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Talking points: music, artistry, creativity, AI, culture, spirituality, psychedelics

Music has been around for thousands and thousands of years. There’s a reason for that: it’s a powerful, synchronizing force between peoples, places hearts, and minds. And when you add psychedelics, well, that’s a recipe for incredible journeys.

I’m honored to have had this convo with one of my favorite artists, and we dig into just how important music is not just for enjoyment but as a guide, mentor, and facilitator. We also cover his upcoming doc, Music For Mushrooms. Listen in, team.

(00:00:00) – What role does music play in our lives that we often overlook, and how East’s relationship to music has changed over the years

(00:08:25) – What’s worrisome about AI and music?

(00:16:47) – How artists can weather the storm

(00:23:05) – On initiation, and the threshold we’re crossing into a vast, uncharted era

(00:26:00 ) – What was it like making music with Ram Dass?

(00:32:49) – How do you make music for a psychedelic journey, and how the union of music and psychedelics leads to something more

(00:43:15) – How do you describe psychedelics to someone who’s never done them?

(00:48:21) – How music can be a mentor and a guide to turn to

(00:51:55) – What sparked East’s Music For Mushrooms documentary

Since 2008, East Forest has used music to guide listeners through modern journeys of deep introspection. The electro-acoustic project has remained primarily a solo effort (of Krishna-Trevor Oswalt), straddling the worlds of ambient, neoclassical, electronic and indie-pop.

Whether via his Music For Mushrooms: A Soundtrack For The Psychedelic Practitioner album series, his collaborative spoken word album with Ram Dass, or one of his communal “Ceremony Concerts,” East Forest’s goal has always been “building bridges and creating an approach that’s grounded, embodied, and unarguable.”

Connect with East

-Website: https://eastforest.org/

-Documentary, Music For Mushrooms: https://eastforest.org/music-for-mushrooms

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastforest/

-Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/east-forest/304982626

-Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3AWGOhO

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Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | <a…

Talking points: relationships, mindset, victimhood, entitlement

This is going to…bother some of you, but it needs to be said. Straight out the gates, this isn’t an every single man or every single woman issue, but these are what’s contributing to the insanity that is modern dating. Hear me out.

(00:00:00) – Intro and how this is gonna upset some people

(00:02:21) – The man that some women expect to date doesn’t exist, why that’s a thing,

(00:07:55) – The idea that what women bring to a relationship is automatically more valuable isn’t always true

(00:10:11) – On entitlement and how both sides are contributing

(00:13:11 ) – Men, you’ve bought into the BS notion that something is automatically wrong with women 

(00:15:40) – Many men are fundamentally afraid of women and don’t want to admit it

(00:18:34) – Many men have become fragile

(00:21:05) – No more victim puking and women blaming

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Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: parenting, attachment, mindset, psychology, neurology

The internet behaved badly in this episode, but Eli is so knowledgeable and thorough I had to put this up! The Attachment Nerd herself brought a TON of info and practical tips for parents this week. Strongly encourage you to listen to this with other parents. I certainly learned a lot. Her new book comes out Sept. 3rd; go pick it up!

(00:00:00) – What is reflective functioning, and when does that start developing?

(00:06:58) – How does a parent support a child who’s still developing that reflective functioning?

(00:12:58) – The problem with treating kids as little adults, and why we do it

(00:20:44) – How to tell if you’re raising a securely attached kid; 4 simple tips

(00:32:05) – The importance of presence and support over adult logic, and on staying grounded

(00:40:18) – How to foster discipline AND self-esteem in your kids

Eli Harood, known as Attachment Nerd on social media, is a licensed therapist, bestselling author, and highly sought-after educator who has more than 17 years of experience helping people process relational traumas and develop secure connections with their children. Her life’s mission is to help make the world a better place one relationship at a time. In addition to her clinical work, Harwood also offers online courses and in-person retreats to help individuals better understand their attachment styles and build stronger bonds. She has also served as a faculty member at The Denver Family Institute and is the author of “Securely Attached.” Eli has three children, one husband, two cats, and an extraordinary number of plants. 

Connect with Eli

-Website: https://attachmentnerd.com

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentnerd/

-Book: Raising Securely Attached Kids: https://attachmentnerd.com/books/raising-securely-attached-kids

-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@attachmentnerd

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This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Find a therapist who can help empower you through the tough times and cultivate your best self. Visit BetterHelp.com/mantalks today to get 10% off your first month.

Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | <a…

Talking points: suicide, culture, masculinity

This isn’t an easy episode, but it’s important. If you’re someone who works with men, whatever kind of work that is, please share.

(00:00:00) – A part of my story I rarely share

(00:04:30) – What I’ve learned

(00:07:35) – What’s contributing to this?

