The MOST Masculine Thing You Can Do: OPEN Up Your Heart & STOP Hiding From Yourself w/ Federico Fridman | EP068

In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Federico Fridman, co-founder of Cacao Lab, to explore how plants, fatherhood, and men’s work transformed his relationship with himself and the world around him.Federico shares how ceremonial cacao went from a personal healing practice to a thriving business built with his sister and rooted in ancestral connection. He opens up about what it means to lead as a man today — one who holds space, embraces softness, and unlearns shame — all while navigating the real-life challenges of entrepreneurship, emotional growth, and fatherhood.This episode is an honest look at how we break cycles, find purpose, and choose presence — even when life doesn’t go as planned.Whether you're curious about cacao, evolving as a leader, or simply trying to show up more fully in your life, this conversation is a beautiful starting point.Join Federico's Men's circle and other mindful events at Kelta here: https://www.kelta.life/eventsSupport Cacao Lab Here: https://www.instagram.com/cacaolaboratory/ https://cacaolaboratory.com/And watch our episode with Federico's partner Taylor Lyons here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMWk3V0MoAY&t=880s00:00 – Intro: What ceremonial cacao really is and why it matters  05:20 – Building a business rooted in ancestral respect & family healing  12:00 – From personal ritual to a global cacao brand  17:40 – Men's circles: creating space for honesty, softness & safety  22:00 – How fatherhood shifted everything emotionally & spiritually  30:50 – Burnout, boundaries & showing up as a leader who’s still healing  38:50 – Sobriety, ceremony, and the joy that came after nightlife  46:30 – The moment Federico found out he was becoming a father  52:50 – Identity, roots, and building a life between Argentina & upstate NY  59:00 – Legacy, love, and preparing for what's next  01:10:30 – Final reflections & where to connect with FedericoJoin our exclusive community on GROUPED where you can find uncut episodes, messaging with your hosts, and early access to promotionshttps://app.grouped.com/whothoughtwedbeherepodJoin Whoop with our promotional code and get your first month free!https://join.whoop.com/us/en/Whothoughtwedbeherepod/Sign up for online therapy with our referral link.Get 20% off your first month with our podcast's link:Shout out to our favorite neighborhood screen printer JOKER INK  https://www.jokerink.com/NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh. https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepodPlease Like, Follow, Share, and Enjoy!!!