The Better Man Podcast

The first yoga workout I ever did was life-changing. Realizing I wasn’t nearly as strong as I thought, lacking flexibility, balance, and body & breath control, I was motivated to make yoga a permanent part of my fitness from that day on. But as I attended different yoga studios and instructors, I realized that something was missing. I wasn’t getting the emphasis on technique that I wanted from the workouts. I didn’t know where I should feel the pose, which muscles to target, or what I should be striving for. I also didn’t understand how to modify the poses to fit my typically inflexible male body. And the inclusion of the spiritual aspects just didn’t jive with me. I was there for a workout, not a spiritual counseling session.My experience with yoga isn’t unique. If I was going through this, I knew that there plenty of other fitness-minded guys out there who were just like me - who were interested in the physical benefits that yoga had to offer, but wanted a more fitness-focused approach, more emphasis on proper technique, and some tips on how to make the poses work for their limited flexibility. And that’s how Man Flow Yoga was born. Here’s the truth:  Man Flow Yoga is not “real” yoga in the traditional sense. But for many, that’s a good thing - because traditional yoga isn’t what they’re looking for. Not everyone all men wants to use yoga to improve their spirituality. In fact, most men want a gentle workout that can help their gym gains, Many men use yoga as a form of low-impact exercise to help with their overall fitness,  to help with functional strength, flexibility, injury preventionprevent injuries, and to help them feel their best each day. make them feel their best each day.  Unfortunately, since most yoga caters to women, a reality stemming from the fact that 80% of yoga studio attendees are female, traditional yoga can be dangerous for men who are less flexible. Especially when there is not enough emphasis on proper technique, let alone providing appropriate modifications for men who are not flexible. In this episode, you’ll discover how stumbling into a hot yoga class led to the creation ofcreating Man Flow Yoga and how it has gone on to help over 10,000 men (even though it’s not “real” yoga), including (1) how I got started with yoga, (2) what I felt was missing from yoga as a fitness-minded male, and (3) how MFY evolved to serve both my needs and the fitness goals of other fitness-minded guys. And how Man Flow Yoga has helped over 10,000 men (even though it’s not “real” yoga).  Listen now. This is a really important episode for me Show highlights include:  The weird way focusing on your fitness boosts your productivity (1:43)  Why shaming yourself when your fitness routine goes haywire makes it harder to get back on track (and how reading one book stops you from shaming yourself) (3:49)  How “mirroring” yoga poses in a yoga class can cause devastating injuries (and why this is especially true for men) (14:31)  Why it’s smart to mixmixing weight training with Man Flow Yoga, if your goal is strength and longevity is the most effective and safest way to get jacked (25:14)  How even the simplest traditional yoga poses can wreak havoc on men’s knees, ankles, and back (27:30)  Have a high resting heart rate? Try this Man Flow Yoga Challenge to drop it by 10%—in just two weeks (35:45)  4 non-physical benefits of Man Flow Yoga which help you feel better more often (36:31)  Want to unlock more flexibility and strength, reduce your risk of injury, and feel your absolute best over the next 7 days? Then join the FREE 7-Day Beginner’s Yoga for Men Challenge here: https://ManFlowYoga.com/7dc.  Tired of doing a form of yoga that causes more injuries than it helps prevent? The cold, hard truth is men need yoga specifically designed for them. Well, here's some good news: You can start your 7-day free trial to Man Flow Yoga by visiting https://ManFlowYoga.com/join.   Power Quotes:  “Fitness just makes you more capable.” (2:00)  “You're not always gonna be at your best.” (4:56)  “Man Flow Yoga is not typical yoga.” (8:07)  “Men are less flexible than women.” (16:17)  “Yoga on its own is not the best way to get jacked.” (25:14) 

Many men stumble into yoga after a debilitating injury prevents them from training. This is how both Benjamin Sears and I discovered yoga. But even though this may be the cause of starting yoga, the reason you stay could be completely different. Some men use it as a way to enhance their strength training and prevent injuries. Others use it to develop more flexibility and keep joint pain at bay. And some men find the tough workouts give them a way to develop radical self-awareness and self-acceptance.  Today’s guest, yoga instructor and founder of LuxYoga, Benjamin Sears, uses yoga to accomplish all three goals. Not only has yoga helped him improve his physical health, but it’s also made him a kinder person — to himself and to others.  Best part?  The “skills” he’s learned from yoga carry over to every other area of his life. And the same will happen to you if you’re disciplined enough to stick with them.  In this episode, you’ll discover how yoga allows you to accept your emotions and forgive yourself. Benjamin reveals the trick for doing repetitive poses without boring yourself. And he shares simple mindset shifts which help you improve every aspect of your life.  Listen now. Show highlights include:  How to tell if the way you’re training will wreak havoc on your joints before suffering a debilitating injury (5:12)  Why being aesthetically “fit” doesn’t prevent you from serious injuries (and the best way to prevent injuries) (6:02)  How yoga helps you confront your feelings and become comfortable with even the nastiest ones (9:40)  The “Yoga Maps” method for using yoga poses to forgive yourself of your biggest mistakes and shortcomings (14:18)  The “Perpetual Calibration” secret for doing the same poses thousands of times (without boring yourself to death) (23:03)  How to use simple mantras to distance yourself from negative self-talk (without acting like a hippy-dippy yogi) (32:58)  How strength training can be just as meditative as yoga (45:43)  How to use Man Flow Yoga to lift heavier weights in the gym (and how to use strength training to improve your yoga poses) (48:08)  The simple “Opportunity, not Obligation” mindset shift which unlocks profound improvements in your mental, emotional, and physical health (50:02)  If you want to connect with Benjamin, you can find him on Instagram at @Benjamin.Sears or check out his website here: https://www.luxyoga.com/.  Want to unlock more flexibility and strength, reduce your risk of injury, and feel your absolute best over the next 7 days? Then join the FREE 7-Day Beginner’s Yoga for Men Challenge here: https://ManFlowYoga.com/7dc.  Tired of doing a form of yoga that causes more injuries than it helps prevent? The cold, hard truth is men need yoga specifically designed for them. Well, here's some good news: You can start your 7-day free trial to Man Flow Yoga by visiting https://ManFlowYoga.com/join.   Power Quotes:  “I went to yoga as a last resort.” (7:15) - Benjamin  “Yoga felt like the only place I was allowed to have any kind of feelings.” (9:02) - Benjamin  “One of the best things about modern yoga is the community it creates.” (14:07) - Benjamin “Poses are really good tricks to keep you engaged in self-reflection.” (16:40) - Benjamin “Progress is never linear.” (17:33) - Benjamin “The teacher’s job is to shorten the arc of suffering for the student.” (43:06) - Benjamin “Put intention in your tension.” (1:02:30) - Benjamin

I started the BMP because I saw a gap in the way that men talk about their overall health and well-being, and … When life throws you curveballs, it’s easy to set your workout regimen and habits aside. Then wonder why you don’t feel as great as you normally would. You’re not immune to life’s curveballs, and neither am I. I’ll be honest - I’ve had a rough couple of months. Traveling more than usual led to getting COVID — while I’m in the middle of moving. I hadn’t had a normal workout in weeks, which made my back pain resurface with a vengeance. And I noticed I was in a state of mild depression - until I tried a few simple grounding techniques to re-establish my habits.  And you know what?  You can use these same techniques I reveal on today’s episode to get yourself out of a funk whenever life gets in the way. It may not be easy. But re-establishing your routines is one of the most effective ways to overcome life’s curveballs.  Since today’s episode serves as a recap from season 1, I also share the top 5 episodes so far, and re-establish my main goal for the podcast: Improving your total well-being, especially on the neglected side of your mental and emotional health. I started the Better Man Podcast because I saw a gap in the way that men talk about their overall health and well-being. Too often, men shove their emotions down to act more like a “man.” But this causes insidious side effects like rage, depression, and shame.  But there’s a better way to build your mental and physical health, improve your relationships, and feel more joy each day. And each episode will dive into specific and actionable steps you can take today.  In this episode, you’ll discover the most effective ways to re-ground yourself if you’ve fallen off the wagon, simple tricks to improve your mental and emotional health, and an update on the future of the Better Man Podcast and Man Flow Yoga.    Listen now. Show highlights include:  The 2 most rarely talked about aspects of men’s wellness which crushes men’s joy everywhere (9:05)  Why shoving your emotions down instead of inviting them in slowly sabotages your wellbeing, relationships, and life (10:51)  The counterintuitive way being vulnerable makes you more masculine (12:19)  The top 5 Better Man Podcast episodes for building an impenetrable state of mental health (12:43)  How to calm yourself in stressful situations simply by breathing (and how to unlock the power of breath in the next 28 days) (14:19)  Why shame is the #1 threat facing men (even if you don’t think your shame consumes you) (19:17)  4 simple ways to ground yourself again after falling off the wagon with your daily habits (32:550  The “Happiness Lens” mindset shift which keeps depression at bay (even when your life’s in a depressive season) (37:25)  Want to unlock more flexibility and strength, reduce your risk of injury, and feel your absolute best over the next 7 days? Then join the FREE 7-Day Beginner’s Yoga for Men Challenge here: https://ManFlowYoga.com/7dc.  Tired of doing a form of yoga that causes more injuries than it helps prevent? The cold, hard truth is men need yoga specifically designed for them. Well, here's some good news: You can start your 7-day free trial to Man Flow Yoga by visiting https://ManFlowYoga.com/join.   Power Quotes:  “The mental and emotional side of things are 2 of the lesser discussed aspects of men’s wellness.” (9:12)  “Men cannot just soldier on and deny their emotions.” (10:32)  “People can go through difficult life situations and come out of it for the better.” (17:30)  “Yoga isn’t always the fix.” (34:43) 

It’s nearly impossible to be on social media without seeing someone upload a picture of their “perfect” life. Flashy cars, big houses, and always looking like you’re having a great time. But true happiness doesn’t come from doing things to satisfy external motivations. For Jesse O’Brien, today’s guest on the show, so much of his happiness comes from being better than you were yesterday. He learned this throughout his life of growing as an entrepreneur, fitness coach, and husband and dad. Jesse found that relying on outside forces to improve your life is a recipe for disaster. When he struggled with severe illness and injuries, not knowing what to do, he turned to the healthcare system. That led him to a decade mired in misery and pain. He decided to take matters into his hands. Jesse learned everything there is to know about health, fitness, and well-being and made himself healthier and stronger than ever. Through his company, Central Athlete, Jesse educates, empowers, and inspires other people to not only survive but thrive in every way as they age. In Jesse’s 2nd appearance on the show, we go over how beliefs shape your worldview and the results you get out of life, how discomfort leads to self-reflection, and why relationships are the greatest teacher in life. Key Takeaways with Jesse O'Brien How Jesse’s ten years of playing competitive tennis translated into his strength training journey. The amount of money you have doesn’t define you as a person. Seek happiness by being better in every role you play in life. Fulfillment and happiness often come not from getting things but from giving back to others. Putting yourself into uncomfortable and stressful situations is often the greatest therapy. Relationships are the mirror through which you see your flaws, strengths, and weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to look into it. Your beliefs shape the quality of your life. Learn how to adopt ones that empower you. Find out the 3 psychological traits that most often lead to a state of misery. Short fixes and instant gratification are making us mentally and physically weaker. Do this instead! Nature is our default setting. Go for a walk, and learn how to breathe correctly. You’ll be surprised what this will do for your well-being. You can get in some movement or exercise wherever you are. Don’t make excuses! Contrary to trendy beliefs, you don’t need to be an assh*le to be a masculine man. The Man Flow Yoga Members’ Area - 7-Day FREE Trial Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results – feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

In this episode I am joined by a long-time friend and fellow fitness entrepreneur, Sean Vigue, to discuss habits and mindsets we employ on a daily basis for better mental wellness, including movement practices, how to live in the present, and how to deal with being upset. So many people are trying to improve their physical appearance while neglecting the mind and body connection that, if nurtured, can positively impact all areas of life. It’s what today’s guest, Sean Vigue, has learned throughout his career of teaching millions of people to be more flexible, breathe properly, and improve their body awareness. Sean is a former professional actor and opera singer, and he applies the lessons he learned from being an artist to the world of pilates and yoga. He’s mindful that fitness and well-being are much more than hitting the weights and teaches clients that they need to pay attention to their minds as much as they do to their bodies. No wonder he’s known as “the Most-Watched Online Yoga and Pilates Guy” and was recently named one of the “Top 50 Workout Brands” by The Huffington Post. He’s also a six-time bestselling author, and his popular YouTube Channel has over 28 million views and serves over 200,000 people to improve their athletic performance regardless of age. In this episode, we cover the importance of developing an intimate relationship with our mind, body, and breath, how being present can help us find purpose, why body awareness translates to our relationships and professional lives, and so much more. Key Takeaways with Sean Vigue Sean wasn’t happy with just weight lifting, so he incorporated a lot of movement and breathwork into his workout routine. A balanced body leads to a balanced mind. What Sean learned about the relationship between the body and mind by witnessing the work of professional theater actors and singers? Every moment you sit and wait for the right time is another moment lost forever. Lean towards action in life. Finding a spouse that will compliment you is one of the greatest life hacks. Harmony in your personal life translates to your professional life. Don’t want to hit the gym? Just take a long walk; it will do wonders for your well-being. How Sean stays fit while juggling his father, husband, and friend roles. You’ll often get upset. Witnessing those emotions without pouring fuel over them will make them dissolve. You won’t wish you were stricter with yourself on your deathbed. Give yourself the same compassion you would offer your best friend. Exercise your mind as you do your body. Doing challenging things and battling through distractions will make it easier for you to find your purpose.   The Man Flow Yoga Members’ Area - 7-Day FREE Trial Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results – feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

