Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is changing an entire generation of men. After losing his father as a child, he became committed to learning the best ways for men to live the longest and healthiest lives as possible. After completing medical school and spending years as a bodybuilder, he became a fitness coach and created the Fit Father Project - a health and wellness company aimed at helping men (especially “older men”) lose weight, build muscle, and get their energy back. In this episode we discuss the fundamentals of living a long, strong, healthy life. We talk about hormones, diet, exercise, sleep, supplements, breathwork, and lots more.  In this episode we dive in to the following: Anthony’s personal story, experiencing his father’s early death, which led to his background in personal training, bodybuilding, and medical school. The philosophy of the Fit Father Project - simple and sustainable health and wellness for busy men. The fitness world can teach someone what the medical world neglects. Ben’s 100 year old grandfather. Slowing down aging without becoming obsessed with it. How to better manage hormones as we get older. What the “ideal aging process” looks like. The misconception around aging - are we really simply just alive and moving straight toward death? How to limit the amount of damage we accrue that could affect our life cycle through: the food we ingest, the quality of air we breathe, the exercise we do, and managing our stress levels. What things kill most people and how can we prevent them from happening to ourselves? Fasting and how it contributes to a rejuvenation process throughout the body. 4 square meals a day - criticisms. Bodybuilding - not always necessarily conducive to living the longest life. Testosterone levels - are important, but not the only factor in living a long and healthy life. Methods of boosting testosterone. The importance of keeping cortisol and testosterone levels balanced An explanation of Daniel Buettner’s work - the fundamentals to living a long life. The “typical man’s man” and why this isn’t always a healthy lifestyle practice. How to do at home hormone testing with Let’s Get Checked. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) - once you start, it’s hard to stop. Other T boosters - high intensity exercise, vitamin D3, sunbathing, living as close to nature as possible and eating real, non-processed foods. The implications of Xenoestrogens and where it can be found in our daily routines. Important vitamins and minerals for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. The immense benefits of doing hot and cold therapy. Why prolonged fasting is so beneficial in terms of cleaning out our “tubes”. The work of John Rose and Dr. Zach Bush - learning about juicing and the gut. The plethora of benefits of breathing through the nose. Wim Hof style breathwork - how it works and why cyclic and rounds breathwork can aid in healing our bodies. How the breath is the access point to our nervous system and why it is very important to be conscious of our breathing. Is it possible for men to keep their testosterone levels high? How do we combat its natural decline with aging - and should we do so? When is the right time to start looking into TRT - if ever? Why testosterone levels and lifestyle factors need to be used together. The various implications of increasing testosterone. The importance of getting morning sunshine and supplementing with D3 if you live in an area with lack of sunlight. The Fit Father Project’s testosterone supplement. An explanation of adaptogens and how they can help deal with stress. Anthony’s opinion on drinking coffee. The importance of incorporating meaningful work, service, and social connection into one’s life. The distinction between meaningful work and work that can make you a lot of money. True happiness is found through self-transcendent practices. The importance of keeping your brain active in order to reduce cognitive decline - especially through a daily meditation practice. This was a huge episode with a ton of information covered. Bookmark it, listen to it again, share it with your friends.  Links Fit Father Project Website Fit Father Project on YouTube  Fit Father Project on Facebook Fit Father Project on Instagram Anthony’s TwitterLink to get your own male hormone tests with LGC and use the code 'Evolving Man' for 30% off your first order. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eldra Jackson III spent a large part of his life as a convict in the US prison system. Inside prison, he encountered a circle of men who led him to overcome his darkness and find healing. He is now the Co-Executive Director of that organization, called Inside Circle. This work was covered in the documentary called The Work. Join me in learning about Eldra’s life story - how he went from serving 24 years of a life prison sentence in California to becoming a successful businessman whose mission is to help heal and mentor other men for whom all hope is lost. In this episode we discuss:  The prison industrial complex in the United States. Eldra’s life journey and what led him to serving a life sentence. Why Eldra made many decisions from a place of trauma. How childhood trauma can affect your nervous system and behavior later in life.  What is a “good convict”? The common mindset among incarcerated people. The difference between prison and rehab  What retirement looks like for a prisoner. How Eldra turned his life around and transformed his mindset. The importance of looking inward to heal. How Eldra got introduced to Inside Circle while in prison. Therapy circles in prison. Changing the way we view and treat hurt people. Why systems only exist because we allow them to. How to create change in the prison system. Why countries need to learn from each other once they’ve developed solutions to societal problems. What’s next for Inside Circle?  How trauma survivors can redirect their energy to good things in the world. Inside Circle’s mission. Eldra’s Links:  Eldra’s TedTalk - How I Unlearned Dangerous Lessons About MasculinityThe Work Documentary: https://www.topic.com/the-work (note: you will have to pay for this documentary, but it is VERY worth it) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideCircleOrg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside__circle Twitter: https://twitter.com/inside_circle How to get involved: Inside Circle’s Website - https://insidecircle.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Sessa is a psychiatrist based out of the UK and a leading doctor in pushing the movement of psychedelics as medicine forward. Throughout his career, he has specialized in working with children and adolescents, but also has worked with adults who struggle with addiction. He has always been interested in bringing psychedelics into the medical community and has played a part in shifting the conversation about these drugs over the past decade. Ben joined me to discuss why our traditional way of dealing with “mental illness” is insufficient and what is coming in the future. He shares his own experiences of use and research regarding MDMA - which has historically been viewed as a party drug - to heal trauma and PTSD. This is the next generation of psychiatric care. In this interview we discuss:  Ben’s long history of working with psychedelics. How our current medical model is ineffective and doesn’t fit patients’ needs. Why traditional drugs are just a band-aid to issues. How societal factors play a major role in the healing process. Why no drug will work on its own, including psychedelics. Holistic approach vs. biological approach to medicine. Ben’s research on MDMA and PTSD. Why mild to moderate depression and anxiety are the most over prescribed illnesses. Where psychotherapy comes into play in the healing process. Why we attach ourselves to drugs that hide symptoms. How psychedelics can assist psychotherapy and counseling in a productive way. Why the therapy effectiveness rate for trauma survivors is very low How MDMA can help trauma survivors and is a trauma therapists dream. Why MDMA is incredibly safe even when used recreationally. Why we shouldn’t let politicians and the general public make decisions about the legality and safety of psychedelics. The biggest hurdles with psychedelic research. The pros and cons of the capitalization and medicalization of psychedelics. How Ben has been working to find a language to bring the psychedelic and medical community together. Why having a connection in the medical community is necessary to get a change in psychedelic policy. How trauma can still surface internally even after external factors have changed. The definition of addiction - it’s not about drugs. What is the best way to tackle addiction? How psychedelics get to the heart of the issue when it comes to trauma. Ben’s role in opening the world’s first psychedelic assisted psychotherapy clinic. Links  Ben’s Website: http://www.drsessa.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Rova is a feminine embodiment coach. She is the host of the Girl Skill Podcast - soon to be called “Claimed” - where she shares insights and tools for women to embrace their wild feminine nature. She also runs a program for successful single women who are looking to attract their ideal "masculine man". She joins me to answer questions about embracing femininity and how to create sexual polarity. In this episode we discuss:  How women can connect to their wild feminine nature. The movement of polarity: understanding aspects of our masculine and feminine nature.  The opposition of the feminine and masculine being anything but a social construct.  How pregnancy can change your point of view about your feminine nature and allow for a shift of the femininity inside yourself. Why feminine and masculine polarity is what creates attraction and sustainability in any relationship, hetero or otherwise. How a woman’s power comes from her fulfillment and being in her body, rather than having to “be” and “do” everything in life. Why being independent doesn’t mean a woman can’t be interdependent or shouldn’t trust a man. The twisted idea of womanhood: femininity equals weakness. Medicalizing birth: the disconnection we have from birth and the reverence of femininity. How the feminist movement plays a role in why we don’t give femininity the power it deserves. The woman who has it all - wives, mothers, ambitious and successful, and also wants a masculine man. The type of woman a man wants once he starts to own his maturity and step into his own masculine core. What women need to do to learn how to step into their feminine power.  How Anna teaches women to shift from overthinking and creating stories in their heads, to existing in their bodies.  The importance of women getting to a place where they can attract a man who is ready, available, has done his work, and stands strong in his masculinity.  Why men need guidance from other men to stand in their masculinity.  What it means to be a claimed woman. 3 ways to embody masculine essence - PCP (presence, claim, and penetration). Why women should lean on the masculine within themselves and the men in their lives for support. The difference between a circadian and infradian rhythm and how they impact men and women in society. How women have become disconnected from their natural cycles and the importance of scheduling day-to-day life around these cycles. Anna can be found at:  Web: https://girlskill.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annarovafan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarovaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode covers what you need to know about psychedelics and their therapeutic benefit. I sat down with James Jesso - a man who is well-equipped to discuss psychedelics and their benefits. He shares advice about how to approach psychedelic experiences, for new and experienced practitioners. James has been investigating, researching, and exploring the realm of psychedelics professionally for the past 7 years. He is the author of three books, “Decomposing the Shadow,” “Soundscapes and Psychedelics,” and “The True Light of Darkness,” which cover topics about working with Psilocybin mushrooms for personal development, healing, and spirituality. He is also the host of the podcast, “Adventures Through The Mind.” What do you need to know about psychedelics? In this episode, we delve into discussing psychedelic basics and the details surrounding the psychedelic revolution happening around the world. Plant medicine is becoming increasingly popular and people are awakening to their benefits, but psychedelic experiences still require a measured approach. In this episode we cover:  “The Psychedelic Renaissance” - how psychedelics-as-medicine are entering the mainstream consciousness. The criminalization of cannabis - the United States’ role in this movement’s relation to racism and oppression. The shift in consciousness regarding cannabis and how that conversation relates to psychedelics. The various ways people are trying to intentionally engage in psychedelic experiences as a way to seek healing and personal growth - and the prevalence of underground healing circles. How prohibitionist rhetoric causes more harm than good. Where do beginners start? Questions to ask when invited to an ayahuasca ceremony.  The challenge confronting our deepest wounds - it’s normal to be scared.  Why it can be beneficial, especially as beginners, to experience psychedelics with people you trust. Every person has a different reason for wanting to do psychedelics - the way in which we go about the experience depends on who you are as a person. Intentions and expectations - their role in psychedelic experiences.  Tips for preparation and how to show up in a psychedelic experience.  The immense value and importance of integration and how to debrief what occurred after a psychedelic experience. The difference between telling a story vs. actively utilizing the opportunity a psychedelic experience gives you. Party atmospheres and shifting how to approach psychedelics. Fear based “bad trips” - how they hold people back from exploring, how and why they may happen, and their unfair representation in the media. Discomfort and pain during a psychedelic experience. Why you should go into it expecting it. Other resources James has created in regard to micro-dosing, psychedelics, and more. You can find James at:  Website: https://www.jameswjesso.com Patreon Site: https://www.patreon.com/jameswjesso Twitter: https://twitter.com/jameswjesso Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameswjesso This episode sponsored by Let's Get Checked - an online, easy to use, personalized health testing service. From hormones, to vitamin levels, to cholesterol - they make at-home-testing easy. I used LGC myself, and am now a customer for life. Go to my link at TRYLGC.com/evolvingman and use the Coupon code EVOLVINGMAN for 30% off your first purchase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Chandler and Nicholas Meyers had a friend who was deep in the throws of opioid addiction. They wanted to help, so they went looking for solutions and grabbed their camera. Research led them to psilocybin mushrooms, and the result was a documentary film called “Dosed”. Dosed follows the journey of Adrianne as she uses psychedelics to heal her Opioid addiction. After touring the world and receiving immensely positive feedback and film nominations, Tyler, Nick and Adrianne joined me to discuss the significance of using psychedelics as medicine for the future of addiction recovery. In this episode we discuss: The use of psychedelics for treating depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Finding a profound shift in consciousness after using psychedelics. Uncovering that assumptions about psychedelics are not all based in truth – there are many misunderstandings. Adrianne’s internal struggles with opioid addiction and trying to introduce other drugs as a healing method. How different treatments may work for people attempting to overcome various struggles including Iboga, Ayahuasca, and “magic mushrooms”. Adrianne’s challenging yet rewarding experience of cutting her physical cravings of opioid addiction through Iboga ceremonies. Non-traditional entryways to recovery from addiction. The importance of having a support system and community to rely on while recovering from addiction. The need to release oneself from strict expectations from oneself, family members, and support groups. The importance of spiritual connection while healing. Facing challenges reconciling multiple world views and accepting there is not one specific path to recovery – choosing your own path is the most important. The process of legalizing psychedelics for therapy use and the importance of decriminalizing drug use for the success of society. How to get connected to and find access to people who are passionate about the medical use of psychedelics. The future of treatment centers: what services they will provide and how they will function. Psychedelics aren’t just for people who are addictive or mentally ill – there’s benefits for everyone. How psychedelics can connect you to your deepest self and help you become the best version of yourself. The difference between psychedelics and other drugs – their anti-addictive properties and using them recreationally versus medicinally. Where the root of addiction lives - intention or lack thereof. Multiple resources for more information on psychedelics The Dosed team can be found at:  Instagram - @dosedmovie Web - DosedMovie.