
Modern Masculinity
"Modern Masculinity" is a podcast that explores the real-life challenges that men face today. Whether it's balancing work and family, figuring out how to be a good husband or father, or just trying to make sense of the world - this show is for guys looking for practical, down-to-earth advice and guidance. The podcast discusses the struggles and triumphs of modern manhood and features interviews with men (and women) who can share their methods and mindsets to maneuver the world as a modern man.
Latest episodes

Sep 13, 2024 • 48min
You Don’t Have to Destroy Yourself for Success with Alex Charfen
Alex Charfen opens up about his decision to walk away from a successful business, despite its financial success, to focus on personal alignment and deeper connection in his life. He shares the intense physical and emotional toll that running a business can take and discusses the importance of recognizing when it's time to shift priorities. Alex pushes back against hustle culture, explaining the value of self-awareness, presence, and intentional living over constant work.Chapters00:00:00 - Welcome and Why This Episode Could Change Your Approach to Success00:01:40 - Alex Charfen's Unfiltered Story: From Success to Personal Evolution00:02:28 - Walking Away from Millions: Shutting Down for True Growth00:03:55 - The Moment Alex Decided to Close His Business00:05:41 - Unexpected Reactions: The Support Alex Never Expected00:07:05 - Rethinking What It Means to Win as an Entrepreneur00:12:57 - Why Your Relationship is More Important Than Your Business00:18:35 - Confronting Your Identity: The Real Work Behind Personal Growth00:22:40 - The Real Cost of Hustle Culture: Burnout and Beyond00:24:21 - Entrepreneurial Anxiety: How It Shows Up and What to Do00:28:25 - When Financial Success Feels Like Failure00:31:14 - The Deep Journey to Finding Presence in Life00:34:58 - How Presence Transforms Relationships (and Business)00:40:28 - Daily Practices for Staying Grounded in a Fast-Moving World00:42:07 - Creating Sacred Spaces for Deeper Connections00:44:37 - Closing Thoughts and A Challenge to Redefine Your Own SuccessLinks and Resources:Alex CharfenAlex on LinkedInHector 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!

Aug 30, 2024 • 40min
Are We Sacrificing Leadership for Comfort? with Thomas Pfanner
Thomas Pfanner discusses the challenges and responsibilities of modern fatherhood, going into the importance of stepping up as leaders in our families. He shares his insights on balancing the role of a father with the pressures of societal expectations, particularly in the face of social media's growing influence on our children. Tune in to hear Hector and Thomas talk about the need for fathers to reclaim their leadership roles, build real-world skills in their kids, and maintain strong family values in an ever-changing world. By leading with conviction and purpose, fathers can guide their children toward a confident and fulfilling life!Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction: What This Episode Covers00:00:48 - Why Fathers Need to Lead with Purpose00:03:42 - Facing the Challenges of Being a Modern Dad00:05:31 - Balancing the Role of a Stepparent00:09:37 - How Social Media Shapes Parenting Today00:13:52 - Fathers as the Pillars of Family Leadership00:18:59 - Equipping Kids with Essential Life Skills00:23:00 - Building Confidence Through Real-World Experiences00:24:00 - Developing Grit and Toughness in Kids00:27:00 - Addressing the Influence of Technology on Children00:29:00 - The ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Effect: Media’s Impact on Fatherhood00:32:00 - The Challenge of Avoiding Conflict and Leading with Strength00:34:00 - Understanding When and How to Stand Your Ground00:37:36 - Defining What Modern Masculinity Means00:39:16 - Final Thoughts and How to Take ActionLinks And Resources:Thomas on LinkedInDads Who LeadThe Leadership DadHector 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!

Aug 23, 2024 • 43min
Rewriting the Script: Masculinity Beyond the Nice Guy Syndrome with Chuck Chapman
Chuck Chapman shares his transformative journey from a life shaped by societal expectations to one of authenticity and integrity. Facing a personal crisis, Chuck embarked on a path of self-discovery that led him to redefine masculinity and embrace a new set of values. He discusses the importance of courage, the process of unlearning inherited beliefs, and how men can navigate life's inevitable challenges with integrity. Chuck's insights provide a compelling roadmap for anyone looking to align their life with their true values and live more authentically.Chapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off: What’s in Store for Today’s Episode00:00:49 - The Silent Struggles of Modern Men: Finding Brotherhood Online00:01:41 - Personal Battles: Relating to the Challenges Celebrities Face00:03:41 - Chuck Chapman Joins: A Conversation About Redefining Masculinity00:04:24 - From Crisis to Purpose: Chuck’s Journey to Authentic Living00:07:01 - Brotherhood in Action: How Integration Nation is Changing Lives00:07:32 - Handling Life’s Curveballs: Chuck’s Personal Challenges and Insights00:09:48 - The Masculine Crossroads: Choosing Depth Over Repetition00:16:39 - Your Guide to Integrity: Exploring the 16 Virtues of a Fulfilling Life00:24:08 - Breaking the Chains: Aligning Your Life with True Values00:24:50 - The Power of Assertiveness: Stepping into Your Authentic Self00:28:00 - Dismantling the Nice Guy Syndrome: Embracing Your True Masculine Energy00:32:16 - Mastering Relationship Dynamics: Balancing Integrity and Connection00:37:06 - Escaping Cultural Traps: Redefining Masculinity on Your Terms00:41:02 - Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Where to Dive DeeperLinks And Resources:Chuck ChapmanFinding Your Way Without Losing YourselfHector 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!

Aug 16, 2024 • 43min
The Silent Struggle: Why Men Are Losing Themselves in Success with Jeff Boyer
Jeff Boyer breaks down the myth of traditional success and the impact it has on men today. He shares how he went from achieving external success to realizing it left him unfulfilled and searching for deeper meaning. Jeff explains the pressures men face in trying to meet societal expectations, often at the expense of their true selves. His insights will challenge men to rethink what it means to be successful, urging guys to prioritize their inner well-being over societal benchmarks. Be sure to listen in, especially if you’re questioning the path you’re on.Chapters:00:00:00 - Unveiling the Journey: Introduction and Meet Jeff Boyer00:02:25 - The Modern Masculinity Safari: Jeff's Insightful Welcome00:03:22 - Behind the Curtain of Success: The Hidden Struggles00:05:17 - Navigating Chaos: Finding Direction in the Storm00:06:52 - Owning Up: The Power of Accountability and Growth00:07:50 - Life in Balance: The Tug-of-War Between Business and Family00:12:40 - Staying Grounded: The Key to True Happiness00:18:22 - Breaking Free: Society’s Expectations vs. Personal Fulfillment00:21:44 - Rewriting the Script: Challenging Traditional Masculinity00:22:11 - Early Warnings: The Value of Early Realizations00:22:36 - The Liberation: Escaping the Norms to Rediscover Yourself00:23:31 - Reviving Old Passions: The Journey Back to Hobbies00:24:07 - Mastering the Mundane: The Strength of Habits and Routine00:25:45 - Healing the Wounds: Triumph Over Personal Trauma00:30:57 - Breathwork as a Lifeline: Healing from the Inside Out00:36:33 - Embracing Nature: Finding Inner Peace in the Outdoors00:40:51 - Redefining Strength: A New Look at Modern MasculinityLinks and Resources:Jeff BoyerHector 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!

Aug 9, 2024 • 45min
Get Naked: Strength, Vulnerability, and Resilience with William Branum
William Branum, a former Navy SEAL, joins us to explore the intricacies of modern masculinity. He shares his journey of embracing vulnerability, the strength in asking for help, and the critical importance of self-reflection through after action reviews. William discusses the balance between toughness and empathy, revealing how removing the metaphorical armor can lead to genuine healing and growth. He offers insights into the challenges he faces, including a current legal battle, and how his mindset of resilience and learning from failure guides him. This conversation is a deep dive into redefining strength and emotional intelligence in today's world.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to William Branum00:01:46 - Embracing Vulnerability: A Strength, Not a Weakness00:04:33 - Healing and Growth: The Journey of Balancing Both00:06:19 - Redefining Masculinity: The Importance of Communication00:14:17 - Turning Failures into Success: Lessons from a Navy SEAL00:22:43 - Legal Battles and Resilience: Embracing Challenges00:24:03 - Overcoming the Fear of Judgment and Embracing Failure00:25:27 - Building Unshakable Confidence: Flexing the IDGAF Muscle00:26:59 - SEAL Training Insights: Building Physical and Mental Resilience00:29:34 - Mastering Your Inner Game: Controlling Emotions and Ego00:34:11 - The Power of Vulnerability and Building Support Networks00:43:47 - Modern Masculinity: Being a Safe Container for OthersLinks And Resources:William Branum on LinkedInNaked Warrior RecoveryHector 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!

Aug 2, 2024 • 50min
The Role of Men in Today's Families: Tradition vs. Modernity with Tiziano Sguerso
Tiziano Sguerso joins Hector for a conversation on the impact of family narratives and generational trauma on our lives. Tiziano shares his journey from being a professional kickboxer to becoming a family constellation therapist, and the insights he's gained about love, relationships, and the essential roles of men and women in the family. They also talk about the struggles of modern masculinity, the significance of trust and leadership in parental roles, and the often unseen effects of missing father figures. Be sure to tune in to hear this compelling exploration of how our familial past influences our present!Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome and Meet Tiziano Sguerso: A Journey from Kickboxing to Healing00:01:10 - Family Narratives: How Our Past Shapes Our Relationships00:02:52 - Tiziano's Transformation: From the Ring to Family Constellations00:04:11 - Generational Trauma: Unraveling the Hidden Stories of Our Ancestors00:06:48 - The Depths of Love: Understanding and Healing Relationships00:10:30 - Unseen Forces: How Subconscious Patterns Influence Our Lives00:14:13 - Masculinity Under Pressure: Facing Modern Challenges00:17:22 - The Battle Within: Men's Struggles in Today’s World00:20:39 - Redefining Roles: Men and Women in Family Dynamics00:25:54 - Tradition vs. Progress: Navigating Changing Family Values00:29:06 - When Parents Are Absent: The Emotional Toll on Children00:32:08 - Building Trust: The Impact of Parental Leadership00:33:22 - Sexuality and Harmony: Achieving Balance in Relationships00:36:43 - Energy Management: Handling Personal Emotions and Energies00:39:52 - Family Constellations Explained: A Path to Understanding00:42:28 - Self-Improvement Journey: Steps to Personal Growth00:46:10 - Honoring Fathers: Rebuilding Trust and Respect00:48:14 - Final Reflections: Wrapping Up with Tiziano's InsightLinks And Resources:Tiziano Sguerso - Systemic Therapy, Spiritual & Family ConstellationsTiziano on InstagramAll of Tiziano’s LinksHector 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!

Jul 26, 2024 • 47min
Exploring Sacred Sexuality and Full-Body Pleasure with Jasper Brown
Jasper Brown explores the concept of conscious sexuality, offering a fresh perspective on achieving deeper intimacy and pleasure. Jasper discusses the limitations of traditional methods and introduces his integrative approach, The Legendary Lover program, which combines education, mindfulness, and conscious practices. With insights into full-body pleasure, sacred sexuality, and the importance of redefining one's relationship with sexual energy, this episode is a transformative guide for men seeking to elevate their sexual experiences and connect more profoundly with their partners.Chapters:00:00:00 - Introducing Jasper Brown to Modern Masculinity 00:02:27 - Jasper's Personal Journey and Overcoming Early Struggles00:04:52 - Exploring Sacred Sexuality: What It Means and Its Importance00:07:29 - Common Challenges and Beliefs Around Sexuality00:11:33 - Techniques and Practices for Embracing Sacred Sexuality00:15:25 - Addressing Sexual Dysfunction: Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction00:19:00 - Healthy Ways to Handle Sexual Energy00:22:00 - Education and Conscious Partnering00:25:00 - NoFap Community Insights: Benefits and Limitations00:26:59 - Transmuting Sexual Energy: From Release to Reverence00:29:00 - Mindful Approaches to Lovemaking00:32:00 - Developing a Deeper Relationship with Your Body and Sexuality00:36:00 - The Five Pillars of Sexual Mastery00:39:00 - Rewiring Your Relationship to Sexuality00:42:00 - Practical Exercises for Transmuting Energy00:44:13 - Resources, Programs, and Final ThoughtsLinks And Resources:The Legendary LoverJasper BrownJasper on YouTubeJasper on InstagramHector 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!

