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 by 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 by 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 by 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 by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Men Talking Mindfulness aims to empower men's personal and emotional growth through mindfulness. We offer engaging content and practical tools in a supportive community, guiding men toward a balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life. This is an episode Jon recorded with Chris Lazier and Shaun Emerson from the If You've Come This Far podcast... lots of fun stuff to know about Jon - a lot that we never knew before! Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From the depths of addiction to the frontlines of redemption, Ben Owen’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. In this episode, Jon and Will sit down with Ben, the founder of We Fight Monsters, to uncover how he turned personal pain with addiction into purpose, leading a movement that combats addiction, human trafficking, and broken systems from the streets of Memphis to beyond. Ben reveals the brutal realities of recovery, mental health, the importance of mindfulness in chaos, and the unbreakable resilience that fuels his mission to reunite families and rebuild lives. This is not just a story about survival -  it’s about what happens when you decide to fight for something bigger than yourself. 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 03:12 - Ben Owen's Journey to Recovery 06:01 - The Birth of We Fight Monsters 09:06 - Transforming Lives in Memphis 11:51 - The Role of Mindfulness in Recovery 14:37 - Building Trust and Community 17:42 - Confronting Human Trafficking 20:34 - The Power of Resilience 23:42 - Creating Economic Opportunities 26:31 - The Importance of Family Reunification 29:47 - Engaging with Law Enforcement 32:22 - The Role of the Community 35:43 - The Owen Army and Expanding the Mission 38:35 - Mindfulness in Action 41:28 - The Future of We Fight Monsters Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when young men struggle to find their place in a rapidly changing world? Joseph Fuller joins hosts Jon and Will to explore the challenges facing young men today - from the decline of traditional male jobs, and the stigma around trades, to the crucial role of mentorship, education, and social skills in shaping identity and opportunity. This is adding to the escalating mental health crisis. Together, they unpack how cultural shifts away from college education are redefining masculinity, why trades remain “AI-proof,” and what society can do to better support young men in navigating careers, mental health, and self-worth in the 21st century. Learn more about Joseph Fuller: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2025/05/harvard-men-gender-gap-education-employment 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 - Introductions 02:48 - Cultural Identity and Self-Worth in Men 05:50 - The Decline of Traditional Male Jobs 09:12 - Education and Skills Gap 12:01 - The Impact of Social Skills on Employment 14:54 - The Role of Sports and Physical Activity 17:43 - The Importance of Mentorship and Guidance 20:48 - The Stigma Around Trades and Vocational Education 23:57 - The Role of Male Teachers in Education 26:31 - The Crisis of Male Identity in Modern Society 29:24 - Solutions for the Future of Young Men Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

So what happened here? So close to the finish line, Jon tells us why he decided to drop out of the Physique Competition and end this grueling fitness Journey. Learn what MTM is all about at: mentalkinmindfulness.com (https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/) Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t lack of skill or ambition, but the silent weight of too many choices? Jon and Will unpack the hidden toll of decision fatigue - the mental exhaustion that can cloud judgment, lower productivity, and derail even the most capable leaders. They explore how nutrition, boundaries, and mindfulness can restore mental clarity, why making decisions when energy is highest leads to better outcomes, and the power of simplifying routines to protect your focus. You’ll discover how rest and recharge are not luxuries but essentials, and why having a mentor or coach can cut through the noise to bring clarity. This conversation is a guide to reclaiming your energy, making sharper decisions, and leading with confidence. 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 01:10 - Understanding Decision Fatigue and Mental Energy 11:57 - Clear Goals as the Key to Beating Decision Fatigue 15:33 - The Role of Intentional Goals in Mental Clarity 16:59 - Leadership Challenges in Decision Fatigue 18:21 - Mindfulness and Self-Awareness for Leaders 19:17 - Practical Strategies for Clarity and Energy 23:20 - How to Replenish Energy for Better Choices 25:18 - The Hidden Impact of Judicial Decision Fatigue 26:41 - Sleep and Nutrition as Decision-Making Essentials 29:26 - The Power of Personal Boundaries 31:08 - Boundaries and Routines for Stronger Decisions 34:05 - Proven Tips to Boost Productivity and Clarity 35:16 - Nutrition’s Role in Sharper Decision-Making 40:25 - Smarter Choices Through Effective Strategies 41:56 - The Best Ways to Recharge for Peak Performance 42:34 - Final Thoughts: Share, Review, and Connect Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Most people go through life without ever being truly initiated. In this raw and revealing conversation, Will and Jon are joined by rites of passage guide Darren Silver to unpack why transformation requires more than just time — it requires challenge, community, and a deep connection to nature. They explore the wounding at the heart of real initiation, the loss of cultural rituals, and how fathers, plant medicine, and honest reflection can guide us through the most important transitions of our lives. This is a conversation about healing, masculinity, and what it takes to answer the question: Are you truly living, or just getting by? 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 03:09 – Nature and Life Transitions 07:54 – Personal Transformation Through Rites of Passage 20:15 – Mystery and the Transformative Journey 24:48 – Transformation and Inner Change 28:22 – Growth, Responsibility, and Rites of Passage 37:51 – Identity, Belonging, and the Adolescent Edge 39:11 – Identity and Belonging in Adulthood 45:40 – Community Recognition and the Need for Rites 50:05 – Responsibility and the Journey Home 51:59 – Relationship Support During Transitions 54:00 – Change and the Path to Inner Peace 01:05:22 – Happiness and Human Connection Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.