This episode is a deep dive into why having fun is not optional for men’s mental health—it is the silver bullet that so many guys are missing. From the outside, men are told to grind harder, stay stoic, and carry everything alone, but inside, loneliness, stress, and emotional exhaustion are quietly stacking up.  Having fun becomes a radical act of rebellion against isolation, shame, and emotional numbness. John and Will unpack how having fun and playful presence can pull men out of their heads and back into their hearts, bodies, families, and communities, opening the door to real connection, creativity, and relief. Loneliness in men is now recognized as a genuine health risk, not just a feeling to tough out, and it is strongly linked to anxiety, burnout, depression, and even physical illness.  In this conversation, John and Will explore how lightening up and making space for joy can interrupt that spiral. When men stop treating life as a never-ending performance review and start allowing play, silliness, and hobbies that feel good, their nervous systems calm down, stress chemistry shifts, and it becomes easier to open up, reach out, and let people in. You’ll hear how simple practices—like reclaiming old passions, trying new playful activities, or bringing a sense of humor into daily routines—can build resilience and emotional flexibility.  Research shows that enjoyable leisure and playful mindsets boost mood, sharpen focus, improve problem-solving, and enhance relationships, all of which are crucial for men who feel stuck, burnt out, or alone. This episode connects those insights directly to real life: how having fun with friends, partners, kids, or even solo can be the bridge from isolation to intimacy, from rigid seriousness to grounded presence. The tone is honest, unpolished, and real—no fake positivity, no macho posturing.  If you’re a man feeling the weight of loneliness, or you love a man who seems checked out, this conversation offers both language and tools to shift the story. You’ll walk away with a new understanding of why having fun is not childish or trivial—it is a serious strategy for protecting men’s mental health, rebuilding friendships, and rediscovering what it feels like to be fully alive. Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:54 - Playfulness as a Tool for Connection 05:45 - The Consequences of Losing Playfulness 08:57 - Creativity and Brain Development 11:51 - Playfulness in Adulthood 14:51 - The Role of Fun in Mental Health 17:41 - Breaking Free from Societal Expectations 20:36 - Finding Joy in Everyday Life 23:41 - The Courage to Be Playful 26:53 - The Connection Between Play and Success 29:47 - Embracing Vulnerability and Fun 32:44 - The Adventure of Playfulness 35:28 - The Playful Spirit of Jesus 38:32 - Final Thoughts on Playfulness Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

If you’ve ever laid in bed wired, exhausted, and dreading tomorrow’s alarm, this episode is your playbook on how to improve sleep quality as a man who actually has things to do. In this no‑BS conversation, we dig into how to improve sleep quality so you can boost recovery, calm your mind, and stop feeling like you’re running on fumes. You’ll hear how to improve sleep quality using simple, repeatable habits instead of gimmicks, and why better sleep might be the most powerful “performance enhancer” you’re not truly using yet. Sleep is way more than closing your eyes; it’s your nightly reset for testosterone, mood, focus, and emotional resilience, and guys who short-change sleep pay for it with anxiety, irritability, weaker gains, and a higher risk of burnout and health issues. That’s why this episode with Sleep Genius founder and former Navy SEAL Robert Sweetman goes deep on practical sleep hygiene, stress management, and recovery tactics designed for high-performing men who still want to show up strong for their families, teams, and missions. You’ll learn how to lock in a consistent sleep schedule without feeling like a monk, how to set up a “sleep cave” that’s dark, cool, and distraction‑free, and how to use light, timing, and movement during the day so your brain actually wants to shut down at night. Rob unpacks battle-tested tools from elite environments—like deliberate wind‑down routines, mental off‑loading, breathing, and mindfulness—to help calm your mind before bed so you’re not replaying your to-do list at 2 a.m. You’ll also hear how better sleep accelerates muscle recovery, reduces injury risk, and improves decision‑making and reaction time, giving you an edge in training, career, and life. We link the science to real‑world habits you can use tonight—no magic supplements required. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, simple plan for how to improve sleep quality, boost recovery, and calm your mind so you can wake up more energized, more grounded, and more dangerous—in all the right ways. Buy Robert’s book here - https://www.amazon.com/62Romeo-SLEEP101-Weeks-Sleep-Restoration/dp/B0F8MLZQM2 Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ (https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/) Chapters: 00:00 - Introductions 02:50 - Rob Sweetman on Improving Sleep 12:19 - Sleep Hygiene and Mental Health 26:31 - How Light and Sound Affect Sleep 29:06 - Light, Sound, and Sleep Quality 32:29 - Brown Noise for Better Rest 33:50 - Noise, Temperature, and Sleep 37:50 - Building Consistent Sleep Routines 40:00 - New Sleep Solutions for the Military 41:58 - Developing Military Sleep Pods 43:37 - Better Sleep Tools for Warfighters 48:45 - Coaching High Performers on Sleep 52:02 - Common Sleep Disruptors 53:26 - Healthy Sleep Habits 58:11 - Sleep Tracking: Pros and Cons 01:01:06 - Why Deep Sleep and REM Matter 01:02:36 - How Meal Timing Affects Sleep 01:05:02 - Processed Foods, Obesity, and Health 01:07:27 - Intermittent Fasting Insights 01:08:51 - Eating Habits That Support Sleep 01:11:13 - Closing Thoughts and Giveaway Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to George’s Self-Discovery Journey—a raw, real conversation inspired by the acclaimed movie, The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself. In this episode, George blazes a trail through the wild Scottish Highlands, bringing to life the core themes of his transformational film. If you’re ready for something beyond the usual self-help chatter, this self-discovery Journey plunges you into discomfort and uncertainty—where letting go of control is the only way to discover your truth. George shares moments of falling apart and finding strength, trading comfort for courage. Be prepared for stories of surrender, of inner critics silenced in the mud and rain, and of what happens when you lose yourself to finally find what matters. No filters, no perfection—just the honesty of starting over, learning to cope, and the gritty reality of rediscovering yourself from the inside out. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, searching for meaning, or daring to break old patterns, let The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself be your invitation to real personal change. Here is the Youtube link to he Subtle Art of Losing Yourself : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM More about George and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@George-Thompson Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  Looking for a great Speak or Coach - Jon Macaskill can help - learn more here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/ More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/  Chapters: 00:00 – Introductions 03:00 – How Film Mirrors Personal Discovery 09:29 – Creativity, Presence, and the Filmmaking Flo 15:43 – Parts Work Explained & Our Link to Nature 24:09 – Staying Authentic While Creating Online 28:38 – Leadership, Purpose, and a Shifting World 29:32 – Finding Meaning in Service Through Social Platforms 32:02 – Responding to Criticism with Self-Affirmation 35:11 – The MMA Method for Daily Growth 36:06 – Rewriting Self-Image Through Affirmations 37:27 – Facing Fear with Presence and Mindfulness 40:13 – The Practice of Returning to the Present 41:51 – Nature, DNA, and Interconnected Life 46:11 – Holding Unity in a Dualistic World 48:27 – Personal Growth and Accepting the Self 51:01 – Vulnerability, Openness, and Community Connection Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Step into the next frontier in healing as we unravel the transformative world of ibogaine therapy in this groundbreaking conversation with Jonathan Dickinson of AMBIO Life Sciences.  Ibogaine therapy isn’t just another trend—it’s a revolution for people who are ready to conquer TBI, PTSD, depression, anxiety and addiction. From the battlefield to the homefront, veterans and special operators are discovering how ibogaine therapy is changing everything they thought they knew about recovery, healing, and hope.  With Stanford University’s groundbreaking research at the center of this episode, and the buzz from Netflix’s new documentary "In Waves and War," the world is finally waking up to how powerful ibogaine therapy can be. This documentary lays bare the real struggles and triumphs of veterans making the courageous choice to reclaim their lives—shining a spotlight on stories that echo everything Jonathan and AMBIO are living day after day. Get ready to challenge what you think about addiction and trauma as Jonathan shares with Men Talking Mindfulness the science, the stories, and the remarkable outcomes that make ibogaine therapy a true game changer.  Whether you’re struggling with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury, haunted by memories, or fighting to break free from depression or addiction, ibogaine therapy might just be the lifeline you’ve been searching for.  Hear how brave veterans and special operators stepped up as pioneers, partnering with Stanford to unveil the brain-healing, life-rebuilding power of ibogaine therapy.   We dive deep into integration, mental wellness, and why men are flocking to ancient solutions like ibogaine therapy. This isn’t about magic bullets or shortcuts—it’s about stepping you’re of isolation, getting help, owning your journey, and finally healing. Welcome to a new era of recovery, one where courage and connection drive true healing. More about Ambio Life Sciences and your Work with Ibogaine here: https://www.ambio.life/ Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:52 – Ibogaine’s Effects on PTSD and the Brain 08:59 – What Makes Ibogaine Healing 13:08 – Ibogaine’s Cultural Roots and Modern Use 18:24 – Ibogaine and the Ancestral Mind 24:50 – Compassion, Pain, and Ibogaine Recovery 30:15 – How the Brain Heals in Recovery 33:11 – Misconceptions About Ibogaine Therapy 38:05 – Global Legal Status of Ibogaine 44:41 – Inside the Ibogaine Treatment Journey 52:24 – Navigating Post-Psychedelic “Gray Days” 57:34 – Integration After Psilocybin 01:02:36 – High-Dose Ibogaine: Intensity & Control 01:04:17 – Staying Aware Through Ibogaine’s Intensity 01:09:28 – The Arc of Psychedelic Transformation 01:14:06 – Healing and Mindfulness in Chaos Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Meditation changed everything for Chris Lee. From Green Beret to father and high-performance coach, meditation wasn’t just a tool—it was a lifeline that helped Chris thrive on the battlefield and at home.  In this episode, you’ll discover how meditation gave Chris an edge when pressure mounted, and how meditation helped him become a better leader, a more connected dad, and a genuinely fulfilled human being. Chris’s journey proves that meditation isn’t just about sitting still—it’s about transforming anger into calm, stress into resilience, and uncertainty into clear purpose. Hear real stories of how Chris Lee used meditation to push past old limits and unlock patience, clarity, and strength. He combines insights from elite special forces training with practical meditation advice fit for any man navigating work and family life. With hard-won lessons and a dose of humor, Chris shows us why meditation belongs in your daily routine—whether you’re chasing success, battling overwhelm, or simply looking to be a stronger, more present man. Dig into Chris Lee at: https://fieldofresilience.com/About or on his IG at: https://www.instagram.com/coach_chris.lee/?hl=en Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:48 - Engaging in Meditation 02:50 - One Breath Grounding Practice 03:32 - Chris's Journey to Meditation 04:11 - The Evolution of Chris's Practice 06:11 - Walking Meditation Insights 08:44 - Self-Compassion in Meditation 10:20 - Meditation's Impact on Relationships 12:14 - Realizing the Benefits of Meditation 14:40 - Transition from Military to Mindfulness 18:27 - The Need for Awareness 21:13 - Career Shift to Coaching 23:33 - Meditation as a Superpower 25:00 - The Journey to Inner Peace 27:25 - Removing Labels Through Meditation 30:02 - Resistance in Meditation 31:41 - Non-Doing in Meditation 34:18 - Finding Time for Meditation 36:02 - Tracking Progress and Metrics 39:15 - Mindful Choices and Alcohol 42:57 - Creating a Daily Meditation Protocol Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  Looking for a great speaker or Coach hit up Jon Macaskill at https://jonmacaskill.com/ More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Self-doubt. It’s loud, it’s sneaky, and it’s the voice in your head that tells you you’re not enough - even when you’re crushing it. In this episode, we dive deep into self-doubt, unpacking how it grips men and secretly drives our choices, our relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves. If you've ever found yourself second-guessing your instincts, replaying that conversation (again), or holding back because of that relentless self-doubt, you’re definitely not alone. We’ll get brutally honest about where self-doubt comes from, why it sticks around, and how you can finally break its grip and reclaim your personal power. Get ready for candid stories about the internal wars men fight every day, actionable strategies for smashing self-doubt, and a few laughs at the absurd stuff our brains conjure up when no one’s watching. Expect practical takeaways, surprising insights into men’s mental health, and tools you can use to step out of the self-doubt shadow—starting right now. If you’re tired of self-doubt stealing your confidence and joy, this episode is your call to take back your manhood and make your mind your ally, not your enemy. Chapters: 00:00 – Introductions 05:19 – Embracing Worth and Authentic Leadership 19:31 – Owning Your Inner Voice 23:43 – The Journey to Confidence and Well-Being 25:26 – Power of Personal Affirmations 27:04 – Purpose, Brotherhood, and Self-Belief 32:16 – Growth Through Self-Doubt 33:51 – Seeking Feedback, Building Confidence 35:09 – Vulnerability and the Strength to Ask for Help 36:07 – Men and Overcompensation: Rewriting the Narrative 37:04 – Redefining Vulnerability with Courage 40:26 – Emotional Connection and Brotherhood 41:20 – The Illusion of Confidence 42:38 – Insecurity vs. True Confidence 45:13 – Legacy and the Path of Growth 46:40 – Strategies for Self-Reflection and Empowerment Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most men fear what they don’t understand - and nothing confuses or frustrates them more than the hormonal changes women experience in midlife. Jon and Will sit down with renowned women’s health expert Dr. Lisa Larkin to decode the menopause transition and reveal how understanding it can transform relationships, health, and communication. From navigating mood shifts and libido changes to recognizing breast cancer risks and the benefits of lifestyle and hormone therapy, Dr. Larkin exposes how women’s health - especially between ages 40 and 55 - has been neglected for far too long. This eye-opening conversation challenges stigma, empowers both partners to talk openly about menopause, and shows men why knowledge is the key to stronger, more connected relationships. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:02 - Bridging the Gender Gap in Midlife Women’s Health 06:12 - How Menopause Shapes Relationships 10:04 - What Every Woman Should Know About Midlife Health 13:41 - The Truth About Breast Cancer Risk 20:53 - Genetics, Sex, and the Overlooked Sides of Women’s Health 27:19 - Menopause at Work: Why Support Matters 32:13 - Treatment, Awareness, and Real Support for Menopausal Women 34:13 - The Real Story Behind Menopausal Hormone Therapy 51:03 - The Hidden Risks of High-Dose Testosterone Pellets 54:48 - How Hormonal Changes Affect Love and Connection Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this deeply personal piece, Jon shares something raw and different ... a song born straight from his journaling practice. After years of living by duty, discipline, and performance, Jon found himself realizing he’d lost touch with the part of him that once felt fully alive. That reflection became a song called “Called Home to Yourself.” Through honest storytelling and emotional depth, Jon opens up about what it means to wake up after years on autopilot... to remember the child you once were, the fire you once carried, and the freedom of feeling seen again. This song isn’t about perfection (nor is it perfect)... it’s about presence. It’s about rediscovering who you are beneath the roles, the ranks, and the noise of everyday life. If you’ve ever felt that quiet ache... that pull toward something real... this episode is for you. Because sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is stop running, listen, and come home. Listen to “Called Home to Yourself” — written and performed by... well, AI!! Hosted by Jon Macaskill | Men Talking Mindfulness Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode with Karen Salmansohn, discover how thinking about death can be your greatest inspiration for living a purposeful, to-die-for life. “Your To-Die-For Life” flips the script on death, showing how embracing mortality turns every day into an urgent call to action—ditch regrets, seize your bucket list, and put meaning first. Death isn’t just an end; it’s a catalyst for bold choices, authentic relationships, and a legacy that matters. Learn practical, research-backed tools to let death fuel your courage, passion, and authentic self-expression. If you want to move from living on autopilot to a life that thrills you, tune in and let death motivate you to live fully now. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:16 - The Stories We Leave Behind 00:36 - Introducing Karen Solomonson and Her Insights 01:39 - Grounding Practice: Centering Ourselves 02:33 - Contemplating Mortality for Value-Based Decisions 03:11 - Aristotle's Wisdom: Starting with the End in Mind 04:06 - Learning Lessons for Personal Growth 05:09 - The Importance of Core Values 05:51 - Legacy: How We Show Up in Life 06:48 - The Impact of Feelings on Memory 07:30 - Living Authentically vs. Seeking External Validation 08:01 - Writing Your Eulogy: A Path to Clarity 08:13 - The Power of Mortality Awareness 09:05 - Identity-Based Habits: Who Do You Need to Become? 10:30 - Creating Identity-Based Statements 12:05 - Finding Core Values: A Practical Approach 14:07 - The Seven Core Values to Avoid Regrets 15:14 - Authenticity: The Key to True Expression 16:07 - Bravery: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone 16:47 - Curiosity: The Path to Growth 18:23 - Discernment: Prioritizing What Matters 19:24 - Empathic Love: Building Meaningful Connections 20:55 - Fun: The Importance of Enjoying Life 23:53 - Gratitude: Appreciating What You Have 25:14 - The Role of Mortality in Urgency and Action 26:28 - Living with Intention: Making Every Day Count 30:23 - Breaking Free from Negative Narratives 32:33 - The Lab of Life: Embracing Growth 34:00 - The Struggle for Fulfillment: Eudaimonia vs. Hedonia 36:40 - Reawakening Your Identity: The Power of Self-Reflection 42:11 - Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People 45:03 - The Importance of Positive Influences Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks, joins MTM. He in a transformative conversation about shadow work and its profound impact on personal choices and mental well-being. Throughout the discussion, Connor delves deep into the concept of the "shadow self," exploring how acknowledging and integrating the hidden, often suppressed aspects of our personalities leads to greater self-awareness and genuine change. We candidly address the role of shame in our lives—how it can serve as both a motivator and a destructive force—and why many people unconsciously use shame-based narratives as a way to push themselves, often resulting in cycles of self-sabotage and emotional stagnation. Connor illustrates how confronting shadow elements like guilt, regret, and self-doubt enables us to break free from repeating negative patterns. Listeners will learn actionable strategies for revealing and working through feelings of shame, while gaining tools for healthier inner dialogue and compassionate self-reflection. You'll learn how self-compassion, accepting past mistakes, and building more authentic relationships—cornerstones of Connor’s approach to men’s emotional growth and healing. Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com (http://willnotfear.com) to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 02:46 - The Transformative Power of Shadow Work 05:48 - Defining the Shadow: Repression and Its Consequences 08:47 - The Role of Shame in Men's Lives 11:44 - Personal Journeys: Crisis and Transformation 14:56 - Shame and Its Manipulative Power 18:00 - Separating Personhood from Behavior 20:56 - Relationships as Mirrors for Self-Discovery 23:47 - The Role of Mindfulness in Shadow Work 27:04 - Psychedelics and Accessing the Unconscious 30:04 - The Body's Role in Self-Realization 32:58 - Conclusion: The Journey of Self-Discovery Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.