Modern Masculinity

Hector has a powerful conversation with Jeffrey Williams, founder of Lifestyles of Light and Vitalist Institute, exploring the vital connection between breathwork, balance, and the pressures of modern life. Jeffrey shares how embracing both support and challenge can transform the way men approach their roles, relationships, and personal growth. They talk about the impact of stress, the value of reconnecting with purpose, and the role of breathwork in breaking free from limiting narratives. Here’s a look at what it means to truly show up—for yourself and those who depend on you. Don’t miss it!Chapters00:00:00 – Esoteric Meets Everyday: The Power of a Simple Tool00:01:10 – Heavy Lifting: Breathwork in Life’s Hardest Moments00:03:16 – Enter Jeffrey Williams: Juggler of Spheres00:03:35 – Wearing Many Hats, Carrying Many Loads00:07:10 – The Fairy Tale That Crashed Into the Rocks00:11:19 – Health Is More Than a Checklist00:15:41 – Unlocking Life Through the Power of Breath00:19:54 – Merging Mind and Body: The Ancient Approach00:25:41 – The Secret of Laying Down to Die00:26:05 – What Are Tiny Deaths?00:28:52 – Modern Stress: Our Invisible Predator00:31:03 – Therapy, Productivity, and Breath: The Triple Power00:38:21 – The Two Sides of Breathwork: Pain and Power00:44:30 – Support and Challenge: The Perfect Balance00:48:02 – Life’s Secret Blueprint: The Great Perfection00:51:00 – Jeffrey’s World: How to Connect and Learn MoreLinks and ResourcesJeffrey on InstagramHave a Happy Spine —  Free 75-Minute WorkshopLifestyles of LightVitalist Institute of Psychospiritual TransformationEsalenHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector and Matthew Sloane, an author, coach, facilitator and an ally to all dads, explore the complexities of being a man in today’s world. They dive into the struggles of balancing sensitivity, anger, and the responsibilities of fatherhood, while unpacking the unspoken challenges many men face. They discuss the emotional impact of boundaries, societal expectations, and how self-compassion is so powerful. It’s a conversation that sheds light on the inner conflicts of today’s men and the paths toward growth and connection.Chapters00:00:00 - Setting the Stage: Why Compassion is the New Masculinity00:01:43 - Names, Identity, and What They Reveal00:02:30 - A Father's Struggle: The Tightrope Walk of Modern Parenthood00:04:17 - Sensitivity Unmasked: Power or Weakness?00:06:30 - The Invisible Lines We Cross Daily00:07:53 - What Happens When Vulnerability Leads the Way00:15:35 - The Quiet Revolution: Men’s Work in Action00:25:15 - From Monkeys to Men: How We’re All Connected00:26:31 - A Sneak Peek Inside Matthew Sloane's Inner World00:43:45 - Can Masculinity Still Be Modern?00:45:14 - Wrapping Up: What Will You Take With You?Links and ResourcesMatthew SloaneMatthew on LinkedInHiding Inside a ManUnderstanding the Mature MaleStable Dad 101Hector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Nik opens up about his journey after exiting multiple businesses, confronting an identity crisis in the process. Together with Hector, they explore the shifting roles of men in a rapidly changing world, discussing the weight of societal expectations, the challenges of staying true to personal values, and the importance of building unshakable relationships in an age of disruption. Reflecting on their experiences, they share insights on resilience, self-discovery, and the evolving definition of masculinity, offering a roadmap for men seeking purpose and fulfillment beyond traditional roles.Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview00:01:31 - From Success to Self-Exploration00:03:17 - Identity and Purpose in Transition00:05:38 - Role Reversals and Redefining Worth00:06:52 - Values as a Compass for Self-Discovery00:13:01 - Agreeableness Versus Self-Assertion00:21:17 - Founders’ Emotional Landscapes00:22:08 - Growth Through Self-Discovery00:22:46 - Passion Meets Practicality00:26:56 - Purpose and the Power of Goals00:36:55 - Practices That Anchor Us00:38:52 - Closing Reflections on MasculinityLinks and ResourcesNik on LinkedInCoFoundersNikonomics PodcastHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector welcomes Brandon Peele to the show to talk about the evolving identity of masculinity in an uncertain world. They discuss challenges such as healing father wounds, navigating divorce, and facing economic realities, all while discovering deeper truths about what it means to live authentically as a man today. From questioning traditional gender roles to finding purpose amidst societal chaos, this conversation goes into the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of being a man in the 21st century. With advice on how to lead with intention and build community, they give a powerful reminder that redefining masculinity starts within.Chapters00:00:00 - The Call to Modern Masculinity00:01:16 - Masculinity: A New Torch to Bear00:02:48 - Healing Generational Wounds00:04:01 - The Role of Patriotism in Masculinity00:06:33 - Economic Struggles and Late-Stage Capitalism00:11:57 - Relationships in a Changing World00:23:43 - From Local Action to National Impact00:38:24 - Defining Modern Masculinity in Today’s WorldLinks and ResourcesBrandon PeeleBrandon on LinkedInBison MedicinePurpose Work NationUnity LabHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with therapist John Sendim to talk about the hardships men face in embracing therapy and dealing with emotions they’ve often been taught to ignore. They talk about why so many guys avoid therapy, what it takes to really process emotions like anger and sadness, and how therapy is more than just talking—it’s about building tools for life. John shares his own story of getting through a personal loss and explains why inner work isn’t just about “feeling better” but learning to live fully, even through the tough stuff.Chapters00:00:00 – Opening Thoughts and Setting the Stage00:00:43 – Unmasking Therapy's Role for Men00:01:05 – Reflections on Mental Health Journeys00:02:37 – John Sendim’s Path to Becoming a Therapist00:04:36 – Tragedy’s Turning Point00:08:02 – Navigating Emotions and Duties00:15:05 – The Rise of Men’s Groups00:18:23 – Key Challenges Men Face in Therapy00:20:41 – Launching a Podcast as Self-Therapy00:22:03 – Unpacking Anger and Emotional Suppression00:24:34 – Therapy’s Role in Emotional Growth00:26:20 – Inner Child and Healing Work00:28:08 – Linking Past to Present Self00:30:26 – Exploring Therapy Techniques00:34:19 – Boundaries and Anger Management00:37:39 – Wrapping Up and Resources for Next StepsLinks and ResourcesJohn on LinkedInUpLift Therapy for MenHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Eric Fitzmedrud to have conversations about topics most guys avoid but need to have. Eric opens up about how he has navigated masculinity, sexuality, and relationships that break from the “traditional path.” They talk about everything from fatherhood and polyamory to the struggles men face around consent and personal identity. Eric doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of balancing relationships, managing desire, and embracing personal truth, and he challenges men to get honest with themselves and their partners. Chapters00:00:00 - Welcome to Modern Masculinity00:01:42 - Meet Eric Fitzmedrud00:02:06 - A Look into Eric’s Struggles and Triumphs00:04:22 - Choosing the Road Less Traveled00:07:04 - Exploring Sexual Identity in Relationships00:18:26 - Rethinking Pornography and Healthy Sexuality00:23:53 - The Art of Consent and Emotional Self-Awareness00:34:58 - Developing Advanced Skills for Deeper Connections00:37:56 - Parting Insights and Useful ResourcesLinks and ResourcesEric on LinkedIn The Better Man by Eric Fitzmedrud Journey To Stronger Relationships | BlogHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Adam Lyons to explore the tough realities of trust, betrayal, and the role violence plays in a man’s life. Adam opens up about being betrayed by people he once trusted, losing over $120K in the process, and questioning whether men today need to stand up and fight, both physically and metaphorically. Drawing from his own experiences in business and martial arts, Adam shares the hard lessons he’s learned about masculinity, setting boundaries, and surviving in a world that constantly tests these principles.Chapters00:00:00 – Welcome to Modern Masculinity00:02:10 – Betrayal, Trust, and Hard Truths00:03:10 – The Making of a Fighter: Adam's Background00:06:34 – Fighting Lessons Applied to Business00:09:53 – Street Smarts and Survival Skills00:12:17 – Living in High-Stakes Environments00:15:42 – The Role of Violence in Setting Boundaries00:17:08 – Building Trust After Betrayal00:19:34 – Masculinity Under Pressure00:22:22 – How Fighting Connects to Dating00:23:59 – The Lumberjack Effect: Real Attraction00:24:23 – Masculinity and Instinctive Desires00:25:29 – Redefining the Provider and Protector00:26:49 – Myths of Modern Masculinity00:29:35 – Practical Skills in Relationships00:37:21 – Why Preselection Matters00:41:03 – Conversations, Escalation, and Success00:43:47 – Free Resources and Final ThoughtsLinks and ResourcesAsk the Dating CoachThe MVP FormulaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Tony DiLorenzo joins Hector to talk about the challenges men face when it comes to intimacy, relationships, and personal