Jul 19, 2024 • 42min
Healing Generational Wounds with John and Norman D’Agostini
John and Norman D'Agostini are sitting down with Hector to discuss fatherhood across generations. They talk about the importance of physical and emotional connection, and the challenges of raising children in today's world. Norman shares his experiences of overcoming a traumatic upbringing and the lessons he learned about being a loving and dedicated father. John adds his perspective on masculinity in today’s world and how important it is to nurture relationships with his own children. Together, they offer insights on the evolving role of fathers and the timeless value of genuine affection and support.Chapters00:00:00 - Kickoff: Meet John and Norman D'Agostini00:02:16 - Life Lessons: Norman’s Incredible Journey00:04:48 - Fatherhood Insights: John’s Perspective00:07:53 - Modern Parenting: Navigating Today’s Challenges00:10:00 - Heartfelt Connection: The Power of Affection00:17:13 - Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Generational Trauma00:19:45 - John’s Personal Story: Overcoming Family Struggles00:23:30 - The Role of Consistent Love: Key to Healing00:27:18 - Father-Son Dynamics: Building Strong Relationships00:30:05 - Navigating Parenthood: Advice from Norman00:32:22 - The Impact of Past Experiences: Shaping Modern Fatherhood00:34:01 - Real Talk: Practical Tips for Today’s Dads00:37:05 - Final Words: Must-Read Book Recommendations00:39:22 - Redefining Roles: What Modern Masculinity MeansLinks And Resources:John D'AgostiniJohn on LinkedInAimless by John D'AgostiniThe Life of Norm D'Agostini: From Trauma to Joy in Italy and AmericaHector 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!

Jul 12, 2024 • 39min
Surviving and Thriving as a Single Dad with Kent Frazier
In this episode, Hector and Kent Frazier discuss the challenges and rewards of single fatherhood. Kent shares his personal journey of balancing responsibilities as a solo dad, entrepreneur, and community member. They talk about the importance of creating healthy rhythms, managing intense emotions, and redefining traditional roles in modern parenting. With stories of overcoming adversity and finding new perspectives, they provide advice for dads navigating the twists and turns of life. Join them for an inspiring and honest chat that pushes back against conventional views of masculinity and fatherhood.Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview00:00:43 - Meet Kent Frazier: A Journey of Resilience and Adaptation00:02:41 - Balancing Life’s Commitments: Self, Family, Work, and Community00:08:55 - Single Parenthood: Challenges and Triumphs00:12:30 - Owning Responsibility: Shifting from Blame to Self-Reflection00:17:11 - Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Handling Intense Moments00:23:44 - The Silver Lining: Discovering the Upside of Single Fatherhood00:26:15 - Breaking Down Cultural Expectations: Deprogramming Traditional Roles00:30:00 - Rebuilding After Divorce: Crafting a New Vision for Life00:37:49 - Redefining Modern Masculinity: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Range00:38:09 - Closing Remarks and Call to ActionLinks And Resources:Kent H. FrazierKent on LinkedInKent on InstagramParadoxEdgeHector 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!

Jun 28, 2024 • 46min
Why Men Quit: The Hidden Battle in Your Head with Steve Lutsk
Fitness trainer Steve Lutsk joins Hector to talk about the ongoing challenges and misconceptions surrounding fitness and modern masculinity. They discuss the struggle against complacency and the mental battles that accompany physical fitness. They go into the psychological benefits of maintaining a rigorous fitness regime, explaining how it goes way beyond just physical appearance to fundamentally alter one's confidence and mental health. Steve offers a raw look at why continuous personal improvement is essential, even when the external rewards seem elusive.Chapters:00:00:00 - Starting Strong: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Dad Bod00:01:15 - Steve Lutsk Unpacked: From Instagram Fame to Real Challenges00:02:48 - Unyielding Drive: The Secret to Never Settling00:07:05 - Debunking Fitness: How Society Mislabels Physical Well-being00:09:11 - Parental Pitfalls: Beyond 'Dad Bod' to Lifelong Fitness00:12:07 - Lockdown Lessons: Fitness Triumphs and Tragedies During the Pandemic00:16:20 - Sustainable Habits: Foundations of a Lifelong Fitness Journey00:18:45 - Real Talk: Overcoming Barriers to Fitness with Everyday Decisions00:21:10 - Beyond the Gym: Integrating Exercise into Your Daily Routine00:23:35 - Mental Gains: Exploring the Psychological Impacts of Regular Exercise00:25:47 - Transformation Tales: How Fitness Redefines Personal Identity00:26:01 - A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body: Psychological Gains from Physical Fitness00:29:30 - Inside Steve’s Fitness Program: Beyond Workouts to Winning Mindsets00:30:23 - Goal Setting: Unraveling the Psychological Core of Fitness00:34:14 - Measuring Up: The Importance of Tracking in Physical Progress00:37:11 - Essential Dad Bod Exercises: Building Strength at Any Age00:39:23 - Smart Nutrition: Simple Strategies for Lasting Health00:44:12 - Connect with Dadbod Steve: A Direct Line to Fitness MasteryLinks And Resources:Steve on InstagramSteve on TikTokSteve on YouTubeThe Dad Bod Solution (Free Guide)Dad Bod Solution Coaching ApplicationHector 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!