In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we sit down with Steve McKinney—author of The Gospel of Fitness, pastor, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and veteran fitness coach. Steve shares his no-nonsense approach to strength training, cutting through the noise of modern fitness trends to focus on sustainable, simple strategies that keep both your mi…

In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Jeff Bailey, a pioneer in joint health and the creator of Avita Yoga, to challenge the fitness industry’s obsession with muscle bulk. Jeff shares how repurposing muscles to nourish joints—not just build strength—can prevent arthritis, delay degeneration, and …

In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with men’s embodiment coach and group facilitator Jason Lange to explore how men's groups can be life-changing spaces for emotional growth, authenticity, and support. Jason unpacks the myths around masculinity, the hidden costs of stoicism, and the transformative pow…

In this deeply personal episode of Mind About Masculinity, host Avik sits down with Cole Grace—a former bomb technician in Iraq turned mental health advocate—to explore what real strength looks like beyond war zones and expectations. Cole opens up about living with PTSD, addiction, and the brutal inner critic shaped by survival. Together, they unpa…

In this insightful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Chelsea McLeod, a hormone health coach helping high-achieving men and women reclaim their health. Together, they explore how testosterone influences not just physical strength and libido, but also emotional balance, mental clarity, and resilience. Chelsea brea…

In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we sit down with Bogdan Rosu—leadership coach, martial artist, and author of Greatness and Mastery. Together, we explore how men can pursue elite leadership and high performance without burning out. From martial arts philosophies to emotional intelligence, Bogdan breaks down how “being like wate…

In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we dive deep with Balki Kotarapu, a fractional CTO and mentor who has led tech teams through intense growth, scaling companies from millions to tens of millions. Balki shares how vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness have become his superpowers in leadership. We explore why true…

In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with transformational leadership strategist Grace Najean to challenge the deeply ingrained belief that pressure equals progress. Together, they unpack the cost of hustle-driven success, the hidden toll of male conditioning, and how men can reclaim their power through…

In this deeply moving episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Sana sits down with Thomas R. Wilson—writer, business owner, sensory-friendly event specialist, and community advocate—to explore the intersections of men’s mental health, neurodiversity, and inclusion. Thomas shares his personal journey of navigating bipolar disorder and ADHD, breaking a…

In this transformative episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana sits down with Marko Petrovic—world explorer, two-time bestselling author of Soul Path and Embrace of the Elements, and founder of the MARA Project. Together, they dive deep into ancient wisdom, modern mental health, the role of ego, and the art of liberating the restless monkey mind. Marko…

In this transformative episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dennis Procopio, founder of Man Up Life Coaching, to tackle the raw and often misunderstood realities of modern masculinity. From surviving the tough walls of Rikers Island to raising a special needs child, Dennis shares his journey and sheds light on why …

In this empowering episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we welcome 81-year-young wisdom powerhouse Brian Hampton, who shares game-changing insights on navigating the healthcare system without losing your dignity—or your sanity. Drawing from hundreds of medical encounters and his new book It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken, Brian reveals how men oft…

In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Benjamin Nevares—former Team USA powerlifting competitor, exercise scientist, and mental health advocate—to explore how true strength is forged far beyond the gym. From a shy, bullied teen to a sober entrepreneur owning three companies, Ben opens up about the me…

Have you ever accomplished something impressive—crossed a finish line, hit a major goal—only to find the victory strangely hollow? Tyler Smith knows this feeling intimately. After conquering Ironman races and lifting challenges that would break most men, he discovered something profound: achievements without brotherhood left him feeling empty. This…

Imagine carrying seven "incurable" conditions—bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraines, arthritis—and being told by medical experts to accept a lifetime of pain and pills. Then imagine becoming completely free of all symptoms and medications within 14 months. This episode features Baba Sham Sally, founder of Beyond Head Trash and the…

Gut health forms the foundation of masculine vitality, yet most men ignore this crucial system until crisis strikes. In this raw conversation with holistic nutrition coach Brian Hardy, we uncover how digestive wellness directly impacts everything from mental clarity to emotional resilience. Brian's journey began with a near-death experience at 18 w…

What does it truly mean to "show up" in your life? Not just making an appearance or going through the motions, but bringing your complete, authentic self to each moment? Bestselling author and TEDx speaker Marcy Axelrod joins Mind Over Masculinity to unpack this question, drawing on her two decades of research in neuroscience and evolutionary biolo…

The relentless pursuit of success often leaves us hollow, especially when we've followed all the prescribed steps to achievement. But what happens when the career advancement, financial stability, and picture-perfect family life still leave you feeling disconnected from your true self? In this profound conversation with Tanya Prince, author of "Des…

Rob Wentz believes there's a formula for breakthrough—and he's living proof it works. After years of addiction, self-sabotage, and feeling utterly stuck in a painful divorce, Rob discovered a system that transformed his life and launched him into his purpose as founder of the Unstuck Movement. The VITALS system Rob shares wasn't developed in a labo…

In a world where the traditional American dream often leaves many feeling unfulfilled, this episode invites you to explore a new definition of masculinity and purpose. Join us as we speak with Brent Dowland, who experienced a life-changing realization that pushed him to uncover deeper meanings beyond mere existence. His journey leads us to question…

Masculinity isn't something we're born with—it's something we're taught. But what if those teachings don't serve us? What would it take to break free? Mark Firehammer, co-creator of Feelness, joins us for a deeply personal exploration of masculinity beyond cultural conditioning. Through powerful stories of his own father and grandfather, Mark revea…

Dr. Jacopo Iasiello journey from professional soccer player to real estate mogul offers a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. When a devastating injury at 17 ended his athletic career, rather than surrendering to circumstance, Jacopo Iasiello channeled his competitive spirit into business—first creating a successful jewelry chain in Italy be…

When Matthew Mehus was just three years old, he stood mesmerized by the magical transformation of seeds into plants on his family farm in Belgium. That childlike wonder evolved into a powerful mission to revolutionize how we design outdoor spaces. Now an award-winning landscape architect, Matthew reveals how working with nature rather than against …

Nick Batchelder doesn't mince words when addressing the suffocating pressure young men face to have their lives perfectly mapped out by their twenties. "If 40-year-olds feel it's unrealistic for them to have everything figured out, it's definitely unrealistic for 20-year-olds," he shares with refreshing candor that immediately cuts through societal…

The transformative power of physical movement reaches far beyond muscle growth and weight management—it can literally save lives. In this raw, vulnerable conversation with Brooklyn-based conscious rapper Rich Vision, we explore how fitness became his lifeline during periods of severe depression, suicidal ideation, and personal trauma. Rich shares h…

What happens when we throw out society's rulebook on healing? Zander Phelps discovered something remarkable when faced with a hernia diagnosis – the power of play as medicine. Most would rush to surgery when diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, but Zander Phelps took a radically different path. Having spent a decade traveling the world with just a ba…

What does it truly mean to be a man today? This question launches a transformative conversation with Tim Thomas, special forces veteran and expert in mental resilience who has spent a decade transforming lives through pioneering wellness initiatives. Tim challenges conventional notions of masculinity, revealing that true masculine power manifests a…

What does it mean to be a man in today's world? The answer lies not in choosing between strength or wisdom, aggression or calmness, but in mastering the delicate balance between them all. Enter the concept of the "balanced warrior" – someone who can harness physical power while cultivating profound mental clarity. Trea Drake, with his extraordinary…

David Gilbert's transformative journey from losing his father at age 11 to becoming what he calls a "modern-day alchemist" offers profound insights into authentic masculinity. On this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, Gilbert shares the emotional alchemy that helped him transform childhood trauma into his life's purpose. The conversation takes a de…

What happens when you prioritize peace at all costs? David Alan Brown discovered a surprising truth - that silencing emotional discomfort to maintain tranquility doesn't lead to fulfillment but to depression, which he describes not as sadness but as "feeling nothing at all." This profound episode explores how our internal voices - spiritual, emotio…

What does gender equality really mean when we only see half the picture? In this thought-provoking conversation with Jack Kammer, we explore the uncomfortable truth about how our societal push for equality has fallen short by focusing almost exclusively on women's access to traditionally male domains while neglecting men's equal access to tradition…

What happens when we start seeing fitness as more than just physical transformation? Coach Tarek, internationally renowned health expert and author of "Purpose Driven Movement," reveals the profound mind-body connection that shapes our wellbeing on all levels. "If you can change your physiology, you can change your psychology," Coach Tarek explains…

Have you ever felt comfortably numb, stuck in a routine that doesn’t serve your higher aspirations? Join us for an insightful episode of Mind Over Masculinity where host Avik invites Shane Perry, an accomplished entrepreneur and achievement coach, to dive deep into the topic of comfort zones and their insidious role in stalling personal growth. Str…

Discover the transformative power of the subconscious mind in our latest episode! Join us as we explore the concept of limiting beliefs and how they shape every aspect of our lives—from mental health struggles to relationship challenges. Our guest, Dr. Alain Salas, a renowned expert in mind and body healing, shares his profound insights on how much…

Dive into a compelling exploration of masculinity and spirituality with our special guest, Dean Graves, a spiritual teacher who brings over 20 years of experience in mental health and guidance. This episode encourages men to reflect on the essence of their identities, focusing on the unique lessons learned through the male experience in contrast to…

Are you aware of the quality of water you consume daily? Many believe hydration is just about volume, but in reality, the type of water matters immensely. In this compelling episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik invites Kyle Flynn, a dedicated advocate for understanding hydration, to delve into the often-overlooked topic of electrolyzed reduc…

Join us for an insightful episode featuring actor and producer Matt Drago, as he dives into the intricacies of storytelling, resilience, and the artistic journey. From his early creative ambitions in Virginia to the dynamic theater scene in New York and beyond to establishing his own production company in Los Angeles, Matt shares his powerful narra…

Unpacking the myth of the lone wolf, this episode dives deep into why collaboration is not just an option but a necessity for business success. We're joined by Sue Pats, founder of NewBeginningCom, who has transformed her journey from solo struggles to thriving through partnerships. Through rich discussions, we uncover the common fears that prevent…

Discover the powerful intersection of acting and emotional growth in Mind Over Masculinity's latest episode! Join us as we explore how acting techniques serve as tools for unlocking hidden potential and enhancing emotional literacy. Our guest, Jim Rojas-Taylor, a seasoned actor and philosopher, shares his unique insights into how the techniques he …

Are societal expectations holding you back? In this engaging episode, we tackle the challenges many men face today regarding masculinity, vulnerability, and mental fitness. Our special guest, Arnold Beekes, an authority in brain fitness, shares his compelling journey filled with insights on how men can break free from toxic conditioning that suppre…

Join us in this riveting episode of Mind Over Masculinity, where we explore the powerful themes of career transitions, mental health, and the journey towards authentic living. With our guest Evan Kuterbach, we unravel his personal story of leaving behind a stable corporate job to forge a path as an entrepreneur with his venture, Canyon Pickleball. …

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Reuben Spath, an Ironman athlete and a visionary in AI technology. Reuben Spath shares his personal journey from the grueling demands of endurance sports to pioneering the AI wellness app, Macromate. Discover how his experiences in training during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pan…

Can mental resilience be redefined, and is vulnerability a hidden strength in the realm of competitive sports? Join us as Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, a dedicated mental health advocate, author, and competitive kickboxer, shares her transformative journey of battling depression and PTSD. We'll discuss the heavy burden of maintaining a facade of toughness, …

Step into the director's seat of your life with the wisdom of Steve Gallegos, America's Ambassador for Success. What if you could rewrite the script of your own story and break free from roles that no longer serve you? Steve joins us to share his transformative insights on taking creative control of our narratives and the power of yelling "cut" whe…

Have you ever wondered if unseen forces are guiding you through life’s challenges? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ros Place, a remarkable guardian angel communicator from England, who shares her unique journey of connecting with angels. From childhood challenges to reconnecting with her guardian angel, Tristan, after becoming a paren…

Ever wondered how the challenges of the past shape the men we become today? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Stephan Neff, a renowned anesthetist and mental health advocate, who bravely shares his incredible journey from overcoming a violent assault to becoming a beacon of healing and hope. Dr. Neff's story is a testament to the power of confronting …

Unlock the key to redefining masculinity with our special guest, Anastasia Gerali, the mastermind behind Rapid Alignment Therapy. Anastasia joins us to unpack the intricate layers of masculinity in today's society. Together, we dissect how a harmonious balance between masculine and feminine energies is essential for personal and relational well-bei…

Uncover transformative tools for managing suicidal ideation and trauma with Michael Evan Blair, a seasoned expert in mental health education. Through an enlightening conversation, we promise you'll gain insight into early indicators of suicidal thoughts and explore Michael's innovative Spin Release, Replace, Reprogram Process. This practical tool a…

Join host Avik in a compelling discussion on Mind Over Masculinity as we explore the intricate journey of divorce with our insightful guest, Paul Murphy. Paul, the mastermind behind Divorce Detox, opens up about the challenges he faced during his own divorce and how the absence of emotional and logistical support inspired him to create a resource f…

Imagine navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD in the 1980s, a time when these symptoms were often misunderstood or dismissed. This episode of Mind Over Masculinity brings you an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Van Wert, a licensed therapist and former CEO, who has battled with ADHD's challenges and emerged victorious. Jeremy candidly shares h…