Garrett Braunreiter was a personal trainer with 40 years in fitness. He also spent more than a year eating a bag of peanut butter cups every night.

In this episode, Garrett talks about why men self sabotage when they know exactly what to do, why willpower is not enough, how to stay consistent when motivation runs out, and what it took to stop breaking promises to himself.

He also talks about what happens inside a men’s group. Garrett is a MensGroup member, facilitates The Man You’re Becoming, and sits in Men of Action, Beyond Insecurity, and Accountability Buddies.

If any of this sounds like you, you’re not the only one.

Find out more about MensGroup: https://mensgroup.com

Connect with Garrett on the following sites:

1. https://therealgjbraun.com
2. https://therealgjbraun.com/5-day-habits/

What actually happens in a men’s group? https://mensgroup.com/what-to-expect-in-a-mens-group

In this episode, Sean Galla, founder of MensGroup.com, explains what men can expect when they join a men’s group for the first time. He walks through how a typical group is structured, how new members are welcomed, what kinds of conversations come up, and how men support each other through honest discussion, practical feedback, and shared life experience.

Sean also clears up some common misconceptions about men’s groups. These are not “crying circles” or places where men are told what to do. A good men’s group is a grounded, supportive space where everyday men can talk openly about relationships, stress, divorce, purpose, confidence, fatherhood, addiction, money, and major life transitions.

Whether you’re curious about men’s work, looking for support, or wondering what it would feel like to sit in a circle with other men and talk honestly about life, this episode offers a clear and approachable introduction to what men’s groups are really like.

Learn more or join a men’s group at https://MensGroup.com.

If you’re curious about men’s groups but hesitant, I get it. https://mensgroup.com/which-mens-group

If you’re curious about men’s groups but hesitant, I get it. When I went looking for my first group, I didn’t want to waste time, feel out of place, or be pushed to overshare with a bunch of strangers. I worried men’s groups were for “other guys.” Turns out, the truth is simpler: finding the right men’s group is like finding the right car or therapist—you’ve got to test-drive a few.

Here’s the straight goods:

• Don’t judge a group by the website or the leader’s pitch. With confidentiality, you can’t really know until you sit in a meeting. Some “perfect on paper” groups won’t click. Others you’re unsure about might end up changing your life.
• Expect to sample a few. We’re all different—personalities, communication styles, what we need right now. One size never fits all. Attend a handful and trust your gut.
• Not all formats are the same. You’ll find church/community-center circles, small groups run out of a garage, dinner meetups in private rooms, ritual-heavy weekend retreats, adventure-based trips, and online options. Each has a vibe. Pick what suits your season.
• Online groups can be a smart entry point. They’re convenient, discreet, and lower cost. You can even just listen at first, build trust, and share when you’re ready. That’s why I built MensGroup.com—to make it easy for guys to drop in, learn, and connect on their own terms.
• Keep an open mind. My first group wasn’t a fit—the coach talked too much and the ceremonial stuff wasn’t me. But I met one solid friend there (still in my life today). And the group I almost skipped? That one ended up improving my relationships, wealth, and day-to-day fulfillment in a big way.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Pick two or three groups and try them in the next couple of weeks. Notice how you feel during and after: Did you feel heard? Did the format help you open up? Did you leave with clarity or a next step?

I’m filming a follow-up on red flags and green flags—quick tells that a group will be a waste of time vs. worth it. Watch for that soon.

Thinking about joining a men's group, but feeling unsure or hesitant?

👉 https://mensgroup.com/considering-a-mensgroup

You’re not alone. In fact, 94% of the guys who join our Men's Group community have never been part of anything like this before. If you're feeling skeptical, confused, or even a bit nervous about showing up and talking with other men, this video is for you. Sean Galla, MensGroup CEO, shares what it was like when he first joined a men’s group—navigating fears about being judged, wasting time, or not fitting in.

He talks candidly about his early doubts: worrying he wouldn’t like the other guys, wondering if his problems were “too much,” and fearing he'd be stuck listening to people complain. But as he shares in the video, those fears were just a reflection of the unfamiliar. Like most guys, he had never experienced being in a room where men openly talk about real-life challenges—from breakups and burnout to addiction, family struggles, and self-doubt.

