Heart of Man

Welcome back, everybody, to yet another episode on the „Heart of Man“ - this is one that I am personally incredibly excited about as we're going into a deep dive into the intricate world of relationships. I am thrilled to introduce Sven Loss to the podcast, a dear friend and relationship coach who has made it his mission to help individuals move from unhealthy to healthy relationship dynamics. In our past conversations, Sven has humbly admitted to me that the reason he knows so much about relationships today is because he has failed at them for the majority of his life. The big turning point came when he came out of a very challenging relationship over 4 years ago that ultimately ended with infidelity. Heartbroken, and committed to never be in the same situation again, his circumstances propelled him on a journey of self-discovery and take ownership for the ways he's contributed to the dysfunction in his relationships. This led him to unpack the traumatic experiences of his past, bring awareness to the ways he's learned to cope and lean into the confronting journey of leading from his own authenticity. Today, Sven sheds light on common relationship patterns, helping individuals identify areas that are asking for healing while equipping individuals with the skills to create the inspired relationship culture they desire In many of my interactions with fellow men, I've observed that many of them are brought on the journey of developing themselves when they are met with their own limitations to relate romantically. And I feel deeply for them – because this is exactly how my own journey started over 8 years ago. In our conversation, Sven and I cover o a wide array of topics such as the importance of listening, the importance of fully being with our partners without attempting to fix them, why we as men need to have a capacity to be with our emotions, the obstacles many couple come up against and the essential relationship skills required to create a healthy relationship culture. And that is only a glimpse of the rich discussion ahead! In this conversation, Sven and I cover following topics: Sven's personal journey of being in an unhealthy relationship dynamic Why relationship is the best mirror to yourself The importance of listening What to do with triggers when they arise in relationship How to tend to unhealed past experiences, so they don't leak out in our relationships Some of the most common dynamics that arise for most individuals in relationship Learning to be with our partner's emotions without going into "solution-mode" The importance of making ourselves vulnerable in relationship The fundamental understandings of "Attachment Theory" - and how this influences our personal relationships Why we do not need to fix ourselves — Connect with Sven Website: https://www.svenloss.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sven_loss?igsh=MWVxMXhhejdzcHNxZA== Connect with Alex Website: https://alexlehmann.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlehmann_?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw== Interested in working with me 1:1? Apply here and book a free discovery call with me: https://www.alexlehmann.co/11-coaching Find out more about my Men's Group Program: "The integrated Men's Leadership Intensive: https://www.alexlehmann.co/men-leadership-intensive

Emile Steenveld is an emotional intelligence coach & an expert in human behavior with more than a decade of experience helping individuals break free from old beliefs and shed habitual patterns, so they can lead themselves more effectively in their lives with a sense of meaning and fulfillment. Emile's journey into personal development took a unique path through his career as a professional fashion model. Through his exposure to the competitive & cutthroat industry he came face to face with his own lack of confidence & fear of rejection early on. He came to realize his success in the business would need him to take ownership over his own insecurities and do the internal work that was necessary. And his journey required him to seek out how to communicate effectively, leave powerful first impressions and learn to carry himself with an embodied sense of confidence that is not solely an outward expression but is rather felt deeply within. Having always had a curious and introspective nature, coupled with his deep desire to grow, Emile was introduced to the field of the self development Naturally, he came to later transition full time into the personal development world, where he's made it his mission to help others with the challenges he had faced himself such as building confidence, regulating one's emotions, healing past wounds and communicating effectively. Emile and I first connected after he attended our weekly breathwork circles and I just knew we had to come together to dive deep into topics such as emotions & human behavior. What followed was a rich conversation where we cover topics such as healing the wounds from our fathers, the importance of emotional awareness and regulation, dealing with triggers, navigating the pitfalls of comparison, stepping into embodied confidence and many more. This was a rich conversation where both Emile and I passionately shared about themes that are so close to both of our lives with the intention to provide as much value as we can for all you listeners. I can't wait for all of you to listen into this engaging dialogue between the two of us. In this conversation we cover many topics such as: Emile's journey of being a professional fashion model His journey of discovering that he lacked emotional intelligence Healing severed relationships with our parents How we can release the grasp of perfectionism Why it's essential for us to cultivate emotional range to become more self-expressed How to navigate triggers What Emile learned about being a man within men's groups How we can release the mechanism of comparison How we can truly experience fulfillment — Connect with Emile Website: https://www.emilesteenveld.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilesteenveld?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw== Connect with Alex Website: https://alexlehmann.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlehmann_?igsh=YzVkODRmOTdmMw== Interested in working with me 1:1? Apply here and book a free discovery call with me: https://www.alexlehmann.co/11-coaching Find out more about my Men's Group Program: "The integrated Men's Leadership Intensive: https://www.alexlehmann.co/men-leadership-intensive

Kute Blackson is a renowned inspirational speaker, teacher, transformational coach, and the host of the popular Podcast „Soultalk“. He is also the author of the national best-selling books "You are the One" and "The Magic of Surrender". Born in Ghana, West Africa, Kute's life was profoundly shaped by his multicultural upbringing as the child of a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian father. Growing up in London, as the son of a revered spiritual leader of more than 300 churches, Kute began to speak in front of large audiences by the age of 8. At the ripe of 14, he was ordained as a minister by his father and was announced to be his successor. In his heart, however, he knew that this wasn't the path that was set out for him. At 17, he humbly confessed to his father that it wasn't his desire to become a minister, causing a lasting rift within their relationship. At his core, Kute had a desire to move to America - to live at the heart of the personal development scene amongst the many spiritual mentors he grew up reading about At 18 with 2 suitcases and 800$ in his bank account, he set out for his dream to America cultivating a deeply spiritual life along the way. Today, Kute's mission is simple: to awaken and inspire people globally, guiding them to inner freedom, authentic living and fulfilling their true life's purpose Widely regarded as the next generation leader, Inc magazine calls him „the mindfulness guru billionaires go to for advice“. He's also the youngest member to have been voted into the transformational leadership Council, a select group of 100 of the world's foremost authorities in the personal development industry. Kute profoundly impacted my own journey – something I shared with him in the conversation. When I learned he'd be in Bali for his final retreat on the Island, I knew I wanted to come together for this unique opportunity. Now, for all of you listening: Get ready... Because this conversation is on fire. Kute's passion, devotion to truth, and unapologetic approach shine through every sentence, leaving deep impressions through numerous moments of the conversation. Within this interview, We delve into the challenges modern men face. From letting go of our fathers approval, the importance of grieving, recognizing that no one will save you, the importance of building a relationship with death, what men need to know about relationships and the importance of embracing a life of integrity. Among the numerous interviews I've done by now, this is without a doubt one of my favorites and a conversation that I myself will come back to. In the following conversation Kute and I cover following topics Kute's origin story The importance of letting go of our father's approval The importance of taking responsibility and being willing to face the consequences of our actions The importance of grieving Facing our own death; so we can step into the boldness of living The number one pursuit of men What men get wrong about relationships What Kute learned about becoming a man by becoming a father Bringing awareness to the places we lie to ourselves and stepping into the truth of our experience — Connect with Kute: - Website: https://www.kuteblackson.com/ - Instagram: @kuteblackson - Read Kute's book "The Magic of Surrender: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Surrender-Finding-Courage-Let/dp/B08MWVKQ4M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LWK9XBS4ICVM&keywords=the+magic+of+surrender&qid=1701756310&sprefix=the+magic+of+surren%2Caps%2C409&sr=8-1 - Listen to Kute's Podcast "SoulTalk": https://open.spotify.com/show/45FLnCDSbcIfi4jXX90iUE?si=c942791362b54bd9 Follow Alex Instagram: @alexlehmann_ Interested in getting 1:1 Coaching support? Reach out to me and book a discovery call: alexlehmanncoaching@gmail.com

I am incredibly excited for this upcoming episode as we're going to be switching things up a little bit. Instead of interviewing yet another incredible guest, I actually recently had the great honor of being interviewed myself on the podcast „Unhooked“ with my friend Jeremy Lipkowitz. And I felt called to share this interview on the „heart of man“ for a number of reasons. First of all, this has been the first podcast interview I was a guest on in 2 years which provided a space where I could share some of my most current perspectives, teachings and experiences, particularly diving deep into my passion within the field of men's work. During the interview, Jeremey asked me some thought provoking questions exploring reason why I started the podcast and what my intention is with it. And I wanted to provide this discussion here for all of you to get a glimpse of why I am so passionate about this project. Coupled with a conversation around my past where I spoke to my experiences with heart-break and themes of life and death through my work as a paramedic, I attempted to shed deeper light on how I came to be where I am today. One more thing to note, is that a significant portion of our interview revolved around the topic of pornography and sexual shame in service to the work that Jeremy does in the realm of Porn Addiction. Having personally grappled with challenges around porn and sexual shame, and working with numerous men on these subjects, I happily agreed for us to go into depth. My sincere hope is that this conversation will provide value to you, whether its through the share my personal journey or the knowledge I felt compelled to bring, which has been foundational in my own growth. I'd like to close off this introduction with a an offer which is if you are a man or you know a man who may desire support during this time, let this be your invitation to reach out with the contact links provided below. And I am here to see how I may be able to serve you. Within the conversation Jeremy and I speak to following topics: The ending of a relationship that instigated my desire to start "Heart of man" The challenges that I had to face as a result of the break-up What my intention is with the podcast & the work I do with men My experiences as a paramedic that motivated me to enter my own unique path My first exposure to pornography Why I ended up using pornography to soothe my the pain I couldn't cope with How to address sexual shame and embrace one's own sexuality How I overcame pornography addiction How we can live a more purposeful life & experience deeper meaning The importance of brotherhood — Follow Alex on Instagram: @alexlehmann_ Interested in getting 1:1 Coaching Support? Reach out to me & book a discovery call: alexlehmanncoaching@gmail.com Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremylipkowitz For more information on Jeremy & his offerings: https://www.jeremylipkowitz.com/

In this latest episode I had the great honor of inviting my new friend, Jeremy Lipkowitz to the podcast. I am excited to share his work with all of you, as he's working in a field that is in my opinion both relevant and absolutely necessary. Jeremy is a porn addiction recovery coach, a meditation teacher and an expert on digital habits and he's made it his mission to serve men in overcoming porn addiction, so they can live with deeper purpose – and in the process reclaim their minds, learn to thrive in relationship, and live with deeper integrity. In his own personal journey, Jeremy had to confront his own addiction to pornography, and his inner battles with shame, self-judgement and depression Coming into contact with Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness, he found a modality that was able to support him through his challenges. And for years he ended up spending time living and training with ordained Buddhist monks in Myanmar. Along the process he's found his way back to himself with a greater sense of meaning, fulfillment and purpose. And with a background in genetics and genomics, he now combines a science-based approach with his deep passion for eastern philosophy and mindfulness, in order to support men in reclaiming sovereignty over their own minds, so they can experience inner peace. Within our conversation, Jeremy and I specifically focused on the topic of pornography. It's becoming increasingly evident how the consistent consumption of porn can impact lives, yet I still see the conversation surrounding it remains limited. Having faced my own challenges with this issue, and speaking to men on a regular basis around the topic of porn, I knew this was an essential conversation for us to have. With Jeremy's expertise in the field of neuroscience, I was interested to hear about the impact porn has on our lives and why it's so addictive. With his training in fields such as mindfulness and addiction recovery, we explored in depth, what pulls specifically many men