The King Within: Modern Masculinity and the Sovereign Man

Mike Salemi
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Dec 11, 2025 • 57min

144: Mike Bledsoe - Why Building Financial Leverage Holds the Key to True Wealth and Freedom

📺 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
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Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 26min

143: How Ryan Martin Tapped into Ancient Rites of Passage to Overcome Anxiety and Chaos

📺 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
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Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 1min

142: Why Masculine Leadership Holds the Key to Deep Connection at Home with GS Youngblood

📺 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
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Nov 20, 2025 • 57min

141: Why Embracing the 5 Types of Strength Holds the Key to Rebuilding Trust at Home

📺 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
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Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 12min

140: The Importance of Mentorship and Elders in Guiding Rites of Passage with Tim Corcoran

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.
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Nov 6, 2025 • 26min

139: Why I Decided to Rebrand the Podcast and What That Means for Men

📺 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
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Aug 22, 2025 • 27min

138: How to Work With Pain

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
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Aug 7, 2025 • 28min

137: Reactivity vs. Responsiveness: How to Lead Yourself When You Want to Snap

Most men think reactivity is the problem, however it’s not always. In this episode, I break down the key difference between clean, protective reactivity and the kind of emotional reactivity that damages trust and connection. I’ll walk you through what’s really underneath those short fuses, how to shift from unconscious reactions to grounded leadership, and how to start reparenting yourself in the heat of the moment. This one’s for the men who are holding a lot, doing a lot, and want to show up better for themselves and the people they love.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The real difference between healthy reactivity and unconscious reactionWhy overextension leads to emotional snap points in menHow Enneagram Type 2 patterns fuel people-pleasing and resentmentA simple breath + grounding practice to shift reactivity in the momentJournal prompts to help you respond, not explode, under pressureClick 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
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Jul 19, 2025 • 60min

136: When You Know Better… But Still Do It with Greg Schmaus

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a pattern you know isn’t serving you… and no matter how much you try, you keep repeating it?In this episode, I sit down with my friend and returning guest Greg Schmaus to explore why good men so often betray themselves—even when they’re doing everything they can to “fix it.” We go deep into Family Constellations, the victim triangle, and the unconscious contracts many of us form in childhood that silently shape our relationships, sense of power, and integrity.This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and deeply practical—especially if you’ve ever said, “I know better… but I still can’t change.”In this episode, we cover:The victim triangle as a constellationWhy men stay stuck in self-betrayalHow childhood dynamics shape adult relationshipsThe link between infidelity and hidden family contractsFamily Constellation work as a path to healingLINKS:Healing 4D with Greg Schmaus - Click HereClick 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
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May 3, 2025 • 49min

135: The Sacred Pause: Hunting, Healing, and Coming Home

In this solo episode, I share the transformative experience of my sixth sacred hunt—a trip that reset me from the inside out. From deep rest under an old tree to the intensity of a final morning harvest, this journey was filled with humbling insights on pace, presence, and purpose. I reflect on what it really means to walk with the land, how the hunt became a mirror for my life back home, and the unexpected ways these immersions in nature sharpen my leadership, my relationships, and my soul.In this episode, I share:What sacred hunting taught me about presenceThe moment the land forced me to slow downWhy success isn’t always about the killHow nature sharpens leadership and awarenessThe power of unplugging and walking with the landWhat makes this hunt different than all the restDetails on the upcoming Primal Reset RetreatLINKSPrimal Reset Retreat, May 17-20th in Mt. Shasta, CAScared HuntingClick 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

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