Episodes
In this episode of the Mankind Podcast, hosted by Boysen Hodgson, the focus is on exploring diverse perspectives of masculinity through the lens of men's work, parenting, and narrative therapy. The guest, Jason Frishman, a psychologist with over two decades of experience, brings a rich background in supporting individuals and groups in various settings, including offices, institutions, kitchens, and farmers' markets. Frishman emphasizes the importance of uncovering and deconstructing personal...
Published 06/22/24
In this conversation, the participants discuss their experiences and perspectives on fatherhood. They explore the challenges and joys of being a father, particularly in the absence of a paternal father figure. The conversation touches on topics such as building self-awareness, unlearning negative patterns, creating traditions, and the importance of doing personal work as a father. The participants also share their own journeys and the impact of their upbringing on their approach to fathe...
Published 06/14/24
Published 06/14/24
In this week's episode of the Mankind Podcast, Boysen Hodgson hosts Mish Middelmann for a compelling discussion on masculinity, health, and personal transformation. Mish, a leader in coaching and a prostate cancer survivor, shares his journey from diagnosis to creating a global peer support movement for men dealing with prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. The episode dives into the nuances of redefining manhood, the impact of systemic biases, and the importance of vulnerability and open...
Published 06/07/24
How do veterans grapple with the emotional weight of Memorial Day? Join us for a deeply moving Memorial Day episode of the Mankind Podcast, where we revisit a conversation from our Masks Off Monday series. Featuring a heartfelt panel discussion with five veterans, including Dean Ray, a former Marine Corps helicopter crew chief, who shares a poignant piece he wrote. This episode dives into their personal stories of loss, survival, and the importance of keeping the memories of their fallen comr...
Published 05/28/24
Discover the realities behind the composed and stoic exterior that men often present. Ashanti Branch, the leader of the EverForward Club, joins us to discuss the complexities of masculinity and how the masks we wear can hide our deepest emotions. Together, we explore the challenges of manhood, the impact of unspoken grief, and the importance of vulnerability.Our conversation explores the experiences of young men, uncovering the hidden burdens they carry. We introduce a mask exercise highlight...
Published 05/24/24
Recorded at the Men's Mental Health Matters Event 2024 - Live from ChattanoogaWelcome to a very special live episode of our podcast. We gathered as a community in Chattanooga to rally around a powerful cause—the mental well-being of men and boys. This event brought the city together in support, conversation, and action. Here are the highlights from this transformative day.We kicked off Men's Mental Health Matters 2024 in Chattanooga, an inaugural event designed to illuminate the often-unseen ...
Published 05/16/24
For 2024 Mental Health Month, we will be focusing on mental health in the next several episodes of the ManKind Podcast. This conversation between Michael Welch and Boysen Hodgson delves deep into the transformative potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy. Welch passionately discusses the profound impact this therapy can have on individuals struggling with various mental health challenges, from addiction to PTSD.Welch emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment, where each indivi...
Published 05/08/24
Boysen Hodgson engages in a deep conversation with Stuart Motola, exploring the intricacies of navigating life's BIG transitions and fostering self-trust. The discussion delves into themes, including:The Four Quadrants of Intelligence: Stuart discusses the importance of accessing not just intellectual intelligence but also emotional, intuitive, and embodied intelligence to lead fulfilling lives. He emphasizes the significance of listening to one's intuition and gut feeling, particularly ...
Published 05/01/24
Join Matthew Sloane, with hosts Brandon Clift, and Boysen Hodgson to engage in a raw and vulnerable discussion about navigating moments of parental anger, reflecting on their own experiences as fathers. Explore the complexities of maintaining composure and connection amidst the challenges of fatherhood.Highlights:Understanding Dad Rage: The hosts candidly share their struggles with anger and how it manifests in their interactions with their children. They emphasize the importance of recognizi...
Published 04/17/24
Life Coach Gregory Russell Benedikt returns to the show to discuss Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that encompasses passion, vocation, profession, and mission, to illuminate the path toward purposeful living.  We navigate through the complexities of personal fulfillment, societal expectations, and the pervasive "purpose gap" affecting many men today. We address the notion that passion, purpose, and income must always align perfectly, advocating instead for a more holistic approach to finding...
Published 04/10/24
Discover the transformative power of community support and empowerment in this insightful podcast episode featuring Jennifer Ramirez Solarte, co-founder of WomenRISEChicago.org ... commonly called &Rise. Join host Boysen Hodgson as they delve into the vital work of WomenRISE, an organization dedicated to providing resources, workshops, and counseling for women overcoming trauma and domestic violence. Jennifer shares her own story of empowerment and inspiring success stories of women...
Published 04/03/24
Every parent loves their kids. They want to protect them from pain and give them all the opportunities and comforts they never had growing up. But by removing certain struggles, parents may unknowingly jeopardize their children’s future. What if you could give your kids a superpower to ensure their success outside the home? A lens to see the world in such a way that everything they encounter can be turned into something valuable for themselves and others. A true antidote that protects your...
Published 03/27/24
This conversation between Boysen Hodgson and Luke Entrup delves into the importance of rites of passage, particularly focusing on the father-son relationship and its significance in guiding boys through adolescence. Luke shares his personal experience with rites of passage and emphasizes the need for a deeper connection between fathers and sons during this crucial developmental stage. He highlights the value of ceremony and ritual in honoring these transitions, drawing parallels between...
Published 03/22/24
Have you ever considered the profound impact emotional intelligence has on the front lines of military and law enforcement? Join me as I sit down with Kevin, a former British Army soldier and police officer of Maltese descent, who shares his compelling story about navigating the complexities of emotional awareness amid the strictures of military life. He candidly recounts the personal battles with racism, the struggle for identity, and the pivotal role emotions play in situations where...
Published 03/13/24
Join Boysen for a conversation with Rick Belden, a seasoned coach, poet, and artist, as we navigate the multifaceted terrain of emotional growth. Rick opens up about his personal struggles with maturity, shedding light on the notion that growing up is a continuous process, not an overnight metamorphosis. Listen in as we discuss the powerful impact of our family systems and childhood narratives on our adult relationships, and the essential work of acknowledging and healing the mother...
Published 03/08/24
In this episode of the Mankind Podcast, we chat with Jeff Lerner, a seasoned entrepreneur and jazz enthusiast, about the challenges of balancing business goals with family life. We explore Jeff's insights on entrepreneurship, family dynamics, and personal growth in a casual, down-to-earth conversation. Starting with a discussion on Rolling Stone's list of the Top 250 most influential guitarists, we touch on the underrepresentation of jazz greats like Joe Pass and George Benson and how it...
Published 02/28/24
Join me and Kenny Mammarella D'Cruz for a powerful journey into Men's Work! Here are some of the BIG takeaways from our conversation. Importance of Men's Work: Kenny Mammarella-D'Cruz emphasizes the significance of men's work in personal development, providing tools for navigating relationships and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself. Recognizing Relationship Dynamics: The discussion delves into the dynamics of relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. Recognizing when...
Published 02/21/24
We're excited to welcome a unique voice to the conversation on technology and its impact on our lives - the founder of Project Reboot, Dino Ambrosi. Dino shares how we can tackle the complex relationship between teenagers and technology and how the lure of the digital world can lead to addiction and isolation. As we dive deeper into the digital abyss, we expose the damaging effects of social media on mental health and the significant potential and dangers of AI. We examine the way...
Published 02/14/24
Join us on a powerful journey with Nick Pollard, the People Displeaser, as he candidly shares his personal odyssey from a challenging childhood, through the depths of addiction, and into the light of a thriving coaching career. Listen in as Nick reveals the philosophies that underpin his transformative approach to life's hurdles, and how breaking down his goals into achievable steps helped him climb from rock bottom to the pinnacle of success. His narrative is a testament to the...
Published 02/07/24
Ever feel like the world of sex and intimacy is wrapped in whispers and shadows? Our latest conversation with sex coach Taylor illuminates this secretive space, sharing his inspiring transformation and how he now leads men through the murky waters of sexual challenges. We tackle topics often left in the dark, like ejaculation control and the deep influence of a vibrant sex life on our personal and professional spheres. Taylor's insights, coupled with a success story from our men's group,...
Published 02/01/24
Ever wondered about the effects of your child spending too much time on screens? In this podcast, we talk to Dr. Justin Romano, a psychiatrist, who shares alarming stories of kids reacting strongly when their phones are taken away. We explore how the brain changes to prioritize smartphones and discuss the connection between technology and emotional well-being. Dr. Romano guides us through the younger generation's struggle to escape reality, leading to addiction and emotional distress. We...
Published 01/24/24
Tired of society's strict ideas about being a man? Want to understand and embrace a new perspective? Join us as we talk with Daniel Ellenberg, founder of Strength with Heart, a positive force in men's wellness. Daniel is on a mission to break harmful stereotypes and teach the world what it truly means to be a caring man. We also explore how your brain processes information and how past experiences shape your view of safety and the world. Daniel shares insights on cancel culture and why open...
Published 01/17/24
Ever wonder how the swipe of a finger on a dating app can lead us to the love of our life or a fleeting heartache? Allie Hoffman, a virtuoso of authentic connections, joins us to unravel the tapestry of modern dating, real-world intimacy, and the art of listening to our innermost desires. Together, we dissect the seismic shifts that have transformed how we seek out romantic connections, from the intricate dance of setting boundaries to navigating the immediate judgments required in the...
Published 01/14/24
Join me, Boysen Hodgson, and Will Cady, global brand influencer, creative, musician, and author of "Which Way Is North: A Creative Compass for Makers, Marketers, and Mystics." Embark on a transformative exploration of the soul with our guest Will Cady, where spirituality meets the canvas of creativity.  From the vibrant strings of music to the silent depth of meditation, Will shares his remarkable odyssey through the arts and his pivotal role at Reddit. His book "Which Way is North" emerges...
Published 01/07/24