Bridging Connections with Bryan Reeves

"Satisfaction is the pleasure derived from the fulfillment of wishes and needs".- Alanna KaivalyaToday on Bridging Connections:00:00 Welcome & Co-host Introduction01:14 Introducing Guest Dr. Alana Cavalia03:12 Discussing "The Way of the Satisfied Woman"04:16 Exploring Redefined Masculinity05:11 The Need to Reclaim Femininity06:13 Cultural Teachings on Feminine Power08:11 Addressing Repression of Feminine Qualities10:22 Importance of Intuition11:59 Feminine Power and Societal Impact14:55 Success versus Satisfaction17:07 Definition and Discussion of Satisfaction20:12 Critique of Success Drive21:25 Feminine Approach to Life and Satisfaction22:11 Enhancing Comfort and Feminine Questions23:09 Mother's Happiness and Family Dynamics24:13 Jungian Psychology and Feminine Energy28:10 Safety, Trust, and Feminine Expression29:01 Masculine World Challenges for Feminine Expression30:56 Importance of Community and Empathy31:22 Insights on Relationship Longevity32:31 Challenges in Articulating Needs33:19 Advice for Men on Emotional Support33:58 The Role of Intuition in Personal Growth36:51 Importance of Trusting Intuition37:15 Intuition in Relationships38:12 Leveraging Intuition in Adverse Environments40:21 Self-Intimacy and External Validation41:13 Masculine and Feminine Energy Collaboration41:48 Trust in Partner’s Intuition42:27 Burnout in High-Performance Roles43:39 Women as Nurturing Sources and the Need for Reciprocity45:02 Personal Story of Maternal Dedication46:28 Empowering Women to Say No47:58 Childhood Wounds and Feminine Healing49:02 Devaluation of Feminine Qualities49:41 Training and Conditioning of Young Girls50:14 Men’s Role in Supporting Feminine Reclamation51:58 The Importance of Community for Women53:04 Overcoming Narrative of Competition Among Women54:24 Historical Undermining of Family Systems55:56 Closing Thoughts and Final QuestionsConnect with Alanna:Website: www.thesatisfiedwoman.com Order: The Way of the Satisfied Woman: Reclaiming The Feminine PowerFree resources: www.thesatisfiedwoman.com/empowerme Download the App: The Satisfied WomanSubscribe to: @TheSatisfiedWomanConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

"Men often use 'safe' to describe someone they can openly talk to, showing their deep but often hidden need for trust and vulnerability." Alison ArmstrongToday on Bridging Connections:00:00 Welcome & Introduction01:00 Alison Armstrong's Impact on Bryan's Relationship Journey01:54 Longing for Elder Wisdom03:39 How Alison’s Journey with Men Began05:07 Becoming a "Frog Farmer" – Transforming Men09:44 The Power of Listening and Understanding Men13:33 The Well of Men's Emotional Responses14:14 Men and Congruency: Understanding Commitment17:09 Differences in Male and Female Communication Styles19:10 The Attention Women Crave from Men21:52 Safety, Security, and Connection in Relationships25:46 The Emotional Depth of Men: What It Means to Be “Safe”29:28 Asking for Connection and Attention in Relationships31:48 Men Are Like Icebergs: Emotions and Depth Below the Surface34:12 Women’s Desire for Men to Feel Desired43:18 The Problem with Labeling in Relationships47:16 Rethinking Relationships: The Instance of Being Related54:16 How to Be in the Moment: Being, Listening, and Speaking58:35 Women's Instinct to Speak for Safety01:02:26 Alison's Resources and Final ThoughtsConnect with Alison:Website: alisonarmstrong.comResources: Sample Understanding Women Subscribe to: alisonarmstrongvideosConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

"The moment of realization when you're on your knees and you're realizing that all you've been chasing might not actually be what you truly need." Danny MorelToday on Bridging Connections:00:00 Introduction & Welcome02:36 Discussing the Pivotal Shift in Danny's Life03:16 The Catalyst for Change04:01 Exploring New Opportunities05:07 Experiencing Betrayal and Loss07:10 Reflecting on Deep Personal Questions09:41 The Importance of Deep, Genuine Conversations11:01 The Awakening Process Explained11:47 Exploring Three Energies of Human Mastery13:10 Responsibilities and Misconceptions About Money14:13 Discussing the Energy of Sex and Creation15:12 Understanding the Root of Personal Issues16:11 Realizing and Confronting Life's Patterns17:10 The Need for Authentic Self Reflection18:13 Integrating Personal Stories into Spiritual Teachings20:33 The Importance of Genuine Spiritual Connection21:44 Exploring Stories of Transformation and Freedom23:00 Discussing the Role of Humility and Authenticity24:32 Overcoming Deep-Seated Fears26:58 Experiencing Ego Death and True Change28:00 Discussing the Symbolism of Family and Healing29:21 The Significance of Names and Personal Healing30:25 Learning Through Personal Relationships31:16 Challenges in Maintaining Authentic Connections32:38 Discussing the Difficulties in Family Dynamics33:52 Recognizing the Role of Partners in Personal Growth37:18 Embracing the Concept of Family39:16 Confronting Fears and Insecurities in Relationships41:12 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Pedestalization in Relationships42:13 Addressing Issues of Self-Worth and Relationship Dynamics43:07 Healing the Tendencies to Elevate or Diminish Others45:15 Discussing Common Traps in Spiritual Journeys47:12 Reevaluating Material Desires on the Spiritual Path51:27 Discussing the Role of Providing and Spiritual Abundance52:23 The Practice of Surrender in Life and Spirituality54:01 Encouraging Deep Personal Inquiry into Desires and Dreams55:01 Concluding Thoughts on Freedom and Personal ChoiceTakeaways from this episode:Highlighting the transformative power of difficult experiences.The recognition and confrontation of deeply ingrained patterns and wounds from one's past.How relationships can serve as mirrors and catalysts for deeper self-awareness and growth. How a spiritual journey can reshape your views on possessions and success.The necessity of surrendering control in life's processes, trusting in a higher flow, and allowing life to unfold without forcing outcomes.Connect with Danny:Instagram: @dannymorelWebsite: dannymorel.comListen to: The Higher Self Podcast with Danny MorelConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

Welcome to Bridging Connections, formerly known as "Men This Way." Join your host Bryan Reeves —former U.S. Air Force captain, renowned author and professional coach to men, women, and couples; along with his lifelong best friend and leadership coach, Tait Arend. Together, they tackle the essential, raw conversations we all need to engage in about relationships, purpose, health, spirituality, and more. Dive deep into discussions that matter and explore the connections that bind us all. 

In this episode, we have a big announcement. We're changing the podcast name from 'Men This Way' to 'Bridging Connections.'00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates03:03 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey05:58 Key Conversations and Insights08:57 The Evolution of the Podcast11:56 Bridging Connections: The New Direction14:46 The Importance of Vulnerability and Connection17:54 Future Plans and Audience EngagementConnect with BryanOfficial WebsiteInstagramYoutube

"Once it starts to become empty and it doesn't work, that's when it's time to rethink our strategies and find what truly fulfills us." Tripp LanierToday on Men, This Way:00:01 Introductions02:34 Announcement of Last Episode and Transition of Show's Name03:23 Reflections on the Past and Initiating the Main Discussion05:08 Introduction of Tripp Lanier and His Work07:24 Tripp's Personal Journey and Path to Coaching09:01 Introduction to Men's Work and Personal Growth12:01 The Shift in Men's Conversations Over Time13:45 The Role of Media and Privacy in Personal Development15:10 The Challenge of Admitting the Need for Help16:32 Exploration of New Beginnings and Reflections on Personal Growth18:00 Shifts in Personal Interests and Professional Evolution19:28 The Ongoing Journey of Personal and Spiritual Development21:18 The Modern Challenges and Evolutions Facing Men22:46 Reflections on Personal Satisfaction and Life's Deeper Questions24:11 Discussion of Future Plans and Podcast Rebranding25:43 Reflections on Ambition and Life Stages27:03 Personal Insights on Marriage and Family29:26 Discussing the Awareness of Mortality and Its Impact30:12 Philosophical Reflections on Life and Aging31:30 Grief and Learning from Life's Challenges33:36 Engaging Men in Meaningful Conversations and Facing Grief34:03 How to Encourage Men to Stay Present and Engaged in Growth36:04 Addressing Personal Struggles and Embracing New Beginnings38:04 Listening and Understanding as Tools for Helping Others39:20 The Power of Empathy in Men's Development40:10 The Relief of Discovering One Is Not Alone in Their Struggles41:38 Humor's Role in Healing and Personal Growth42:57 Tripp's Views on Success and Personal Fulfillment44:45 Helping Men Identify and Pursue Their True Desires46:50 Discussion on the Nature of Desire and Internal Conflicts48:42 The Importance of Play and Joy in Personal Development50:42 The Role of Safety and Threat Perception in Playfulness52:24 The Challenges of Maintaining Joy During Difficult Times54:47 Wrapping Up the Podcast and Reflections on the Journey58:15 Maintaining Deep Connections and Embracing New Learning Opportunities59:55 Closing Thoughts and AcknowledgmentsTakeaways of this episode:Tripp Lanier shares personal stories, including his past struggles, the death of his mother, and how these events have shaped his personal growth and professional life. The importance of men’s work, creating spaces for men to explore their vulnerabilities, and the impact of community and belonging. Maintaining a balance between playfulness and the seriousness of life, how staying connected to a sense of play can be crucial for mental health and relationship dynamics.The definition of success, the ongoing process of personal growth, and the existential aspects of life and death.The podcast episode serves as a closing of one era and the beginning of another.Connect with Tripp:Website: tripplinear.comInstagram: @tripplanierOrder: This Book Will Make You Dangerous: The Irreverent Guide for Men Who Refuse to SettleListen to: The New Man with Tripp LanierConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com