Over time, he discovered that men’s groups aren’t one-size-fits-all. Just like finding the right gym or therapist, you might need to try a few before you land on one that clicks. But once you do, it’s powerful. Sean found groups where men were there to grow, not wallow. Where guys shared openly and offered guidance, not judgment. And that kind of honest connection changed everything.

This video is a real, personal account of what it's like to join a men’s group for the first time—and what’s possible when you stick with it. Whether you join one of our online groups or find a local meeting in your town, having a safe place to talk makes a huge difference in a man’s life. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

If you’ve ever thought about joining a men’s group but had doubts or concerns, this video breaks it down in a relatable, no-BS way. Watch to hear what Sean learned from 20+ years of experience running men’s groups—and why it might be exactly what you need right now.

00:00 - Why most men have never been to a men's group
00:42 - Sean’s personal struggles that led him to seek help
01:25 - Fears and stigma around joining a men’s group
02:20 - Worried about being judged or being a burden
03:18 - First group experience and early impressions
04:12 - Finding the right group takes trial and error
05:10 - Types of groups that didn’t work for Sean
06:00 - Connecting with individual guys even in tough groups
06:45 - Discovering groups aligned with personal growth
07:42 - The power of sharing with men who’ve been there
08:28 - Why isolation makes things worse for men
09:12 - The fastest way to get answers to life challenges
09:53 - What we do at MensGroup.com
10:38 - Why safe spaces for men to talk matter
11:10 - Encouragement for finding your own group
11:45 - Final thoughts and next steps

For more info: MensGroup.com

Dealing with social anxiety as a man? You’re not alone.

👉 https://mensgroup.com/how-to-stop-social-anxiety-for-men

In this video, I share a real-life story about how I faced intense social anxiety at a local concert — and the simple, practical steps that helped me stay grounded, connect with others, and walk away feeling good about the night.

00:00 – Intro Sean's Social Anxiety
00:33 – Social Anxiety is common in men
01:12 – My Lifelong Struggle With Social Anxiety
02:00 – A Recent Social Anxiety Experience
03:12 – Overwhelmed at a Local Concert
04:24 – The First Strategy: Give Yourself an Out
05:18 – Finding Safe People in the Crowd
06:00 – Working the Periphery
07:05 – Calming the Nervous System
08:04 – Real Conversations With Friends
09:10 – Reflections on Social Anxiety
10:15 – Breathing, Awareness, and Compassion
11:05 – Conclusion: Managing Social Anxiety as a Man

Having spent 17 years leading men’s groups and listening to thousands of guys talk about anxiety, I’ve learned that social anxiety doesn’t discriminate — it hits confident guys, introverts, leaders, and everyday men alike. The key is knowing how to navigate it when it shows up. Whether it’s breathing, working the edges of the room, or finding one safe connection, the tools I share are based on what actually works.

If you ever feel overwhelmed in social settings or you avoid events because of anxiety, this video is for you. It’s not expert advice — just a personal story of me applying the wisdom I absorbed from men's groups around feeling socially anxious that might help you feel less alone in your own experience.

Self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools a man can develop—but it’s also one of the hardest.

👉 Article & Video: Self-Compassion for Men – You Are the Way You Are for Good Reason

After 17 years of leading men’s groups, I’ve seen thousands of guys—from pro athletes to everyday dads—struggle with shame, self-judgment, and feeling like they’re never enough. The truth is, you are the way you are for good reason, and learning to meet yourself with self-compassion is where real change begins.

In this video, I share my personal journey of practicing self-compassion—from my decision to move to a small surf town to reconnect with who I really am, to my lifelong battle with emotional eating. I talk about why certain habits are so hard to change, and how understanding where they come from can help you stop beating yourself up and start healing.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or ashamed of your patterns, this video will help you reframe those challenges through the lens of self-compassion for men. When you begin to understand your wiring—and treat yourself with the same kindness you'd show a friend—you create space for growth, peace, and purpose.

👇 Share in the comments: What’s one habit or part of yourself you're trying to meet with more self-compassion? Your story could help another man on his path.

Masculinity is a topic that a lot of guys are confused about in 2025. With all of the social movements - many of which were critical towards men and masculinity - a lot of guys have felt attacked and may not feel proud to be a man. There has also been so much mixed messaging.

To watch the video of this episode, go here: https://mensgroup.com/how-to-be-a-man-in-2025-productive-masculinity

In this conversation, Josh Biro and Sean Galla explore the evolving definitions of masculinity, the importance of mental health for men, and the redefinition of fatherhood. They discuss societal changes, the backlash against feminism, and the necessity of emotional openness among men. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more inclusive dialogue around masculinity and the role of fathers in modern society, highlighting the impact of these discussions on future generations. In this conversation, Sean Galla and Josh Biro explore the evolving roles of men in society, focusing on themes such as gender roles in household responsibilities, the importance of brotherhood and community, the need for third spaces, the impact of AI on work and identity, the rise of longevity and physical wellness, social responsibility, and personal branding. They discuss how these elements are shaping modern masculinity and the future of male relationships.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Tomorrow’s Man: Predictions for Masculinity
02:02 Expanding Definitions of Masculinity
03:41 The Role of Men in Feminism
06:28 Emotional Openness and Vulnerability in Men
11:31 The Backlash Against Feminism
18:07 Regional Differences in Masculinity Conversations
19:45 The Importance of Masculine Energy in Parenting
26:37 The Shift from ‘Man Up’ to ‘Grow Up’
32:42 Cultural Role Models for Masculinity
35:23 The Need for Positive Masculine Images
36:09 Energetic Duality: Masculine and Feminine Energy
38:45 Men’s Mental Health: A Growing Discussion
56:12 Redefining Fatherhood and Family Roles
01:08:57 Redefining Gender Roles in Household Responsibilities
01:12:52 The Importance of Brotherhood and Community
01:15:46 The Need for Third Spaces in Modern Society
01:18:46 The Evolution of Work and Identity in the Age of AI
01:42:59 The Shift Towards Longevity and Wellness
01:45:08 The Shift in Longevity Perspectives
01:51:34 Emerging Trends in Longevity and Wellness
01:52:33 Social Responsibility and Masculinity
02:04:04 The Rise of Personal Branding
02:14:49 Future Predictions for Masculinity

Key Takeaways:
– The future of masculinity is about expanding definitions and emotional openness.
– Men’s mental health is a critical issue that needs more attention.
– The presence of a father significantly impacts a child’s future.
– Redefining masculinity includes understanding emotional vulnerability.
– The backlash against feminism is prompting a re-examination of masculinity.
– Societal acceptance is crucial for empowering men to seek help.
– Fatherhood is not just about being a breadwinner but being present.
– The conversation around masculinity must include discussions about mental health.
– Cultural narratives around masculinity are shifting towards inclusivity.
– The importance of teaching boys about healthy masculinity starts at home. Men are increasingly sharing household responsibilities, challenging traditional gender roles.
– Brotherhood and community are essential for men’s mental health and well-being.
– The lack of third spaces contributes to feelings of isolation among men.
– Shared experiences and teamwork are vital for building strong male friendships.
– AI is transforming the nature of work and personal identity.
– Longevity and physical wellness are becoming central to men’s health conversations.
– Men are being called to take on more social and environmenta

Men's groups can be intimidating and confusing. There is so much stigma around them and a lot of guys think they're for losers. Sean Galla - founder of MensGroup.com - shares his thoughts on Men's Groups after putting on 1000+ groups.

For more info visit: https://mensgroup.com/thoughts-from-1000-mens-groups

We hope you too will one day find a place to share what's on your mind and to make like minded guy friends!

This video emphasizes the importance of joining a men's support group for personal growth and improved mental health. He highlights how these groups provide a safe space for peer support groups and sharing circles, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Consider joining a men's support group to experience these advantages firsthand.