In this episode, I sit down with my longtime brother and mentor Ted Riter for a conversation that goes straight into the heart of sacred masculinity, grief, and transformation. Ted is a former rabbi turned spiritual guide and relationship coach who brings over 30 years of wisdom into the space of men’s work, intimacy, and embodiment.

We explore how a collapse in his life led him to the very work he now teaches—how grief, shame, and mistrust of men became gateways into deeper integrity, love, and purpose. Ted shares how his lineage ultimately became a foundation for the spiritual and relational depth he offers today. We also chat about the sacredness of men’s circles, the difference between nice and loving challenge, and why decentralization and shared responsibility are the future of men’s groups.

Connect with Ted:

Website: tedriter.com

Instagram: @tedridertalks

GET INVOLVED WITH EVOLUTIONARY MEN

• Join our LIVE retreat: August 28th – September 1st in Northern California. You’ll walk away deeply embodied in your power, more connected to other men, and nourished by great food and inspiring nature. Head over ​to book your spot now​.
• Want support starting or deepening your own men’s group journey? Checkout ​Men’s Group Experience​ or ​The Heart of Shadow​
• Learn the foundations of masculine presence and remove your blocks to polarity via our ​Pillars of Presence​ program
• Like the Podcast? Join the Discussion Community at ​here

In this episode I unpack why mastering sexy hacks like alpha-drops and breath orgasms is just the tip of the iceberg. I explore how childhood attachment wounds, body neglect, and unprocessed relational pain set the real limits on your erotic charge, and I explain why the hard, unsexy healing work—therapy, men’s groups, shadow work, and nervous-system rehab—is the game-changer for lasting safety, trust, and deep connection.

• Join our LIVE retreat: August 28th – September 1st in Northern California. You’ll walk away deeply embodied in your power, more connected to other men, and nourished by great food and inspiring nature. Head over ​to book your spot now​.
• Learn the foundations of masculine presence and remove your blocks to polarity via our ​Pillars of Presence​ program
• Want support starting or deepening your own men’s group journey? Checkout ​Men’s Group Experience​ or ​The Heart of Shadow​
• Like the Podcast? Join the Discussion Community at ​here

In this episode, I explore four core capacities every man needs to start cultivating to stay vital and grounded in an AI-powered world. This isn’t science fiction—AI is already shaping how we live, relate, and make choices. I talk about the rising influence of automation, and four essential tools for thriving as a man in the world that is now here. If you want to stay human, creative, and trustworthy in a culture increasingly driven by AI, listen in now.

Get offline and the build these capacities at the Evolutionary Men Labor Day Retreat.

August 28th - September 1st in Northern California. You'll walk away deeply embodied in your power, more connected to other men, and nourished by great food and inspiring nature. Head over to https://evolutionary.men/retreat to book your spot now.

Shame isn’t something to get rid of—it’s something to work with. And when we do, it can become one of the most powerful tools for growth, integrity, and connection in a man’s life.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Keith Witt—psychologist, author, and one of the most seasoned men I’ve had the privilege of learning from—to unpack the deeper function of shame and how it shapes our values, our relationships, and the kind of men we become. We explore how shame, when related to consciously, actually guides us back to our wholeness.

But we don’t stop there.

We also dive into the developmental arc of the masculine—from boyhood, to acolyte, to warrior, to man of wisdom—and why so many men get stuck along the way. We talk about the power of men’s groups, what creates true ownership and leadership, and why decentralization might just be the key to building lasting brotherhood.

• Join the next cohort of the Men's Group Experience at https://mens.group
• Join the Heart of Shadow Men's Group & Retreat at https://heartofshadow.com
• Join the Evolutionary Men Labor Day retreat at https://evolutionary.men/retreat

ABOUT DR. KEITH WITT

Learn more about Dr. Keith Witt (and get all his books for free!) at https://drkeithwitt.com/

In this episode, I drop in with Michael Holt, founder of the Savage and Saint Collective. We explore what it really means to live as a whole man—one who’s both deeply sensitive and unapologetically strong.

Michael shares his path from violence, rage, and addiction to embodiment, service, and sacred discipline. We talk about why the healed masculine isn’t soft, how true spiritual practice requires savage commitment, and why being dangerous and loving are not opposites—they’re necessary partners.

If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to hold both primal power and deep presence, this one’s for you.

Learn more about Michael and subscribe to his free email course at https://savageandsaint.com

Join a virtual Evolutionary Men group via the Men's Group Experience at https://mens.group

In this episode, I unpack the concept of men’s groups as the essential “third way”—a relational container that fills the gaps left by coaching and therapy. Drawing on personal experience and cultural insight, I explore how these groups serve as both a third place and a missing medicine for modern men—offering brotherhood, real-time feedback, and deep presence in a peer-led structure. With loneliness, isolation, and performative masculinity on the rise, I make the case that decentralized men’s groups aren’t just helpful—they’re revolutionary.

Join a virtual group via the Men's Group Experience at https://mens.group

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and brother in the men's work space Amir Khalighi. He shares his journey into men's work, discussing the importance of somatic healing and the role of community in personal growth. He emphasizes the need for men to reconnect with their true selves and the natural world, highlighting the challenges they face in today's society. Amir defines 'Embodied Masculine' as a unique approach that integrates somatic and shamanic practices, aiming to empower men to live purposefully and authentically. We explore the evolving landscape of masculinity, emphasizing the importance of men's circles, vulnerability, and the reclamation of feminine energy. Amir highlights the dangers of disconnected masculinity and the necessity for men to find their purpose within a community, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach to leadership that embraces both strength and vulnerability.

More about Amir Khalighi at embodiedmasculine.com

Learn more about Men's Group Experience and join Evolutionary Men at https://mens.group

In this episode, I share the deeper “why” behind launching my new program, Men’s Group Experience—and what I’ve learned after decades in the trenches of men’s work.

Yes, I’ve talked before about the power of decentralized men’s groups. But this conversation goes further. This one’s about what actually sustains a group—beyond the structure. What makes men stay, show up fully, and build something real together? I explore the difference between just “being in a group” and fully owning your seat in circle.

I also break down what inspired me to create this new offering, how it builds on everything I’ve learned from leading and being part of men’s groups for over 20 years, and why now is the moment to reclaim this kind of brotherhood.

If you've been circling around this work but haven’t taken the leap—or if you’ve done some groups but they didn’t stick—this is your invitation.

The Men’s Group Experience is a 12-week, no-BS initiation into what it actually means to be in a functional, supportive, and sustainable men’s group. You’ll get the framework, the practices, and the chance to keep your group going indefinitely—with or without me.

Learn more about Men's Group Experience and join us at https://mens.group