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

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

🎵Listen To Jim Donovan & The Sun King Warriors:

• Spotify: Listen Here

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

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

How do veterans grapple with the emotional weight of Memorial Day? Join us for a deeply moving Memorial Day episode of the Mankind Podcast, where we revisit a conversation from our Masks Off Monday series. Featuring a heartfelt panel discussion with five veterans, including Dean Ray, a former Marine Corps helicopter crew chief, who shares a poignant piece he wrote. This episode dives into their personal stories of loss, survival, and the importance of keeping the memories of their fallen comrades alive.

From the harrowing experiences of deployment to the unyielding bonds forged in the battlefield, our veterans offer an unfiltered glimpse into their lives. Hear the raw emotions tied to events such as funerals, helicopter crashes, and the impact of IEDs. Learn how communal respect and acts of kindness play crucial roles in honoring their sacrifices and providing solace to those left behind. This episode also explores how staying connected with loved ones evolves over time and the heavy burden of survivor's guilt.

This episode is a profound tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to carry the scars of their service. Discover how civilians can support veterans, honor their sacrifices, and embody the admirable traits of those we've lost. Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or someone eager to understand and support those who have served, this conversation offers invaluable insights and a heartfelt tribute to our heroes.

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 transformative episode of The ManKind Podcast, Boysen sits down with Stephanie Harrison—philosopher of happiness, founder of The New Happy, and author of the international bestseller New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong. Together, they take aim at the deeply ingrained myths of happiness shaped by individualism, capitalism, and domination.

Stephanie reveals how these cultural forces disconnect us from true wellbeing and from one another—and how men, in particular, are harmed by messages that tie their worth to productivity, stoicism, and isolation. Drawing from her research and lived experience, she offers a powerful, hopeful alternative: a happiness rooted in connection, compassion, and shared purpose.

Key moments in the conversation include:

• [04:00] Stephanie explains the "Old Happy" framework and how it distorts our pursuit of happiness.
• [06:30] A deep dive into individualism: how it isolates men and reinforces emotional suppression.
• [10:45] Understanding domination as self-suppression and societal control—and how men internalize it.
• [18:35] Facing capitalism: why the endless pursuit of success leaves us empty—and what real purpose looks like.
• [25:45] A surprising reframe of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—what we've misunderstood about self-actualization.
• [31:00] Stephanie shares 3 practices to build more meaningful relationships and authentic joy.
• [34:30] Boysen shares a personal story about starting a local men’s walk-and-talk group—and the impact of simple connection.
• [37:20] The Harvard Grant Study makes an appearance: the #1 predictor of a happy, healthy life? Relationships.

This is a must-listen for anyone who senses there's more to life—and manhood—than striving alone. If you've ever felt like the rules of happiness weren’t wr

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).

What happens when your best intentions fall flat? When your leadership misses the mark? When you’re face-to-face with your own blind spots?

In this brutally honest episode of The ManKind Podcast, hosts Brandon Clift and Boysen Hodgson unpack the messy, uncomfortable, and essential leadership lesson of owning when you don’t have it all together. Through stories from recent New Warrior Training weekends, they explore what real accountability looks like when you’re no longer the rookie — but still far from finished.

This is not a conversation about perfection. It’s about presence. About dropping the mask. About recognizing the impulse to power through and instead choosing to pause, get honest, and grow.

💥 Key Moments & Takeaways:

• How Brandon’s well-intended facilitation moment nearly backfired — and why asking for help built more trust than faking it ever could
• Why leaders who pretend to “have it all together” are often the least trustworthy
• How the traits that get us into leadership are not always the traits that help us lead well
• The painful yet powerful impact of partner reintegration after transformational weekends
• The cost of not acknowledging the truth that “everyone sees anyway”
• Why civic duty is more than voting — and how events like M-PACT are redefining what real impact looks like for men and communities
• What it means to fail in front of your people — and why it’s a necessary part of growing into mature leadership

🛠 This episode is a must-listen for any man in leadership — whether that’s in your job, your family, your circle, or your community. Because growth doesn’t come from having the right answer — it comes from having the courage to admit when you don’t.

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 powerful and timely conversation, host Brandon Clift sits down with Kenny Andejeski—a strategist, facilitator, and civic connector—who specializes in building community across difference. Together, they explore how emotional intelligence, curiosity, and local action can help us bridge divides that feel increasingly entrenched, especially around politics, race, and masculinity.

💥 What You'll Learn:

• Why politics is often a surface-level identity—and how going deeper reveals our shared humanity
• How emotional regulation and storytelling open the door to deeper understanding across difference
• The dangers of binary thinking and how it fuels division and dehumanization
• Tactics for working through internal triggers before reacting in conversations around race and politics
• The power of local civic engagement as a force for tangible change
• Why inclusion and relational repair must start with doing your own inner work
• How Kenny’s project on “The Future of Masculinity” is creating space for diverse and authentic male identities

✨ Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world or stuck in difficult conversations, this episode offers grounded tools and hopeful perspective on how to stay in relationship with yourself and others—even when it’s hard.

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).

What does it take to live fully, love boldly, and lead from the heart—when the world around you often looks the other way?

In this powerful episode, Boysen Hodgson sits down with Diego Medina, a 31-year-old public speaker, artist, and advocate who has lived as a quadriplegic since the age of seven. Diego shares his journey of navigating life, love, and leadership in a world not designed with him in mind. From overcoming social isolation in high school to discovering his passion for storytelling and public speaking, Diego invites us into a raw and deeply human conversation about visibility, vulnerability, and the power of community.

You'll hear about Diego's experience in men's groups through the ManKind Project and Father Sons Brothers, his growing leadership as a facilitator, and his commitment to building a more inclusive, loving world—starting from within.

This is an episode about presence. About connection. And about what happens when we choose to see each other, fully.

Find Diego on YouTube!
and on Insta: @diego_f_medina93

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