This episode with Alex Holmes discusses how us men can be healthier both mentally and emotionally by understanding the patterns that we engage in as men trying to live up to a certain image of how men are supposed to be in our society. Men aren’t encouraged to talk about their emotions and vulnerabilities. They’re encouraged to bury them deep inside and “man up.” That mindset could lead to isolation, loneliness, emotional disconnection from loved ones, and all sorts of other problems down the road. Today’s guest, Alex Holmes, offers a different, more empowering solution for men around the world. Alex is an award-winning podcaster, mental health coach, and author of the book Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection. He’s on a mission to tackle the mental health and loneliness epidemic men are going through. That involves opening the door to difficult conversations that many people are afraid to have. In this episode, we go over why it’s essential to face your emotions to understand them, lingering myths about masculinity, the mental health challenges men experience today, and so much more. Key Takeaways with Alex Holmes To process difficult emotions, you have to express them, not hide them. Don’t be afraid to share your deepest insecurities with your male friends. Bottling them up can only harm your relationships and your self-esteem. Opening up when you’ve been closed off your whole life isn’t easy. It’s a habit; do it long enough, and it will become second nature. Challenge yourself. Have that uncomfortable conversation; step outside of your (emotional) comfort zone. It’s OK to push forward as a high-achiever. But you also need to learn when to slow down and reconnect with family and nature. Men constantly change masks according to society’s and other people’s expectations. Do this instead! Look around you. Do you have people in your life who you can trust and call in bad times?   The Man Flow Yoga Members’ Area - 7-Day FREE Trial Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results – feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

Today’s guest, Chase Chewning, is an army veteran, fitness entrepreneur, and podcaster who overcame that fear that so many of us men have: to open up and share their vulnerabilities. Chase has endured severe emotional and physical traumas. He lost his father when he was 19 and soon after suffered horrendous injuries to his entire body that required a complete reconstruction of his femur. On top of that, he suffered from PTSD after ending his deployment. Those experiences took a severe toll on his entire well-being. But ultimately, they were the catalyst for him to dive deep into his biggest insecurities, share them with the people he loves, and accept what life brings him, good or bad. He’s now helping people all around the world transform their bodies and minds through conscious content, coaching, and consulting services. Today, we cover his journey from army veteran to fitness coach, the importance of listening to your body, why bottling up your emotions is a surefire way to anxiety and trauma, and so much more. Key Takeaways with Chase Chewning The key lessons Chase learned about health from his years of podcasting. Your body is your greatest coach. Stop and listen to what it’s saying before you do yourself harm. What’s one thing you can commit to that you know will make you happiest in the long run? Find out how Chase bounced back from PTSD and depression after losing his father and suffering gruesome injuries. Surround yourself with people that love you, and love them back. The quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. What’s your love language? Learn Chase’s practice for identifying his deep-seated emotional issues. Don’t bottle up your emotions. Do this instead. Stop trying to control external events. Let them unfold and see what happens. Sometimes a walk in nature can be more beneficial for your health than a gym session.   The Man Flow Yoga Members’ Area - 7-Day FREE Trial Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results – feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

Today's guest, BJ Gaddour, has mastered both areas. BJ went from being a pudgy kid to being named one of the 100 Fittest Men of All Time. He's also the former fitness director of Men's Health Magazine and the author of the book Your Body is Your Barbell. BJ started training with the same goals many of us had: To get stronger and look good in the mirror. There's nothing wrong with that approach. But fitness is so, so much more than that. BJ learned that the hard way. He could lift 500 pounds but couldn't do a lunge or a single pullup. His body disobeyed him, even though he was strong as a bull. He's since molded himself into a primer on increasing muscle mass, getting stronger, and being more agile than ever. More importantly, he found that being mentally fit is as important as being shredded. In today's episode, he shares his advice on how to train as you're getting older, the importance of leaving ego aside in every aspect of your life, how he took agency over his mental state, and much more. Key Takeaways with BJ Gaddour Negativity can fuel you to achieve your goals. But there's a better way. How BJ recovered after two years filled with traumatic events. It's OK to push yourself, in work or fitness, but give yourself a breather from time to time. Avoiding uncomfortable emotions is the worst thing you can do. Do this instead. Don't jump out of bed checking on social media. Find out how BJ primes himself in the morning to have a kickass day. To succeed, revel in the success of other people. You don't need a gym for a killer workout. Learn how to squeeze in one wherever you are. Want to test your mobility? Try out BJ's Turkish Getup test. Why constantly breathing through your mouth when training is hard on your body... Use these nasal breathing techniques to improve your fitness, increase overall capacity, and recover faster! The Man Flow Yoga Members' Area - 7-Day FREE Trial\ Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results -- feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

How can disaster and setbacks help us change for the better? Today I’m speaking with Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, a weight loss expert, and doctor in naturopathic medicine. Dr. Anthony is the founder of The Fit Father and The Fit Mother project, and has helped over 40,000 people lose weight and get healthy without following fad diets or spending countless hours in the gym. Anthony is a former national champion bodybuilder who has used his unique blend of knowledge and experience to help men and women all over the world, in over 100 countries, to lose weight, keep it off, and perform at peak capacities. In our conversation, we dig into the lessons he learned from trauma at a young age, his actionable advice for boosting immunity and staving off disease, the importance of reconnecting with nature, and so much more. Key Takeaways with Dr. Anthony Balduzzi How a skiing accident that shattered Anthony’s body turned out to be the most transformative experience in his life. You decide whether pain destroys you, or helps you grow. Don’t run away from uncomfortable emotions and sensations in the body. Sit with them, observe them, and see what happens. Learn the “behavioral hooks” through which Dr. Anthony helps clients lose weight and keep it off. Don’t rely on willpower. Create sustainable systems, and you won’t even need willpower after a while. Exercise doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Find out how some of Dr. Anthony’s clients lost over 100 pounds by simply walking. We’re neglecting nature’s profound effect on our physiology. Breathe some fresh air, get some sun on your body. Learn the easiest and most overlooked nutrition routines that will improve your health. The Man Flow Yoga Members’ Area - 7-Day FREE Trial Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results – feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

In this episode, I’m talking to Blake Bowman, a postural alignment and corrective exercise coach who’s been in this industry for over a decade. During that period, he learned that health and performance is a chess board consisting of many critical moving pieces. Blake has been a guinea pig almost his entire life. After suffering a grueling injury, he couldn’t find help to get his body repaired. He could lift 500 pounds on a deadlift at one point but couldn’t go on a hike. So, he took matters into his own hands and learned how to fix himself. Today, he’s stronger, has better posture, and is healthier than ever. Through GuerillaZen Fitness, he now uses that experience to help people perform and train better without any muscle imbalances and injuries and be at 100% capacity at all times. Today, we discuss how to stop your body from declining, balancing training with self-reflection and reconnecting with nature, the crisis of masculinity, and much more. Key Takeaways with Blake Bowman How his injuries led Blake to become a corrective exercise specialist. Surgery is not always the best option to treat an injury. Try out some of Blake’s advice before going under the knife. Find out why foam-rollers can be a game-changer for your mobility and posture. Blake’s homemade pre-workout cocktail that enables him to crush workouts. It’s good to power through discomfort, but it’s not good to power through pain. Learn the difference. Find out how Blake overcame depression and anxiety after losing his father and suffering a gruesome injury. Ego shouldn’t guide your goals. To help yourself, help others. So much data shows how going out into nature improves our well-being. Find out the key benefits of “forest bathing.” Motivation follows action. Don’t wait around to get motivated; start taking action and see what happens. Have clarity on your purpose and goals, and you won’t suffer from burnout. We’re witnessing a nationwide decline in testosterone levels. What can we do as men? Learn his morning sauna protocol for decreasing stress and promoting recovery. The Man Flow Yoga Members’ Area - 7-Day FREE Trial Want on-demand yoga programs, workouts, tutorials & more? Visit ManFlowYoga.com/join and start your 7-day free trial today.  FREE 7-Day Beginner's Yoga for Men Challenge 15-Minute On-Demand Videos No flexibility, no yoga experience required. Noticeable results – feel better, stronger, and move better. BONUS ACCESS! Exclusive Members-Only workout: Head & Neck Essentials Routine Visit ManFlowYoga.com/7dc to start the challenge today! Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram