The Better Man Podcast

Matt Vincent is a two time Highland Games World Champion and the founder of the successful brand HVIII Brand Goods that helps people eliminate the bullsh*t in their lives through movement, mindset, and motivation. After going through various adversities (he had nine knee surgeries as well as a total knee replacement) and enduring excruciating pain, he found beauty in the simplicities that his new life offered. After his father died, Matt realized that the time we have left on Earth is finite, and precious. He now lives every day as if it was his last. He’s no longer identifying as just an athlete. Competing with others is now in the rearview mirror, he’s in competition only with himself. To be better, bolder, and wiser. In this episode, we’re discussing how stress can benefit us, the importance of being honest with ourselves and other people, and how taking ownership of our lives is a pathway to boundless personal growth. Key Takeaways with Matt Vincent Why Matt experimented with different diets and to what result. How pain and trauma changed his outlook on life. How he balances every aspect of his life (business, relationships, health). How experimenting with psychedelics led him to breakthrough realizations. Matt’s transition from an athlete to entrepreneur. Practicing jiu-jitsu with a bad knee: How to do it? Surround yourself with people that are positive and bring value to your life. Matt’s morning routine that gets him absolutely fired up for the day. Why discomfort and suffering are invaluable in the pursuit of excellence. Find out how his injuries made him even tougher mentally than before. 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 do you push yourself and your goals forward while living a balanced life? This episode features Nate Checketts, the Co-Founder and CEO of Rhone, an activewear lifestyle brand founded on the ethos “Forever Forward”; a phrase that perfectly encapsulates what Nate is all about - get up every time you fall and improve and get better each day. Nate does this while making time for the most important thing in his life - his family, and we get into that and much more in this episode. Nate is someone who is creating something much larger than a clothing brand, and is an inspiration for men all around the world. In this episode, we’re talking about some of Nate’s beliefs around mobility, longevity, and long-term health. We discuss the importance of men being vulnerable, how discomfort can make you a better person, and being a great parent and husband while building a successful business. Nate has built a strong community around Rhone by associating the menswear label with issues like mental health, physical recovery, gender equality, and positive masculinity. He believes that long-term health and longevity is about striving for balance and doing different things that bring you joy and happiness. I couldn’t agree more. Key Takeaways with Nate Checketts Be 1% better every day; in fitness, at work, at home. How Nate got into yoga, and how it changed his perception of fitness. How taking care of his physical and mental health makes him a better dad. Sustain mobility and fitness into your 30s and 40s, without killing your body! Ways in which you can improve your life by seeking discomfort. Greatness requires sacrifice, but you don’t need to suffer. How to be present with your children and wife while running several businesses. Perfection is the greatest enemy of progress. Being an athlete is only a small part of being human. Setting goals is great, but do this after! You meditate, and you exercise; there’s a way to do both! The importance of men sharing their emotions and being open. 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 of the Better Man Podcast we’ll be exploring why the idea of “toxic masculinity” is obscuring positive expressions of masculinity, and what it really means to be a man. There might not be somebody better suited toward this conversation than my guest on this episode, Ryan Michler, the founder of Order of Man. What makes a man? Today’s guest, Ryan Michler, has been working to answer this question for years. Ryan is a husband, father, Iraqi Combat Veteran, and the Founder of Order of Man. Ryan grew up without a permanent father figure and has seen first-hand how a lack of strong, ambitious, self-sufficient men has impacted society today. He has made it his mission to help men step more fully into their roles as protectors, providers, and presiders over themselves, their families, their businesses, and their communities. In today’s conversation, Ryan and I take a deep dive into what exactly masculinity is–and why there’s nothing inherently “toxic” about it, contrary to popular belief. We explore some of the very real threats and challenges affecting modern men, get to the root of what masculine emotions really are, and discuss how to use these feelings to take steps forward–not back–each and every day. Key Takeaways with Ryan Michler What it means to be a leader in a relationship (without being a dictator or tyrant). Why every decision is a trade off–and how to recognize the autonomy you have over your life and deal with the consequences when you can’t be present for everything and everyone. Why masculinity is neither toxic nor good–and why the way we utilize our masculinity is much more important. How our society and the rise of fatherless homes has set young men up to fail in adulthood. Why masculinity has more to do with how you perform an activity than the activity itself. Why we conflate masculinity with a lack of emotion. How to recognize negative emotions, stop feeling shame, legitimize your feelings, and find safe outlets for them before they become bombs. How Ryan works through self-limiting beliefs. The biggest struggles Ryan sees with the men he works with. Why Ryan thinks jujitsu is overlooked or undervalued by most people. Why all men cry–except emotionally unhealthy ones. 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, I’m talking to Austin Current. He’s the author of The Science of Strength Training, in which he writes about the mental and physical benefits of strength training, shares workout plans and dietary science, and outlines how to complete 33 key exercises safely and without injury. Austin’s book is full of great information. However, what really made me want to talk to him is his gift for writing about a very complex and potentially intimidating topic in a way that someone who’s never trained seriously (or perhaps never even set foot in a gym) can use to get started. In this episode, Austin and I dig into how (and why) his book took shape, how to take the guesswork out of your time at the gym and make the most of your training, and the key things to be doing outside the gym beyond eating and sleeping well to see the best results from a strength training program. Key Takeaways with Austin Current How Austin developed his unique writing style for his book. Why it can be so difficult to take what you learn in the classroom (or in a book) and apply it in real life. When and why people need to work with trainers. The common physical and mental symptoms of overtraining, what to look out for, and what to do instead when it happens. Why it’s so important to manage your expectations when it comes to training. The key questions and conversations Austin has with his clients to help determine how he can best serve them. How to make strength training complement your yoga practice (or anything else you want to do). The dangers and side effects of idolizing impractical and uncomfortable bodies. How Austin and his wife set expectations, plan together, and check in on each other. How asking himself what he enjoys (and why he enjoys it) has helped Austin focus on doing things that make him happy. Why Austin thinks that it’s more important to move frequently over the course of the day instead of packing 10,000 steps into a single block of activity. What stresses Austin out the most each day. The biggest challenge facing men and their well-being right now–and why the best way to do anything is to start something, create small changes, and stop thinking about the future.   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

Welcome to my first solo podcast episode! We launched the Better Man Podcast (BMP) just over a month ago, and I recorded a quick episode to give you some updates and let you know how the show’s been going. What I hope you’ll get out of these shorter solo podcast episodes: The 1 area where I’m finding the most impactful conversations between myself and the BMP guests The 1 habit that almost everybody who has had go deal with significant struggles is utilizing to come out for the better My journaling process for getting through the “pandemic blues”, as well as my nightly journaling process (and what I notice as a result of journaling consistently) And more… My goal with these shorter solo podcast episodes is for you to be able to quickly listen in, take something valuable from it, and hopefully, enjoy it. I also want to focus on topics that I can speak to with experience, rather than just regurgitating something I read out of a book. I’ve found that in the podcast so far I’ve really gravitated toward sharing and hearing about personal experiences, rather than general knowledge, and I’d like to continue that focus here. Full video versions of each podcast episode are now available for free on the Better Man Podcast YouTube channel, as well as in the Man Flow Yoga App & Members’ Area for existing Members. 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

Sam Gach is a fitness creator, entrepreneur, and stretching & flexibility coach dedicated to making the world a calmer, stronger, more flexible place. Yoga and fitness has changed Sam’s life for the better, in ways he couldn’t dream of. Now, he’s spilling the beans to help as many people as possible learn how to take care of their bodies, as well as their mental health. Over the past few years, Sam has built a community of thousands of people that support each other in their efforts to be more flexible, strong, and mentally resilient. Yoga and movement have been a saving grace for Sam in times when he was struggling with severe stress and anxiety. He had to make some tough career choices, but he chose to work through his problems instead of running away from them. Since then, he’s been on a journey of constant growth, both physically and mentally. I’m talking to him today because he’s not your average yoga teacher. He knows that there’s more to life than building a strong physique and that men need to also take care of their emotional and mental wellbeing. Sam has built his life around trying to be the best version of himself. He’s here to show the rest of the world how to do the same thing, one down dog at a time. Key Takeaways with Sam Gach Should you do weight training when practicing yoga? Your body is sending you cues, learn how to listen to them by following Sam’s advice. One of the toughest decisions he made that led to him following his life’s purpose How to stay motivated when going through difficult times. How to deal with social media noise as a content creator. Attack your goals and take control of your calendar by using the tools Sam uses Find out how to do the perfect frog pose. What many yoga teachers are failing to teach their students. You get a massage for your body, but what’s the equivalent for your brain? Think that you can’t get injured in yoga? Think again! Find out the self-development practices that made Sam a happier person. The next time you’re trying to help a friend out, don’t problem-solve. Do this instead! How to not get wrapped up in your negative thoughts. Exercise = ultimate stress relief.   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

Jon Vroman is a husband, father and the Founder of Front Row Dads — a brotherhood created for “family men with businesses, not businessmen with families.” Over the last 5 years, Front Row Dads has become a diverse group of 230+ dads from 12 different countries who share a common bond of choosing to put family first as they grow their businesses. The mission of Front Row Dads is to help men deepen their connection with their children and build a family legacy that they’re proud of. I’m talking with Jon today, because he’s got a ton of insight to share around what it takes to become a better husband and father. Not only can he speak from his own experiences, but he’s surrounded himself with like minded men who are constantly pushing to uplevel their Dad game. What I love about Jon is that he doesn’t claim to have all the answers… In fact, quite the opposite. He started the group because he wanted to uncover them. And he’s just as committed to learning as the rest of the men in his group. He knows the power of collective wisdom and has built a brotherhood who are committed to figuring it out together and learning from each other's experiences. Key Takeaways with Jon Vroman Starting Front Row Dads to win at home, not just at work. Establishing boundaries and protecting your calendar, so you have more time to spend on your family. One of the toughest decisions Jon made in order to become a better Dad. When you’ve got kids, how do you keep the intimacy alive with your spouse? Reconciling differences between you and your partner. How much family time is too much? Are you a bad Dad if you don’t want to play with your kids for hours on end. Hear Jon’s advice! Why boredom is so important to your kids' development. Time for your kids, time for your wife, and time for yourself… How do you balance it all? Why trying to ‘feel better’ is a band-aid fix. Do this instead! Sauna time and breath work = pure medicine :) Find out what Jon discovered after getting his blood work done that was completely draining his energy. Why men need to block out the noise and listen to their inner voice. 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

Eric Bandholz was mocked, ridiculed, and told he wasn’t allowed to grow facial hair while working as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. So, he quit his job and started a beard business. In 2012, Beardbrand was born, and the company has been providing educational and inspirational content to help men ‘Keep on Growing’ ever since. Their grooming products for beard, hair, and skin, support a growing online community of 1.8M+ YouTube subscribers. I wanted to talk to Eric because he has built a business dedicated to serving men. So, who better to talk to about becoming a better man! In this episode, we discuss the difficulty of entrepreneurship as a dad, how your relationship with your wife evolves post-kids, and how to intentionally build a life that you love. Key Takeaways with Eric Bandholz Breaking through business burnout and plateaus. Looking in the mirror and loving the man staring back at you. How to live in the present, overcome adversity, and focus on what matters most with The Book of Reminders. How to live a more intentional life. Opening up about struggles with infertility. Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship. How your relationship with your wife changes once you’re a Dad. What is your role as a husband/father in the first 18 months of parenthood? Carving out quality time with your kids. Understanding your role as a parent. Why there’s no quick fix to improving your health. The importance of mental therapy. 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, I’m speaking with Joe Hanson—a Ph.D. biologist who writes, hosts, and produces videos about science for his award-winning YouTube show, It's Okay To Be Smart from PBS Digital Studios. The show has attracted 4.5 million+ subscribers and amassed more than a quarter billion views. Joe’s mission in life is to tell the world how awesome science truly is. And he’s doing that by changing the way science is communicated. He makes learning about it entertaining, accessible, and a lot more relatable. I wanted to talk with Joe because he has a ton of wisdom (built on science) about how we can function better in both our brains and bodies. Humans are the most complicated machines that we know of in the universe, so to learn a little bit more about how we operate and why we do the things we do, is key to living happier and healthier lives. 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, I’m talking with Aaron Alexander, who believes that if you want to change the quality of your life, you first need to change the way you move through your life. To do that, you need to align your mind, body, and movement. Aaron is a manual therapist, movement coach, founder of The Align Method, author of the Align Method book, and host of the Align Podcast, which has ranked #1 in Nutrition on iTunes. He has over 16 years of experience and has worked with thousands of clients, helping them to relieve pain while creating greater strength, flexibility, and ease in their mind and body. In this episode, we’re talking about some of Aaron’s foundational principles for improving your mind, body, and movement, so you can live a better life. We discuss daily movement habits, the importance of PLAY, and the correlation between our physical health and our psychological well-being. That and a whole lot more! Key Takeaways with Aaron Alexander What is the Align Method and what role does movement play when it comes to your overall health? The impact that the modern world has had on our bodies' alignment. Why sitting on the floor is good for you. Aaron’s journey from jacked and tan to strong, flexible, and pain-free. The benefit of lacking structure in exercise. Movement for your forgotten tissues. Are Adults that PLAY Healthier? Improve your life by listening to what your body is telling you. The connection between physical and emotional trauma. Building strength by being vulnerable. Balancing your masculine and feminine energy. Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram