Men Talking Mindfulness

What happens when a warrior returns home but can’t find peace?Jon sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Varpas de Sa Pereira explores the psychological challenges faced by combat veterans, with a particular focus on "Warrior Withdrawal Syndrome" - a condition distinct from but often coexisting with PTSD. Dr. de Sa Pereira delves into the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life, highlighting how military culture shapes identity and mental health. He emphasizes the importance of purpose, the overwhelming anxiety of limitless choices in civilian life, and the need for mindfulness, self-care, and sleep. The discussion also addresses common misconceptions about veteran mental health, the essential role of family and community support, and the wide array of resources available to veterans. Throughout, Dr. de Sa Pereira offers practical strategies for healing and underscores that veterans must take an active role in their own recovery.Get Dr. Varpas de Sa Pereira’s book here - https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Withdrawal-When-Longer-Means/dp/196220250XTry NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Get 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Visit https://tinyurl.com/57e68ett to learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction04:17 - Masculinity Without a Father07:58 - Success Through Small Wins08:43 - Athletics and Confidence14:35 - Gender Dynamics at Work and School16:35 - Views Across Socioeconomic Lines18:38 - Men, Mindfulness, and Society23:00 - The Psychology of Masculinity27:45 - Authentic Conversations34:51 - Injury and Mindful Detachment36:40 - The Fragility of Manhood46:37 - Teaching Critical Thinking to Daughters52:47 - Reading Romantic Cues58:19 - Emotions, Relationships, and Boys01:01:33 - Building Emotional Safety at Home01:03:15 - Emotional Miscommunication with Kids01:19:01 - Choosing Your Circle and AutonomyHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you enjoyed this clip, then you will love the full MTM episode with John. Here is the Podcast Link: https://pod.fo/e/2c78d9Or maybe you would like to watch this on YouTube instead: https://youtu.be/l9oEDU__fYQ?si=26wvFG82eslsA1l1Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help. Head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching and how it can help you break free from the hamster wheel. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it take to return to combat after losing a leg and come back stronger than ever?Jon & Will sit down with Nick Lavery, a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and the first above-the-knee amputee to return to combat after surviving an insider attack in Afghanistan. Nick shares his extraordinary journey of resilience, sacrifice, and personal growth, emphasizing the power of discipline over fleeting motivation, the importance of mindset in overcoming adversity, and the role of intentional failure in development. He discusses the critical value of support systems, both in the military and at home, and how competition and self-leadership drive progress. Through humility, patience, and a relentless commitment to his mission, Nick demonstrates what it takes to face the impossible and inspire others by leading from the front.Buy Nick’s book and find out more here - https://teammchn.com/storeTry NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Get 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Visit https://tinyurl.com/57e68ett to learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction00:48 - The Attack That Changed Everything10:04 - Rebuilding a Life After Loss20:14 - Why Mindset Beats Motivation29:47 - Returning to War with One Leg39:56 - Humility Is a Superpower41:46 - Why Failing on Purpose Works44:57 - The People Who Got Me Through50:43 - Finding Purpose After the Pain56:02 - Discipline Means Sacrifice01:00:00 - Leading Through Pain and Purpose01:03:39 - What Comes After the MissionHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tim Kennedy describes the effort and grit it takes to go after your greatness.Listen to his full Podcast "Mental Toughness Unleashed: Insights from Tim Kennedy" here: https://pod.fo/e/2b3e7fFeeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help. Head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get out of the fog of distress and into better decision-making.Head to MenTalkingMindfulness.com to learn more about what we're up to. MTM Spartan Team Race October 19th in Dallas - JOIN US!! Learn more here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/spartan-race-2025Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the root cause of anxiety, memory loss, or chronic fatigue after a brain injury isn’t psychological, but hormonal? Will and Jon sit down with Dr. Mark Gordon, MD a trailblazer in neuroendocrinology, to uncover how traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic inflammation disrupt hormonal balance, often mimicking or masking conditions like PTSD. Dr. Gordon explains the science behind hormone therapy, the overlooked role of gut health, and why a 28-point biomarker panel could be the key to reclaiming brain function, especially for veterans.Find out more about Dr. Mark Gordon here - https://tbihelpnow.org/ or here: https://millenniumhealthstore.com/Try NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Get 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Visit https://tinyurl.com/57e68ett to learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help. Head to willnotfear.comto learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel and into better decision-making.More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction02:47 - Neuroendocrinology’s Role in Brain and Mood09:16 - CTE and Hormonal Disruption Explained12:03 - Hormonal Feedback Loops and Brain Function13:20 - Hormones, Inflammation, and Brain Health17:00 - Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impact20:46 - Head Trauma and Long-Term Brain Decline26:29 - Inflammation’s Lasting Effects on Healing28:50 - Subconcussive Hits, Gut Health, and the Brain33:31 - Boosting Brain Resilience: Military Lessons37:09 - Blast Exposure and Neurological Damage41:32 - Rethinking TBI and PTSD Treatment Options47:17 - Veteran Brain Health: Science Meets Policy50:18 - Ibogaine Therapy: Success in Alternative Care52:18 - Revisiting Testosterone’s Role in Vitality55:28 - NSAIDs, Testosterone, and Better Alternatives58:58 - Nutrition, Selenium, and Hormone Support01:01:42 - NSAIDs, Pregnancy, and Endocrine Disruption01:07:35 - Libido Boosting with Testosterone and PT-14101:11:30 - New Approaches to Testosterone Therapy01:14:18 - Detox and Hormone Optimization01:15:57 - Clomiphene vs. Injectables: What Works?01:17:01 - TRT: Dosing Strategies and Side Effects01:19:02 - Balancing Testosterone and Estradiol01:22:42 - Why Hormone Balance Matters01:28:26 - Biomarker Testing for Brain Injury RecoveryHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Have you ever wondered how stepping outside your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new culture can change your perspective on life? Jon and Will explore the profound impact of travel on personal growth and self-discovery. They share their own transformative experiences, emphasizing the importance of being intentional during trips, embracing discomfort, and connecting with both the people around you and yourself. From the joy of family bonding to the lessons learned from different cultures, this episode highlights how travel can reset our priorities and enrich our lives.Try NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Our new sponsor. 