Men Talking Mindfulness

Learn from the man who made Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and the Chicago Bulls Champions. Here is our full Podcast with the Great George Mumford: https://pod.fo/e/2c0946We highly recommend reading George's latest book UNLOCKED: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover SuccessMore about all things MenTalkingMindfulness.comHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the key to mental clarity, emotional resilience, and real self-control wasn’t something you had to buy - but something you’ve had all along?Will explores how breathwork - a practice rooted in ancient wisdom and now supported by modern neuroscience - profoundly reshapes the way you think, feel, and respond to stress. Will breaks down why breath is more than just a bodily function; it’s a form of neurotechnology that can reset your nervous system, enhance focus, and reconnect you with yourself. Whether you’re skeptical or already curious, this conversation will challenge how you relate to your own body and invite you to slow down, breathe intentionally, and discover what’s been hidden in plain sight.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 and start making better decisions. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:56 - The Power of Breath Work02:48 - Understanding Neurotechnology and Breath05:44 - Pro Tips for Effective Breath Work11:56 - Overcoming Obstacles in Breath Work17:46 - Breathing Techniques and Practices28:30 - Breathwork Basics: The Reset Breath30:18 - Box Breathing: Focus and Grounding33:41 - Kapalabhati: The Breath of Fire38:21 - Commitment to Breath: Daily Practice and Transformation.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

You'll love our full MTM Episode with Nick Lavery!Here is the link: https://pod.fo/e/2e6429Dig into Nick Lavery on LinkedIn HERE More info about all things MTM at MenTalkingMindfulness.comHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the greatest threat to your child is the one you’re not prepared for? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Yadon, managing director of Saprea, to uncover the uncomfortable truths about child sexual abuse—and more importantly, how to prevent it before it ever happens. From recognizing subtle warning signs to creating safe spaces for disclosure, this episode gives every parent the tools they need to protect their children and break cycles of silence. Hope, healing, and prevention start here.Find out more about Chris and his mission here: https://saprea.org/about-us/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 - Introduction01:06 - Understanding Child Sexual Abuse and Its Impact04:06 - The Journey to Advocacy and Healing09:58 - Identifying Risks and Protecting Children15:41 - The Complexity of Perpetrators and Their Motivations20:50 - The Healing Process for Survivors29:14 - Creating Safe Spaces for Disclosure34:50 - The Role of Emotional Health in Healing39:47 - Signs of Trauma in Relationships 45:08 - Institutional Failures and Progress50:42 - Teaching Prevention and Boundaries to Children01:01:39 - Mindfulness and Healing Practices01:07:41 - Outcomes of Healing and Growth01:09:49 - Hope for the Future and Community ActionHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this microdose episode, Jon sits down to be interviewed by Jay Fields - one of our previous guests - on HER show, the Hey Wait podcast. They explore themes of authenticity, emotional vulnerability, and the societal conditioning that affects men's emotional expression. Jon shares his journey from the Navy SEAL Teams to mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of feeling emotions and the challenges posed by the 'nice guy' persona. The discussion also touches on the differences between being nice and being kind, the impact of people-pleasing in relationships, and the need for men to embrace their confidence and vulnerability. Listen to the full episode hereApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-wait/id1810486310Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ggpeSHBZ1358MoNXt6tdEtakeawaysAuthenticity is crucial for meaningful relationships.Societal conditioning affects emotional expression differently by gender.Mindfulness can help individuals connect with their emotions.The 'nice guy' persona can hinder personal growth and relationships.Being kind is different from being nice; kindness is rooted in authenticity.Men often seek validation through people-pleasing behaviors.Healthy masculinity exists and is essential for emotional well-being.Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.Emotional experiences on the battlefield can enhance self-awareness.Practicing mindfulness can lead to greater self-acceptance.Chapters00:00 John McCaskill's Journey: From Navy SEAL to Mindfulness Teacher00:56 The Importance of Feeling Emotions03:20 Overcoming Military Training: Embracing Vulnerability07:36 The Role of Mindfulness in Personal Growth11:16 Integrating Different Life Chapters13:29 Microdose OutroHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What do you do when your life falls apart and you don’t even recognize yourself anymore? Dr. Robb Kelly knows that feeling—he lived it. After losing everything to addiction, including his home, his identity, and his will to keep going, Rob had to rebuild his entire life from scratch. In this brutally honest conversation, he talks about what real recovery looks like, why connection is the antidote to addiction, and how strict daily non-negotiables keep him alive today. He speaks directly to men who’ve been taught to stay silent and explains why emotional suppression is killing us. This isn’t about success stories - it’s about survival, truth, and what it really takes to come back when you’ve lost everything.