(00:10:36) – If you’re somehow involved with men, here’s what to do. If you’re in this situation, here’s what I’ll tell you

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Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: attachment, avoidance, divorce

My anonymous guest this week has been solving the puzzle of his anxious attachment style for a while now. He’s made great progress, but there’s more to be done. On top of this, while it’s impacted all of his romantic relationships with intense conflict, distance, and damage, his wife is an avoidant. It’s a complicated situation, but there IS a way forward.

(00:00:00) – What brought our guest in today

(00:05:58) – Why my guest is holding onto something they’ve identified as unhealthy

(00:12:11) – What my guest is hoping to get out of the session, and a hard truth

(00:16:53) – Taking on responsibility and shame when things aren’t working in the world

(00:21:37) – When a young child can’t get the attention it needs, it’ll be encoded as panic to the child

(00:31:33) – The declaration 

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Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: attachment, avoidance, mindset, psychology

If you, your partner, or someone you’re friends with has an avoidant attachment style, this one’s specifically for you! 

These are the steps I took and the ones I recommend to clients who are just starting out and want to get their avoidance under control. They’re simple, but not easy. Listen in.

(00:00:00) – The two things changing from avoidant to secure depends on, and why

(00:05:58) – Build self-awareness around these two crucial things

(00:08:49) – Initiate reconnection when disconnection has happened

(00:12:30) – Express what you’re experiencing

(00:14:02) – Expose your needs—with two caveats 

(00:16:12) – Move from self-protection to relational reliance

***

Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: collapse, culture, masculinity, psychology, Jung

There are very few people out there I consider genuine, authentic elders. Francis Weller is one of them. With a perfect marriage of gentle compassion and firm sincerity, Francis is the man you want to share a campfire with when times are tough. He lays out what we’re facing collectively from the perspective of someone deeply in tune with the natural world, and how we need to respond.

(00:00:00) – Why we’re in “the long dark”, and what needs to dissolve collectively

(00:09:04) – Navigating the things that are negatively affecting the psyche, and “death cafes”

(00:14:40) – What Francis has been noticing and gathering from our current times 

(00:21:03) – The balance between being aware of what’s going on and catastrophizing

(00:27:31) – Is talking about collapse and degrowth inherently anti-American?

(00:34:49) – How does someone stay present and grounded in the face of a collapse, and how people normally navigate

(00:44:09) – How do you find satisfaction without relentless pursuit? How do you get okay with “adequate”?

(00:50:30) – Francis on the nuance and variance of masculinity and masculine culture

(00:56:31) – How to be the medicine, and how to develop a deeper relationship with nature

Francis Weller, MFT, is a psychotherapist, writer, and soul activist. He is a master of synthesizing diverse streams of thought from psychology, anthropology, mythology, alchemy, indigenous cultures, and poetic traditions. Author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow, The Threshold Between Loss and Revelation, (with Rashani Réa), and In the Absence of the Ordinary, he has introduced the healing work of ritual to thousands of people. He founded and directs WisdomBridge, an organization that offers educational programs that seek to integrate the wisdom from indigenous cultures with the insights and knowledge gathered from Western poetic, psychological, and spiritual traditions. 

Francis received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and two Master’s Degrees from John F. Kennedy University in Clinical Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. His writings have appeared in anthologies and journals exploring the confluence between psyche, nature, and culture. He is currently completing his third book, A Trail on the Ground: The Geography of Soul.

He has created three CD sets, two focusing on healing shame and one on “Restoring the Soul of the World.” His latest offerings are a 10-session audio series on “Living a Soulful Life and Why It Matters.” and ​”The Alchemy of Initiation: Soul Work and the Art of Ripening.”

 

Connect with Francis:

-Website: https://www.francisweller.net/

-Books: https://www.francisweller.net/books.html

-Programs: https://www.francisweller.net/programs–workshops.html

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This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Easily match with a therapist who can help you through the tough times and empower your best self. Visit BetterHelp.com/mantalks today to get 10% off your first month.

Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your…

Talking points: aging, mindset, personal growth

I bottomed out in my 20s and nearly lost everything. When I finally emerged from the rubble, I had NO idea where to even begin. The following are things I learned the hard way, so if you’re in a similar spot, strongly encourage you to listen in. Here’s how you rebuild.

(00:00:00) – Intro and number 1: make competency your aim

(00:03:33) – Number 2: get in shape

(00:05:24) – Number 3: learn how to save and invest, and get yourself out of debt 

(00:07:45) – Number 4: figure out if you’re a number one, number two, or a worker bee

(00:10:23) – Number 5: take women off the pedestal 

***

Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: relationships, sex, social media, non-monogamy

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I think the current dating scene is, in a word, messy. So I’m grateful to have sat with Todd Baratz on why that’s the case. I love Todd’s practical, honest yet understanding perspective on the issues, because it allows for all the complexity and nuance relationships can bring. To sum it up: communicate, communicate, communicate.

(00:00:00) – Todd on why modern relationships seem like a mess, new social values, and social media’s effect

(00:13:54) – What causes us to sometimes lose a deep sense of self in relationships, and how our original attachment contributes 

(00:18:30) – How all this influences sexual expression, and bridging the gap between different preferences

(00:25:47) – What you need to open a dialogue about what you want sexually, and where couples go wrong 

(00:32:41) – “Too good to leave, too bad to stay”, and are relationships starving for lack of community?

(00:37:02) – Do straight and queer couples deal with similar issues? And navigating non-monogamy

(00:44:26) – Dealing with relationship power struggles

(00:47:28) – When your partner asks for something, just do it

Todd Baratz is a renowned psychotherapist and sex therapist whose innovative approach to mental health and relationships has established him as a leading figure in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Baratz is a prolific writer and speaker. His insights are regularly featured in various media outlets, where he discusses topics ranging from romantic relationships to individual mental wellness. He lives in New York City and Los Angeles. Learn more on Instagram under his handle YourDiagnonsense.

Connect with Todd

-Website: https://www.toddsbaratz.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdiagnonsense

-Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c80FbeT9YmbyE6B6NMTgN

-Book: How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind: https://www.toddsbaratz.com/book/

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Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts |<a…

Talking points: accountability, relationships

Before anything else, not all women struggle with this. But some who do (and the men who love them) have asked me to speak on this. You’ve probably seen the memes or heard a story or two, but it’s always better to actually do some thinking. Here are my thoughts on why some women admit to struggling with accountability—and how to hold a partner accountable in a healthy way.

(00:00:00) – Intro and reason 1: different tools for social status

(00:05:41) – Reason 2: women are disincentivized by the “patriarchy virus”

(00:07:52) – Women are socialized to be more dependent on men

(00:10:05) – How to hold a partner accountable in a healthy way, and what NOT to do

***

Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Talking points: exercise, stress, science, testosterone, mindset

I think this episode takes the cake for highest amount of information. Dr. Layne Norton is. on. fire. Seriously, dig into this if you’re looking for what REALLY works (hint: it’s probably not going to be the fun option). We cover everything on managing stress, testosterone, and the right mindset to bring it all home.

(00:00:00) – What got Layne started, and how wildly effective exercise can be

(00:07:59) – Layne on managing stress

(00:14:42) – On finding and prioritizing real friendships, and your responsibility in managing stress 

(00:24:20) – What happens when you’re stressed, and why stress isn’t automatically bad

(00:35:22) – Layne’s own experience of how important it is to process bad experiences, and the effect of stress on testosterone

(00:43:37) – Taking responsibility, why it’s worth trusting the science, and owning what you CAN control

(00:55:53) – Layne on TRT and what will actually boost testosterone

(01:03:44) – Tactical practical things to boost your workouts

(01:10:44) – What to do if you’re already pretty lean

 

Dr. Layne Norton hold a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and a BS in Biochemistry. Both with honors. He provides science-backed, ethical coaching, and is the founder of BioLayne and co-founder of Carbon Diet Coach, Outwork Nutrition, and Physique Coaching Academy. He fuses evidence-based nutrition and training with what will practically work for you individually.

He also hosts the Biolayne Podcast, interviewing experts and influencers on topics related to fitness and nutrition. As a competitive bodybuilder, Layne has won multiple titles in natural bodybuilding and powerlifting, including the IPF 93 kg world record for squat. 

Connect with Layne

-Website: https://biolayne.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biolayne/

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMBA83S0TnfTlTeE5j1mgQ

-Carbon Diet Coach: https://www.joincarbon.com/

-Physique Coaching Academy: https://cleanhealth.edu.au/product/online-courses/physique-coaching-academy-certification/

-Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com/

***

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Easily match with a therapist who can help you through the tough times and empower your best self. Visit BetterHelp.com/mantalks today to get 10% off your first month.

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Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance.

 

Enjoy the podcast? If…

Talking points: grief, fatherhood, anger, masculinity

The void left by a father who’s gone can feel impossibly difficult to handle for many men. I’ve had a lot of them in my practice, and the impacts on their life can be pretty severe. If you or someone you know grew up without a father, strongly encourage you to listen to this one. These are the lessons you might have missed.

(00:00:00) – Intro and the first thing: grieve the absence. 

(00:05:33) – Understand the true role of a father, and take it upon yourself

(00:08:28) – Every son has the right to be angry with their father

(00:12:37) – A woman can never hold the key to your masculinity

(00:14:24) – The last thing: it’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility

***

Pick up my book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Check out some free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. 

Enjoy the podcast? If so, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they’re looking for. And don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

For more episodes, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices