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

In this powerful return to The ManKind Podcast, John Henry Parker joins Brandon to unpack his latest book, Men Harvesting Wisdom: The 10 Heroic Dimensions of Transformational Self Leadership.

Two years after discussing Be the Dawn in the Darkness, John returns not with memoir, but with architecture. A field guide built from 35 years of sitting with men in crisis, veterans in transition, fathers on the brink, and leaders navigating identity collapse.

This episode explores:

• The identity crisis men face after military service, retirement, divorce, or career transition
• Why identity, mission, meaning, and purpose are stripped away during major life changes
• The 10 Heroic Dimensions that form a practical map and compass for self leadership
• How values clarify difficult decisions
• Why willingness matters most when you do not feel like showing up
• The role of brotherhood and why “Who are my men?” is a critical question
• The power of legacy as a stabilizing force in dark seasons
• How proximity to death or loss can strip away false stories
• Why passionate sustainable clarity is the real goal

John shares openly about bypass surgery, chronic stress, trauma, grief after losing his son, and the humility required to write about transformation while still living it.

This conversation is a reminder that men are not broken. They are often simply unstructured during transition.

If you are asking:

Who am I now?
What do I do with my life?
Who do I become next?

This episode is your call to adventure.

THE 10 HEROIC DIMENSIONS DISCUSSED

1. Identity – Know yourself
2. Values – Clarify what governs your decisions
3. Meaning – Your existential why
4. Purpose – Your existential how
5. Self Care – Physical, emotional, spiritual, financial
6. Roles and Intentions – Father, partner, leader
7. Vision – Where yo

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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:

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

In this deeply grounded conversation, Boysen sits down with longtime friend and transformational teacher Michael Taylor to explore optimism, masculinity, race, and inner freedom.

Michael shares his journey from growing up in poverty to losing everything—marriage, finances, home—and how those experiences became the foundation for a life rooted in purpose and peace. Together, they examine outdated models of masculinity, the emotional health crisis facing men, and why inner work is essential for both personal and cultural transformation.

A central focus of the episode is Michael’s documentary Shattering Black Male Stereotypes, which challenges limiting narratives around Black men by highlighting responsibility, possibility, and lived success—without denying the reality of systemic oppression.

This episode is a thoughtful invitation to question inherited beliefs, redefine strength, and remember that peace, purpose, and power are cultivated from within.

https://coachmichaeltaylor.com/

Check out the "Shatter

https://shatterthestereotypes.com/movie

mtaylor@coachmichaeltaylor.com or 713-303-2067

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

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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 the man you love breaks your trust—and then chooses to fight for his integrity?

In this deeply honest episode of the ManKind Podcast, Boysen sits down with Craig and Michelle Perra, co-founders of the Mindful Habit System—a revolutionary behavior change model that’s helped thousands of men break free from sex and porn addiction, not through shame, but by building habits of integrity, accountability, and self-leadership.

Craig shares his descent into secrecy, addiction, and rock bottom—and how Michelle stood in her power, not to save him, but to save herself. Together, they share the hard-earned wisdom of doing the deep work: navigating betrayal, reclaiming trust, and showing up in partnership with radical honesty.

The Mindful Habit System isn’t 12-step. It’s not religion-based. It’s a structured, practical approach to long-term change—one that addresses not just compulsive behaviors, but the root causes: shame, trauma, emotional repression, and disconnection. For partners, it offers a parallel path to healing and empowerment, independent of their loved one’s success or failure.

This episode explores what it means to live sexually in integrity, why communication without defensiveness is so attractive, and how men and couples can rebuild stronger than ever—one choice at a time.

🎧 Whether you’re struggling, supporting a partner, or simply want to deepen your capacity for connection—this conversation will move you.

🔗 Learn more at mindfulhabithelp.com

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.
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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).

When co‑host Brandon Clift and his pregnant wife climbed aboard a neighbour’s Piper Apache, they expected a relaxing ski trip in West Virginia. Instead, one engine failed on take‑off, forcing their small plane to circle back as gusting winds pushed them toward the trees.

With another pilot trailing the plane calmly advising “hold your blue line” over the radio, their pilots managed a safe landing. In this episode, Brandon recalls looking at his wife and wondering whether they were about to orphan their three‑year‑old daughter while denying their unborn baby a chance to live. He explains how that question cracked open his own perfectionism and catalysed a new commitment to “sovereignty” and action.

"Is this it?"

Brandon shares the full story of the incident and, more importantly, what shifted in the weeks that followed. This conversation explores how proximity to death can strip away old narratives and expose what actually matters.

Takeaways – Near‑death experiences can act as catalysts for growth, but listeners don’t need to flirt with danger to integrate the lessons. The hosts encourage men to:

• Recognise the opportunities and support networks already in place.
• Choose empowering meanings for challenging events, leveraging the brain’s RAS to find evidence that supports growth.
• Adopt identity‑based habits by deciding who you want to become and taking consistent action.
• Prioritise purpose and sovereignty over perfectionism.

This episode is not about chasing danger or manufacturing trauma. It is an invitation to look honestly at the places where fear, old stories, and self protection are quietly delaying the life you already know you are meant to live.

If you have been waiting for certainty, permission, or the perfect plan, this conversation may be the nudge you did not know you needed.

- Atomic Habits by James Clear

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.
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Get up to 48% off Magic Mind with our link:
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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 if the violence we fear most isn’t just about ideology or mental health—but about how we teach boys to be men?

In this powerful conversation, Boysen sits down with Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss—renowned extremism researcher, advisor to Congress and the UN, and author of Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism. Together, they explore the often-overlooked role of misogyny as a root cause of radicalization, mass shootings, and political violence.

But this episode isn’t just about warning signs—it’s about reckoning, responsibility, and reclaiming connection.

Dr. Miller-Idriss brings research, clarity, and compassion to one of the most urgent conversations of our time.

🔍 In This Episode:

• Why misogyny is more than hatred—it’s gender policing
• How gender norms impact boys and men, not just women
• The link between domestic violence and mass shootings
• How extremist movements use gender to recruit and radicalize
• What older men need to understand about boys today
• Why "calling men in" is more effective than calling them out
• Practical steps for parents, educators, and men's groups

This is a must-listen for anyone committed to raising emotionally healthy men—and dismantling the systems that harm us all.

Learn more: "Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism"

Cynthia Miller-Idriss: PERIL: Polarization & Extremism, Research and Innovation Lab

Mark Green: https://remakingmanhood.com/

Jackson Katz: https://www.jacksonkatz.com/

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 48% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKIND50

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 the armor of masculinity meets the depth of feminine wisdom?

In this heartfelt and provocative episode, Boysen sits down with Joanna Shakti, founder of Ecstatic Intimacy, to unpack the sacred dance of masculine and feminine energies in modern relationships. With vulnerability and clarity, Joanna shares how her own breakdown led to breakthroughs in love, intimacy, and self-awareness—and how these lessons can heal the divide in our own partnerships.

From attachment styles and polarity to emotional expression and self-abandonment, this conversation goes beyond gender stereotypes to explore what it truly means to be whole—and to love from that wholeness. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, you’ll find powerful insights into the work of becoming radically authentic and deeply connected.

Topics include:

• Masculine and feminine over/under-expression
• How attachment styles shape intimacy
• Ecstatic authenticity vs. facade
• Relationship polarity and emotional safety
• The true meaning of sovereignty in love

https://ecstaticintimacy.com/

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.
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Support the show

Get up to 48% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKIND50

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).

Prepare to navigate the holiday season with peace and ease as we unpack strategies for conflict-free gatherings.

In this episode, Brandon Clift shares Emotional Intelligence strategies to help you navigate this holiday season with ease.

We'll help you identify emotional triggers, manage your reactions, and foster meaningful connections even in challenging family situations. Plus, we discuss the importance of setting boundaries and engaging in courageous conversations with your loved ones.

In the second part of the episode, we take a closer look at maintaining emotional intelligence during the busy and often stressful holiday season. We underscore the significance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and exercising empathy in interactions with family and friends. Learn the power of the simple question, "Hey, are you okay?" to show care and support for your loved ones. We'll share personal experiences and offer practical tips to maintain healthy relationships during the holidays.

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 48% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKIND50

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).

Five days after the anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Brandon is joined by Rabbi Noam Raucher, spiritual coach, rabbi, and host of The Jewish Divorce Project, for a grounded and deeply human conversation about grief, fear, resilience, and responsibility.

Rather than rushing to politicize or defend positions, this episode slows down and asks a more essential question: How should human beings respond first when confronted with violence?

Together, Brandon, Noam, and Boysen explore:

• The emotional impact of the Bondi Beach attack during Hanukkah
• Why witnessing pain must come before analysis or opinion
• How desensitization to violence erodes our shared humanity
• Jewish resilience and the deeper meaning of Hanukkah as rededication and light
• Holding outrage and compassion at the same time
• Generational trauma and how it lives in the body and community
• The difference between knee-to-knee healing and shoulder-to-shoulder rebuilding
• Why apathy is more dangerous than anger
• Forgiveness as releasing anger, not excusing harm
• How to “bank” moments of safety, connection, and love during dark times

This conversation is not about answers. It is about posture. About choosing presence over polarization, community over isolation, and humanity over ideology.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, uncertain how to respond, or searching for a way to grieve without contributing to further division, this episode offers a steady place to land.

- Rabbi Noam Raucher
https://www.noamraucher.com

- The Jewish Divorce Project
https://www.jewishdivorceproject.com

- The ManKind Project
https://mankindproject.org

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 48% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKIND50

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