Expansive Intimacy with Jim Young

EP41: Season Finale

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"If nothing else in this show, if this has helped anybody create a deeper connection with someone in their lives, whether a child, a friend, another family member, a coworker, a stranger, by letting themselves be known to each other and accepting each other for who they really are, I'd be psyched."
- Jim Young
 
The concept of intimacy is often overlooked when people embark on self-discovery and personal/professional development. In this, the 41st (and perhaps final) episode of Expansive Intimacy, we take one more look at the profound impact that embracing intimacy can have on our lives. 
 
In a world where societal expectations often dictate who we should be, Jim advocates for both the relief and the strength that comes with letting go of our constructed identities to be who we truly are. (In other words, stop letting the world “should all over you” and be your full self.)
 
As a capstone to this season-long exploration of intimacy in all sorts of spaces, Jim invites us one more time to consider how intimacy transcends personal relationships and extends into the professional realm. While intimacy in the workplace can seem off-limits and/or awkward, it can be a powerful catalyst for organizational success. 
 
Let’s challenge the traditional (B.S.) notion that topics like intimacy have no place in professional settings and be the leaders we’re meant to be.
 
Quotes: x
On Discovering That Self-Intimacy Does Exist: 
"Intimacy is about connection with others, and that it's actually defined as something that exists between multiple people. And one of the cool things about this quest, one of the things that I have learned in the course of doing this show, because I've heard it from multiple guests, is that they help me see that intimacy is with ourselves, too. In fact, that it may start there for many or most of us."
 
On Purpose: 
“Every little moment, every action we take, every small unit of goodwill that we put out into the world, has the possibility of snowballing into something even bigger. And that's what I truly hope for, is that we connect with intimacy.”
 
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP40: Real Men, Being Real = Real Connection

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"We talk about some really vulnerable shit. We get all the way down to the nitty gritty."
- Jim Young
 
In a world where traditional notions of masculinity often discourage open expression and vulnerability, the latest episode of "Expansive Intimacy with Jim Young" brings a refreshing perspective on the transformative potential of men’s groups. The "Men of Teal Panel," featuring Jim Young, Reggie Marra, Mitch Anthony, and Adam Hofmann, delves into the depth of intimate group conversations and the strength found in shared vulnerability.
 
Frederick Laloux’s writings on the concept of "Teal" are at the root of a community dynamic that appreciates a spectrum of developmental perspectives. Our panelists explore this viewpoint by recounting their experiences being part of a men's group that fosters understanding, support, and emotional connection. The Teal framework they use encourages members to contribute authentically to their mutual growth and to acknowledge the complex layers of human experience.
 
Reggie Marra underscores the necessity for intimacy, empathy, and compassion, drawing connections to the wider social landscape. The panelists argue that the absence of these dimensions has historical implications contributing to societal divisions. By engaging in intimate exchanges within the microcosm of a men's group, there is potential for healing at a macro scale.
 
Mitch’s openness about his struggle with alcohol humanizes the often-taboo subject of addiction. Such revelations create ripples of trust, encouraging others to expose their own vulnerabilities. Adam Hofmann shares similar sentiments, illustrating his journey from initial discomfort to profound openness. This progression emphasizes the group's influence in transforming its participants' ability to connect deeply with both themselves and others.
Quotes: 
Mitch Anthony on the role that honesty plays in intimate relationships:
"When I am honest with myself, I can be intimate with myself. When I'm honest with others, I can be intimate with them. And this is one of the things that I just cherish about our men's group, because we have built a community of trust and space where we can be open, honest, and transparent with each other."
 
Reggie Marra on the relationship between comfort and safety: 
"I think it's really important for me to distinguish between safety and comfort because the safety of intimacy and vulnerability isn't necessarily comfortable. And I think that's an important distinction to make, especially for anyone who might hear this conversation, who conflates those two words. Just because you're safe doesn't mean you're going to be comfortable. And just because you're uncomfortable doesn't mean that you're not safe."
 
Adam Hoffmann on the accountability provided in a strong group setting: 
"It's really forced me to confront my own shit by listening to everybody else. You hear somebody else tell a story and you're like, ‘Oh yeah, that's me. That's happening to me over here.’"
About Adam Hoffmann: 
Adam Hofmann, a trailblazing entrepreneur, intrepid adventurer, and keen observer of human behavior, made a mark in 2020 when he launched 'The Mandate'. His project went deep into the realm of men's mental health. His prowess in the field of AI led most recently to the acquisition of his generative AI company in 2023. Now, as the mastermind behind AI Product & Strategy at Elixirr Consulting, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation. But his journey doesn't stop there. Adam is at the helm of a new venture, one that addresses the complex transitions and transformations men undergo as they age. 
Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adhofmann/
About Reggie Marra:
Reggie Marra is an educator, writer, and coach who guides himself and (willing) others into increasingly broader and deeper perspectives, and who explores the U.S. (and the world) through a multidisciplinary lens. His most recent book (2022) is Healing America's Narratives: The Feminine, the Masculine, & Our Collective National Shadow. 
Find out more at  www.ReggieMarra.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggiemarra/, and https://reggiemarra.substack.com/.
About Mitch Anthony:
Mitch Anthony is a synthesizer. He helps find coherence in disparate ideas. He helps integrate
this understanding into shared vision. And he helps translate this vision into doable strategy.
He is an accomplished brand strategist who has facilitated hundreds of integrated identity and
communications programs for companies and organizations worldwide. He publishes a weekly
newsletter - Love & Work - that he calls a journal of radical hope. 
You can learn more about Mitch at mitchanthony.net.
 
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
I'm on a quest to help men like you and me discover how to apply intimacy to unlock expansive success in your work, relationships, and life via the intimacy toolkit.

EP39: On Being A Cycle Breaker with Christine Anastasia

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Amazon Music
 
"I had to be the one to stand the ground in being that cycle breaker, not only for myself, but for the foundation of my marriage and my family and for the betterment of our relationships going forward."
- Christine Anastasia
 
On this week’s episode, I’m excited to share my conversation with Christine Anastasia. Christine is a Master Certified Life Coach with a long background in higher education. She’s also a young working parent. 
 
And a cycle breaker.
 
A what?? Yeah, a cycle breaker. After years of living within relationship patterns that were taking a toll on her mental health, as well as that of the people she loves, Christine realized that she could break the cycle. Which is exactly what she’s done. 
 
In this episode we explore the intricate dance between work, personal time, and relationships, and the courage it takes to dismantle social and relational norms that have been around for generations.
 
Other topics we touch on include: 
the emotional labor involved in reshaping family dynamics
how intimacy can serve as a gateway to acknowledging parts of ourselves we tend to hide
what it takes to partner up as parents in the fast-paced modern world
how healing oneself can create a positive ripple effect across generations and within our own lives
and plenty more
Quotes: 
On Personal Growth and Healing: 
"Learning about yourself and how to heal yourself, it takes time. And I think it's a unique experience for each person. My roadmap is not going to work for you or for another person. But it's about being open to look at how you want to take care of yourself in a way that supports your well being. And when you find that momentum, things start to heal. I know that when I began to heal myself, I began to heal my family."
 
The Delayed Effects of Unprocessed Feelings: 
"For so many of us, men and women, we don't see and understand the nuances of how our mental health functions within our day to day lives. Some of what happened in our childhood went unprocessed and it shows up now in our adult lives."
 
On Cycle Breaking in Family Dynamics: 
"I learned that it requires boundaries and communication and taking care of myself and being a real huge advocate for mental health and the mental health of others."
Connect with GUEST: 
links
About Christine: 
Christine is a mom of three, Emma (7), Zoe (4), and Alexander (1). Her coaching services and workshops help new and seasoned parents who are juggling work and raising a family. At their core, all parents want to be the best versions of themselves. She helps them prioritize their wellbeing in microsteps, not overhaul their life.
 
With over 10+ years working in higher education and love for helping others, she has bridged her love to educate and teach by supporting working parents that are experiencing burnout and overwhelm. By starting small and implementing wellbeing practices that fit your life is transformational and practical. After experiencing her own burnout as a working parent and being on the other side, she offers a safe and non judgemental space so you can build confidence and support in this chapter of your life. With this foundational support, you can tackle each step of your journey with a bit more grace, self compassion, and an open heart. When mom is doing well, all that she touches thrives!
 
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP38 - Understanding Men's Emotional Coping Mechanisms with Dating Expert Kimberly Hill

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"If we are not actually sure how we operate when we are triggered or we are stressed, then we're going to struggle to really intimately connect with someone because we're going to be clearly seeing that other person and how they're behaving, but we're not seeing our dimension."
- Kimberly Hill
 
Today we are diving deep into the heart of modern relationships with our guest, Kimberly Hill, an expert on dating and relationship dynamics who coaches men who are frustrated with dating apps and tired of attracting the wrong types of women.
 
In today's world, there's a growing concern among men who find themselves overly dependent on romantic partners for emotional fulfillment. This dangerous trend highlights not just a lack of social networks, but also an adherence to outdated masculine attitudes that prevent men from seeking support from friends or groups. It turns out neediness isn't just a turn-off, it's often the result of deeply ingrained coping mechanisms and emotional habits that date back to childhood.
 
Today, we'll unpack the complex emotional landscape that men navigate as they seek intimacy and connections in a society that often stigmatizes vulnerability. Kimberly will share insights into the emotional challenges men face, especially after experiences like divorce, and she'll offer strategies for self-healing and personal growth outside of the relationship paradigm.
 
Kimberly’s open heart and keen intellect help her clients recognize their true emotions, using tools like the emotion wheel. She also encourages them to express and work through these feelings. We'll talk about the importance of genuine vulnerability and the common pitfalls that accompany misconceptions about intimacy.
 
Kimberly also sheds light on her multifaceted definition of intimacy and provides a glimpse into her work, including her podcast, "The Self Confidence Project," as well as her relationship coaching services. Listen in to challenge your perspectives and encourage growth in your intimate connections.
 
Quotes: 
On Fatherless Homes Impacting Masculinity: 
"So many men are being raised by their moms, and their moms are doing the best jobs they can, some of them, anyways. And that means they're raising men with feminine values as well, which is like, don't be confrontational, be quiet, be kind and compassionate, be nurturing. So all those are beautiful qualities, and men should have those too. But if that becomes the leading focus and values and qualities for men, then it's no wonder then when they get into relationships with women that they're bringing in that feminine energy or those feminine qualities, and they're conflict avoidant, or they're more like kind and compassionate and all those things are good things, but they also need to have the other dynamics without the sort of, and courageous and leadership and belief in themselves."
 
On Healthy Boundaries in Relationships:
“A woman is not going to lose respect for you because you're standing up for yourself, because you're establishing your boundaries. And if a woman is not respecting a man's boundaries, then, man, what are you doing with that woman?”
 
On Emotional Gold-Digging: 
“If men, or women, are not developing their intimacy and friendships or social support networks and they're not healthy, then we end up expecting more from our romantic relationships, and we then put too much pressure on them, or we have expectations that can't be met, and then that causes problems in our relationship, right?”
Connect with Kimberly: 
Email: info@selfconfidenceproject.com
Website: www.kimberlyninahill.com 
IG: @kimberlyninahill
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-self-confidence-project/id1508166181
 
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP37: Conquering Yourself: Alec Wons’ Path to Personal Growth

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"It's a privilege to be in a relationship. It should be two independent individuals who choose each other, who compliment each other and support and uplift each other."
- Alec Wons
 
In the latest episode of Expansive Intimacy with Jim Young, guest Alec Wons shows an old dog (Jim, the GenX-er) that younger dogs (GenZ-ers) can learn tricks a lot faster. Across topics such as admitting to people-pleasing behavior in romantic relationships, and investing the time to examine how to grow into a healthier version of himself through therapy, Alec reveals that some old stigmas that hold men back from enjoying intimacy are falling away. 
 
The Art of Advocacy in Relationships
Listen in for Alec’s revelation about advocating for his needs by erecting healthy boundaries. The shift in his relationships were dramatic when he embraced disagreements as opportunities for growth rather than conflict. 
 
The Power of Therapy and Embracing Help
Throughout the conversation, Alec highlights the stigma that surrounds men seeking therapy—a stigma he's determined to shatter. By sharing their own experiences with therapy, both Alec and Jim highlighted the strength and confidence they gained by allowing themselves to be vulnerable and ask for help. 
 
The Importance of Connecting
Alec delves into the dual edged nature of today’s technology–how it creates immense possibilities for connection, while simultaneously dampening the feeling of true connection. He also shares some lessons he’s learned about how to use tech tools, like social media, to practice the skills needed for IRL interactions. 
 
Finding Solitude and Building Emotional Intelligence
"Conquer Yourself," Alec’s book, came from a period of post-college self-reflection and isolation. He celebrates the merits of therapy and solitude for achieving inner calm, offering a glimpse into his practices, including early morning workouts and reading. 
 
Facing the End of a Career–at 20 Years Old!
Alec recounts his moment of dread when facing the end of his college soccer career due to arthritis. Check out how he turned his fear of that vulnerable moment into a reservoir of support and respect from others, illustrating the transformative power of sharing one's challenges.
Quotes: 
On the value of vulnerability: 
“One of the scariest moments in my life was when I developed arthritis at the age of 20 in college and I had to stop playing soccer. I literally went from being a member of the team to possibly not being included at all. I eventually ended up becoming the manager of the team to stay close to some friends, which is obviously a drop in status. I wondered, ‘Are they going to treat me the same? Are they going to view me the same?’ And I was very scared to open up about that. But as soon as I did, I was surrounded with love, I was surrounded with support.”
 
On the courage it takes to go first with the men in your life: 
“It's a little more rare for guys to actually open up to each other when a lot of the guys are thinking and feeling the exact same thing. And you have no idea if your buddy's going through something. So it's almost like, we just try and normalize that [silence] in a way. If you want to see a change, be the one to start making that change yourself.”
Connect with Alec: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecwons/    
Personal Website w/ Links to Books: https://conqueryourself.co/    
Email: alec@habithackermethod.com
More About Alec:
Alec Wons is a 2x Author, Entrepreneur, Coach and Sales Professional. Alec preaches that the key to improving the relationship with yourself and with others is to consistently practice solitude, gratitude, and empathy. Spending time with yourself, appreciating what you have in your life and being able to connect with others on a deeper level will bring you endless happiness and success. Will everything always go as planned? Mostly not, however, developing a healthy and caring relationship with yourself allows you to swiftly navigate life's curve balls. Alec is an avid reader, cook, and fitness junkie who loves spending time out in nature. He enjoys connecting with others and meeting new people, so feel free to reach out!
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 

EP36 - Nervous System Mastery for Better Relationships with Matt Bush and Elisabeth Kristof

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"Just like you brush your teeth probably twice a day, maybe more. You shower, you take care of your clothes, you take care of your hair. You need to take care of your nervous system in the same way with daily hygiene and daily maintenance of your neural systems so that they're able to receive and integrate all of these different sensory inputs that we're talking about."
- Matt Bush
 
A few months ago, I had Elisabeth Kristof and Matt Bush on the show in consecutive episodes to talk about how we can use the body and brain in tandem for deep healing. Their episodes were packed with insights and were incredibly popular with listeners. So I decided to bring them back on for another dive into how we can tame our nervous systems.  
 
In this first-ever panel episode of Expansive Intimacy, we delve into the intricate relationship between our physiological state and our subconscious mind, the nuanced ways our bodies communicate stress, and how becoming aware of these signals can drastically improve our emotional regulation, presence, and ultimately, our connections with others.
 
Among the topics we touch on are: 
Unspoken Stress Signals - The role of nonverbal cues in indicating stress. 
Decoding Posture and Presence - How body posture can indicate someone's mental state.
Rewiring for Emotional Regulation - Both Elisabeth and Matt give examples of daily practices they use & teach for staying present and regulated. 
Neurosomatic Training as an Intimacy Tool - Learn to rewire your nervous system for improved emotional awareness and more dynamic, compassionate, and authentic relationships.
Using Intimacy to Boost Your Leadership - See how leaders can apply intimate relationship skills to build a more positive, creative environment at work. 
 
And these are merely the tip of the transformative iceberg when it comes to neurosomatic techniques for healing our bodies, minds, and our trained emotional responses. 
 
Elisabeth and Matt offer myriad first-hand accounts and expert insights on the effects of neurosomatic tools to provide a blueprint for anyone looking to enhance their intimacy across all spheres of life. Enjoy! 
Quotes: 
Matt, on Mindfulness Techniques: 
“Just take a second and recognize five to ten sensory inputs from your current environment. Like right in the moment … go! What's the temperature? Is the wind blowing? What's the lighting? What's the sound? What do I feel from tactile sensation? What do I feel inside my body? That could take less than 10 seconds, right? Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. It really brings you back into the present moment, creating a little space from wherever your brain had wandered off from.”
 
Elisabeth, on Understanding Nonverbal Communication: 
"Well, I think one of the best things is to just begin to understand that so much of our communication with one another is nonverbal. And once you become aware of that and how the nervous system is always communicating with you, the nervous system of another person is always communicating with you."
 
Elisabeth, on The Complexities of Emotional Repression: 
"Just like Matt was saying, it's not conscious at all, right? But there is such a high threat level associated in our subconscious with the experience of certain emotions, big emotions that can be very dysregulating, and that we may be experienced at a much earlier age when that experience was so dysregulating to the nervous system that it was quite literally life threatening. It kicked into a survival threat. And so we learn to repress those emotions because there is no real separation between emotional regulation and nervous system dysregulation. It's all part of a physiological process."
Connect with Elisabeth Kristof:
Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching Certification: https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/
Brain-Based Wellness Membership: https://brainbased-wellness.com/membership/
 
Connect with Matt Bush:
Next Level Neuro Website: nextlevelneuro.com
Instagram: @nextlevelneuro
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP35: Everyday Intimacy: Mark Staelgraeve’s Simple Solutions for Closer Connections at Work and Home

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"With my definition of intimacy right at the beginning of the year in particular, I really sought deeper relationships for myself, with myself, deeper relationships at work, deeper relationships at home, while I'm playing … everything. I wanted more. I wanted more connection. We're all hardwired for connection. And if anything, the last few years have taught us that we need more connection in our lives."
- Mark Staelgraeve
 
Ever meet one of those “everyday visionaries,” the kind of people with a gift for extracting brilliant lessons from seemingly mundane encounters? Mark Staelgraeve is one of those. 
 
As you might imagine, this episode is full to the brim with practical, actionable, everyday lessons for how to bring intimacy into all corners of your life. Using the perspectives of a recovering perfectionist, an Agile software developer, a husband, a father, a friend, an athlete, a friend, a man on a long journey–and more–Mark weaves in and out of the moments many of us take for granted to unearth simple gems that make our lives richer. 
 
And if you’re listening to this around the episode release date, maybe you want to take up Mark’s 2023 challenge for himself and make “Intimacy” a focus word for yourself in the coming year. 
 
Enjoy! 
Quotes: 
On The Easiest Way to Get Present: 
“Just disconnecting, that's one of the biggest things. And then that helps me to slow down. It helps me to let everything that's going on in the brain just kind of settle down and it quiets. And I find it quite interesting that that simple act of turning the phone off and putting it out of sight, it really helps all the other things then to be out of sight and out of mind.”
 
On A Key to Leaving Perfectionism Behind: 
“Giving myself the permission to let it all fall to the ground. Who cares, right? I'll pick it up later because there's nothing I can do about it right now, in this moment. So it's making that intentional choice that I'm going to give myself permission, I'm going to give myself that freedom to let go of all of these worries, of all these things that are on my mind." 
Connect with Mark: 
Email: mark@markstaelgraeve.com
About Mark: 
Mark Staelgraeve is a husband, a father of two adult children, and a recovering perfectionist. He serves as a leadership and life coach, an agile coach, and management consultant with over 30 years of professional experience in technology and software development across multiple industries. His top personal values include family, fun, learning, trust, integrity, freedom, positivity, and kindness.
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP34: Breaking Free from Confined Masculinity with Guest Ed Frauenheim

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"What we talk about with liberating masculinity is can we come to a deeper sense of our self worth that isn't dependent on besting others, that actually sees connection and compassion as central to our identities."
- Ed Frauenheim
 
In the latest episode of "Expansive Intimacy with Jim Young," we delve into the critical issue of societal expectations of men. Jim’s guest, Ed Frauenheim, sheds light on the burden these expectations impose on people across personal and professional spheres. Together, they unravel old and new narratives from friends and peers, focusing on the profound impact such pressures can have on men's emotional and mental well-being. 
 
Ed vulnerably shares his personal struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, highlighting the broader conversation about men's mental health and the stigmatized perspective of having to "suffer in silence." He notes that the pandemic has paradoxically offered some relief by creating broader societal acceptance for discussing men's mental health challenges, which have historically been seen as taboo.
 
The discussion with Ed also provides insights into "Reinventing Masculinity," a book he co-authored with Ed Adams, which introduces the archetypes of "confined" and "liberating" masculinity. A roadmap for guiding men towards a more balanced and fulfilling life, liberating masculinity encourages men to make use of skills like emotional intelligence and collaboration as a way to create better workplace cultures and personal lives.
 
Quotes: 
On Interdependent Success: 
“Your success really depends on everybody else's success, too. So you can rise up in organizations, and in fact, increasingly the way to rise is to support others in rising.”
 
On Social Support & Recovery: 
“What I started doing after my heart attack two and a half years ago was expanding the circle of people. I talked about anxiety with my clients, my coach, more kind of distant friends. And what I noticed when I talked to them, almost to a person, they were kind, and they said, I have had similar things, or I know someone who has deeply wrestled with this stuff, too. So, again, it was all of a sudden, I didn't feel alone, and the weight was lifted, and I felt free."
Connect with Ed: 
His Book: Reinventing Masculinity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-frauenheim-685294/ 
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP33: Exploring Emotional Landscapes: Chris Gaither on Intimacy and Environmental Action

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
“We talk about artificial intelligence all the time, right? What about natural intelligence, that intelligence that's in us when we slow ourselves down and allow ourselves to pay attention to that wisdom that we're carrying around all the time.”
- Chris Gaither
 
One of the foundational ideas behind this podcast is that intimacy has an infinite set of facets. It can be experienced in so many ways. And each of them carries a form of native intelligence, which we often need to slow ourselves down to recognize.  
 
My guest this week, Chris Gaither, offered one of the most expansive explorations of intimacy yet. Chris shares about his experiences through multiple filters. He’s an environmentalist, a divorcee, a father, a coach, and an organizational leader, among many other hats he wears. 
 
One of the biggest truths that Chris speaks of is how we tend to live in a mode of extraction–trying to get what we can from the resources around us, both in nature and the relationships in our lives. This deep theme about human need and the often harmful ways we go about meeting it, sits at the heart of Chris’s explorations of how to be regenerative, rather than extractive. It’s a lesson that we can all look at, hopefully with the same grace and willingness that Chris shows.   
Quotes: 
On the Illusions We Hold About Separateness: "The way that I think about intimacy is that it is what happens when we start to let the illusion of separateness disappear."
 
On the Planetary Call for Intimacy: "So the more that we practice intimacy, the more we recognize how tied together we all are, how we're all in this together. And the more we feel that, then the more called we feel to take action and to actually help the health of the planet, because you can't separate the health of each one of us from the health of the environment that we're in."
 
On Divorce and Forgiveness: "If my dad was the villain in that story, which he was for a long time, does that mean that I'm the villain now? And it gave me tremendous compassion for my father over time, to start to realize that everything is more complicated than it looks like from the outside. My marriage was. Everything is more complicated from the outside. And I think that's a big part of what intimacy is. It's wading into the depths of something and recognizing how rich it is."
Connect with Chris: 
Regenerous (his company): https://regenerous.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgaither/ 
 
More About Chris: 
Chris Gaither is an executive coach and public speaker. As co-founder of Regenerous, he helps corporate environmental sustainability leaders drive wide-scale change and replenish their energy to do the work the Earth so desperately needs. To all his work, Chris brings his fierce love for planetary healing, his storytelling expertise, and his leadership experience on Apple’s Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives team.  He is a member of the Climate Coaching Alliance, the Humanitarian Coaching Network, and the Forbes Coaches Council.He lives with his wife and teenage son in Berkeley, California, where he proudly serves on the Alameda County Community Food Bank’s board of directors.
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son). 
 

EP32: Why Male Intimacy Is So Appealing to Women w/ Shana James

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music
 
"I do think that men often feel loved through sex. I think a lot of us do. But there's a particular dynamic where I think men give themselves permission sometimes to feel loved in that way, that it's not out in the world, it's more private, it's more intimate."
- Shana James
 
Shana James is a guide for men at the crossroads of self-awareness and intimacy who has helped thousands of men increase their impact, get promoted, find love, rekindle spark, create a legacy, and become more personally inspired and fulfilled.
 
In this episode, Shana joins us to unravel why so many men stumble when articulating their desires and how this can lead to a fear of their world unraveling.
 
Shana helps challenge the stereotype of the "new tough guy" and how we can redefine strength through vulnerability and self-trust. She also opens up her deep well of insights into the hidden struggles men face in traditional gender roles, feeling invalidated and objectified, and why entering midlife with conscious intentions is more crucial than ever.
 
Together, we'll dissect the layers of honesty in relationships, the seductive dance of vulnerability, and the art of navigating the chaos that can bring couples closer. Shana bravely shares a slice of her own vulnerability, illustrating that a relationship without its mess is like a sea without its depth.
 
Steering the conversation into the sacred, Shana and I will delve into the expansive definition of sex beyond the conventional, highlighting intimacy, pleasure, and connection as its true north. Get ready for a perspective shift as we talk about "four-dimensional sex" that incorporates the physical, emotional, soulful, and energetic tapestries that intertwine in truly connected experiences.
 
So lean in, open up, and join us as we explore how men can create new possibilities in their lives by clearing emotional baggage, embracing genuine intimacy, and weaving vulnerability into the fabric of strength. It's time to let go of false harmony, embrace the waves, be the rock, and rise with the tides of Expansive Intimacy.
Quotes: 
On The Complexity of Honesty in Relationships:  
"If we really get honest about honesty, it's much more multilayered or multidimensional or complex and nuanced than many people think about it." 
 
On Reigniting Passion in Relationships: 
"For couples who've been stuck in a rut, I often have them go back and ask ‘What do I want? What do you want? What would really excite us?’ Or sometimes it's easier to back into it by saying, I know I don't want this, or I know I don't want that. And then also to bring up what's been painful about this for us, what's been unsatisfying. It takes them courage to go there, to be that intimate, to reveal those things. And often the fear is, well, I'm going to break our relationship. But they might already be living inside of a broken or dead end relationship. So if we don't risk doing something different, then it often just stays as is."
 
On Redefining Success: 
"I named my Facebook page ‘True Success for Men’ with the idea that true success actually includes our well being and includes a feeling of fulfillment and a feeling of being inspired in the world, as opposed to just numbers and titles and making it."
Connect with Shana: 
Shana’s Book: https://shanajamescoaching.com/honest-sex/
Free Guide on Keys to Men’s Influence at Work & w/Women: https://shanajamescoaching.com/3ways 
The Man Alive Podcast: https://shanajamescoaching.com/man-alive-podcast/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesuccessformen   
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanajames/  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-james-3004065/
Question for Listeners:
Who is one person that you can think of right now who might find this episode helpful? Go ahead… send them a link. You might just strike up a new and meaningful conversation with them while you’re at it!  
 
The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.
Intro Music: Catch It by Coma- Media
Outro Music: Upbeat Funky Retro by QubeSounds
 
Editing & Production Services by JRS Young (my son).