EPISODE · Mar 3, 2026 · 55 MIN
VPP EP13 - Modern Initiation: Why Every Disconnected Man Needs a Rite of Passage
from Vital Path Podcast · host Andrew Newton
Jeddy Azuma, founder of Rising Man, discusses the critical need for modern rites of passage, the consequences of "extended adolescence," and the principles of building essential brotherhood and mature masculinity. Take the FREE 5-minute Nervous System Quiz for your personalized reset practice: https://www.andrewnewton.co/nervous-system-quiz In this new episode of the Vital Path Podcast, our host, Andrew Newton is joined by Jeddy Azuma, founder and executive director of Rising Man and a wilderness rite of passage guide. Drawing on his experience in the men's empowerment space since 2008, Jeddy details the transformative process of a wilderness rite of passage, an experience he describes as a "cacophony of clarity". The conversation explores the psychological toll of a missing initiation into manhood and the necessary components for sustaining a life of purpose through community and accountability. He also shares the story of his own calling and the journey of building Rising Man into a nonprofit organization. In this episode, you will learn…How to define a wilderness rite of passage and why Jeddy views it as a key for men who are "lost or confused".The concept of "extended adolescence" and the consequences for men who do not transition into the next phase of male development.The meaning of "mature masculinity," which involves stretching your timelines and moving past the rush for "significance".An overview of Alison Armstrong's developmental framework for men, including the stages of knighthood, princehood, and king, and the risks of skipping stages.The principles of integrating a man's purpose into his life, based on David Deida's Way of the Superior Man.Three essential agreements—confidentiality, non-judgment, and honor/integrity—for building effective brotherhood and community.What separates "quality men's work" from an "incomplete education," emphasizing the importance of action and avoiding the gap between concept and practice.Jeddy Azuma's multigenerational vision to "leave it better than I found it" and make a "clean exchange to the future generations". TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome to the Vital Path Podcast with Andrew Newton01:13 — Defining a wilderness right of passage04:13 — The consequences of men missing an intentional initiation06:45 — Mature masculinity and stretching your timelines09:52 — Alison Armstrong’s developmental framework for men15:51 — Sustaining the lifelong integration of peak experiences19:20 — Where to start finding brotherhood and the foundation of men's work22:20 — Three essential agreements for a healthy men's circle24:10 — Applying men's work principles in the boardroom27:39 — Quality men's work versus incomplete education32:50 — The journey of holding Rising Man for eight years35:58 — The moment Jeddy Azuma received his calling43:50 — Why Rising Man transitioned to a nonprofit and the spirit of "the giveaway"49:30 — Jeddy Azuma’s multigenerational visionGUEST BIOJeddy Azuma is the founder of The Rising Man Movement and a dedicated mentor for men navigating the complexities of modern masculinity. He specializes in helping men break free from childhood conditioning, reclaim their personal power, and build lives grounded in purpose and integrity. He is a father, a husband, and a wilderness right of passage guide. LinksInstagram: @jeddyazumaYoutube: @therisingmanmovementSubscribe to the Vital Path PodcastYouTube: Vital Path PodcastApple Podcasts: Vital Path Podcast
What this episode covers
Jeddy Azuma, founder of Rising Man, discusses the critical need for modern rites of passage, the consequences of "extended adolescence," and the principles of building essential brotherhood and mature masculinity. Take the FREE 5-minute Nervous System Quiz for your personalized reset practice: https://www.andrewnewton.co/nervous-system-quiz In this new episode of the Vital Path Podcast, our host, Andrew Newton is joined by Jeddy Azuma, founder and executive director of Rising Man and a wilderness rite of passage guide. Drawing on his experience in the men's empowerment space since 2008, Jeddy details the transformative process of a wilderness rite of passage, an experience he describes as a "cacophony of clarity". The conversation explores the psychological toll of a missing initiation into manhood and the necessary components for sustaining a life of purpose through community and accountability. He also shares the story of his own calling and the journey of building Rising Man into a nonprofit organization. In this episode, you will learn…How to define a wilderness rite of passage and why Jeddy views it as a key for men who are "lost or confused".The concept of "extended adolescence" and the consequences for men who do not transition into the next phase of male development.The meaning of "mature masculinity," which involves stretching your timelines and moving past the rush for "significance".An overview of Alison Armstrong's developmental framework for men, including the stages of knighthood, princehood, and king, and the risks of skipping stages.The principles of integrating a man's purpose into his life, based on David Deida's Way of the Superior Man.Three essential agreements—confidentiality, non-judgment, and honor/integrity—for building effective brotherhood and community.What separates "quality men's work" from an "incomplete education," emphasizing the importance of action and avoiding the gap between concept and practice.Jeddy Azuma's multigenerational vision to "leave it better than I found it" and make a "clean exchange to the future generations". TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Welcome to the Vital Path Podcast with Andrew Newton01:13 — Defining a wilderness right of passage04:13 — The consequences of men missing an intentional initiation06:45 — Mature masculinity and stretching your timelines09:52 — Alison Armstrong’s developmental framework for men15:51 — Sustaining the lifelong integration of peak experiences19:20 — Where to start finding brotherhood and the foundation of men's work22:20 — Three essential agreements for a healthy men's circle24:10 — Applying men's work principles in the boardroom27:39 — Quality men's work versus incomplete education32:50 — The journey of holding Rising Man for eight years35:58 — The moment Jeddy Azuma received his calling43:50 — Why Rising Man transitioned to a nonprofit and the spirit of "the giveaway"49:30 — Jeddy Azuma’s multigenerational visionGUEST BIOJeddy Azuma is the founder of The Rising Man Movement and a dedicated mentor for men navigating the complexities of modern masculinity. He specializes in helping men break free from childhood conditioning, reclaim their personal power, and build lives grounded in purpose and integrity. He is a father, a husband, and a wilderness right of passage guide. LinksInstagram: @jeddyazumaYoutube: @therisingmanmovementSubscribe to the Vital Path PodcastYouTube: Vital Path PodcastApple Podcasts: Vital Path Podcast
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VPP EP13 - Modern Initiation: Why Every Disconnected Man Needs a Rite of Passage
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