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DosedMovie/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClfg-wBDeA_3sEbkmRgI0fg Twitter - https://twitter.com/dosedmovie   Please leave a review of the film here:  IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9787524/ For the latest in psychedelic therapeutic therapy research, check out MAPS.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connor Beaton is the founder of Mantalks, a men's personal growth brand that is dedicated to creating better men. Using the Mantalks Podcast and his online men's community, Connor influences thousands of men to do their inner work to be better fathers, husbands, and brothers to each other. Connor joins to discuss what he's seeing in the world and in his clients during the worldwide lockdown and dramatic change in society. Stay tuned to the end of this episode to witness some straight talk where Connor and I model a process called Active Constructive Appreciation. On this episode we discuss: The panic and collective fear Connor is seeing in the world. What happens in the nervous system when our sense of normalcy is eroded. The illusion of control over our future, and how much comfort we derive from that illusion. The dramatic emergence of conspiracy theories - where is this coming from? How reliant we are on the system that provides for us. The first time in many people's lives where they've faced the question "how am I going to protect and support my family?". Taking the right actions despite uncertainty. Living with virtue within a fear state. How isolation amplifies our mechanisms for coping and survival. The coping mechanisms are at an all time high: Movies, alcohol, drugs, porn, etc. Self-mentoring - Looking at your own amplification in this time. Looking outward to relieve our stress - we need to look inwards and find our own personal freedom. Being alone - facing one's self - the ultimate challenge. Your life isn't happening to you, it's happening for you. Seeing your own coping mechanisms and intervening to change them. The collective unconscious - we are all connected emotionally to each other. Boundaries - setting our own boundaries to stay grounded as society spins out. Coping Mechanisms VS Thriving Mechanisms. Death - acknowledging the micro-deaths and the death-rebirth cycles in our lives. A key to evolution - Letting go of what must die. Putting anger, fear, and protesting in its place. Taking action in your own life. Acknowledging grief and giving it a seat at our table collectively. Self-care: What Connor has been doing for self-care in isolation. Breath work, phone calls to supportive friends, limited media time, and lots of time in nature. Quality screen time - using screens for social connection vs. entertainment. Tip for connecting socially via screens: Active Constructive Appreciation. Connor and I model how to give one another constructive appreciation. This is one element of men's-work practice that we use in our men's groups. Connor can be found at: Instagram @mantalksWebsite ConnorBeaton.comThe podcast - MantalksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 has flipped the world - and the lives of everyone on it - upside down. Many jobs have been lost, everyone's plans have been cancelled, and half the world has entered a self-quarantine lock-down state. People are in isolation either alone, with their families, or with a partner.Relationships that may have been struggling prior to the lockdown, are now under major stress, because we're all forced in. Being forced to isolate with each other is not always easy. And, some people are isolated alone. This is especially hard for the extroverts who thrive on being in physical connection with others. In this episode Sheleana and I discuss ways you can take care of yourself and make the best of this time. We also share some strategies for couples to keep their relationship healthy at this challenging time. If you're alone in isolation, or cooped up with your romantic partner, this episode is for you. On this episode we discuss: Coping with physical isolation. Choosing how to accept reality and make the best of it. The witch-hunt - a way that people lash out at each other to look for control over their fear. Addiction and substance use at this time. Creating a routine and structure for self-care. Digital detox. More important now than ever. Digital dates with friends or romantic partners. Consuming media VS interacting with real people online. If you're struggling: we share our tips. Reach out, find the resources you need. Somatic tools for de-stressing and calming the nervous system. Breathwork - A powerful tool for immunity and nervous system regulation. Fear and the link to the immune system. The challenges Sheleana and I are facing in isolation. What couples are facing right now in isolation. How to deal with