Bridging Connections with Bryan Reeves

“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 

In this episode I explore the themes of manhood and the significance of rites of passage in a man's life. I reflect on my personal experiences and my own lack of intentional initiation into manhood, which continues to haunt many men today. I dive into the importance of having wise elders to guide men through their journeys and the impact of not having these figures in our lives.ELEVATE 2025: https://bryanreeves.com/elevateTakeawaysMany men have never undergone a true rite of passage.The absence of initiation can lead to feelings of inadequacy.Rites of passage involve separation, threshold, and return.Men often seek validation from women, which is unsustainable.Elder support is crucial for personal growth and maturity.Pseudo initiations do not provide the same benefits as true rites of passage.Adolescence can persist into adulthood without proper guidance.Mature men take responsibility for their impact on others.Intimate relationships can become containers for ongoing initiation.The journey of manhood is often lonely without support.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Manhood and Initiation20:07 The Importance of Rites of Passage26:01 Seeking Support and Guidance in Manhood

"Many of us spin our wheels, blame others because we can't find our way out. But the work-this soul work-is about digging deep, finding that genius within." - Michael MeadToday on Men, This Way:00:02 Introduction and Welcome00:29 Michael Mead's Background and Expertise01:00 Insights on Storytelling and Mythology02:12 The Role of Early Stories in Personal Development02:50 Personal Impact of Mythology on Michael Mead04:09 The Importance of Myth in Understanding Chaos04:30 Misinterpretations of Myths in Modern Times07:16 Political Polarization and Mythical Understanding10:25 Myths of Chaos and Creation12:18 Viewing Social Issues Through Mythical Frameworks13:18 The Psychological and Societal Impact of Rites of Passage17:21 Crafting Effective Modern Rites of Passage21:34 Discovering Inner Genius and Personal Uniqueness24:04 Reflections on Solitary Confinement as an Unintended Rite of Passage27:59 The Role of Accidental Rites of Passage in Modern Society30:33 Implementing Vision Quests as Contemporary Initiations37:04 The Limitations of Parental Involvement in Children's Rites of Passage41:22 The Need for Societal Renewal Through Individual Awakening43:18 Perspectives on the Kali Yuga and the Challenges of Modern Times47:20 Finding Purpose and Calling Amidst Societal Chaos50:47 The Healing Potential of Myth and Community54:49 Sharing Personal Myths as a Way to Connect and Heal58:48 The Eternal Quest for Personal Destiny and Collective TransformationTakeaways:How mythology bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary issues.The crucial role of rites of passage and initiation in fostering maturity for life's challenges.Mythology as a tool for understanding personal and collective crises.How individual experiences can resonate with universal stories. Acknowledging personal and collective wounds is essential for true growth and healing.Connect with Michael:Website: mosaicvoices.orgListen to: Living Myth PodcastInstragram: @michaelmeade_mosaicvoices Check out: Holding the Thread of LifeConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com

“The mother wound is wanting to be saved by someone, some thing, some process outside yourself, and it's not going to happen.” - John LeeToday on Men, This Way:0:00 - Introduction & Overview0:38 - Global Context & Personal Impact 1:16 - Introducing the Mother Wound1:46 - Reflections on the Mother Wound2:11 - The Book 'He' and Its Impact 3:37 - Defining the Mother Wound 5:03 - Archetypes of the Mother Wound6:26 - Personal Stories of Mother Wounds10:13 - The Mother vs. Father Wound12:30 - Struggles with Self-Worth16:29 - No Saviors, Only Self-Reliance 18:27 - Facing Illusions in Relationships22:20 - The Role of Therapy in Self-Healing 24:41 - Self-Responsibility & Accountability 27:22 - Projections and the Feminine 30:42 - The Need for Soothing & Relief 35:18 - Relearning Trust and Soothe 42:09 - Self-Worth & External Validation 46:35 - Time as a Catalyst for Change46:59 - Conclusion & GratitudeTakeaways from this episode:Understanding the Mother Wound.The Impact of the Mother Wound on Relationships.How the Mother Wound Deeply Impacts One's Sense of Self-worth and Value.Healing from the Mother Wound Involves Self-reflection and Inner Work.Societal and Cultural Factors that Shape the Mother Wound.Connect with John:Website: johnleebooks.comOrder: Odd One Out: Radical Revelations on Relationships, Self-Help, and Personal GrowthBook: Private Sessionemail: john@johnleebooks.comConnect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com This show is produced by Synchro Social

"I'm not against pornography; however, if you're using it to distract yourself or to numb the pain you're experiencing, it might be serving as an escape from having tough conversations" .- Bryan Reeves Today on Men, This Way:00:02 Greetings & Reconnection01:08 Celebration of Elevate 202502:27 Discussion on Male Relationships & Growth03:58 Importance of Men's Groups05:44 Introducing the Concept of Resistance07:11 Deep Dive into Resistance10:16 The Illusion of Control12:48 Daily Responsibilities and Life's Illusions14:13 Crafting a Life of Enthusiasm16:05 Cynicism in Personal Growth17:38 Navigating Life's Journeys19:35 Handling Cynicism and its Impacts21:58 Personal Development & Community Support24:38 Encouragement and Reflections on Growth27:14 The Value of Inspiration and Support30:57 Establishing a Sense of Belonging33:41 Overcoming Isolation and Embracing Community35:09 The Dynamics of Men's Groups37:21 The Challenge of Numbing Out40:11 Parental Challenges and Personal Growth43:06 Facing and Understanding Life's Resistance45:34 Disorientation and Life's Direction48:35 Military Experience and Personal Orientation51:48 Momentum and Life's Orientation54:02 Powerlessness and Finding Strength56:31 The Role of Power in Personal and Professional Life59:04 Men's Roles and Challenges in Modern Society01:01:09 The Five Dead Ends and Their Antidotes01:03:46 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to JoinTake Aways:The Power Gathering with other Men to Maintain Clarity and MotivationBirth and Evolution of "Men This Way"Celebrating Community Growth with Elevate 2025The Necessity of Peer SupportOvercoming Resistance as a Path to Personal GrowthCommunity as an Antidote to IsolationReframing Challenges with Community SupportTransform Your Life – Join Elevate  Sign up here!Connect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com This show is produced by Synchro Social

"They have to organize. if we're organized where the kids come first, well, the couple is dead, long live the kids, they go away and bye. Because we lost that loving feeling, we never nurtured it. We weren't important enough to maintain." - Dr. Stan TatkinToday on Men, This Way:00:00 Introduction01:48 PACT Method and Psychobiological Approach02:22 Personal Reflections on Dr. Tatkin's Work04:40 Setting Up the Discussion on Relationships05:09 Defining Secure Functioning Relationships05:44 Importance of Teamwork in Relationships06:43 Challenges in Relationships and Power Dynamics09:35 Explanation of Attachment Styles: Anchors, Waves, Islands10:07 The Impact of Childhood on Relationship Dynamics11:55 Clinging and Distancing in Relationships13:16 Insights into Attachment from Studies13:30 Personal Narratives and Their Impact on Perception14:32 Neglect and Its Subtle Impact15:32 Resentment from Childhood Expectations16:04 The Metaphor of "The Bite that Fits the Wound"17:04 The Role of Anger in Insecure Attachments18:20 Strategies for Secure Functioning19:20 Adapting to Partner's Needs and Insecurities20:11 Understanding Attachment and Its Effects on Relationships22:38 Responsibility in Relationship Dynamics23:31 Importance of Understanding Danger and Care in Relationships26:14 The Importance of Shared Vision in Maintaining Relationships27:21 Designing Relationships Intentionally28:21 Prioritizing Relationships Over Other Aspects of Life31:04 Teamwork and Interdependency in Relationships31:56 Role of Partners in Regulating Each Other's Nervous Systems34:21 The Practical Application of Co-regulation Techniques38:28 The Unreliability of Narratives in Understanding Relationships40:05 The Flaws of Memory and Perception in Communication41:03 The Challenge of Modeling Successful Relationships43:02 Strategies for Better Relationship Dynamics44:12 The Need for Intentionality in Relationships46:05 The Impact of Stress on Relationship Dynamics49:05 The Necessity of Protective Measures in Relationships50:09 The Importance of Commitment and Intention in Relationships52:22 The Timeframe for Developing Strong Relationship Skills54:17 The Role of Purpose and Principle in Relationship Longevity55:06 Establishing and Adhering to Relationship Principles56:07 Vision and Future Planning in Relationships57:19 Deciding When to Persist or Let Go in Relationships59:21 The Social Contracts That Define Personal Relationships61:02 The Mutual Benefits of a Committed Relationship64:07 The Hopeful Aspect of Engaging in Relationship Work66:30 Dr. Tatkin's New Publications and Future Projects67:44 Closing Thoughts and Reflections on Relationship DynamicsTakeaways from this episode:The Importance of Secure Functioning in Relationships.The Impact of Attachment Styles.Role of Co-regulationCommunication Strategies Under StressThe Necessity of Intentionality and Planning in RelationshipsNavigating Relationship Challenges with Emotional IntelligenceThe Psychological Impact of NeglectThe Influence of Past Trauma on Current RelationshipsThe Concept of Mutual Support and TeamworkShared Vision and PurposeTransform Your Life – Join Elevate  Sign up here!Connect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com Connect with Dr. Stan Tatkin:Website: thepactinstitute.comBuy the book: In Each Other's CareTherapy with Dr.Tatkin: Couples therapySign up: RetreatInstagram: @drstantatkin This show is produced by Synchro Social

"I constantly remind parents to ask their children how they feel and to always respond with 'thank you for sharing.' This simple practice can transform relationships.” -Brooke WeinsteinToday on Men, This Way:02:02 Welcome & Introduction.02:32 Acknowledging Past Discussions.03:08 Expertise in Sensory and Emotional Regulation.03:28 The Importance of Parental Emotional Regulation.03:40Understanding Co-Regulation.05:38 Influence of Parental Behavior on Children.07:50 Addressing Challenges of Premature Birth.10:17 Developmental Stages and Parenting Approaches.18:16 Discussing Boundaries in Parenting.19:28 Early Childhood Development and Setting Boundaries.27:48 Challenges with Social Transitions and Sensory Overload.31:35 Transition to Adolescence.38:25 Medication and Support for Sensory Issues.42:35 Adolescent Social Interactions and Emotional Regulation.47:30 Preparing for the Social World in Adolescence.53:50 Supporting Adolescents Through Challenges.56:19 Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Young Adults.Takeaways from this episode:We're never truly ready for parenting.Co-regulation is essential for emotional health.Understanding developmental stages helps parents support their children.Birth experiences can significantly impact a child's development.Emotional regulation starts with the parents.Setting boundaries is crucial for children's growth.Children need to express their feelings openly.Independence is built through gradual support from parents.ADHD symptoms can overlap with sensory regulation issues.Open communication is vital for addressing anxiety and depression in teens.Transform Your Life – Join Elevate  Sign up here!Connect with Bryan & Tait:Website: bryanreeves.com Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08Email: bryan@menthisway.com / tait@menthisway.com Connect with Dr. Brooke:Website: drbrookeweinstein.comInstagram: @brookeweinstPodcast: Thrive Like a ParentYoutube: Dr. Brooke WeinsteinThis show is produced by Synchro Social

I’ve got a profound episode for you today. My guest is Bill Plotkin, one of the most genius and inspired visionaries of our time that you’ve likely never heard of.He’s the author of a few books that have rocked my world, most notably, Nature and The Human Soul.When I first read Nature and The Human Soul some years ago, I felt like I’d discovered a sacred tablet with the codes to living every stage of life well.Through his work spanning 5 decades as a depth psychologist, wilderness guide, and founder of western Colorado’s Animas Valley Institute, Bill has led thousands of women and men through nature-based initiatory rites-of-passage, and from his work he HAS brought back a vigorously detailed map of the stages of human development, from birth to death, including the specific tasks that are required for someone to complete if they are to psychologically progress from one developmental stage to the next, like from late adolescence to early adulthood. Building on Carl Jung’s work, and the work of countless other brilliant hearts and minds spanning a myriad of human cultures, when I read Bill’s work, I understand more clearly the adventure of my life, the story arcs that have played out, the excruciating bottoms I’ve hit at critical and pivotal moments of my life, and what the real tasks of the different stages of life are that, if I don’t accomplish those tasks, then I don’t truly grow or evolve, even though my body may age. A major theme he explores in his work, which we talk about in this episode, is the overwhelming lack of true adults in the modern world, and the state of humanity as being currently made up largely of people stuck in adolescent ways of thinking, being, and doing. We also talk about a critical phase of the life journey, The Journey of Soul Initiation, an experience undertaken between adolescence and adulthood, and a prerequisite for any human to step into true adulthood, and sadly a journey our culture does not support, and in fact actively discourages.Soooo much to explore here. Bill is one of my beloved elders and teachers, I encourage you to listen to this entire episode, get Bill’s books. If you have or want kids, Bill’s work can help you understand what your own children need to experience at different stages of development, if they are to become truly healthy adults.So let’s get going. I start off our conversation with a personal story of something that happened to me after I got out of the military, and we take off from there into a profound conversation, which is still but a short stroll on the tippy top of the massive iceberg that is his life’s work. Near the end, before he gives us insight into how you can move further in the direction of your own journey of soul initiation, I ask Bill whether he has hope for humanity, given culture’s resistance to creating mature adults. His answer will surprise you, maybe frighten you. He does have hope, but not in the way you might think.So, definitely stay tuned all the way through to the end of this episode of Men, This Way …👉 https://www.animas.org