Real Men Don't Cry. Or Do They?

Jesse and I talk about going from being an anxious man, to one feeling solid in himself and owning our emotions. We get into what we want to proved for our sons, and I take away some excellent tips form him that I will use with my son. Jesse leads himself and his own healing, he is a true beacon of hope to men that want to see how far they can grow. The act of introducing Himself as an artist, instead of his occupation or other status, has changed the way sees himself, his identity, and how he has moved towards his essence. He used this process in his journey to overcome many of the limiting beliefs he once held about what he was capable of. Jesse is the father of 3 teenage sons. Young men in training. See Jesses art at https://www.instagram.com/hampton5.0/

Paul uses the term serendipitous for the things that have happened in his life. We have all had similar experiences to him, but perhaps we haven't reflected on them as he has. He has overcome a "real men drink" culture, motivated by being fully present for his children. Paul is an entrepreneur, husband and super fit dad! find him on IG https://www.instagram.com/the_quantum_dad/

Trevor shares how he was unaware of his enmeshment with his mother and how his wife had to point it out to him. Trevors father was absent from his life from age 6 on, and he shares how he navigated that pain. His kids are an important part of his life, and he strives to provide them with something different then he received as a child. Trevor Bird, a Personal Development Coach and Certified IFS Practitioner, embodies resilience. From childhood adversity to entrepreneurial success, he now guides others through inner conflict with empathy and transformative practices, aiming to empower individuals to lead themselves and inspire positive change. https://www.trevorbird.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the_trevorbird/

I have not recored a podcast in awhile, partly because of the guilt, shame, I am not good enough stories I was believing about myself. I wanted to do a solo to share with you why I have not showed up in this space for awhile.

Risto and I discuss how his father expected him to follow a certain path and how he hated it. During his teen years he was exposed to many different cultures that opened his eyes to humans. Once he moved to BC, he was able to find himself fully. We talk about male sexual shadow and how important it is to acknowledge that it's there. Risto is a Vancouver based yoga teacher with a focus on healing. His background as a semi-professional multi-sport athlete left his body broken and damaged!. On his 40th birthday he took my first yoga class and my life changed dramatically Since completing the 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2006, he has built a strong following of students who attend his Rocket, Flexibility Yin, Active Yin classes, Workshops and Immersions. https://www.ristoduggan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ristoduggan/ ​

Alex and I exchange stories of our fathers , what the did and didn't do for us. Alex shares how he has been growing as a man and human, and how his family reacts to it. Primarily, Alex is a brother and a son. For most of his 30 years, he has been on a path of deepening his understanding of the complexities of life in an effort to be in better relation to himself and others. Alex is a civil engineer in the emergency management industry and an aspiring entrepreneur. In his time outside of work and pursuing his side project, he loves weightlifting, golf, and spending time in nature. If you’d like to connect with Alex on social media, you can find him here ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/alexluda_/

Aashish and I reconnect after 2 years and discuss how it takes consistent effort in order to change into the version of yourself you truly desire to be. We touch on how chasing the "dream" or happiness is a trap, and you need to be learn how to be happy in the present moment. Aashish is a technology professional who assists developers in creating software solutions. Currently, he is establishing himself in India after residing in the US for 6 years where he pursued his MBA degree, worked with a supply chain tech firm, & collaborated with coaches to develop his self-leadership skills. He is deeply committed to promoting mental health and wellness among Indian men, acknowledging the existing taboo and unique challenges they encounter in a swiftly modernizing society. https://www.instagram.com/aashish.harneja/

My partner from a time in my life that was full of confusion, feeling lost and unsure comes on the show to share openly about how I showed up, or more to the point didn't show up for her and the relationship. We reflect on what was going on for each of us, how we felt and what we learned from our time together. There is huge value here for people struggling with their relationships. Leave a comment with your thoughts and what you took away for yourself.

Cam is a man that has lived life fully. Experiencing hardships that he was able to turn around in to teachings. His insight into life is formed by a well rounded approach. We talk about fatherhood and the lessons it's taught us, what his illness taught him, how he sees vulnerability in relationships as the mans responsibility to lead. Cam is a father of 3 and lives in Northern Alberta, Canada. Self described blue collar guy, he is an encourager and coach to those around him.

Nick shares his experiences in "waking up" to his patterns and beliefs and how it took him on a completely different life trajectory. He has come to see how he sought personal validation through his successful business, and then pivoted and learned the power of connecting with himself for validation. Nick is the co-founder of a the world's largest independent music media & ticketing platform. He now is a transformational coach that helps entrepreneurs, leaders and artists that seek to create positive cultural and societal impact. https://www.nicksabine.coach/ https://www.instagram.com/nicksabine.coach/

In this immensely powerful episode, Laverne shares the challenges an abusive mother left him with to navigate as a man. He went through a time in his life where he had planned out his suicide, and it was his daughter that helped him realize he needed to find a way to stay alive. Laverne Friesen is a former law enforcement officer who, after decades of being stuck in victimhood, transmuted painful lifetime events into opportunities for growth and healing. He is committed to constant growth and is passionate about helping others find and recover their power. TikTok / Instagram @trueemotionhealing www.trueemotion.ca offers - 12 – week program of self-discovery and empowerment with coaching. 20% off if they mention the podcast

A solo episode where I share some of my experiences being father to my now 19 year old son. He has taught me some powerful lesson over the years. I reference an initiation to manhood ceremony I did with him when he was 16, listen to more about that on rising father podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MZpumCupXcUwpTvpoeeJ7?si=05bf63cb1a304abb

Rafa and I have an honest conversation about some of his life lessons from serving in the US Marines and what he learned from female commanding officers. As a teen, he was exposed to cultural diversity and has a view on the world and humans that is broad due to his continued world travels. Adaptability is a theme we touch on more then once. https://www.instagram.com/rafareturns/

Jason and I get into how we both have an anxious attachment and how that makes us show up in relationship, and what we have done to heal it. We also chat about fatherhood being a catalyst for necessary expansion as a man. Jason is 37 years old, Men's coach, husband of 10 years & father of a 1 year old son. I've been training brazilian jiu jitsu for 8 years, love the outdoors, hunting, hiking, shooting, and a good deep conversation about life. https://www.instagram.com/jasonschnitzercoaching/

Jason shares how a life crisis at age 45 made him face himself, and all his behaviours based in unprocessed patterns. He was able to see how his relationship to both his father and mother was from the mind of a boy instead of a mature man. https://www.shadowsandlightproject.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shadowsandlightproject/

Jamie and I talk about how he wanted his dad to make him do more hard things. He was a sensitive kids and young adult, and he has use that as a strength. As he has healed, and found a masculine edge, balanced with his emotional side he has come to a stage in his life where he has healthy boundaries and is in his personal power as a man. Jamie Rea is a Spiritual Transformation Teacher, Award-Winning Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Storyteller, Comedian and Comedy Writer. He works in the realm of Divine Energetics, Divine Embodiment, and Divine Union, and helps people embody their own inner God Frequency. Jamie has helped men and women all across the world to embody their God Frequency and break karmic ancestral patterns to step into their own divine holy power. Jamie regularly lends his comedy talents to his teaching, combining a space of play, humor and lightness with the sacred healing work he does with his clients. https://www.facebook.com/jamienrea https://www.instagram.com/jamie.n.rea

Harry and I talk about the challenges of being 50 brings in connecting with our emotions, and why it's important to make sure we do. Generational traumas and skills are where passed to us, and isn't an excuse to not grow in 2024. Men's group and breath work helped Harry access all his locked up emotions. And yes, he cries. Harry and I are offering an online experience for a small group of men that involves 3 weeks of teaching and breathwork combined. Info and sign up below. https://embodybreathwork.as.me/embodiedmasculine-march17 Harry has very generously gifted you a breathwork with him too! Use this code BRANDONGIFT on his website www.embody-breathwork.com For 30 years, Harry Isaac, a seasoned practitioner in Health & Wellness, with expertise in Shiatsu, Holistic Nutrition, LaStone Therapy, and certified Breathwork Teacher. Founder of Whole Health Clinic, now focuses on breathwork at Embody Breathwork in Halifax, serving individuals, couples, and groups online & in-person.

In this talk with Mike, we go deep and talk about how he lost his identity in a ski crash that left him paralyzed. Out of that experience he had to face a grief that consumed him but he learned how to move through it and found the power of gratitude. Gratitude opportunities are all around us, and Mike shares how you can use it in your life. Mike is an author, speaker and former Olympic level ski coach. His message of resilience and gratitude inspires people all over the world. https://www.mikeshawski.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mikeshawski/

Christopher bares all with is share of how he experienced domestic violence. Christopher was raised in Oklahoma City, moved toTexas in 1997. He joined the US Border Patrol 1997 then began working with Homeland Security in 2002. He has been married twice, and is father of two. He Co hosted a late in life singles group (Talko.io) ages 35 and up .Chistopher is a Domestic abuse survivor, from second marriage. To manage his stress and ptsd he uses meditation, Reiki, yoga, and focusing on his spirituality. He is a former heavy drinker and reformed self hater and wants to help others to not hate themselves. https://www.instagram.com/animalbeardbrand/

Kim bares all as she shares how they went from being separated and divorced looming - to being more loving and connected than ever. She can see how men struggle to ask for help, but knows that getting help is exactly what they need as proved by her husband's effort. She points out that she has work to do too, and it took both of them to approach their relationship in a new way. This podcast is powerful for both men and women to listen to. Hang on, you might cry. Kim is the wife of a former client, and she wanted to come on the show to share her experience of a man's journey with the hope it would help men to see what putting in the work can do for them.