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 – Introduction01:02 – A Journey Through Mindfulness and Identity06:07 – The Fall from Success: Addiction, Despair, and Loss08:00 – Homeless but Not Hopeless: Rediscovering Meaning10:48 – Hard Truths from the Streets: Healing After Addiction12:11 – Connection as Medicine: What Recovery Really Looks Like13:59 – What Makes Us Happy? The Science of Purpose and Neurotransmitters18:07 – One Small Act: Paying Off Lunch Debts and Inspiring Others19:32 – Lunch Debt in San Antonio: A Movement Begins20:54 – Choosing a New Path: Recovery and the Road to Purpose22:52 – Forgiveness, Impact, and the Ripple Effect of Kindness24:34 – Big 'P' vs Little 'p': Rethinking the Idea of Purpose27:11 – Start the Day Right: Rituals That Cultivate Joy28:35 – Default or Design: How We Shape a Purposeful Life30:29 – More Than Goals: The Pursuit of Inner Happiness32:18 – Purpose Begins Within: Why the Inner Journey Matters42:26 – Masculinity in Crisis: The Search for True Purpose45:59 – Strength Reimagined: Trauma, Healing, and Masculinity46:26 – Breaking Cycles: Helping Men Heal from Childhood Pain49:49 – The Power of Women: Honoring Their Impact and Legacy51:41 – Love, Identity, and the Strength We Find in Others52:22 – Drawing the Line: Setting Non-Negotiables That Matter53:38 – The Blueprint for Fulfillment: Living by Core Principles55:45 – Legacy and Impact: What It Means to Live With PurposeHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this short micro dose episode, we explore the specialized qualities required for different SEAL Team missions. Our guest, retired Navy SEAL Commander Rich Diviney, shares his fascination with the unique attributes needed for high-stakes operations like combat diving and hostage rescue—emphasizing how patience, adaptability, and mental agility are mission-critical. Listen to full episode here: https://pod.fo/e/28e08fDrawing from hundreds of real-world missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rich unpacks the true purpose behind SEAL training—not to teach specific skills, but to reveal the core attributes required to perform under extreme pressure. Whether underwater for long durations or making life-or-death decisions in seconds, SEALs succeed not just because of what they know, but because of who they are.Rich’s insights extend beyond the military. He shows how this same philosophy—prioritizing attributes over skills—can transform leadership and team performance in any environment.Key Takeaways:Different SEAL missions require distinct personal qualities.Training is designed to reveal these attributes, not just build skills.The best teams are built on character, not credentials.This mindset applies equally in business and leadership.Specific Missions in the SEAL Teams Require Specific QualitiesSuccess in SEAL missions depends on the unique attributes of each team member—not just their technical skills. This distinction is critical for maintaining adaptability in dynamic, high-risk environments.Attributes Over SkillsEach mission demands specific traits. Combat diving requires deep patience; hostage rescue calls for rapid decision-making and agility. Someone who thrives in slow, methodical tasks might falter in a high-speed crisis—but they’d excel when endurance and calm are key. Recognizing these differences is central to building the right team for the mission.Real-World ExamplesRich Diviney shares a story from 2010, reflecting on his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. SEAL training includes grueling exercises—carrying boats, lifting logs—not because those skills are directly used in combat, but because they create pressure. The goal isn’t just physical fitness—it’s to surface traits like grit, teamwork, composure, and resilience.The Story of the Non-SwimmerRich tells the story of a SEAL candidate who couldn’t swim. On the swim test, he jumped in, sank to the bottom, and walked across the pool. When asked what happened, he admitted he didn’t know how to swim. But the instructor didn’t dismiss him. Instead, recognizing the young man’s determination and resolve, he said, “That’s okay—we can teach you how to swim.”That moment illustrates a core principle: if someone has the right attributes—grit, tenacity, humility—you can teach them the technical parts. But the reverse isn’t always true.From Military to BusinessAfter retiring, Rich noticed that organizations often overvalue hard skills while struggling to define or develop the deeper qualities that drive performance. Terms like “soft skills” don’t do justice to traits like emotional control, adaptability, and drive. Focusing on attributes gives companies a more accurate view of who will thrive, grow, and lead effectively.ConclusionThe highest-performing SEAL teams aren’t built on resumes. They’re built on character. That same principle holds true in every high-performance setting. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it mean to be a man in the age of AI? This episode dives into how artificial intelligence is reshaping masculinity, communication, and mental health, offering both opportunities and challenges in the digital age. The conversation explores how AI can support emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and personal growth - when used as a tool rather than a crutch. With thoughtful discussion on the ethical implications of AI, the crisis of masculinity, and the importance of human connection, the episode urges men to redefine strength through vulnerability, advocate for responsible tech use, and navigate this new landscape with intention and integrity.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 and make better decisions. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction04:00 – Can AI Be Empathetic? Rethinking the Nature of Intelligence06:02 – Masculinity in the Machine Age: How AI Is Shaping Identity11:10 – Redefining Dialogue: What AI Means for Human Communication18:57 – Are We Still Connecting? AI’s Effect on Relationships22:56 – Masculinity in Crisis: Is Technology to Blame?27:41 – Walking the Line: Harnessing AI Without Losing Intuition33:08 – Men, Meaning, and Machines: AI in the Journey of Growth40:49 – Designing Tomorrow: A More Conscious Future with AI45:16 – Who’s Accountable? Building Ethics and Trust into AI Systems48:06 – AI Email Fails: Early Lessons from Our Digital Helpers50:33 – Why Human Connection Still Matters in a Tech-Driven World53:27 – Meditation, Mindfulness, and Machines: Finding the Middle Path59:26 – Incels, Isolation, and AI: What the Future Holds for BelongingHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Jon's Fitness Journey - July Check-inIn this honest conversation, Jon and Will break down what it really takes to transform, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.Jon opens up about his journey over the past six months: the hard-earned muscle, the silent progress of visceral fat loss, and the surprising data from his latest DEXA scan. But this episode isn’t about hitting numbers. It’s about what those numbers reveal — and what they hide.Topics include:Why Jon’s “heavier” now… but healthierThe critical difference between weight loss and fat lossHow body composition scans changed Jon’s approach to fitnessThe role of discipline, identity, and emotional honesty in real transformationWhy fitness goals should be about freedom, not punishmentWhether you’re trying to get lean, get healthy, or just get back in the fight — this episode is a reminder that the real journey starts when you stop chasing quick fixes… and start owning your story.🎧 Hit play and come walk the long road with us.Timestamps:00:00 Jon's Fitness Journey Introduction03:00 Challenges with Diet and Discipline06:01 Understanding Carbohydrate Needs09:03 DEXA Scan Results and Body Composition11:45 Visceral Fat and Health Metrics14:50 Understanding Visceral Fat and Health Metrics18:12 The Impact of Weight Loss on Sleep Quality21:27 Exploring Supplements and Their Effects25:22 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery26:57 Tracking Progress and Dietary AdjustmentsHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Former Navy SEAL, NFL player, and entrepreneur Clint Bruce opens up about the war most men never talk about—the battle to stay real in a world that rewards performance. From the ball field to the battlefield to the boardroom, Clint reveals how chasing an image nearly broke him, and why authenticity is the hardest - and most important—fight of all. Throughout this raw conversation, we explore purpose, transition, the power of curiosity, and what it really means to define your own high ground.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching will get you off the hamster wheel and start making better decisions. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:19 - From Football MVP to Leadership Advocate03:24 - Grounding Practices and Personal Reflections04:40 - Finding and Maintaining Your High Ground06:36 - Navigating Life's Maps: Lessons from the Field12:08 - Lessons from Battlefields to Boardrooms15:16 - Understanding the Human Performance Systems17:33 - Navigating Identity and Purpose in Business19:12 - From High-Speed Feedback to Uncertainty23:33 - The Importance of Curiosity and Asking for Help26:54 - Embracing Hardship and Overcoming Quit Mentality30:19 - The Achievement Equation: Angles, Allies, and Advantages33:21 - Forging Camaraderie Through Suffering and Curiosity46:13 - Self-Awareness and Intentionality in Personal Choices47:21 - Intentionalism and Self-Awareness in Running01:33:04 -  A Journey of Remembrance and Celebration01:38:19 - Choosing Sadness: The Power of Authenticity and Connection 01:46:49 - Awkward Lunch and Draft Dilemmas01:47:16 - Overcoming Doubt: A Football Player's Journey01:48:05 - Closing Thoughts and GratitudeHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.