Modern Masculinity

Kristian Nylund shares his journey of overcoming the hardships of alcohol dependency, how to handle societal pressures, and redefining himself as an authentic and present father. He talks about the deep insecurities that shaped his choices, his battle to align with his true identity, and the freedom that came with sobriety. Tune in to hear about the hidden struggles of men, the importance of vulnerability, and how the right support system can make all the difference.Chapters:00:00:00 - A Candid Beginning00:01:50 - Steps Toward Sobriety00:02:43 - The Turning Point for Growth00:04:01 - Living Authentically Every Day00:06:42 - Sobriety’s Ripple Effect00:07:15 - Unmasking Insecurities00:13:44 - Alcohol: Cultural Norms and Choices00:16:35 - Choosing a New Path00:22:22 - Sobriety in Isolation: COVID’s Lens00:23:54 - Reading Life’s Subtle Clues00:24:38 - Moderation’s Perpetual Loop00:25:12 - Drawing a Line in the Sand00:26:44 - Unpacking Emotional Weight00:31:47 - Strength in Shared Struggles00:33:22 - Building Connections That Matter00:35:01 - Redefining Yourself, One Step at a Time00:40:55 - Wrapping Up the JourneyLinks and Resources:Kristian on InstagramSober Identity 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 Will Latif Little, keynote speaker, coach, author and film subject, for a conversation about acceptance, awareness, and intentional living. Will shares his journey from childhood trauma and street life to personal transformation and purpose-driven growth. He talks about pivotal moments, the weight of unprocessed pain, and how vulnerability became a strength in his healing journey. He talks about life as a dad, going through loss, and being resilient. Will offers his opinions and perspective of masculinity and the importance of addressing emotional wounds before they manifest into cycles of harm. Chapters00:00:00 – The Weight We Carry: Opening Reflections00:01:04 – From Streets to Stage: Will's Turning Point00:02:16 – Manhood Under Pressure: Roles and Realities00:03:49 – Acceptance: The Quiet Key to Change00:06:51 – Emotional Trauma: Wounds We Don't See00:11:08 – The Moment Commitment Becomes a Lifeline00:19:02 – Grief and Self-Care: Two Sides of Survival00:22:59 – Old Habits Die Loud: Breaking Cycles00:24:44 – Grief Day: Processing Pain on Purpose00:26:41 – Raising Sons in a Shifting World00:30:53 – The Unspoken Weight: Vulnerability & Healing00:32:15 – Safe Spaces Aren't Soft Spaces00:33:32 – Transformation Isn’t Always Loud00:36:44 – Energy Changes Everything: Owning the Room00:38:32 – Where to Find Will: Coaching, Classes, Connection00:40:14 – Masculinity Reimagined: Ancient Truths, Modern ChallengesLinks and ResourcesWill Latif LittleWill on LinkedInWill on InstagramTake Your Life BackICY - Inner City YouthHow to Become the Best Version of Yourself | Will Latif Little | TEDxWilmingtonSalonHector 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 filmmaker and storyteller Amarii Usher for a raw and honest conversation about the emotional tightrope men walk in today’s world. They talk about vulnerability, ego, healing, and struggles of masculinity in today’s world. From the impact of social media on relationships to the weight of independence and the complex patterns of attachment, this conversation pulls no punches. Amarii shares personal insights and reflections, challenging societal norms while offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to show up authentically in relationships and life.Chapters00:00:00 – The Calm Before the Vulnerability Storm00:01:12 – Mirrors and Shadows: An Introspective Glimpse00:02:20 – A Voice Enters: Amarii Takes the Mic00:02:50 – Balancing on the Edge of Feelings00:09:35 – Digital Strings: How Social Media Pulls at Hearts00:13:59 – Swiping Left on Modern Dating Realities00:19:52 – Independence vs. Intimacy: The Tightrope Walk00:20:46 – The Invisible Weight of Being Needed00:22:50 – Masculinity Redefined: Beyond Stereotypes00:26:17 – The Silent Battle Between Ego and Responsibility00:28:35 – The Fragile Art of Healing Without Armor00:35:15 – Patterns of Attachment: Chasing or Avoiding?00:38:10 – Echoes of Reflection: Closing the CircleLinks and ResourcesAmarii on InstagramAmarii on TikTokAmarii on YouTubeAmarii’s LinkTreeHector 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 Tom Bresnahan to explore the growing challenges of being a dad, the role of men in today’s society, and how shifting cultural norms impact boys and families. They discuss the influence of technology, addiction, and societal expectations on youth while talking about the decline of rites of passage and the misconceptions surrounding masculinity. Tune in to hear Tom explain how dads can lead by example, guiding boys into adulthood with clarity and resilience.Chapters00:00:00 - The Puzzle Begins00:01:31 - Meeting the Man Behind the Mission00:02:04 - A Journey Through Fire and Growth00:03:11 - Fatherhood’s Untold Battles00:08:16 - The Art of Raising Emotionally Aware Humans00:12:06 - Screens and the Future of Our Children00:15:00 - Redefining the Modern Man’s Place00:18:10 - Demons, Shadows, and Redemption00:22:29 - Building Tomorrow’s Men Today00:24:58 - Lost Rituals and Forgotten Scouts00:25:36 - Misunderstood Boys and Masculinity’s Myths00:26:17 - Hollywood’s Quiet Influence on Gender Stories00:28:56 - Facing Societal Shifts Head-On00:30:14 - Masculinity Through the Cultural Lens00:37:23 - A Handbook for Raising Sons00:40:15 - Lifelines for Parents and Families00:44:42 - Masculinity, RedefinedLinks and ResourcesTom on LinkedInTake Back Control by Tom BresnahanHector 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 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!