What No One’s Asking For

In this episode, Brian, Matt, and Drew explore the deep growth that can come out of what Brené Brown calls the “midlife unraveling.” They talk about learning to trust themselves after years of believing this should be cautioned against and share about the journey of becoming more emotionally honest and expressive.You’ll love this vulnerable conversation about the challenging but real progress in shedding old patterns and living more freely.Brene Brown article - "The Midlife Unraveling" - https://brenebrown.com/articles/2018/05/24/the-midlife-unraveling/Brian Burchik at The Moth Storytelling event - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPFEu0R1CCMMatt Reynolds's new home ⁠www.plywoodpeople.com⁠Drew McClure's coaching Follow us on Instagram: @wnaf_podcast , @brianburchik , @matt___reynolds, @_drewmcclure

On this episode, Brian and Matt talk about the power to change your emotional state by embracing gratitude. They reflect on 2025, sharing how challenging it can be to choose gratitude in life’s annoying or difficult moments. Listen and be challenged to say “Yes, Thank you” to those inevitable moments when life doesn’t go as you wanted, big or small.

In this episode, Brian, Matt, and Drew explore what it means to approach life with a curious and gracious posture—especially toward ourselves.Together, they unpack:    •    How curiosity helps overcome shame and interrupts the judgmental, critical tone we often direct inward    •    Why extending compassion to ourselves makes space for new emotional growth    •    How practicing curiosity in our own inner world naturally shapes the way we show up for our kids, leading to more patient and connected parentingIt’s a truly vulnerable conversation as Brian, Drew & Matt share how they are embracing curiosity in real time.

In this episode, Brian, Matt, and Drew sit down for a fun and deep conversation about how visualization can help us work against old mental loops and limiting beliefs we’ve carried for years. They also dive into how creative impulses stretch us into new and vulnerable pursuits. Finally they talk about feeling “less than” — and practical ways to see the world outside of comparison and competition.Resources MentionedBrian’s Comedy One-Man ShowMillennial Meets Midlife — a comedy show based on Brian’s 40th birthday spiral in a Starbucks drive-thru, where comedy meets honesty about midlife sadness, career struggle, and finding new perspective in the most unexpected places. Watch on YouTubeMarco Polo Men’s Mental Health EventA powerful gathering focused on authentic connection and the pursuit of emotional wellbeing for men. Watch the Event HereVisualize: Think, Feel, Perform Like the Top 1% by Maya Raichoora  Check it out Here

We are starting Season 4 and today’s episode opens up a conversation on integration—living a whole, aligned life. Brian, Matt and Drew share big life updates and personal stories of unraveling and rediscovery, exploring how therapy, job changes, and midlife reflections have pushed them to integrate their lives in a more coherent and honest story. What part of your life is asking to be integrated right now? Growth, healing and opportunity are available through this difficult but worthwhile journey.Brene Brown article mentioned in the podcast. Midlife Unraveling

How many of our disappointments come from having expectations for the way things “should” be? And how do expectations negatively impact our relationships? Here at the start of the new year, the guys take a deep dive into a better approach for how we relate to the future, the present and the relationships we value most. Special guest Margaret Reynolds (Matt’s wife) joins us for the second half of the conversation and brings incredible perspective into the mix. Link to Matt’s new podcast is here Barista Saves Worst 40th Birthday https://medium.com/@brianburchik/barista-saves-worst-40th-birthday-7027e8e6e845Free Course for men on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OwnYourGreatnesspod/playlistsEmail us at [email protected]

In today’s episode, Brian shares with Matt and Drew the story of his uniquely bad 40th birthday and the struggle of feeling like you’re not where you’re “supposed to be” in life. This story involves a magical rock, a PT Cruiser, a Starbucks barista and a lot of hope for anyone going through a painful season. Brian’s 40th Birthday reflection on Medium https://medium.com/@brianburchik/barista-saves-worst-40th-birthday-7027e8e6e845Free Course for men on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OwnYourGreatnesspod/playlists

In today’s episode Brian, Matt and Drew dive into their own experiences with self doubt and changing dynamics with confidence as they get older. If you ever find yourself doubting your decision making or your abilities, you will find a lot of encouragement in today's episode. To view our video course for men visit ⁠⁠www.ownyourgreatness.net ⁠⁠

In today’s episode, we dive into the elusive topic of men crying and why it can be so hard and rare for many men to express their big emotions. Brian, Matt and Drew dive into their own recent experiences with crying that include a big ugly cry at an elementary school, a surprise cry while recording a Marco Polo video message in a parking lot and a big regret of holding back tears at a major life event. Let’s dive into the vulnerability of crying! To sign up for our new video course for men visit ⁠www.ownyourgreatness.net ⁠ Join us April 11th for our next "OYG Community Zoom Gathering" from 8:15-9:30pm EST. 

In today's episode, Matt connects with a dear friend, Taylor Fontenot, to discuss the issues they’re facing in midlife and how to better connect with those around us. They’re not mental health experts by any means, but they are two people who care deeply and want to help others navigate these challenging seasons of life. Taylor joins from Berlin, Germany and brings some perspective on mental health struggles from abroad, which brings both of them to contemplate if we need a buddy system to endure the ups and downs we’re all facing.  Warning: Matt and Taylor have both had friends die by suicide and they discuss this in hopes of bringing more light to the conversation and helping others know they are not alone.  Questjons, feedback, want to connect? Please email us at [email protected]. You can find Taylor on Instagram @taylorbfontenot and Matt @matt___reynolds. Thanks for listening! Resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline –  Dial 988 or 1 (800) 273-8255. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in both English and Spanish.  Outside the US? Please click here for a list of international hotlines: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html Tim Ferriss’ blog post “Some Practical Thoughts About Suicide”: https://tim.blog/2015/05/06/how-to-commit-suicide/ Own Your Greatness Men’s Course: https://ownyourgreatness.podia.com/

Sometimes we find ourselves in a chapter of our story that feels all encompassing and like it will never end. The thoughts and emotions can be so strong that we find ourselves asking, "Will I feel this way forever?" In this episode of the WNAF podcast Brian, Matt & specifically Drew, unpack how these thoughts and emotions can cloud our perception of reality. Drew shares what helped him navigate through this difficult season in his life and we all share some good laughs along the way. To sign up for our new video course for men visit www.ownyourgreatness.net Join us March 7th for our first ever "OYG Community Zoom Gathering" from 8:15-9:30pm EST.

Everyday we walk around with stories about ourselves that aren’t healthy or helpful or true. Today’s episode is about replacing the old, limiting stories in our heads with new, better stories that open the way for growth and personal breakthrough. And we share a huge announcements: We’ve launched a brand new video course for men!  Learn more at www.ownyourgreatness.net

It’s 2024 and the guys are back to discuss how they are defining the new year with helpful frameworks to put intentions into action.  They welcome a very special guest for the first 10 mins of the show who might be the youngest fan of the pod. The episode closes out with an exciting announcement about a brand new course that Brian, Matt, & Drew will be releasing in the near future. Jude's YouTube Channel: IMPOSSIBLE! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnldqMYNGdudVuqi2Th4D8g Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Do you ever feel like you’re “playing it small” in your life? Or perhaps you’re struggling to feel confident in your own unique abilities and skills? In today’s episode, the guys do a deep dive into how we identify, commit and lean into our personal greatness. You don’t have to choose between feeling like an imposter or being overly arrogant, and this episode will help guide you on that path to owning your greatness. Learn more at ⁠www.wnafpod.com

It’s been a minute, but Brian, Drew and Matt are back in the saddle to have a deeply honest conversation about their own struggles with imposter syndrome. Whether it's self doubt, feeling “less than,” or believing that we don’t belong, today’s topic sheds light on what this very universal feeling sounds like in our minds, what some of the origins might be, and how we can begin to live under a more empowering story about ourselves. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Enjoy this dynamic conversation that we had together during our first live show in Atlanta, Georgia. The guys dive into “Generational Theory” to help understand the age that we grew up in, and how it shaped our expectations of adulthood. This theory is based on 4 different cultural archetypes - the prophets, nomads, heroes and artists - that mysteriously repeat themselves throughout history. Live audience engagement throughout this episode made it even more interesting and insightful. Enjoy!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnaf-gathering-live-show-2-drinks-included-with-each-ticket-tickets-586014594427 Come join us Saturday, April 29 for a live show & podcast recording experience! Two adult drinks included in your ticket & lots of time to hang out before and after as a community! Date: Saturday April 29, 2023 Where: Atlanta, GA

In today’s episode, the guys get real and honest about their parenting fails and the parenting philosophies (or lack thereof) that guide them. Whether you are a parent or not, you’ll find this episode insightful and hilarious. There are some outrageous stories that get shared, so trust us, you don’t want to miss it. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com.

In today’s podcast, we explore the complexities of tribalism - human’s natural tendency to form groups based on shared characteristics like ethnicity, nationality, religion, or culture. We reflect on how we’ve benefited from tribalism in the past, while also acknowledging how these tribal impulses led to “living in a bubble” and became contrary to our deeper personal growth. Ultimately, we ask what it looks like to still find a tribe despite getting older and not seeing the world as simply as we once did. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com.

Today’s episode opens up a big idea about how we can practically begin to identify and live within our “zone of genius.” It might sound a little lofty or “pie-in-the-sky” at first, but trust us, you have a genius - unique and special abilities - and the path to living in your genius can be more practical than you think. Join us as we flesh out what these life-changing ideas can look like smack in the middle of busy and demanding lives. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com.

Get ready for a Happy Hour like no other! Join Drew McClure and his wife Caroline McClure as they sit down with Matt and Brian to discuss life's most confusing and overwhelming moments. From honest conversations about depression to hilarious insights, this episode is sure to refresh and inspire you. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Have you ever felt like you are doing a noble job of living someone else’s life? Have the “shoulds” and “ought tos” shaped your life so much that you don’t even know what living an authentic life means to you anymore? In this week’s episode Brian, Matt & Drew talk about the importance of letting your life speak, based on the work of Parker Palmer. Learn with us how to listen to our lives afresh. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Today’s episode centers around an embarrassing but enlightening question - “Do I want to be famous?” Though most of us will never be celebrities, we live in a culture obsessed with public praise and recognition, fueled by social media and constant news feeds. Find yourself in this messy topic as Brian, Matt, and Drew get real honest about their own complicated desires around fame, success, and future aspirations. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Erin Burchik (Brian’s wife) joins the crew for a Hot mom check-in. Enjoy her perspective and also her roast of her husband! Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Welcome to the “What No One’s Asking For”podcast! Join life long friends Brian Burchik, Matt Reynolds and Drew McClure as they dive into vulnerable conversations that came out of their own pandemic struggles, panic attacks, and feelings of “midlife sadness.” No matter what stage of life you’re in, we invite you to get honest and vulnerable with us in the pursuit of flourishing at a whole new level. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

In this part 2 of “Addictive Thinking,” Brian, Matt, and Drew dive further into how we can work with our addictive thinking patterns. Specifically, we discuss the difference between fighting, fueling, and feeling these thoughts. We also introduce the psychotherapy model of understanding our mind as an “internal family system” and how this empowers us in our pursuit of growth and healthier ways of thinking. Enjoy! Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Am I addicted to my negative thinking? In today’s episode, the guys share their own addictive thought patterns, new ways of responding to them, and why they’ve resonated so much with the language of addiction and the approach of Alcoholics Anonymous in this pursuit of personal growth. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

In follow up to the popular “Midlife Sadness” episode from season 1, today’s episode dives into finding the “Midlife Magic.” Brian, Matt and Drew honestly explore whether “magic” exists in the world and how to dream again after many disappointments.  Matt, the self proclaimed “magic man,” makes his case for why he believes that deep desires, hope and optimism are connected to how we engage our sadness and frustrations. Join us as we wrestle with our own cynicism and doubt in pursuit of more magic! Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Today’s episode kicks off Season 2 and we couldn’t be more excited! Today we discuss how to own and enjoy your current season of life by gaining a greater awareness of life’s seven predictable stages and the unique blessings and burdens of each stage. This is a really relevant conversation here at the start of 2023 as we naturally consider new goals, resolutions, or changes we’d like to make in our lives. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Brian, Matt and Drew share lots of laughs in this lighthearted conversation about their holiday season and recent New Year’s celebration. Among other funny stories, listen as Drew describes the time he was told he had “insufficient funds” in front of his mom, wife and daughter. Hope you enjoy this bonus episode, and we look forward to brand new episodes when Season 2 kicks off on January 17th! Learn more at www.wnafpod.com.

We’ve come to the end of Season 1. In today’s episode, Brian, Matt, and Drew reflect on this first season and share the specific ways they’ve changed since deciding to expand the conversations they were already having daily through Marco Polo messages into a recorded podcast.  And don’t worry, there’s a juicy announcement about the coming of Season 2. Share your big takeaway from Season 1 with us at www.wnafpod.com

Unhealthy comparing and competition is one of the few forces that can unravel friendships faster than almost anything. We all struggle with it at times, but what can we really do about it?  In this episode Brian, Matt and Drew get personal and honest about how they can feel competitive in their relationships with each other and how they are navigating through those challenges. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

In today’s episode, Brian, Matt, and Drew welcome Matt’s smart, talented and creative wife Margaret to further explore vulnerability, midlife sadness, creativity and other topics on the podcast so far. Margaret’s point of view and honest reflections as a woman, wife, and mother bring a refreshing new depth, color, and balance to the conversation. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Today’s episode wrestles with the tension and struggle to accept our lives just as they are. How do we make peace with our past while also having the courage to make desired changes in the future? Join Brian, Matt and Drew as they explore just how difficult yet healing it can be to live with true, honest acceptance of our lives. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Has the way you relate to work, money, and meaning evolved over the years? Need a more helpful way to think about your own impact in the world as life gets busier and financial pressures increase?  Join Brian, Drew, and Matt in this thoughtful conversation around the tension of money, meaning, and designing a life that keeps our creative expressions alive. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

In today’s episode, Matt, Drew, and Brian discuss the vulnerability of being outside of our comfort zones, especially in seasons of transition. Despite the discomfort and the unknown, it is often in these vulnerable moments and seasons that we feel most fully alive.  Whether you’re currently in a transition or not, this conversation sheds light on how we can continue to opt into our lives, especially in the times that call on us to be brave and get outside our comfort zones. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

In today’s episode, Matt, Drew, and Brian take a deep dive into all the ways that life turned out to be way harder than they imagined, as well as the emotional ups and downs of coming to grips with new, unforeseen realities.  Whether you consider yourself to be in “midlife” or not, these feelings and struggles find all of us at some point in our journeys. Grab a box of tissues, this is the “Midlife Sadness” episode. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com

Why is it so difficult to be vulnerable? To share the real and honest things going on inside of us? Even with the people we love and trust the most, vulnerability can be challenging, especially as we get older.  In this opening episode, Brian, Matt & Drew (aka Burchik, Reynolds, Drew) open up about their own struggles to be vulnerable with each other, despite sharing over twenty years of close friendship. Hear how a panic attack finally pushed these friends to embrace vulnerability as a path back to the authentic connections they once shared.  In their own honest and self deprecating way, the hosts will encourage you to reflect on your own experience and find yourself in this universal need for depth and connection. Learn more at www.wnafpod.com