The Evolving Man Podcast

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and creator of the Fit Father Project and Fit Mother Project. He lost his father at the age of 42, which led him to dedicate his life to helping people live healthy and happy well into their old age. Anthony is a former national champion bodybuilder, nutritionist, and all around great example of all-around health. He joins me to talk about the practical steps each of us can take to insure a long and healthy life. In this episode we dive into: How to take care of yourself to age gracefully. Adapting your exercise routine as you get older, especially 40+. Exercising based on your nervous system state. Maintaining strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility, and mobility as you age. The importance of eating well. Nutrition is the baseline of health that can be maintained. Proper rehydration methods.  Foods to eat at different times throughout the day to maximize your body’s energy. Greens powder.  The addiction to sugary drinks.  Anthony’s and Ben’s personal diet journeys. Paying attention to how different foods and drinks impact your body. Circadian rhythms.  Comparing blue light, red light, UV light, infrared light, and red light machines. Entraining to the spectrum of light that is relevant to that time of day.  How to supplement harsh winters with little sunlight. Flowing with the seasons with your routines. Vitamin D and K2 supplements. What supplements to take when you’re getting sick. Immortality… How longevity is a byproduct of our lifestyle.  Links from this episode: Fit Father Project Website Fit Father Project Instagram Fit Father Project Facebook Fit Father Project YouTube My Previous Episode with Anthony Conscious Relationship Council See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becky Griffin is a co-founder of Caya Shobo, an Ayahuasca and plant medicine healing center in Peru. She has been immersed in a path of self-discovery and learning with the Shipibo plant medicine tradition since 2008, and she joins me to talk about her extensive experience dieting various Master plants under the guidance of high-level Shipibo maestro and maestra Onányas.  Becky is a facilitator and healer for people seeking healing and growth from plant medicines like Ayahuasca and master plant diets. She has served as an apprentice curandera of the Shipibo tradition since 2012 and currently holds small ceremonial gatherings for experienced dieters. On this episode we talk about: Ayahuasca shamanism.   Becky & Ben’s personal exploration with plant medicine.  The wisdom of Ayahuasca: shifting between light and dark energy.  Mind-centered talk therapy vs. body & spirit-centered plant medicine.  Addressing physical ailments with plant medicine. Reconnecting with the spirit of nature.  What is a “plant dieta” and how does it work?  The synchronicities between nature and humans.  How to establish a relationship with the consciousness of plants. Ayahuasca is a diagnostic tool.  The benefits of going to Peru for plant medicine treatment. Healing at the cellular level with plant medicine.  How long does it take to heal with plant medicine? The false light of Ayahuasca and other plants.  The pitfalls of exploring plant medicine with inexperienced healers.  The downfalls of placing spiritual teachers on pedestals.  Be your own teacher - becoming responsible for your own healing path.  Integrating all parts of yourself - mental, spiritual, light, shadow. The light and dark sides of cannabis and tobacco. Healing vs. coping. Becky’s favourite Master Plants.  An opportunity to travel to Peru with Ben for a retreat.   Links from this episode: Caya Shobo Website Caya Shobo Instagram Caya Shobo Facebook Join the Evolving Man Brotherhood circle And finally, a message from Becky: “I believe that at this time we are all being called to embark on a process of transformation, to heal the wounds and confusions of the past, and to start to realize our potential to live in genuine joy and balance. We each must find our own true self beneath the markings of trauma and conditioning that we carry and discover and integrate the ‘medicine’ within those challenges. ​The Shipibo medicine tradition and the master healing plants are living wonders from an ancient world. My own search for healing and greater meaning in life has brought me to this sacred path. And through supporting many others on a similar journey, I have seen that it is possible to slowly but surely nurture a deep connection with the master teacher plants and their songs, and thereby foster a greater harmony and understanding within, while restoring our rightful relationships with all of life. It is my honour to assist and support others on this blessed journey of discovery.” ~ Becky  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twelve Step programs have helped millions of people recover from addictions over the past 85+ years. In this episode we talk about why they work, the myths and the criticisms, and we make an attempt at a balanced look at the pros and cons of these programs. This is a solo episode with Ben Goresky - an addiction recovery coach with 15 years of personal experience in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. After embedding himself in these programs and studying them in depth, Ben stepped away from the programs to focus on other healing modalities. He shares a viewpoint of the program that is rare: the inside view, and the outsider view. Topics discussed in this episode: Who can benefit from Twelve Step programs: Discover if you're an ideal candidate. Exploring the variety of 12 step programs for different addictions. Navigating triggers, pitfalls, and negative experiences within these programs. The role of spirituality and the use of "big G" God language in the steps. Debunking the religious overtones: Are Twelve Step programs religious or spiritual? Addressing powerlessness and disempowering language in the steps. Understanding the reality of addiction: Loss of control and continued substance use despite consequences. The empowering use of the Disease Concept in addiction recovery. Overcoming tribalism and cult-like tendencies within 12 step communities. Unraveling the connection between underlying trauma and addiction. The dynamics of sponsorship: Challenges