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In this powerful episode, Brandon Clift sits down with Dr. Gary Barker, CEO and co-founder of Equimundo, to explore one of the most pressing issues affecting men today: male loneliness. Together, they examine how boys and men are taught to disconnect from their emotions, why isolation is so common across generations, and how care and connection can be reclaimed.

Gary brings over 30 years of global research and advocacy to this conversation, offering a clear and compassionate look at what drives emotional isolation in men. From systemic social pressures to intergenerational trauma, he unpacks the roots of male loneliness and offers practical pathways forward. If you are a parent, partner, coach, or simply someone who cares about men's mental and emotional health, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Loneliness in men is not just personal. It is the result of deeply rooted social norms that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability.
• The cycle begins early. Boys often learn at a young age to disconnect from their feelings in order to "be a man."
• This pain is passed down. When men are raised without emotional connection, they often repeat those patterns as fathers and partners.
• Men do want connection. Equimundo’s research shows that when given the tools and support, men are eager to show up differently.
• Change is possible. With empathy, accountability and intentional relationships, we can interrupt the patterns of harm and create a more caring future.

Resources Mentioned:

• MenCare Global Campaign
• MenEngage Alliance

Connect with Gary Barker:

• Website: Equimundo.org
• LinkedIn: Gary Barker

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Stay in the loop with powerful figures in the world of Men's Work.

Find A Men's Circle Near You: https://mkpusa.org/mens-group
With over 1000+ Men's Circles (Virtual + In-Person) worldwide, men are waiting to welcome you into a kind, supportive and safe brotherhood of men. FREE Online Men's Groups are available every week.

The Men's Work: https://mkpusa.org/themenswork/ In just three short weeks we’ll give you a solid foundation for moving ahead in your life, and you won’t be going alone. Cohorts Launch Every Month

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Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations).

What does it mean to come home to yourself as a man—especially as a queer man in today’s world?

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Cator Sparks, a certified professional co-active coach, lifelong seeker, and GBTQ men’s group facilitator, to explore the intersections of identity, healing, and men's work. From his beginnings as a fashion editor in New York to his calling as a coach after heartbreak and upheaval, Cator shares a journey marked by courage, curiosity, and community.

We talk about the essential need for dedicated queer spaces in men’s work—and why they’re not about exclusion, but about belonging, safety, and unfiltered truth. Cator speaks candidly about his experience building sober, sex-free retreats for GBTQ men; his frustration with rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric; and his deep belief in the resilience, creativity, and joy of queer communities.

We go deep into what it means to be authentic in a world that rewards conformity—especially for straight men wrestling with their conditioning—and how the knot in our stomachs can point us toward the work we need to do. Cator also shares vulnerable and moving reflections about his father’s life and death, and the healing power of inner child work.

This is a conversation about boundaries, bravery, brotherhood—and the fierce, radiant joy of showing up as who you really are.

Themes we cover:

• Why GBTQ-specific spaces matter in men’s work
• Healing from homophobia—internalized and cultural
• Queer joy as resistance
• Creating spaces without substances, sex, or shame
• The changing landscape of masculinity and gender norms
• Intergenerational healing and authenticity
• Boundaries as an act of self-love

👉 Learn more about Cator’s work: catorsparkscoaching.com
👉 Explore GBTQ retreats: gbtqretreats

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
#Sponsorship #Ad

Support the show

Get up to 20% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKINDMAY

Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: >>>HERE<<<
Stay in the loop with powerful figures in the world of Men's Work.

Find A Men's Circle Near You: https://mkpusa.org/mens-group
With over 1000+ Men's Circles (Virtual + In-Person) worldwide, men are waiting to welcome you into a kind, supportive and safe brotherhood of men. FREE Online Men's Groups are available every week.

The Men's Work: https://mkpusa.org/themenswork/ In just three short weeks we’ll give you a solid foundation for moving ahead in your life, and you won’t be going alone. Cohorts Launch Every Month

🎵Listen To Jim Donovan & The Sun King Warriors:

• Spotify: Listen Here

Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations).

In this conversation, Brandon Clift and Dr. Tiffany Bartell explore the pressing issue of male loneliness, particularly among Gen Z. They discuss the societal and psychological factors contributing to this crisis, the generational values that shape young men's experiences, and the importance of emotional expression. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding, as well as the creation of safe spaces for vulnerability and connection. In this conversation, Tiffany Bartell and Brandon Clift explore the significance of connection and community in mental health. They discuss the importance of having supportive relationships, the challenges of loneliness, and the need for individuals to advocate for their emotional needs. The dialogue emphasizes the role of empathy and understanding in fostering healthy relationships and the impact of men's mental health on broader societal well-being.

Follow Tiffany's Work:

How Would You Rate Your Pain Podcast: HERE

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
#Sponsorship #Ad

Support the show

Get up to 20% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKINDMAY

Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: >>>HERE<<<
Stay in the loop with powerful figures in the world of Men's Work.

Find A Men's Circle Near You: https://mkpusa.org/mens-group
With over 1000+ Men's Circles (Virtual + In-Person) worldwide, men are waiting to welcome you into a kind, supportive and safe brotherhood of men. FREE Online Men's Groups are available every week.

The Men's Work: https://mkpusa.org/themenswork/ In just three short weeks we’ll give you a solid foundation for moving ahead in your life, and you won’t be going alone. Cohorts Launch Every Month

🎵Listen To Jim Donovan & The Sun King Warriors:

• Spotify: Listen Here