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Tap this ⁠⁠LINK 🔗 t⁠⁠o learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.comto learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:38 - Travel as a Path to Growth03:49 - Adventures That Change Us08:32 - Culture Shock & Self-Discovery12:48 - Meaningful Moments with Family14:23 - Family Values Across Borders27:45 - Lessons from Cultural Contrast31:57 - Climbing Volcanoes, Facing Fears33:56 - Preparing for Peru36:32 - Awe-Inspiring Journeys38:33 - Finding Connection on the Road40:43 - Staying Connected While Away42:32 - Courage Through Exploration43:40 - Growth Through Intentional Travel52:51 - Embracing Culture & ChangeHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How can mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and a reimagined masculinity help American men and boys thrive in today’s world?Jon and Will talk with Former Congressman Tim Ryan about his journey into mindfulness, its power to heal trauma - especially for veterans - and the need to rethink masculinity. Drawing from his experiences in sports, politics, and mental health advocacy, Tim explores the loss of traditional rites of passage, the rise of emotional intelligence, and how technology is reshaping manhood.Try NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Our new sponsor. 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Visit https://tinyurl.com/57e68ett t⁠⁠o learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction04:17 - Growing Without a Father Figure  07:58 - Small Wins, Big Impact  08:43 - Sports, Confidence, and Connection  14:35 - Gender Dynamics in Work and Education  16:35 - Perspectives Across Class Lines  18:38 - Men, Mindfulness, and Society  23:00 - The Psychology of Modern Masculinity  27:45 - Being Yourself in Real Conversations  34:51 - Injury Recovery and Mindful Detachment  36:40 - Selfhood and the Fragility of Manhood  46:37 - Teaching Daughters Critical Awareness  52:47 - Decoding Romantic Signals for Young Men  58:19 - Emotions and Relationships for Boys and Men  01:01:33 - Building Emotional Safety at Home  01:03:15 - Misreading Kids' Emotions  01:19:01 - Autonomy and Choosing Your Circle Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the key to a healthier heart isn't just diet and exercise, but mindfulness? Heart surgeon Dr. Fernando Lamounier joins us to reveal how mindfulness can play a crucial role in preventing heart disease and enhancing emotional well-being. Drawing from the American Heart Association’s findings and his own medical experience, Dr. Lamounier explains how practices like breathwork and presence can counteract the damaging effects of loneliness, depression, and stress—factors that often lead to substance abuse and sedentary habits. Tune in to learn practical, science-backed techniques to calm your nervous system, strengthen your heart, and lead a more connected life.Try NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Our new sponsor. 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Tap this ⁠⁠LINK 🔗 t⁠⁠o learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.comto learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:44 - The Role of Meditation in Cardiac Surgery Outcomes02:01 - How Mindfulness Supports Patients Undergoing Heart Surgery07:38 - Mindful Techniques for Surgeons in Action16:36 - Visual Tools After Heart Surgery17:36 - Visualization to Ease Pre-Op Anxiety25:02 - How Feelings Shape Physical Health36:26 - The Hidden Health Risks of Male Loneliness37:53 - Social Bonds and Heart Resilience38:49 - How Relationships Influence Cardiac Wellness40:25 - Vulnerability and Healing the Heart42:18 - Creating a Life of Purpose and Belonging45:17 - Strengthening the Mind-Body Link50:08 - Embracing Personal Transformation and Healing51:54 - Struggles and Successes in Meditation52:44 - Meditation as a Path to Resilience01:01:15 - Forgiveness as a Gateway to ConnectionHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jon and Will welcome Nate Boyer, whose remarkable journey exemplifies the courage to evolve and find purpose. From volunteering in Darfur to serving as a Green Beret, then playing college football for the Texas Longhorns with no prior experience, Nate shares how having a mission and feeling needed are essential for fulfillment. He opens up about the identity struggles veterans and athletes often face after their careers end, which inspired him to co-found Merging Vets and Players (MVP)—a community that helps both groups find new purpose. Nate emphasizes the importance of hard work, embracing discomfort, and staying connected to one’s heart. His story is a powerful reminder to take risks, pursue passions, and live without regrets.Try NEURISH - Personalized nutrition for your mental health. Our new sponsor. 15% off with Promo Code MTM. Tap this ⁠⁠LINK 🔗 t⁠⁠o learn more about this incredible daily supplement.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:50 - Nate Boyer’s Journey from Military to Mindfulness06:25 - Journey to Service: Finding Purpose in Humanitarian Work13:00 - Navigating Identity and Purpose After Service22:29 - Peak Performance and the Pressure of Competition24:41 - Super Bowl Memories and Hell Week Regrets26:58 - Growth Through Embracing Change40:16 - Connecting Athletes and VeteransHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this conversation, Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL officer and leadership author, shares powerful insights on discipline as a path to true freedom. He emphasizes taking proactive steps over waiting for opportunities and explores how structured habits shape personal growth. Jocko discusses modern masculinity, the role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how sports build confidence. He connects military leadership lessons to parenting, advocating for trust, focus, and communication. Discover the balance of intensity and presence in achieving success.