161. An Ode To Women (Who Compel Men Into Manhood)

In this raw and revealing episode, Tait and Bryan reflect on a powerful and often overlooked truth: So many men only find this work because the women in their lives refused to give up on them. Whether it’s a book left on a nightstand, a therapy session demanded through gritted teeth, or a heartbreaking confrontation, women have been the silent initiators of many men's healing journeys. This episode is an acknowledgment. A thank-you. An ode. It’s also a challenge to the men listening to hear the love beneath the criticism. And to the women: keep standing strong.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Why resistance is often the first step in every man’s growth
• The role women play in awakening men to their potential
• Why emotional isolation is harming modern relationships
• What makes a true men’s group different from a friend group
• How being witnessed by trustable men changes everything
• Why your partner's frustration may be the invitation of a lifetime

📍 Chapters

00:00 - Intro: The Most Awkward Part of Every Podcast

01:17 - An Ode to Women: The Real Gateway to Men’s Work

03:32 - The Elevate Program: 6 Years and 100+ Men Later

05:05 - Resistance: “I Didn’t Want to Go to Therapy”

07:34 - What Women Are Really Asking For

09:14 - Traumatizing Rites of Passage: Frats, Gangs, and Military

10:50 - Looking to Women for Validation—and the Fallout

13:15 - Women as Unintended Stewards of Manhood

16:27 - The Disney Lie: Where Love Stories Break Down

18:11 - Why Men Without Friends Lean Too Hard on Their Partners

20:20 - Friend Groups vs. Men’s Groups: The Third Option

21:44 - A Real-Time Breakthrough: When One Conversation Changes Everything

23:32 - “This Is Just Normal Now”—How Fast Growth Can Happen

25:03 - A Message to Women: Your Nagging Might Be an Invitation

26:49 - Hurtful Words and Hidden Truths

28:03 - What Men’s Work Gave Me That My Wife Couldn’t

30:45 - What Support from Other Men Really Looks Like

32:27 - Final Thoughts: Thank You, Women. Truly.

34:03 - Learn More About Elevate 2026

🙏 Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website

• Instagram