growth. They talk about the impact of grief, stress, and shame on men’s emotional and sexual lives, sharing advice on how to work through these issues. Tony also explains the six pillars of intimacy and how understanding them can help men build stronger connections with their partners. This honest conversation offers insights into how men can face their struggles and find a path toward healthier relationships.Chapters00:00:00 Welcome to Modern Masculinity00:02:17 Tony DiLorenzo's Journey: Family Life and Personal Reflections00:04:52 Processing Grief and Dealing with Loss as a Man00:07:55 Exploring Intimacy: Connection and Vulnerability00:13:58 Shame, Guilt, and Breaking Emotional Barriers00:22:15 Unpacking the Six Pillars of Intimacy00:23:44 Emotional Intimacy: The Core of All Relationships00:24:28 Common Mistakes Men Make in Emotional Intimacy00:29:41 Financial Intimacy: The Untold Stress on Relationships00:30:53 Managing Stress and How It Impacts Intimacy00:36:06 Building a Strong Foundation for Marriage and Life00:36:47 Tony’s Belief Statements: Tools for Personal Growth00:39:09 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks and ResourcesLinkedInONE Extraordinary MarriageTony & Alisa on InstagramThe 6 Pillars of Intimacy Conflict ResolutionThe 6 Pillars of IntimacyThe 6 Pillars of Intimacy WorkbookONE Extraordinary Marriage ShowAll of Tony & Alisa DiLorenzo’s booksHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Carl Lubbe discusses what it means to live as a man in today’s world, getting into the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal growth. He breaks down the myths surrounding masculinity, such as the pursuit of work-life balance, and points out the importance of presence, leadership, and authenticity. Carl also talks about how social media impacts men’s personal development and why it's crucial to ask better questions to lead a more meaningful life. This conversation gives insights for men seeking to lead with purpose in today’s world.Chapters00:00:00 - Setting the Stage: Why Modern Masculinity Matters Today00:01:55 - Carl Lubbe’s Journey: A Real-Life Example of Integrated Masculinity00:03:13 - Breaking the Myth: Is Work-Life Balance Even Possible?00:05:14 - The Power of Authenticity: Living True to Yourself in Every Role00:08:10 - Presence is Everything: How to Show Up Fully for Life’s Moments00:10:19 - Redefining Leadership: What Masculinity Teaches About Leading Effectively00:17:36 - The Bigger Picture: Masculinity in Today’s Complex Cultural Landscape00:21:58 - Battling Disenfranchisement: The Struggles Men Face in Modern Society00:22:41 - Finding Purpose: How Masculine Leadership Can Shape the Future00:23:57 - Social Media’s Influence: Growing or Diminishing Your Personal Development?00:27:17 - Create, Don’t Consume: The Real Key to Balancing Life’s Demands00:33:06 - Where Do We Belong? The Search for Identity and Connection00:40:53 - Modern Masculinity’s Core: Asking the Right Questions for a Better LifeLinks and ResourcesCarl on LinkedInCuriosityTall Tale BrandsHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Dr. Robert Glover, author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, shares how he overcame the "Nice Guy" syndrome and why so many men fall into the trap of people-pleasing and conflict avoidance. He dives into the deep emotional struggles men face, from setting boundaries to dealing with shame, and explains how societal influences have shaped modern masculinity. Dr. Glover offers advice on breaking free from these patterns, embracing authenticity, and reclaiming personal power, making this a must-listen for men looking to transform their relationships and themselves.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to the Show! Meet Dr. Glover00:01:49 - Dr. Glover’s Journey and Insights00:03:26 - The Trap of Being a 'Nice Guy'00:07:32 - Generational Chains: How 'Nice Guy' Traits Are Passed Down00:11:13 - The Journey to Authenticity: Why Breaking Free is So Hard00:20:24 - Media Influence on Masculinity00:25:04 - Optimism for the Future00:31:52 - Leaving the Nice Guy Behind: Embracing Your True Self00:32:22 - Masculine Embodiment: What It Really Means00:35:00 - Grounding and Breathwork: Tools for Men to Reclaim Their Power00:40:26 - Shedding Shame: The Power of Vulnerability and Honesty00:46:54 - The Rise of Men's Groups: Why Men Need Other Men00:49:22 - Setting Boundaries: The Foundation for Healthy Relationships00:56:28 - Redefining Modern Masculinity: Dr. Glover’s Final ThoughtsLinks and Resources:Dr. Robert GloverDr. Glover on YouTubeNo More Mr. Nice GuyDr. Glover on FacebookDiscover Your Nice Guy PatternHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!