“Resistance always shows up at the threshold of your transformation.” — Bryan ReevesIn this episode, we dive deep into the transformative process of personal growth and change, exploring the five stages of change. We discuss the resistance men often face when stepping into new challenges and the power of embracing the unknown to create a life of fulfillment and meaning. Through candid stories, actionable insights, and heartfelt reflections, we reveal how we can break through barriers, reconnect with our true selves, and build lives that deeply matter—not just for us, but for the people we care about most. Whether you're on the edge of change or seeking clarity on your next step, this episode will inspire you to take action and cross the threshold into transformation.HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 - Reflecting on five years of transformative work.01:14 - Who this episode is for: Men ready for deep transformational work.04:51 - The importance of a supportive brotherhood: “Who has your back?”07:35 - The cost of carrying burdens alone: Impact on men and their families.09:12 - Recognizing dissatisfaction as the first step to change.11:46 - The crisis of fulfillment: "I have everything I wanted. Now what?"13:30 - The five stages of change.18:43 - Facing resistance: Why stepping forward is so challenging.20:14 - Sting’s wisdom: “The greater risk is not jumping off the cliff.”25:12 - Confronting the shadow: The necessity of descending before elevating.28:02 - Addressing resistance: How cynicism and isolation hold men back.30:15 - True accountability: How men’s groups challenge you to grow.32:39 - A wife’s gratitude: The ripple effects of men’s transformation.36:41 - Final encouragement: Step into the threshold and elevate your life.MEN: ELEVATE 2025 👉 https://bryanreeves.com/elevate

“This reveals that both reality and our personal identities extend beyond the obvious, and the various levels of our consciousness hold significant practical value”.- Douglas GilletteToday on Men, This Way:00:00 Welcoming Douglas M. Gillette01:01 Discussion on "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover"01:29 Background of Douglas Gillette02:00 Douglas' Pastoral Background and Interfaith Work03:01 Family Dinners and Personal Introductions04:01 Discussion on Douglas' New Book and Life Experiences06:00 Upcoming Book Discussions on Zoom07:04 The Role of a Guru in Learning07:42 Importance of Masculine Archetypes14:06 Deep Dive into Archetypal Work in Men's Groups16:05 Experiences from a Men's Workshop17:10 Exploring the Shadows of Masculine Archetypes20:20 Discussion on Shadow Work and Personal Wholeness21:06 Explanation of Collective Shadow23:48 Carl Jung's Contributions to Psychology30:02 Integration of Imagination in Personal Development33:06 Discussion on Modern Relevance of Douglas' Book37:40 The Lack of Elders and the Need for Maps41:17 Integrating the Whole Man48:08 Embracing the Paradox of the Spiritual Path56:57 Reflections on Personal Life and Legacy67:18 Final Message from Douglas GilletteTakeaways of this episode:The significance of the archetypes and their profound resonance with the male psyche. Men's work that focuses on exploring and integrating the shadow aspects of the archetypes.The importance of shadow work—engaging with the parts of oneself that are typically hidden or suppressed.Science and spirituality both can contribute to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe.The future of men's studies, and the importance of continuing personal and collective growth. Connect with Douglas:Order: Soul Making: The Realization of the Mystical Life & King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature MasculineEmail: gilletted@sbcglobal.netConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com 

Why do men often have to hit bottom before we’re able to make meaningful changes in our lives?Could our cultural obsession with the individual self be serving to propel us towards our collective doom?Could learning how to properly grieve be key to our vitality, to living a rich, soul-centered life?Well, in this very special episode, my guest Francis Weller, and I mine these questions and more for useful insights to make a meaningful difference in your life. And this is a very special episode. For about the last year, I’ve been diving down the Francis Weller rabbit hole, and if you haven’t yet, I’m telling you, you need to. Humanity needs you to. This man is a medicine carrier for humanity. I first discovered him a year ago when a good friend of mine turned me onto his book, The Wild Edge of Sorrow. That book is the one of the most beautiful, poignant, rich and instructive books I’ve ever read. Now, it’s not merely a book about grieving in the way we traditionally think of grieving in our western culture, as if grieving is something that only happens when we experience a major and obvious loss in our lives – which by the way, we don’t even do that well in our culture – but Francis’ book is about ways of creating soul renewal by recasting grieving in our culture as essential routine practice to ensure not just our individual health and well-being, but the health and well-being of our entire community, and of the planet itself.Francis’ work is immense. In a world of many olders but too few elders, particularly elder men, Francis Weller is a true wise elder. And he’s super easy to talk with. For more than 30 years he’s been a psychotherapist, a writer, and soul-activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought, from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. The core of his work is creating pathways to reclaiming our indigenous soul, what psychologist Carl Jung called the “unforgotten wisdom” that resides in the heart of the psyche. He’s the founder of WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from traditional cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from Western Cultures. I’m so excited for you to hear our conversation.👉 https://www.francisweller.net/ELEVATE 2025, my year-long coaching journey for men committed to thriving, has just 5 spots left as of this recording. We begin in January, right around the corner. So, if you’re a man interested in stepping into a powerful brotherhood of men, alongside me and 10 other like-hearted men, please apply now @ https://bryanreeves.com/elevateELEVATE 2025 includes personal coaching with me throughout the entire year, and alongside a select group of solid men, your soon-to-be brothers, we’ll go on a deep-dive into the insights, distinctions, and practices that allow you to step into your deepest life purpose, create and support a thriving intimate relationship, tap into real, authentic heart-centered power to truly serve your loved ones, your aspirations, your community. We’ll also meet in person for an epic 5-day retreat in a beautiful nature location in North Carolina.Through this experience these men, and I, will become your brothers for life, and you will be challenged to go beyond your comfort zone. Because you surely know by now that if you’re going to touch the heart of what matters most to you in life, you ain’t gonna get there by staying comfortable.This isn’t for everyone.But if you have an inkling it might be for you … apply now @ https://bryanreeves.com/elevate ... Just take the next step. This could be the one of the greatest gifts you ever give yourself. The gift of brotherhood with extraordinary men.bryanreeves.com/elevate

"Historically speaking, when we heard criticism, it was from a potential enemy, so it was biologically natural to get up our defenses.That was really functional for survival. It's just dysfunctional for love”.- Dr. Warren FarrellToday on Men, This Way:00:00 Introduction of Dr. Warren Farrell00:50 Dr. Farrell's background and contribution to understanding modern men's struggles.01:28 Dr. Farrell's reception and personal experience in the field.03:49 Discussing the role of criticism in personal and relational development.04:18 The impact of workshops on handling criticism and personal growth.05:23 Importance of non-defensive communication in relationships.06:07 Defensiveness and its effects on relationship dynamics.07:16 Discussion on defensiveness and its ubiquity across different types of relationships.07:48 Gender dynamics in criticism and defensiveness.10:08 Exploration of gender dynamics, respect, and protection in relationships.10:45 Link between boy crisis and absence of father figures12:08 Comprehensive discussion on the causes and effects of the boy crisis.14:46 Role of communication in relationships and its impact on children.16:00 Detailed statistics on the boy crisis and its societal implications.18:33 Connection between dad deprivation and various social issues.20:00 Broader implications of declining male societal contributions.22:38 Dr. Farrell's shift from feminism to focusing on boys' and men's issues.29:22 Personal reflections on fatherhood and its impact on personal success.34:27 Comprehensive discussion on dad deprivation and its various forms.37:39 The importance of dad-style parenting and its specific strategies.41:55 Discussion on the importance of balanced parenting and its challenges.47:33 Discussion on boundary setting and enforcement in parenting.50:22 The evolving role of fathers in modern family units.53:29 Challenges and strategies for checks and balance parenting58:16 Strategies for single parents to incorporate balanced parenting styles.01:01:12 Closing thoughts on the importance of father figures and balanced parenting.Takeaways from this episode:The shift from traditional roles towards a deeper, more emotionally connected partnership. The societal and psychological challenges men encounter today.How to overcome defensiveness to maintain healthy relationships.Different impacts of "dad-style" and "mom-style" parenting.The role fathers play in the psychological development of children, especially boys. Societal issues like the "boy crisis," which includes higher suicide rates among boys and young men.Connect with Dr. Farrell:Website: warrenfarrell.com Order: The Boy Crisis & The Role Mate to Soul MateResources: Warren Farrell’s Resources Twitter: @drwarrenfarrellConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com