loss of attraction and polarity when in close quarters consistently. How to meet each others' needs in isolation. Negativity in dialogue, and how to deal with it. Powerful simple exercises for connecting in quarantine. Mirroring in dialogue. Sharing appreciation with your partner - a very good tool. How to honour your partner's needs and resolve disagreements about Covid precautions. Creating safety - learning to listen with non-reactivity. Successful couples are able to solve big problems together. Using competition to strengthen relationship. You can follow Sheleana with Rising Woman at: Instagram - @risingwoman and @sheleanaaiyanaYoutube.com/risingwomanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Bevacqua is a holistic nutritionist who works with addicts and other populations to transform their lives through diet and nutrition. He joins me for an informative discussion about the basics of addiction, dependencies, and recovery. We bust myths and shed light on how addicts find recovery. We also talk about how important nutrition and exercise are in the process of healing all mental illnesses, including addiction.Here is what we cover on this show: What is addiction? What is it not? The myths about common addictions? The difference between an addiction and a dependency, and how to discover that you have one. Positive addictions versus negative addictions. Where addiction lives in the brain. What part of the brain. What is the cause of addiction? Pain, trauma, disconnection. Addiction isn't only caused by genetics. The impact of early childhood environment on addiction outcomes. The environmental risk factors that contribute to addiction later in life. The steps to recovery: Remove the substance/behaviour, address the underlying pain, and build a life that supports recovery. Can we heal an addiction? First stage recovery and second stage recovery. Second stage, deeper healing. Deeper healing in second stage recovery - Conscious Relationship work, psychedelics, and plant medicines. Addiction does not live in the substance. Rat Park - The experiment that proved that drugs aren't the problem. Our society is the problem. Ideal recovery from addiction = building a rat park in your own life. Lost Connections, by Johann Hari, a useful book about depression and addiction. How to build a successful recovery plan, and how to get rid of things that are too triggering in the early days. How does nutrition play in to recovering from addiction? Healing the damage that drugs and alcohol do to the body. The double standard of coffee, cigarettes, sugar, and energy drinks in recovery circles. The benefits of quitting all substances at once. The best way to beat sugar cravings. The power of exercise in assisting addiction recovery. Recovery boosters - Running, H.I.T. workouts, and Yoga. Passion and Purpose - The special ingredient in successful recovery. Spirituality - connection to deeper self, or beyond self. The importance of open-mindedness in finding tools that work for you. Nutrition: Avoid sugar, white carbs, low quality oils. Move towards whole foods, healthy oils, wild meats, fermented foods. The power of switching from carbs to fat, for fuel. Treating depression with diet and exercise. Dr. Georgia Ede on carnivore diets and more. Chris operates a coaching business that helps clients deal with addiction and mental health issues with nutrition, exercise, and mindset. He helps you get your body and mind in the right place, so you can do the healing you need to do. Contact him for coaching here. Follow Chris on Instagram @good_n_healthy Chris is very active on Twitter @chris_bevacquaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this point, nearly everyone in North America knows someone who is addicted to (or has died from) Opioid use. The problem has reached epidemic proportions in the US and Canada. In this episode, I sit down with a man who has been treating Opiate addiction for years. Garyth operates an Ibogane Treatment Centre called Inner Realms that detoxifies Opiates from the system in a matter of days. He helps addicts free themselves from the stranglehold of withdrawal symptoms and physical dependency, and then points them towards long term recovery.Opiate addiction has one of the highest relapse rates and highest death rates of any drug use, so solutions that can fully detox addicts and give them a strong chance at recovery are very unique. In this episode, we cover: Garyth's story of alcohol and opiate addiction. The Peace Convoy in the 80s - unemployed hippie drug culture. How Garyth experienced a breakthrough on LSD that lead him to get clean from Alcohol. Garyth's story going to rehab. The two crucial steps to recovering from addiction - Getting off the drug of choice, and learning to deal with the stress of regular life without using. The importance of community in addiction recovery. Can not be overstated. How Garyth found Ibogane, and saw it's powerful effects. What is Iboga and Ibogane, and where does it come from? What are the traditional uses of Iboga. What Ibogane clinics look like. The dark reality of Methadone and Suboxone for Opioid addiction. The documentary that best shows opiate addiction - DOSED. Legal barriers to the use of Ibogane and Iboga. What the future of Opiate treatment looks like. The best aftercare treatment for Ibogane patients. How the best addiction treatment works. The proper use of psychedelics for later recovery. The importance of diet in addiction recovery, and how diet can sabotage recovery. You can find Garyth at his website - innerrealmscenter.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.