15 Years Practicing Tantra | What Kieran Dowling Has Learned About Sex, Masculinity & Freedom

Most people hear the word Tantra and immediately think about sex.But what if Tantra is about something much bigger?In Episode 16 of The Personal Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Kieran Dowling, creator of the Rose & Sword Substack and author of TARA: Inside Out: 15 Years with the Black Sheep of Yoga,for an open conversation about Tantra, sexuality, healthy masculinity, relationships, spirituality, desire, and what it actually means to become free.Kieran originally discovered Tantra in his twenties while searching for answers to struggles in his sex life. What began as a desire to become a better lover gradually became a much deeper journey. Over the years, his practice changed his relationship with alcohol and drugs, spirituality, intimacy, relationships, masculine sexuality, and ultimately himself.Kieran breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions about Tantra, including the idea that Tantra is simply about sex or requires polyamory. He explains the differences between left-hand and right-hand Tantra, the relationship between Tantra and yoga, and why he views Tantra as a practical philosophy for engaging consciously with life.The conversation also gets candid about sexual shame, pornography, masturbation, male sexuality, intimacy, desire, orgasm, relationships, and why so many men grow up without ever learning how to develop a healthy relationship with their sexual energy.While I approach the conversation from my own Christian worldview, Kieran comes from a different spiritual framework. We don’t agree on everything and that’s part of the conversation. Despite the differences, we found significant common ground around the importance of learning to understand our desires, channel them intentionally, build healthier relationships, and refuse to let our impulses control our lives.Perhaps Kieran’s most powerful idea comes back to the central question of the podcast: What is personal freedom?For Kieran, freedom isn’t simply being able to do whatever you want. It’s becoming free from attachments and conditioning while developing greater control over your desires and fears.As he puts it, you can be free in prison or caged while living in society. The challenge is recognizing the bars of your own cage.This is a candid, curious conversation about Tantra, healthy masculinity, sexuality, spiritual growth, relationships, recovery, personal development, and the pursuit of personal freedom.In this episode:* What Tantra actually is and what it isn’t* Left-hand vs. right-hand Tantra* Tantra’s relationship to yoga and spirituality* Kieran’s Catholic upbringing and spiritual evolution* His journey away from drinking and drugs* Sexual energy, desire, discipline, and self-control* Why relationships can act as mirrors for personal growth* Tantra, monogamy, and misconceptions about polyamory* Sexual shame and the way many men learn about sexuality* Pornography, masturbation, and conditioning* Developing healthier intimacy between men and women* Why talking openly about sexuality matters* How Kieran defines personal freedom* Finding common ground across different spiritual worldviewsAbout Kieran & Where to Find HimKieran writes about two separate but interconnected things: Identity and Masculinity. Using 15 years of assiduous Tantric practice to break ancient wisdom into actionable transformation.“A man who can control his own sexual energy when his beloved is lost in the throws of intense orgasm, is a man who need not fear any situation life throws at him. Having reached that point myself, I want you to get there too. That is why I started Rose and Sword.”Kieran’s Substack: Rose & SwordKieran’s Book: TARA: Inside Out: 15 Years with the Black Sheep of YogaFollow The Personal Freedom PodcastThe Personal Freedom Podcast shares the stories of people who chose a different path—overcoming adversity, rebuilding their lives, pursuing purpose, and defining freedom on their own terms.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be looking for their own way out of the wilderness.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are rainbows in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac DohmWant to Share Your Personal Freedom Story?Almost everyone has a personal freedom story.Maybe yours involved rebuilding after heartbreak.Maybe it meant leaving behind a toxic environment.Maybe it involved taking a risk, changing direction, rediscovering your faith, starting over, pursuing a dream, or simply waking up to the realization that you were meant for something more.If you have a story you feel called to share, I’d love to hear it.You can apply to be a guest on The Personal Freedom Podcast by booking a 1-on-1 Personal Freedom Story Pitch conversation with me.This podcast is about real people, real crossroads moments, and real stories of growth, resilience, and freedom.How You Can Support the ShowCheck out my nomadic art gallery for pictures, posters and prints showcasing my life on the road! Use the Code FREEDOM for 20% off.Art Gallery:https://macnomadicfineartfromtheroad.pic-time.com/Ritual OrganicsSun Tallow – Whipped Beef Tallow Face Cream with Non-Nano ZincProduct Description from Ritual Organics’ website:Grass-fed tallow meets mineral zinc in one whipped, do-it-all balm. Six ingredients. Zero white cast. Zero nonsense.Why people are obsessed:One step. Done. Moisturize, nourish, and shield from UV in a single swipe.Clear Zinc Tech: real UV defense, no chalky ghost face.6 ingredients. Grass-fed whipped tallow, organic jojoba, non-nano zinc, vitamin E, organic rosehip, organic lavender. The end.Non-greasy, non-comedogenic, all skin types, including the dramatic ones.Skinimalist & non-toxic: no fragrances, parabens, preservatives, or mystery chemicals.90 days to fall in love. if you don’t, email or DM us for a full refund. No returns. No questions.Ever AccountableIf you’re trying to build a more intentional life and create healthier digital habits, I’ll leave a link to a tool I personally use called Ever Accountable.Freedom isn’t just about where you go. It’s also about who’s driving the wheel. Tools like Ever Accountable help create honesty, intentionality, and accountability in a world designed to distract and consume you.This is a great tool also if you are a parent and want better protection for your kids online.* Try this link for a limited 14 day free trial and 20% off after that 14 day trial expires.Want to promote your business?Email [email protected] and/or book some time to chat.Subscribe to The Personal Freedom PodcastNew episodes every week featuring conversations about:* Purpose* Adventure* Creativity* Faith* Relationships* Recovery* Rebuilding* Mindset* And the ongoing pursuit of personal freedomIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder to keep pursuing freedom in their own life.Where to Find PFPWatch on YouTubeWatch & Listen on SubstackListen on AppleListen on Spotify Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe