Mind Over Masculinity

In this transformative episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana sits down with Marko Petrovic—world explorer, two-time bestselling author of Soul Path and Embrace of the Elements, and founder of the MARA Project. Together, they dive deep into ancient wisdom, modern mental health, the role of ego, and the art of liberating the restless monkey mind. Marko shares powerful practices like breathwork, cold exp...

In this transformative episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dennis Procopio, founder of Man Up Life Coaching, to tackle the raw and often misunderstood realities of modern masculinity. From surviving the tough walls of Rikers Island to raising a special needs child, Dennis shares his journey and sheds light on why so many men today feel lost or disconnected. Togethe...

In this empowering episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we welcome 81-year-young wisdom powerhouse Brian Hampton, who shares game-changing insights on navigating the healthcare system without losing your dignity—or your sanity. Drawing from hundreds of medical encounters and his new book It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken, Brian reveals how men often get trapped in the "medical vortex" and what it t...

In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Benjamin Nevares—former Team USA powerlifting competitor, exercise scientist, and mental health advocate—to explore how true strength is forged far beyond the gym. From a shy, bullied teen to a sober entrepreneur owning three companies, Ben opens up about the mental grit required to overcome addiction, redefine m...

Imagine carrying seven "incurable" conditions—bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraines, arthritis—and being told by medical experts to accept a lifetime of pain and pills. Then imagine becoming completely free of all symptoms and medications within 14 months. This episode features Baba Sham Sally, founder of Beyond Head Trash and the Inner Healer School, who shares the profound transformation that occurred when he d...

Gut health forms the foundation of masculine vitality, yet most men ignore this crucial system until crisis strikes. In this raw conversation with holistic nutrition coach Brian Hardy, we uncover how digestive wellness directly impacts everything from mental clarity to emotional resilience. Brian's journey began with a near-death experience at 18 when his appendix ruptured – a wake-up call that transformed his understanding of hea...

What does it truly mean to "show up" in your life? Not just making an appearance or going through the motions, but bringing your complete, authentic self to each moment? Bestselling author and TEDx speaker Marcy Axelrod joins Mind Over Masculinity to unpack this question, drawing on her two decades of research in neuroscience and evolutionary biology. She reveals the profound difference between what she calls our "small s self" (d...

The relentless pursuit of success often leaves us hollow, especially when we've followed all the prescribed steps to achievement. But what happens when the career advancement, financial stability, and picture-perfect family life still leave you feeling disconnected from your true self? In this profound conversation with Tanya Prince, author of "Designed for Purpose," we explore the painful reckoning that comes when external succes...

Have you ever accomplished something impressive—crossed a finish line, hit a major goal—only to find the victory strangely hollow? Tyler Smith knows this feeling intimately. After conquering Ironman races and lifting challenges that would break most men, he discovered something profound: achievements without brotherhood left him feeling empty. This conversation dives deep into what happens when men shift from solo pursuits to shar...

Rob Wentz believes there's a formula for breakthrough—and he's living proof it works. After years of addiction, self-sabotage, and feeling utterly stuck in a painful divorce, Rob discovered a system that transformed his life and launched him into his purpose as founder of the Unstuck Movement. The VITALS system Rob shares wasn't developed in a laboratory or classroom but forged in the crucible of real-life struggle. Vision, Impact...

In a world where the traditional American dream often leaves many feeling unfulfilled, this episode invites you to explore a new definition of masculinity and purpose. Join us as we speak with Brent Dowland, who experienced a life-changing realization that pushed him to uncover deeper meanings beyond mere existence. His journey leads us to question whether the steadfast ideals of providing and protecting are truly enough to ensure ...

Masculinity isn't something we're born with—it's something we're taught. But what if those teachings don't serve us? What would it take to break free? Mark Firehammer, co-creator of Feelness, joins us for a deeply personal exploration of masculinity beyond cultural conditioning. Through powerful stories of his own father and grandfather, Mark reveals how rigid gender expectations can lead men down paths of emotional unavailability...

Dr. Jacopo Iasiello journey from professional soccer player to real estate mogul offers a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. When a devastating injury at 17 ended his athletic career, rather than surrendering to circumstance, Jacopo Iasiello channeled his competitive spirit into business—first creating a successful jewelry chain in Italy before conquering international real estate markets. What makes Jacopo Iasiello approa...

When Matthew Mehus was just three years old, he stood mesmerized by the magical transformation of seeds into plants on his family farm in Belgium. That childlike wonder evolved into a powerful mission to revolutionize how we design outdoor spaces. Now an award-winning landscape architect, Matthew reveals how working with nature rather than against it creates gardens that are not only beautiful but also resilient, biodiverse, and su...

Nick Batchelder doesn't mince words when addressing the suffocating pressure young men face to have their lives perfectly mapped out by their twenties. "If 40-year-olds feel it's unrealistic for them to have everything figured out, it's definitely unrealistic for 20-year-olds," he shares with refreshing candor that immediately cuts through societal expectations. As a 20-year-old entrepreneur, author, and founder, Nick brings wisdo...

The transformative power of physical movement reaches far beyond muscle growth and weight management—it can literally save lives. In this raw, vulnerable conversation with Brooklyn-based conscious rapper Rich Vision, we explore how fitness became his lifeline during periods of severe depression, suicidal ideation, and personal trauma. Rich shares how his relationship with fitness evolved from dismissive to essential when he discov...

What happens when we throw out society's rulebook on healing? Zander Phelps discovered something remarkable when faced with a hernia diagnosis – the power of play as medicine. Most would rush to surgery when diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, but Zander Phelps took a radically different path. Having spent a decade traveling the world with just a backpack and a hacky sack, he'd discovered that play wasn't just a fun pastime – it wa...

What does it truly mean to be a man today? This question launches a transformative conversation with Tim Thomas, special forces veteran and expert in mental resilience who has spent a decade transforming lives through pioneering wellness initiatives. Tim challenges conventional notions of masculinity, revealing that true masculine power manifests as happiness and generosity rather than emotional suppression. Drawing from his perso...

What does it mean to be a man in today's world? The answer lies not in choosing between strength or wisdom, aggression or calmness, but in mastering the delicate balance between them all. Enter the concept of the "balanced warrior" – someone who can harness physical power while cultivating profound mental clarity. Trea Drake, with his extraordinary background in psychology, martial arts, and mindfulness coaching, reveals how moder...