towards porn but also how thow they may be able to break free from it. This was an incredibly illuminating conversations with some heartfelt and transparent shares out of our own personal lives. And I can't wait for you all to listen to it. Without further ado, let's dive on in: In the following interview we go into the following topics: Jeremy's personal healing journey through porn addiction Why porn is highly addictive and the 3 A's of porn addiction How at the root of every addiction there is a pain we seek to tend to The long-term impacts of using porn & how it impacts our relationships The distinction between healthy shame and toxic shame The difference between lust, craving and desire How vulnerability & authenticity are the key's to releasing toxic shame A path forward and strategies to help men break free from porn The importance of community — Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jeremylipkowitz For more information on Jeremy & his offerings: https://www.jeremylipkowitz.com/ Follow Alex on Instagram: @alexlehmann_ Interested in getting 1:1 coaching support. Reach out to me & book a free discovery call: alexlehmanncoaching@gmail.com

Edward Ulm is an expert body therapist, neuro trauma educator and the visionary behind science of touch – a platform that educates people on safe manual therapy from a trauma-informed perspective. Edward's journey into the power of touch began with his own accumulation of injuries, where he was eventually guided to seek support through manual therapy. His profound healing experiences sparked a deep passion in him to to understand the potency of touch, leading him down a journey of studying the realms of physiotherapy, psychophysiology, somatic psychology, and neuroscience. I originally came into contact with Edward's work over 2 years ago when I went through a 400-hour breathwork facilitator training where his platform science of touch was offered as a resource for further education. I have since followed Edward's work closely, inspired by his ability to bridge manual body therapy with the realms of neuroscience, trauma healing and ancient wisdom teachings. When I heard that Edward was coming to Bali for a few months, I knew that we needed to come together in a conversation. In my own personal journey, learning to work with the body, coming into an understanding of the nervous system and how it consistently informs me throughout my day-to-day has truly been a life-changing gift that I never knew I needed. I have since developed a depth of connection with myself through my breath, movement and touch – a connection that I never knew was possible. Through this conversation, my dearest hope was to provide a glimpse into the doorway I I went through almost 5 years ago – a doorway that I know see as absolutely essential in our modern times. And through our dialogue I aim to shed light on why nurturing a relationship with breath, movement and touch are foundational pillars at this present time. With Edward's insights into ancient wisdom teachings coupled with his depth of knowledge in modern science, I knew that he was the right person to share about the intricacies of the nervous system and how we can embark on a journey of deeper connection to ourselves. I hope that you'll find this conversation just as captivating and insightful as I did. In this episode, Edward and I cover What is manual bodywork and why is it so valuable. How we need to have experiences where a new context of being is available to us A general understanding of how the nervous system functions and how we need to learn safety Why mental approaches are not enough and the importance of working with the felt experience What people can do to create deeper empowerment and safety through a journey of empowerment Why choosing a personal practice is essential The value of yoga and how it has informed Edward in his work through a modern lens — Follow Edward on Instagram: @scienceoftouch For more information on Edward's work, check out his website: https://scienceoftouch.com Follow Alex on Instagram: @alexlehmann_

Jakob Horvat is a Men's Coach, Adventurer and Meditation Teacher guiding men to connect to their life purpose, authenticity and wildest potential. He is also the host of „Thousand First Steps“ Podcast, a show dedicated to supporting others in their personal exploration and growth. Back in 2016, Jakob decided to step away from his well-paying job as a TV-Journalist and embarked on 14-month journey of self-discovery. His travels took him across the world, consistently pushing him to his own personal edges. From hitchhiking through Europe to sailing on a cruise ship to North America, doing a 3-day vision quest, spending time with indigenous shamans in the Amazon jungle, and even completing an ultra-marathon in Maui, Jakob's journey became a catalyst for personal transformation. Inspired by his own profound shifts, he decided to leave his old career behind and underwent training to become a coach, dedicated to helping others uncover their potential and find deeper connection with themselves. I personally met