and strategies for making it work for you. Embracing empowering terminology and breaking free from the label of "addict." Examining the frequency of the term "addiction" and its implications. Reframing the saying "Once an Addict, Always an Addict." Foundational steps 1-3 - Breaking through denial, accepting the problem, and choosing a guiding wisdom. House cleaning steps (4-9): Embracing radical ownership and personal growth. Maintenance steps (10-12): Mastering growth and evolution on a daily basis. Harnessing the power of service work for successful sobriety and recovery. Identifying the two crucial factors that make Twelve Step programs effective. Tips for optimizing your Twelve Step experience and finding resonant meetings and like-minded individuals. Links for this episode: The Freedom From Addiction men’s recovery circle Podcast - High Functioning Addiction - with Alex Olshonsky Podcast - Everything you need to know about addiction - with Chris Bevaqua See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Austin Fletcher is a family counsellor and men’s leader with specialized training in conflict resolution, conscious communication, breathwork and somatic trauma release. He has 35 years of experience working with men and families, where he has seen the light and the dark side of the personal growth arenas.  He joins me on this episode to discuss his experience uncovering the exploitation and abuses of power in the healing communities around him. We talk about how men’s personal growth can go sideways, and how to get men back into alignment.  In this episode we dive into: The 9 shadow elements of men’s work.  The light and dark side of healing.  Exploring suspicions about men’s work. Men being the voice for women in situations of abuse. Embodying masculinity without being a hero.  The dark backlash from #MeToo and women’s empowerment. Responding with shame vs. empathy. Bringing wounds to men’s work. How to find depth beyond the loud internet voices.  Conversations about Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and Donald Trump. How the dark masculine feeds on the energy of extremes, fears, and world chaos.  How to discern authentic vs. inauthentic men’s work on social media.  Staying connected to the heart chakra.  Shame and terror on the internet.  The problem with quick fixes. ​​How to look out for good mentors, teachers, and communities. Balancing the archetypes in men’s work. The 9 Rings of Alignment: A self-regulation practice. The importance of developing rich relationships. The importance of setting intentions. Cultivating a self-care practice. Links from this Episode: Chris’ Website w/ free download Whole Family Healing Facebook Halfmoon Haven Website Breakup-Coach Leo mentioned in this episode. Leo's Breakup Program. Freedom from Addiction Circle Conscious Relationship Council See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amrit Sandhu coaches people to make big changes in their lives and move beyond their limitations. He is the host of The Inspired Evolution podcast, and he joined me to discuss the dilemma of making a change from lucrative yet unfulfilling career to one filled with purpose and fulfillment. In this episode we dive into: Consciously changing careers. What needs to be in place to create deep & lasting change. How to assess your core values. Consciously aligning your life around a self-created mission statement.  The similarities between being an engineer and a life coach. The social construction of “success.”  Being an introvert vs. an extrovert and a task person vs. a people person.  Feeling stuck in your career.  Attaching self worth to what you do (masculine) vs. who you are (feminine). Stress is your greatest ally. Being overwhelmed by opportunity. Giving yourself time and space to pivot, integrate change, and transform.  When self-help can get toxic. The opposite of depression is expression. Being energized by work. Inspiration vs. jealousy. The abundance of opportunities that are present when you’re in alignment. The awareness is the shift. Acknowledging nuance in light and dark thoughts.  Amrit’s principles in encouraging people to make personal changes. Our biggest challenge is our greatest gift. Mapping out the vision for your dream life.  The world around you is consistently programming you against your innate self. Learning to parent a boy throughout different developmental milestones. Cultivating community. Reprogramming who you were for who you want to become. Gratitude opens a door for self love.  Creating your own archetypes.      Podcast Links  Amrit’s Website Amrit’s Instagram Amrit’s YouTube Conscious Relationship Council  The Freedom from Addiction Circle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Hart is an International Speaker & best selling author whose mission is to help busy parents transform their quality of life and develop deeply connected relationships with their partners and children. Focusing on nervous system regulation, energetic attraction and natural holistic wellness practices, Adam leads his clients to living at their best. Adam created a handout for our listeners called The 6 Step Unleash-Your-Energy Roadmap, available at clearimpact.io. In this episode we dive into: ADHD & ADD diagnoses. Prescription medication and self-medicating. Nervous system regulation. Optimizing human performance in all areas of your life.  Conscious parenting. Scattered minds in a dopamine-centered world.  Occupational burnout. Managing energy and stress responses in the moment. Fight or flight responses when rock climbing.  Recovery becomes an addiction vs. harm reduction.  Different foods affect brain chemistry.  Intelligent health and developing intuition.  The mind-body connection.  Becoming “unstuck.” Practicing co-regulation and self-regulation. Wim Hof breathwork & heart flow breath practice.  Committing to practicing simplicity. Nurturing the nervous system with compassion and empathy. Being in a community to support your healing.  Unleash Your Energy Roadmap (on clearimpact.io). Links Clear Impact Coaching Adam's YouTube The Power of Food - Book Ben's Conscious Relationship Council (Next cohort starts April 4th) Ben's Freedom From Addiction Circle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Shefali specializes in the integration of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy and is an expert in family dynamics and personal development. She has written four books, three of which are New York Times best-sellers, including her two landmark books The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family. She joins me for a brass tacks conversation about the Dos and Don’ts of parenting, and to share about her new book The Parenting Map which comes out on February 28th, 2023.In this episode, we discuss: How to go from chaos, disconnection, and frustration to a place of deep bonding and clarity as a parent. The similarities between conscious (romantic) relationship work and conscious parenting. How your triggers with your child are a reminder of what you need to work on. The belief that our children are a possession, and the dangerous projection that follows. The problem with the old belief that “parents know what’s best for their children”. How parents tend to project their own fears, insecurities, and triggers onto their children. Having a child will bring up your own childhood issues. How spanking = hitting = suppression and shame in children. Parents as a safe space rather than a police force or judge and punisher. The 3 reasons kids misbehave: 1. Lack of Skill 2. Lack of experience 3. Lack of worth Fear/Control mentality VS abundance/love mentality. The NBC Method: Negotiation, Boundaries, and Consequences. The problem with force feeding children and forcing them to do things they don’t want to do. Home as a safe space VS a house of rules. Natural consequences - allowing life to teach your children. How to teach children to know their inner “yes” and “no” so they can trust themselves as adults. The value of remembering that children will be adults one day and will remember how you treat them. Connection as the crucial ingredient in governing children’s behaviour. Why showing a child your feelings is so powerful. Dr Shefali’s Links: Dr Shefali’s Books Instagram  TikTok  YouTube  The Conscious Relationship Council  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Wang is a speaker, writer, and founder of the Big Asian Energy show. He studies the communication and people skills of Asian American leaders and entrepreneurs, and uses evidence-backed studies to help them master performance and communication, so they can be better recognized for their brilliance and hard work. His videos on mindset and communication have over 25 million views on TikTok. In this episode we dive into: Becoming a man of action. Wing walking on airplanes. The gift of death. Collectivist vs. individualist culture. The script of being a good son vs. a good man. Unwinding parenting patterns in one’s own life. Dysfunctional and secure attachment between parents and children.  Healing wounds with parents. 6 archetypal patterns of unintegrated men. Learning to parent yourself.  Getting the love we want Blaming vs. evolving in relationships. The ACE method. Self-acceptance and attunement. Struggles of Asian-American men & women in the working world. “The Bamboo Ceiling”. How to cultivate empathy. The 4 things that give us all happiness. John’s experiment practicing kindness and what he learned. The Vagus Nerve. The Big Asian Energy course.   Links from this Episode:   John’s Website John’s Instagram John’s TikTok John’s Facebook John’s YouTube Ben's Conscious Relationship Council Ben's Freedom from Addiction Circle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connor Beaton is a speaker, a coach, and the founder of Man Talks, a company dedicated to the betterment of men. He joins me on this episode to talk about the subject of his new book: Men’s Work - A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self Sabotage, And Find Freedom.In this episode we discuss what Connor calls The Shadow Of The Father and how it affects every man's life. We also discuss the effects of absent fathers in the development of young men, and we touch on the effects of porn on men’s lives and their relationships.Pre-order Connor’s Book here. You can follow Connor @mantalks on IG, and on his website mantalks.com As mentioned in the intro, The Conscious Relationship Council for men is open for registration until Jan 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Pope is a chiropractor, men’s coach, and founder of Powerhouse Mind Body Chiro located on the Gold Coast in Australia. His latest venture Becoming The Mountain is focussed on mentoring men and preparing them physically, mentally, and emotionally for the rite of passage into fatherhood. Ryan is also co-facilitator at Alchemy, a multi-modality healing and transformational retreat for men and women. I asked Ryan to share his wisdom with me to help me prepare for my own initiation into fatherhood. In this episode we discuss: Preparation for fatherhood. Holistic healing and vitalism. Ryan’s journey to help men prepare for the birthing process. What kind of man do you want to be throughout the process of fatherhood? Normalizing mayhem in our body and mind during big transitions. Grief upon entering into parenthood. Embracing acceptance vs. embody resistance. The importance of having good men supporting you. Unplanned pregnancies.  Outcome oriented thinking vs. process focused thinking. The infinite intelligence of our bodies and The Universe. Challenging and navigating the “what if’s.” Birthing processes within the healthcare system vs. holistically.  Trauma during birth.  Creating intentions around a plan.  Divine femininity and surrendering.  Looking at the patterns that are mirrored from our parents.  Safety and trust in partnership during pregnancy.  Stepping up for your partner as a practice for fatherhood.  Cleaning out what’s taking up space in life to create more room for what you want. Navigating the unknowns of fatherhood.  The depth of presence and awareness. Trusting the inner wisdom of your partner.  The masculine structure around the birthing process. Toning.  Setting boundaries around family and friends. The importance of postpartum regeneration practices.  Links from this episode: Ryan’s Instagram  Ryan’s Chiropractor Website The Business of Being Born  The First Forty Days book Evolving Man Episode with Jessica Austin Evolving Man Episode with John Wineland See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.