What does it mean to become fully alive as a man? In this powerful debrief, Bryan and Tait reflect on the transformative journey of Elevate 2025, a year-long men's journey that culminates in a life-changing retreat.

From breaking emotional masks to finding real brotherhood and discovering true purpose—not as a destination, but as a way of being—this episode dives into what happens when men are finally given permission to feel it all and be it all.

This isn’t just another “men’s retreat recap.” This is a raw, grounded look at the healing, aliveness, and lasting connection that unfolds when the right men gather in the right way.

• Why most men are stuck between anger and apathy
• What “being a full-range man” actually looks like in real life
• The power of emotional safety in all-male spaces
• What happens when a man finally says, “I’m f*cked up” and gets met with real support
• The truth about purpose: It’s not out there—it’s right here
• How this retreat created friendships that will last a lifetime
• Why most men don't have people who would fly across the country for their funeral—and how that can change
• The 3 Promises of the Elevate journey: Fully Enlivened, Powerfully On Purpose, Deeply Supported

[03:00] – Why it’s so hard to describe the magic of a retreat

[06:15] – The emotional wiring of boys—and how we shut it down

[07:50] – Anger and apathy: the two emotions men are left with

[10:30] – Real talk: “I’m not okay” and finding support

[14:00] – Becoming a full-range man: Warrior and Lover archetypes

[17:00] – Why purpose isn’t a future goal—it’s a daily choice

[24:00] – Deep support: what real brotherhood looks like

[28:45] – Who would fly to your funeral? The power of connection

[30:45] – Living with men who will hold your grief and your greatness

[32:00] – How to join the Elevate journey + what's next

• You’re a man who feels like something’s missing—even if life looks “successful” on the outside
• You’ve been curious about men’s retreats but unsure if they’re for you
• You’ve felt alone in your struggles and want genuine connection
• You’re a woman who loves a man who’s ready for more depth, purpose, and heart

• Elevate Men’s Journey → https://bryanreeves.com
• Book Mentioned: Real Boys by William Pollack
• Past Retreats: Elevate 21, 24, and now Elevate 25/26
• Upcoming Podcast Series: SEX (Yep—we’re finally going there)

If you’re ready to explore what it means to be fully alive—and deeply supported—email Bryan at bryan@bryanreeves.com to get info about Elevate 2026.

And if you know a man who needs this… send him this episode. It might just change everything.

In this special on-the-road episode, Bryan and Tait reflect on five years of deep men’s work as they gear up for the Elevate 2025 Men's Retreat — a five-day, mountaintop experience in western North Carolina designed as a modern-day rite of passage. From sacred brotherhood to the storms that shape us this conversation is raw, real, and radically human.

Episode Highlights:

00:01:44 – The Elevate Retreat: A modern-day rite of passage for men

00:03:12 – The first year’s tears: What vulnerability unlocked for men

00:06:28 – Creating sacred, no-demand space for transformation

00:08:25 – Who really has your back? Reframing masculine support

00:09:21 – Bryan’s past distrust of men—and the healing that followed

00:12:39 – The magic of presence, and Bryan’s role in creating breakthroughs

00:16:44 – Power without domination: Becoming Kings among Kings

00:17:56 – From deep conversation to competitive games: A full-spectrum retreat

00:21:16 – Three stages of the storm: Before, during, and after life's crises

00:26:24 – Why men don’t need fixing—just new patterns and community

Connect with Bryan:

📧 bryan@bryanreeves.com

🌐 bryanreeves.com

Join the Journey:

🚀 Early access to Elevate 2026 👉 bryan@bryanreeves.com

🌍 2 spots left for "Elevate Ireland 2025" Men’s Retreat! (email for details)

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we welcome Jayson Gaddis, psychotherapist, author, and founder of The Relationship School, to discuss the vital topic of conflict and repair in relationships. Highlighting the inevitability of conflict, we delve into effective repair processes encompassing ownership, empathy, and validation. Additionally, we explore themes of emotional safety, sensitivity in men, and the dynamics of partnership. Jayson shares insights from his book 'Getting to Zero' and offers practical advice for navigating and improving relational conflicts. The episode is a treasure trove of actionable strategies aimed at fostering deeper connection and understanding in long-term relationships.

00:00 The Importance of Repair in Relationships

00:20 Introduction to Bridging Connections Podcast

00:53 Meet Jayson Gaddis

03:46 Discussing Relationship Conflict

14:12 Understanding Sensitivity in Men

22:07 The Role of Emotional Safety

28:36 The Repair Process in Relationships

29:36 The Importance of Repair in Relationships

30:39 Steps to Effective Repair

31:09 Ownership, Empathy, and Validation

31:57 Challenges in Validation

32:37 Listening and Reflecting Back

33:30 Personal Experiences and Reflections

34:24 Handling Defensiveness

36:02 The Role of Humor in Relationships

37:08 Biggest Repair Maneuvers in Marriage

42:36 Avoiding Conflict vs. Speaking Up

45:55 Masculine Leadership and Conflict

47:55 Conflict and Repair in Parenting

48:47 Rapid Fire Relationship Questions

52:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jayson:

• Website: https://www.jaysongaddis.com/

Podcast: https://relationshipschool.com/

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08