Love, Sex, and Leadership" podcast, I explore the profound intersection of tantra, trauma, and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of tantric practices as a means to unlock one's true potential and heal past traumas. I advocate for a grounded and embodied approach to spiritual awakening, highlighting how early life traumas can impact behavior well into adulthood. By understanding the body's survival mechanisms, such as how traumatic experiences are stored in the brain, we can begin to address these issues. Tantra invites individuals to embrace their entire being, confronting and processing internal emotional traumas rather than bypassing them. From personal experience, I share how meditation alone couldn't address lingering childhood issues until I embraced tantra, which demands embodiment and profound self-awareness. The importance of slow somatic processing in healing work is underscored, along with the necessity of understanding the nervous system's operations for both practitioners and clients. I caution practitioners against rushing clients to peak experiences without ensuring they are emotionally and energetically prepared, advocating for a gentle facilitation of releasing stored, unresolved energy within the body. Repairing the nervous system by addressing past traumatic events is crucial, with concepts like the freeze response and dissociation explained as survival mechanisms. I delve into modalities such as breath work and emotional release exercises, emphasizing the need to manage physiological responses to traumatic memories effectively. Societal expectations often suppress natural responses like fight or flight, leading to detachment from sensations. I debunk myths about trauma healing, advocating for a methodical and compassionate approach, encouraging both clients and practitioners to embrace traumatic memories as opportunities for growth. The shared responsibility in tracing connections between past and present emotions is emphasized, with practical advice on re-regulating the nervous system through nurturing presence, patience, and a non-goal-oriented therapeutic journey.Join Lourdes and I at our next Ecstatic Tantra Practitioner Training in Austria in May! https://www.malachitevents.com/practitionerJoin our next FREE LIVE Q & A discussing all about this profound training. https://ecstatictantra.org/live-q-a-march-27

I had an insightful conversation with Kevin Orosz, a long-time friend and fellow podcaster, where we explored a variety of topics. We began by reflecting on the current political climate and its implications for personal growth and societal evolution. Kevin shared his observations on figures like Trump, viewing them as mirrors reflecting societal shadows and opportunities for transformation. Our discussion then shifted to men's work, focusing on the importance of authenticity, compassion, and curiosity in redefining modern masculinity. Kevin emphasized how historical paradigms of masculinity still influence today's societal structures and stressed the need for men to embrace power and assertiveness responsibly. We delved into the challenges men face in balancing strength with compassion, highlighting the significance of brotherhood and the synergy between masculine and feminine energies.We also explored dating dynamics, expressing concerns over the mismatch between masculinized women and feminized men, and advocated for a reality where power is shared and leadership is collaborative. Integrity and emotional authenticity in relationships were underscored as essential. Kevin explained the concepts of dating and courtship, distinguishing between exploratory phases and serious partnerships, advising listeners to value alignment over superficial attractions. We touched on the impact of societal expectations and personal history on relationship dynamics, advocating for wholehearted commitment and emotional openness. Our conversation included how men can navigate vulnerability and authenticity, and the power of community and support in personal growth. We explored the idea of "the one" in romantic relationships, emphasizing shared values and the complementarity of partners as key components of lasting intimacy. Throughout, Kevin highlighted the transformative power of love and the importance of continuous personal development, concluding with updates on his work in men's development and the intersection of technology and personal growth.

In the episode titled Love, Sex, and Leadership, I engage in a conversation with Emile Steenveld, a human behavior specialist who focuses on the emotional body. We explore the themes of human potential, personal growth, emotional expression, and self-awareness, with a particular emphasis on men's experiences. Emile shares his personal journey from feeling inadequate due to a lack of paternal affection to becoming a self-aware individual who values emotional intelligence. He discusses the importance of self-validation and recognizing one's emotions to achieve authentic self-expression. Together, we highlight the significance of breaking familial patterns and creating new paradigms of self-love and expression, especially for high achievers who often equate success with conditional love and approval. Emile recounts his transformational experience, beginning with the Landmark

Exploring the intricate dance of masculine and feminine energies, I guide listeners through a grounding exercise that visualizes the ida and pingala channels, representing these energies within us. Our conversation among a group of men delves into the anatomy of these energies, emphasizing the importance of mastering the art of receiving, a feminine trait, alongside the masculine's penetrative nature. By embracing both sides, men can achieve personal growth and empowerment. I share my journey of overcoming resistance to my own feminine energy, highlighting the transformative balance achieved when these energies are reconciled. We confront societal expectations and personal fears, urging men to explore vulnerability and the less comfortable territories of receiving. I illuminate the "light" and "dark" aspects of masculine energy, discussing societal praise for compassionate traits while often ignoring the shadow aspects. By acknowledging these shadows, men can wield their power responsibly. We explore societal conditioning that discourages healthy masculinity, leading to repression and disconnection. Real-life experiences underscore the need for inner work, encouraging men to channel their "dark" power constructively. The concept of inner safety emerges, where the inner feminine finds solace in the protective dark masculine. Balancing these energies leads to healthier relationships and diminishes projections onto women. I reflect on societal expectations shaping male behavior, advocating for embracing emotions and understanding femininity within. This holistic approach fosters individual growth and a balanced representation of masculinity. I invite listeners to introspect their relationship with inner archetypes, setting the tone for deeper exploration of masculinity and femininity.

Our conversation with Crystal Dawn Morris takes us on a captivating journey through her experiences with shamanism, midwifery, and spiritual awakening. Crystal shares her story of a spiritual awakening at 16, which led her to become a midwife. This role served as a bridge between worlds, allowing her to assist in births and engage with women's fears and empowerment during pregnancy. Her transition from midwifery to shamanic practice involved studying with influential teachers like Michael Harner and participating in diverse spiritual traditions. A Kundalini awakening further deepened her spiritual connection, guiding her to explore teachings that blend shamanism and feminism, eventually leading her to Tantra as a new spiritual direction. Crystal emphasizes the spiritual awakening inherent in birthing experiences and the importance of trusting the body's wisdom, while also reflecting on the challenges within modern midwifery and the broader health care system. As we explore leadership, Crystal discusses how life experiences can open doors to mystical awakenings, guiding one's authentic self in leadership roles. She highlights the natural emergence of leadership when guided by spirit and addresses modern challenges such as integrity and power dynamics. Crystal advocates for soul-centered leadership, emphasizing responsibility, accountability, and alignment with personal values and integrity. Reflecting on her own life journey, she speaks to the vitality of embracing life beyond youth, savoring life, maintaining wonder, and embracing transitions authentically. Crystal expresses her wish for leaders to inspire joy, simplicity, and ease, hoping society finds more pathways into conscious awareness in leadership.

I had the pleasure of hosting Frank Mondeose on the podcast, where he shared his unique insights on authentic leadership and the intersection of love, sexuality, and consciousness. Frank emphasized the importance of being genuine and raw in our interactions, urging leaders to prioritize truth and authenticity over seeking validation. He recounted his personal journey of self-discovery, influenced by early familial experiences around sexuality, which led him to explore various facets of this complex topic. Frank highlighted the transformative power of accepting and embracing one's erotic energy to fuel personal growth and self-awareness, advocating for individuals to release shame and fully engage with their erotic selves to live more ecstatic, fulfilling lives. He also shared his critical perspective on political and global events, emphasizing the need for broader awareness and the preservation of individual freedoms, while encouraging a questioning of established systems and exploration of alternative viewpoints.Frank and I delved into the concept of shadow work, particularly around sexuality, and the necessity of acknowledging and integrating these hidden aspects of ourselves to foster real transformation. He advocated for loving oneself and others deeply, acknowledging and accepting the darker elements of human nature as a pathway to greater freedom and authentic expression. Additionally, Frank introduced the concept of "Living Temple Culture," where individuals embody temple teachings and practices daily. He is actively working on initiatives in Costa Rica to build sex-positive, conscious communities that empower people to integrate these ideals into everyday life. Frank expressed hope and excitement for the future as more individuals become aware and engaged with these principles, highlighting the importance of inclusive, transparent, and heart-centered leadership in fostering meaningful societal and personal change.

In today's episode, I explore the complexities of setting boundaries and the difficulties many face in saying 'no.' We dive into the fears and societal conditioning that make it challenging to assert oneself, such as fears of rejection, abandonment, or upsetting others. I discuss the struggle in saying 'yes' to things people truly desire, often hindered by concerns about worthiness and people-pleasing tendencies. I emphasize the importance of deeply knowing oneself to confidently stand by one's desires and choices unapologetically. I guide listeners through an exercise to connect with their bodies and acknowledge their unique essence, stressing that authenticity includes understanding that saying no to things that do not serve you is, in essence, saying yes to yourself. By prioritizing personal truth over people-pleasing, individuals create a healthy environment both for themselves and those around them, highlighting that boundaries help maintain personal integrity and teach others to respect them. I delve into the consequences of changing one's behavioral patterns, noting that others may initially react negatively or feel uncomfortable when boundaries start being enforced. However, I remind individuals that they are not responsible for others' emotional reactions. By setting healthy boundaries, people can foster safer and healthier interpersonal dynamics, and this non-negotiable self-care ultimately benefits everyone involved. I encourage listeners to recognize past moments when they prioritized others' needs over their own, leading to internalized frustration. Exercises are suggested to help release this built-up tension and reclaim personal power. I cover the interplay between expression and masculine energy, recognizing that historically, vocal assertiveness has been linked to power. Through rebuilding one's voice, individuals can better navigate personal and professional relationships by articulating needs and boundaries effectively. Practical tools are offered to support listeners in managing emotional and energetic responses to boundary-related conflicts, allowing for the healthy processing of emotions triggered by unmet needs or unexpressed boundaries.

In this engaging conversation, I welcome Rachel Rickards, an expert in embodied intimacy and facilitation training, to explore her decade-long journey in relational work and community building. Rachel shares her transition from co-creating workshops with her ex-partner to developing a facilitator training program called "the field." She highlights the importance of listening to the natural dynamics within groups and balancing action with receptivity. As a new mother, Rachel discusses integrating her daughter into her workshops and how motherhood has shifted her boundaries and perceptions, deepening her self-awareness and altering her facilitation approach for more authentic interactions. Rachel and I delve into the complexities of personal and professional relationships within intimacy and tantra, discussing her experiences with monogamous and polyamorous relationships. We explore the interplay of masculine and feminine energies and how Rachel reconciles these within herself, impacting her personal and professional life. A key theme is her approach to recognizing the soul's desire, reflecting on her journey into motherhood and accepting its timing. We also discuss the challenges of building intentional communities, drawing from Rachel's insights into sustainable communal living. Rachel emphasizes maintaining boundaries and integrity as a facilitator, sharing guidelines for ethically managing personal attractions in workshops.Discover more about Aaron at https://aaronkleinerman.com/Discover more about Rachel at https://rachelrickards.com/