The King Within: Modern Masculinity and the Sovereign Man

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify“A real man should be able to slit a throat and hold a baby in the same day,” says JP Sears, comedian, father, and embodied teacher who joins The King Within podcast to share his unapologetic take on modern masculinity, fatherhood, and the journey to becoming a whole man. With his trademark blend of humor and depth, JP Sears reveals how the warrior archetype was awakened in him during the turbulence of 2020, why being vulnerable without strength turns men into emotional “puddles,” and how fatherhood serves as a ground-zero for both spiritual initiation and self-sacrifice.In this episode, JP Sears discusses why the polarization of men into either relentless warriors or perpetual softies is a recipe for dysfunction, and how he learned the importance of standing for principles—even when the world (and “cancel culture”) pushes back. He shares deeply personal stories about his relationship with his own father, the lessons he’s had to learn outside the home on strength, emotional connection, and providing structure for his son. Plus, you’ll hear JP Sears break down his nightly “clearing practice” for keeping his relationship alive, as well as the milestones and blind spots on his evolving path as a father and partner.Listen to The King Within for an honest exploration of what it means to be a trustworthy, grounded man in today’s world—and to discover why, for JP Sears, it’s the hill you’re willing to die on that defines your legacy.5 Key TakeawaysGet around good men—seek genuine, in-person brotherhood for real accountability and growth.Clarify the hill you’re willing to die on—define your values and principles, then stand for them without apology.Practice daily relational hygiene—clear emotional charge with your partner every night; own your feelings, communicate directly, and stay connected.Sacrifice for your family—make choices with their best interest in mind, not yours. The strength of a man is shown in what he’s willing to lay down.Prioritize intentional presence—put down the phone, make time for your kids, and show up with unwavering attention; your presence is the true currency of fatherhood.aMemorable Quotes"A man who doesn't have something more important than himself in his life will never be a whole man. The warrior isn't a warrior on the battlefield just for himself—he is representing something greater than himself.""Cancel culture only works if you consent to it. People consent to cancel culture through the bond of fear, but it cannot take away what really matters—your principles, your relationship to God, your mission, and the values you stand for.""It unlocks a death to the old self and a birthing of a new self. Especially as a father, you’re sacrificing, you’re no longer feeding your old sense of self. That old sense of self gradually dies, and it’s a great thing—painful at times, but truly fulfilling."Connect with JPWebsite: https://awakenwithjp.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AwakenWithJPInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenwithjp/Resources MentionedThe Holistic OBGYN (Dr. Nathan Riley) — https://www.belovedholistics.com/Whoop (fitness and health wearable) — https://www.whoop.com/Bolt Health (Testosterone Replacement Therapy provider) — https://www.bolthealth.com/The C.H.E.K Institute (Referenced as Check Institute)—https://chekinstitute.com/Tonkot Ali (Herbal supplement for testosterone support) — https://amzn.to/49uCpBvJordan Peterson — https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/Medal of Honor (U.S. military award, referenced story: Ed Byers)—https://www.cmohs.org/Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertificationsConnect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemiMentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify"Gratitude is not something of the mind, it's more something of the body," says Mike Salemi, host of The King Within, as he unpacks why so many men struggle to genuinely feel gratitude—even when they know they "should."In this intimate solo episode, Mike Salemi shares how performative gratitude lists and affirmations left him feeling hollow, and reveals the real barriers men face: unconscious negative self-talk, shallow breath, and a relentless pace that keeps us from being present. Drawing from his own life as a father and partner, Mike Salemi guides listeners through practical steps to shift out of the head and into the body, inviting us to experience gratitude as a living state—one rooted in presence, breath, and intention, not obligation.Tune in to The King Within to discover Mike Salemi’s personal, evidence-based path to embodying gratitude and reclaiming connection, calm, and meaning at home.5 Key TakeawaysShift your inner language—catch negative self-talk and reframe your words to work for you, not against you.Drop out of your head and into your body—slow your breath, lengthen your exhales, and anchor in the present moment.Break the habit of rushing—create intentional pauses to be present and notice what’s already within reach.Practice gratitude that you actually feel—let go of performative lists and focus on what honestly lands in your heart.Build sacred space for connection—set aside undistracted time with those you love or for your own reflection, and let gratitude naturally rise.Memorable Quotes"It's less about the holidays themselves and more about what it represents to us. We all have history. We all have associations of the past that we bring into our experience of the present day.""Gratitude is not something of the mind, it's more something of the body. Your mind might tell you, 'I'm grateful for this,' but you don't really feel it.""The pace that you've been operating, if you're having difficulty connecting with this superpower of being truly grateful—not the idea of it, not the performance of it, but really being deeply grateful in your body and in your heart—then look at the pace that you're operating at, and if you do want to feel more gratitude, create some intention around it."Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertificationsConnect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemiMentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify"I'm always a thought away from being with spirit," says Kyle Kingsbury, former UFC fighter, Director of Human Optimization at Onnit, and father, who joins The King Within podcast to reveal how becoming a parent, confronting hardship, and working with plant medicine have radically reshaped his journey. From communing with the soul of his son before birth in visionary ceremony, to building a life rooted in intention and connection on his Texas farm, Kyle Kingsbury opens up about the transformation from high-performance athlete to devoted papa and seeker of deeper truths.He discusses the impact of dropping old beliefs about work, masculinity, and legacy, sharing how practices like meditation, ayahuasca, and conscious partnership have helped him break family patterns of anger, deepen emotional resilience, and model spiritual ownership for his children. Kyle Kingsbury details the essential shift from pursuing success to cultivating presence, and why regeneration—of land, family, and spirit—is now his guiding force.Tune into this episode of The King Within to discover how radical honesty, relentless self-inquiry, and spiritual devotion can transform your relationship with self, family, and the world.5 Key TakeawaysPrioritize presence with your family—ditch the busywork that drains you and invest your best energy in your loved ones.Embrace essentialism—ruthlessly cut out non-essentials so you can focus on what truly matters and say "no" without guilt.If you’re in conflict, take radical ownership of your triggers—respond, don’t react, and use open-hearted communication to grow together.Hold your dreams as if they’ve already happened—cultivate gratitude, abundance, and clarity through practices like meditation and visualization.Seek and nurture a daily connection to your higher source—whether through meditation, prayer, or nature, let it anchor your purpose and parenting.Memorable Quotes"I could recognize that I was committing to things that weren’t making me better at my job, and they were pulling away from all the parts that actually matter in life. From there, I started to shift. I said no for the first time to people who weren’t used to hearing no.""If I can leave that for my kids or show them the doorway for them to walk through on their own and make that connection for themselves, that connection to Source is the single most important thing they can have.""Can I experience those feelings in meditation and hold that vibration? The more I can hold that, the more this dream that I want to make manifest actually comes to being."Connect with KyleWebsite: https://kingsbu.com/X/Twitter: https://x.com/KingsbuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylekingsbu/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylekingsburypodcastPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/48np1CmAhgejG9lWz4zzmGResources MentionedEssentialism by Greg McKeown - https://amzn.to/4pJFVxLHold On to Your Kids by Gabor Maté & Gordon Neufeld - https://amzn.to/4pFDdZTThe Soul of Discipline by Kim John Payne - https://amzn.to/4pLgpYVKing, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Robert Moore & Douglas Gillette - https://amzn.to/4jc7CNeMastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://amzn.to/3MG85ehDissolving Illusions by Suzanne Humphries & Roman Bystrianyk - https://amzn.to/4iZsLdgVax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. & Brian Hooker PhD - https://amzn.to/3KG7aKmAutobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - https://amzn.to/4p3LrdnThe Second Coming of Christ by Paramahansa Yogananda - https://amzn.to/3Y0LA6oKrishna Talks to Arjuna/God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita by Paramahansa Yogananda - https://amzn.to/3VLWgl6Fit For Service - https://fitforservice.com/Onnit - https://www.onnit.com/Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi Mentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify"The barrier to entry to building a business has never been lower. The barrier to entry to making a million dollars has never been lower. And the amount of distraction that's available has never been higher," says Mike Bledsoe, entrepreneur, coach, and co-founder of Barbell Shrugged, who joins The King Within for a raw and transformative conversation on wealth, entrepreneurship, and personal evolution.Once at the helm of one of the world’s top fitness podcasts and several fast-growing businesses, Mike Bledsoe pulls back the curtain on his wild ride—from making and burning hundreds of thousands in monthly revenue, to learning the painful cost of distraction and poor focus. He shares the pivotal mindset shifts and hard-won strategies that took him from nearly losing it all to building true wealth—not just financially, but in time, opportunity, and impact. Mike Bledsoe reveals why “passive income” is a myth, how true leverage is built, and what it means to really own your life as well as your business.Tune into The King Within’s latest episode to hear why so many business owners get “spread too thin,” the hidden traps of entrepreneurial success, and the new skills you must master to thrive in a rapidly changing world. If you’re ready to rethink what it takes to create lasting wealth—and resilience—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.5 Key TakeawaysDitch the “just make more money” trap—master your numbers, cut expenses ruthlessly, and install a system like Profit First so your business actually builds wealth.Cap your lifestyle, automate your income to require minimal hours, and use your freed-up time to learn, experiment, and prepare for rapid change—agility beats grinding.Get crystal clear on your wealth number. Identify how much you need invested to live your best life, then track all decisions against hitting that target—clarity unlocks action.Shift your mindset from “risky” to “responsible”—own your business, own your results, and stop outsourcing your financial future to employers or the market.Relentlessly upgrade your nervous system and beliefs. Adaptability, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation are your greatest assets in a world where distractions and change are accelerating—work on yourself as much as on your business.Memorable Quotes"The barrier to entry to building a business has never been lower. The barrier to making a million dollars has never been lower. And the amount of distraction that's available has never been higher.""If you own your own business and you know your numbers, you'll know months ahead of time before you have any financial trouble. The difference is, the level of responsibility of a business owner is so much higher—it's not risky.""This is the greatest time in history to be able to design a life that you desire. The only thing holding most people back is they don't believe it's possible for them."Connect with MikeWebsite: http://bledsoe.life/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_bledsoeMike's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MikeBledsoeFullStack Life on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefullstacklife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.bledsoeX/Twitter: https://x.com/michaelbledsoeResources MentionedProfit First by Mike Michalowicz - https://amzn.to/4a3KJcgHigherDOSE (PMF + Infrared Mat) - https://www.higherdose.com/Onnit (Wellness & Fitness Brand) - https://www.onnit.com/Krisstina Wise (Wealthy Wealthy Mindset & Wealth Coaching) - https://wealthywellthy.life/Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi Mentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify“If your nervous system is always set up for chaos rather than peace, it will seek out chaos.” These are the words of Ryan Martin, high performance health and vitality coach, who joins The King Within to share how unhealed stress patterns can sabotage even the most successful men—and reveal why so many of us unconsciously crave drama or struggle to find fulfillment in calm.Returning from a transformative men’s retreat, Ryan Martin opens up about panic attacks that felt like heart attacks, the heavy cost of overcommitment, and the powerful shift that comes from cleaning up your language and reclaiming trust within yourself and at home. He shares his personal journey of redefining masculinity, learning to be present, and embodying what he calls the “safety blanket with a sword” energy—strength that protects, but also nourishes.Tune in to this episode of The King Within to discover what rites of passage, nervous system regulation, and intentional language have to do with becoming the man your family runs toward, not away from—and why, for Ryan Martin, true kingship begins with mastering your inner state.5 Key TakeawaysClean up your language. Drop soft talk—ditch words like “maybe,” “try,” and “possibly”—and speak with clear conviction to double your confidence and deepen trust.Take radical ownership. Stop blaming your parents or circumstances. Integrate the lessons, honor your history, and deliberately choose the man you want to become.Do the real work—physically and emotionally. Practice nervous system regulation, confront your patterns, and embrace vulnerability. Make time to regularly release anger, shame, and guilt through breath, movement, and honest conversation.Prioritize your vitality. Nourish your body with real food, sunlight, movement, and detox. You can’t be a grounded leader or present father if your health is drained—make your vessel strong and resilient.Seek community and rites of passage. Surround yourself with men who challenge and support you. Lean into discomfort, own your story, and commit to ongoing practice and accountability—transformation happens in connection.Memorable Quotes"If your nervous system is always set up for chaos rather than peace, it will seek out chaos. So peace feels strange—like there’s nothing to worry about, and that’s uncomfortable. You end up seeking drama or stress because that’s what feels normal.""True masculinity is like having a safety blanket with a sword. You have the sword and can wield it when necessary, but most of the time, you are the safety blanket for everyone around you—decisive and direct, but rooted in love and integrity.""The amount of growth you’ll get is measured by how much truth you can hear about yourself and not run away. A lot of this work is about burning away the things that aren’t serving me, so I can step into what does."Connect with RyanWebsite: https://reviveyourself.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan__martin__/Revive Yourself with Ryan Martin Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MrewQRstBC5vr2GFVT7f5Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReviveNaturalHealth/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAIBoKV_-keRnNLSptWnSQ/videosTelegram: https://t.me/RyanMartin_ReviveYourselfClick Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi Mentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify“It sucks walking around not feeling powerful. Sucks walking around having your wife be chronically upset with you. You can fix these things and live a very different life. Life is short. Don’t sit around and just think about reading another book,” says GS Youngblood, author of The Masculine in Relationship, who joins The King Within to deliver a wake-up call to men feeling disconnected at home, even while thriving in their careers.A former Silicon Valley exec turned men’s relational leadership coach, GS Youngblood draws on his own journey—from burning out in the tech world to navigating a transformative “awakening” in his marriage—to unpack the real reasons so many men lose their power and presence in intimate relationships. He shares the three-part masculine blueprint for reclaiming strength: respond instead of react, provide structure, and create emotional safety.In today’s episode, GS Youngblood explains why leadership at home means so much more than just providing financially, reveals the subtle patterns of defensiveness that quietly kill connection, and offers deceptively simple—but game-changing—embodiment practices that any man can start today to shift conflict in real time. He also addresses the challenge of living with a strong, outspoken partner, provides practical guidance for handling unfair divisions of work, and discusses the surprising impact of sexual leadership.Tune in to The King Within and discover how to rebuild trust, transform your marriage, and become the man your family runs towards—not away from.5 Key TakeawaysEvery man has the power to transform his relationships and reclaim his strength—you just need to take the right action.Daily embodiment practice is non-negotiable—ground your nervous system with a physical meditation or breathwork to show up calm and centered at home, not just at work.Stop the blame game. When conflict erupts, lead with awareness and interrupt defensive spirals—pause, breathe, and choose to respond rather than react.Leadership begins at home. Take charge of emotional, logistical, and sexual dynamics—don’t just provide, actively shape the relationship’s direction.Make safety your superpower. Create emotional safety for your partner by truly listening, owning your part, and validating her feelings—even if they come with intensity.Don’t wait for her to change—be the solution. Commit to embodying grounded masculinity for six months; watch trust, intimacy, and connection return.Memorable Quotes"It sucks walking around not feeling powerful. Walking around having your wife be chronically upset with you—you can fix these things and live a very different life. Life is short. Don't sit around and just think about reading another book.""You may or may not be the problem, but you are the solution. That's the mindset I want guys to get in. There's too much time spent on whose fault it is. Forget about that. Stop trying to get out of trouble. You're not a little boy anymore. You're an adult man. You don't get into trouble unless you allow yourself.""When you're more relational from a grounded place, she will become softer, less critical, more interested in sexuality with you—barring other factors—without you demanding she change, hoping she changes, or sitting around complaining until she does. She will change when you do."Connect with GS YoungbloodWebsite: https://www.gsyoungblood.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsyoungbloodmir/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gsyoungblood8437Resources MentionedThe Relationship Repair Bootcamp: https://www.gsyoungblood.com/bootcampOnline Courses: https://www.gsyoungblood.com/coursesThe Masculine in Relationship: A Blueprint for Inspiring the Trust, Lust, and Devotion of a Strong Woman Paperback by GS Youngblood - https://amzn.to/4adBjL7Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi Mentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

📺 Watch on YouTube and SpotifyFREE PDF: The 5 Types of StrengthClick Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)“There’s arguably few things less attractive to a woman than a man who’s in his victim mentality and making it all about him,” says Mike Salemi, host of The King Within podcast and former powerlifting world champion. Behind the physique and the success, Mike Salemi reveals that true strength for men runs far deeper than gym numbers—it's about mastering five domains: physical, emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual.In this episode of The King Within, Mike Salemi exposes the myth of the "strong body equals strong man" and shares his journey from world stage victories to battling relentless self-criticism, shame, and illness. He introduces the transformative concept of the five strengths and practical rituals to center yourself physically and emotionally, build trust at home, and lead with clarity and purpose. Drawing from personal stories, vulnerable relationship moments, and actionable tools, Mike Salemi challenges the modern man to move beyond surface-level achievement and become the leader his family runs toward—not away from.Tune in to this riveting conversation to learn how to commit to real change, grow deeper in all areas of life, and discover the legacy you truly want to leave behind.5 Key TakeawaysBuild your day on strength, not stress. Commit to a 10-minute rising ritual—bodyweight squats, pushups, and intentional breath—every morning for momentum and clarity.Name and tame your emotions. When triggered, pause and say: “I’m noticing anger.” Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 6 to create space between reaction and response.Foster connection, not isolation. Practice vulnerable communication—ask for permission to share, name what you feel and need, and don’t dump everything on your partner. Find a men’s group for real support.Get your mind right before you start your day. End each workday by journaling your worries, wins, and gratitude; focus on the one key action for tomorrow and celebrate your progress.Live aligned with your deepest values. Map out your “Hell Yes,” “Maybe,” and “Hell No” across health, relationships, work, and self—and take bold steps to cut misalignments and honor what matters.Memorable Quotes"Physical strength is important, but it is not the entire story. If we really do want to show up as the strongest, most potent, powerful man possible, we need to develop the five types of strength.""Vulnerability is equivalent to courage. So much growth can happen in a committed relationship when you support each other in your healing and truly create a connected, loving life.""Your core values are the rudder on your ship that lets you know if something is in alignment with your current and higher good. If you can live in alignment with your values and have clarity of where you're going, that's how you become a more trustable man."Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi Mentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

Tim Corcoran, founder of Headwaters Outdoor School and author of The Earth Caretaker Way, shares his journey from training elephants to guiding wilderness rites of passage. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship and the wisdom of elders. With stories of sweat lodges and the lessons nature teaches, Tim inspires listeners to embrace risk and create a life of purpose. He explores how to reconnect youth with the environment and the importance of living by a personal code of honor, urging men to reclaim their roles as caretakers of the Earth.

📺 Watch on YouTube and Spotify“When we show up as our most authentic self and run the risk of vulnerability, I actually get to know you,” says Mike Salemi, host of The King Within podcast, who returns to center stage for a powerful reflection on masculinity, fatherhood, and reclaiming grounded leadership. In this deeply personal episode, Mike Salemi unpacks the evolution of his show—from its origins as “The Path” to the focused message of The King Within—revealing how his own journey through self-limiting beliefs, family legacy, and the birth of his son Luca inspired a complete transformation.Mike Salemi shares how true maturity and leadership require integrating vulnerability with strength, and offers a new definition of “king”: not a distant ruler or tyrant, but a man with inner sovereignty, responsibility, and presence. Supported by Harry Duran, Mike's new podcast producer and recent Men of Movement retreat attendee, they discuss the need for men’s work now more than ever—and why most men are desperately seeking connection and authenticity beneath layers of success and external achievement.Tune into The King Within to learn why the balance of masculinity and vulnerability is so essential—and what it truly means to be a leader your family runs toward, not away from.5 Key Takeaways3:04 How do you overcome limiting beliefs and fears when starting a new project like launching a podcast?7:49 Why is it important to be intentional and focused about the audience and message of your work or podcast?12:34 How can the concept of "the king within" be redefined to represent mature and responsible leadership?15:14 What are the different approaches to men’s work, and why is balancing vulnerability and strength essential?20:38 What practical topics and strategies will help men cultivate responsibility and presence in their everyday lives?Memorable Quotes"When we show up as our most authentic self and run the risk of vulnerability, I actually get to know you less about the mask that you wear or who you think you need to be to show up.""The grounded king, or the king within, is someone who's rooted in their core values, not necessarily the values that they inherited from their parents. Nothing against our parents, but most men specifically, and most people in this world, are regurgitating a script that they inherited from father to son, great grandfather, grandfather, etc.""I'm realizing that presence is the currency of fatherhood. He doesn't care how much money I'm making. He doesn't care. All he wants is Papa to go to the park. Papa, play with me. Papa, be with me."Connect with HarryHarry's done-for-you podcast agency, FullCast: https://fullcast.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamharryduran/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryduran/Click Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi Mentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded KingThe Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King

Most men don’t realize just how much pain they’re carrying, or how that pain silently bleeds into their work, relationships, and sense of self. In this short solo episode, I break down how unaddressed pain shows up in the body and mind, why “powering through” makes it worse, and what it actually looks like to begin healing. You'll learn a 4-step process for who to work with your pain in real time using writing as the tool. You’ll hear insights drawn from my own life, client experiences, and what I’ve seen working with high-performing men who’ve reached their breaking point.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most men underestimate how much pain they’re carryingHow to begin using writing as a tool for transformationA story of facing pain in relationship and what it revealedPractical steps (the 4-Step Enlifted Storywork Process) for working with fear and discomfortA powerful invitation to take the next step in your own growthClick Here for our Black Friday Specials!(expires by Midnight PST December 1, 2025)Work With Mike(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.comMen of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1CoachingPrograms (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgramBulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications Connect with MikeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemiLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi 🎙️🎙️🎙️Original episode production by Soulfire ProductionsPodcast Rebrand & Current Production & Marketing by FullCast: https://fullcast.coMentioned in this episode:The Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded KingThe Grounded KingThe Grounded King is a unique blend of an ongoing online men's group and private community with the education and frameworks to go with it. We meet 1x/week for 90 minutes, and you will get access to all of my online programs, as well as the Curriculum to go with your journey. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all alone, and start building from a place of truth and vitality, click below and I’ll send you everything you need to know.The Grounded King