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https://neffinspiration.com/

The Real Signs of Low Testosterone in Men with Dr. Stephan Neff

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Low testosterone in men shows up as fatigue, brain fog, low drive, and diminished function in the bedroom, but a single blood test can't tell you whether yours is truly low. Dr. Stephan Neff, a functional medicine doctor and a returning guest, joins me to pull that story apart. He describes the man he sees over and over, tired but wired, carrying stress he's grown so used to that he no longer feels it, sure that this heavy, flat version of himself is just what getting older feels like. Neff's point is that low testosterone works like a warning light on the dash, and the stress a man has been friends with for many years is usually sitting right underneath it.

From there Stephan walks through what a real blood workup looks like, and why so many men get handed testosterone they may not need. He explains free testosterone versus total testosterone, that SHBG can lock the hormone up like passengers stuck on a bus, and the LH and FSH readings that tell a good doctor whether the problem starts in the brain or the body. He clears up the old fear that testosterone drives prostate cancer, tracing it back to a single misread case from the 1940s. Then he gets practical about what quietly drains a man's levels...poor sleep, chronic stress rerouting hormones toward survival, alcohol, ultra-processed food, plastics and mold toxins that behave like estrogen in the body. What he keeps coming back to is how much of this a man can move on his own, through better sleep, thirty minutes of daily movement, real strength training, a Mediterranean diet, and cutting back on alcohol.

Underneath all the biology is a reframe Stephan have been living and teaching for years, that a man is no more a victim to what his body is doing than to the home he grew up in. Neff drives it home with something as ordinary as a twenty-minute walk with your wife a few times a week, one habit that lowers stress, steadies your metabolism, and quietly rebuilds a marriage at the same time. You are in control, he keeps saying, even when everything feels stacked against you. If you want to go deeper, Dr. Neff works with men on the mental and emotional side at neffinspiration.com and on the physical and clinical side at nefffunctionalmedicine.com. This is for the man who's been checking off too many boxes, no drive, no energy, foggy, lower desire for his wife, half-convinced he's the only one, and ready to hear that he isn't and that he can actually do something about it.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the silent signs of low testosterone, the fatigue, brain fog, and missing drive that most men chalk up to age or stress
See why one testosterone number means almost nothing, and what the fuller panel actually measures
Understand how poor sleep, chronic stress, alcohol, and everyday toxins quietly pull your levels down
Walk through the ordinary changes that can lift your testosterone 30 to 40% in a month
Learn why strength and muscle matter so much for a man's hormones, energy, and drive
Take back the sense that you're in control of your own body instead of at the mercy of it

The Key Moments In This Episode Are:

00:03:14 - The silent signs of low testosterone most men miss

00:05:22 - Does testosterone cause prostate cancer, and where that fear began

00:06:24 - Why a single testosterone reading tells you almost nothing

00:07:15 - Free testosterone versus total testosterone, and why SHBG matters

00:09:16 - The blood panel a good doctor runs before treating you

00:15:35 - How poor sleep quietly drops your testosterone

00:16:24 - How stress reroutes your hormones away from testosterone

00:17:56 - The everyday plastics and toxins working against you

00:21:04 - How to raise your testosterone naturally with food and movement

00:24:47 - The 20-minute walk that helps your marriage and your hormones

00:36:13 - Why Dr. Neff treats the man, not the lab value

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Dr. Stephan Neff

Website

https://nefffunctionalmedicine.com/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

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http://www.madetomatter.coach

There's Gotta Be More Than This, Finding Your Purpose with Adam Landrum

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Finding your purpose often starts with a sentence a man can't shake when he feels stuck, "there's gotta be more than this". Executive coach and author Adam Landrum has built his work around helping men answer what comes next. He faced this challenge firsthand. Adam founded his agency, Up and Up, and ran it for 22 years, which was long enough that it felt like an expression of his own values and beliefs. A coach had already helped him see the company wasn't his identity, but knowing that didn't make selling it at 49 years old any easier. Two months before the sale his mother passed away, and just before that he'd lost his dog. His head knew the difference between those losses and a business, but his heart didn't. He sold on Halloween, and by the middle of December he struggling and wasn't in a good place.

What moved him forward wasn't a strategy. It was time, simply letting himself mourn something that mattered instead of fighting the sadness. Adam tells Mike about an earlier blow, when a key person in his company betrayed him. A mentor told him it was his first betrayal, and Adam spent months bitter, feeling blindsided and helpless. Forgiveness got him unstuck, forgiving without forgetting, and so did owning his part in how he'd set things up. Years later, his own executive coach introduced him to the drama triangle from The Power of TED, where we play the victim, the persecutor, or the rescuer. That's where he learned that the opposite of a victim is a creator. The shift from reacting to his life to creating it now shapes what he calls repurpose coaching. He now works much of his time from his cabin, where he also spends two days a week alone to think and write.

For the man still in the thick of it, Adam's advice is to start now rather than waiting for these questions about life consume you in your late 40s. Build self-awareness first, with a tool like the Enneagram, and remember that you aren't your personality. Your personality is merely an operating system that runs on autopilot unless you choose differently. A lesson he learned as a Type 8 Challenger who spent his 30s like a bull in a china shop. Develop a centering practice like meditation so you can live from a place of calm, and start working out your purpose while you still have years to live it. His book, The Life That Matters, lays out 11 principles with a workbook, so your values, strengths, purpose, and goals end up in one place instead of collecting dust on a shelf. Mike's take is that it's never too late, but the time is now. If your calendar's been running you for years and the job that once fit now feels like resistance, Adam's story says you don't have to wait until the kids are gone to find out what's next.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the two questions men ask after decades in the same career, "there's gotta be more than this" and "okay, what's next," and why a midlife crisis is often a man fighting that wake-up call
See why leaving a business, a career, or a title can hit like grief even when you know it was never who you are
Understand the drama triangle and how moving from victim to creator changed the way Adam handled betrayal
Learn why forgiveness and owning your part, no more and no less, are what break the bitterness after someone you trusted lets you down
Walk through three things a man in his 30s can start now so the second half of life doesn't blindside him
See why purpose is the cornerstone of fulfillment, and how to keep it in front of you instead of forgetting the work you've done

The Key Moments In This Episode Are:

00:01:47 - Selling his agency and building a second half without the grind

00:04:57 - Focus days and clarity breaks, making time to think in your busiest years

00:08:40 - Losing your identity when you leave the business you built

00:11:21 - How to grieve the end of a career and move forward

00:13:15 - Rebuilding trust after betrayal by someone you trusted

00:17:24 - The drama triangle and moving from victim to creator

00:19:37 - Why retirement is dead and growth never really stops

00:23:03 - "There's gotta be more than this," the questions men ask at midlife

00:24:58 - What men in their 30s can do now to prepare for midlife

00:29:33 - The Life That Matters and why purpose is the cornerstone of fulfillment

00:35:21 - Does a life that matters look the same for every man

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Adam Landrum

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlandrum/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/madetomatter_/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

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Letting Go of the Identity Everyone Else Gave You with Chad Petersen

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Chad Petersen spent fifty years in Texas being exactly who everyone told him to be, shaping his identity for him. He worked to be the model Mormon kid, trying to earn his father's approval, the funny guy in the bowler hat, the husband who married quickly because he never learned how to be alone. Then a divorce broke him wide open. He gave away nearly everything he owned and went on a cross-country trip across the United States. On the tenth day of the first international trip of his life, he pulled his suitcase off the van in a small Ecuadorian mountain town and told everyone to leave him there. Two years later, it's where he calls home and it's where he learned what performance had been built to avoid, to simply be alone with himself.

In this conversation, host Mike Forrester dig into the difference between the identity you actually chose and the one that was handed to you by family, faith, society, and everyone else with a story about who you're "supposed" to be. Chad shares the practical tools he now uses and teaches: a three times a day random check-in that asks where am I, what am I feeling, what am I resisting, plus the practice of naming his recurring inner "visitors" (the Performer and the self-sabotaging Goalkeeper) so he can separate them from his true self. As well as the six-step ORIGIN framework, guided by animal archetypes, that walks men back to who they were before the world edited them.

Chad describes the transformational morning he watched a turkey vulture spiral upward without ever flapping its wings, and the river below his balcony that's already exactly where it's supposed to be. That's the breakthrough he wants every man to have: you are enough right now, not because of anything you've done, but simply because you exist. It's the same truth he worked to give his kids, who came out to him first, and who told him he was the parent they don't have to talk about in therapy. A grounded, hopeful episode for any man tired of performing for approval and ready to find out who he actually is, discovering your real identity.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

How to spot the language of a borrowed identity: the words "should" and "supposed to" as red flags that you may be living someone else's story
A simple three question check-in (Where am I? What am I feeling in my body? What am I resisting?) you can run three times a day to build real self-awareness
Why naming your recurring patterns as separate "visitors" lets you recognize them as not you and loosen their grip
The difference between doing something because you love it and doing it for validation, attention, and approval
Chad's six-step ORIGIN framework for getting back to who you were before everyone else edited you
Why you don't have to be "fixed" or perfect to start showing up differently, being hurt and present is enough, especially for your kids

The Key Moments In This Episode Are:

00:02:47 - How a divorce that "broke him" led Chad to Ecuador

00:04:40 - Taking the suitcase off the van: choosing to stay after 10 days

00:05:39 - "Nobody knows me here" and learning to be with himself

00:06:46 - Growing up Mormon, marrying young, and the fear of being alone

00:09:25 - The road signs: when "should" and "supposed to" show up

00:13:04 - Walking through the awkward transition to being okay alone

00:18:10 - The three-question, three-times-a-day awareness practice

00:22:46 - Naming your "visitors": the Performer and the Goalkeeper

00:30:02 - The six-step ORIGIN framework and its Andean animal archetypes

00:35:14 - The vulture, the river, and "I'm enough because I exist"

00:43:49 - How to connect with Chad Petersen (thestorycatcher.com)

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Chad Petersen

Website

thestorycatcher.com

Free Resource

thestorycatcher.com/quiz

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

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What a Year of Health Scares and Loss Taught Me About Legacy

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Nine months of silence. No announcement, without any explanation. The Living Fearless Today podcast just suddenly stopped. Behind that silence: a retina torn in two places, then a detachment in the other eye, then a third scare with his eyes, all stacked on ten years of constant ringing in his ears. Mike Forrester was staring down a question no man plans for: what happens if I lose my sight and my hearing? Now he's returning from that break, and the show that's coming back isn't the one you remember.

Three doctors gave him the same verdict: there's nothing you can do. Wait for the next retinal detachment, come in, and we'll do more laser surgery. Mike's own dad got that same diagnosis decades ago and waited three months to see a doctor. His retina folded on itself, and three surgeries couldn't promise him his vision back. Mike refused to run the inherited script. He went in immediately, then went hunting for anything that would give his eyes an edge. And just as the ground steadied, February arrived: days spent over the next month between a hospital room and hospice, watching his mother-in-law fight for her life, sitting with the question that wouldn't let go. Do I want my children experiencing me the way I'm going through this with her?

That season exposed the truth this whole show now stands on. Swearing you'll never be like your parents isn't a direction. It's a rejection, and rejection has no aim. Mike had circled the real mission after almost every interview - men breaking the cycles they inherited so their kids never carry them, without ever making it his North Star. Now he names the legacy that actually gets passed down, the thoughts, beliefs, and patterns trained into us, and why anger that never blows up can still be a grenade going off inside. The coaching is changing and the podcast are being rebuilt around one mission. The new podcast name will be revealed soon. And if you've ever caught your father's words coming out of your own mouth, this is where the show really hits home.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Trade "I'll never be like him" for a target you can actually hit, because rejection isn't an actual direction
Name the immediate legacy you're really handing down - the thoughts, beliefs, and patterns, not the money
Refuse helplessness when the experts say there's nothing left to do and look for the possibilities where they exist
Let the hardest seasons ask the question that matters: how do you want your kids to view and experience you?
Catch the quiet anger, because never blowing up doesn't mean nothing's exploding inside of you
Get a brief glimpse of what's coming: the rebrand, the sharpened mission, and who this show now fights for

The Key Moments In This Episode Are:

00:00:00 - Why the Living Fearless Today podcast went silent for nine months

00:01:15 - Facing vision loss and hearing loss: two retinal detachments plus ten years of tinnitus

00:02:05 - Repeating your father's patterns in a health crisis, or breaking them

00:06:20 - How to stop feeling helpless and start taking action

00:08:05 - What sitting with a dying loved one in hospice teaches you about your own life

00:10:10 - Why saying "I'll never be like my father" doesn't work

00:11:15 - What your children and grandchildren actually inherit from you today (hint, it's not money)

00:13:40 - Why the show is rebranding around helping men break generational cycles

00:14:45 - Explosive anger vs quiet anger in men: why neither is healthy

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.SideBySideBusiness.com

How to Reconnect With Your Spouse When Life Gets Crazy with Larry Pruett

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Marriage isn't just about finding the right person - it's about becoming the right person while building systems that strengthen your relationship daily. In this episode your host Mike Forrester sits down with Larry Pruett, a marriage counselor and coach who, along with his wife Sue, helps married entrepreneurs navigate the unique challenges of adding business stress on top of relationship pressures. After 36 years of marriage and over 20 years as entrepreneurs, Larry reveals how getting your foundational relationship right creates a ripple effect that actually helps your business grow.

Larry discusses the critical importance of understanding your spouse's personality type and communication style, sharing how he learned to jump straight to the bottom line with his dominant, extroverted wife instead of boring her with spreadsheet details. He emphasizes that you can't work on your marriage without working on yourself, but you also can't focus 100% on yourself and 0% on the marriage - both require intentional daily attention and the understanding that you never fully "arrive" at mastery.

Your marriage sets the foundation for everything else in your life, including how your children will approach relationships in the future. Larry demonstrates through practical tools like "connection time", weekly date nights and annual getaway retreats how couples can stay connected during the chaos of raising children, building businesses and life overall. His approach shows that when couples prioritize their relationship and communicate effectively, they're not just building a strong marriage - they're modeling healthy relationships for their children and creating the stability needed for long-term success.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the art of understanding your spouse through personality assessments, studying your wife's interests and intentional communication strategies

• Build sustainable connection rituals using daily 15-minute connection time and weekly date nights

• Create long-term relationship vision through annual retreats and family mission statements

• Navigate the entrepreneurial marriage challenge by balancing business stress with relationship priorities

• Develop effective communication patterns tailored to your spouse's personality type and processing style

• Establish proper relationship hierarchy with God first, marriage second, children third and everything else following

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:30 - The Plate Spinning Analogy in Managing Multiple Life Areas

00:12:15 - Understanding Your Spouse Through Personality Assessments

00:16:40 - Communication Breakthrough: Bottom Line vs. Details

00:21:20 - Why You Must Work on Both Yourself and Your Marriage

00:25:50 - The 15-Minute Daily Connection Time System

00:30:15 - Training Kids to Respect Connection Time

00:34:40 - The Danger of Child-Centered Homes and Empty Nest Divorce

00:38:25 - Creating and Using a Family Mission Statement

Connect with Larry Pruett

Website

Free Resource

www.sidebysidebusiness.com/family

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrypruett/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/larryandsuepruett/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SidebySideBusiness

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

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https://homestudiomastery.com

How to Overcome Self Doubt and Start Building the Life You Want with Junaid Ahmed

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Success isn't just about individual achievement - it's about showing up authentically and building genuine connections that raise everyone around you. I sit down with Junaid Ahmed, founder of HumbleZone and Home Studio Mastery, who demonstrates how being your authentic self creates opportunities and transforms lives. Junaid shares his journey from self-doubt and limiting beliefs to becoming a connector who helps entrepreneurs and podcasters show up professionally while focusing on what truly matters...storytelling and impact.

Junaid reveals how his upbringing taught him that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, but it was stepping into spaces where he was celebrated and supported that helped him see his true potential. He discusses the power of reflection, especially as we mature past 40, and how surrounding yourself with cheerleaders and mentors allows you to overcome the limiting beliefs that we often mistake for normal life. His story shows how changing your environment and finding your community can unlock possibilities you never imagined.

Your transformation accelerates when you stop trying to do everything alone and start building systems with team members who complement your zone of genius. Junaid demonstrates how delegating podcast production allowed him to scale from one episode per week to five daily episodes, freeing him to focus on his unique gifts of helping people create professional spaces and tell their stories. His approach to avoiding burnout through hobbies, community involvement and proper rest shows how sustainable success comes from balance, not just hustle.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the art of authentic connection by showing up as your genuine self in professional and personal settings

• Overcome limiting beliefs by recognizing them as environmental conditioning rather than unchangeable truths

• Build effective delegation systems that free you to focus on your zone of genius while scaling your impact

• Develop meaningful mentorship relationships through books, podcasts, and distant learning opportunities

• Transform self-doubt into confidence by finding communities that celebrate and support your growth

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:45 - How Limiting Beliefs Disguise Themselves as Normal Life

00:09:20 - The Tony Robbins Infomercial That Changed Everything

00:12:15 - Key Books That Opened His Mind to Possibilities

00:16:40 - From One Podcast Episode to Five Daily Episodes Through Team Building

00:21:30 - The Challenge of Implementing New Habits Like Gratitude

00:25:10 - Why Rereading Books Reveals New Insights Over Time

00:28:45 - Balancing Multiple Business Areas Without Burnout

00:33:20 - The Importance of Delegation and Letting Go of Control

00:37:50 - Finding Community in Cycling, Beekeeping, and Other Hobbies

00:41:15 - The Role of Sleep and Naps in Sustainable Success

Connect with Junaid Ahmed

Website

https://linkedin.com/in/superjunaid

Instagram

https://instagram.com/superjunaid

Facebook

https://facebook.com/superjunaid

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/troykarnes/

Why Asking for Help Is the Most Masculine Thing You Can Do With Troy Karnes

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

To his friends, Troy Karnes had the dream job: selling whiskey to the best bars from Boston to Miami. The reality was boarding planes hungover and sleeping through every flight. Then he and his wife moved home to Denver to start a family. The kids came and the responsibilities grew, but Troy kept living the same way. He thinks of it like a Pearl Jam line about changing by staying exactly the same. The values he was proud of, like being dependable, slipped away. He had tried to moderate his drinking over and over. One night his wife told him he couldn't stay at home. In that moment he saw two things clearly. He was about to lose the family he cared most about, and he couldn't fix this by himself. A decision decades in the making came fast. He went to rehab and asked for help. Troy tells Mike Forrester that rehab was really treatment for being a human.

Then came the second hill. Ninety eight days into sobriety, Troy was diagnosed with cancer. His wife called it unfair, since he had just made a choice that would change their family for generations. Troy leaned on the routines that got him sober. His foundation is HALT, the rehab reminder that nobody decides well when hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. He turned it from a checklist for cravings into a daily plan. He eats so he stays nourished, processes his emotions instead of stuffing them, calls friends, and protects his sleep. Every morning he does a 90 second check-in. He logs his sober days, sleep, the day before, meals, and weight. Then he rates them on a four point scale. A spreadsheet turns it into graphs, so he can spot a slide early. He calls it a canary in his emotional coal mine. He lost more than 50 pounds and got through a couple of tough surgeries without a drink. He shares it all in his book, No Silver Bullet.

Troy grew up believing asking for help was weakness. Now he calls it a sign of maturity. At his own cancer fundraiser, a taller friend reminded him he could just ask for a hand with a sign. He shares research on loneliness that should get every man's attention. About half of us don't have three close friends, and loneliness raises the risk of an early death. His fix is simple: call a friend every day. Mike shares how a random call has pulled men back from the edge. Both men talk about sleep, including Mike's decade of four hour nights. Mike teaches men to quit trying to fix themselves by themselves, and Troy's comeback started with one honest request for help. For the dad whose life has grown around him while his habits stayed the same, start small. Tomorrow morning, rate how you slept from one to four.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how a job or habit that worked before kids can quietly cost you your wife's trust and your values.
Understand why asking for help is a sign of maturity, and how holding back steals that chance from your friends.
Use HALT to plan ahead for hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness instead of reacting to cravings.
Walk through Troy's 90 second morning check-in and how tracking trends keeps you on course.
See how calling one friend a day pushes back on loneliness and its real health risks.
Learn why sleeping less than seven hours affects your weight, your mood, and how you show up at home.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:15 - why a glamorous job can hide a drinking problem

00:08:30 - when his wife told him he couldn't stay home that night

00:12:45 - why asking for help is a sign of maturity

00:18:20 - getting a cancer diagnosis 98 days into sobriety

00:22:40 - how to use HALT to make better decisions

00:28:15 - a 90 second daily check-in that keeps you on track

00:33:50 - why a four point scale works better for tracking your days

00:38:25 - how loneliness affects men's health and lifespan

00:42:30 - how sleep affects your weight, mood, and decisions

Connect with Troy Karnes

Website

https://troykarnes.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/troykarnes/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://fitmenproject.com

Secret Connection Between Your Gym Routine and Identity with Luke DePron

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Building lasting health isn't simply about muscles and workouts - it's about transforming who you are at your core and how you show up in life. Luke DePron from the Fit Men Project shares how external fitness and internal confidence are deeply connected. Luke helps men see that when you work on your physical health, your confidence and self worth grow right alongside.

Luke discusses how most men sabotage their fitness goals by making them harder than necessary, thinking they need to work out seven days a week or follow extreme diets to see results. He reveals that sustainable long-term transformation comes from removing barriers, not adding more hurdles. His approach focuses on guaranteed minimum standards that feel manageable while still creating real progress and building unshakeable confidence.

Your health journey isn't about perfection - it's about proving to yourself that you're the kind of man who does what he says he'll do. A man who keeps his promises to himself and follows through on his commitments. Luke demonstrates how this internal transformation impacts every area of life, from how you show up as a father and husband to your energy levels and career performance, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the gym.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the practice of sustainable fitness by focusing on minimum effective dose rather than extreme programs

• Build unshakeable confidence through proving competence with guaranteed minimum standards

• Transform your identity from "overweight guy" to "fit dad" or "fit entrepreneur" through intentional decision making and actions

• Remove barriers to success by setting up home gyms and integrating movement into your existing schedule

• Navigate setbacks without self sabotage by understanding that health is the summation of actions over time

• Create lasting lifestyle changes that feel manageable rather than overwhelming or punishing

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:30 - Why Most Men Make Fitness Harder Than It Needs to Be

00:12:45 - The Guaranteed Minimum Standards Approach

00:18:20 - Breaking Free from All-or-Nothing Mentality

00:25:10 - Creating Your New Identity Through Hard Lines and Decisions

00:32:40 - Why Celebrating Small Wins Is Crucial for Long-term Success

00:38:15 - The Comparison Trap: Competition of You vs. Old You

00:42:30 - How Physical Transformation Impacts Every Area of Life

Connect with Luke DePron

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitmenproject/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/fitmenproject/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://shorturl.at/v7EFy

Clarity and Direction Through Solo Retreats with Eli Libby and Kyle Nelson

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Our world never stops demanding our attention, so much so that finding clarity has become one of the greatest challenges men face today. I sit down with Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby, founders of Solo Retreat Company, to discuss their new book "The Art of a Solo Retreat" and how intentional solitude can break through the noise to reveal your true purpose and direction.

Both Kyle and Eli discovered the power of solo retreats during their darkest moments - Kyle after losing everything in the Paradise, California wildfire and facing suicidal thoughts, and Eli after his business crumbled, his marriage ended and he lost a beloved mentor all within two weeks. Their stories reveal how removing external noise and creating space for deep self-reflection can literally save lives and transform futures.

Your breakthrough isn't found in adding more to your life - it's discovered by reducing the daily chaos and reconnecting with your authentic self. Kyle and Eli share their RESET framework (Remove the noise, Engage with the present, See what's true, Envision what's next, Take aligned action) and explain how solo retreats work for men whether they're in crisis, transition or simply wanting to confirm they're on the right path.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Giving yourself permission to step away and prioritize your mental and emotional wellbeing

• Discover the neuroscience behind solitude and why removing noise allows your inner voice to be heard clearly

• Navigate major life transitions including career changes, empty nest syndrome, divorce and grief

• Implement the RESET framework for structured self-reflection and breakthrough moments

• Create sustainable reset rhythms from 5-minute daily practices to multi-day retreats

• Build authentic accountability systems focused on camaraderie rather than micromanagement

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:30 - Kyle's Journey From Paradise Fire and Suicidal Thoughts to Breakthrough

00:10:45 - Eli's Crossroad of Business Closure, Marriage Ending and Uncle's Passing

00:15:10 - The Science Behind Why Solo Retreats Work

00:22:40 - Who Benefits Most from Solo Retreats

00:30:15 - The RESET Framework Explained

00:35:10 - Accountability is the Key to Long-term Success

00:40:15 - How to Get Started with "The Art of a Solo Retreat"

Connect with Eli Libby and Kyle Nelson

Book - 'The Art of a Solo Retreat'

Website

https://soloretreat.co

LinkedIn - Eli Libby

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elilibby/

LinkedIn - Kyle Nelson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylenelson1/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elilibby/

Why Every Man Should Try a Solo Retreat to Transform Their Life with Eli Libby and Kyle Nelson

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt stuck, overwhelmed or clueless about your path forward in life? Many men struggle with these feelings, but few take the time to truly address them. In this episode, I chat about the benefits and impact of solo retreats with Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby, two guys who have experienced firsthand the profound impact of intentional solitude. Kyle and Eli share their personal stories of hitting rock bottom and how solo retreats became the leverage for change in their lives. From losing everything in a wildfire to facing a devastating divorce, these men found clarity and purpose through the process of stepping away from the stress and chaos of everyday life.

Many men hesitate to take time for themselves, afraid of what they might uncover or feeling selfish for stepping away. Kyle and Eli address these concerns, explaining how giving yourself permission to explore your inner thoughts and beliefs can lead to deep personal growth and stronger relationships. They offer guidance on how to approach this powerful experience and make the most of your time in solitude. For any man looking to level up his life, relationships and gain clarity about your purpose, this episode is sure to help you determine if a solo retreat just might be the key to unlock the life you've been longing to live.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the transformative power of solo retreats for men and unlock your full potential.
Break free from self limiting beliefs and increase your personal growth and development.
Explore the impact of solo retreats on mental health and emotional resilience.
Learn how to integrate the insights from your solo retreat into your daily life for lasting positive change.
Redefine success and identity post retreat goals and milestones to achieve a more fulfilling and authentic life journey.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:01 - How Solo Retreats Guide Men Through Introspective Work

00:11:20 - Lasting Impact of the Solo Retreat

00:16:43 - How Vision Casting Is Different from Goal Setting

00:20:02 - Overcoming Fear and Self Doubt About Solo Retreats

00:26:40 - Building Strong Relationships After Your Solo Retreat

00:28:22 - The Courage to Be Vulnerable When Men Aren't Doing Well

00:30:07 - Importance of Men Showing Grace and Compassion To Themselves

00:33:59 - The Tangible Benefits of a Solo Retreat

Connect with Eli Libby and Kyle Nelson

Website

https://resetos.co/

LinkedIn - Eli Libby

LinkedIn - Kyle Nelson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylenelson1/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jonahprimo/

How This Man Overcame Chronic Pain And Illness with Jonah Primo

Tue, 27 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Chronic pain can be an exhausting challenege, often leaving you feeling helpless and isolated. But what if there's a way to reclaim your life and find hope within the struggle? In this episode, I sit down with Jonah Primo, who shares his inspiring journey of overcoming debilitating chronic pain and chosing to live his life to the fullest even in the face of the pain Jonah was an active guy running 100km each week and playing soccer regularly, yet he found himself bedridden, unable to climb a small hill to his place without collapsing to his hands and knees. His world became consumed with the pain and he retreated from life, relationships and even called off his engagement.

But Jonah's journey doesn't end there. Through a combination of mindfulness, gratitude and a shift in his perspective, he found a path back to health - both physically and mentally. His story offers valuable insights for anyone grappling with chronic pain or life altering health challenges. Jonah's experience reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there's hope just waiting to be rediscovered. His story isn't just about overcoming pain - it's about joy, purpose and the thoughts which fill our thoughts. Remember, your current situation doesn't define you. There's always potential for positive change, no matter how dire things may seem. Let Jonah's journey inspire you to take that first step towards reclaiming your life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the power of mindfulness for overcoming chronic pain and finding inner peace.
Learn to harness the mind-body connection to effectively manage and reduce pain.
Uncover the transformative benefits of practicing gratitude in your journey to pain recovery.
Explore effective strategies for coping with long Covid symptoms and regaining control of your health.
Understand the impact of chronic pain on personal relationships and discover ways to navigate these challenges with resilience.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:27 - Unexpected Health Challenges

00:15:04 - Fighting Back and Finding Hope

00:20:50 - Celebrating Incremental Progress and the Small Wins

00:27:59 - Practicing Gratitude and Mindfulness

00:33:25 - Impact of Chronic Pain on relationships

00:42:42 - Embracing life with pain

00:45:55 - Being Grateful and Taking Intentional Steps

00:47:42 - Seeking Hope and Inspiration

Connect with Jonah Primo

Website

http://jonahprimo.com/

Instagram

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@TheOverexaminedLife

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://www.menbecomingbettermen.com/

Find Your Purpose As A Man And Overcome Loneliness with Bob Wischer

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

A man can have a career, a marriage, and a full calendar and still not have a single real friend. Bob Wischer lived that, and he'll tell you how close it came to costing him. In his first marriage he ran the same loop for years, work, home, family, repeat, until the male friendships that once carried him quietly faded, nudged aside by a wife who guilted him out of the softball games and the beers with the guys. When that marriage ended and his kids left for college, he was standing there with a job and not much else, the friends they'd shared having gone with her in the divorce. He calls the place he landed the danger zone, the one where a man starts asking whether this is all there is and what his worth even is. Bob has known four men who never made it out of that zone.

What pulled him back is the focus of his talk with host Mike Forrester. Bob did the deeper work and uncovered a story he'd been carrying since before he was born, conceived before his parents married in a small town where that still carried real shame, so a sense of being unwanted got wired in before he ever took his first breath. Naming that changed how he understood seventh grade, his marriage, and even the divorce he filed for. From there, he rebuilt on purpose and with intentionality. He went looking for other men instead of waiting on them, he learned his wife's love language and his own after years of missing both, and he made a non-negotiable weekly date night the rule rather than the exception. He now runs Men Becoming Better Men and goes by the relationship engineer, because relationships turned out to be the thing that saved him.

Bob keeps circling back to the men he's lost, including one he taught alongside who seemed like the last person anyone would worry about. That's why he's blunt that suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem, and that no problem is too heavy to survive once you're sitting across from someone who actually cares. He's honest about his own blind spots too, the things you simply can't see from inside your own life, the label you can't read from inside the jar. If you've been running on empty, telling yourself the lie that you're better off handling it all alone, Bob's whole message is the opposite. You were never meant to do this by yourself, and one honest conversation is usually where the way back starts.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Recognize the danger zone a man can drift into when his whole life becomes work, home, and repeat
Understand why male friendships fade after marriage and kids, and what it costs a man to let them go
See how a story you absorbed in childhood, even before birth, can quietly run your relationships for decades
Learn the marriage habits Bob missed the first time, from real date nights to actually knowing each other's love language
Recognize why you sometimes have to be the first to say "I'm struggling," and why one man's cold shoulder isn't a verdict on you
Understand why you can't spot your own blind spots alone, and how a circle of men gives you back a zest for life

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:29 - How the work, home, repeat grind cuts a man off from other men

00:07:01 - The danger zone that has cost men Bob knew their lives

00:10:35 - The one marriage habit Bob refuses to skip

00:12:27 - The real cost of divorce, well beyond the money

00:14:59 - The story of feeling unwanted that started before he was born

00:18:45 - How to find healthy men when you feel isolated

00:23:16 - Why you sometimes have to be the first to say "I'm struggling"

00:27:59 - How love languages quietly make or break a marriage

00:36:07 - Finding the purpose that became his rock

00:37:54 - Why suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem

00:40:08 - Why other men can see the blind spots you can't

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Bob Wischer

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/therelationshipengineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-wischer-63151b19/

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@menbecomingbettermen8163?si=qopGdACQX1HLy33Q

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://ihaveapodcast.com

How to Trust Yourself and Build Your Confidence with Vinnie Potestivo

Tue, 20 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Building trust and confidence in yourself is a journey that many men struggle with. In this episode, I sit down with Vinnie Potestivo, a media industry veteran to discuss how we can develop self trust and authenticity in our personal and professional lives. He revealed strategies for carving out your own path, especially when living in the shadow of your father. Vinnie discusses how he differentiated himself from his dad while still respecting his legacy. Your journey is unique from your father's, learn to appreciate your individual experiences and how they shape your perspective. Vinnie emphasizes the value of reflection and continuous growth in developing your confidence.

Uncover the importance of repetitive actions and clear communication in establishing trust - both with others and yourself. Vinnie shares examples from his work with celebrities and how he creates a foundation of trust in high-pressure environments. Discover the high value of surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who challenge and inspire you. Vinnie highlights how building strong connections has been crucial to his success in the media industry and also seen in his father's life with lifelong friends. This chat with Vinnie highlights how you as a man can increase your level of self trust, build authentic relationships and create an identity that is true to you and your unique gifts.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Mastering the art of building trust in professional relationships for lasting success.
Unleashing the power of personal branding strategies to stand out as an entrepreneur.
Embracing the pivotal role of consistency in content marketing for sustainable growth.
Unlocking the potential of leveraging LinkedIn for exponential business growth.
Navigating career challenges with resilience for continuous personal and professional development.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:07 - Confidence and Trust

00:13:16 - Overcoming Childhood Challenges

00:15:08 - Creating Opportunities

00:17:36 - Trust and Empathy

00:19:54 - Embracing Personal Strengths

00:22:57 - Building Trust Through Practice

00:29:15 - Establishing Your Unique Personal Identity

00:38:50 - Building Trust and Asking for Help

Connect with Vinnie Potestivo

Website

https://linkedin.com/in/vinniepotestivo

Instagram

https://instagram.com/vinniepotestivo

Facebook

https://facebook.com/vinniepotestivo

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rabason/

Conquering Challenges Through Resilience and Mental Toughness with Jeff Robertson

Thu, 15 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Resilience isn't formed in our comfort zones - it's built through adversity and the choice to keep moving forward. Jeff Robertson, a business coach, has transformed his greatest setbacks into his strongest assets. Jeff shares his journey from losing his law enforcement career to becoming a present and involved father and successful entrepreneur, revealing how mental toughness is developed through intentional choices and reframing perspective.

Jeff discusses how he broke generational cycles by choosing to be the father he never had, despite having no roadmap for healthy parenting. He emphasizes that resilience comes from being honest with yourself, putting effort into every area of life, showing up when it's hard and taking responsibility - his "BEST" framework helps with teaching both his children and clients how they can uniquely showup.

Your setbacks aren't your story's end - they're puzzle pieces that will eventually reveal a bigger picture. Jeff demonstrates how his lowest moment, losing his career due to a DUI, ultimately positioned him to impact lives in ways he never imagined, including a redemptive encounter with the family of the officer who years earlier had arrested him.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Master the art of reframing adversity as stepping stones rather than roadblocks to success

• Develop practical resilience strategies using the BEST framework for consistent growth

• Break generational patterns by choosing to be what you needed rather than repeating what you experienced

• Build authentic leadership skills through understanding personality types and communication styles

• Transform your identity from your past mistakes to your future potential

• Create accountability systems that help you define and maintain your personal standards

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:12 - From Law Enforcement to Business Coaching

00:08:45 - Learning to Be Present Without a Father Figure

00:15:30 - The Career-Ending Moment That Changed Everything

00:22:18 - Developing the BEST Framework for Resilience

00:28:40 - Understanding Personality Types in Leadership

00:35:15 - The Redemptive Encounter Years Later

00:42:30 - Reframing Life as a Puzzle Coming Together

00:48:20 - Practical Steps for Building Mental Toughness

Connect with Jeff Robertson

Website

www.jeffreyrobertson.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyrabason

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jeffrabason

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://robertbfoster.com/

How Men Can Beat Doubt and Take Control of Their Life Again with Robert Foster

Tue, 13 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Life's challenges can either hold us back or move us forward. In this episode, I'm joined by Robert Foster, a man who chose to turn his obstacles into opportunities. Robert's journey is proof to the power of mindset, resilience and determination. Despite facing significant setbacks, including a devastating knee injury and the loss of his father, Robert has completed over 150 obstacle competitions and earned medals in track and field. His story shows how facing physical hurdles can lead to profound emotional and mental growth, which pushes us beyond our perceived limits.

Robert shares his experience of losing everything - his business, home and financial stability. Instead of giving in to despair, he used this low point as a catalyst for change. His journey of rebuilding highlights the importance of a growth mindset, taking responsibility for our situation plus setting clear goals and taking consistent action. If you've been told to just push through the pain and keep going, but it's only making things worse then maybe it's time to break free from the cycle of ineffective action and overwhelming pain. It's time to take control and create a life that aligns with your vision.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Overcoming personal and professional setbacks to bounce back stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Discover the powerful impact of mental health and emotional resilience in men, and how it can create a more fulfilling life.
Explore effective strategies for rebuilding life after loss, and unlock the potential for growth and renewal.
Uncover the surprising benefits of physical challenges on mental health, and how they can elevate your overall well-being.
Learn how to leverage adversity for personal growth, and harness its potential to propel you forward in life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:41 - Rebuilding and Moving Forward

00:08:03 - Turning Struggles into Inspiration

00:12:32 - Letting Go of Stress and Moving Forward

00:15:31 - Overcoming Negative Imagination

00:22:56 - Unity in Struggles and Taking Action

00:27:35 - Embracing Responsibility and Taking Action

00:32:31 - Finding Gratitude in Loss

00:38:31 - The Impact of a Father's Presence

Connect with Robert Foster

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-foster-740a9bab/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/robert_b_foster/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/rfoster74

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://nobodycaresbook.com

Elevating Your Life Through the Power of True Accountability with Robert J Hunt

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Accountability is a word that sends shivers down our spines from when it's been used in a manipulative manner. For many men, it's been tied to blame, punishment or shame. But what if accountability could be the key to unlocking the life you've always dreamed of? Robert J. Hunt, author of "Nobody Cares Until You Do," shares how accountability can change our lives from the inside out. Hear how Robert's personal journey has gone from debt-ridden and stressed to confident and purposeful, through the power of taking ownership of our choices and actions.

Robert challenges our preconceptions about accountability, revealing how it's not about punishment, but about freedom. He explains the difference between responsibility and accountability, how vulnerability plays a crucial role in personal growth and that accountability increases our confidence and self trust. This conversation with Robert will challenge you to look at your life through a new set of lens, encouraging you to take control of your future and create the life you truly desire.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the benefits of holding yourself accountable for personal growth and success.
Overcome fear and stress to reach your goals and live life on your own terms.
Embrace vulnerability as a powerful tool for creating meaningful and lasting change in your life.
Learn effective strategies for setting and achieving personal goals that align with your values and aspirations.
Explore the impact of financial freedom on your overall well-being and happiness.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:50 - The Definition of Accountability

00:11:01 - Embracing Ownership

00:14:23 - The Need for Vulnerability

00:17:58 - Responsibility vs. Accountability

00:27:46 - Choosing Men You Can Trust

00:39:21 - Regular Goal Review

00:42:08 - Accountability and Vulnerability

00:43:55 - Overcoming Discomfort

Connect with Robert J Hunt

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nobodycaresbook/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/NobodyCares2022

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://innerfireendurance.com

Breaking Through Limitations When Doctors Say You'll Never Run Again with Brad Minus

Tue, 06 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt like life has thrown you a curveball, leaving you questioning your ability to overcome challenges? In this episode, I sit down with Brad Minus, an endurance coach and podcast host who shares his remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. Brad's story begins with a wake-up call about his health, prompting him to start on a fitness journey.

However, just as he was making progress, a devastating back injury threatened to ruins his plans. Faced with doctors' grim predictions that he would never run more than two miles again, Brad chose to defy the odds. His perseverance paid off, leading him to not only recover but climb the ranks in endurance sports, completing multiple marathons, triathlons and yes, even Ironman competitions. Now, as an endurance coach, Brad helps others discover their inner strength and achieve what they once thought impossible.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Tap into the Power of Resilience and Refusing to Accept Limiting Beliefs
Learn about Incremental Progress and Building Healthy Habits
Discover How to Separate Your Self-Worth from Setbacks
Understand the Importance of Big, Challenging Goals in Unlocking Your Sucess
Harness the Value of Community and Coaching to Achieve Impossible Goals

The key moments in this episode are

00:12:57 - Dealing with Unexpected Pain and Limitations

00:16:30 - Overcoming Setbacks and Mindset

00:18:26 - Tracing the Injury and Learning to Move Beyond

00:24:43 - Embracing Failure as Experience and Persistence

00:30:22 - Mindset and Long-Term Success

00:38:31 - Moving Beyond Initial Discomfort into Confidence

00:42:50 - Stepping Out of Comfort Zone

00:46:29 - Achieving the Impossible

Connect with Brad Minus

Website

https://linkedin.com/in/bradminus

Instagram

https://instagram.com/lcc_pod

Facebook

https://facebook.com/lcc_pod

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.thenomad.ceo/

Finding Purpose and Direction After Losing Everything with Roman L Binder

Thu, 01 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way. How we respond to these setbacks often defines our journey and shapes our future. In this episode, I sit down with Roman L. Binder, a resilient entrepreneur who has weathered significant storms in his professional life.

Roman shares his inspiring story of building a successful nanotech company only to see it crumble during the pandemic. He shares about the emotional toll of losing everything and the difficult process of rebuilding not only his career, his life as a whole too. Through his experiences, Roman highlights the power of resilience, the importance of embracing change and the value of reframing our perspectives.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Mastering the art of building resilience in entrepreneurship.
Unveiling the impact of loneliness on mental health.
Unveiling powerful strategies for overcoming business failure.
Unlocking the benefits of journaling for personal growth.
Embracing change and uncertainty in life with confidence.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:40 - Personal Journey and New Beginnings

00:14:41 - Impact of Habits on Productivity

00:26:12 - Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience

00:32:14 - Building Tenacity and Perseverance

00:36:16 - Capturing Good Ideas

00:43:47 - Impact of Surroundings on Decision-Making

00:45:50 - Loneliness vs. Being Alone

Connect with Roman L. Binder

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/romanlbinder

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/romanlbinder/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.devangonzalez.com

Build Confidence During Hard Times for Men Who Feel Stuck with Devan Gonzales

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Confidence is belief in your own abilities, and it gets built one obstacle at a time. My guest Devan Gonzalez has had to start from zero more than once. He began as the youngest trainer at a corporate gym and became its busiest. He moved to a private gym with no clients, helped build its training department, and became its highest paid trainer. Then the owner planned to move him to a location that needed a primarily Spanish-speaking trainer. Devan saw it as a setup to fail, and he quit on the spot. He called his girlfriend, now his wife, and told her he’d stand outside a grocery store selling sessions if he had to. He built that independent business to six figures. Today he runs Strive 11 Fitness with a business partner and is growing it as a national franchise. He’s also married with a three-year-old daughter. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, he shares how a man keeps going when life knocks him down.

Devan describes self-belief as a wall of bricks. Every obstacle you’ve already beaten is a brick, so the next one is just a new level. When he didn’t know how to sell, he learned from YouTube videos and tried again until it worked. He says a man will never have it all figured out, so waiting for that is only an excuse. You only need the next step to the next milestone. He breaks big goals into small ones, so losing 40 pounds in a year becomes about a pound a week. He reads most criticism as people pulling you back like crabs in a bucket. He limits their access rather than cutting them off, and he looks for circles of people further along than him. Every goal costs time, effort, or money, and he says a man has to be willing to pay. While launching the franchise, he stopped working out and everything felt bigger than it was. Getting back to the gym cleared his head and lowered his stress.

The heart of this conversation is what Devan learned at home. He says an entrepreneur can build something for his family and lose his family in the process. Now his phone goes on silent for the evening hours with his wife and daughter. He and his wife share one calendar so his schedule never catches her off guard. Early on, he kept business problems from her. Now he brings them to her, even when he already has an answer, so she feels part of what they’re building. Mike Forrester knows that mistake from his own life. When he started in IT consulting, he hid his stress to protect his wife, and she could read him anyway. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who carries his work stress alone. He keeps it from his wife to protect her. He wants to build something for his family without losing them along the way.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the obstacles you’ve already beaten as proof you can handle the next one.
Use the next step, not the whole plan, to start the business or career move you keep putting off.
Learn to break a big goal, like losing 40 pounds in a year, into about a pound a week.
Spot when someone’s criticism says more about how they see themselves than about you.
See how bringing work stress to your wife, instead of hiding it, puts you on the same team.
Protect your evenings with your kids by silencing your phone and sharing one calendar with your wife.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:40 - how to build a business without losing your family

00:06:26 - why hiding work stress from your wife backfires

00:10:24 - how to treat your marriage like a team

00:15:50 - how to build confidence when you doubt yourself

00:16:46 - quitting your job to bet on yourself

00:20:22 - how to learn a new skill when you don’t know where to start

00:23:37 - why you’ll never have it all figured out before you start

00:25:42 - how to break a big goal into small steps

00:27:51 - how to handle criticism when you start something new

00:31:09 - how to find people who lift you up

00:34:25 - the real cost of any goal in time, effort, and money

00:36:12 - why working out helps you handle stress

Connect with Devan Gonzalez

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devangonzalez/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/devan.gonzalez/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/devangonzalez.official

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.thederelict.biz

How to Stop Being Codependent and Live Authentically as a Man with Josh Tomeoni

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Codependency in men can look like a good husband keeping the peace while he slowly loses himself. My guest Josh Tomeoni runs a financial planning company and coaches men. For years, he couldn’t feel okay unless the people around him felt okay. In his marriage, every argument became a mission to make things right so he could feel settled again. He didn’t see the pattern until the marriage ended. A long separation, a contentious divorce, and a failing business all hit at once. Then the pattern followed him. He became codependent with his best friend, who simply took his wife’s place as his source of approval. Josh describes that kind of man as a tea kettle. He keeps pleasing everyone until he can’t take any more, and then he explodes.

Interdependence is the goal Josh works toward now. He walks through the difference between being codependent, overly independent, and interdependent. Many men leaving codependency swing too far and act like jerks for a while. The healthy middle lets two people manage their own emotions and still work as a team. Mike Forrester compares it to throwing a life ring from solid ground instead of jumping in to drown together. Josh draws a line every husband can use. You’re responsible for your actions, and you’re never responsible for another person’s emotions. With his 12-year-old son, he’s learning that demanding respect never works. His love is unconditional, and respect comes from being a respectable man. Near 40, Josh asked himself what his mission would be at 50. Then he lined up his actions, his calendar, and his wallet to match. He keeps coaches who won’t let him lie to himself. He also watches closely who his five biggest influences are.

The heart of this conversation is getting yourself back. Josh noticed that the good guys trying hardest to hold their marriages together often bring the least of themselves home. A partner once told him it was attractive when he disagreed with her. As a codependent, that made no sense to him. It clicked when he saw that staying true to himself made the relationship healthier. Mike Forrester teaches that who you are is separate from the roles you fill. Husband, father, and provider are clothes you step into, and you bring the same man into each one. Josh also warns dads that focusing only on your kids can make them carry your feelings. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who keeps the peace at any cost. He has lost track of himself along the way. He wants to show his kids a father who knows who he is.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize codependency when you can’t feel okay until your wife, kids, or friends feel okay.
Understand the difference between codependent, overly independent, and interdependent relationships.
Learn why you’re responsible for your actions and never for another person’s emotions, including your kids’.
See why demanding respect from your kids backfires and how being respectable earns it.
Use a 10 year mission question to line up your work, your calendar, and your money with who you want to be.
Spot the stress that builds when you please everyone, and manage your response before you blow up.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:49 - Why midlife is such a hard season for men

00:04:55 - What happens to men who lose their purpose in retirement

00:08:17 - What codependency is and how it shows up in men

00:10:24 - Why men overcorrect after codependency and what interdependence looks like

00:13:16 - How trying to keep everyone happy leads to blowing up

00:14:54 - How good husbands lose themselves keeping the peace

00:18:07 - Why you’re not responsible for your wife’s emotions

00:23:00 - How focusing only on your kids can make you codependent with them

00:26:29 - Why demanding respect from your kids backfires

00:30:59 - What happens when your kids turn 18 and get to choose

00:36:44 - How to set your mission for the next 10 years

00:39:53 - Why every man needs people who will call him out

Connect with Josh Tomeoni

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuatomeoni/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thederelictpodcast

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.breathworkinbed.com.au

Breathwork To Help Men Reduce Stress and Achieve Personal Growth with Tim Thomas

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

A few slow, deliberate breaths can calm a stressed and reactive nervous system faster than a man can think his way out of it. My guest Tim Thomas is a breathwork coach and a former Australian Special Forces soldier. He was also a professional fighter in the nineties and has worked in veteran recovery for more than a decade. For years he valued himself by what he did. Then came a divorce. He lost his money, his home, and regular access to his kids. He ended up sleeping on his parents’ couch with a war zone going off in his head. He couldn’t sleep, and he lost six years of his life to pills. At his lowest point, at two in the morning, he started counting breaths on his fingers. Somewhere between fifteen and twenty-five breaths, the noise in his head went quiet.

In this conversation, Tim coaches Mike Forrester through three breaths live. The breath of possibility starts with a second inhale on top of the first. You pinch your thumb and two fingers together, which Tim calls turbo buttons, then lift your chin and open your chest. A quick snort through the nose adds to it. The breath of peace follows. You hold the breath, fold forward with your hands on your belly, and let it out slowly with a hiss. Tim explains why hunching over chokes off your energy and keeps you in fight or flight. He describes the lungs as a medicine cabinet with different shelves for sleep, focus, and stress. He uses a short breath as a circuit breaker when one frustrating thought starts taking over. He also walks through staying calm when money is tight, drawing on the season he spent eating out of restaurant bins.

The heart of the episode is what a man’s state does to the people around him. Tim says a man’s happiness and generosity follow how powerful he feels, and that power starts in his body. He’s training hard with his twenty-year-old son so he can keep up with a grandson who isn’t born yet. Good energy, he says, means catching yourself when you go down and owning it out loud. That’s what lets a family feel safe. Mike shares that he has run a 5K every month since November 2024. He does it so he can join his kids in what interests them. Tim found his value in what he had come through, apart from what he did. That echoes what Mike Forrester lives and teaches, that who you are is separate from the roles you fill. This one is for the man, and especially the dad with kids still at home, who walks in the door wound tight. He wants his wife and kids to feel safe with him the moment he gets home.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Learn the breath of possibility, a short sequence that opens your chest and pulls you out of a reactive state.
Use the breath of peace in a supportive chair to relax your whole body and get ready for sleep.
Recognize how hunching over and shallow breathing keep your body stuck in fight or flight.
Use a few slow breaths to stay calm instead of angry when the bills feel impossible.
See how the hard seasons you’ve come through give you value that doesn’t depend on your job title.
Walk through how to park, breathe, and reset before you walk in the door, so your wife and kids feel safe around you.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:51 - How to stay strong enough to keep up with your grown kids

00:05:16 - Why your energy matters more than how your body looks

00:07:07 - How to catch yourself and own it when you lose your temper

00:08:09 - How to turn the hard things you’ve been through into something useful

00:09:12 - What happened after divorce cost him his home and his sleep

00:11:43 - How counting one breath at a time pulled him through his lowest night

00:17:14 - How to stay calm instead of angry when money is tight

00:18:44 - Breath of possibility exercise to stop reacting under stress

00:27:38 - A quick breathing circuit breaker for negative thoughts

00:31:02 - Breath of peace exercise to relax your whole body

00:39:55 - Why the quality of your life depends on the quality of your sleep

00:43:21 - How to calm down before you walk in the door to your family

Connect with Tim Thomas

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/breathworkinbed

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.linkedin.com/in/ryanwchristensen

Hypnosis Can Actually Help Men Reprogram Limiting Beliefs with Ryan Christiansen

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt like you're battling an invisible enemy, constantly sabotaging your own success? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Ryan Christensen, a man who discovered his own hidden battles at the age of 48. Ryan's journey of self-discovery led him to uncover the root causes of his struggles, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism.

Ryan's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest obstacles we face are the ones we can't see. He shares how understanding his neurodiversity has transformed his perspective on life, relationships, and personal growth. Ryan's story offers hope and practical strategies for those ready to break free from self-imposed limitations and step into their full potential.

Are you ready to uncover the hidden battles within yourself and emerge victorious? Tune in to this transformative episode and take the first step toward authentic self discovery and growth.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how to overcome mental health challenges later in life and reclaim your inner peace.
Learn how to use hypnosis for self-improvement and tap into your full potential.
Understand the profound impact of childhood experiences on your adult life and how to navigate through it.
Uncover the power of changing self-perception through subconscious work and unleash your confidence.
Find the path to discovering personal worth and authenticity, unlocking a fulfilling life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:31 - Understanding Self and Embracing Natural Abilities

00:07:36 - Overcoming Past Beliefs and Finding Purpose

00:14:33 - Understanding limiting beliefs and the subconscious mind

00:19:31 - Overcoming the need to justify existence

00:22:45 - Breaking free from the cycle of unfulfillment

00:25:15 - The Insidious Treadmill Trap

00:28:08 - Overcoming Self Sabotage

00:34:58 - Conquering Negative Beliefs

00:46:57 - Overcoming Inner Conflict and Achieving Success

Connect with Ryan Christensen

Website

www.ryanthehypnotist.com

Instagram

www.instagram.com/ryanthehypnotist

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://inspiredstewardship.com/livingfearless

How To Overcome Financial Stress And Find Purpose In Life with Scott Maderer

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt trapped by financial struggles, unable to see a way out? In this episode I sit down with Scott Maderer to chat about how he overcame overwhelming debt and found a path to financial freedom and personal growth. Scott's journey is proof to the transformative power of honest communication, strategic decision making and focused, consistent action on a goal. He shares his experience of paying off over $78,000 in debt in less than three years while earning an average income of $55,000 - a task that seemed impossible at first.

Scott's story isn't just about money - it's about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding relationships and reinventing yourself. He shares how he transitioned from teaching to corporate leadership, and finally to his current role as a stewardship coach, all while staying true to his core strengths and values. Whether you're facing financial difficulties, considering a career change or simply seeking to live more authentically, Scott's insights offer a roadmap for personal and professional growth. His story reminds us that no matter how dire our circumstances may feel, there's always hope for a brighter future if we're willing to take that first step.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Learn how to overcome financial challenges and strengthen your marriage.
Uncover the secrets to finding your true calling and living a purpose driven life.
Unlock the benefits of personal and professional coaching for accelerated growth.
Master the art of managing your time, talent and treasures for a fulfilling life.
Explore powerful strategies for living a debt-free and financially empowered life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:11:25 - Challenges of Managing Finances and the Impact of Debt

00:18:47 - Connection of Finances with Personal Growth and Spritual Life

00:23:30 - Male Communication and Financial Stress

00:25:18 - Exploring the Meaning of Career and Vocation

00:31:57 - Overcoming Fear of Change

00:39:05 - Framework for Inspired Living

00:40:28 - The Value of Coaching

00:41:51 - The Importance of Self-Investment

Connect with Scott Maderer

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/csmaderer/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/stewardcoach/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/InspiredStewardship

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yakovsavitskiy/

Discover How to Develop Worthiness and Confidence in Daily Life with Yakov Smart

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Learning to forgive yourself can do more for a man's confidence than a hundred thousand dollars of seminars. My guest Yakov Smart learned that the hard way. As a teenager, his self image told him he had nothing to offer and didn't know how to talk to girls. A friend handed him a book on dating, and Yakov read it in a weekend. That Monday he sat down in the school library and started a conversation. It went well, and the real lesson was that boldly showing up worked. That first win sparked years of personal development. He spent over $100,000 on books, seminars, and coaches. Under all of it, he still didn't love himself. At 25, a relationship of almost two years ended and left him sobbing on his couch. He replayed every mistake and was furious with himself. He had no tool for forgiving himself, so he went looking for one.

Yakov's rule now is to release first, then create. His favorite tool comes from the book Radical Self-Forgiveness, called the three letters. The first letter comes from your inner judge, and you let it say every harsh thing. The second comes from your inner lover, your biggest fan. The third comes from your higher self, with a calmer view. He still writes them whenever he feels heavy. He compares it to a shower, and most men skip it and spray on cologne instead. Other ways to release include laughing, crying, moving your body, or letting out a yell. He tells Mike Forrester that dwelling only keeps you stuck. Within about three months of that shift, his business broke through and new friendships followed. He also learned that every broken promise to yourself leaks confidence. Keeping small commitments, like showing up on time, builds it back.

One of Yakov's most practical ideas is what he calls peak setup. He writes personal operating systems in Google Docs for the situations that matter to him. He writes each one while he's in a good state, then reads it before he walks in. He pairs it with a song that puts him in the right frame of mind. Yakov believes the first step to power is taking responsibility for your current reality. Mike teaches that what you carry isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility. Yakov's turnaround began when he stopped blaming and started releasing. For a husband and dad, the same tool works at home. Write down how you want to walk in the door after work, then read it in the driveway.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how negative self talk and a low self image become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Use the three letters exercise to forgive yourself after a breakup, a failure, or a mistake you keep replaying.
Understand why releasing old emotions comes before creating anything new in your life.
See how small broken promises to yourself drain your confidence, and how keeping them builds it back.
Learn simple ways to release stress without numbing it, from laughing to moving your body.
Walk through building a personal operating system so you show up as the man you want to be with your wife and kids.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:54 - what finally pushed him toward personal growth

00:08:02 - how one small win builds momentum

00:08:58 - why spending $100,000 on self help still left him stuck

00:11:36 - how a painful breakup forced him to face himself

00:13:29 - how to forgive yourself when you keep replaying your mistakes

00:14:14 - the three letters exercise for self-forgiveness

00:19:07 - how to release emotions without numbing them

00:24:36 - how inner change shows up in your work and relationships

00:26:41 - why taking responsibility is the first step to change

00:29:13 - how honoring your commitments builds confidence

00:33:34 - simple ways to release stress and heavy emotions

00:35:47 - how to build personal operating systems that set you up to win

Connect with Yakov Smart

Website

https://yakovsmart.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/yakovsmartsg/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/yakov.smart3

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://sleepfixacademy.com/

The Essential Sleep Habits for Improved Health and Performance with Dr. Bijoy John

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Sleep is the one thing we often sacrifice first when life gets busy and chaotic. Yet, it's the foundation of our physical and mental wellness. Dr. Bijoy John, a sleep specialist with 25 years of medical experience, to explore the critical importance of sleep quality and quantity. Dr. John shares his personal journey from sleep deprived medical resident to becoming a sleep advocate, offering impactful insights on how to improve our sleep habits. We discuss the hidden dangers of sleep deprivation, its impact on productivity and the surprising connection between sleep, anxiety, and depression.

Dr. John debunks common sleep myths and provides practical strategies for better sleep, including his unique "vivid imagination" technique. He also explains the fascinating science behind sleep cycles and why going to bed earlier might be more beneficial than you think. Whether you're struggling with insomnia, feeling constantly tired or simply want to optimize your sleep for better performance, this episode offers valuable insights. It's time to prioritize sleep and unlock its power to transform your life.

Key Takeaways:

The truth about naps and how to use them effectively
Why your bedroom should be treated like a TSA screening area
The ideal sleep temperature and why it matters
How to identify and address sleep debt
The connection between exercise, nutrition and sleep quality

The key moments in this episode are:

00:09:57 - Strategies for Better Sleep

00:14:04 - Naps and Insomnia

00:18:12 - The Glymphatic System and Deep Sleep

00:25:07 - Supplementing for Better Sleep

00:28:48 - Correlation between Sleep and Anxiety/Depression

00:36:29 - Recognizing Sleep Debt and Its Impact

00:42:07 - Understanding Sleep Disorders

00:44:13 - Impact of Exercise on Sleep

Connect with Matt Hallock

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sleepfix/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dr.sleepfix/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sleepfixacademy/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

instagram.com/manwarriorking

Building Confidence and Purpose as a Man without a Father with Matt Hallock

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt like you've hit rock bottom, wondering if you'd ever find your way back up or be destined to a life in this darkness? Many men face this struggle, questioning their worth, purpose and how to show up in their relationships. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Matt Hallock, podcast host, speaker and author of "The DNA of a Man," to explore his journey from personal crisis to transformation.

Matt shares his raw experience of battling a debilitating health condition, financial struggles and a failing marriage. He opens up about the humiliation of living with his mother and feeling emasculated, unable to provide for his family. But through it all, Matt discovered a path to reclaiming his identity and purpose. Matt emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for your life, even when circumstances aren't your fault. He shares how this mindset shift allowed him to overcome the absence of a father figure and become the dad he always wanted to be for his own children.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discovering inner strength and resilience after hitting rock bottom.
Embracing the power of masculine energy to strengthen your marriage and relationships.
Cultivating personal transformation through the role of faith and spirituality.
Healing and finding empowerment despite the absence of a father figure.
Taking actionable steps to rediscover and embrace your true self-identity.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:43 - Living in Humiliation

00:11:00 - Shifting Beliefs

00:19:06 - Personalized Truths and Declarations

00:21:59 - The Power of Beliefs

00:25:39 - Overcoming a Lack of Father Figure

00:30:57 - Becoming the Man He Was Supposed to Be

00:35:32 - The role of personal growth in marriage

00:37:28 - Characteristics of healthy masculine and feminine energy

Connect with Matt Hallock

Website

manwarriorking.com

Instagram

Facebook

facebook.com/manwarriorking

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/getinfellaspod/

Overcoming Rejection to Grow and Reach Your Dreams with Steven Solomon

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever faced a roadblock or been rejected on the path to your dreams? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Solomon, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who shares his journey of perseverance in the face of setbacks. It's frustrating when you encounter unexpected challenges on the road to success, it leaves you wondering if you should keep pushing forward or change direction. Steven shares how being denied admission to medical school gave him clarity and fueled his drive toward his dream. He reveals how to turn setbacks into stepping stones and pursue your dreams with renewed resilience and determination.

Steven's story is one of perseverance and personal growth. After his denial to medical school, he chose to reapply, ultimately finding his true calling in psychiatry. This experience became a turning point, shaping his perspective on life and his approach to helping others. Steven's open and honest reflections and relatable experiences offer encouragement in the midst of the struggle for self development and the transformative potential of emotional growth. His emphasis on being vulnerable, seeking consistent personal development and developing deep, meaningful relationships is a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Overcoming rejection and pursuing dreams leads to greater resilience and determination in your career journey.
Seeking therapy as a professional is key to maintaining mental well-being and unlocking your full potential.
Developing supportive friendships in adulthood provides a vital network for personal and professional growth.
Transitioning careers toward personal fulfillment empowers you to live a more purpose-driven life.
Embracing vulnerability and growth in men fosters emotional intelligence and authentic connections in both personal and professional spheres.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:14:29 - The Hardest Part is to Start

00:20:44 - Embracing Relational Development

00:23:50 - Gradual Self-Reflection and Growth

00:27:28 - Openness to Feedback

00:30:22 - Setting Boundaries in Conversations

00:34:54 - Pursuit of Happiness and Self-Advocacy

00:41:40 - Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Self-Worth

00:45:22 - Struggling with Worth and Value

Connect with Steven Solomon

Website

www.getinfellaspod.com

Instagram

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/danstorey

Secrets for Getting Unstuck and Boosting Your Discipline with Dan Storey

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Are you tired of feeling stuck in life, constantly battling self doubt and negative thoughts? In this episode, we hear from Dan Storey, who has overcome numerous challenges to elevate his personal development and take second in the Masters category in the Natural Olympia bodybuilding competition. Dan reveals surprising insights and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and developing resilience. He also talks about the power of showing kindness to yourself and the surprising impact self compassion has on your path to success.

Dan shares his journey from a "dadbod" to winning silver at the Natural Olympia, demonstrating the power of consistency and dedication. He shares about keeping our commitments to ourselves, showing up and making progress, even on the toughest days. Dan reveals the mental battles he faced along the way, including imposter syndrome and self doubt, and how he pushed through these obstacles to reach his goals. He ties it all together in sharing how his physical fitness correlates to his mental wellbeing.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Tap into your inner confidence and overcome imposter syndrome with proven strategies.
Discover the surprising benefits of maintaining a disciplined fitness routine for your mind and body.
Master the art of transitioning careers with confidence and a fresh perspective.
Experience personal transformation through the empowering journey of bodybuilding.
Uncover effective strategies for staying motivated and boosting productivity in your daily life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:00 - Removing Self Doubt

00:12:04 - Overcoming Excuses and Building Discipline

00:23:40 - Consistent Discipline Equals Success

00:27:19 - Handling Tough Days

00:31:42 - The Power of Self Compassion

00:42:49 - Letting Go of Ego and Embracing Change

00:46:12 - Setting Vision and Goals

00:50:15 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Connect with Dan Storey

Website

http://www.danstorey.com

Instagram

www.linkedin.com/in/danstorey14

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.linkedin.com/in/schettini

Overcoming Loneliness and Anger Through Mindfulness with Stephen Schettini

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Are you struggling to find yourself and discover your purpose? Many men grapple with feelings of isolation, low self worth and a lack of direction. Stephen Schettini, a former Buddhist monk turned mindfulness teacher, shares his transformative journey of self discovery.

Stephen shares his remarkable story of overcoming anger, frustration and loneliness to find peace and purpose. He reveals how his eight-year experience as a Tibetan Buddhist monk provided him with valuable skills for self-understanding and self-awareness, but it wasn't until he left the monastery that he truly began to apply this knowledge. Stephen's experience shows the importance of mindfulness and meditation in understanding yourself and how a regular practice can empower men to better navigate life's obstacles.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how mindfulness and meditation can transform your daily life.
Overcome feelings of isolation and loneliness with practical strategies and insights.
Uncover the keys to finding purpose and enhancing self-worth in your life.
Learn from the transition of a Buddhist monk to a mindfulness teacher.
Master the art of building and maintaining a regular meditation practice for lasting benefits.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:11:36 - Journey to the Monastery

00:16:34 - Finding Purpose and Acceptance

00:22:48 - The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness

00:32:02 - Morning Self-Reflection

00:33:57 - The Power of Awareness

00:34:39 - Trusting the Human Brain

00:38:33 - Reactivity and Patterns

00:41:25 - Building a Regular Mindfulness Practice

Connect with Stephen Schettini

Website

www.theinnermonk.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/the.innermonk/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/stephen.schettini.3/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Unlocking Your Full Potential through Self Improvement with Alan Lazaros

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

A man can be externally successful and internally unfulfilled for years until a wake-up call forces him to look at his life. My guest Alan Lazaros lost his father in a car accident when he was two. By 14, he had also lost his stepdad to divorce. By 26, he was an engineer making great money, investing, and paying off his college debt. He was also drinking, partying, and escaping into video games. On a dark winter night, he missed a buried yield sign and drove into the path of a lifted pickup truck. Everyone walked away. Then he looked at his smashed car and thought of the pictures of his father’s car. His dad died in a car accident at 28. Alan saw the crash as the second chance his father never got. He also learned that becoming a better man made some people like him less. To people who aren’t doing the work, a man who changes becomes a mirror.

Alan’s first try at change swung too far. He went all in on self-improvement, went broke, and had to sell off his assets. He learned that fulfilling work needs passion, purpose, and profit together. He says IQ came easy for him, and emotional intelligence was the hard part. Now he coaches business owners and helps them see that growing a business means growing themselves. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, he walks through his year-end review. Ask what to keep, what to improve, and what to get rid of. If you struggle with self-doubt, spend 80 percent of the review on your wins. If you don’t, spend 80 percent on what to do better. Then write three lessons each about yourself, other people, and the world. His rules for momentum are simple. Stop the wrong trains, start the right ones, improve them, and keep moving. For Alan, alcohol was a wrong train that had to stop.

The emotional heart of this episode is a funeral. At his uncle Joe’s service, in the same church as his father’s funeral, Alan stopped trying to keep it together. He wept in the church and again at his father’s grave. Therapy, breath work, and years of revisiting his story had prepared him for that moment. Now he says he doesn’t have to keep it together because he simply is together. Alan says it wasn’t his fault his dad died or his stepdad left. It’s still his responsibility to build a life from it. That’s the same line Mike Forrester lives and teaches. Alan also tells about three boys at a pull-up bar who couldn’t celebrate each other. It showed him how early boys learn to hide weakness. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who looks successful and keeps everything locked inside. He wants his sons to see a strong man who can still cry.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize when you’re successful at work but unfulfilled inside and at home.
Use three simple questions, keep, improve, and get rid of, to review your year honestly.
Learn how to split your review between wins and improvements based on whether you struggle with self-doubt.
Write three lessons each about yourself, other people, and the world before you set new goals.
See why letting yourself grieve openly makes you more whole, and what that shows your kids.
Spot the wrong trains in your life, like drinking, and stop them before you build momentum.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:32 - The car accident at 26 that became his wake-up call

00:07:33 - Seeing his wrecked car and getting the second chance his dad never had

00:09:47 - Feeding the good wolf and the bad wolf at the same time

00:11:47 - Why some people like you less when you start to improve

00:15:44 - How to find work that combines passion, purpose, and profit

00:19:09 - Why IQ comes easy and emotional intelligence is hard

00:25:45 - How to review your year by deciding what to keep, improve, and cut

00:29:25 - Three lessons about yourself, other people, and the world

00:37:47 - Why he stopped trying to keep it together at a family funeral

00:41:52 - How therapy and breath work helped him become whole

00:46:36 - What young boys learn about hiding weakness

00:56:14 - His rules for stopping the wrong trains and staying on track

Connect with Alan Lazaros

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/alazaros88

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Leaning Into What Makes You Different And Unique with Alan Lazaros

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt like you're too much or not enough? I sit down with Alan Lazaros, CEO of Next Level University, to explore the journey of self-acceptance and personal growth. Alan's story is one of resilience and transformation. From losing his father at age two to navigating a tumultuous childhood, he shares how adversity shaped his drive for success and work ethic. But success came at a cost - the fear of being seen for who he truly is.

Alan's insights challenge us to look inward, become self-aware and become comfortable with all aspects of ourselves - the good, the bad, and the extraordinary. His message is clear: true fulfillment comes from owning who you are and improving from a place of self-acceptance. If you struggle with self-doubt, impostor syndrome or the fear of standing out, then listen to what Alan shares in this episode and decide that it's time to step into your authentic power and create the life you truly desire.

The Power of Owning Your Uniqueness

Why do some people fear being "too much" while others fear being "not enough"
How to work from your strengths without dimming your light
The importance of authenticity in personal and professional relationships

Overcoming Childhood Traumas

How early experiences shape our beliefs and behaviors
The impact of abandonment on future relationships
Turning pain into motivation for success

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:38 - Self-Concept and Understanding Others

00:11:09 - Personality Tests and Divergent Thinking

00:13:19 - Exploring Personality Assessments

00:21:19 - Overcoming childhood challenges

00:23:28 - Impact of family trauma

00:29:10 - How Drive Can Come from Pain

00:33:21 - Struggles with Competence and Belonging

00:41:04 - Embracing Uniqueness and Self-acceptance

Connect with Alan Lazaros

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/alazaros88

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.shasparks.com/

How To Build Confidence By Challenging Fear And Self-Doubt with Shā Sparks

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Building confidence isn’t about sudden leaps - it’s a marathon of consistent growth. Sha Sparks emphasized the power of reframing our inner thoughts, shifting limiting beliefs to empowering affirmations. By using simple "I am" statements like "I am confident" and "I am compassionate," you can train your brain to internalize and embrace these traits. Journaling plays a pivotal role in this journey, providing a space to reflect on progress and identify thought patterns that slow down growth. As Sha points out, fear often masquerades as imposter syndrome, stemming from past experiences and overcoming it requires compassion, self-awareness and intentional effort.

Challenging fear and self-doubt starts with determining and evaluating the labels or titles society and past experiences have placed on you. As Sha discusses, reviewing a journal offers insights into the obstacles you've overcome, even uncovering patterns engrained by childhood experiences. Words have immense power - focusing on uplifting affirmations instead of critical beliefs can redirect your mindset and actions. We talked about actionable tips for transformation, like giving yourself permission to acknowledge your accomplishments and trusting your ability to navigate setbacks. Whether transitioning from self-doubt or seeking a renewed sense of purpose, the insights Sha revealed are fuel priming the engine for those men ready to embrace their authentic selves with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Conquer your fears and live boldly with Fearless Living techniques.

· Harness the transformative power of "I Am" affirmations to shape your self-identity.

· Uncover your personal purpose and create a compelling vision for your life.

· Explore the profound impact of childhood experiences on your adult identity.

· Cultivate self-confidence through the strength of vulnerability.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:54 - Defining Personal Leadership

00:11:23 - Grace and Self-Compassion

00:13:46 - The Power of Mindset and Affirmations

00:19:39 - The Influence of Language and Inner Voice

00:23:54 - Embracing Confidence and Acknowledging Progress

00:24:50 - Overcoming Fear and Embracing Vulnerability

00:32:06 - Self-Sabotage and False Beliefs

00:40:17 - Borrowing Confidence

Connect with Shā Sparks

Website

www.linkedin.com/in/sha-sparks

Instagram

www.instagram.com/theshasparks/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/theshasparks/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.peakfulfillment.co/

How Curiosity Actually Leads to Powerful Personal Growth with Eli Libby

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Within a couple of weeks, Eli Libby lost his marriage, nearly lost his business, and lost the uncle who guided him. He found out his wife had been cheating, and the marriage ended in divorce. His business had boomed during COVID and then crumbled faster than he and his partner, Kyle Nelson, could see. They had to lay off 12 people in one day, right before payroll, and took no pay themselves. The next day, Eli learned that his uncle, a military veteran and his guiding light, had died. He had two paths in front of him. He could sink, or he could turn it into part of his story. Eli chose the second. He reminded himself that someone out there was facing something worse. He pictured each hard season as a chapter in a book he was writing. He leaned hard on 17 close friends, a group he had convinced to follow him to Central Oregon.

Eli now blocks off every Friday for himself. He snowboards, rock climbs, or mountain bikes, anything that puts him in a flow state. He tells Mike Forrester that when you show up for yourself, you show up better for everyone else. Eli says entrepreneurs go into business for the freedom of time, then work 100 hours a week anyway. When a man feels guilty about taking time for himself, Eli asks a question. What happens in one, three, and five years if he never does? He also asks what that man's kids learn from watching him run on burgers and soda. It starts with giving yourself permission, like blocking off one morning a week. Two mornings a week, Eli joins F3, a free, peer led men's workout that ends in a circle of trust. Mike shares how he now runs with his oldest daughter, who pushes him harder than anyone.

Eli credits curiosity for pulling him through. He believes every adult was curious as a child, and solitude can bring it back. The Gap and the Gain helped him measure how far he had come instead of how far he had left. He learned what to look for in a partner and has since married the love of his life. Today he and Kyle run solo retreats for people starting new chapters. Eli refuses to let his divorce define him. Mike teaches that who you are is separate from the roles you fill and the things that happen to you. Eli lives that out by treating his hardest season as a chapter of his story. If you're a dad who feels guilty taking a morning for yourself, ask what your kids learn watching you never stop. Put one block on your calendar and keep it.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize why guilt about taking time for yourself keeps you running on empty at work and at home.
Use Eli's one, three, and five year question to see what skipping self-care costs you, your wife, and your kids.
Understand how flow state activities like snowboarding or climbing clear your head and make you more creative.
See how leaning on a tight community can carry you through divorce, job loss, and grief.
Learn the gap and gain mindset for measuring how far you've come instead of how far you have left.
Walk through how to keep a hard season from becoming your identity.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:38 - how a free men's workout group builds camaraderie

00:09:18 - how to balance your health, family, and community

00:10:42 - why taking time away makes you better at work

00:15:23 - how to stop feeling guilty about taking time for yourself

00:18:17 - how self worth ties to your identity

00:20:40 - when divorce, layoffs, and loss hit in the same two weeks

00:22:56 - what it's like to lay off 12 people in one day

00:25:56 - how the gap and gain mindset helps you move forward

00:28:04 - why community got him through his darkest season

00:30:43 - how to find your curiosity again as an adult

00:35:06 - why your core values can change as you grow

00:39:43 - how to keep a hard season from defining who you are

Connect with Eli Libby

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elilibby/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveylaguerre/

Overcoming a Challenging Past to Become the Father He Never Had With Harvey Laguerre

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Harvey Laguerre shares his journey of overcoming tough times. He talks about his childhood, where he faced a lot of struggles between his parents and how these challenges affected him as an adult. Harvey emphasizes the importance of being honest and open about our feelings as men. He also talked about his joy in raising his kids and why it's important to show them love, support and discussing our mistakes.

Being a stay-at-home dad, Harvey faces various societal expectations and challenges, but he takes pride in caring for his children. He believes it's crucial for dads to be involved and present in their children's lives. Harvey makes it clear that men need to talk about their problems instead of keeping them inside. He reminds us that every man has value and can make a difference. His story teaches us to be strong, open, and supportive, helping each other through life's ups and downs.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Understand how parental relationships impact your adult life and relationships.

· Discover effective strategies for overcoming the unique challenges faced by stay-at-home dads.

· Learn to navigate and overcome mental health struggles commonly experienced by men.

· Explore the role of personal development in enhancing fatherhood and family relationships.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:11:12 - Challenges of Being a Stay-at-Home Dad

00:15:26 - Nurturing Loving Relationships with Our Children

00:19:28 - Embracing Imperfection and Strength

00:21:32 - Becoming the Father He Didn't Have

00:26:00 - Struggles with Confidence and Self-Worth

00:29:29 - The Importance of Communication and Self-Reflection

00:38:55 - The Desperation of Men

00:41:39 - The Value of Every Man

Connect with Harvey Laguerre

Website

www.Harveylaguerre.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/menaretheprizepod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ThePrizeIsMen

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/wakeupwithmike/

You Haven't Counted the Cost If You're Playing It Safe With Michael Rosenberg

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Michael Rosenberg says you haven't counted the cost when you remain where you are in life, instead of discovering what's truly available to you and finding your purpose. When you're trapped in a cycle of burnout and dissatisfaction, the demands of the corporate world can often become a relentless grind. Michael talks about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to discover your true purpose and alignment. His story is an example of what's possible when you break free from the golden handcuffs and redefine success on your terms. He spent over a decade feeling unfulfilled in sales roles, pushing through burnout after burnout, until he decided to take a leap of faith. His decision to sell everything and travel the world taught him crucial lessons about faith, purpose and the power within us all to create and live a life of meaning.

For many men, the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but Michael's journey highlights why facing that fear head-on is foundational for personal growth. His journey shows that true freedom comes from within, it's less about chasing external success and more about aligning with your inner values and passions. By redefining his purpose and embracing the uncertainty, Michael discovered transformational speaking and coaching as his calling. Michael reveals common misconceptions for men, such as needing to make it on your own and the belief that passion doesn’t pay the bills; changing these beliefs opens the door to a more fulfilling, intentional and balanced life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Embrace your fears and discover your true purpose in life.

· Navigate the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurial success.

· Unlock the power of spiritual awakening for personal growth and fulfillment.

· Uncover effective strategies to find and live your life's purpose.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:14:32 - Overcoming Setbacks and Reigniting Passion

00:19:47 - Making the Leap From Corporate

00:25:16 - Overcoming Fear with Faith

00:28:38 - Embracing Fear and Seeking Adventure

00:31:35 - The Journey to Finding Purpose

00:39:25 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

00:43:18 - Embracing the Unknown

Connect with Michael Rosenberg

Website

www.wakeupwithmike.com

Instagram

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/wakeupwithmike

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarity-consultant/

From Fear of Failing to Redefining Failure with Kyle Smith

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Kyle Smith shares his journey from living with a victim mentality to becoming resilient and focused on his personal growth. He reveals the internal struggles he faced, including habitual unfaithfulness and not keeping his word to others or even himself, which negatively impacted his relationships. Kyle talks about redefining failure, turning it into a "Faithful Attempt In Learning". By consciously choosing to view his setbacks as learning opportunities, Kyle found a way to reduce the hesitation and fear that came with pursuing new opportunities.

Kyle's story didn't stop at mental reframing - he included both physical and emotional wellness into his routine, highlighting the habit of walking with deep thinking. He explains that much of his hardest work happens during these mindful walks, where he organizes his thoughts and decreases resistance to achieve clarity. Today, as a clarity consultant, Kyle uses his experiences to guide others along their paths of personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the power of choosing your mindset and surrounding yourself with supportive frameworks for lasting change. Kyle highlights how shifting your perspective on failure can open the door to both personal and collective healing.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Embrace personal empowerment by overcoming victim mentality and taking control of your life.
Discover effective tools for personal growth and mental well-being, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Understand the importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries in relationships for a healthier and happier life.
Uncover the keys to finding purpose and redefining failure, unlocking your potential for success and fulfillment.
Learn powerful techniques for healing past trauma and anxiety, paving the way for a more peaceful and balanced life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:27 - Choosing change and seeking help

00:15:43 - Overcoming the Victim Mindset

00:21:24 - Redefining Failure

00:25:47 - Defining True Purpose

00:28:40 - Self-Talk and Identity

00:29:42 - The Power of Personal Storytelling

00:32:11 - Forgiveness and Self-Compassion

00:37:09 - Writing a Letter to the Inner Child

Connect with Kyle Smith

Website

clarityconsulant.ca

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/dapperdudekyle/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kylesmithtrainer

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://andrewmatthews.com/

How To Be Happy & Change Your Life with Andrew Matthews

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Do you find yourself thinking, "when things go my way, then I'll be happy"? Andrew Matthews revealed that quite the opposite is true - unhappy people are focused on what they don't have, while happy people are focused on what they do have. instead, we should be grateful for the things we do have, after all as Andrew shares, happiness is a decision. You may think that it's all good when life is going well, but what about when I lose my job, can't pay my bills or am experiencing issues with relationships? Andrew spoke about how, yes, even in challenging times, we can choose to be happy.

Andrew didn't stop there in talking about how our lives can be drastically changed. He also spoke on how acceptance is not about agreeing with what has happened or condoning it, but rather acknowledging the reality of the situation. By doing so, we empower ourselves to move forward. Andrew showed that once acceptance is achieved, it’s crucial to live life one day at a time. By focusing on the present, we reduce the overwhelm from our past experiences. After acceptance and focusing on the present moment, Andrew recommends that the next step is to imagine a better life. He shares that positive change first begins in your imagination of what's available to you.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the secrets to lasting happiness in daily life.
Embrace life's challenges and learn why they're crucial for personal growth.
Uncover the life-changing benefits of practicing gratitude every day.
Unlock strategies to find happiness and fulfillment in your work life.
Explore the transformative role of forgiveness in personal happiness.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:34 – Moving Forward Despite Rejections

00:17:59 - Overcoming Self-Hatred and Finding Compassion

00:19:12 - Evaluating Mistakes and Acceptance

00:23:17 - Choosing Happiness in Adversity

00:32:25 - Finding Happiness in Unfulfilling Work

00:36:58 - The Choice of Happiness

00:40:53 - Happiness as a Foundation

00:43:14 - The Importance of Self-compassion

Connect with Andrew Matthews

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-matthews-5629a2/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/andrewmatthews.author/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AndrewMatthewsAuthor/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylenelson1/

Struggling Alone Could Be What’s Holding You Back in Life with Kyle Nelson

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Being the strong one for everyone else can quietly cost a man his grief, his identity, and nearly his life, and that's exactly what happened to Kyle Nelson. By late 2018 he felt like he'd finally arrived. A photography studio on Main Street in Paradise, California, a young family, a house in the Sierra Nevada foothills, a town where everyone knew his name. Then, in a matter of just hours, it was all completely gone. One day after he and his wife lost a pregnancy, the Camp Fire burned Paradise to the ground and took everything with it...their home, his business, his parents' house, the whole community. Kyle got his family out, but afterward there was no room left to grieve. Somebody had to be the strong one, the backbone for five people, so he put on what he calls his positive dad mask and kept moving. For years, that's all he was, someone surviving day to day.

In this conversation, host Mike Forrester digs in with Kyle about what it actually costs a man to be the one everybody leans on, and yet nobody checks on. Kyle's honest about going numb, about the slow slide into severe anxiety and depression, and about every well-meaning person who told him "it could be worse" when all he wanted was for someone to say his pain was real. He talks about the April morning in 2021 when he couldn't see the next day and decided he was done, and the different choice he made instead. He told his wife and his business partner he had to get away, then drove to the coast alone with a set of hard questions for reflection. That solo trip is the turning point, and it's now the model behind the two companies he's built, Peak Fulfillment and Welldia, which walk men through the same three steps he stumbled into on his own: self-reflection, self-discovery, and vision crafting.

At the core of this interview is the decision Kyle made at the bottom. If he could fall that far, he figured, then there was no ceiling the other way, just open sky. He walked out of that trip with one word to rebuild around, empowerment, and he's held it through a second miscarriage and every hard day since, because he finally knew he could come back. If you're the man holding everyone together while quietly disappearing inside his role, the one who'd rather go under in silence than say the words "I need help," or you've caught yourself thinking you don't even know who you are anymore, this one's for you.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Recognize how being "the strong one" quietly turns into years of suppressed grief, and how holding it together for everyone else becomes its own kind of self-abandonment
See why "it could be worse" lands so hard on a hurting man, and why your pain doesn't have to be the worst thing that's ever happened to count
Understand why so many men would rather go under in silence than say the words "I need help", and what it finally took Kyle to raise his hand
See in Kyle's lowest moment the proof that if a man can go that low, there's no ceiling on how high he can climb
Walk through the three-part solo retreat he built, self-reflection, self-discovery, and vision crafting, and why you can't rush from one day to the next
Learn why a new identity doesn't hold on its own, and the daily discipline and vulnerability it takes to stay the man you decided to become

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:31 - Turning a mental health breakthrough into self-guided solo retreats

00:05:38 - Losing a pregnancy and a hometown in the same 24 hours

00:07:23 - What it's like to lose everything in a wildfire

00:08:34 - Being the backbone for your family while burying your own grief

00:11:24 - When your identity shrinks down to just surviving

00:14:48 - How a man goes numb when the hope finally runs out

00:18:11 - The morning he couldn't see the next day, and chose help instead

00:21:45 - How a solo trip helped him process years of suppressed pain

00:23:06 - Rebuilding your identity around one word, empowerment

00:27:49 - How to make a new identity actually stick

00:31:39 - What happens inside a self-reflection, self-discovery, and vision retreat

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Kyle Nelson

Website

www.peakfulfillment.co

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremygrater/

Riding a Bike Transformed His Physical and Mental Health with Jeremy Grater

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400

One line from his brother changed Jeremy Grater's life: decide to be the weird guy who bikes to work. For years, Jeremy saw everything through the lens of depression. Even on good days, he knew the next episode was coming. Then he hurt his knee getting out of bed. With knee replacements in his family, his physical therapist told him to ride a bike as much as possible. Jeremy complained to his brother, who told him to just own it. Jeremy bought a bike off Craigslist and started riding nine miles to work and nine miles home. The bike forced him to pay attention to right now, instead of replaying the past or dreading the future. That led him to a therapist who taught him to meditate. One change opened the next, from eating better to quitting alcohol. Today Jeremy is 70 pounds lighter. He's in the longest stretch of his life without a major depressive episode, and he credits a consistent gym routine most.

Jeremy also had to rebuild who he was. He spent 20 years in commercial radio as a talk show producer, fill-in host, and assignment editor. His doctor told him the job was killing him. Leaving it meant losing his connections and the influence that had defined him. He and his family also moved from the US to British Columbia, where they knew nobody. Jeremy tells Mike Forrester that saying your thoughts out loud helps your brain process them. Then ask who you would be if you could wake up as anyone, and act like that person. He trains for life by doing hard things on purpose, like cold plunges and heavy lifts. A bad day at work, he says, matters less after you've sat in ice water.

When life knocks you off your routine, Jeremy says to start with one thing. Go to the gym once the first week, then twice the next. Consistency means showing up wherever you can, not following a perfect schedule. Before eating out of boredom or stress, he pauses to ask why he's really at the pantry. He points out that one hour a day is about 5 percent of it, and it can change everything. His favorite picture is a gas tank. If you fill it before it hits empty, you can take your family much further. Mike admits his kids used to take the brunt of his anger when he was running on fumes. Mike teaches that who you are is separate from the roles you fill. Jeremy shows you can build a new identity on purpose. If you're a dad running on empty and snapping at your kids, pull over and fill the tank. Start with one habit you actually enjoy.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how depression colors the way you see your job, your family, and your future.
Understand how one small habit, like biking to work, can open the door to bigger changes.
Use "who would I be if I could wake up as anyone" to rebuild your identity after a career change.
See why doing hard things on purpose, like cold plunges or lifting, builds resilience for bad days.
Learn to get back on track after falling off your routine by starting with one thing, once a week.
Walk through why running on empty makes you snap at your kids, and how to fill your tank first.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:29 - how depression shapes the way you see everything

00:06:12 - how a knee injury and a bike started his turnaround

00:09:09 - the one habit that made the biggest difference

00:15:07 - what happens to your identity when you leave your career

00:18:07 - why saying your thoughts out loud helps you move forward

00:20:17 - why doing hard things on purpose builds resilience

00:22:54 - how to get back on track after falling off your routine

00:27:40 - how to stop eating out of boredom or stress

00:30:43 - why you shouldn't wait until retirement to take care of yourself

00:33:28 - how to choose which kind of pain you live with

00:37:30 - how to build healthy daily habits one at a time

00:40:34 - why running on empty hurts you and your family

Connect with Jeremy Grater

Website

www.thefitmess.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/fitmessguys

Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/fitmessguys

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.davidask.com/

How Grit and Resilience Shape Courageous Men with David Ask

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This is Part 2 of my conversation with David Ask. If you haven't heard it yet, start with Part 1: You'll Never Find Your Purpose Until You Know Who You Are.

Resilience means bouncing back to a shape you can describe, and most men were never taught theirs. My guest David Ask explains the difference between grit and resilience. Drawing on Angela Duckworth's work, he describes grit as doing something hard for a long time. What's on the other side is worth it. Resilience is getting back up quickly. David says both work best when they come from inside you instead of from fear of looking foolish. He compares resilience to a basketball. Slam it on the ground and it loses its form for a split second. Then it springs back to a shape you could measure. A man who knows his values and convictions bounces back to himself. Without that, he reads the room like a compass reading the magnetic field around it. Mike Forrester admits he spent years as that chameleon. David calls the alternative true north, a fixed point that doesn't move with the crowd.

Mike asks the question many men carry: is it too late if my own father never gave me this? David's answer is no. He says a father's first job is protector, and his second is being the first to say I'm sorry. Humility covers a lot of mistakes. You can't give away what you don't have, so the work starts with you. Name your core values, your strengths, and what lights you up. Then ask your kids what makes them cry, what makes them furious, and what they love. David believes a man takes full responsibility for what happens in his home. He wants to be the chief hug giver and the one who leads with laughter, prayer, and hard work. He's never heard a wife or child wish their husband or father led less well.

David says identity can't be fully built alone. Quoting John Eldredge, he believes men can father one another by naming what's good in each other. He also shares a lesson about applause. He has sung at one private venue four times under a nondisclosure agreement, once alongside his daughter. Being unable to talk about it reminded him he doesn't need the praise. That shapes his idea of thinking better instead of bigger. Big goals chased to prove your worth never satisfy. Mike teaches that what you carry from your father isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility. David shows how to take that on with humility instead of shame. If you're a dad who never got this from your own father, start by writing down your own values. Then ask your kids what puts a lump in their throat.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Understand the difference between grit and resilience, and why both work best when they come from inside you.
Recognize when you're reading the room like a compass instead of standing on your own true north.
Learn why it's never too late to give your kids what your own father couldn't give you.
See why being the first to say I'm sorry is one of a father's most important jobs.
Use simple questions to help your kids name what they love, what moves them, and what makes them angry.
Walk through why chasing bigger goals to prove your worth never satisfies.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:20 - the difference between grit and resilience

00:02:23 - why resilience means bouncing back to who you are

00:05:39 - true north versus reading the room

00:06:24 - why your kids need a father who stands for something

00:10:07 - is it too late if your father never gave you this

00:12:08 - why a father's job includes being the first to say I'm sorry

00:14:11 - how to find your own values before guiding your kids

00:16:51 - taking full responsibility for what happens in your home

00:19:29 - why identity grows through relationships with other men

00:27:16 - why he no longer needs the applause of others

00:29:24 - what it means to think better instead of bigger

00:33:30 - how to really get to know someone

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with David Ask

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thedavidask/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidask/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.davidask.com/

You’ll Never Find Your Purpose Until You Know Who You Are with David Ask

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Are you struggling to find your true identity and purpose? Many men are and feel utterly lost in the process of discovering themselves. David Ask reveals the critical importance of understanding who you are before finding your why. David shares his journey from feeling disjointed and uncertain to discovering his authentic self. He shows us that true fulfillment doesn't come from external validation or accomplishments, but from embracing your unique qualities and working from a place of genuine authenticity. David's story is a great example of the transformative power of self-awareness and finding internal peace and joy.

This is part 1 of a 2-part interview with David Ask

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover your true self and find your purpose in life.
Uncover the power of authenticity in achieving success on your own terms.
Boost your confidence and resilience through self-awareness and personal growth.
Explore the transformative role of values and virtues in shaping your journey.
Master the art of overcoming identity crisis through the path of self-discovery.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:27 - The Impact of Identity Crisis

00:14:24 - Embracing Authenticity and Identity

00:17:22 - Cultivating Authenticity in Children

00:25:19 - Importance of Knowing "Who" Before "Why"

00:29:03 - Signs of Not Knowing Yourself

00:30:43 - Assigning Meaning to Your Why

00:36:02 - The Importance of Authenticity and Love

Connect with David Ask

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidask/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thedavidask/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://hustleandflowchart.com/

Leaving The Hustle Behind To Find Success Without Compromise with Joe Fier

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0400

It seems there's a nonstop wave of messages saying you must hustle and grind your way to success, sacrificing your personal wellbeing and family to get closer to your professional goals. But is it really true and is it actually worth it? Joe Fier shares his journey from the relentless hustle and grind culture to achieving a more balanced professional and personal life, driven by a shift in his mindset and increased self awareness. Joe emphasizes the significance of setting clear boundaries and managing time effectively to avoid burnout while also putting into place support systems for maintaining overall well being.

Drawing on his early learnings, from his mother's work ethic and his father's people pleasing tendencies, Joe reveals how they shaped his perspectives and behaviors. With his dad's untimely death quickly followed by his first-born daughter's birth a mere two weeks later, he talks about the rollercoaster of emotional lows and highs that led him to reassess his habits and priorities. Joe is now clearer on who he wants to be and how he wants to be present, it's not just about financial success, it's now also about impact and actually living the life he and his wife want to live and call their own. Joe's story serves as an actual example of how intentional living can lead to both professional success and personal satisfaction.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Achieve work-life balance without sacrificing professional or personal success.

· Discover the benefits of joining a men's accountability groups.

· Explore the impact of personal development on professional success.

· Understand the reason to move from the hustle to intentional living for a fulfilling life.

· Learn to handle loss and build resilience for a brighter future.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:13:45 - The Dynamics of Partnerships and Boundaries

00:15:39 - Quietening the Mind and Breath Work

00:21:22 - Reflecting on Parental Influence

00:24:59 - Transitioning to Intentional Time Management

00:28:14 - Coping with Personal Loss and Gaining Insights

00:37:59 - The Power of Community and Intentional Choices

00:40:09 - Importance of Communication and Support

Connect with Joe Fier

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefier/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/joefier/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/peterjohnmather1984/

The Hidden Power Of Small Actions For Big Life Changes with Peter John Mather

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0400

For many men, asking for help is the hardest step toward better mental health. One small action, like answering a friend's call, can change the direction of a life. My guest Peter John Mather knows this firsthand. He has represented Great Britain in skydiving four times and now runs 14 skydiving businesses. He was diagnosed with dyslexia at five, and school treated him like he couldn't read or write. He carried that story for years. He found cocaine at 18 and had a heart attack from an overdose at 21. Skydiving gave him a new focus, but the drugs kept pulling him back. In November 2020, his relationship ended, COVID had shut his new business, and he came close to ending his life. Then the phone rang.

Peter breaks down the tools that rebuilt him. The first is his fence. What's inside the fence is in his control, and what's outside it gets far less of his energy. The second is one question he asks when work or home goes sideways: where is the good in this? He walks Mike through a simple exercise of looking for the color green in the room. You see more of whatever you look for, and he calls it focus equals feeling. That shift changed how he saw himself. He used to say drama followed him everywhere. Now he says he created it. Peter also shares a writing exercise. Write down what you've been putting off, then write down why. He says the reason is usually smaller than you think. His last tool is for the men around you. When you ask someone how they are, be ready to hear the real answer.

The heart of this conversation is that phone call. Peter's business partner called out of the blue. He asked, "Are you okay, big man?" Peter pressed the green button and broke down. He calls that moment the choice to change instead of end it. Mike Forrester adds his own lesson from early on. He used to open up to anybody and everybody, and he learned to build a real circle of men instead. Mike lives and teaches that a man can change on his own. It's just harder and slower without other men in his corner. Peter's story shows what one small action from one of those men can do. This one is for the man, and especially the dad with kids still at home, who stuffs it down and won't make the call. He wants his kids to see a father who asks for help and is ready to listen.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Use the inside the fence, outside the fence test to separate what you control from what drains you.
Ask "where is the good in this?" when stress at work or at home threatens to take over your day.
See how focus equals feeling, and why the drama you keep finding may be the drama you're looking for.
Name what you've been putting off in your health, work, or family, and the real reason behind it, so you can take the first step.
Recognize why men wait so long to ask for help, and how to say "I'm not in a great place" to another man.
Learn to ask your wife and kids how they're doing and be ready to hear the honest answer.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:13 - how to focus on what you can control and let go of the rest

00:07:30 - why bad things keep happening to you and how focus creates drama

00:09:43 - how to find the good in a bad situation

00:10:26 - a simple exercise that shows how focus equals feeling

00:14:24 - growing up with dyslexia and the label that stuck

00:21:18 - what to do when you're rejected for something you really want

00:23:27 - how low self esteem fed a cocaine addiction

00:27:29 - the phone call that changed everything

00:35:01 - what are you putting off and why

00:37:31 - why men struggle to ask for help

00:40:16 - how to ask "how are you" and really listen

00:40:57 - building a circle of men you can be honest with

Connect with Peter John Mather

Instagram

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/peterjohnmather1984

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://TheAngerSolution.org

Tested Framework For Men To Be Free From Anger with Dr. Mort Orman

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Anger elimination goes deeper than anger management by finding the three filters in your brain that create anger in the first place. My guest Dr. Mort Orman is an internal medicine physician who has taught people to eliminate stress and anger for 40 years. In his twenties and thirties, he was an angry man. He got angry at his patients, his parents, and the women he dated. Anger helped ruin every relationship he had back then. He was focused on what everyone else was doing wrong. He never saw how his own brain was producing the anger. Once he learned to see that, he could undo it. He has now been married for 40 years. He says that marriage never would have happened without this work.

Mort’s method rests on three filters, and he suggests writing them on an index card. First, someone did something bad or wrong they shouldn’t have done. Second, someone or something you care about was hurt or harmed. Third, that one person is 100 percent to blame. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, Mort explains that all three are present every time you’re angry. Most of the time, at least one of them turns out to be false. The trap is that anger makes you feel right, so you never stop to check. He shows how to look back after you’ve calmed down and ask what your brain missed. With practice, you catch it faster. The long-term goal is to assume you’re wrong about something the moment you get angry. He applies the same approach to stress. Break stress into the specific problems behind it. Find the causes inside you and outside you, and work on the inside first. That works for a struggling marriage, a problem at work, or a tense home.

The story that makes it land is a car trip. Early in his marriage, Mort and his wife only fought on the drive home from vacations. She’d ask for a one hour detour, and he’d snap back with a no. When he ran it through the filters, he saw she wasn’t doing anything wrong. His family always drove straight home, and hers took side trips. From that day on, he said yes, and they never had that argument again. Mike Forrester knows that kind of anger from the inside. He describes his old self as a cross between Eeyore and the Hulk, seeing the worst and then raging about it. Mort’s message is that a man who believes he’ll always be angry already has the ability to change. It takes practice, often 12 to 18 months, and it works. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who snaps at his wife and kids and can’t explain why. He wants a calm home where his kids aren’t waiting for him to blow.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the three filters behind every angry moment: wrong behavior, harm done, and one person to blame.
Understand why anger makes you feel right, and why that feeling keeps you from questioning it.
Learn how to review an angry moment after you calm down so you catch it faster next time.
Use the stress elimination model to break stress into specific problems at work and home and find the causes inside you.
See how one shift in perspective ended a recurring fight in Mort’s marriage.
Walk through why rewiring your anger takes months of practice and how a coach can speed it up.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:06 - What anger did to his relationships in his 20s and 30s

00:05:31 - How your brain filters reality and tricks you into anger

00:09:24 - The three filters that cause every angry moment

00:12:43 - Why anger makes you feel right

00:16:19 - How one question ended a recurring fight in his marriage

00:22:31 - Why a coach helps you see your own blind spots

00:23:34 - What to do when you’re already triggered

00:25:14 - How to train yourself to assume you’re wrong when you’re angry

00:26:30 - How the media uses the three filters to make you angry

00:30:42 - How to eliminate stress by finding its real causes

00:33:35 - Using the same model to fix a struggling marriage

00:36:49 - How long it takes to rewire your anger response

Connect with Dr. Mort Orman

Website

http://linkedin.com/in/docorman

Facebook

http://facebook.com/docorman

Instagram

http://instagram.com/doc_orman

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.rviveofficial.ca/

Secrets to Elevating Mental Health Through Food and Sleep with Matt Salesio

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Men’s mental health often starts with the basics a busy man skips first, like sleep, food, and the way he talks to himself. My guest Matt Salesio is the founder of RVIVE, a wellness brand based in Toronto. He also hosts the RVIVE Effect podcast. While building the business, he described himself as always frazzled and never grounded. He was doing a million things and felt like he was never really here. The gym, good food, books, and friends all slid behind the business. Then friends started moving away and changing jobs, and it felt like the closing of a chapter. That season became his wake-up call. He saw he’d been putting the business ahead of his own health and his people.

Matt walks Mike Forrester through the tools that changed his days. Every yes carries an opportunity cost, so he now weighs each one against his energy and wellbeing. He caps what he takes on at work. He also lets gut feel shape his decisions alongside the numbers, and he has turned down deals that didn’t sit right. For confidence, he leans on self-talk all day long, well beyond five minutes of morning affirmations. On food, he explains how inflammation tracks with anxiety. He makes the case for an anti-inflammatory lifestyle over simply adding turmeric shots. He names three mistakes many men make with food: overeating, leaning too hard on animal protein, and skipping vegetables. Then he ranks sleep above nutrition. After one short night, he says, the logical part of the brain goes quiet and the reward center lights up. That helps explain why a tired man reaches for cake and Netflix instead of the habits he wants.

The turn came through two small moments. Packing up for another overbooked day, Matt saw his dog lounging and bored, and realized he was neglecting what mattered. Later, he had a day where he signed two deals. That evening he sat in a friend’s backyard over a fifteen dollar bottle of wine. He saw that the life he wanted was right in front of him the whole time. Matt describes it as refinding what makes him himself, apart from the business. That echoes what Mike Forrester lives and teaches, that who you are is separate from the roles you fill. Mike shares that he once ran on four hours of sleep a night and is now reclaiming his health. This one is for the man, and especially the dad with kids still at home, who runs on stress and short nights. He wants to bring a calmer, more present self home to his wife and kids.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how saying yes to every opportunity carries a cost to your health, your friendships, and your time at home.
Learn how to cap what you take on at work and use gut feel alongside the numbers when you decide.
Use self-talk through the whole day, beyond a few minutes of morning affirmations, to show up with confidence.
Understand how inflammation links to anxiety and what an anti-inflammatory lifestyle looks like on your plate.
Spot three common food mistakes men make: overeating, too much animal protein, and too few vegetables.
See why sleep comes before nutrition, and how cutting screens and late caffeine helps you stay present with your wife and kids.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:23 - Why you feel frazzled and never grounded when work takes over

00:04:07 - The wake-up call that made him put health and friends first

00:06:06 - How every yes has an opportunity cost for your wellbeing

00:08:50 - Why a big day in business still ended with a friend in the backyard

00:11:13 - How to make decisions on gut feel instead of hustle and grind

00:14:40 - How imposter syndrome made him hide behind his podcast guests

00:17:55 - How to use self-talk all day to build confidence

00:20:45 - How food affects your mental and emotional health

00:24:44 - Can food reduce anxiety and inflammation

00:28:00 - Three nutrition mistakes most men make

00:32:13 - Why sleep matters more than nutrition for your mental health

00:37:08 - How to improve your sleep starting from the moment you wake up

Connect with Matt Salesio

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mattsalesio

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.creatingorderfromchaos.com

Breaking Free of the Stigmas from ADHD, Dyslexia and Autism with Shane Thrapp

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Ever felt that your brain is running a different operating system, that it's not like everyone else's? Shane Thrapp shares his journey of being diagnosed in adulthood with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism - and how these diagnoses finally helped him make sense of his life experiences. He reveals the challenges and strengths that come with being neurodivergent, including the complexities of masking and finding freedom from societal stigmas. Shane offers practical insights on how understanding your brain's wiring can improve your capability and efficiency, relationships and self-care.

Drawing from his personal experience with burnout and recovery, Shane breaks down the strategies that actually worked for him in managing his emotional regulation and unlocking his success at work and home. He discusses how finding the right combination of therapy and medication made a profound difference in his daily life, while exploring the possible connection between trauma and neurodivergence. Shane's story reminds us that our differences can become our greatest assets when we understand and work with them instead of against them.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Understand the impact of late ADHD diagnosis on adult life.
Embrace the unique challenges and strengths of ADHD and autism comorbidity.
Learn effective strategies for managing emotional dysregulation with ADHD.
Discover how ADHD can influence both professional and personal aspects of life.
Empower yourself with strategies for ADHD self-advocacy and diagnosis.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:52 - Redefining Masculinity and Advocacy of Neurodivergence

00:17:20 - Managing Autism and ADHD

00:25:30 - Impact of Masking and Autistic Burnout

00:32:25 - Embracing Neurodivergence as Different Powers

00:37:06 - Understanding Learning Disorders

00:44:31 - Advocating for Correct Diagnosis

00:54:02 - The Importance of Communication and Support Groups

Connect with Shane Thrapp

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanethrapp/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/creatingorderfromchaos

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CreatingOrderFromChaosConsulting

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/owenmarcus/

Unlearning Survival Strategies That No Longer Actually Serve You with Owen Marcus

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Feeling constantly tense, finding it hard to unwind or connect with others lately? Don't worry. You're not the only one facing this challenge! Many guys deal with stress without recognizing its effects on their physical health and relationships. Owen Marcus opens up about his experience living with Asperger and dyslexia, as well as how he found relief by letting go of stored stress, which even led to him gaining an inch in height as his muscles loosened up.

In this conversation on stress, its impact on the body and emotional awareness, Owen highlights the importance of therapy, mindfulness techniques and genuine connections in handling stress and nurturing personal growth. His perspective offers an insight on how to handle stress and raise self worth. Owen touches on the significant yet simple strategies he uses to help men disconnect from work stress, discover their value and understand the role of polyvagal theory in human interactions.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the transformative benefits of men's groups for personal growth and empowerment.
Explore the powerful impact of somatic therapy on mental health and emotional well-being.
Uncover effective strategies for overcoming stress through mindful practices for a more balanced life.
Learn the art of integrating body and mind for holistic wellness and enhanced self-awareness.
Master the art of navigating professional and personal life balance for a fulfilling and purposeful life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:05 - Unconscious Mind and Body Connection

00:14:55 - The Impact of Stress on Awareness and Disconnecting from Emotions

00:18:26 - Rolfing as a Somatic Experience to Release Stress

00:21:59 - Connecting Stress to Emotions Through the Body

00:23:52 - Starting Points for Exploring Somatic Practices

00:28:15 - Downregulating Stress Before Returning Home

00:32:51 - Self-care and Worthiness

00:36:40 - Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Superpowers

Connect with Owen Marcus

Website

https://meld.community/

Instagram

http://instagram.com/meld.men

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/meldmen

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://40plusfitness.com

How He Escaped the Rat Race and Found A Better Life With Allan Misner

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Do you find yourself dreaming about escaping the rat race of a high-stress corporate life to find freedom and a better life? Allan Misner shares his transformative journey of being dissatisfied as a C-suite executive at 39. He faced multiple challenges - being overweight and stuck in toxic relationships despite his career success. When his daughter invited him to watch her do CrossFit, he decided to take action. Then, being laid off from his corporate job became an opportunity instead of a burden, as he was able to focus on his podcast and online coaching.

Allen was committed to his routine – he started exercising daily, became a certified personal trainer and got rid of excess body fat. He was able to train for and run with his daughter in a Tough Mudder race, which strengthened their relationship and underlined the value of having someone for accountability. Some of the things that Allan has been through are evidence of how important it is to be healthy and fit to be able to provide for his family and also be independent as we age. Allen and his family are now enjoying their stress free life, being healthier and having healthy relations on a Caribbean island - making it worth all the struggle that he has gone through.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Achieve a greater sense of self-efficacy and motivation through proven strategies.
Overcome midlife health and fitness challenges with tested techniques and insights.
Transform your life through fitness and nutrition for lasting results.
Discover the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle in the Caribbean for improved well-being.
Learn how mindset goes hand-in-hand with movement and nutrition for a healthy lifestyle.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:17:47 - Fit for Task Philosophy

00:24:20 - Overcoming Obstacles

00:26:45 - Committing to Change

00:32:26 - Impact of Health Choices

00:34:56 - The Role of Self-Efficacy

00:43:25 - Overcoming Temptations and Creating Friction

00:45:18 - Building Consistent Habits & Fixing Your Mindset

Connect with Allan Misner

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachallan/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/coachallanm

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/allan.misner.CPT

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.dangelostefani.com

The Truth About Breaking The Cycle Of Childhood Trauma with D'Angelo Stefani

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

A man can break the generational cycle his father handed him, even after addiction and prison, once he stops using his past as an excuse. My guest D'Angelo Stefani grew up in a house full of drug addicts, and his parents put drugs in his bottle. His father belittled him and hurt him. By seven, he was homeless and sleeping in unlocked cars. He still earned his RN license in his early twenties. Then he traded his stethoscope for heroin. He robbed 13 banks in a month and a half and served 13 years in federal prison. He overdosed and died three times. For years he kept his childhood in his pocket like a card to play whenever things went bad. Today he is married, raising his kids, and running Haven House Publishing.

Writing is where D'Angelo's change began. In solitary confinement, he wrote out everything he could remember from his childhood with a small pencil. He went line by line and wrote "not my fault" beside each memory. That practice started the work of forgiving himself. He still carries a notebook everywhere. When he gets upset, he uses a camera check he learned from a psychologist. He replays the moment as if a camera filmed it and asks whether he'd still be angry watching it. He also stopped living by his emotions. He keeps his past in the rearview mirror so he can see which road a choice leads down. Before his release, he wrote a plan with backups for every backup. He had a job two days after he got out, with $20 and no one waiting for him.

The turn came when D'Angelo took ownership. "I put myself in prison," he says, and he means it. That's where change started. Mike Forrester lives and teaches that what happened to a man as a boy wasn't his fault, but it is his responsibility. D'Angelo's story carries that line all the way through. Mike shares how he forgave his own parents. He admits he repeated the pattern with his kids, and he asked himself how he'd want them to treat him. That question helped him extend the same forgiveness to his dad. D'Angelo used to brush off his kids when they came to him for advice. Now he stops whatever he's doing when they need him, and he still holds firm boundaries. Maybe you hear your father's words coming out of your mouth at home. This conversation shows how a dad can stop passing it down.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Use the camera check to replay a moment through someone else's eyes before anger takes over.
Walk through a writing practice that helps you separate what was your fault from what wasn't.
Spot the excuses you carry from your childhood and see how they keep you stuck.
Learn how a plan with backups for every backup helped a man with a felony record land work two days after release.
See one honest way to forgive a father who may not have known any better.
Recognize when your words to your kids sound like your father's, and stay present while still holding boundaries.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:23 - how growing up around addiction shaped his adult life

00:07:02 - from heroin addiction to 13 years in federal prison

00:08:40 - how to find out who you are when you've lost your identity

00:09:15 - why your childhood was not your fault

00:10:53 - how to forgive yourself by writing it down

00:13:30 - building a plan and a backup plan for a fresh start

00:18:40 - how to stop living by your emotions and keep moving forward

00:22:11 - keeping your past in the rearview mirror to make better choices

00:24:18 - taking responsibility instead of blaming your childhood

00:29:11 - the camera check, a simple tool for managing anger

00:32:25 - how to forgive a father who didn't know any better

00:34:49 - how to stop repeating your childhood with your own kids

Connect with Roman Fischer

Websites

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Boston2Tulsa

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

linkedin.com/in/romanfischerofficial

How To Actually Stay Motivated And Consistent In Your Goals With Roman Fischer

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Sometimes in working to stay motivated and consistent with your goals it can seem like we're chasing a unicorn, a thing of stories and myth, that's unable to be accomplished. In my conversation with Roman Fischer he shared how not overcame the internal struggles we face, but also naysayers within his family and friends. It didn't happen overnight and it wasn't an easy process. It involved knowing his why, choosing who he listened to and determining how to beat the obstacles before him - depression, anxiety and ADHD,

Roman Fischer is an actor, model, and high-performance coach with a deep passion for fitness and personal growth. He started from a place of self-doubt and lack of support, which led him to discover the power of fitness and mindset. Roman has gained valuable insights into the role and impact of gratitude in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. With a focus on resilience and mindset, Roman shows that tracking goal progress doesn't need to be complicated or expensive, instead simplicity and consistency are the key to success in this area.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the surprising impact of fitness on mental health and resilience.
Uncover the powerful methods for overcoming self-doubt and achieving personal goals.
Learn the key role gratitude plays in unlocking personal growth and mindset resilience.
Explore how your social circles can significantly boost your motivation for fitness.
Master the effective strategies for setting and achieving your fitness goals.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:31 - Shifting Mindset and Beliefs

00:15:05 - Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and ADHD

00:21:43 - Nutrition and Supplements

00:25:05 - Practicing Gratitude and Daily Habits

00:30:05 - The Domino Effect of Goal Setting

00:34:51 - Motivation vs. Consistency

00:39:43 - Monthly Check-Ins for Progress

Connect with Roman Fischer

Websites

romanfischerofficial.com

Facebook

facebook.com/romanfischerofficial

Instagram

instagram.com/romanfischerofficial

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.roadoflifecoaching.com

How One Man's Battle for Self Worth Reshaped His Life and Marriage with Craig Bennett

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever felt your self worth was determined by constantly performing at one hundred percent, that failure wasn't an option? That was what Craig Bennett and is actually believed by many men. Let's review the misconceptions surrounding this belief and uncover strategies for improving our self worth, overcoming perfectionism and limiting beliefs. He opens up about the challenges he faced in his early marriage, feeling unhappy and unfulfilled in his corporate career and the choices that led him to take bold steps towards change.

Craig emphasizes the power of showing up consistently — whether it's through daily routines or practical exercises like journaling and affirmations. In completing a 75 Hard challenge, Craig rebuilt trust with himself. You might wonder how someone cannot trust themself, but when you make promises to yourself, are you keeping them? It was through his self improvement journey that Craig found himself dramatically changed, his relationships healthy and discovered the cheat code to life is a strong marriage.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Strengthen your marriage for a lifetime of love and support.

· Overcome struggles of self-worth and unlock your full potential.

· Discover the importance of personal growth in developing healthy relationships.

· Implement the cheat code for life and experience lasting happiness and fulfillment.

· Release beliefs of perfectionism and quit playing small within your life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:34 - Balancing Work and Personal Life

00:10:30 - Awareness of an Unfulfilled Corporate Career

00:19:40 - The Power of Personal Growth

00:22:46 - Learning from Failure

00:27:04 - The Importance of Consistency in Self Development

00:32:27 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

00:38:53 - The Cheat Code of a Strong Marriage

00:40:25 - The Relationship Between Marriage and Personal Development

Connect with Craig Bennett

Websites

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithandcraig/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/RoadOfLifeCoaching

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.vrsfreedom365.com/

From Hoping for a Better Life to Actively Creating It with Brian McAlister

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Brian McAlister discusses how to create a better life by facing self-doubt and pursuing passions with an understanding of the power of intentional action. He recounts personal stories of transformation such as conquering addiction and dispelling limiting beliefs, many from family members. Brian revealed the importance of self discovery, surrounding yourself with positive people and setting goals to stay motivated.

Brian's transformation, from struggling with addiction to finding empowerment and his commitment to seeking guidance from mentors, came together because he took action rather than waiting on the sidelines or for fear to subside. It's not about being perfect in your execution or planning, but instead setting out on a course and correcting along the way as you make progress towards your goals and dreams.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how to transform your life from addiction to recovery and find hope for a better tomorrow.
Explore the benefits of surrounding yourself with positive people and taking advice from those who are living the life you desire.
Uncover the importance of resilience in personal transformation and how it can lead to lasting change and growth.
Learn effective strategies for setting and achieving life goals, empowering you to reach your full potential.
Harness the power of commitment and action to overcome adversity and thrive in the face of challenges.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:14:33 - Making a Decision and Taking Action

00:18:29 - Dealing with Success and Self-Sabotage

00:25:07 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Seeking Mentorship

00:31:22 - Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

00:38:02 - The Power of Asking the Right Questions

00:42:01 - Overcoming Adversity and Finding Gratitude

00:44:04 - Learning from Mentors and Biographies

Connect with Brian McAlister

Websites

https://www.mymentalhealth.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-nordel-85265246/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dnordel1

bmcalister@full-recovery.com

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-nordel-85265246/

The Art of Curating Your Life Team for Maximum Growth with David Nordel

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

For veteran David Nordell, the ten years after retiring from the Air Force proved harder than the 30 years he served. He grew up on a dairy farm in rural Northern California. When he was tired or hurt, he was told to rub some dirt on it. He rose to command chief master sergeant and led people through combat. After he retired, he got sloppy. He was angry, feeling sorry for himself, and drinking too many beers every day. Then a massive blood clot ran from his leg to his lungs. It was a saddle pulmonary embolism, and he came within a fraction of an inch of dying. Sitting in the ER, he sorted out what he could and couldn't control. If he didn't change what he could, there would be no second chapter for him or the people he loves. He has now been sober for just over six years. He calls the clarity that came with it his Monday morning celebration in the shower.

David's message on anger is simple. He tells Mike Forrester that men get angry when they feel betrayed or out of control. Men are supposed to be in control, so anger becomes the first emotion. Constant anger wears down your relationships, and without relationships you lose the help you need. He explains that PTSD and moral injury are different, and both can drive that anger. If a man who has always been even keeled suddenly starts lashing out, David treats it as a warning sign. Once he was clear headed, he went looking for a therapist who would give him straight talk about boundaries. When the therapist did, he got mad at his family, and he later saw it as anger at feeling weak. His answer is to forgive yourself first and give yourself grace before anyone else. Mike shares how he was once part Eeyore and part Hulk, and angriest at himself.

The moment that stays with David most comes from his last combat tour. At ceremonies for the people they couldn't save, he made a rule that he wouldn't cry. Everyone else cried, and he believes holding it in damaged him for the rest of his life. Today he says that crying is release, and anyone who mocks it is off your life team. He sorts people with two questions. Do they contribute or take, and if they take, do they give back? He even removed his oldest son from his life team for a while to reset boundaries. Mike teaches men to quit trying to fix themselves by themselves, and David's turnaround began when he asked for real help. If you're a husband and dad whose temper has been showing up more lately, treat it as a warning light. Ask one man you trust to help you carry the load.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize anger as a sign you feel betrayed or out of control, and why it can push away your wife and kids.
Understand how PTSD and moral injury differ, and how both can fuel anger and drinking.
See why sudden anger in a man who has always been even keeled is a warning sign worth taking seriously.
Use David's two questions to decide who belongs on your life team and who gets a smaller role.
Learn why holding back tears to look strong can do lasting damage.
Walk through how forgiving yourself first makes it easier to follow through on the help you get.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:30 - how quitting what numbs you brings clarity and growth

00:13:33 - why men get angry when they feel betrayed or out of control

00:15:20 - how PTSD and moral injury drive anger in men

00:18:59 - why men turn their anger on themselves

00:23:05 - how a near death experience became his turning point

00:36:27 - why holding back tears hurts you, and who to keep close

00:42:46 - how to set boundaries and choose the right people for your life team

Connect with David Nordel

Website

maxfabconsulting.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/dnordel1

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.leapleyenterprises.com

How One Man Defeated His Urge To Flee And Now Changing Lives with Steven Leapley

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Ever had that urge to flee, to disappear from everyone and everything you know, leaving all the chaos and turmoil behind? Steven Leapley felt that same way; he had his backpack ready to go and close at hand. He trusted two guys to be there when the urge became overwhelming and walked him back from the edge. Learn how Steven overcame his struggles, built healthy relationships and find out the tools he used to walk through his darkest moments.

Steven Leapley, a ghostwriter, retired Navy corpsman and dad to eight children, shares his personal journey and insights on overcoming challenges like apathy and avoidance. He shares about the five A's that cause the most significant challenges for men – addiction, abuse, apathy, avoidance, and atrophy – drawing from his own experiences and emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, accountability and seeking guidance from trusted men in your life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Overcome apathy and avoidance by unlocking your inner drive and finding purpose.
Master effective conflict resolution strategies to strengthen your relationships and find harmony.
Discover the mental health benefits and emotional growth through the practice of journaling.
Embrace faith as a powerful tool to overcome personal challenges and find inner strength.
Explore the importance of community and mentorship for personal growth and fulfillment.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:01 - The Five A's (Addiction, Abuse, Apathy, Avoidance & Atrophy)

00:16:28 - Taking Accountability for Our Thoughts, Words, and Actions

00:19:58 - The Link Between Addiction, Abuse, and Apathy

00:22:15 - The Dangers of Apathy and Atrophy

00:27:50 - Overcoming Apathy and Avoidance

00:36:29 - Differentiating Ideal vs. Perfect

00:39:33 - Embracing Realistic Expectations

Connect with Steven Leapley

Website

www.linkedin.com/in/stevenleapley

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/steven_leapley_official/

Facebook

www.facebook.com/stevenleapley

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://johnmollura.com/freestuff

Breaking Free from Self-Doubt : Blueprint for Elite Level Confidence With John Mollura

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Hear the unexpected journey of a former rocket scientist who battled self-doubt and anxiety to find confidence. John Mollura talks about the tactics he used to break free from the chains of imposter syndrome and fight self-sabotage. His is a story of vulnerability, authenticity and hope that will inspire you to face and overcome your own insecurities.

John shares how he learned to read people and situations, which allowed him to manipulate coworkers. As he healed and transformed his life, that ability then went from being a power for the dark-side to becoming a light to encourage clients when they felt insecure and unsure. John's story highlights that we are neither stuck where we are nor are the skills we've learned wasted.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Conquering self-doubt and anxiety for unstoppable confidence.

· Unveiling the power of coaching for personal growth and success.

· Cultivating strategies for achieving elite level confidence.

