In this episode of Bridging Connections, we discuss profound topics of self-acceptance, intimacy, and healing with Allana Pratt, an intimacy expert. This conversation touches on the importance of embracing one's flaws, the journey to overcome self-loathing, and the deep need for authentic connection. Allana shares her methods, including her work with psychedelic somatic integration and the transformative power of confronting and integrating deep-seated emotions. We also discuss the significance of nurturing all parts of oneself and the value of making peace with unresolved wounds. This episode emphasizes the critical role of self-intimacy in fostering meaningful connections and navigating the complexities of human relationships.

00:00 Embracing Imperfection: Self-Acceptance

00:19 Introduction to Bridging Connections

00:55 Welcoming Allana Pratt: Intimacy Expert

03:08 The Essence of Bridging Connections

04:42 Exploring Loneliness and Connection

05:43 The Journey to Self-Intimacy

07:01 Patterns of Disconnection

09:19 The Role of Divine Mother Energy

13:44 The Power of Somatic Integration

19:47 Men and Emotional Disassociation

22:07 Societal Pressures and Emotional Suppression

22:19 Body Sensations and Emotional Expression

23:21 Men's Struggle with Disconnection

23:47 The Desire to Feel Alive

25:15 Embracing All Emotions

26:15 A Mother's Journey with Her Son

27:30 Making Art from Pain

29:17 The Importance of Allowing Pain

35:41 Unconditional Self-Love and Acceptance

40:19 Practical Tips for Relationships and Self-Love

41:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we talk with Louis Weinstock, a seasoned child psychotherapist and author. This discussion centers on overcoming shame and guilt in parenting, the importance of parental healing, and the impact of unresolved traumas on children. Louis shares personal experiences and professional insights on being a present and effective parent. We also delve into the roles of fathers, the concept of divine masculinity, and the importance of congruence and presence for children's psychological well-being. The episode concludes with a focus on daily acts of love and practical advice for parents to be more present with their children.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Introduction to Bridging Connections

01:32 Meet Louis: Child Psychotherapist and Author

02:52 The Journey of Fatherhood

03:36 Navigating Grief and Loss

07:07 The Protector Role in Parenting

16:49 Healing and Emotional Presence

33:25 Emotional Breakthrough in a Singing Workshop

34:16 The Last Barrier for Men: Fear

35:04 Expressing Emotions: Anger, Fear, and Sadness

37:20 The Role of Fathers and the Impact of Guilt

39:05 Boys' Sensitivity and Cultural Conditioning

40:19 Defining Positive Masculinity

49:48 Bridging Connections Between Parents

59:56 The Importance of Presence in Parenting

01:02:35 Conclusion

Connect with Louis:

• Website: https://louisweinstock.com/

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

In this episode of Bridging Connections, we welcome Sheleana Aiyana, founder of Rising Woman. Sheleana takes on her journey from tumultuous upbringing and traumatic relationships to her spiritual and healing path. Sheleana shares profound experiences from ayahuasca ceremonies and the importance of working through personal wounds to foster healthy relationships. We touch on the challenges men and women face in understanding each other's experiences and the significance of mutual vulnerability and support in partnerships. Sheleana dives into the need for self-healing and becoming 'the one' rather than seeking someone to complete us.

00:00 Introduction to Episode

00:34 Welcome to Bridging Connections

01:17 Rebranding the Podcast

02:27 Introducing Sheleana

04:40 Men and Relationship Anxiety

06:59 Challenges in Male-Female Dynamics

11:59 Founding Struggles of Rising Woman

18:02 Spiritual Path vs. Healing Path

24:31 Becoming the One

29:18 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships

29:41 The Importance of Healing Work

30:49 The 10-Year Relationship Journey

34:40 Understanding Safety in Relationships

35:49 Ayahuasca and Profound Healing

42:15 Building Trust and Healing with Men

52:43 Steps to Self-Discovery and Healing

54:28 Final Thoughts

Connect with Sheleana:

• Website: https://risingwoman.com/ / https://sheleanaaiyana.com/

• Instagram: @sheleanaaiyana

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

In this episode, we welcome back relationship expert Alison Armstrong. We explore the profound journey of male development, the transition from knights to princes and eventually kings. We delve into the concept of 'the tunnel,' a challenging phase between princehood and kingship marked by self-awareness, shame, and the necessity of personal responsibility and forgiveness. Alison also touches on the deeply complex and often interconnected dynamics of male ambition, fulfillment, and the need for adventure. We extend to the rare shift some men make from kings to elders, highlighting significant changes in ambition and responsibility.

Today on Bridging Connections:

00:00 Introduction: Self-Betrayal and Shame

00:38 Welcome to Bridging Connections

01:10 Reintroducing Alison Armstrong

01:55 Understanding the Tunnel

03:03 Stages of Men's Development

03:49 Navigating the Tunnel

23:29 The Importance of Adventure

31:15 The Prince Stage

38:07 Anticipation and Initial Reflections

38:56 Navigating Personal Loss and Challenges

40:35 Understanding the Tunnel of Transformation

41:11 Self-Betrayal and Awareness

49:07 The Role of Shame and Anger

49:51 Ownership and Forgiveness

55:28 Emerging from the Tunnel

58:18 Grieving and Moving Forward

01:00:54 Transitioning to Elderhood

01:11:21 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources:

Alison Armstrong: Chemistry and Connection Series - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3kRxLdJODq54hzbmGHKz5VhTQun5bQuy&feature=shared

Connect with Alison:

• Website: alisonarmstrong.com

• Youtube Channel: AlisonArmstrongVideos

• Resources: Sample Understanding Women

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com

• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

"Satisfaction is the pleasure derived from the fulfillment of wishes and needs".- Alanna Kaivalya

Today on Bridging Connections:

• 00:00 Welcome & Co-host Introduction
• 01:14 Introducing Guest Dr. Alana Cavalia
• 03:12 Discussing "The Way of the Satisfied Woman"
• 04:16 Exploring Redefined Masculinity
• 05:11 The Need to Reclaim Femininity
• 06:13 Cultural Teachings on Feminine Power
• 08:11 Addressing Repression of Feminine Qualities
• 10:22 Importance of Intuition
• 11:59 Feminine Power and Societal Impact
• 14:55 Success versus Satisfaction
• 17:07 Definition and Discussion of Satisfaction
• 20:12 Critique of Success Drive
• 21:25 Feminine Approach to Life and Satisfaction
• 22:11 Enhancing Comfort and Feminine Questions
• 23:09 Mother's Happiness and Family Dynamics
• 24:13 Jungian Psychology and Feminine Energy
• 28:10 Safety, Trust, and Feminine Expression
• 29:01 Masculine World Challenges for Feminine Expression
• 30:56 Importance of Community and Empathy
• 31:22 Insights on Relationship Longevity
• 32:31 Challenges in Articulating Needs
• 33:19 Advice for Men on Emotional Support
• 33:58 The Role of Intuition in Personal Growth
• 36:51 Importance of Trusting Intuition
• 37:15 Intuition in Relationships
• 38:12 Leveraging Intuition in Adverse Environments
• 40:21 Self-Intimacy and External Validation
• 41:13 Masculine and Feminine Energy Collaboration
• 41:48 Trust in Partner’s Intuition
• 42:27 Burnout in High-Performance Roles
• 43:39 Women as Nurturing Sources and the Need for Reciprocity
• 45:02 Personal Story of Maternal Dedication
• 46:28 Empowering Women to Say No
• 47:58 Childhood Wounds and Feminine Healing
• 49:02 Devaluation of Feminine Qualities
• 49:41 Training and Conditioning of Young Girls
• 50:14 Men’s Role in Supporting Feminine Reclamation
• 51:58 The Importance of Community for Women
• 53:04 Overcoming Narrative of Competition Among Women
• 54:24 Historical Undermining of Family Systems
• 55:56 Closing Thoughts and Final Questions

Connect with Alanna:

• Website: www.thesatisfiedwoman.com
• Order: The Way of the Satisfied Woman: Reclaiming The Feminine Power
• Free resources: www.thesatisfiedwoman.com/empowerme
• Download the App: The Satisfied Woman
• Subscribe to: @TheSatisfiedWoman

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

"Men often use 'safe' to describe someone they can openly talk to, showing their deep but often hidden need for trust and vulnerability." Alison Armstrong

Today on Bridging Connections:

• 00:00 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:00 Alison Armstrong's Impact on Bryan's Relationship Journey
• 01:54 Longing for Elder Wisdom
• 03:39 How Alison’s Journey with Men Began
• 05:07 Becoming a "Frog Farmer" – Transforming Men
• 09:44 The Power of Listening and Understanding Men
• 13:33 The Well of Men's Emotional Responses
• 14:14 Men and Congruency: Understanding Commitment
• 17:09 Differences in Male and Female Communication Styles
• 19:10 The Attention Women Crave from Men
• 21:52 Safety, Security, and Connection in Relationships
• 25:46 The Emotional Depth of Men: What It Means to Be “Safe”
• 29:28 Asking for Connection and Attention in Relationships
• 31:48 Men Are Like Icebergs: Emotions and Depth Below the Surface
• 34:12 Women’s Desire for Men to Feel Desired
• 43:18 The Problem with Labeling in Relationships
• 47:16 Rethinking Relationships: The Instance of Being Related
• 54:16 How to Be in the Moment: Being, Listening, and Speaking
• 58:35 Women's Instinct to Speak for Safety
• 01:02:26 Alison's Resources and Final Thoughts

Connect with Alison:

• Website: alisonarmstrong.com
• Resources: Sample Understanding Women
• Subscribe to: alisonarmstrongvideos

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

"The moment of realization when you're on your knees and you're realizing that all you've been chasing might not actually be what you truly need." Danny Morel

Today on Bridging Connections:

• 00:00 Introduction & Welcome
• 02:36 Discussing the Pivotal Shift in Danny's Life
• 03:16 The Catalyst for Change
• 04:01 Exploring New Opportunities
• 05:07 Experiencing Betrayal and Loss
• 07:10 Reflecting on Deep Personal Questions
• 09:41 The Importance of Deep, Genuine Conversations
• 11:01 The Awakening Process Explained
• 11:47 Exploring Three Energies of Human Mastery
• 13:10 Responsibilities and Misconceptions About Money
• 14:13 Discussing the Energy of Sex and Creation
• 15:12 Understanding the Root of Personal Issues
• 16:11 Realizing and Confronting Life's Patterns
• 17:10 The Need for Authentic Self Reflection
• 18:13 Integrating Personal Stories into Spiritual Teachings
• 20:33 The Importance of Genuine Spiritual Connection
• 21:44 Exploring Stories of Transformation and Freedom
• 23:00 Discussing the Role of Humility and Authenticity
• 24:32 Overcoming Deep-Seated Fears
• 26:58 Experiencing Ego Death and True Change
• 28:00 Discussing the Symbolism of Family and Healing
• 29:21 The Significance of Names and Personal Healing
• 30:25 Learning Through Personal Relationships
• 31:16 Challenges in Maintaining Authentic Connections
• 32:38 Discussing the Difficulties in Family Dynamics
• 33:52 Recognizing the Role of Partners in Personal Growth
• 37:18 Embracing the Concept of Family
• 39:16 Confronting Fears and Insecurities in Relationships
• 41:12 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Pedestalization in Relationships
• 42:13 Addressing Issues of Self-Worth and Relationship Dynamics
• 43:07 Healing the Tendencies to Elevate or Diminish Others
• 45:15 Discussing Common Traps in Spiritual Journeys
• 47:12 Reevaluating Material Desires on the Spiritual Path
• 51:27 Discussing the Role of Providing and Spiritual Abundance
• 52:23 The Practice of Surrender in Life and Spirituality
• 54:01 Encouraging Deep Personal Inquiry into Desires and Dreams
• 55:01 Concluding Thoughts on Freedom and Personal Choice

Takeaways from this episode:

• Highlighting the transformative power of difficult experiences.
• The recognition and confrontation of deeply ingrained patterns and wounds from one's past.
• How relationships can serve as mirrors and catalysts for deeper self-awareness and growth.
• How a spiritual journey can reshape your views on possessions and success.
• The necessity of surrendering control in life's processes, trusting in a higher flow, and allowing life to unfold without forcing outcomes.

Connect with Danny:

• Instagram: @dannymorel
• Website: dannymorel.com
• Listen to: The Higher Self Podcast with Danny Morel

Connect with Bryan & Tait:

• Website: bryanreeves.com
• Instagram: @bryanreevesinsight / @taitarend08

Welcome to Bridging Connections, formerly known as "Men This Way." Join your host Bryan Reeves —former U.S. Air Force captain, renowned author and professional coach to men, women, and couples; along with his lifelong best friend and leadership coach, Tait Arend. Together, they tackle the essential, raw conversations we all need to engage in about relationships, purpose, health, spirituality, and more. Dive deep into discussions that matter and explore the connections that bind us all.