Men in the Arena with Matt Kovatchis & MD

In this insightful interview, Marina Haddad shares her transformative journey from corporate life to health coaching, her struggles with mental health and addiction, and her evolving relationship with faith and spirituality. Discover how she navigated family expectations, personal growth, and the power of identity through action.Learn more about Marina: https://www.instagram.com/itsmarinasilva/Learn more about Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this in-depth interview, Katarina Polonska shares her personal journey through trauma, personal development, and relationship mastery. She discusses practical tools for embodying emotional awareness, setting boundaries, and living with integrity to foster healthier relationships and personal growth.

In this heartfelt episode, Matt and MD explore mental health, the impact of consuming distressing content, and the pursuit of joy and purpose amidst global challenges. They share personal insights, quotes, and practical reflections on living intentionally and serving others.Learn more about Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this candid conversation, Matt and MD explore themes of loneliness, community, self-awareness, and personal growth. They share insights on how social media impacts self-perception, the importance of humility, and the journey toward authentic connection.Learn more about Matt's work here: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this conversation, Matt and MD explore the complexities of emotions, particularly focusing on sadness, love, and anger. They discuss the societal pressures surrounding these emotions and the challenges of expressing them. The dialogue delves into the illusion of control, self-worth, and the importance of leading by example in fostering love and understanding. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the journey of emotional regulation and the significance of empathy in relationships.Learn more about Matt here: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this episode of 'The Arena,' hosts Matt Kovatchis and MD welcome back Tori (Peyton) Wilson, a mental health advocate and founder of the 'Keep Growing Pod.' Tori shares her transformative journey from hitting rock bottom due to an eating disorder to becoming a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the need for personal growth, encouraging listeners to identify areas in their lives where they can improve. Tori's candid reflections on her faith and mental health advocacy highlight the complexities of recovery, illustrating that healing is not a linear process but rather a journey filled with ups and downs.Throughout the conversation, Tori discusses her experiences with mental health, the challenges of societal expectations regarding body image, and the significance of community support. She also touches on the importance of intuitive eating and how to navigate the emotional aspects of food relationships. Tori's insights serve as a reminder that healing is possible and that embracing one's individuality can lead to a more fulfilling life. The episode concludes with Tori expressing her pride in surrendering to a higher purpose and living authentically, inspiring listeners to do the same.Learn more about Tori: https://www.instagram.com/growithtori/Learn more about Matt: www.mattkovatchis.com

BC Serna is a heart-led leader, coach, mentor, content creator, entrepreneur, and TedX Speaker.He shares his journey of self-discovery, purpose, and the importance of emotional expression. He discusses the challenges of navigating spirituality and masculinity in today's world, emphasizing the need for honesty and vulnerability. BC also highlights the role of storytelling and content creation in making an impact, while reflecting on the legacy he wishes to leave behind.Learn more about BC: https://bcserna.com/Learn more about Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this conversation, Michelle McKenna shares her journey of faith, authenticity, and self-discovery. She discusses the challenges of expressing her faith in a world that often judges based on social media personas. Michelle emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and how her faith has evolved through personal struggles and relationships. The discussion also touches on the significance of helping others and the transformative power of community and spirituality.Follow Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.comFollow Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/michmckenna/

Natalie Bell shares her journey as a multi-passionate individual, discussing her experiences in nursing, event hosting, and content creation. She reflects on the lessons learned from her upbringing about love and relationships, the importance of trusting one's journey, and the complexities of grief associated with lost relationships. Natalie emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, the challenges of maintaining an open heart after heartbreak, and the traits she values in an ideal partner. The discussion also touches on societal pressures regarding relationships and the misconceptions surrounding love and success.Learn more about Natalie: https://www.instagram.com/nataliebell9/Learn more about Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.com

In this conversation, Casey Cornelius shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading voice on healthy masculinity. He discusses the importance of emotional expression, the impact of fraternity, and the need to unlearn harmful societal rules. Casey emphasizes that choices reflect priorities and highlights the traits of an ideal man, including responsibility, humility, and caring for others. The discussion also touches on the balance between stoicism and emotional expression, advocating for a spectrum of emotional responses. Ultimately, Casey expresses pride in his family and the importance of vulnerability in fostering connection and growth.Learn about Casey's work: www.forcollegeforlife.comLearn about Matt's work: www.mattkovatchis.com

In this conversation, Peter Ahn shares his journey as a sales performance coach and his experiences navigating identity, authenticity, and emotional expression. He discusses the importance of genuine human connections in sales, how his cultural background influenced his emotional intelligence, and the therapeutic aspects of his work in sales. Peter emphasizes the need for authenticity in both personal and professional realms, the challenges of balancing personal values with business demands, and the significance of building trust in relationships. He also reflects on his aspirations as a husband and father, highlighting the importance of creating a loving environment for his family.In this conversation, Peter Ahn shares his journey as a sales performance coach and his experiences navigating identity, authenticity, and emotional expression. He discusses the importance of genuine human connections in sales, how his cultural background influenced his emotional intelligence, and the therapeutic aspects of his work in sales. Peter emphasizes the need for authenticity in both personal and professional realms, the challenges of balancing personal values with business demands, and the significance of building trust in relationships. He also reflects on his aspirations as a husband and father, highlighting the importance of creating a loving environment for his family.Learn more about Matt's work here: https://www.mattkovatchis.comLearn more about Peter here: https://www.peterahn.com/

In this conversation, celebrity fitness trainer Hector Regalado discusses the importance of identity, purpose, and service in personal training and life. He emphasizes the need for consistency, humility, and the ability to adapt in order to achieve personal and professional growth. Hector shares insights on building a brand, navigating relationships, and the significance of delivering truth with love. He highlights the transformative journey individuals undergo when they commit to change and the challenges they face in letting go of their past selves.Follow Matt: https://www.mattkovatchis.comFollow Hector: https://www.instagram.com/trainwithhec/

In this conversation, Matt and MD explore the complexities of mental health, particularly the challenges individuals face when asking for help. They discuss the underlying fears and shame that often prevent people from seeking support, the importance of accountability in relationships, and the balance between independence and isolation. The dialogue emphasizes the need for deeper connections and vulnerability in conversations, ultimately encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences with seeking help and building community.View on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@Men_in_the_ArenaLearn more about Matt's work here: https:www.mattkovatchis.com

In this conversation, Matt and MD explore the themes of regret, purpose, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of navigating life choices, overcoming fear, and finding joy in the journey. The dialogue emphasizes self-discovery, the role of relationships, and the balance between freedom and companionship. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to live authentically and embrace change while seeking clarity in their life goals.

Madeline Kivett is a college student at Winthrop University and a mental health advocate through her volunteer work with NAMI and Instagram Page Yourmentalhealthisapriority that has amassed more than 60,000 followers. She’s the first EVER guest to return for a second time.She vulnerably shares her journey of overcoming personal struggles with anxiety and depression. She discusses the importance of community, acceptance, and the role of social media in fostering positive mental health conversations. Madeline emphasizes the significance of language in discussing mental health and how vulnerability can lead to deeper connections. She reflects on her growth and the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in understanding and addressing mental health issues on college campuses.

In this candid conversation, Matt and MD reconnect after a hiatus, discussing the challenges and impacts of podcasting on their personal growth. They explore themes of love, service, and spirituality, reflecting on how their experiences and guests have shaped their understanding of humanity and fulfillment. The dialogue delves into the complexities of faith, the role of authority, and the challenges of living a life rooted in love and compassion. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of authenticity and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Dr. Bisleen Attli is a mental health focused and CBT-certified naturopathic doctor and TedX speaker - which is a fancy way of saying she bridges the world of psychology and physiology to promote mental health and brain health.Bisleen shares her personal journey with mental health, discussing the impact of bullying, self-image, and the importance of environment. She emphasizes the ability to change through neuroplasticity and the significance of identifying limiting beliefs. Dr. Attli advocates for holistic approaches to mental health, including nervous system regulation and simple, consistent wellness strategies. The discussion also touches on the dangers of overconsumption in a fast-paced society and the importance of finding stillness for creativity and personal growth.

Austin Becker is a Professional Skier, Podcaster, creative director and entrepreneur. He’s also a mental health advocate - inspired by his own mental health challenges.Austin Becker shares his profound journey through mental health challenges, childhood trauma, addiction, and recovery. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, the impact of his past experiences, and how they shaped his advocacy work. Austin discusses his struggles with addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the lessons he learned along the way. He highlights the significance of rebuilding relationships and the pride he feels in giving others a voice through his podcast.

Nicki Joiner is an award-winning entrepreneur and dynamic career readiness speaker dedicated to helping students navigate their future careers with confidence and clarity. With a background in corporate recruiting and a Master’s degree in Student Affairs, she brings a unique blend of industry insight and higher education expertise to every talk.In this conversation, Nicki shares her journey from higher education to corporate recruiting and ultimately to becoming a career readiness speaker. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, the complexities of happiness, and the value of aligning personal values with career choices. Nikki emphasizes the need for students to explore various career paths while being realistic about their skills and market demands. Through her experiences, she highlights the significance of validating feelings and the lessons learned from both personal and professional challenges.

Brittany Richmond is a former counselor turned award-winning youth mental health speaker. She speaks to thousands of students throughout the country on mental health and anxiety.Brittany Richmond, a former counselor and youth mental health speaker, shares her journey with anxiety and how it has shaped her life and career. She discusses the importance of being open about mental health struggles, the role of acceptance in managing anxiety, and the need for connection and communication among young people. Brittany emphasizes the significance of forgiveness and gratitude in healing and encourages listeners to create spaces for open dialogue about emotions.

Dean Lauvina is a luxury real estate agent and owns the page Deanchicagoliving, where he famously highlights properties in Chicago to a following of more than 300,000 people.Dean Lauvina shares his journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a successful luxury real estate agent in Chicago. He discusses the challenges of navigating family expectations, the impact of social media on his career, and the importance of authenticity in pursuing one's passions. Dean also highlights inspiring stories from his community and reflects on the fulfillment and challenges of his work in real estate.

Chaz Donati is a Sales Manager, mental health activist, hybrid athlete, and a recovering sports betting addict.Chaz Donati shares his profound journey through gambling addiction, detailing the early signs, the impact on relationships, and the challenges of recovery. He discusses the silent nature of gambling addiction, the societal implications of sports betting, and the importance of community support. Chaz reflects on his rock bottom moment, the role of his dog in saving his life, and his ongoing efforts to rebuild his life and find purpose beyond gambling. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of addiction and the importance of mental health advocacy.

Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is an author, speaker, and educator, and trauma specialist. She received her B.A. from Duke University and her MSW from the University of Kansas, where she is an award-winning adjunct professor. She speaks and writes widely about emotional wellness, leadership, and performance.Britt shares her journey from trauma and addiction to becoming a trauma specialist and educator. She discusses the importance of understanding the root causes of pain, the role of the brain in motivation, and the significance of micro yes moments in creating momentum. Britt emphasizes the need for self-compassion that does not equate to permission to avoid challenges, and she highlights the necessity of suffering for personal growth. The discussion also touches on finding one's North Star and the importance of living in alignment with personal values.

Chelsea Linge is a transformation coach, entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder of Build the Bridge, an 8-week small group coaching cohort designed for leaders who want to scale their clarity, impact, and joy.Chelsea shares her transformative journey from a restrictive upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and transformational coach. She discusses the importance of trusting one's intuition, the evolution of her relationship with money, and the nuances of freedom and joy in life. Chelsea emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not just about freedom but also about creative expression and serving others. The conversation highlights the significance of choosing love and joy in everyday life, and how these choices shape our experiences and relationships.

Dr. Tania Elliott is a board certified internal medicine specialist and allergist who's amassed an audience of >500k on social media platforms.She discusses her journey as a healthcare disruptor, emphasizing the disconnect between patient care and the healthcare system. She shares her insights on the importance of access to care, the role of telemedicine, and the need for preventative health measures. Dr. Elliott also addresses women's health issues, particularly the importance of strength training and awareness of atypical symptoms in women. Additionally, she offers advice on navigating social media and maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.

Stephanie Mara is a somatic nutritional counselor and mentor specializing in somatic eating.Stephanie Mara, a somatic nutritional counselor, discusses her journey into somatic eating, the connection between trauma and eating behaviors, and the importance of understanding our body's signals. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to nutrition that considers emotional and physical hunger, the impact of dieting as a form of trauma, and the significance of building safety in the body. The discussion also touches on the nuances of intuitive eating, the role of pleasure in food choices, and the importance of self-discovery in our relationship with food.https://www.stephaniemara.com/

Esin Pinarli, LCSW, is the owner of Eternal Wellness Consulting, a Holistic Psychotherapist, & Coach - helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges to feel fully alive, supported, and whole. Esin Pinarli discusses the journey to feeling fully alive, emphasizing the importance of experiencing all emotions, both positive and negative. She shares her personal transformation from a party lifestyle to sobriety and therapy, highlighting the significance of inner child work and understanding anxiety. Esin explains the physicality of emotional health, the challenges of feeling stuck, and the necessity of self-awareness in the healing process. She also addresses resistance in therapy and the complexities of feeling emotions, advocating for a compassionate approach to discomfort and the importance of building a supportive relationship with oneself.

Erin Hinman is a hybrid athlete (5x Ironman), serial entrepreneur, and brand builder, who specializes in scaling early-stage consumer and wellness brands.Eric Hinman shares his transformative journey from a party-centric lifestyle to becoming a hybrid athlete and entrepreneur focused on wellness. He discusses the importance of community, the mental and physical challenges of endurance sports like Ironman, and the lessons learned from his experiences in business and investing. Eric emphasizes the significance of enjoying the journey, building a fulfilling life, and inspiring others to pursue their passions with purpose.

Lindsay Dalton is the founder of Inner Alchemy and a certified somatic facilitator and coach. Lindsay shares her journey from a restrictive cult upbringing to discovering her true self through somatic healing. She discusses the challenges of leaving her past behind, the emotional evolution she experienced, and the profound impact of breathwork and somatic practices on her life. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's body to process emotions and trauma, and how this work can lead to a more aligned and fulfilling life.

Elizabeth is a content creator in Chicago and the podcast host of the Actually OK podcast. Elizabeth shares her journey of overcoming alcoholism, detailing her struggles with identity, mental health, and the societal pressures surrounding alcohol. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to recognize her addiction, her rock bottom experience, and the transformative process of recovery. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of community, spirituality, and self-acceptance in her journey, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding sobriety. Through her story, she aims to normalize conversations about addiction and inspire others to seek help.

David Sutcliffe is a former actor turned life coach. He is known for playing Christopher Hayden on the television series Gilmore Girls and Detective Aidan Black on the television series Cracked. David Sutcliffe shares his journey from a successful acting career to becoming a core energetics practitioner and life coach. He discusses the profound impact of his chaotic childhood on his adult relationships and his struggle with trust and intimacy. David reflects on the tendency to recreate childhood patterns in adulthood and the challenges of helping others recognize their need for change. He emphasizes the importance of personal healing and the interconnectedness of individual growth with collective consciousness. In this conversation, David Sutcliffe shares his journey through the complexities of success, fame, and personal growth. He reflects on the fear of success he experienced while working on 'Friends', the challenges of navigating trust and vulnerability, and the profound need to be seen. Sutcliffe emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the choices we make in our lives, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of authenticity and personal fulfillment. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to David Sutcliffe 01:08: David's Journey from Acting to Therapy 02:36: Childhood Influences and Relationship Dynamics 05:27: Chaos and Comfort: The Addiction to Stress 09:25: Recreating Childhood Patterns in Adulthood 12:37: The Challenge of Helping Others Seek Change 16:28: Understanding Resistance to Therapy 20:37: The Role of Trauma in Success and Identity 23:06: The Importance of Personal Healing and Collective Consciousness 26:00: The Fear of Success and Personal Reflection 30:13: Navigating the Path of Self-Discovery 34:14: The Journey of Trust and Vulnerability 37:02: The Complexities of Fame and Identity 44:05: The Need to Be Seen and Authenticity

Carnivore Ray, or Ray Hicks, is a carnivore & health digital content creator with an audience of >1,000,000 people across social media platforms. Carnivore Ray shares his transformative journey with the carnivore diet, detailing his initial skepticism, the surprising health benefits he experienced, and the impact on his mental health. He discusses the challenges of navigating social media as a content creator, the polarizing nature of dietary discussions, and the importance of personal growth through adversity. Ray emphasizes the significance of genuine connections with his audience and the heartwarming success stories that motivate him to continue sharing his journey.

Heather Chan is the co-founder and CEO of Moonbow, a skincare brand merging Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern skincare science to bring harmony to both skin and spirit. Prior to that, she spent seven years in private equity before launching Moonbow in 2024. In this conversation, Heather shares her journey from a successful career in private equity to launching a skincare brand with her twin sister that merges traditional Chinese medicine with modern wellness practices. She discusses the importance of cultural identity, the impact of meditation on self-discovery, and the misconceptions surrounding Eastern and Western medicine. Heather emphasizes the significance of self-worth, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the need for men to embrace skincare as part of their self-care routine. Website: https://moonbowskin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonbow_skin/

Joey Roselli (Or Joey Wellness) is a health and wellness content creator - specifically nutrition - with more than 1,000,000 followers on Instagram. Mike David and Matt Kovatchis welcome Joey Wellness, a health and wellness content creator, to discuss his journey towards health awareness and the importance of nutrition in mental health. Joey shares his personal experiences with diet, social acceptance, and the challenges of perfectionism in the health space. The discussion also covers practical health swaps, the significance of cooking with care, and the evolving values that guide Joey's mission to serve others and promote awareness about healthy living. Chapters 00:00: Welcome to the Arena 01:01: Joey Wellness: The Journey Begins 06:03: Awareness and Change in Nutrition 11:08: The Struggle of Social Dynamics 15:59: Finding Balance in Health Choices 21:04: The Reality of Cravings and Perfectionism 27:06: Stress and Its Impact on Nutrition 30:02: The Love in Cooking and Meal Preparation 31:19: The Importance of Cooking and Nutrition 33:30: Evolving Values and Spiritual Growth 36:52: Family Influence on Health Choices 40:12: Misconceptions in Nutrition 42:21: Struggles with Perfectionism 49:02: Awareness and Advocacy in Nutrition

Paget Kagy is a quantum energy healer who taps into your Energetic Blueprint at a DNA level, and awakens you to higher possibilities so you naturally shift into new states of being. She is also a former actress and producer and has built an audience of more than 400,000 people across social media platforms. Mike David and Matt Kovatchis engage with quantum energy healer Paget Kagy, who shares her transformative journey from feeling stuck and empty to discovering the power of quantum energy healing. Paget explains the intricacies of energy, how it influences our thoughts and actions, and the importance of surrendering to one's authentic self. The discussion delves into the paradox of control and surrender, the significance of self-worth, and the necessity of feeling emotions to foster personal growth. Paget emphasizes that true transformation comes from within and encourages listeners to embrace their journey, reminding them that they are worthy and capable of change.

Sabrina Zohar is a dating coach, social media figure who has amassed a following of >1MM peeps, and the Podcast Host of The Sabrina Zohar Show, a podcast on dating, anxiety, and doing the work to heal. In this conversation, Mike David and Matt Kovatchis engage with dating coach Sabrina Zohar, who shares her transformative journey from a life filled with anxiety to becoming a supportive figure for others. Sabrina discusses the roots of anxiety in relationships, the importance of self-awareness, and the necessity of setting boundaries. She emphasizes the significance of doing the inner work to foster personal growth and authenticity. The conversation also touches on the role of medication in mental health and the importance of creating a community that supports individuals in their healing journeys.

Ashley McMann, LPC, is a Therapist &s Anxiety and People-Pleasing Coach. She specializes in Anxiety, Divorce, Relationship Concerns, Trauma, and People-Pleasing tendencies. Ashley shares her journey into therapy, her experiences with divorce, and the complexities of grief. She discusses the concept of people pleasing as a trauma response and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in healing. The conversation explores the balance between empathy and boundaries, the significance of detaching from outcomes, and the difference between loneliness and solitude. Ashley also provides insights on how partners can support each other in navigating people-pleasing tendencies and highlights the role of self-awareness in personal growth. Chapters 03:57: Navigating Divorce: Personal Insights and Experiences 07:07: Understanding Grief: The Process and Its Stages 10:07: Detaching from Outcomes: Control and Acceptance 12:57: Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth Perspectives 14:56: People Pleasing: Understanding the Core 20:08: Distinguishing Love from People Pleasing 25:09: Understanding Intuition vs. Anxiety 28:58: Setting Boundaries with Empathy 32:09: Personal Growth and Emotional Regulation 35:00: Navigating Loneliness and Solitude 37:51: Healthy Coping Mechanisms 40:52: Supporting Partners with People-Pleasing Tendencies 44:54: The Balance of Selfishness and Selflessness 48:35: Finding Purpose Through Pain 50:49: Pride in Independence

Brittni De La Mora is an American pastor and former pornographic film actress. Having founded the Love Always Ministries alongside her husband, she has an incredible story of life transformation and powerful messaging to go along it as a now outspoken critic of pornography. Brittni shares her transformative journey from being a former adult film actress to a pastor and advocate against pornography. She discusses her struggles with mental health, the impact of her upbringing, and the pivotal moments that led her to faith and healing. Brittany emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, the dangers of temporary decisions, and the power of sharing one's story to inspire others. Her insights into the adult film industry reveal the hidden struggles behind the scenes, while her message of love, compassion, and gratitude resonates throughout the discussion. Chapters 04:11: From Struggles to Transformation 10:04: The Rock Bottom Moment 13:58: Faith and Redemption 17:28: Behind the Scenes of the Adult Film Industry 22:51L The Importance of Sharing Your Story 26:14: The Role of External Support 28:44: Temporary vs Permanent Choices 29:31: The Permanent Impact of Temporary Decisions 30:43: The Future of the Porn Industry 33:35: The Dangers of Pornography 36:31: Finding Joy in Everyday Life 41:40: Nourishing the Body and Mind 44:23: Compassion and Forgiveness 50:22: Messages to the Inner Child 51:55: Pride in Overcoming Adversity

Tori Wilson is a Christian, mental health influencer, and content creator. She focuses on all things mental health, but specifically around eating disorders and OCD given her personal story. In this conversation, Mike David and Matt Kovatchis engage with Tori Wilson, a mental health influencer, discussing her journey through eating disorders, trauma, and recovery. Tori emphasizes the importance of identity beyond societal labels, the impact of trauma on mental health, and the complexities of eating disorders. She shares her experiences with recovery, the significance of feeling safe around food, and the necessity of setting boundaries in relationships. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in shaping perceptions of self-worth and the importance of faith and resilience in the healing process. Tori's insights highlight that healing is a lifelong journey, and she encourages listeners to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth. Chapters 00:00: Introduction to the Arena and Guest Introduction 01:11: Tori Wilson: Embracing Growth and Identity 05:16: The Impact of Social Conditioning on Women 06:12: Understanding Eating Disorders: Tori's Journey 09:19: The Connection Between Trauma and Eating Disorders 12:40: Eating Disorder Behaviors and Recovery Tools 17:17: The Inner Monologue of Disordered Eating 21:43: Feeling Safe Around Food: A New Perspective 28:17: The Journey of Healing and Growth 34:24: Overcoming Overthinking and Anxiety 39:54: Setting Boundaries for Recovery 44:29: Finding Purpose Through Pain 47:51: Faith and Resilience in Recovery

Derick Grant is an entrepreneur, author, former Harlem Globetrotter, and one of the world's most sought after mindset performance coaches . He has helped empower millions of people from around the world through his audio programs, educational videos, and live seminars. Mike David and Matt Kovatchis welcome mindset coach Derek Grant, who shares his journey from being a Harlem Globetrotter to a sought-after performance coach. The discussion delves into the importance of understanding one's purpose beyond identity, the role of grief in personal growth, and the significance of perspective in overcoming challenges. Derek emphasizes the need to detach self-worth from external factors and highlights the power of emotions as indicators of our perspectives. The conversation culminates in insights on healing, self-reflection, and the transformative power of listening to one's heart. Chapters: 01:00: Meet Derek Grant: The Mindset Coach 02:00: Purpose Over Identity 06:10: Grief and Identity Loss 08:24: Perspective and Emotions 15:33: The Journey of Loss and Transformation 19:31: Shifting Perspectives: From Victimhood to Empowerment 21:34: Finding Purpose Through Passion 23:10: The Heart vs. The Mind: Listening to Your Inner Self 26:34: Neural Pathways and the Ego's Resistance 28:45: Creating Stillness to Hear the Heart 32:15: Healing the Inner Child 36:55: The Power of Breathwork 41:21: Faith, Spirit, and the Nature of Belief 43:26: The Importance of Self-Worth and Healing 47:16: Intentional Living and Conscious Awareness

Matt Kovatchis & MD dive into the arena to discuss: What it means to love yourself and what that process entails; how to cultivate and create a life where we wake up every day excited The steps towards self-love & the importance of self-acceptance Following our inner-guidance system How to get out of our own ways! Knowing how to WANT to take care of ourselves If you enjoy the conversation, we ask that you please do us the biggest favor and give the show a 5-star rating. We love you!

Matt & MD dive into the arena to discuss: Their personal stories with co-dependency & addiction Negative feelings such as shame and how they show up in our lives The importance of being honest with ourselves Healthy vs unhealthy forms of dopamine Healthy vs unhealthy ways of regulating emotions - taking a walk vs grabbing for a bag of chips If you enjoyed the episode, please do us the biggest favor ever and give the show 5 stars. We love you!

Guest Jessie Pagliari joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: Developing chronic burnout in the workplace that turned into chronic illness Proven & research-backed stress management techniques that take less than 10 minutes per day to implement Mindset & how self-talk influences our mental, physical, and emotional health How our mind and body are CONNECTED, not separate The 5 C's of negative self-talk, how they show up in ourselves, and how we can combat them Jessie is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Health Coach, and Employee Wellness & Engagement Consultant in Chicago, and also a survivor of chronic illness caused by workplace burnout.

Guest Sekou Andrews joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: The importance of creatively expressing ourselves and its interconnectedness with our mental health Building public-speaking confidence + confidence in our abilities How to build mental fortitude & resilience How we can improve our storytelling to become more influential & persuasive Sekou is a GRAMMY-nominated artist, award-winning entrepreneur, and business keynote speaker who has redefined the public speaking experience. He is a 2x National Poetry Slam Champion and was the first ever Spoken Word Poet nominated for a GRAMMY.

Guest Stephanie Harrison joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: The inspiration behind starting The New Happy and Stephanie's own challenges to find happiness How to achieve lasting happiness - through helping other people to live happier lives How to take control of our happiness Understanding our values and why they're essential to identify The fear of failure & how to overcome it The THREE MOST IMPORTANT takeaways from Stephanie's new book, The New Happy Stephanie is an expert in the science of happiness and the creator of the New Happy philosophy. She has a master’s degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was later an instructor, and was previously the Director of Learning at Thrive Global, leading the development of science-based programs that improve well-being.  Her company, The New Happy, has revolutionized the way that people understand and pursue happiness. Their artwork, newsletter, videos, podcast, and resources reach millions of people around the world every month. She is a Harvard Business Review and CNBC contributor and her expertise has been featured in publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, and Architectural Digest. She is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and advises on employee well-being and company culture. Stephanie's first book, The New Happy, was released on May 14th. GO BUY IT!! https://www.thenewhappy.com/book

Guest Callum McPherson joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: The loss of his best friend to suicide Reliving the tragic day and what the grieving process has looked like for him Turning his pain into purpose - starting Youngblood Men's Mental Health The state of Men's Mental Health & how we can better support men in embracing vulnerability & authenticity How we can cultivate a space where men can talk more openly about their feelings and struggles Cal is a Media & Production Officer as well as the Founder & Host of Youngblood Men's Mental Health, a national award-winning podcast on a mission to make the mental health of young men a top priority. Cal resides in Adelaide, Australia.

Guest Doug Elks joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: Dissociating from the identity and sense of self-worth from being an athlete his whole life His come to Jesus moment and how his faith drives his life Where his entrepreneurial and energizing spirit stems from Overcoming adversity and finding his purpose in life The power of forgiveness and why forgiving is healing for the forgiver How he balances intuition and logic Doug is a motivational speaker speaking to middle schools, high schools, and universities, with the goal of inspiring and activating students and athletes to live their lives with ambition, perseverance, self-belief, and grit. Doug is also the Podcast Host of the AIM Podcast, and the Founder of Kaizos, a clean supplement brand.

Guest Zak Hazlett joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: Growing up in Utah & how it helped him develop a relationship with nature early in his life, and ultimately why he became a Marriage & Family Therapist The importance of nature & why it's healing for us humans Why couples are unable to effectively communicate with each other How to become more emotionally intelligent and use our emotions to our benefit, not a detriment The importance of personal growth & how to know the RIGHT time to get into a relationship Zak is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & the founder of GetOutsideTogether, offering multi-day outdoor retreats for couples and families. He is also the owner of the Instagram account the_outdoor_therapist.

Guest Naftali Moses joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: Hitting rock bottom after a break-up when he was 21 What it means to be authentic His journey towards healing, authenticity, and self-discovery How he helps awaken people to their humanity & become more self-aware, utilizing a combination of spirituality and psychology The psychology behind rejection & how to transcend it His biggest inspirations - specifically identifying closely with film & movie characters Naftali is a Personal Coach offering 1:1, group, and private coaching to people, inspiring breakthroughs in overall success, independence, and authenticity. www.naftalimoses.com

Guest James Moore joins the Men in the Arena to discuss: What inspired him to become a licensed massage therapist Suffering and recovering from a traumatic brain injury Perspective shifts pre- & post-recovery Going viral on social media & the impact it's had on his mental health The importance of getting adequate sleep, sunlight, and daily movement Breaking down the stigmas associated with massage therapy Everyday tips & exercises we can be doing to improve our mobility, flexibility, and posture James is a licensed massage therapist, certified healing therapy practitioner, and a certified health and wellness coach. He holds a University of Louisville bachelor of science degree in health and human performance. He’s amassed a following greater than 11 million people across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, with content centered around all things health & wellness.