· Overcoming self-sabotage and unlocking your full potential.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:14:58 - Embracing mistakes and finding peace

00:16:13 - Overcoming self-doubt and anxiety

00:21:28 - Spiritual awakening and self-discovery

00:30:20 - Recognizing Who You Are Not

00:35:33 - Identifying Self-Sabotage

00:42:56 - Give Yourself Grace and Go Again

00:45:40 - Free Elite Level Confidence Resources

Connect with John Mollura

Website

https://johnmollura.com/

Free Elite Level Confidence Resource Blueprint

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mollura

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/john_mollura/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/john.mollura.coaching.and.speaking

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.richingram.com/

This Amputee Veteran Shows How To Overcome Adversity With Resilience with Rich Ingram

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Resilience is what got Rich Ingram, an amputee veteran, through the challenges of a roadside bomb and again when he was confronted by losing his identity when leaving the military. Rich now helps others through his "raw resilience" framework by learning about purpose, mindset and process. Rich shares powerful insights on handling failure, maintaining emotional stability and developing a growth mindset.

Rich speaks to the critical importance and connection of physical fitness in boosting mental health, the idea of challenge immersions and the pivotal role of support networks. He reveals how to transform negative states into opportunities for growth and why the journey of never giving up, even in the face of adversity, inspires not just ourselves but those around us. Whether you're dealing with personal or professional obstacles, this episode promises to equip you with the tools to thrive even when faced with struggles.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Embrace life changes and reinvent yourself for a fresh start.

· Develop emotional resilience to thrive through difficult times.

· Cultivate a purpose-driven mindset for personal growth and fulfillment.

· Discover the connection between physical fitness and mental health.

· Build a strong support network to enhance your chances of success.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:11 - Chasing Air and Finding Purpose

00:15:02 - Overcoming Adversity

00:17:34 - Showing Up for Yourself

00:23:16 - Being Tough vs. Being Mean to Yourself

00:29:06 - Purpose and Mindset

00:31:38 - Challenge Immersion

00:33:18 - Building a Support Network

00:40:57 - Embracing Failure and Learning from It

Connect with Rich Ingram

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richtingram/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/richtingram/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/RawResilience/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://jemfuller.teachable.com/p/mindfulness-made-easy

How to Communicate Better by Stopping the Blame Game with Jem Fuller

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Want to improve your communication skills in order to enhance your personal and professional relationships? Jem Fuller has just the solution for you as he introduced the world of conscious communication, revealing highlights from his updated book, "The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men: Effective Personal and Professional Communication Skills". Jem talked about the power of radical self-acceptance and mindfulness practices.

Jem's deep understanding of conscious communication stems from his personal journey and experiences with surrender, mindfulness, emotional awareness and radical self-acceptance. His insights and strategies are bound to transform the way we connect with others, both personally and professionally. If you're longing to elevate your communication skills and build more meaningful relationships, then this conversation with Jem Fuller is sure to help provide a hand-up.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Master conscious communication to transform relationships and bring about positive change.

· Discover effective strategies for overcoming your challenges and achieving personal growth.

· Enhance professional relationships through the power of effective communication.

· Embrace radical self-acceptance for personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:40 - The Art of Conscious Communication

00:09:38 - Defining Conscious Communication

00:11:11 - Example of Unconscious vs Conscious Communication

00:17:30 - Applying Conscious Communication in Professional Settings

00:26:54 - Men and Emotions

00:32:22 - Mind-Body Connection

00:42:10 - Getting the Book

Connect with Jem Fuller

Website

https://jemfuller.com/

Mindfulness Made Easy Course (Free Gift From Jem)

Coupon Code: podcast

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jemfuller/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jemfuller/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jemfuller.me

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://coachwithjoey.com/

From Struggling to Soaring : Rising Above Limiting Beliefs to Create Your Best Life with Joey Droshagen

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Why would a man keep two unopened packs of t-shirts in his closet while wearing shirts full of holes? For my guest Joey Drolshagen, the answer was a childhood belief he never knew he carried. He grew up one of five kids in a struggling blue collar family in Detroit. His parents sometimes skipped dinner so the kids could eat. When he was eight, his exhausted mom told him he was lazy and that he stank. Joey believed both. He spent the next 12 to 15 years trying to prove he wasn't lazy. He worked a corporate job, ran a construction company, and flipped houses. He also went to school, built a house, traveled every week, and earned his pilot's license. He showered two or three times a day. Burnout and drinking followed, and Joey reached a point where he didn't want to be alive. Asking for help put him on a new path. Along the way, a belief that a man's job is to work and provide cost him his son's first birthday.

Joey calls his approach the SMT method, short for subconscious mindset training. He explains to Mike Forrester that your conscious mind knows what you want, while your subconscious drives what you actually do. Change starts with an open mind and with noticing what you're noticing. Joey sees failure as a life lesson. One client hadn't acted on a business idea for years because a car wash failed nearly two decades earlier. Joey tried positive thinking for years, including The Secret, and nothing changed until a coach helped him see his own blind spots. He has since helped a client grow from about $300,000 a year to over $3 million. He once ran off a 2,000 foot mountaintop on a hang glider to face his fear of falling. Today he certifies other coaches through his Life Ignited Institute.

Mike shares his own childhood conditioning in this conversation. His parents put a chain and lock on the fridge. Years later he filled a standing freezer with meat and let it sit for five years. For a long time, a utility truck on his street made his stomach drop. He swore he'd never be like his parents and became a copy of them anyway. Joey made a similar vow at nine and still repeated his family's money struggles in his twenties. Mike teaches that what you carry from childhood isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility. Joey points out that breaking that link changes every generation after you. Joey woke up after one missed birthday, and many dads don't wake up until their kids are sixteen. If you're a father trading family moments for work, decide today which of your kid's games you'll be at.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the childhood beliefs still driving your habits, like hoarding food, clothes, or money you never use.
Understand why your conscious mind knows what you want while your subconscious decides what you do.
Use "notice what you're noticing" to catch old patterns as they show up in your day.
See why a past business failure is a lesson, and how reframing it can unlock a plan you've shelved for years.
Spot the provider belief that has you trading your kids' milestones for work.
Learn how breaking the patterns you inherited changes what your children carry into their own families.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:12:51 - how to recognize the childhood conditioning still running your life

00:18:31 - how one hurtful comment in childhood can shape decades of your life

00:24:41 - how to see a past failure as a life lesson

00:27:19 - why you repeat the patterns you swore you'd never repeat

00:29:21 - why men struggle to talk about depression and ask for help

00:38:28 - how to set a bigger vision and blow past your goals

00:53:29 - how breaking old patterns changes your kids' future

Connect with Joey Drolshagen

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeydrolshagen/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ifgtcoach/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.raremovement.ca/

The Disastrous Impact Of Emotional Spending in Personal Finance with MIlad Rahnama

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Getting served custody papers can be the moment a divorced dad finally decides to change. Two years ago, my guest Milad Rahnama was in the worst shape of his life. He was going through a divorce, fighting depression, and having anxiety attacks every day. He was $150,000 in debt, and friends had stopped answering his calls. He was drinking, smoking, and leaning on other addictions. Milad owns all of it and says his habits put him there. Then his ex-wife filed for full custody of their kids. Instead of reacting in anger, he booked a quiet weekend alone in a chalet to think. He watched other divorced friends shrug off seeing their kids twice a week. His heart told him to fight. His first lawyer said he had no chance, so he dropped her. With seven days to respond, he found a new lawyer who met him on a snowy Sunday. Milad won 50 percent custody, and he credits God for that turn.

Milad rebuilt his life by removing things first. He quit drinking, quit cigarettes, and walked away from his other addictions. His first goal was getting his energy back. As he cleaned up his habits, his anxiety and depression began to lift. He tells Mike Forrester that life is a mirror, and the outside starts to match the work you do inside. Some old friends pushed back and said he wasn't fun anymore. Milad held his ground and found new friends through church and the self development community. He has one rule for advice. Look at a man's life first, and only follow him if you want to end up there. He paid a fitness coach $5,000, and at 41 he's in the best shape of his life.

The money turnaround began with pen and paper. Milad works as a wealth advisor, and his own debt still taught him something new. Budgets fail, he says, because money is emotional. He reviews his transaction history to find patterns like restaurants, clothes, or electronics. Then he builds a system around that spending instead of cutting out everything he loves. He also warns about credit card habits that make debt feel normal. Mike admits he and his wife once spent back and forth to justify each other's purchases. Mike teaches men to quit trying to fix themselves by themselves, and Milad's turnaround came through coaches, mentors, and new friends. Today he lives in a home with a pool near his ex-wife, and they share dinners with the kids. Divorced, separated, or barely holding on, a dad can still decide his kids are worth fighting for. Milad started with one quiet weekend and an honest look in the mirror.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how small habits like weekend drinking, smoking, and junk food add up until your life blows up.
Understand why getting your energy back comes first when depression, anxiety, and debt hit at the same time.
Use Milad's rule for advice: look at a man's life before you follow what he tells you.
See how Milad fought for 50/50 custody when his first lawyer told him he had no chance.
Spot your emotional spending by reviewing your transaction history, then build a system you and your wife or partner can both follow.
Learn why credit card habits keep you stuck, and how investing in yourself pays off at home and at work.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:48 - how divorce, debt, and anxiety hit all at once

00:06:40 - how small bad habits add up until life blows up

00:10:32 - what to do when you're served custody papers

00:12:22 - fighting for your kids when the odds are against you

00:17:20 - why you should only take advice from men living the life you want

00:20:55 - why getting your energy back comes first

00:22:37 - what happens with old friends when you stop drinking

00:28:11 - how to start paying down debt after divorce

00:29:05 - why budgets fail when spending is emotional

00:34:16 - how to spot your emotional spending

00:38:05 - why credit card habits keep you trapped in debt

00:41:33 - the best investments you can make in yourself

Connect with Milad Rahnama

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/alpha_fitnessdad/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.mattgerlach.com

Learning to Say No: Setting Boundaries for Yourself and Others with Matt Gerlach

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Do you ever feel like you're constantly giving but not getting the respect or support you deserve? Are you left feeling drained, unappreciated, and stuck in the same cycle with no hope for change? Matt Gerlach joins to share how he broke this cycle and began setting healthy boundaries. It wasn't easy learning to say no, but it was pivotal in him discovering who he is and standing by what's important to him.

As Matt focused on implementing boundaries, both personally and professionally, he discovered his worth and began addressing financial fears that were subconsciously impacting his decisions and actions. Matt is now living from a place of resiliency and confidence, continuing to experience personal growth and helping others to bring about change within their own lives.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Setting healthy boundaries in relationships for improved personal well-being and happier connections.

· Discover financial fears and gain an understanding of how they can negatively impact your life without your awareness of the fears.

· Focus on your personal development and improve your position in the professional environment.

· Work through life transitions with confidence and resilience, empowering yourself to overcome new challenges.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:09:39 - Importance of Self-Reflection and Patience

00:14:35 - Importance of Goal Setting

00:25:29 - Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

00:27:29 - Financial Trauma and Career Change

00:32:24 - Healing Journey and Setting Boundaries

00:39:51 - Understanding Anxiety and Healing

00:42:27 - Setting Boundaries in Business

Connect with Matt Gerlach

Website

linkedin.com/in/matt-gerlach/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/iammattgerlach/

Facebook

facebook.com/mattggerlach

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.eqgangster.com/

From Chaos To Calm: The Truth About Emotional Intelligence with Noble Gibbens

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Let's talk about emotional intelligence - what it is and how it can impact your life. If you're feeling trapped in a cycle of emotional outbursts and inner turmoil, you're not alone! Struggling to manage your emotions can lead to strained relationships and missed opportunities at work. But what if there was a way to break free from this cycle and experience a genuine sense of emotional stability and consistency? In this episode, Noble Gibbens gives a behind-the-scenes look at the powerful impact of emotional intelligence and how it can improve your mental well-being.

Noble Gibbens, also known as the EQ Gangster, is coach, speaker and host of the EQ Gangster Podcast who specializes in emotional intelligence. With a background as a West Point grad and Ranger-qualified officer, he chats about the struggles with his emotions and inner chaos, and how it brought about negative results in his life and relationships. He shares about his own ongoing journey of personal growth, this not only makes him an invaluable resource for those of us seeking to improve our emotional intelligence, he shows that it's possible to live a life free of the overwhelming rage we can feel prisoner to in our day-to-day life and connections.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Mastering Emotional Intelligence for Leaders: Elevate your leadership skills by understanding and managing emotions effectively.

· Overcoming Past Identities: Uncover the power of letting go of the past to shape a healthier and happier future.

· Impact of Emotional Health on Families: Discover how emotional well-being can positively influence your family dynamics.

· Building Emotional Fitness: Strengthen your mental resilience and well-being through emotional fitness strategies.

· Learning Emotional Intelligence Communication Techniques: Improve your communication skills by mastering emotional intelligence techniques.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:12:41 - Defining Emotional Intelligence

00:16:19 - EQ in Personal and Professional Life

00:19:24 - Improving Communication with EQ

00:33:20 - Impact of Emotional Intelligence

00:47:36 - The Fear of Emotions

00:51:51 - The Stigma Around Men's Mental Health

00:54:13 - Family Exercise for Emotional Intelligence

Connect with Nobel Gibbens

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noble-gibbens-a2748323/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thenoblegibbens/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/noble.gibbens

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnthomashall/

Finding His Way Back Through Self-Awareness and Breathwork with John Hall

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

A man can run a big team at work and still dread opening his own front door at night. My guest John Hall spent 30 years as a tech executive, 25 of them at JP Morgan Chase. At work he was the fixer, sent in to turn around struggling teams. People told him years later that he changed their careers. From the outside, he had the house in the suburbs, the pool, and two kids. Inside, he was in a 25 year marriage he describes as abusive, with both of them stuck in childhood patterns. He felt the knot in his gut on every drive home. Around other men, he worried about being found out. He kept telling himself to work harder and fix it alone. Then one morning he passed out making coffee and hit his head on the tile floor. It took 12 stitches and an ambulance ride. That moment finally opened the door to outside help.

Breathwork became John's most practical tool for change. As a tech guy, he wanted to know why it works, so he studied the mind body connection. He tells Mike Forrester that willpower alone rarely changes anything. Awareness does more, because noticing a pattern while you're in it starts to break it. John teaches a simple breath anyone can try. Put one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Breathe slowly through your nose so only the belly hand moves, then exhale longer than you inhale. That signals safety to your body. He also shares his BPM tool for conflict: breath, physiology, mindset. Citing Dr. John Gottman, he explains how a racing heart takes the logical part of the brain offline in an argument. Telling yourself to calm down, he says, is like a six year old telling an 800 pound gorilla to relax. Mike shares how the sight of a utility truck used to set him off after years of shutoff notices.

One of the most honest moments is John's group counseling story. In 28 minutes, the group counted more than 30 apologies from him. He was even apologizing for apologizing. He had no healthy boundaries and carried everyone else's problems as his own. He also believed he didn't belong with other men. John compares limiting beliefs like that to a pearl. It's an irritant coated over so many times that it feels smooth, and it never belonged there. Today he leads men and runs his own coaching business. Mike teaches men to quit trying to fix themselves by themselves, and John's change began the day he finally let others in. For the married dad who braces himself in the driveway every night, try one slow belly breath before you open the door. Your family will feel the difference.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the gap between the confident man at work and the anxious man walking in his own front door.
Understand why awareness of a pattern, more than willpower, starts to break it.
Use belly breathing through your nose with a longer exhale to calm your body in minutes.
Walk through the BPM tool, breath, physiology, mindset, to stay calm when an argument with your wife starts to escalate.
Spot over-apologizing as a sign of weak boundaries, and see how taking on everyone's problems wears you down.
Learn how a short daily pause helps you uncover the limiting beliefs holding you back at work and at home.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:14 - what happens when life looks successful but home is falling apart

00:06:01 - the fear of being found out as an imposter

00:08:11 - dreading the drive home after a successful day at work

00:10:21 - the wake up call that finally got him to ask for help

00:11:53 - how becoming aware of a pattern starts to change it

00:14:41 - why constant apologizing points to weak boundaries

00:17:32 - how inner work changes how you show up at work

00:19:36 - why pausing during your day builds self awareness

00:22:09 - why you're never too old to change

00:24:53 - how limiting beliefs are like a pearl

00:30:57 - a simple belly breathing exercise to calm your body

00:35:24 - how to stay calm in an argument with your wife

Connect with John Hall

Website

https://breathe-with.me/

Instagram

http://instagram.com/johnhallcoaching

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/johnhallcoaching

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

www.31DailyChallenges.com

Importance Of Mindset And Perspective In Actually Achieving Success with Joel Gandara

Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Breaking a poverty mindset often starts the day a man meets someone like him who built something bigger. My guest Joel Gandara left Cuba as a small child in the 1980 Mariel boatlift. The overcrowded boat rode out a four hour storm, and the ocean is still his biggest fear. His family landed in Northern California, where Joel failed his first school year because he spoke no English. He grew up an outsider in a rough neighborhood near Oakland. The richest man on his block sold drugs. Joel started stealing from employers and reselling the goods at school. He was arrested 17 days after turning 18, and again at 19. The friend arrested with him both times later died of an overdose. Joel decided he was done and poured everything into work. He took a $7 an hour job at a radio station and once logged 109 hours in a single week. By 22 he had saved $32,000 and bought his first house in a better neighborhood.

Joel's father passed down a different lesson. At 17, his dad was sent to a forced labor camp in Cuba cutting sugarcane. He taught his sons to get a job and avoid risk. Joel's thinking changed when a girlfriend's stepdad gave him a tour of his lighting company. He was a Cuban immigrant who started with electrician classes and lamps in his garage. Joel realized he was a normal guy who took one step at a time. Joel quit his job to grow his flea market and eBay side business while his wife was pregnant with their first son. Then the 2008 crash took his net worth from about a million dollars to below zero. His wife worked overnight weekend shifts as a nurse for seven years. Joel even got rehired at his old job, then had the best trade show of his life and stayed the course. A shirt he wore on the boat from Cuba still hangs in his closet as a daily reminder.

The line that changed Joel most came from Jocko Willink. Joel sold him the Jocko domain for a relationship instead of a big check. When Joel asked how he handled the stress of his first business, Jocko said no one could die. Joel now gives himself about 20 minutes to feel bad, then takes action. He tells Mike Forrester that action calms the stress, so he snaps less at his wife and kids. He also stopped feeling sorry for himself and started upgrading his circle of friends. Mike teaches that who you are is separate from the roles you fill. Joel kept his identity apart from the business through every crash. Every dad's kids are watching how he handles money stress. Joel shows how the next setback can teach them perseverance instead of panic.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the poverty mindset you may have inherited from your father and how it keeps you playing it safe.
Understand why taking action within minutes of bad news calms stress and keeps you from snapping at your wife and kids.
Use voluntary hard things, like cold plunges or a tough workout, to build resilience on your own terms.
See how Joel kept his family steady after losing nearly everything in the 2008 real estate crash.
Learn the simple question "is anyone going to die?" for putting work stress in perspective.
Walk through how to level up your circle of friends and build relationships that last.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:21 - how cold plunges, ultramarathons, and jiu jitsu build resilience

00:05:38 - escaping Cuba as a child on the Mariel boatlift

00:07:03 - what it's like to start school in a new country without speaking the language

00:08:38 - facing your biggest fear with the help of a psychologist

00:13:36 - how getting arrested pushed him to turn his life around at 19

00:15:48 - how hard work and saving helped him buy a house at 22

00:17:57 - how a poverty mindset passed down from your father holds you back

00:21:48 - why leveling up your circle of friends changes your life

00:25:21 - what to do after losing everything in a financial crash

00:29:00 - how to keep your family steady through money stress

00:34:25 - what Jocko Willink taught him about stress at work

00:38:28 - why you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself

Connect with Joel Gandara

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelgandara/

Instagram

www.instagram.com/joelgandara

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://www.socialfluency.com/

The Journey To Social Fluency : Small Steps, Big Impact with Devon Ash

Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Devon Ash joins us to share about social fluency and human connection. From moving throughout his childhood on a yearly basis and then having skin cancer at the young age of 23, he learned practical strategies for reading the room, understanding body language, high-status humor and enhancing conversational agility. Devon then moved on to helping countless individuals navigate social situations with confidence and authenticity.

Devon discusses the importance of facing discomfort as a means to build confidence and resilience. He explains that the journey of social fluency is slow and steady, and allowing yourself to gradually face small fears can lead to significant personal transformation. Devon exposes the damage we inflict from making self-deprecating jokes compared with boosting your self-confidence through high-level humor. Devon stresses the significance of taking action regardless of your current situation or experience level, that starting somewhere and making consistent efforts is better than waiting for the perfect moment.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Mastering social fluency skills for effortless interactions and meaningful connections.

· Changing your perception by ditching self-deprecating jokes and boosting your self-confidence.

· Projecting confidence and charisma in social situations for more fulfilling interactions.

· Unveiling the power of social connections for personal growth and professional success.

· Unleashing high-status humor techniques to captivate and engage your audience.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:04 – What is Social Fluency

00:15:52 - Overcoming Ingrained Behavior

00:18:08 - Seeking Acceptance and Self-Worth

00:26:44 - Creating Change through Behavior

00:31:48 - Developing a Healthy Self-Worth

00:33:43 - Understanding Status and Self-Perception

00:34:27 - Overcoming Discomfort through Daily Challenges

00:36:24 - Gradual Progress and Building Endurance

Connect with Devon Ash

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialfluency

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/social_fluency/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/devon.ash

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.roleoflove.com/

Power of the 5 Love Languages to Overcome Anger with Paul Zolman

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

From a childhood filled with anger and abuse to overcoming that engrained anger by practicing the 5 love languages, Paul Zolman has changed his trajectory in life 180 degrees. Paul talks about his sister-in-law revealing to his girlfriend the only emotion the Zolman family knew was anger. Wanting to dispute this statement, Paul found himself reacting in anger, which sealed the deal and brought the realization front and center for Paul. Determined not to have this remain as a truth in his life he set out to discover how to change and express love instead.

One of Paul's resources was the book 'The 5 Love Languages' by Gary Chapman. After reading it multiple times, he felt no closer to understanding how to determine someone's love language. In his quest to express love through love languages, he created a set of love language dice. By using them, he transformed the way he showed love to everyone throughout his day, as well as increasing his ability to receive love. Join us to discover the power of intentional love and its deep impact on creating lasting, meaningful relationships.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Transform anger into love and improve your relationships.

· Understand and apply love languages to deepen your connections.

· Learn strategies for personal growth through love to enrich your life.

· Cultivate self-awareness and kindness for more fulfilling relationships.

· Build healthier family dynamics and create a more harmonious home.

00:07:41 - Determining Who You Want to Be

00:15:17 - Childhood Challenges and Family Dynamics

00:19:20 - Recognizing Family Patterns

00:22:27 - What are the Love Language Dice

00:25:03 - Understanding Love Languages

00:31:30 - Breaking Generational Habits

00:44:47 - The Impact of Kindness

Connect with Paul Zolman

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/roleoflovedice

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/roleoflovedice

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/roleoflovedice

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://angelovalenti.com/

Start Living Today and Stop Waiting to Enjoy Life with Angelo Valenti

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Quit waiting for some day and start living today. How many times have you heard someone say "I'll enjoy life when I retire" or when "the kids get older"? Sadly, these are common excuses, ones that people often don't get to see or experience. Angelo Valenti joins me to share the key to living a fulfilling life and prioritizing what truly matters. He pulls back the curtain on this delayed happiness mindset and invites us to instead seize joy in the present moment. Angelo highlights the significance of focusing on joy over fleeting happiness.

Angelo is an author and coach with a 42-year career in business psychology. He teaches us the art of finding joy amid adversity by revealing his personal journey, including the resilience he learned from his wife's battle with ALS. Angelo talks about the freedom in finding our identity beyond work and the importance of creating memories with our families today rather than waiting for some milestone years or decades in the future. He shares a path to a more fulfilled life, emphasizing that joy is within our reach and often starts with a shift in perspective.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Choose forgiveness to heal relationships and find inner peace.

· Create meaningful memories today with loved ones that last a lifetime.

· Cherish the present moment to experience true joy and fulfillment.

· Pursue joy and contentment rather than chasing elusive feelings of happiness

· Reframe challenging memories and experiences to find valuable lessons

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:54 - Difference Between Joy and Happiness

00:14:19 - Finding Your Identity During Career Changes

00:17:29 - Discovering Joy at Work

00:18:49 - Practicing Gratitude

00:22:00 - Finding Humor and Joy in Life

00:32:37 - Creating Meaningful Memories with Children

00:39:31 - The Power of Making Memories

Connect with Angelo Valenti

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelovalentiphd

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/doctorangelovalenti/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AngeloValentiAuthor/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-weening-024950139/

Family, Finances and Intentionality: How He Unlocked Financial Freedom For His Family with Jason Weening

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Getting a family out of debt starts when a dad quits waiting for next month and tells his wife the truth. My guest Jason Weening was working a commission sales job with two little kids at home. He started paying the mortgage with a credit card, and he knew it was a bad idea. He didn’t tell his wife, because they just weren’t talking about money. The cards maxed out, and he missed a couple of mortgage payments. He had to ask his parents for money. His wife’s card was declined at the grocery store with the kids watching. A two week job helping in his family’s farm equipment business turned into ten years of steady work. Today Jason is a dad of nine living on eight acres in Saskatchewan. He co-hosts the Life Guards Show to help men thrive at home and at work.

Dave Ramsey’s baby steps gave Jason and his wife a plan. The first step was saving $1,000, and that cushion lifted more worry than he expected. Next came the debt snowball. They paid the smallest debt first and rolled each payment into the next one. His wife skipped a $1.33 tea, washed cloth diapers, and bought used furniture. Near the end, they had saved almost $20,000 for a 15-passenger van. His wife asked to put it all on the remaining debt, and they did. Then they saved for the van from scratch. Jason drew a vanometer on the wall, and the kids colored it in every $2,000. He paid cash and brought his oldest daughters along to watch. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, Jason also shares how he stays close to so many kids. He brings them to the hardware store, the bank, and even a city council meeting. Time with his wife might be a 20-minute walk or a grocery run together. He plays drums with his boys and runs obstacle races with his teen daughters. That way his own stress relief becomes family time.

The turn in Jason’s story came when he stopped carrying it alone. Looking back, he sees red flags he ignored for years. He owed Visa, Mastercard, his sister, his brother, and his grandma, and nobody knew but him. He was afraid of looking like a failure, so he kept hoping it would get better. When it all came out, his wife met him with grace and became his partner in the plan. Mike Forrester teaches that a man can change on his own, but it’s much harder and much slower. Jason’s years of waiting show what that costs a family. Now he tells his kids he’s never parented a 14 year old before and he’ll make mistakes. He asks for grace and reminds them they’re on the same team. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who is quietly drowning in bills and hasn’t told his wife. He wants his kids to see a father who asks for help and leads the family out together.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the red flags, like paying bills with a credit card, that mean it’s time to change what you’re doing.
Use a $1,000 emergency fund and the debt snowball to start paying off debt as a family.
Understand why talking openly with your wife about money turns her into your partner on the plan.
Learn how a simple goal chart on the wall can get your kids excited about saving.
See how to turn your own stress relief, like music, reading, or running, into time with your kids.
Walk through how to bring your kids into the adult world, from the hardware store to a city council meeting.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:54 - How a commission sales slump turned into credit card debt

00:08:15 - Paying the mortgage with a credit card and not telling your wife

00:12:05 - Why saving your first $1,000 changes how debt feels

00:14:37 - Red flags that mean it’s time to change what you’re doing

00:16:17 - Why you should ask for help before money gets worse

00:17:47 - How to talk to your wife about money

00:20:38 - Using the debt snowball together as a couple

00:24:59 - How to get your kids involved in a family savings goal

00:30:24 - How to parent a teenager when you’ve never done it before

00:31:45 - Bringing your kids along into the adult world

00:35:20 - Simple ways to stay connected with your wife that cost nothing

00:38:25 - How to turn your stress relief into time with your kids

Connect with Jason Weening

Website

https://heydads.ca/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jasonweening/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jason.weening

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://thesuperlativeyou.com/

How to Set Boundaries with People and Protect Your Energy with Anthony Godaire

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Many of us haven't been taught how to set healthy boundaries with people, and as a result, our relationships struggle. This week I am joined by Anthony Godaire, to talk about setting boundaries, how to protect your energy and about the toxicity of perfectionism. He shares his remarkable journey of conquering depression through self-awareness.

Anthony reveals how using the life wheel to review his life and activities helps keep him on track for his goals and away for the spiral of depression. He shared an analogy on how limiting beliefs can hold us captive, similar to how fleas can be trained to believe they can only jump so high. Join us to hear Anthony's journey of rising from perfectionism and boundaries to managing his energy and mental capacity through awareness.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Discover the power of self-awareness in overcoming depression and reclaiming your mental well-being.

· Uncover the hidden impact of perfectionism on your mental health and learn how to break free from its grip.

· Unlock the benefits of coaching for personal development and take charge of your growth journey.

· Master the art of managing depression with daily routines and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.

· Learn the art of setting boundaries with energy vampires and reclaim your emotional energy for self-care and growth.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:09:41 - Mirror Work and Self-Discovery

00:19:24 - Self-awareness and Life Wheel Exercise

00:23:48 - Setting Strategic Goals and Daily Behaviors

00:28:15 - Addressing Depression and Energy Levels

00:28:31 - Identifying Signs of Depression

00:35:19 - Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care

00:42:16 - Recognizing Energy Levels and Mindset Shifts

00:47:44 - Negative Effects of Perfectionism

Connect with Anthony Godaire

Website

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thesuperlativeyou/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://www.neffinspiration.com/

Overcoming Negative Self Talk for Greater Inner Peace and Growth with Stephan Neff

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I'm joined by Stephan Neff, whose journey explores overcoming negative self talk, building resilience and personal development. Throughout his story, Stephan reminds us of the destructive nature of addictive behavior and that healing starts with acknowledging we're not alone in our struggles. Due to unresolved trauma, he attempted to medicate until an intervention directed him to confront the situation.

Stephen didn't stop with becoming sober, he continued to push forward with personal development, changing his environment and perspective. He began journaling, which was the key to slowing down his thoughts, revealing harmful thought patterns. Let's get ready to uncover the secrets of removing self-limiting beliefs and beginning journey into personal growth.

In this episode, you will be able to:

· Discover how personal growth can lead to lasting freedom from addiction.

· Uncover the powerful benefits of journaling for a healthier mind and heart.

· Explore the deep impact of trauma on the journey to overcoming addiction.

· Learn strategies to build self-worth and resilience for a brighter future.

· Understand the pivotal role of community and mentorship in both breaking free from addiction and personal development.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:11:55 - Consequences and Emotional Struggles

00:17:31 - Taking the First Step at Rehab

00:22:09 - Shifting Perspectives

00:31:48 - Uncovering Lies and Healing

00:35:25 - Recognizing and Dealing with PTSD

00:37:20 - The Power of Hypnotherapy

00:42:50 - Self-Reflection and Journaling

00:47:50 - Taking Action and Seeking Help

Connect with Stephan Neff

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-neff-author/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/neffinspiration/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/neffinspiration

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://andrewpettycoach.com/

Facing Your Mortality to Live with Purpose and Fulfillment with Andrew Petty

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Facing your mortality can light a fire under a man that nothing else will. My guest Andrew Petty grew up as the golden child, excelling in school, sports, and church. Inside, he was quietly hurting, and nobody saw it. A few years after college, he started having vague physical symptoms that doctors couldn't explain. His grandfather had died of a heart attack, and his mom said the symptoms sounded cardiac. That one comment set off years of paralyzing fear of a health crisis and of dying. He worked stockroom jobs and barely held it together. Early on, the pain grew so heavy that he recognized a suicidal thought and knew this was serious. A pastor began listening to him in his living room, night after night. Andrew found his footing, married, and became a dad to two boys. Years later, his brother in law was diagnosed with serious cancer. Andrew looked down at his gut, 50 to 60 pounds over his fighting weight. He had been drinking too much, smoking, and skipping exercise. Within nine months, he was back to his fighting weight.

Andrew refuses to tell his story as a victim. When we reach adulthood, he says, our parents graduate and we take over parenting ourselves to maturity. He walks Mike Forrester through the drama triangle from psychology, with its three roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer. Seeing himself in the victim role pushed him to take full responsibility for his life. He shares his big six for a life you'll be proud of when you die. They are courage, humility, truth telling, self permission, self responsibility, and self knowledge. He believes comfort kills, because real contentment comes from adventure, risk, and pushing into the unknown. His mortality mindset starts each day with one question. If today ended well, what would that look like? Maybe it means calling your sister or finally having a hard conversation with a friend. Andrew also leans on the Hero's Journey, the ancient story pattern Joseph Campbell described.

The biggest shift came about four years ago, when Andrew stopped fighting his anxiety. Out of pure exasperation, he turned toward it and asked what it was there for. Slowly, the thing he'd called weak and shameful became a source of creativity. His podcast and his Graveyard Group mastermind grew out of that change. Mike shares how he finally accepted responsibility and forgave his parents, knowing they did the best they could. Mike teaches that what you carry into adulthood isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility, and Andrew lives that out. Andrew also has a word for parents. The son who looks like he has it all together may be the one hurting most. If you're a father watching your kids grow up fast, ask your son how he's really doing. Then ask yourself the same question.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how years of hidden stress can build into anxiety, even in a man who looks like he has it all together.
Understand why your kids can look fine on the outside while struggling inside, and how to keep honest conversations open with them.
Use the drama triangle to spot when you're playing victim, persecutor, or rescuer in your marriage and friendships.
Walk through Andrew's big six ingredients for a life you'll be proud of, starting with courage and humility.
See why staying comfortable keeps you stuck at work and at home, and how a mortality mindset pushes you to get healthy and stop putting off what matters.
Learn to ask your anxiety what it's there for instead of only trying to make it go away.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:00 - why moving somewhere new won't fix what's wrong inside

00:07:00 - how years of hidden stress can turn into anxiety

00:09:00 - what happens when the thing you built your identity on is gone

00:10:00 - how health anxiety and fear of death took over his life

00:14:00 - why the kid who seems fine may be struggling inside

00:17:00 - why having someone listen helps you heal

00:24:00 - taking responsibility for your life even when it isn't your fault

00:28:00 - six ingredients for a life you'll be proud of when you die

00:30:00 - how a family member's cancer diagnosis pushed him to get healthy

00:36:00 - how stepping out of your comfort zone reduces regret

00:41:00 - how the drama triangle keeps you stuck as a victim

00:48:00 - how to change your relationship with anxiety by asking what it's there for

Connect with Andrew Petty

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpettycoach/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/andrew_petty_coach/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AndrewPettyCoach/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-robinson-161723a9/

Asking Better Questions of Yourself for Personal Growth with Sean Robinson

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Many men who swore they'd never be like their father end up drinking and yelling the same way he did. My guest Sean Robinson grew up with a mechanic dad who drank, yelled, and kept the house on edge. Sean and his two younger brothers learned to read which version of their dad was walking through the door. By eight or nine, Sean knew how to mix his dad's drinks. Two decades of drinking later, he weighed 320 pounds and was losing his temper with his own kids. He was also saying ugly things about himself. At the end of 2020, at 36, he decided he couldn't keep going. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, Sean shares how a single dry January turned into almost three years without a drink. He also lost over 100 pounds and wrote a book called Going Dry.

Sean never set out to quit forever. He started with one month, then added February, then set a goal of 100 days. That stretched into the whole of 2021. A plain notebook became his outlet, a private place to write the things he couldn't say in a construction lunch trailer. Over time he used it to coach himself through parties, pushback, and bad days. He tested small habits the same way, like brushing his teeth twice a day and marking every check on a calendar. One sit-up a night grew into 50. His long commute to work became time for podcasts and books like Atomic Habits and Mindset. He moved his phone across the room and started reading before bed. Friends and family didn't make it easy, and Sean talks about how he held his ground anyway.

The proof shows up in a moment that happened the same night he recorded. His eight-year-old left the bathroom sink running, and water poured through the floor into the basement. The old Sean would have slammed doors and yelled until his son hid. This time he stayed calm, cleaned up next to his son, and talked through what happened. His son looked at him like he didn't recognize his own dad. Mike Forrester knows that turn from his own life. He swore he'd never become his father, then caught himself treating his kids the way he hated being treated. Mike teaches that the patterns a man inherited aren't his fault, but changing them is his responsibility. If you hear your father's voice coming out of your mouth at your kids, this conversation is for you. It's for the dad with young kids at home who reaches for a drink to get through the night. He wants his kids to grow up without the eggshells.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how a drinking habit can grow slowly out of social events, work culture, and the house you grew up in.
Learn how to quit drinking one month at a time, starting with a single dry January.
Use a private notebook to get harsh thoughts out of your head and coach yourself through hard moments.
Build habits that last by starting small, like one sit-up a night, and tracking every day.
See how staying calm after your kid's mistake shows them a different way to handle a mess.
Spot the "this is just who I am" excuse and how it keeps you stuck as a husband and dad.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:00 - why "this is just who I am" keeps men from changing

00:06:00 - how men become the dad they swore they'd never be

00:07:00 - growing up walking on eggshells around a drinking dad

00:09:00 - realizing you've become the impatient, yelling dad

00:12:00 - how a calm dad handles a kid's mistake without yelling

00:18:00 - how social drinking slowly turns into a habit

00:23:00 - drinking culture in construction and the trades

00:25:00 - quitting drinking and losing over 100 pounds

00:27:00 - handling pushback from friends and family when you quit drinking

00:33:00 - how journaling helps men who don't talk about their feelings

00:42:00 - how to build small habits that actually stick

00:45:00 - books that helped one dad change his habits and mindset

Connect with Sean Robinson

Website

https://seanrobinson.ca/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/going.dry/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086376760527

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/

From Anxiety to Peace : Better Mental Health By Rethinking Priorities with Erik DaRosa

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Anxiety in men often hides behind a smile, a big career, and the belief that nobody else feels this way. My guest Erik DaRosa lived with anxiety and OCD from the age of seven. He was the first in his family to go to college. He went on to spend 18 years in New York as a derivatives trader. Some days he left the trading desk and cried in a bathroom stall. He told no one, not even his wife, Amy. At 33, he couldn't hold it together anymore. In 2004 he had the first of two dissociative episodes, and he finally told Amy everything. She stayed right beside him. Even in therapy, he kept his guard up. His psychiatrist once asked why he smiled all the time while describing his struggles. Erik came to see that smile as the mask he'd worn his whole life. He has been married to Amy for 26 years and now lives in the Colorado Rockies. He speaks openly about men's mental health so other men know they aren't alone.

Erik's way forward rests on what he calls his Equilateral Triangle of Healing. One corner is Western care, with talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. Another corner is Eastern practice, with meditation, mindfulness, and Reiki. The third corner is nature, which for Erik means skiing and mountain biking. He uses all three together, because pulling one side away makes the triangle collapse. He learned that after he felt cured, stopped treatment, and later had a second episode. He calls mental health an endurance event. He tells men to try everything, including a second or third therapist when the first one doesn't fit. With Mike Forrester, he talks about how fight or flight runs a man's brain at work. He describes moving the CEO of his brain from the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex. Both men talk about the late night calls that nobody remembers when layoffs come. Mike shares how years of four hour nights left him with tremors in his left hand.

The turning point in Erik's story is telling someone. Mike admits he once believed hiding his struggles protected his wife. She had already seen them all along. Erik's message to men is direct. The people who care about you most will stand by you when you open up. He no longer gives a quick "fine" when someone asks how he's doing. He has learned that men often crave someone who will truly listen. Erik also refuses to let his job title answer who he is. That fits what Mike teaches, that who you are is separate from the roles you fill. Mike names what's at stake for his own children and grandchildren. When a man does this work, they inherit something different. If you're a husband and dad still smiling through the day and hiding what's inside, start with one honest conversation at home. Your kids will inherit what you choose to face.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the signs of hidden anxiety, like smiling through it, sleepless nights, and checking rituals that promise a sense of control.
Understand why your wife and the people who love you are more likely to stand by you than leave when you tell them you're struggling.
Use the Equilateral Triangle of Healing to combine therapy, mindfulness practices, and time outdoors.
See why Erik calls mental health an endurance event, and what happened when he stopped treatment after feeling cured.
Spot when a high-pressure job keeps you stuck in fight or flight, and why the 3 AM calls never earn the security you're chasing.
Learn how answering "how are you doing" honestly, and listening in return, builds real connection with other men and at home.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:00 - why men with anxiety believe they're the only ones struggling

00:14:00 - how chasing a career others expected can bury what you love

00:18:00 - how journaling helped him open up in therapy

00:23:00 - what happens when you finally tell your wife you're struggling

00:26:00 - how men hide anxiety at work behind a successful career

00:29:00 - why stopping therapy too soon can set you back

00:32:00 - what anxiety, OCD, and PTSD feel like from the inside

00:37:00 - fear of losing your job if anyone at work finds out you're struggling

00:39:00 - why working around the clock never earns you a badge of honor

00:44:00 - how to get out of fight or flight mode at work

00:47:00 - why men need someone to really listen

00:53:00 - how to combine therapy, mindfulness, and nature to manage anxiety

Connect with Erik DaRosa

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikdarosa/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/skisherpa/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/erik.darosa.7/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://www.empoweryourreality.com/

Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs : Exposing & Rewiring Scarcity Thinking with Victor Manzo Jr.

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

If you're feeling frustrated and stuck in a cycle, join me as I talk with Victor Manzo Jr. about Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs! We all have subconscious programming that influences our decisions and behaviors, making it challenging to break free from negative patterns. But what if I told you there's a way to increase self-awareness and improve decision-making skills by understanding and reprogramming this subconscious matrix?

Victor's personal experiences with financial fears and subconscious beliefs offer valuable insights into the impact of mindset on professional and personal success. He highlights the transformative power of self-awareness and the necessity of ridding ourselves of limiting beliefs to achieve true fulfillment. However, it's not just a one-time fix; rather, it's a journey of self-reflection and persistence. It's a muscle we should consistently work out to strengthen and heighten its sensitivity.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Unlock new possibilities with Dr. Vic Monzo Jr.'s Quantum Leap Coaching journey.
Explore the power of self-reflection and intuition in making successful transitions.
Learn about the impact of subconscious beliefs on personal finances and wealth.
Unlock the secrets to shifting your mindset towards financial abundance.
Gain insights into the importance of mindset shifts for achieving financial success.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:10 - The Power of Awareness

00:15:51 - The Impact of Childhood Programming

00:19:40 - Understanding Subconscious Beliefs

00:22:19 - Creating Awareness and Shifting Focus

00:27:19 - Shifting Focus to Growth and Prosperity

00:30:57 - Overcoming Negative Beliefs and Reprogramming the Mind

00:38:00 - Triggers for Limiting Beliefs

00:39:24 - Overcoming Negative Thoughts

Connect with Victor Manzo Jr.

Website

http://www.linkedin.com/in/drmanzo

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/drvicmanzo

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/drvicmanzo

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://catholiclifecoachformen.com/

Rebuilding Your Identity : Moving Beyond Performance and Validation with Michael Jaquith

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever struggled with feeling like you're falling short in being a man, so you then dream of rebuilding your identity? You've been told to always have it together and never show vulnerability, but that only makes you feel empty and disconnected. With guest Michael Jaquith, we’ll chat about moving beyond performance and validation, the pain of unattainable expectations and navigating emotional resilience with authenticity.

Through his own experiences of healing and growth from a traumatic childhood, Michael speaks to the transformative power of connecting with others on a deep level, the significance of self-forgiveness, and the impact of personal growth on family relationships. He worked through the emotional turmoil of his past, freeing himself of his deep-seated anger and shame; he found freedom not only for himself but also for his family. Michael's journey is a powerful reminder of the strength that we can tap into by confronting and overcoming our past painful experiences.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Strengthen your emotional resilience and conquer fears.
Embrace the power of grace and forgiveness in your life.
Discover healing and growth through vulnerability and openness.
Explore the impact of absent validation and approval on your journey.
Embrace opportunities for growth and learning through mistakes.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:06 - Healing and Forgiveness

00:16:52 - Misconceptions About Forgiveness

00:19:33 - The Need to Forgive Oneself

00:25:23 - Confronting Identity and Surrender

00:28:09 - Relearning Masculinity

00:39:44 - Building emotional resilience

00:41:56 - The power of validation

Connect with Michael Jaquith

Website

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.toomanytrees.com/

Work Life Balance Boundaries : From Burnout and Self-Sabotage To Building Meaningful Relationships with Eric Nehrlick

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Burnout often starts with a man who never learned to say no because he's desperate to prove he belongs. My guest Eric Nehrlich finally landed a job at Google, one of the companies he'd dreamed about for years. He wanted to prove he deserved to be there, so he said yes to everything and tried to over deliver. Good work only brought more work. When he went up for promotion, his days ran from 8 AM to midnight. He hadn't seen anyone outside of work for most of a year. He told himself he just had to make it to Christmas. When Christmas came, his body shut down with a 103 degree fever and a week in bed. As he lay there, a new question showed up for the first time. Why is this promotion worth so much? In January he told his manager he was done working that way. He lost half his team, his performance rating, and the promotion. He expected to feel like a failure. Instead he felt free.

The breakthrough came from rewriting one rule in his head. Eric had lived by the rule that he must do everything his manager asked, and then some. He added a clause he'd been missing: unless I accept the consequences. That turned a must into a choice. Once he knew he could survive the fallout, he started trying things he'd avoided for fear of failing. He learned to snowboard, biked down the California coast for six days, and spent three weeks in India alone. With Mike Forrester, he breaks that down into steps any man can take. Try one small thing that feels a little uncomfortable, like speaking up in a meeting. Ask someone who does what you want to do for 20 minutes of their time. Eric calls it having one conversation. Mike shares his own years of four hour nights, driven by the same hunger for validation. Years later, a new baby, solo work, and COVID left Eric lonely.

The deepest moment came in Eric's first therapy session. He talked about his mom, and his therapist asked about his dad. Eric described a father who went to work, came home, and barely engaged. He was there, but he wasn't there. Then she asked what Eric did in his relationships. He saw it right away. He had learned to withdraw and go quiet rather than face hard conversations. He was also masking, becoming whoever he thought a woman wanted, until the mask slipped a few months in. Showing up as himself is what led him to his wife. On paper they have almost nothing in common. What they share is a commitment to talking things through. Mike teaches men to quit trying to fix themselves by themselves. Eric's turn came through a therapist and honest conversations. If you're a dad who says yes at work and goes quiet at home, Eric's story shows another way. Your kids get a father who's actually present.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the need to prove yourself that keeps you saying yes at work until your body forces a stop.
Use the "unless I accept the consequences" clause to turn a rule you've lived by into a choice.
Walk through small, slightly uncomfortable experiments that rebuild confidence after burnout.
Spot how a father who was there but not there can teach you to withdraw from hard conversations with your wife.
See how masking who you are early in a relationship sets it up to fall apart.
Learn practical ways a busy dad can carve out time for friendships and push back on loneliness.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:00 - what burnout does to your body when you ignore the warning signs

00:07:00 - why you can't say no at work when you're trying to prove you belong

00:09:00 - what happened when he told his boss he was done working 100 hour weeks

00:11:00 - how needing validation from others drives overwork

00:15:00 - how to rebuild confidence after burnout by trying new things

00:17:00 - small first steps to build courage when you feel stuck

00:19:00 - how one conversation with someone ahead of you opens a path forward

00:22:00 - how masking who you are sabotages dating and relationships

00:26:00 - how an emotionally absent father shapes the way you handle hard conversations

00:28:00 - how to choose a partner based on what you need instead of a checklist

00:32:00 - why men get lonely after working from home and starting a family

00:35:00 - how to rebuild friendships when work and kids take all your time

Connect with Eric Nehrlich

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehrlich

Instagram

https://instagram.com/ericnehrlich

YouTube

https://youtube.com/@ericnehrlich5567

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://www.tomcronin.com/

Why Successful Men Are Turning to Meditation for Stress Relief with Tom Cronin

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Daily meditation gives a stressed man a calm third option between blowing up and shutting down when work or home gets hard. My guest Tom Cronin worked as a broker in Australia's finance markets from 1987 to 2012. He started at 19, on a trading floor he compares to The Wolf of Wall Street. The early years ran on fast money, heavy drinking, drugs, and constant stress. About ten years in, his body pushed back with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and insomnia. Some days he could barely get out of the house to go to work. It all ended in a full nervous breakdown and time away on mental health leave. Home alone in 1996, he caught a few minutes of a documentary about a developer who credited Transcendental Meditation for his success. Tom looked it up in the Yellow Pages and learned it. The anxiety and the need to drink eased quickly. He returned to the same job for 16 more years. He performed at the top of his game without the drinking or the drugs.

Tom lays out what meditation does inside the body. Stress keeps a man in fight or flight, running on cortisol and adrenaline. Meditation moves him into the parasympathetic state, which Tom calls the peace response. A quieter mind makes clearer decisions and solves problems faster. He describes a part of us that stays steady, like the sky behind passing clouds. With Mike Forrester, he walks through his PVS to FES model. It moves a man from the Previous Version of Yourself toward the Future Version of Yourself. Tom says that future picture has to include every area of life. He means your health, your work, your friendships, and the husband and father you want to be. He talks honestly about leaving a salary close to seven figures. A friend warned him he was trading a nine to five for a five to nine, and he was right. Tom also leads a short guided breath meditation anyone can do in a chair at home.

The heart of the conversation is the code Tom says every man inherits. He traces his own through generations of fathers in an Irish Catholic family line. That code shapes how we react long before we make any real choice. When a wife asks why the bin didn't go out, many men either attack or retreat to the shed. Meditation gives a man the pause to find a better answer than those two. Tom sees a relationship as a container that holds whatever each person brings into it. A calmer man brings more love into his marriage and into his home. Mike teaches that what you inherited isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility, and Tom's story shows that turn in action. This one is for the man, and especially the dad with kids still at home, who swings between losing it and going quiet. He wants his kids to grow up with a calmer father.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the two default reactions, attack or retreat, that show up in arguments with your wife and in meetings at work.
Understand how chronic stress, drinking, and the fight or flight response feed each other, and how daily meditation breaks that loop.
Use a simple breath meditation, focused on the cool air at the rim of your nostrils, for five to ten minutes a day.
Walk through the PVS to FES model so your past stops deciding who you become.
See why leaving a high-paying career took more resilience than Tom expected, and what kept his identity steady through it.
Learn why the calm you bring home shapes the relationship you share with your wife and kids.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:00 - how meditation helps you stay calm when life gets hard

00:05:00 - what to do when your mind wanders during meditation

00:12:00 - how to break the generational patterns you inherited from your father

00:14:00 - how stress, drinking, and anxiety led to a breakdown in a finance career

00:17:00 - how learning meditation helped him recover and go back to work

00:21:00 - what it takes to leave a high-paying corporate career

00:24:00 - how to stop your past from defining who you become

00:31:00 - why men attack or shut down in arguments with their wife

00:35:00 - a short guided breath meditation to calm a scattered mind

00:40:00 - how staying calm changes your marriage and your relationship with your kids

00:44:00 - why some men get addicted to stress and anger

00:46:00 - how to start meditating as a beginner

Connect with Tom Cronin

Website

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/tomcronincoach

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tomcronin/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomcronin1/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Hope After the Fall: Overcoming Mistakes and Discovering Purpose with James W Smith

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

By his mid-twenties, James W. Smith looked unstoppable. He was the first and only Black attorney in his North Carolina hometown, the youngest Black lawyer practicing in the state, and he'd even run for district court judge. He'll be the first to admit he was also cocky, certain he'd made it and that nobody could tell him a thing. Then poker games with a few other lawyers turned into something he couldn't stop. The gambling kept its hooks in him until he'd lost his properties, his first marriage, and most of what he'd built, and he sank into a depression he couldn't see a way out of. One morning it got dark enough that he nearly ended his life, and it was the thought of his mother that stopped him. Not long after, in a desperate and completely out-of-character moment, he robbed a bank - an action that in a single afternoon cost him the life he'd worked so hard to build.

Prison is where James finally got still enough to ask how he'd gotten there. With nothing to do but reflect, he stopped blaming the gambling and saw the thing underneath it. He was afraid to fail, and his pride wouldn't let him ask for help. He'd had people he could have leaned on, family with land and means, but going to them felt impossible when he was supposed to be the one others came to. Somewhere in that reflection, the faith his mother raised him in kicked back in, and he let go of both the gambling and the drinking. He shares the line from his mom that he carried out of there: you can lie in a ditch and let people kick more dirt on you, or you can get up, and some of those same people will reach out a hand.

James made the decision to get back up. He went back to school, remarried (they just celebrated thirty-three years), earned his divinity degrees, and, in the kind of turn nobody saw coming, was called to pastor a traditional Baptist church where he stayed for more than thirty-two years. The man who robbed a bank was eventually approved by the state bar to teach other attorneys, and today, "retired," although he's now busier than ever with a podcast, workshops, and an interim pulpit. His story isn't a fairytale, and he doesn't pretend the fall didn't happen or that it didn't hurt. If you've ever made a mistake big enough to think you're finished, James is living proof that where you've been doesn't get the final say on where you're going, and that purpose can be waiting on the far side of the worst thing you've ever done.

Building Authentic Relationships Through Vulnerability with Kevin Palmieri

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Chasing external validation, like money or a perfect body, can't fix what a man feels about himself inside. My guest Kevin Palmieri learned that the hard way. At 25 he was earning $60 to $120 an hour, had just won a bodybuilding show, and drove a sports car. Inside, he was insecure and afraid of his own shadow. When his girlfriend wanted to move to California to chase her dreams, fear of being left behind took over. He gave her every reason not to go, and she left him. So he decided money would fix it. He spent 10 months living out of a suitcase on the road and made $100,000 at 26 with no college degree. Nothing inside changed. One morning in a New Jersey hotel room, lacing his work boots, his head filled with voices telling him he was stuck forever. He thought about ending his life. Instead, he texted his friend Alan.

Alan told him his awareness had changed, but his environment hadn't. A few months later, Kevin left the job to go all in on his podcast. It got harder before it got better. He ran up about $35,000 in credit card debt and had panic attacks with no health insurance. He couldn't afford Christmas presents for the woman who's now his wife. Still, standing broke in his kitchen one day, he felt proud of himself for the first time. After one humbling night, he told Alan he didn't feel smart enough. Alan asked what if he just wasn't smart enough yet, so Kevin started studying. He says the area where you have the fewest results is usually the one you've studied least. He also keeps video journals so he can look back on hard days and see how far he's come.

Kevin and Alan grew up together, and neither had a dad around. Alan wanted Kevin to succeed with or without him, and Kevin calls that rare. Kevin also started hugging his friends and telling them he loves them, even when some laughed. Today he's married, runs a podcast and coaching business with a full team, and says he's the happiest he's ever been. He tells men to listen for one phrase in their own heads, "I'll feel better when," because it means they're looking outside themselves. Mike Forrester teaches that a man's identity stays separate from the roles and results he chases. Kevin's story shows what happens when a man finally believes it. If you're a dad still telling yourself you'll feel better once the next number hits, this one is for you.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Catch yourself saying "I'll feel better when" and recognize that no paycheck, body, or partner will fix what's inside.
Change your environment, not just your awareness, when you've outgrown where you are.
Study the area of life where you have the fewest results, whether it's money, marriage, or business.
Keep a video or written journal so you can see how far you've come on hard days.
Tell the men in your life that you love them and let them help you.
Find someone safe to talk to when stress turns into panic or dark thoughts.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:00 - when life looks perfect outside but you're insecure inside

00:05:00 - how scarcity and fear can cost you a relationship

00:06:00 - chasing money to fix what you feel inside

00:08:00 - the morning in a hotel room that changed everything

00:11:00 - warning signs you're looking outside yourself for worth

00:14:00 - what a true friend gives you when you're at your lowest

00:19:00 - why men should tell their friends they love them

00:22:00 - feeling proud of yourself with nothing to show for it yet

00:27:00 - why it often gets harder before it gets better

00:32:00 - what to do when you don't feel smart enough yet

00:33:00 - how to figure out what you need to learn next

00:37:00 - how a video journal helps you see your progress

Connect with Kevin Palmieri

Website

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri.90

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://freddiembennett.com/

From Fear to Freedom: Journey to Inner Healing and Redemption with Tarek Chaudhary

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

A man can stay sober for eight years and still relapse when the fear underneath was never healed. My guest Tarek Chaudhary was 11 when he watched a man attack his father with a knife just five feet away. He froze, and he spent years believing that freeze proved he was weak. His father called him a good for nothing bum who would amount to nothing. So Tarek built a version of himself that people would be afraid of. Alcohol and drugs made the scared little boy disappear. At 29, he woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed, six months after his father died in his arms. He got sober and stayed sober for 3,010 days. He became an executive at a Fortune 100 company. On the outside he was a rock, and on the inside he was dying. After his marriage ended, he picked up a drink on a guys’ trip to Oktoberfest. Within two months, he was arrested for the first time. Two more relapses followed, and he lost his time with his two young sons.

Tarek finally gave himself a full year to do nothing but heal. He worked a 12-step program, went to therapy, and leaned on other men. For Tarek, faith became the center of that year. He spent nine months in a cabin in the Connecticut woods. There he learned the difference between isolation and solitude. Isolation tells a man something is wrong with him and nobody can know. Solitude is time alone that teaches him to love himself. He also named the parts of himself he had buried, the scared little boy and the angry 16-year-old. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, he explains how his emotional relapse started four years before he ever picked up a drink. He shares how he swung from his father’s harshness to being too easygoing with his own boys. Now he looks for the middle ground. He says what the people you’ve hurt think of you can’t be the reason you change. All you control is what you do, what you say, and what you think.

The turn came when Tarek admitted he needed help and said he’d do whatever wiser people told him. Mike Forrester often tells men to quit trying to fix themselves by themselves. Tarek’s years of going it alone show why. For the first time, he showed himself kindness in place of rage and shame. Then he kept showing up for his boys without making speeches. When his ex-wife called because their son was headed to the hospital, he left a tattoo chair and drove seven hours. One year to the day after he lost time with his sons, she gave them back. He never asked. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who looks strong to everyone and is quietly falling apart. He wants to be the father he never had, and he’s ready to get help to become him.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize the difference between isolation and solitude, and which one you’re living in right now.
Spot an emotional relapse long before a physical one, when stress and old pain start cracking through.
See why a career built on fear and proving your father wrong can still leave you empty inside.
Understand why rebuilding trust with your kids means showing up without waiting for anyone’s approval.
Learn how to find a middle ground as a dad between repeating your father and overcorrecting.
Name the scared little boy and the angry teenager inside you so they stop running your reactions.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:00 - The difference between isolation and solitude

00:10:00 - How a violent moment at 11 planted fear in a young boy

00:14:00 - How fear drove him to build a tough guy persona

00:20:00 - Getting sober at 29 and burying the pain with work

00:23:00 - What an emotional relapse is and how it starts

00:27:00 - Relapsing after more than eight years sober

00:30:00 - Why believing men don’t need help kept him relapsing

00:36:00 - Hitting surrender and finally asking for help

00:43:00 - How learning you don’t have to earn love changed him as a dad

00:50:00 - Why dads swing between repeating their father and overcorrecting

00:53:00 - How to rebuild trust after you’ve hurt your family

00:57:00 - Showing up for your kids without asking for anything back

Confidence Building: Embracing Your True Self and Daily Habits with Freddie Bennett

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Does it feel like you're constantly battling with self-doubt and struggling to build up your confidence? You may have been told to "just fake it till you make it" in order to appear more confident, but deep down, that only leaves you feeling more insecure and disconnected from your true self. The constant facade of confidence can be exhausting and disheartening, leaving you feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied. As Freddie Bennet will share with us, there is a better way to build genuine confidence and self-acceptance that doesn't require you to pretend to be someone you're not.

Freddie's journey took him from feeling stressed and unfulfilled in a corporate role to now running ultramarathons and empowering others to unlock their potential. His personal experiences and mindset shift highlight the power of taking action today and embodying the change one desires. With a focus on helping people understand that it's never too late to become the person they were meant to be, Freddie's insights and adventures offer a unique perspective on building confidence and fulfillment through daily habits.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Transform your life and find fulfillment through daily habits.
Overcome imposter syndrome to thrive in the corporate world.
Embrace authenticity and discover your true purpose.
Take responsibility for change and achieve self-acceptance.
Build unshakable confidence with simple daily habits.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:09:27 - Embracing Positive "What Ifs"

00:16:34 - Life in the Corporate World

00:28:01 - Coping Mechanisms

00:37:29 - Facing Reality After Tragedy

00:40:30 - Choosing Self-Respect and Self-Discipline

00:43:36 - Embracing Radical Self-Acceptance

00:51:05 - Creating Confidence through Daily Habits

Connect with Freddie Bennett

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-bennett-7440b38/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thefreddiebennett/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.leezunisscoaching.com

The Power of Community: Relationships Transformed My Mental Health with Tyler Wittkofsky

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Tyler Wittkofsky's life today looks full in the best way…an entrepreneur running a nonprofit marketing agency and an indie publishing company, a podcast host and published author, and a guy who sold his house with his wife to travel the country full time in an RV. Getting here was anything but smooth. Tyler's parents divorced when he was five, and the years that followed were unstable and often frightening, with stretches where he and his dad had no place of their own. He grew up carrying an undiagnosed mental illness he didn't have language for yet, and by his late teens he was self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to keep the hardest memories buried. In this conversation with host Mike Forrester, he's honest about all of it, and about how his dad has since done the work to change and become the father Tyler needed.

The turning point came around 2015, on a night Tyler nearly didn't survive. He'd called his best friend Matt and then stopped answering the phone, until an unknown number pulled him back. It was Matt's dad, Mr. Tommy, who asked him one strange, perfect question: "Is your wrench broke?" If the wrench isn't broken, you keep turning. Tyler was still here, so he needed to keep turning. That call sent him into therapy and, finally, a diagnosis and real help. Healing didn't happen overnight, and he's candid that he lived with shame about his mental health for a long time. What began to turn that shame into purpose was writing, especially the novella Not Alone, the book his grandmother encouraged him to write. When readers started telling him they saw themselves in it, Tyler decided to give a voice to people who felt unheard, and mental health advocacy became the thread running through everything he creates.

At its core, this episode is about the people who carried Tyler through and still do. He talks about the grandfather who could always calm him with a simple "slow it down," the mom and stepdad who stayed steady through his worst moments, the brother who's still his best friend and daily phone call, and the friends, in-laws, and neurodiverse team he's built his life around now. The thing he keeps coming back to is that the right community just knows when you're off, and shows up before you have to ask. For any man who isn't there yet, Tyler gets practical: reaching out can start small, like sending someone an article and saying "thought of you," or simply admitting "I'm not doing good today." It starts with forgiving and accepting yourself, learning to tell the relationships that lift you up from the ones that drain you, and knowing that even loving people sometimes need a little distance. If you've been carrying it all alone, this one's a reminder that you were never meant to.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Fears : Discovering Your Authentic Self with Lee Zuniss

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

The things that once filled a man with shame, like a stutter or a chronic illness, can become the source of his greatest strength. My guest Lee Zuniss stuttered from about age six into his thirties. He dreaded school, never raised his hand, and believed his stutter meant he wasn't smart. At 13 he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and started hiding again, slipping into school bathrooms to prick his finger. Only in recent years has he seen what those struggles gave him. His speech therapist taught him to take a breath before speaking. He was practicing mindfulness long before most people knew the word. Checking his blood sugar six to ten times a day taught him to notice what his body was telling him. Mike Forrester relates. He learned at 40 that he and two of his kids are dyslexic, and reading aloud in class once terrified him.

For years, fear kept Lee in the harbor. He worked in his family's business and felt safe, but he had no sense of purpose. He loved acting and discovered he never stuttered when he'd memorized his lines. Even so, the anxiety nearly made it not worth it. He went on stage anyway, step after step, because he didn't want to reach the end of his life with regrets. Over about 20 years of walking into the fire, his confidence grew and the stutter faded. His ex-wife of 12 years served as a mirror. She showed him that other people weren't thinking what he feared they were thinking. Today he leans on a phrase a friend gave him. How can this get even better? It turns a good moment into an opening for more.

Lee's biggest lesson is to stop carrying it alone. When anxiety turned into a heavy, paralyzing depression, he chose a therapist who also has type 1 diabetes. He called trusted people who could listen without trying to fix him. Now, feeling alone with something is his signal to reach out. Mike Forrester teaches that a man should quit trying to fix himself by himself, and Lee lives it. After about 20 years in Brooklyn, he and his wife moved to the Colorado mountains. They share land there with her father and sister. He says nature calms his nervous system every day, and he now coaches men toward the same peace. If you're a father who still hides what shamed you as a kid, this conversation will help you stop carrying it alone.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Take a deep breath before you speak to ground yourself when nerves hit.
Recognize how hiding a stutter, an illness, or a private struggle feeds shame.
Ask "how can this get even better?" to open up more gratitude and possibility.
Step toward the work and passions you love even when anxiety rises, so you don't live with regrets.
Reach out to a therapist or a trusted friend the moment you feel alone with something heavy.
See how a supportive wife can help you stop believing everyone sees you the way you see yourself.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:00 - growing up with a stutter and type 1 diabetes

00:12:00 - how shame makes you hide what you struggle with

00:14:00 - how breath work for stuttering built a lifelong mindfulness practice

00:16:00 - how managing blood sugar taught him to listen to his body

00:20:00 - asking how this can get even better

00:25:00 - how fear keeps you playing it safe as an adult

00:26:00 - why he never stuttered when acting

00:28:00 - living in the harbor when you were built for more

00:31:00 - how a supportive partner helps you let go of shame

00:36:00 - why you shouldn't stay alone with heavy feelings

00:38:00 - choosing a therapist who understands what you're going through

00:44:00 - living so you don't have regrets

Connect with Lee Zuniss

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leezunisscoaching/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/leezunisscoaching/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/lee.zuniss

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://sonstonecoaching.com/

Gaining Victory Over Fear and Addiction Through Faith : Journey of Resilience with Jonathan Field

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Letting go of an old identity, like addict or convict, can be what finally breaks a cycle of shame and relapse. My guest Jonathan Field grew up without his dad around, so he made his older brother Jacob his hero. At 17 he dropped out of high school to follow the Grateful Dead's last tour with him. The brothers made a pact never to use needles. Jacob broke it, and just before he turned 21, he died of an overdose. Jonathan, almost 18, suddenly had to figure out who he was. A year later he inherited money and slid back into drugs while hiding it from his church friends. He lived a double life, hated himself, and says suicide was on the table. He later married, and his first son, named Jacob after his brother, opened a love he'd never felt. He still turned to meth whenever stress hit. When he confessed, his wife met him with judgment, so he started lying. The marriage ended.

Jonathan's first step out was simple and hard. He decided he would never fake it or lie again. He told new people right away that he was an addict, and he told trusted friends the truth, hoping someone had answers. He says hiding keeps a habit in the dark, where it's hard to break free. His turning point came through his faith, when he finally believed he was loved and accepted even at his worst. He stopped running and hiding in shame. Then he learned to separate himself from the old man, the addict and the failure, and to identify with who he truly is. In the first week of a short mentorship, he knew he was done with meth. He threw his cigarettes out the car window too. Mike Forrester teaches that who a man is stays separate from the labels and roles he's carried.

Once the meth was gone, life finally got normal. Jonathan remarried, had four more kids, started a business, bought a house, and led a men's group. Then he was charged with wire and mail fraud, a charge he still disputes. He lost at trial and was sentenced to five years in prison when his youngest son was three months old. He told his kids again and again that they'd miss each other and that the family would be back together. He refused to see himself as a victim and took ownership of how he had run his business. In prison he read books he never would have opened before, and he says his marriage is stronger because of it. He now chooses discomfort on purpose, because that's where growth happens. For the dad hiding a habit from his family and drowning in shame, Jonathan's story offers a way out of hiding.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how hiding a habit from your wife and friends keeps you stuck and why honesty is the first step out.
Separate who you are from old labels like addict, convict, or failure.
Take ownership of how you got where you are without letting shame define you.
Prepare your kids honestly for a hard season so they know the family will get through it.
Choose discomfort on purpose, since that's where you grow.
Keep moving forward after losing a business, a job, or even your freedom.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:47 - overcoming the loss of a brother and an identity crisis

00:15:24 - deciding to stop lying and living a double life

00:17:12 - struggling with meth addiction as a husband and dad

00:18:30 - why vulnerability is the first step to breaking an addiction

00:21:50 - discovering you're loved and accepted even at your worst

00:37:03 - going to prison and preparing your kids

00:47:51 - embracing change and growth through discomfort

00:49:33 - facing trials and adversity by taking ownership

Connect with Jonathan Field

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-field-49ab1a43/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanfield/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJJvX8cHaDYF9Dz0i6LxP0w

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://www.agamdhawanmd.com/

Gamify Your Life: Leveling Up in Personal Development with Dr. Agam Dhawan

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Growing past insecurity works a lot like leveling up a video game character, one small win at a time. My guest Dr. Agam Dhawan is a psychiatrist who uses gaming to help men understand depression and anxiety. He moved to the U.S. as a kid and was bullied for his name. As a five-foot-six, 130-pound teenager, he decided cool guys wouldn't want him as a friend and girls wouldn't want to date him. Every party he wasn't invited to felt like proof. When a classmate did invite him to one, he didn't go. When a girl wrote "prom?" with a heart in his planner, he pretended he never saw it and opened his math homework. He assumed it was a joke. Even after joining a fraternity in college, he felt like an imposter and skipped parties and tailgates for two years. The turning point came his senior year. He moved into the house, became scholarship chair, and stayed up talking with his brothers until 2 or 3 a.m. They had the same insecurities he did.

Agam's tools come straight from his work as a psychiatrist. He borrows from exposure therapy. A man afraid of heights starts by looking out from the first floor, then the second, then the third, long before the 50th. Growth works the same way, like adding 10 or 15 pounds to your bench press rather than 50. The load should feel uncomfortable without crushing you. When the imposter feeling shows up, Agam tells himself it's part of the process. For a man stuck in depression, he says you may be starting underground, so the steps get smaller. Mike and Agam map out what that can look like. Put on your gym shoes Monday, drive to the gym parking lot Tuesday, and watch a video on the bench press Wednesday. Each win feeds a positive feedback loop. Agam also urges men to find a mentor who's ahead of them. He lost years in the gym before a friend taught him that diet mattered.

Agam believes fitness is the first skill a man should build. It teaches delayed gratification, discipline, time management, and saying no to excuses. Social skills come next. Nobody gets far at work or at home without people supporting him. That means reading emotions and staying quiet so others feel safe. He says the most fulfilling thing he does is help guys who remind him of his younger self. Today he practices in New York City, does model photography on the side, and has a full social life. Mike Forrester shares that small steps were how he found his own way forward when he was depressed and withdrawn. He reminds men to aim for progress over perfection. Dads who've watched a son pull away from parties, sports, or girls will find a gentle playbook here. So will the man still carrying that kid inside himself.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Use small exposure steps, the first floor before the 50th, to face a fear without getting overwhelmed.
Recognize how one bad experience after another hardens into a belief that you're not good enough.
Tell yourself the imposter feeling is part of the process and keep going.
Start with fitness to build the discipline and delayed gratification that carry into your career and money.
Build social skills so your wife and kids feel safe and heard when they talk to you.
Find a mentor or program that's ahead of you to cut years off your learning curve.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:07:29 - leveling up in life like a video game character

00:16:00 - overcoming the fear of rejection

00:19:02 - finding confidence by contributing to others

00:21:34 - overcoming the fear of being found out

00:39:03 - building self-confidence through positive feedback loops

00:44:18 - taking small steps when you're facing depression and anxiety

Connect with Dr. Agam Dhawan

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agam-dhawan-md/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/agamdhawanmd/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LevelUpPsych

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://adamcliffordhill.com/

From Fear to Fulfillment: Secrets to Overcoming Uncertainty ft. Adam Hill

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Do you want to break free from the chains of uncertainty and self-doubt, to gain the confidence and clarity needed to pursue your personal goals? Are you tired of feeling stuck and uncertain about your abilities and potential? Adam Hill shares how we achieve unwavering self-belief and unwavering clarity in our lives. This week on the Living Fearless Today Podcast Adam shows us how we can unlock the door to unshakable confidence and crystal-clear direction, allowing you to chase after your dreams and aspirations fearlessly.

Adam found himself constantly worrying about everything. This worry translated into social anxiety and a fear of what others thought of him. However, it wasn't until he saw The Iron Man on television that a spark of inspiration ignited within him. Despite his alcoholism and fear overwhelming him, Adam felt a deep curiosity about what he could achieve. This curiosity planted a seed that would eventually lead him to conquer his fears and pursue his dreams. Through sobriety and finding a supportive community, Adam discovered the power of building relationships with people who have what he wants. He learned to embrace fear, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a sign of danger. Today, Adam is a speaker, podcast host, and successful businessman, motivating others to push past their comfort zones and find hope beyond hopelessness. His story serves as a reminder that overcoming uncertainty and self-doubt is possible for anyone willing to embrace their fears and pursue their passions.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Embrace challenges and conquer your fears for personal growth and achievement.
Unlock success by building relationships with accomplished individuals who can mentor and inspire you.
Discover hope when all seems lost and find the strength to create a brighter future.
Experience the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous and reclaim control of your life.
Overcome uncertainty and self-doubt to pursue your personal goals and dreams confidently.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:06 - Overcoming Fear

00:06:14 - The Power of Male Relationships

00:16:51 - Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

00:38:25 - From Sobriety to Triathlon

00:47:51 - Bringing Mindfulness and Curiosity to Daily Life

00:51:26 - Sustaining Growth and Progress

Connect with Adam Hill

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamchill

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/adam.hill.39982/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@AdamCHill

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://beyondtherut.com/

The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming Challenges and Determination with Jerry Dugan

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Breaking a generational cycle can start the day a boy decides he won't live in the misery he grew up in. My guest Jerry Dugan made that decision at 14. He was an Army kid, and his parents split when he was 11. He and his younger brother then spent months in Germany keeping their father safe through a mental health crisis. His dad's platoon sergeant finally stepped in and got the family help. The boys spent several weeks with a foster family while their father got care. Back in California, Jerry spent three years bullied by his own extended family. Today he's a husband, a dad of two grown kids, and the host of the Beyond the Rut podcast. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, he also talks about leaving his corporate job in October 2022. He left to build his own company.

Jerry's adult life shows what he built in place of that house. He saw that stress at work was taking the energy men want to give their wives and kids. His company, BtR Impact, teaches leaders to treat their teams one degree better. Good people stay, and leaders get to go home on time without guilt. Before he left his job, he sat down with his wife and mapped how far their savings could stretch. They looked at one month, three months, six months, and a full year, and chose six. Ten months in, paid speaking work is coming in and they're on the one year plan. His wife and daughter helped him narrow dozens of business ideas down to one. Three men he'd never met before each gave him the same advice and pointed him to the same book. He's also working with a fitness coach, has lost 10 pounds, and goes rucking with a friend.

The heart of this episode is a family Jerry lived with for only a few weeks. The O'Neill family ate their meals together. Their kids talked out their disagreements, and conflict ended in a timeout and a conversation. Jerry says it was the first time the answer to a problem wasn't more anger or more pain. At 14, he took the $20 he earned mowing a retiree's yard and bought Christmas cards. He wrote his vision for the family on each one and gave them to about 20 relatives. Half cheered him on, and half asked who he thought he was. Years later, his cousin Susie told him she kept that card through her darkest days. It helped her go back to school and become a certified nursing assistant. Mike Forrester teaches that what happened to you isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility. Jerry picked up that responsibility as a teenager. This one is for the man, and especially the dad with kids still at home, who grew up in a house full of anger or silence. It's for the dad who wants to give his kids the kind of home he only got to visit.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how stress at work drains the energy you want to give your wife and kids at home.
See how one healthy family showed an 11-year-old a calmer way to handle conflict.
Name the kind of home you want your kids to grow up in and the patterns you refuse to pass on.
Learn how Jerry and his wife mapped a savings plan together before he left his corporate job.
Understand why sharing your vision for your family can help the people around you change too.
Use small physical steps, like a fitness coach or a weekly walk with a friend, to rebuild your energy in your forties.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:04:05 - leaving corporate life to start a leadership business

00:05:10 - why work stress leaves men no energy for their families

00:12:14 - getting healthier in your forties with a fitness coach

00:14:53 - the end of life regrets that changed how he saw his career

00:18:09 - how three conversations with other men changed his direction

00:20:52 - how to plan a career change with your wife using your savings

00:26:01 - what happens to a boy when his parents divorce at 11

00:32:02 - growing up too fast while caring for a struggling parent

00:36:09 - how one caring adult helped a scared kid ask for help

00:38:00 - what a healthy family looked like to a boy from a hard home

00:46:42 - deciding at 14 to break the family pattern

00:51:10 - how sharing your vision can change someone else's life

Connect with Jerry Dugan

Website

https://linkedin.com/in/jerrydugan

Facebook

https://facebook.com/beyondtherut

YouTube

https://YouTube.com/@beyondtherut

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://beyondtherut.com/

Work-Life Bliss: Secrets to Finding Personal Fulfillment With Jerry Dugan

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0400

Does this sound familiar? You've been told that working longer hours and sacrificing personal time is the only way to succeed in your career and find fulfillment. But deep down, you feel the pain of this draining and ineffective action. It's leaving you exhausted, stressed, and disconnected from the things that truly matter to you. Jerry Dugan shows that it's time to break free from this cycle and discover the keys to achieving work-life balance and personal fulfillment.

Jerry Dugan shares his journey toward achieving work-life balance and personal fulfillment in this episode. He recalls the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of prioritizing his personal pursuits and spending quality time with his family. Hearing the regrets of individuals on their deathbeds, wishing they had focused more on their loved ones and pursued their passions, deeply impacted Jerry. This realization led him to make significant changes in his life, including starting his own company, BTR Impact, which focuses on leadership development through servant leadership. Jerry's ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve a better work-life balance by creating a positive and engaging work environment. By doing so, he believes that people can find fulfillment not only in their professional lives but also in their personal pursuits. Through his own experiences and the lessons he has learned, Jerry inspires others to prioritize what truly matters and live a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover how to transform workplace culture and create a positive environment.
Uncover the power of servant leadership and its impact on organizations.
Unlock the secrets to achieving work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
Learn effective strategies for leadership development and fostering positive environments.
Gain insights into overcoming personal challenges and developing resilience.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:08:02 - Challenges in the Workforce

00:22:00 - Clarity and Streamlining Focus

00:23:43 - The Power of Perspective and Trusted Guidance

00:29:59 - Parents' Separation

00:41:40 - The Impact of Mental Health on Family Dynamics

00:45:11 - A Turning Point and Discovering a Vision

Connect with Jerry Dugan

Website

https://linkedin.com/in/jerrydugan

Facebook

https://facebook.com/beyondtherut

YouTube

https://YouTube.com/@beyondtherut

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

http://www.brucecardenas.com/

The Power of Purpose: Igniting Your Passion and Finding Meaning in Life with Greg Gerber

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Are you feeling lost or lacking purpose in your life? In this episode of the Living Fearless Today podcast, guest Greg Gerber shares his journey of finding purpose and fulfillment after retirement. Greg's story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue passion and find purpose in life. He discusses the importance of intentional parenting, building solid relationships with children, and the impact it can have on their lives. Greg also dives into purpose and identity, emphasizing the need for a sense of purpose, especially after retirement. He provides practical advice on finding purpose at any age and highlights the importance of community and relationships in this process. Additionally, Greg opens up about his personal struggle with pornography addiction and the importance of seeking help and overcoming this destructive habit.

Greg is a passionate advocate for finding purpose and fulfillment in life, especially for those who have experienced significant life changes, such as retirement. With his platform, Forward From 50, Greg empowers individuals over 50 to live their lives with purpose and passion. As the author of two books, 'Restore Joy to Your Life' and 'Pornocide: Why Lust is Killing Your Faith, Stealing Your Joy, and Destroying Your Life', Greg shares valuable insights and practical advice on how to overcome obstacles and discover a renewed sense of purpose. Through his journey and the stories of others, Greg reminds us that finding purpose is not reserved for a select few but can be a transformative experience at any age or situation of life. Get ready as we delve into the insights that Greg brings to bear in helping us navigate the path toward a fulfilling and purposeful life.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment after retirement or a major life change.
Strengthen your relationships and build deeper connections with those you love.
Learn effective parenting strategies and improve communication with your children.
Overcome the challenges of pornography addiction and regain control of your life.
Understand the dangers of pornography and its impact on relationships and well-being.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:39 - Difficult Childhood

00:15:29 - Spending Quality Time with Children

00:18:18 - Making Time a Priority

00:20:11 - Overcoming Parenting Challenges

00:32:43 - Finding Passion and Purpose

00:39:59 - The Impact of Pornography Addiction

Connect with Greg Gerber

Website

http://www.forwardfrom50.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/greggerber99/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/greg.gerber.7

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@forwardfrom50

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

https://LivingFearlessTodayPodcast.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hicoachmike

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hicoachmike/

Coaching Website

https://www.hicoachmike.com/

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@hicoachmike

Mastering the Art of Listening: Building Stronger Personal and Professional Relationships with Bruce Cardenas

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Listening to understand, rather than waiting to talk, can change a man's career, his marriage, and his relationship with his kids. My guest Bruce Cardenas grew up one of five kids in Highbridge, New Jersey. He was a C and D student, and nobody in his family talked to him about college. When he told the local police chief he wanted to be a cop, the chief said he was too immature. He told Bruce to join the Marine Corps first. Bruce did, then moved to California and joined the LAPD. While he waited on his application, he held three jobs. He was the top salesman at a car dealership for eight months straight. He didn't know every spec, so he'd invite customers to go find out together. His first training officer drew him a face with big ears and no mouth. That lesson in listening followed Bruce through police work, his own executive protection business, and years at Quest Nutrition.

Bruce built a career on making himself useful. As a cop, he learned to treat people with dignity and talk them into jail rather than fight them. In executive protection, he lost clients when his hires refused small asks like walking a client's dog. At Quest, he wasn't qualified to work in nutrition, so he brought value with no expectations. Over one holiday break, he built out a studio nobody asked him to build. He flew to events about 40 weekends a year and was on the executive team when Quest sold. He calls it relationship capital. Make more deposits than withdrawals, and people want to help when you finally ask. Mike Forrester teaches that a man is more than the role on his business card. Bruce never let "that's not my job" define him.

Bruce is honest about what self-doubt cost him. After protecting a tech founder for two days, he never followed up, and he believes that silence cost him a lasting client. Once, his business had about $30,000 in the bank against a payroll of more than $60,000. He was too embarrassed to call anyone, so he cashed out his police pension. Today he asks for help freely and tells critics that what they think of him is none of his business. Watching very wealthy clients die by suicide or overdose taught him that money only helps move life along. He also has his two adult kids back after years apart. His son, a two-tour combat vet, lives on his property and works out with him. His daughter, a nurse, lives in his house. Fathers who feel too proud to ask for help, or who missed years with their kids, will hear themselves in Bruce.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Listen to understand what your wife, your kids, or a client is saying before you plan your reply.
Bring value with no expectations and watch how relationships pay you back.
Drop the "that's not my job" mindset that keeps you from growing at work.
Recognize how self-doubt and worry about what others think stop you from following up on opportunities.
Ask for help early when money gets tight, before embarrassment makes the problem bigger.
See how adult kids can come back into your life, even after years apart.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:51 - getting your adult kids back after years apart

00:07:42 - when you're told you're too immature, and the detour that helps you grow

00:09:23 - becoming the top car salesman by building relationships

00:13:50 - why listening is a skill most men never learn

00:22:34 - why a servant mindset opens doors

00:23:24 - breaking out of the "that's not my job" mindset

00:29:15 - how quiet self-doubt costs you the things you want most

00:30:36 - why what people think of you is none of your business

00:33:24 - what watching wealthy men lose everything teaches about money

00:36:47 - what being too embarrassed to ask for help can cost

00:39:12 - why asking for help takes strength

Connect with Bruce Cardenas

Website

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://firewalkadventures.com/

Unlocking Your Potential : Dave Albin’s Journey of Overcoming Fear Through Firewalking

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Fear can quietly become a man's jailer, and the way out often starts with one step he swore he'd never take. My guest Dave Albin knows that jail well. His biological father died by suicide two months before he was born. At five, his aunt and uncle adopted him. At 11, they told him they weren't his parents, and soon both of them started drinking. That same year, Dave took his first drink of brandy from their cabinet. He calls himself an alcoholic from that moment. By his junior year he was out of high school and into hard drugs. Years later, he was addicted to alcohol, cocaine, and heroin and living in the basement away from his stepkids. On June 8, 1988, he wanted the pain to stop. Thinking of those kids is what led him to call Alcoholics Anonymous, and he has been sober since that day.

On the fire lane, a trainer told Dave to keep his eyes up. That one instruction captures much of what he teaches. Don't stare at what you fear. Look to the other side. Dave learned that the first step makes every step after it possible. He also learned to ask a different question: if fear couldn't stop me, what would I try? Fear went from running his life to guiding it. He started a business, left a bad relationship, and went after what he wanted. When the inner voice calls him worthless, he answers it with what he has already done. He tells men to stop negotiating with themselves and to see that every habit is a pattern they can learn to control. In his corporate events, people write on a board what they're moving toward and what they're leaving behind. They add the names of anyone they need to forgive, then break the board and throw it in the fire.

The turn in Dave's story came through other men. A man named Lauren drove him to his first AA meeting. Another man named John called the next morning and took him to breakfast and another meeting. Years later, a total stranger at a Tony Robbins event asked if he'd at least like to watch the fire walk. That question got him in line, and he walked. Dave went on to lead fire walks for Tony Robbins around the world. Mike Forrester lives and teaches that a man can change on his own, but other men make the road shorter. Mike also shares that before he healed, his own anger had no control, and the people around him suffered. Dave's kids walked the fire at six and nine with him at their side. Maybe fear has been making your choices, and your kids are learning to do the same. Dave's story shows a dad how to take the first step where they can see it.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Ask "if I knew I couldn't fail, what would I try?" to see where fear is making your decisions.
Learn to keep your eyes up and take the first step, so the next ones come easier.
Stop negotiating with yourself, and see drinking, overeating, and other habits as patterns you can control.
Spot the voice that calls you worthless before a big moment at work, and answer it with what you've already done.
Use the board break exercise to name what you need to leave behind and who you need to forgive.
Recognize how the way you face fear shows your kids how to face theirs.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:21 - why chasing more never makes you happy

00:11:02 - when fear controls your life and you say no to everything

00:16:53 - finding out at 11 that his parents weren't his parents

00:20:03 - how drinking started at 11 years old

00:23:14 - what led him to call Alcoholics Anonymous

00:33:48 - how one question from a stranger changed his life

00:36:38 - keeping your eyes up and taking the first step through fear

00:50:21 - how to go from forget everything and run to face everything and rise

00:53:20 - how to quiet the voice that says you're worthless

00:55:58 - what his kids learned from walking the fire

00:57:18 - the board break exercise for forgiveness and letting go

01:07:01 - how to stop negotiating with yourself and break your patterns

Connect with Dave Albin

Website

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/firewalkadventures/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcTJfSBSBy4OrkN5f0bfVQ

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://www.facebook.com/david.messano.5/

Unleashing the Power Within: David Messano's Journey of Persistence and Resilience

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

For some men, the gym becomes the one place where nothing else matters, and that place can keep a life on track. My guest David Messano is one of 18 kids. He grew up in a home torn by conflict over his parents' church. He watched his dad treat his mom with disrespect. Fighting was the daily norm. David picked up those same habits, lost friends, and felt invisible. At 14 he rode his bike to a bridge late one night, ready to end his life. Memories of his brothers and sisters flooded back, and he went home. Then he stopped speaking for three months, remembering his dad's warning that what you say becomes reality. His family was alarmed. David says he spent those months learning to love himself. He came out of the silence with better grades and new friends.

Fitness became David's replacement for the vices he picked up as a teen. At 17 he moved in with his sister in Las Vegas and left drinking and weed behind. An older brother told him a bad habit has to be replaced, so he replaced it with lifting. A talk from World's Strongest Man competitor Nick Best, once a skinny kid himself, lit the fire. David added 25 pounds of muscle by senior year, set a school deadlift record, and made the honor roll. Then the setbacks stacked up. After a stretch of college in Los Angeles, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve for discipline. His path to special forces stalled. On his way out, he spent about a week and a half in a psychiatric unit. His mentor dropped him, he lost his place to live, and his friends disappeared. A car rental business he built later crashed too.

What finally worked was asking for help. After following Wes Watson's videos for a year, David reached out. Watson told him he had too much potential to keep fitness to himself. David joined his mentorship and now coaches clients online in fitness, nutrition, and mindset. He lives by a line from that mentorship. Become the man you want to be inside and out, and give that man to the world. He pictures who he wants to become and acts like that man now. When negative thoughts creep in, he stops, breathes, and comes back to the present. Mike Forrester teaches that a man should quit trying to fix himself by himself. David says no one can make this journey alone. Dads, listen with your kids in mind. The arguing they hear at home shapes who they become, and David shows a kid can still find his way.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how the conflict kids hear at home shapes how they treat others, and what you can model instead.
Replace a bad habit with a healthy one, like training, so the old pattern has nowhere to land.
Learn how to keep going when setbacks stack up, from a lost job to a lost place to live.
See why a mentor who already has what you want can speed up your growth.
Picture the man you want to become and start acting like him today.
Use a pause and a few deep breaths to stop a negative thought before it takes over.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:16 - why CrossFit teaches lessons about life's setbacks

00:04:33 - how fitness gave a struggling teen a reason to keep going

00:10:53 - growing up in a home full of conflict

00:18:10 - how three months of silence helped him learn to love himself

00:21:20 - changing your perspective when your environment stays the same

00:22:40 - replacing bad habits with healthy ones

00:29:29 - feeling lost after high school graduation

00:31:17 - joining the Marines to build discipline

00:35:36 - when everything falls apart at once

00:38:49 - finding the right mentor

00:41:12 - the hero's journey and why you can't do it alone

00:44:40 - how to start becoming the man you want to be now

Connect with David Messano

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/david_messano1of18/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://unleashthyself.com/

Embracing Growth: Overcoming Depression and Discovering Purpose with Constantin Morun

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Having the job, the house, and the car can still leave a man empty until he finds his why. My guest Constantin Morun grew up in communist Romania, where a mistake was something to hide and be ashamed of. He learned to beat himself up the same way his teachers did. Years later in Canada, he had what he calls the American dream. He had a role at Microsoft, a partner, two dogs, and a family he loves. Coming out of the pandemic, he was burned out and losing whole weekends to gaming or binge-watching. A mental health retreat in Ecuador opened his eyes, and he came home ready to change the world. Then reality set in. Nobody around him had changed, and he slid into a depression where, for the first time, he felt truly defeated. He pulled away from friends and family because he didn't want to look broken. Nothing he owned brought him joy, and he couldn't name his purpose.

Constantin's work started with noticing how he talked to himself. Once he caught thoughts like "I'm stupid" or "I'm such a procrastinator," he looked for proof they were wrong. He found plenty. For any change, he follows three steps of awareness, a real desire to change, and a written plan to act on. To find his why, he wrote down what brought him joy as a boy, a teenager, and in his twenties and thirties. The common thread was serving others by sharing what he learned. He also reversed his withdrawal and reached back out to family and friends. When someone met his struggle by one-upping or downplaying it, he set a boundary and moved on. Today he keeps his vision in a document he reviews every week or two. He celebrates how far he's come and practices gratitude every day.

The deepest shift was letting go of the need to be liked by everyone. Constantin stopped hiding his real self at work and started showing up with more compassion and empathy. His relationships improved at work and at home. He also stopped trying to fix the people around him and focused on changing himself. He doesn't blame his parents, who taught what they knew. Mike shares that he was once a chameleon, chasing the approval of the most powerful person in the room. He also passed his belief that failing makes you a failure down to his kids. Mike Forrester teaches that what a man inherited isn't his fault, but breaking it is his responsibility. That's what kept him doing the work when it was hard. Fathers who've handed their kids the same fear of failure they grew up with will find a way to stop it here.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Catch the harsh things you say to yourself and look for proof they aren't true.
Use three steps, awareness, desire, and a written plan, to turn what you learn into action.
Map what brought you joy at each stage of life to find your why.
Reach back out to friends and family when you want to withdraw, and set boundaries with people who make it worse.
Show up as your real self at work and at home to build stronger relationships.
See how working on yourself changes what your kids learn about risk and failure.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:06:57 - when the American dream still leaves you empty

00:11:09 - the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset

00:15:06 - how to stop beating yourself up after a mistake

00:19:30 - why men withdraw when they're struggling and how to reach back out

00:22:17 - setting boundaries with people who downplay your struggles

00:28:01 - how to turn what you learn into action

00:33:43 - finding meaning and purpose in a job that doesn't fulfill you

00:37:33 - how to find your why when you've never known it

00:40:29 - why changing yourself changes everyone around you

00:42:54 - how your growth changes your kids and future generations

00:51:45 - stretching past the limits you set for yourself

00:55:45 - keeping your vision alive with celebration and gratitude

Connect with Constantin Morun

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantin-bo-morun/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/unleashthyselftoday/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daimanuel/

Transform Your Life: Embracing Change and Personal Growth with Dai Manuel

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

If you're feeling trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and uncertainty, constantly second-guessing your decisions and unable to move forward, then you are not alone! Despite your best efforts to break free, your actions may be driven by fear of failure, leading to a lack of progress and missed opportunities for growth. It's time to confront this pain head-on and seek the self-awareness and motivation needed to make positive changes in your life.

In this episode of the Living Fearless Today podcast, you'll hear an inspiring conversation with guest Dai Manuel. Dai shares his personal journey of transformation and growth, highlighting the importance of celebrating milestones and releasing both physical and emotional weight. He discusses the power of intentional change, documenting progress, and the role of mindset in personal transformation.

Dai's insights and empathetic approach will motivate you to take action and make positive changes in your own life. Whether you're looking to improve your health, relationships, or overall well-being, this episode offers insights and practical tips you can apply to elevate your personal growth.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the secrets to personal transformation and growth, unlocking your full potential and achieving your dreams.
Overcome the challenges of obesity and mental hurdles, finding the motivation and inner strength to create a healthier, happier life.
Learn how to seamlessly blend your personal and professional life, finding balance and fulfillment in both areas.
Develop a positive mindset and embrace positive change, empowering yourself to overcome obstacles and create a life filled with joy and success.
Improve your self-perception and celebrate your milestones, learning to love and appreciate yourself as you reach new heights of personal achievement.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:09:08 - Blending Family and Professional Life

00:18:26 - A Turning Point and Desire for Change

00:23:20 - Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Small Victories

00:34:18 - The Challenge of Changing Self-Perception

00:42:51 - The Wake-Up Call

00:46:42 - Going All In

Connect with Dai Manuel

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/daimanuel

Website

http://www.daimanuel.com/

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

http://instagram.com/nycfoodways

Why Running From Yourself Never Works with Jon Katz

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

A man can travel the whole world and still never get away from himself, because the chaos he's running from is the chaos he carries with him, and Jon Katz learned that the hard way. For years he worked farms in New Zealand, Spain, and France, trading his labor for room and board, went to Burning Man twice, and stacked up the kind of experiences most men think would set them free. Underneath it all was a chaotic childhood home he'd absorbed and never dealt with, and a pattern of showing up absent in every relationship he was in. A friend in AA later gave him the name for what he'd been doing all those years, a geographic. Then he came back to New York City, took the lowest rung job in local food in a windowless warehouse, and settled into a 350 square foot fifth floor walkup on the Lower East Side, where he woke up every morning, looked in the mirror, and said "I hate you." He was seriously thinking about ending his life. What pulled him back was picturing the people who'd be harmed if he did, and realizing that living only for himself was exactly what had driven him to the edge.

Jon tells Mike Forrester the first step wasn't a program or a workout, it was honesty. He had to accept that he was the cause of every one of his problems, that nobody was coming to save him, and that as long as he could blame someone else, healing was impossible. From there he found a coach who'd been through his own darkness and followed the blueprint. He explains why he was a negativity addict, so attached to the persona of the broken, angry, resentful man that stripping it away left a void he had to fill on purpose. He calls the fix habitual construction. Your new life is going to cost you your old life, so sleeping in became a 4 AM wake up, drugs and alcohol became daily training, and a man who couldn't do a single pull-up at nearly 200 pounds built a body he could respect. On setbacks, he's blunt. Progress is never linear, failure is the down payment on success, and perfectionism is just a way of quitting with a good excuse. When anything goes sideways, he laughs at it with the mantra "well, I guess I'm obese now" and keeps going.

The real test came when he left incense burning and lost everything he owned in an apartment fire, the same apartment where he'd gotten healthy. He woke up at 2:45 the next morning in a Brooklyn hotel, did burpees, and hauled his soaked belongings out of a taped up fifth floor in the summer heat, because his mind had been trained to meet every situation with the same steadiness. He moved in with his parents, coached them through pain they'd carried for sixty years, and was there to take care of both of them when they got sick. When a promotion made his life more comfortable, he signed up for Muay Thai and got his butt kicked daily, because you only lose in your winning season. If you've kept yourself busy, moving, and distracted so you never have to sit still with what's underneath, and you've started to suspect that the common denominator in every mess is you, Jon's story is where that suspicion turns into something you can build on. You can find him on Instagram at nycfoodways, where he posts daily on fitness, mindset, and food.

"The man who was present, physically present, not moving, will be able to come to terms with himself and his past. It was only when I stopped fleeing, physically fleeing, that I was able to heal and transform my life." - Jon Katz

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize why constant travel, new experiences, and staying busy can be the same thing as running from yourself, and why the pain rides along wherever you go
Understand how a chaotic childhood home and the first relationship you ever watched can quietly shape you into an absent, validation-seeking partner
See why healing can't start until you stop blaming anyone else, and what changed for Jon the day he accepted that nobody was coming to save him
Learn how habitual construction works, and why stripping out the drinking, drugs, and sleeping in leaves a void you have to fill on purpose
Walk through Jon's way of handling setbacks, from "failure is the down payment on success" to the mantra he uses to laugh at perfectionism
See how an apartment fire that took everything became the proof that a trained mind can hold up under any pressure

The Key Moments In This Episode Are:

00:01:14 - From a windowless warehouse job to three income streams in three years

00:07:52 - How a man's worth gets externally defined, and why that makes him a servant to it

00:10:32 - How a chaotic childhood home turns into internal chaos and absent relationships

00:12:46 - Doing a geographic, and why wherever you go, there you are

00:15:17 - Contemplating suicide and waking up hating the man in the mirror

00:16:50 - The moment he decided to live for others, and the coach who gave him a blueprint

00:18:46 - Nobody is coming to save you, and why blame makes healing impossible

00:22:18 - Habitual construction, and why your new life will cost you your old life

00:25:45 - Progress is never linear, and failure is the down payment on success

00:29:13 - Why every loss is a bonus to a strong mind, and the Muay Thai test he set himself

00:32:11 - Losing everything in an apartment fire and getting up at 2:45 AM anyway

Connect with Jon Katz

Instagram

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Facebook

Coaching Website

Youtube

https://www.breakingbondagefromaddiction.com/

Break Free from Addiction: Journey of Forgiveness and Redemption – Doug Sweeney

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

For a lot of men, drinking was never really the problem. It was the way they numbed a wound they were handed as a boy. Doug Sweeney learned that the hard way. He grew up under a father who was never calm and never happy, a man who demeaned and ridiculed him until Doug believed, before he'd even reached junior high, that something was just wrong with him. He took his first drink alone at twelve or thirteen, and for the first time the worthlessness went quiet. He swore he'd never be mean and angry like his dad, and he wasn't, but the drinking took over anyway. Years of DUIs, jail, and serious wrecks followed, until one crash took the life of the man riding in his car, a father with a nine-year-old son, and it sent Doug to prison for something he still has no memory of doing.

What finally broke the addiction wasn't willpower, and Doug's candid about that. He walks host Mike Forrester through the bottom he hit and the letter that reached him in a county jail cell, written by the mother of the man who died, telling him she'd stood at his hospital bedside praying for his survival. That was the moment he believed he could be forgiven. Everything he teaches now grows out of it, and it comes down to two things he says every man in this fight has to face. First, naming the bondage underneath the substance, the worthlessness or fear the drinking was only ever medicating. Second, forgiveness, both receiving it and extending it, even to a father who met his with "forgive me for what." It's the same ground he now walks other men through in the ministry he built, Breaking Bondage from Addiction, out of the faith that finally worked for him after every other attempt had failed.

Forgiveness is where the whole thing turned, and Doug is clear it was for him, not for his father. He calls unforgiveness pure captivity, and setting it down is what freed him, whether or not his dad ever understood. He still catches himself sliding back into the old self-condemnation, but he refuses to camp there. He jumps out of it, he says, like quicksand. Maybe you've been medicating a pain you've never put a name to. Maybe you've written yourself off as the one man too far gone to forgive. Maybe you're still carrying years of anger at a father who will never say he's sorry. Doug's been all three, and he made it out.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Recognize addiction for what it often is, not the real problem but the way a man numbs a wound he's carried since boyhood
See how a father's constant criticism can convince a boy he's worthless long before he ever picks up a drink
Understand why getting free starts with naming the bondage underneath the substance, not just quitting the substance
Walk through the two things Doug says every man in this fight has to face, naming the wound and choosing forgiveness
Learn why forgiving a father who never says sorry is something you do for your own freedom, not his
See how a man keeps the old self-condemnation from taking root, catching it and letting it go instead of staying down

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:13 - Building a faith-based recovery ministry for men after addiction

00:02:34 - Late forties, never married, and determined to do it right this time

00:04:45 - From an abusive childhood and a first drink to a fatal crash and prison

00:27:52 - Forgiving a father whose only reply was "forgive me for what"

00:30:00 - Why the person who hurt you is often medicating their own pain

00:32:00 - Living in self-destruction when you don't believe you have any worth

00:35:03 - What changes when a man finally believes he's valuable and forgivable

00:36:11 - Why he still fights self-condemnation, and how he refuses to stay down

00:39:33 - Catching the old patterns and choosing the new man instead

00:41:31 - Getting out of the low fast, like jumping out of quicksand

00:49:08 - The two principles behind breaking bondage from addiction

Whether your anger blows up in the kitchen or burns quietly on the drive home, it's running a pattern you inherited. Take the free quiz at whatsbehindyouranger.com and see which one you're carrying.

Your kids are inheriting more than your money, right now they're inheriting your patterns. Grab the free audit at yourlegacyaudit.com to see what you're passing down to them.

Connect with Doug Sweeney

Website

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/john.katsavos.39

Improve Your Mental Health Through Everyday Habits with John Katsavos

Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Small daily wins can help a man climb out of depression, even when the first win is just a shower. My guest John Katsavos started karate at eight and earned a second-degree brown belt by 12. Heading into junior high, his dad told him to keep his skills quiet or he'd be fighting the whole school. A classmate bullied him for months while his grandmother, who was like a second mother, was dying of lung cancer. When John finally broke down in tears, he decided he was weak. He built a hard shell and let only his mom, dad, and sister inside. In his twenties, he was a security shift supervisor making good money and driving a $40,000 car. Then two guards he supervised walked into a tenant's suite on Christmas Eve, and the company made an example of him. He lost the job, his credit, and his schooling and moved back to his parents' basement. For months he barely left his room and told himself he was useless. He walked to a bridge ready to end his life. He turned back when he pictured what his death would do to his family.

His way back started almost too small to notice. When everyone left the house, he covered the bathroom mirror with a towel so he could wash his face without facing himself. Every other day he walked around the block for fresh air. Months passed before he started applying for jobs, and about a year before he landed one. He got back in the gym. When a dark thought returned one night at work, he went back to martial arts the very next day. John says the seeds can stay even after you feel better, so he stays mindful. Today his morning routine takes about an hour before he turns on his phone. It includes self-care, meditation, reading, morning pages, burpees, pushups, and squats. His advice for a struggling man is simpler. Pick one thing, even washing your face with cold water, and do it every day for three months.

John is honest that hard days still come. Going into this conversation, money was tight and bills were piling up. He knows how to ride those waves because he's done it before. Long before his lowest point, he found his love for the gym. In 10th grade, he was a 100-pound kid riding the bench on the junior football team. He trained every day that summer, came back stronger and faster, and found a confidence he'd never had. That passion later became a career in personal training and his podcast, The Fitness Oracle. Mike Forrester shares that his own morning routine builds trust in himself, proof that he'll get up and do what he said. John's rule is to get the wins early so you can win the rest of the day. If you're a dad who lost the job and can't find your footing, start with one small win tomorrow morning.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Start with one small daily win, like a shower or a walk around the block, to start climbing out of depression.
Pick one habit and do it every day for three months until it becomes part of you.
Build a morning routine that gets your wins in before your phone, your job, and your kids need you.
Recognize that breaking down before a hard moment is a normal human response.
Stay mindful after a hard season, since old patterns can return even when life looks good.
See how losing a job can shake your identity and how small steps help you show up again for your wife and kids.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:50 - what a man's "nothing box" is and how it brings clarity

00:04:33 - getting through financial stress when the bills pile up

00:06:40 - hiding your strength to avoid a fight

00:14:40 - grieving a grandmother who was like a second mother

00:16:30 - how a summer in the gym built a teenager's confidence

00:21:41 - why trust is hard after you've been hurt

00:23:29 - losing a good job and sliding into depression

00:30:53 - small steps that help you climb out of a dark place

00:34:06 - why old patterns can return after you start to heal

00:36:30 - turning what you love into a career

00:40:32 - how a simple morning routine builds momentum

00:44:43 - why you should stick with one habit for three months

Connect with John Katsavos

Facebook

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-katsavos/

Connect with Mike Forrester

https://thefamilyflywheel.com/

Secrets to Financial Stability and Building Strong Families with Aaron Shelley

Tue, 16 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Financial setbacks hit a man hardest when he carries them alone, and the way through often starts with other men in his corner. My guest Aaron Shelley finished his MBA with a path to Intel open to him. Instead, he and his wife bought a house with a studio out back to grow the dance school they ran. The city said he couldn't run a business behind his house, so he paid to get an ordinance passed. Then he spent 18 of the next 36 months unemployed, with two kids and a pregnant wife. He kept a spreadsheet called How to Die Financially that tracked when the money would run out. Some relatives told his wife she should leave him. Years later, a spec home deal collapsed in the 2008 crash and cost him about a quarter million dollars, plus lawyers. Then came an IRS audit, and his mind ran straight to prison and losing the house. Each time, he felt he was the problem and that his wife deserved better.

Aaron came out of those years with a different way to measure a return. He and his wife paid off about $350,000 in debt over six or seven years. A financial planner might have kept the low-interest loans. Aaron chose peace of mind, and it brought him and his wife closer. After the audit, he handed his taxes to an accountant friend. Doing them himself wasn't worth the stress on his family. His top priority is being a good father, and he's seen how his own stress spills onto his kids. He also never makes a big decision without his wife, even when she offered to let him handle all the money. He calls it super investing when one activity pays off in more than one area. Skiing became a family sport, so his own downtime built relationships too.

The biggest shift was social. Aaron says he hid during his unemployment because he felt ashamed and worthless. Looking back, he wishes he had reached out, served others, and built friendships with other men. When the trees in his yard needed to come down, he passed on a $4,000 arborist bid. He started the job with his kids and his brother. Soon 11 or 12 men showed up with their sons and chainsaws. One of those men later recruited him to the job that changed his finances. His dad also helped through every crisis by sharing mistakes of his own. Mike Forrester teaches that a man should quit trying to fix himself by himself, and Aaron learned it the expensive way. Any dad who has run the numbers on his own failure, alone at night, needs to hear how Aaron got through.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how isolation makes money stress feel bigger and why reaching out to other men can shorten the hard season.
Learn why paying off debt for peace of mind can be worth more to your family than the math says.
Make big financial decisions together with your wife so you face setbacks as a team.
Spot how stress about work and money spills onto your kids, even when they don't know why.
Use super investing, bringing your kids into the things you love, to build relationships and recharge at the same time.
See how inviting friends into a big project can save money and build lasting community.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:30 - choosing to build a business over a corporate job

00:06:34 - getting through unemployment when you feel like you've failed your family

00:09:11 - why isolation makes hard times worse for men

00:11:11 - losing a quarter million dollars in the 2008 crash

00:15:33 - why being a good dad comes before chasing money

00:18:17 - making big money decisions together with your wife

00:20:29 - why dads need to stay involved in their kids' lives

00:23:39 - getting through an IRS audit without spiraling

00:25:33 - why every man needs a circle of guy friends

00:31:44 - investing in your social connections like a business

00:35:39 - how moving and busy careers can leave a family isolated

00:37:50 - super investing by sharing what you love with your kids

Connect with Aaron Shelley

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/aaron.k.shelley

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronshelley/

Connect with Mike Forrester

https://truemanlifecoaching.com/

Finding the Courage to Ask for Help and Overcome Challenges with Mike Van Pelt

Tue, 09 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

As men, we've been told that asking for help is a sign of weakness, so we then find ourselves walking a silent and lonely path through life. But what if reaching out to others could be the key to unlocking our true potential? Mike Van Pelt shares his insights on the importance of men supporting each other and the transformative power of asking for help. He discusses how faith shaped his journey, how he overcame the fear of asking for help and the impact it's had on his life both personally and professionally. Mike also shared about learning to let go, slow down, and truly connect with the people and events around him. We explored the risks and rewards of reaching out for help and how to embrace unexpected changes that life throws our way. Join us and learn from Mike Van Pelt's story as we uncover how to grow into better men, fathers, and husbands by simply being authentic and unafraid to ask for help.

Chapters:

(0:13:51) - Navigating Life Transitions and Changes

(0:19:02) - The Power of Asking for Help

(0:24:25) - Self-Care and Seeking Assistance

(0:30:23) - Letting Go and Slowing Down

(0:40:00) - Being Authentic

Connect with Mike Van Pelt

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/CoachMikeVanPelt/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/truemancoaching/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevanpelt/

Connect with Mike Forrester

https://www.faheyconsulting.org/

Transform Your Life Through Self Improvement and Living Your Values with Ryan Fahey

Tue, 02 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

One keystone habit, like a hard daily workout, can set the direction of a man's whole day. My guest Ryan Fahey learned that at 12, when chronic migraines kept hitting wave after wave. He was heavier and inactive then, spending a lot of time on video games in a small Nova Scotia town. Through a local university study, he journaled what he ate, what he did, and how he slept for two months. The pattern was clear. On the days he was physically active, the migraines rarely came. Ryan decided he wouldn't live as a victim of those headaches and chose to move every day. That choice became part of his identity. He still journals and calls it a kind of therapy for whatever he's working through. In his twenties, he ran a fitness business out of a silver Hyundai hatchback. He packed a sledgehammer, bands, and a subwoofer. Every Wednesday he drove to a field in his hometown and trained whoever showed up.

Ryan's first term of university tested him hard. He was failing most of his courses, and he failed his first paper. He had already sold his Xbox to pay for an extra course. After a run on the track one fall night, he refused to accept the story that he wasn't good enough. He calls it burning the boats, with no retreat. He was up at 5 a.m. to work out. Then came the library, a tutor, extra help sessions, and the writing center. Whenever motivation dipped, he got a workout in first. He later learned from James Clear's Atomic Habits that this was his keystone habit. He also battled exam anxiety, sometimes doing pushups outside the exam room. He walked in believing no one would outwork him. By his third year he was on the Dean's list.

That failed paper didn't end his love of writing. Ryan started a blog with almost no readers and kept writing two or three posts a month for about three years. That led to magazine features, freelance work, and three published books, including Your Best Decade. Imposter syndrome showed up each time, and he published anyway. He also learned to be careful about who has his ear, because too many outside opinions pulled one book off course. In his coaching, he meets people at the edge of their comfort zone and builds from there. Sometimes the first goal is simply walking into the gym and walking back out. He helps people name their top three to five values and live by them each day. Mike Forrester shares that he grew up believing a failure would make him a failure. He wanted every step mapped out before trying anything. Ryan shows another way. Dads who've let one failure tell them who they are will find a different story here, built one step at a time.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Track what you eat, how you sleep, and how you move to find the habits that help you feel your best.
Build one keystone habit, like a daily workout, that sets up the rest of your day.
Learn how to recover from a failure that seems to define you and turn it into a strength.
Stretch your comfort zone with one small, doable step at a time.
Name your top three to five values so decisions about family, health, and money get clearer.
Choose carefully whose advice you let shape your work, your marriage, and your life as a dad.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:00 - how journaling helped him find what triggered his migraines

00:07:00 - deciding not to live as a victim of your circumstances

00:11:00 - starting a business out of the back of his car

00:16:00 - failing his first term and his first university paper

00:17:00 - the night he decided he was good enough to succeed

00:20:00 - burning the boats and building keystone habits

00:22:00 - how exercise helps your focus, energy, and sleep

00:24:00 - how he handled exam anxiety

00:28:00 - turning a weakness into a strength as a writer

00:35:00 - why you need to be careful whose advice you take

00:38:00 - how to stretch your comfort zone one step at a time

00:40:00 - why knowing your values gives your life direction

Connect with Ryan Fahey

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/wellnessrf

Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/Wellnessrf88

Connect with Mike Forrester

https://www.thehappyengineerpodcast.com/

197 - Zach White : The Risky Business Of Staying In Your Comfort Zone

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Burnout can build for years behind a career that checks every box, especially for a man who thinks his way around hard feelings. My guest Zach White grew up hearing that school was his job. He was valedictorian and won so many class awards that classmates nicknamed the event the Zach-ademic awards night. In seventh grade his parents divorced, and his father disappeared from his life. His baseball coach became the closest thing he had to a dad. Whenever Zach didn't know how to handle something, like dating, he retreated to what he was good at and studied harder. He built an identity around always having the answers, and his biggest fear was being found out. He graduated from Purdue, married his college sweetheart, and joined Whirlpool's engineering leadership program. Then the recession brought deep layoffs. Zach kept his job and took on more work with fewer people, afraid to say no. About five or six years in, he crashed into burnout and depression.

Zach traces much of it to one habit. When he and his wife argued, he'd leave the room and turn the pain into a project. He'd buy Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, make an action plan, and tell himself the marriage was handled. The feeling faded, and nothing got fixed. Now he leans on three things when pressure stacks up. First are courageous conversations, the 10-minute uncomfortable talks his coach says stand between him and his next level. Second are his commandments, a few non-negotiables in each area of life. One of his is at least 15 minutes of exercise every day, no matter the deadline. He keeps them small enough to fit into any week. Third, he draws smaller circles and works only on what's right in front of him. He believes how you do anything is how you do everything.

The turning point came when Zach hired a coach. He realized most of his mind was working to keep him safe and comfortable. Everything he wanted sat outside that comfort zone. He decided to give up the straight-A image and accept failure, because failure teaches more than success. He also names the lone wolf ego many engineers carry, waiting until rock bottom to ask for help. Mike shares that he never set out to have his marriage on the rocks or to be distant from his kids either. Mike Forrester lives and teaches that a man should quit trying to fix himself by himself. Zach's change started the day he stopped going it alone. Today he coaches engineering leaders to build the careers they want inside the lives they want. If you're a husband and father carrying work stress home and calling it handled, Zach's story is worth your hour.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize when you're turning marriage problems into a project so you can avoid facing them.
Use 10-minute courageous conversations with your boss, your wife, and your kids to move through stress faster.
Set a few small non-negotiables, like 15 minutes of daily exercise, that hold even in your busiest weeks.
Draw smaller circles so overwhelm at work doesn't spill into everything at home.
Spot how surviving a layoff can burn you out when you're afraid to say no.
See why failure teaches more than success and how stepping out of your comfort zone changes every area of life.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:20 - helping engineers build careers without sacrificing family and health

00:05:46 - growing up after your father disappears from your life

00:09:24 - how a missing father shows up when you leave home

00:11:18 - avoiding what scares you by burying yourself in work

00:13:56 - how a fixed mindset and the need to look smart hold you back

00:16:50 - when checking every box leads to burnout and depression

00:20:39 - why intellectualizing marriage problems doesn't fix them

00:24:53 - the hidden burnout of surviving a layoff

00:30:17 - how work stress spills into your home life

00:32:19 - three tools for handling pressure at work and home

00:39:52 - why getting out of your comfort zone changes everything

00:42:20 - why waiting until rock bottom to ask for help costs you

Connect with Zack White

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/thehappyengineerpodcast/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thehappyengineerpodcast/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thezachwhite/

Connect with Mike Forrester

https://www.bigboldbrave.us/

194 - Clint Hatton : From Struggling to Soaring - How to Live Courageously

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Breaking a generational cycle starts when a man asks why the switch flips in him, then traces it back to his father. My guest Clint Hatton was 11 when his dad took him on a car ride and told him about an affair. His dad moved out, and his mom spiraled into heavy drinking and crisis. Clint carried all of it at home alone. By 12 and 13, he was using drugs and alcohol to drown out the pain. Football held him together until a second knee injury ended it at 19. He went into the car business, made a good living, and spent years using meth on weekends. At 30, he woke up disgusted with himself and quit cold turkey. The harder work came after that. In relationships, any talk of cheating turned him angry and abusive. It took him until his thirties to see where that came from.

The way out came through the people he chose to stand next to. Clint grew up in a house where the answer to pain was to rub dirt on it. Two mentors in a health and wellness business started telling him he could be more than he’d shown so far. Nobody had spoken those things into him before. In this conversation with Mike Forrester, Clint lays out three things he believes about every man: courage, creative genius, and compassion. He describes a NASA study where creative genius dropped from 98 percent of young kids to about 2 percent of adults. He gives two simple ways to wake it back up, mind mapping and journaling. Then he hands over the exercises he uses in coaching. Write out the man you want to be. Write your own eulogy. Ask three to five people you trust what gifts they see in you. The thing you think is ordinary may look extraordinary to them, and that can change how you see your work.

Then Clint walks through the hardest day a father can face. In 2019, his son Gabriel, a licensed pilot at 17, died in a small plane crash in bad weather. The next morning, Clint sat his two younger boys on the couch and gave them a choice. They could live with a life mentality or a death mentality. The family chose to honor how Gabriel lived. Big, bold, and brave became their mantra. Clint also refused to grieve behind closed doors to look strong for his sons. He cried in front of them and told them every feeling was okay to process and move through. He shares the day he drifted away from a family party to feel his grief, then chose joy and rejoined everyone. This one is for the dad with kids still at home who was taught to stuff it down. He wants his kids to see a man who can feel deeply and still lead them through anything.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

Recognize how anger that flips on one specific topic can trace straight back to what your father did.
Understand why quitting hard drugs was only the first step, and why the patterns underneath still needed work.
Learn how the right mentors at work can change how you see your gifts, your career, and your future.
Use three coaching exercises: write who you want to be, write your own eulogy, and ask trusted people what gifts they see in you.
Try mind mapping and journaling to wake up the creative thinking that hard years and your upbringing buried.
Walk through how to grieve openly in front of your kids, then help them move into the next emotion with you.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:05:28 - How a father’s affair changes the way a young boy copes

00:12:36 - The morning he decided to quit meth cold turkey at 30

00:14:28 - Carrying resentment toward a dad who cheated

00:18:24 - Why anger flips on when one topic comes up

00:21:27 - Growing up with “rub dirt on it” and finding mentors who believed in him

00:26:49 - What to tell a 30 year old man who thinks he can’t change

00:31:44 - What buries creativity and how mind mapping and journaling bring it back

00:37:20 - How to write out the man you want to be and your own eulogy

00:41:48 - Losing a son and choosing a life mentality as a family

00:54:37 - How a dad leads his family through grief without hiding his emotions

01:00:47 - How to feel your grief and then choose joy

01:05:41 - Overcoming fear and living big, bold, and brave

Connect with Clint Hatton

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/clint.hatton.5/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/clint.hatton/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinthatton

Connect with Mike Forrester

Podcast Website

Coaching Website

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

http://www.docerelifecenter.com/

191 – Dr Craig Farney : Bridging the Communication Gap in Our Relationships

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this second of two episodes with Dr. Craig Farney, we dive deeper into communication in our relationships. We explore how to ensure that what we say is what our spouse, family, co-workers or friends hear. We discuss managing expectations, ways to avoid taking things personally, as well as the complexities of mindset and the concept of awareness. Dr. Farney shares his insights on self-discovery and meditation. Join us to learn how to bridge the gap between what we say and what is heard, improve understanding and ultimately foster healthier relationships.

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Navigating Expectations and Communication

(0:07:09) - Avoid Taking Things Personally

(0:20:21) - Navigating Change in Relationships

(0:26:57) - Parent, Child, and Mediator in Our Mindset

(0:36:49) - Exploring the Concept of Awareness

Connect with Dr. Craig Farney

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/DrCraigFarney

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/drcraigfarney/

Connect with Mike Forrester

http://www.docerelifecenter.com/

188 – Dr. Craig Farney : Unlocking Wellness Through Mindset, Energy, and Self-Reflection

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Saying "I feel poor" in place of "I am poor" can be a first step out of money shame and financial stress. My guest Dr. Craig Farney grew up one of six kids born in seven years, in a household a little below the middle financially. On a group trip as a boy, he ran out of money before a final dinner out. He felt embarrassed, ashamed, and poor, and that moment shaped how he saw himself. Even after he took over a practice and had more than enough, he never felt secure. He held money tightly to brace for what he feared most. Craig is honest that the pattern still shows up. Going into this conversation, new challenges had him feeling anxious, frustrated, and overwhelmed. He has also lived with depression and with anxiety so severe it once left him bedridden with vertigo for a week. Mike shares that money struggles early in his own marriage shaped how he saw his worth too.

When a hard feeling hits, Craig asks himself three questions. What do I feel? He narrows it to fear, sadness, or anger. Where do I feel it, in my head, my chest, or my gut? Then comes the most important one. Why do I feel it? Most of the time, he says, the feeling traces back to an old belief that he isn't good enough. He also watches his words closely. "I am" statements become identity, so he says he feels tired rather than saying he is tired. He swaps should, need to, and have to for could and working on. When he catches himself rehearsing an imaginary argument, he stops it. After a blowup, he replays the moment and pulls it apart. Paying a bill late, he says, just means you paid a bill late.

Craig's biggest shift was learning to let a feeling move all the way through him. He says men live in their heads to avoid what they feel. The buried emotion builds until something small sets off a big explosion. Now he sits with what he feels and then chooses his response. That pause helps him be the husband and father he wants to be. He believes many of our deepest beliefs were imprinted early, some passed down through families, and they surface only under pressure. That's why he's learning to be grateful for hard seasons. Mike Forrester teaches that an inherited belief isn't a man's fault, and transforming it is his responsibility. Married more than 30 years with four grown kids, Craig is still doing that work. Dads who blow up over small things at home, or lie awake worried about money, will find practical tools here.

What You'll Learn In This Episode:

Use three questions, what do I feel, where do I feel it, and why, to get to the root of a hard emotion.
Swap "I am" for "I feel" so a bad day or a money crunch stops becoming your identity.
Replace should, need to, and have to with could and working on to drop guilt-based pressure.
Learn how to build a pause between a trigger and your response with your wife, your kids, or a coworker.
Recognize how stuffing emotions down leads to blowing up over small things.
See why money stress often comes from an old belief about your worth more than from your bank account.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:27 - living in fight or flight mode without realizing it

00:05:49 - why buried emotions keep driving how you feel and act

00:08:12 - how a childhood moment of feeling poor shaped his money mindset

00:13:05 - three questions to understand any hard emotion

00:15:30 - why so many hard feelings trace back to "I'm not good enough"

00:18:02 - why "I feel poor" and "I am poor" are very different statements

00:21:32 - how to stop living by should, need to, and have to

00:23:08 - how to build a pause between a trigger and your reaction

00:29:00 - why men avoid their feelings and live in their heads

00:30:27 - how to sit with a feeling and choose your response

00:33:13 - why your deepest beliefs only surface under pressure

00:40:33 - staying honest about hard times without fake positivity

Connect with Dr. Craig Farney

Website:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/DrCraigFarney

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/drcraigfarney/

Connect with Mike Forrester