Jakob on a 7-day Men's Retreat in Bali alongside 24 other men at the beginning of 2023 and we've cultivated a strong friendship through our time together. In this conversation, we dive deeply into the realm of men's work – attempting to bring a deeper understanding of what it is and we share our personal experiences of being immersed in spaces where men come together to intentionally explore their edges. What followed, was a rich discussion sharing our own experiences of growing up as men and the expectations and experiences that that society imposes on so many of us. From there, we shed light to what was required so we could step into a deeper space of integration and wholeness within ourselves. As our conversation unfolds, we explore a path forward for men, offering insights into how as men can foster a deeper connection within ourselves. I hope you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did whilst recording it In this podcast, Jakob and I go into following topics: Jakob's personal experiences of being immersed in intentional spaces with other men and what sparked his curiosity into men's work The dynamics of polarity and the forces of masculine & feminine energetics that are independent of gender Jakob's journey of stepping into emotional sovereignty and moving beyond old notions of how men should navigate their emotions The importance of coming ino terms with our dislikes and learning to cultivate acceptance for what is Healing past wounds and building trust amongst men again - stepping out of a paradigm of competition & unupmanship to collaboration and camaraderie. The absence of male role models and Jakob's journey to reconcile his past hurts with his own father. Learning to sit with our discomfort and embracing challenge A pathway forward for men to become more self-led, empowered and connected — Follow Jakob on Instagram: @jakob.horvat Find out more about Jakob and his offerings: https://www.jakobhorvat.com/ Follow Alex on Instagram: @alexlehmann_

In this episode, I have the great honor to welcome Andrea Soverini as a guest. Andrea is a multi-passionate man who currently fills the many roles of a poet, artist, photographer, designer and breathwork facilitator. He's also the co-founder of „Voices Unleashed“, a collective movement supporting art & self-expression in Bali. Born and raised in Italy, Andrea has always felt a sense of being different from the culture he was raised in. This feeling eventually led him down a journey of self-discovery, initially working remotely in various cities such as London, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong & Sydney as a designer. It was during this time that he had his first encounter with depression, which he attributes to living in misalignment with his true self and the past experiences he was never able to emotionally resolve. This pivotal time inspired him to explore various different modalities, ultimately discovering the transformative power of „Conscious Connected Breathing“. The breathwork journeys he undertook, eventually allowed him to clear the emotional backlog that had accumulated from his past and in one distinct session he had a vision of creating art through various mediums such as poetry, photography, digital illustrations and other artistic endeavors. This vision initiated him to fully down the path of the artist. In his own words, Andrea aims to create art that tells stories and provides experiences inviting people to explore emotions and understand the human condition through love, beauty and the unordinary. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of getting to know Andrea personally, and I have always been deeply inspired by his passion for art and creativity. His perspectives have expanded my own creative capacities and enriched my approach to various aspects of life. I have no doubt, this will be a rich and captivating conversation for all you listeners. In this episode, Andrea and I explore: Andrea's personal journey into becoming an artist His experiences with depression & how he overcame it's grasp The importance of emotional regulation & understanding the language our nervous system The value of letting go of who we think we are in order to tap into creativity The value of finding emptiness in our lives to create something new How we can embrace the life of an artist today Tools to tap into our creativity — Follow Andrea on IG: @andrea.soverini Find out more about Andrea on his website: https://www.andreasoverini.com/ Follow Alex on IG: @alexlehmann_

In this episode, I had the great honor of welcoming Marc Laws II to the podcast. Marc is a renowned Yoga Teacher and former professional soccer player. Outside of that he's a devoted husband and father. From his early days in the United States, Marc's fascination for the game of Soccer took root, eventually leading him towards a career as a professional soccer player during his early twenties. Through this journey, he channeled his passion for the game to unlock the hidden potentials of his mind & body. Fueled by his curiosity for life, soccer became Marc's gateway to unraveling life's deeper lessons. Whether it was mastering discipline, navigating competition, or excelling in high-pressure situations, soccer offered him a platform for personal growth and self-discovery. Marc's explorations eventually continued beyond the boundaries of the soccer field, leading him into the fields of human behavior, psychology, and sports therapy. When he discovered yoga, it became clear that a new chapter of his life was wanting to emerge. In his own words, he says: „Yoga had it all. The philosophy, an approach to life, and the awareness of my mind and self.“ Since then, he's not looked back. Marc and I connected early on in my own journey in Bali after I attended one of his local yoga classes and he's become a dear friends since. As we came into this interview, Marc had just come out of an extended period with his father, who visited Bali to meet his grandson, Sage, for the very first time. And it was this unique coming together that provided an extraordinary point of focus for our conversation—an opportunity to delve into the dynamics of three generations: father, son, and grandson. Together, we explore the transition from boyhood to manhood, the role of fatherhood, and finding the path of forgiveness for the wounds we may inherit from our fathers. This conversation is filled with heartfelt stories and examples out of our own personal lives, creating a truly special episode that I am incredibly excited to share with all of you. In this interview, Marc and I explore: How we can come into relationship with past wounds we've received from our fathers How we can use listening as a tool for better communication The distinction between „mastering your mind“ vs. having a relationship with your mind The healing power of touch The importance of men coming together deliberate in containers with other men Moving from a paradigm of competition to sharing power with The value of holding each other accountable as men and calling each other forward Nutrients of the male diet How to support our loved ones during hard times How we can see life through the eyes of play and wonder Holding grief in the one hand and gratitude on the other What becoming a father has taught him — Follow Marc on IG: marclawsii Follow Alex on IG: alexlehmann_

In this episode, I had the privilege of diving into the fascinating World of one of the most inspiring humans I've met on my 2 and a year adventure in Bali: Carlos Tao Carlos is a yoga teacher, a philosopher, and a visionary in the fields of anatomy, functional movement and kinesthetic intelligence. He's also the founder of the fluidUs Academy – a movement that is dedicated towards offering methods and transformative practices to support others in returning back to the wonder of life. I was first introduced to Carlos when I attended one of his classes at a local Yoga Studio here in Bali. What I expected to be an ordinary yoga class turned into an extraordinary experience. Carlos beautifully integrated human development, myth and philosophy into his teachings, introducing all kinds of new movements and language. I came out of that class, feeling a deeper sense of connection to myself and as though I had tapped into a more expansive expression of who I am. This conversation with him was truly one of a kind. Whilst we go little into Carlos' own personal story, we dive into a vast exploration of our modern culture, its loss of meaning and connection and how we can reclaim it, so we can access a deeper state of connection. I've seen Carlos bring a deep commitment to his work, in order to help individuals connect back to that state of awe & wonder – rekindling the magic of life that they may have been once in touch with but lost over time. Having gone through various of his trainings, I have been consistently blown away by his ability to bridge myth, story, anatomy & functional movement. And what I've found is, that it is through this integration, that he empowers individuals to move past their own limited view of themselves, so they can tap into a deeper expression of who they are. In this fascination conversation, Carlos and I explore: The loss of meaning & connection in our culture and how we can reclaim it in our modern times The importance of myth and ritual and how both can be used as tools to guide us back into connection & meaning The four types of knowing and how we leverage them to inspire growth How we can step out of our limited perspectives to a more expansive frame for viewing ourselves and life The importance of relationship, community and learning to relate in a way that inspires interconnection Practices that allow us to become emotionally and physically resilient and help us tap into a zest for life The value of holding the tension between two opposing ideas and the wisdom we can find within the tension How we can use movement and our physical bodies to step into deeper levels of self-awareness and connection. — Follow Carlos on Instagram | @carlostaomovement Discover more about fluidUs Academy: https://www.fluidusacademy.com/ Follow Alex on Instagram | @alexlehmann_