Will shares how he went from a fixed mindset to open, and how he sees the ripple effect of the work he is doing on his dad and others in his life. Will Brzica lives in Sioux Falls, SD, and is 35 years old. He has been in alcohol addiction recovery for 7.5 years and has been on the self-betterment path for 7.5 years. He has doubled down the last three years on himself with coaching and a men's group. ( https://www.instagram.com/lionheartmensbrotherhood/ )

Kevin and I talk about the need for eldership in society. He shares his personal experience of coming to terms with his relationship with his father as a teenager and now as an adult. We also discuss our experiences parenting teen boys. Kevin McNee is a Transformational Coach & Mentor specializing in helping Men become the best versions of themselves. With a focus on navigating life transitions, overcoming self-doubt, shedding limited beliefs, and breaking free from self-limiting behaviors, Kevin provides a safe and open space for men to be vulnerable and authentic. Through personalized coaching, he empowers men to confront and conquer obstacles, unlocking their full potential for greater fulfillment and success in all aspects of life. Kevin guides men through positive and lasting transformations that lead to deeper connections and purposeful lives. https://www.instagram.com/kevin_heartwarrior/#

This is a powerful episode where Mitch talks about the importance of being authentic, his experience with anger, and navigating his relationship. Mitch is a 32-year-old school teacher and counselor in training (currently doing a Master's in Education in Counselling Psychology). Kettlebell instructor. Cliché Lover of Mother Nature and a spiritual seeker. Avid trail runner and cold dipper. A man committed to his own growth and healing so that he can show up for his partner, family, friends, and all beings.

Jason shares his journey post-divorce and how he has been able to follow his lifelong dream of being a professional musician while being a better man for his daughters. Jason is the father of 2 girls a singer-songwriter and men's group leader based in Florida. https://www.instagram.com/jason.white.music/

Kevin gets vulnerable and shares how his relationship with his dad triggered a path of self-discovery. Kevin Benevides is a Men’s Transformational Coach, A Husband & Father who for many years in his life struggled to take care of himself. He was just going through the motions of being a father, a husband, and an employee and checking off the boxes. It led him to a place where anxiety & unresolved emotional pain from his childhood took over his life. A series of events in 2013 that brought all this to the surface led him to take an inner journey to heal that forever shifted his life. Today Kevin takes his lived experiences & education to support men in mastering their minds & emotions, healing their past & helping them step into their authentic power, potential & purpose in life. Find Kevin at: https://www.instagram.com/thecanvaswithin/

Andy and I talked about his journey of self-discovery, men's groups, how we met, our connection, and how romantic relationships played a big part in his growth. Andy Nguyen, a dedicated men's coach and co-founder of Kings of Hearts, is committed to empowering successful men in integrity, communication, and leadership within relationships. Based in Mexico, Andy, originally from Canada, brings diverse perspectives and personal experiences to his coaching. With a track record of aiding 150+ men through mentorships and transformative retreats, he focuses on integrity, communication, and leadership for authentic and impactful change. Beyond coaching, Andy is studying to become a Qigong teacher, integrating holistic well-being into men's work. Find Andy at : https://www.kingshearts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/conscious.masculine/

In this very first episode, I share why I have created this show and some of my life journey. I want to make sure we bring valuable, real, raw stories from men, and what better way to kick it off than I share some of my experiences? If you enjoy this episode, let me know! Brandon is a father, coach, mentor, and teacher of human relationship dynamics. His lifelong journey of trying to feel more connected to those around him and what it means to be a man led him to heal himself over decades. The knowledge gained from that process he now shares with other men so that they can have deeper connections with themselves, their manhood, their purpose, their partners, and their children. https://brandonarcher.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_brandonarcher/

Welcome, you have found the show we call, Real men don’t cry. Or do they ?........ this is a podcast for men, and on this show, we will hear Real life stories from men about how they have navigated the complexities of being a man in this modern day. We are going to look at the “boys don’t cry” way of thinking and how that has influenced them, and how they have risen above societal pressures to be true to themselves. The focus of this show is men’s real-world experiences, not just ideas and theories. I hope that you will learn from what they have discovered and use it in your life as well.