Connor Beaton

Talking points: masculinity, regret, anger, culture

It’s been too long since I sat down with The Captain himself. I am continuously grateful for Kyle’s honesty about his own life, his process, and his opinion on things. Which means this conversation is as refreshing as it is frank. Strongly recommend sharing this one, team.

(00:00:00) – Why is regret such a thing, are men conditioned to beat themselves up, and should it impact our decisions?

(00:10:47) – How a recent writing project nearly broke Kyle, and what he learned

(00:18:28) – On Netflix’s “Adolescence”, social media, and male role models

(00:26:24) – How Kyle manages anger

(00:31:38) – On maintaining discipline and motivation for creative or side projects, and what Kyle would’ve done differently

(00:41:41) – Why therapy didn’t work for Kyle

(00:49:38) – Kyle’s new book

As is tradition, I’m share Kyle’s unedited bio here because it’s…well, it’s just fantastic.

“As a kid, I wanted to be a cowboy. Then, my mom bought me a skateboard and I got on with my life. In college, I decided copywriting was the career move for me and, for the last decade, I’ve held a variety of creative positions both in-house and within agency settings. I’ve also published five books, spoken at events around the country, and educated the masses about shark dating as the host of “Shark Sex 101” for Discovery Channel’s ever-popular Shark Week series.

My work has had its share of recognition — but nothing will ever mean as much to me as the “2016 AAF People’s Choice Show Winner” award that I received for tattooing a former employer’s face on my ass as part of a charity auction.

My only regret in life is being just a grammar gunslinger and not an actual cowboy. I don’t even own a horse.”

Connect with Kyle

-New book: Speech Therapy: https://m.cmpgn.page/QDc2tx

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

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

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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 <a href="https://mantalks.com/the-alliance" rel="noopener noreferrer"…

Talking points: attachment, relationships, mindset

Anxious attachment can make any relationship feel fraught with tension and threat. It doesn’t have to be that way, and there are clear steps you can take that really do get results. Start with these ones.

(00:00:00) – Anxious attachment refresher

(00:04:04) – Priority number one: develop safety internally—and how

(00:09:37) – Number two: recognize false flags

(00:14:10) – Number three: practice calm connection

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? 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, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Talking points: relationships, masculinity, mindset, nice guy syndrome

A bunch of you have reached out requesting an interview with Nick, aka The People Displeaser, and I’m happy to say we finally got the chance to talk. Nick’s practical, no-nonsense frame is a breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for ways to combat your own people-pleasing tendencies—and some really good reasons why you should—this is the episode for you.

(00:00:00) – Is people-pleasing really that bad, and what creates one

(00:08:39) – How “needs” turned into a form of manipulation, and the nuance of privilege

(00:14:15) – Does people-pleasing show up differently in men and women, and what the true cost is

(00:24:59) – Where does a man start dealing with people-pleasing

(00:38:31) – The importance of rejection, and do women play a role?

(00:48:55) – Nick’s hard truths for introverts

(00:54:22) – What you’re going to face when start putting yourself first

Nick Pollard, aka The People Displeaser, is a world-renowned coach and speaker who specializes in addiction, codependent behavior, and people-pleasing. Overcoming his own struggles—a deeply difficult childhood, his own addictive tendencies, and more—he now works tirelessly to support others wanting to break free. With tens of millions views on his social media channels, Nick has become a thought leader in personal growth and change, and now ranks in the top 10% of coaches worldwide.

Connect with Nick

-Website: https://thepeopledispleaser.com/

-YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peopledispleaser

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

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts,<a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mantalks-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer"…

Talking points: boundaries, relationships, mindset

The counter-intuitive truth is this: if you’re stuck in people-pleasing, you’re generally not people-helping. I see a lot of men go through this, and many are unaware of what it really is and where it comes from. This week, straightforward insight and direct steps to breaking free.

(00:00:00) – What the heck is people-pleasing?

(00:03:02) – Two specific origins of people pleasing, and uncovering where it started in your own life

(00:06:18) – The effect of trauma on one’s needs and self-worth

(00:07:34) – The two major challenges of people-pleasing, and how to start breaking out of this

(00:10:39) – Reflecting on tendencies, practicing your No, and prioritizing what you need 

(00:14:45) – On boundaries

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? 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, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Talking points: anger, trauma, relationships

This is an essential episode for two reasons.

One, it clearly shows how emotions and behaviors get passed down not just in mind but in body. Two, this episode also shows there are men out there doing real work—and they’re committed to it; my guest was already familiar with the somatic part of his feelings. If you grew up in a volatile family, this is doubly worth listening to.

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Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? 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, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Talking points: archetypes, psychology, relationships

I genuinely feel this is one of the most important concepts we as men should understand. It affects a lot of us, and it definitely affected me. It definitely fits the word “complex”, but it’s absolutely something you can work on. So grab a notepad, dig in, and share with any man you think would benefit.

(00:00:00) – Intro, definition, and why knowing about this is useful

(00:08:09) – What causes this split?

(00:21:55) – Rounding up what kind of man is at risk of this, and where to start healing

(00:26:04) – What are you hiding, and what do you reveal

(00:32:16) – Important: have conversations

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? 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, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Talking points: relationships, evolutionary psychology, culture

You know it, I know it, and Michael Sartain knows it: there are a LOT of men out there facing extreme difficulty. I wanted to pick Michael’s brain on how to help men understand why this is, but from the perspective of evolutionary psychology, and the boots-on-ground experience of a fellow coach. I appreciate Michael’s ability to follow (and focus) the data without getting lost in reactionary antics. Listen in.

(00:00:00) – How Michael works with men

(00:13:13) – What makes evolutionary psychology such a charged subject?

(00:25:40) – Why risk is important for men

(00:31:36) – Strategies to boost your risk tolerance

(00:39:02) – The difficulty of modern male relationships, and staying neutral

(00:48:42) – Does the unwillingness to take risk impact relationships?

(00:53:23) – On status, Bonnie Blue, and what most don’t get about the “bottom third” of men

Michael Sartain’s journey from a studious kid in Dallas, TX, to a leading expert in high-status networking and masculine self-improvement is nothing short of transformative. He grew up in contrasting environments; a comfortable family life, but a high school marked by gangs and poverty. Michael found refuge in academia, eventually earning a BBA from UT-Austin while nurturing a passion for diverse subjects like physics and psychology. The events of September 11, 2001, ignited his patriotic spirit, propelling him into the US Air Force as a KC135 navigator, rising to the rank of captain. It was here he honed leadership skills and experienced the profound impact of true accountability and integrity.

In 2019, he founded Men Of Action, a coaching community that has transformed the lives of over 2,000 men. Through his podcasts and public appearances, Michael continues to inspire, emphasizing leadership, social dynamics, and personal growth.

Connect with Michael:

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

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

-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelSartain

-Twitter: https://x.com/michaelsartain

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | <a…

Talking points: attachment, relationships, culture

I recently brought in an attachment specialist for the Alliance because a lot of men are noticing an uptick in women who are emotionally distant, avoid vulnerability, and break it off the second things get serious. There are a ton of ways to look at this, and lots of factors, but I wanted to dig in a bit—and give some insight into what YOU can do if you’re dating an avoidant woman.

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? 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, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Talking points: attachment, marriage, trauma

There’s a lot of attachment content out there. I should know, I make a fair bit myself. But in my work with this week’s anonymous guest, you can see just how complex things can get. My guest is managing the anxious-avoidant dance really well, but processing what causes it is something that requires deeper work. Listen in.

(00:00:00) – Intro, handling the anxious/avoidant dance in marriage, and the what it felt like losing a father

(00:11:21) – Who was there for you? 

(00:22:52) – The search for peace

***

Tired of feeling like you’re never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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? 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, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

Talking points: relationships, attachment

There’s one significant trap a lot of men fall into when they’re anxiously attached. Good news? It’s manageable—as long as you know where it’s coming from. If you or your partner has this attachment style, dig in.

(00:00:00) – Defining the trap, and why it happens

(00:04:29) – What you’re really up against, and the first step in escaping the trap

(00:09:15) – Uncovering where it shows up in your relationship, and taking action

(00:12:09) – Don’t just practice in the relationship, and what causes blacksliding

***

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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

Talking points: culture, marketing, relationships

I consider it an achievement to have Tad on the show. He’s a soulful and wise person who can cut through the BS quickly—and do it kindly, no less. We sat down to discuss the parallels in ethically presenting your case in both the business and dating realms. You’ll be surprised at how similar some aspects are!

(00:00:00) – How is dating an extension of marketing?

(00:13:24) – The meaning of “gauging” a potential partner, and what to look for

(00:19:57) – On sunk cost, grief, people pleasing, and our fear of risk

(00:27:17) – Is there a connection between fear of approach and polarization?

(00:34:43) – How is AI going to change how we market 

(00:47:33) – What are the key implementations of ethical marketing?

Tad Hargrave is a hippy who developed a knack for marketing (and then learned to be a hippy again).  Since 2001, he has been weaving together strands of ethical marketing, Waldorf School education, a history in the performing arts, local culture making, anti-globalization activism, an interest in his ancestral, traditional cultures, community building and supporting local economies into his work helping people create profitable businesses that are ethically grown while restoring the beauty of the marketplace. 

Connect with Tad:

-Website: https://marketingforhippies.com/

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

-Substack: https://tadhargrave.substack.com/

***

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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…

Talking points: attachment, relationships

The way you connect with others really can change for the better, and it’s important to know when you’re headed in the right direction. If you or your partner has an avoidant attachment style—aka shutdown in conflict, emotional distancing, etc.—this one’s for you. Listen in.

Not sure what avoidant attachment is? Check out A Man’s Guide To Avoidant Attachment: https://lnk.to/3anA6L

(00:00:00) – Intro and what you need to understand first

(00:02:25) – Sign number one: more emotional availability

(00:04:41) – Number two: Better conflict navigation

(00:07:01) – Number three: you aren’t debating ending the relationship at the first sign of trouble

(00:08:01) – Number four: a deeper sense of trust

(00:10:08) – Number five: their needs are more clear, AND they’re moving to meet your needs more often

***

Join myself, Ryan Michler, Larry Hagner, and Matt Beaudreau on a mission to improve yourself as a man, husband, business owner, and community leader at the Men’s Forge. May 1-4, St. Louis, MO: https://orderofman.clickfunnels.com/uprising-landing-page1715263442491

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/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other 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 | <a…