Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Mind Over Masculinity
Health & FitnessMental HealthSociety & Culture

Mind Over Masculinity

Avik Chakraborty

Let’s stop asking men to ”man up” and start asking how we can lift them up. After all, mental health is not just a women’s issue or a men’s issue—it’s a human issue.Take the first step today. Talk, listen, and advocate. Together, we can make a difference.

Play
Open in
  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 25 min
  • English

Episodes 20

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
  • Yesterday · 31 min

    Redefining Strength: Why Weight Loss Isn't About Willpower with Dr. Delali Hevi

    What if the "no pain, no gain" mindset is quietly working against you? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for anyone who has tried to muscle through change and wondered why willpower alone never seems to be enough. Physician Dr. Delali Hevi explores how childhood conditioning shapes both our ideas of masculinity and our eating habits, and why lasting change comes from understanding the mind, not fighting it. About the Guest: Dr. Delali Hevi is a physician originally from Ghana, now based in Arizona, who specializes in weight loss and weight maintenance. After struggling with his own weight since childhood, he founded Zenith Coaching Academy. Key Takeaways: Lasting weight loss isn't a willpower issue. Even the most driven people struggle. Much of how we act, as men and around food, is learned in early childhood. Old rules like "clean your plate" or food as a reward can quietly shape adult habits. No single diet fits everyone. Explore what suits your body and background with a professional. When a craving hits, drink water and pause. Cravings often rise and fall like a wave. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://www.zenithcoachingacademy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhevi.md/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delali-hevi-md-dabom-529b44a/ Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] When Armor Becomes a Cage - an opening on questioning the strength men were handed [02:00] No Pain, No Gain? - why weight loss isn't a willpower issue [04:30] Where the Script Comes From - hormones, culture, and expectations [07:00] Unnoticed in Relationships - respect, conflict, and unexamined patterns [09:30] Childhood Downloads - how early conditioning shapes men and eating habits [14:30] Set Point and Cravings - why the brain defends a familiar weight [18:00] Practical Starting Points - eating for your background and urge surfing 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #weightloss #mindsetshift #willpower #emotionaleating #healthymasculinity #mensmentalhealth #subconsciousmind #urgesurfing #mindbodyconnection #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Yesterday · 17 min

    Why Stoicism Is Not Strength: Men, Trauma and Asking for Help with Willie Handler

    What if the armor you wear to protect yourself is the very thing holding you back? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for any man who has learned to push through alone and wonders whether it's actually working. Author Willie Handler shares how writing his family's history brought buried trauma to the surface, why he nearly quit therapy several times, and how opening up changed his marriage. About the Guest: Willie Handler is an author of fiction and non-fiction. Writing a memoir about his family's history surfaced long-buried trauma, and getting professional help changed both his life and the book. He also created a podcast series on men and trauma. Key Takeaways: Stoicism can lead to burnout and weaker emotional support at home. In healing, you often feel worse before you feel better. That's part of the process. There's no quick cure for trauma. Stepping away too early can send you back. When you change, the people closest to you notice and may need time to adjust. A support network that encourages the work makes it easier. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://williehandler.com Substack: https://williehandler.substack.com Books: https://williehandler.com/books-by-willie-handler/ Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] The Armor We Wear - an opening on what we were taught about strength [01:30] The Cost of Stoicism - burnout, distance, and a series on men and trauma [03:30] Writing Through the Past - a family memoir that opened old wounds [05:30] Worse Before Better - quitting therapy and coming back [07:30] When Crisis Hits - pushing it down or facing it head on [09:00] How Relationships Shift - what his wife saw after 40 years [11:30] Worth It - support networks and a doctor who asked the right question 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #mensmentalhealth #menandtrauma #healingtrauma #stoicism #vulnerability #askingforhelp #therapy #healthymasculinity #memoir #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Yesterday · 17 min

    Why Stoicism Is Not Strength: Men, Trauma and Asking for Help with Willie Handler

    What if the armor you wear to protect yourself is the very thing holding you back? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for any man who has learned to push through alone and wonders whether it's actually working. Author Willie Handler shares how writing his family's history brought buried trauma to the surface, why he nearly quit therapy several times, and how opening up changed his marriage. About the Guest: Willie Handler is an author of fiction and non-fiction. Writing a memoir about his family's history surfaced long-buried trauma, and getting professional help changed both his life and the book. He also created a podcast series on men and trauma. Key Takeaways: Stoicism can lead to burnout and weaker emotional support at home. In healing, you often feel worse before you feel better. That's part of the process. There's no quick cure for trauma. Stepping away too early can send you back. When you change, the people closest to you notice and may need time to adjust. A support network that encourages the work makes it easier. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://williehandler.com Substack: https://williehandler.substack.com Books: https://williehandler.com/books-by-willie-handler/ Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] The Armor We Wear - an opening on what we were taught about strength [01:30] The Cost of Stoicism - burnout, distance, and a series on men and trauma [03:30] Writing Through the Past - a family memoir that opened old wounds [05:30] Worse Before Better - quitting therapy and coming back [07:30] When Crisis Hits - pushing it down or facing it head on [09:00] How Relationships Shift - what his wife saw after 40 years [11:30] Worth It - support networks and a doctor who asked the right question 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #mensmentalhealth #menandtrauma #healingtrauma #stoicism #vulnerability #askingforhelp #therapy #healthymasculinity #memoir #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Yesterday · 14 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond the Mask: Vulnerability and Overcoming Fear with David Fiala

    What happens when the mask of strength gets too heavy to hold? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for any man who has learned to keep his emotions locked away and is starting to feel the cost. Author David Fiala explains why real strength means opening your heart, how childhood lessons teach us it isn't safe to be seen, and how to stop letting fear make your decisions. About the Guest: David Fiala guides men through the gap between who they were told to be and who they really are. His book, The Courageous Seeker, distills 35 years of work. Once a deeply fearful person himself, he chose not to let fear run his life. Key Takeaways: Vulnerability takes strength, because it means facing your fear. Most painful feelings trace back to fear, sadness, or anger. Name which one you feel. Emotions are sensations, not who you are. The belief that opening up isn't safe often starts in childhood. When fear shows up, shift your focus to your breath and act anyway. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://www.mindyourego.com (free sample of the first 36 pages) Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Seeker-Release-Emotional-Warrior-ebook/dp/B0H9JB5BC1 Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] When the Mask Gets Too Heavy - an opening on the strength men were taught [01:30] What It Means to Be Strong - vulnerability as the courage to face fear [03:30] Fear, Sadness, and Anger - naming emotions without becoming them [06:30] Where the Walls Come From - childhood lessons that opening up isn't safe [08:30] How It Shows Up - distance in relationships and holding back at work [10:30] Choosing Not to Let Fear Decide - breath, commitment, and invocations [13:00] The Courageous Seeker - David's new book and his power statement 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #vulnerability #overcomingfear #emotionalintelligence #mensmentalhealth #healthymasculinity #breathwork #selfawareness #thecourageousseeker #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Sunday · 23 min

    Beyond Provider and Protector: Masculinity and Partnership in Relationships with Dr. Eric Williams

    Why does the armor men were taught to wear so often push away the people they love? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for men who feel distant from their partner, short with their kids, or tired in a way sleep doesn't fix. Relationship counselor Dr. Eric Williams unpacks where our scripts about manhood come from, why "provider and protector" needs a third P, and how asking "does this work for us?" beats arguing about who's right. About the Guest: Dr. Eric Williams is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based relationship coach and counselor with more than 20 years of experience. His parents' divorce when he was 13 shaped his calling to help couples and families. Key Takeaways: Labels like "toxic" can shut men down. Focus on patterns, not name-calling. Ideas about manhood come from action heroes, family, and culture, including women who raise boys. Provider and protector need a third P: partnership, defined together with your partner. Swap "Is this right or wrong?" for "Does this work for us?" Lasting change often means reshaping your circle to support who you're becoming. Connect With the Guest: Free quiz and community: https://whywefight.coastalfamilymedia.com Website: https://coastalfamilyservicespllc.com/dr-eric-williams/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purpose_n_hope_dealer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricAWilliamsPhD Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] Taking Off the Armor - an opening on the weight men carry [01:30] Meet Dr. Eric Williams - how his parents' divorce led him to relationship work [03:30] The Trouble With "Toxic" - why labels shut the conversation down [05:30] Rambo, He-Man, and Home - where our scripts about manhood come from [09:00] The Third P - provider, protector, and the missing partnership [13:00] Right vs. Works for Us - a small shift with a big impact [15:30] Resistance and Relapse - culture, faith, family, and changing your circle Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6500+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Contact: 💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ 📧 Email: https://www.podhub.club/contact 🌐 Website: https://www.podhub.club 📍 Based in: India & USA 🎧 Listen to all podcast shows: https://www.podhub.club/podcastnetwork 🤝 Be a guest: https://www.podhub.club/beaguest 📩 Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #healthymasculinity #toxicmasculinity #relationshipadvice #marriagecounseling #emotionalregulation #partnership #fatherhood #mensmentalhealth #redefiningstrength #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Saturday · 27 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond Old Scripts: Tango, Vulnerability and Balance with Linda Sutton

    What if the strength you were taught is the very thing keeping you from connection? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for anyone holding onto an old script of strength that no longer fits. Linda Sutton uses lessons from Argentine tango to show why old identities are hard to release, how your body speaks before your words, and why owning your vulnerable places makes you the strongest person in the room. About the Guest: Linda Sutton is the Texas-based founder of the 22Tango training framework, which uses Argentine tango to help professionals improve their relationships with themselves, their partners, and their communities. She has worked in teaching, television, and writing. Key Takeaways: Old ideas of strength often persist because they've become part of our identity. Vulnerability is a strength, but you only feel it after risking the beginner stage. Your body communicates more than your words. Notice what you're transmitting. Your world often mirrors your lead. To see a shift, shift first. Setbacks are like a tree losing its leaves: clearing space for the next season. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://www.lindadsutton.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the22tangoshow/ Podcast, The 22Tango Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-22tango-show/id1553848769 Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] Strength as Armor - an opening on the scripts we inherit [02:00] Meet Linda Sutton - using Argentine tango to improve every relationship [03:30] Leaders, Followers, and Power - the misconception that shuts people down [05:30] Why We Hold On - identity, fear, and rebuilding from the foundation [09:00] Performing Strength - vulnerability, risk, and the beginner stage [12:00] The Dance as a Mirror - body language, leading, and yin within yang [19:00] When the Leaves Fall - setbacks, new seasons, and owning your weakness 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #healthymasculinity #vulnerability #argentinetango #relationships #bodylanguage #yinandyang #mensmentalhealth #selfawareness #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Friday · 41 min

    Vulnerability, Somatic Work and Connection with Duncan Rich

    Why does admitting you're struggling still feel like failing as a man? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for any man who looks successful on paper yet feels tense, reactive, or quietly unfulfilled. Somatic men's coach Duncan Rich explains how old patterns live in the body, why a small trigger can feel huge, and how nervous system work helps men respond with agency instead of reacting. About the Guest: Duncan Rich is a somatic men's coach and co-founder of MELD, which offers courses, retreats, and coach training in nervous system regulation for men. Based in New York's Catskills, he's also a drummer, photographer, husband, and father. Key Takeaways: Vulnerability isn't weakness. It takes more strength to feel something than to shove it down. When a "two" feels like a "nine," you may be carrying old, unprocessed anger. Your body registers experiences before your mind does. Its signals are information. Emotional capacity is trainable, like a muscle, through regular practice. Take imperfect action, and repair honestly when you get it wrong. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://meld.community LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanrich/ MELD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meldmenscommunity Episode Chapters: [00:00] Beyond Performing Strength - an opening on connection over performance [01:03] From Nightlife to the Catskills - how quiet led Duncan to somatic men's work [06:35] Where the Script Comes From - inherited patterns, emotional shutdown, and misplaced anger [15:43] What It Costs Underneath - chronic stress, reactivity, and a body that keeps talking [22:22] How It Shows Up - distance with partners and kids, and the "is this it?" feeling [27:57] Slipping Back and Repairing - imperfect action and rebuilding trust [34:42] What Becomes Possible - agency, deeper connection, and the ripple effect 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #mensmentalhealth #healthymasculinity #redefiningstrength #vulnerability #somatichealing #nervoussystemregulation #emotionalintelligence #mensgroups #fatherhood #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • Thursday · 25 min

    Vulnerability and Balance with Veronique Ory

    What if real strength means knowing when to soften? This episode of Mind Over Masculinity is for anyone questioning the scripts they were handed about being strong, in control, and never needing help. Yoga teacher and author Veronique Ory explores masculine and feminine energy as fire and water, where our gender scripts come from, and why always appearing strong is often perfectionism in disguise. About the Guest: Veronique Ory is a registered yoga teacher, author of Shine On & Off the Mat, and creator of Shine, offering retreats and private guidance. Originally from Canada, she now lives in Florida. Key Takeaways: Masculine and feminine energies aren't good or bad. The balance shifts with each person and season of life. Gender scripts are absorbed early, through media, toys, and marketing, often without question. The pressure to always appear strong often comes from perfectionism and fear of looking foolish. Admitting "I don't know" is a quiet form of courage. We need less than we think. Breath, rest, nature, and good company go a long way. Connect With the Guest: Website: https://yogawithveronique.com Book, Shine On & Off the Mat: https://www.amazon.com/Shine-Off-Mat-Veronique-Ory/dp/1667824910 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theveroniqueory/ Instagram: search Veronique Ory Episode Chapters (approx.): [00:00] What Strength Really Means - an opening on softening, speaking up, and letting people in [01:30] Fire and Water - masculine and feminine energy in balance [05:00] Where the Scripts Come From - media, toys, and inherited gender norms [10:00] Performing Strength - perfectionism, ego, and the courage to say "I don't know" [14:00] What You Actually Need - silence, simplicity, and connection [16:30] Softening as Power - shedding old armour and choosing connection 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #healthymasculinity #redefiningstrength #vulnerability #masculinefeminine #emotionalhealth #perfectionism #yogaforlife #mindfulness #mensmentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • September 22 · 41 min

    Bode Swanson on Aristotle, Courage and Strength

    What if real masculinity isn't a rejection of strength, but a return to ancient virtue? Bode Swanson, author of Great Souled Men, joins Mind Over Masculinity to explore what Aristotle's twelve virtues can teach modern men and women. Bode shares how writing for his own sons led him to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, and why he believes real strength means serving your community, not chasing fame or fortune. About the Guest: Bode Swanson is the author of Great Souled Men, built on Aristotle's twelve virtues. A father of four in California, he wrote it for his sons after his own turn from youthful rebellion toward a more virtuous life in his mid-twenties. Key Takeaways: True masculinity looks like Aristotle's virtues, courage, temperance, justice, generosity, not brashness or performative toughness. Test courage directly: do something that scares you and notice how it feels, compared to avoiding it. Success is better measured by what you build for family and community than by money or fame. Good mentors plant lessons that may not take root until years later. Connect With the Guest: Website: greatsouledmen.com Book: Great Souled Men Social: @greatsouledmen on Instagram, X and Facebook Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] From rebellion to writing a book of virtues for his sons (approx.) [06:00] Why Bode rejects the caricature of masculinity in media (approx.) [12:00] Are men taught to hide emotion, or built differently? (approx.) [20:00] Freedom, mentorship and lessons that take years to land (approx.) [28:00] A practical way to test the virtue of courage (approx.) [34:00] What genuine strength and success actually look like (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #masculinity #healthymasculinity #redefiningmasculinity #aristotlevirtues #courage #mensmentalhealth #fatherhood #personalgrowth #virtueethics #greatsouledmen #strengthandcharacter

    • Transcript
  • September 22 · 26 min

    Redefining Masculinity Through Community and Emotional Freedom with Maria Van Der Maaten

    What if traditional masculinity isn't really about gender, but about a system that never lets anyone rest? Maria Van Der Maaten, a sociologist and community development practitioner, joins Mind Over Masculinity to explore how rebuilding real social circles helps men reclaim their full humanity. Drawing on her work with subsistence farmers in Latin America and her own parenting, Maria shares why the first step out of old patterns is often the simplest one. About the Guest: Maria Van Der Maaten is a sociologist and community development practitioner who has worked with subsistence farmers in Latin America. She brings a sociological lens to self-care and parenting, and is the mother of two boys. Key Takeaways: Traditional masculinity's demand for emotional solidity often comes from economic pressure, not gender itself. Rebuild small social circles, like a hiking group, instead of relying on one or two people for all your support. Take the first step like a kid at the playground; try it once before deciding it's not for you. Strength is being at ease with who you are, not proving anything to anyone. Connect With the Guest: Maria can be found on LinkedIn and Instagram, under her first and last name. Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Maria's path from farming communities to self-care research (approx.) [06:00] The biggest misunderstanding about traditional masculinity (approx.) [12:00] Why rebuilding social circles matters (approx.) [18:00] Taking the first step like a kid at the playground (approx.) [26:00] Staying consistent when old patterns creep back (approx.) [32:00] What genuine strength looks like (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #redefiningmasculinity #healthymasculinity #mensmentalhealth #emotionalresilience #communitybuilding #parentingboys #selfcare #socialconnection #sociology #fatherhood #genderroles #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • September 22 · 33 min

    Shaun Dawson on Raising Emotionally Strong Men

    What if the same armor that protects men is also what keeps them isolated? Shaun Dawson, host of the Raising Men podcast, joins Mind Over Masculinity to unpack why performative strength quietly hurts the people it's supposed to protect. Shaun shares the castle metaphor that reshaped how he thinks about masculinity, and why building a wider, safer space for the people around you matters more than building higher walls. About the Guest: Shaun Dawson is the host of Raising Men, a podcast about parenting, masculinity and raising boys with courage and character. He started the show after realizing the patterns he grew up with wouldn't serve his own son, and now reaches an audience split evenly between men and women. Key Takeaways: Picture masculinity as a castle built to protect a thriving community, not just to keep threats out. Treat discomfort during growth as a sign of progress, not a warning to stop. Willpower fades, so build systems and surroundings that support who you're trying to become. Real strength protects and never punches down; picking on someone weaker is a sign of weakness. Connect With the Guest: Website: raising.men Social: @raising_men_podcast (all platforms) Podcast and YouTube show: Raising Men Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Shaun's path to starting Raising Men (approx.) [06:00] Where our idea of the "strong silent type" comes from (approx.) [10:00] The castle metaphor: performative strength versus real strength (approx.) [16:00] Why most male friendships stay shallow (approx.) [22:00] Starting small: systematic change over willpower (approx.) [28:00] Discomfort as a sign of progress (approx.) [34:00] Community, humility and what real strength looks like (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #masculinity #toxicmasculinity #redefiningmasculinity #healthymasculinity #mensmentalhealth #emotionalresilience #communitybuilding #parentingboys #selfcare #socialconnection #sociology #fatherhood #genderroles #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • September 21 · 24 min

    Robert Gourlay on Courage, Nature and Raising Healthy Boys

    What if the "man up" script we hand boys is actually working against them? Robert Gourlay, an environmental research scientist who grew up on a farm with six brothers and later served as an army officer, joins Mind Over Masculinity to unpack where toxic masculinity comes from and what real courage looks like. Robert shares how nature, sleep and unstructured play built his sense of self as a boy, and why today's constant technology may be quietly taking away the imagination and critical thinking young men need most. About the Guest: Robert Gourlay is an Australian environmental research scientist and inventor, and Managing Director of Resonate Research Pty Ltd. He grew up on a farm bordering a national park, served as an army officer during the Vietnam War era, and has been married for 55 years. He now runs health and well-being workshops from his property in Australia. Key Takeaways: Give boys real unstructured time in nature, especially between ages one and seven, the window Robert ties directly to how courage develops. Swap "what's the problem" for "what's the objective," a habit from Robert's military training that brings clarity instead of blame. Protect full sleep and an early morning routine; Robert has kept this rhythm since childhood and credits it for his focus. Treat screens as a distraction from a boy's own intuition and imagination, not a substitute for either. Connect With the Guest: Websites: phion.com.au, meawater.com and primalwater.com.au Also runs the Environmental Research and Information Consortium at eric.com.au Robert offers free workshops and papers on human health, water and biological farming, with documentaries on water and wellbeing in the works Episode Chapters: [00:00] Opening and welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Defining masculinity across a lifetime (approx.) [04:00] Growing up with six brothers, farm life and army service (approx.) [10:00] Why courage takes root between ages one and seven (approx.) [16:00] What technology is quietly taking away from boys (approx.) [24:00] Problems versus objectives, a lesson from military training (approx.) [32:00] Nature, sleep and the habits behind a 55-year marriage (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #toxicmasculinity #redefiningmasculinity #mensmentalhealth #courage #raisingboys #fatherhood #emotionalhealth #naturetherapy #criticalthinking #healthymasculinity #menshealth

    • Transcript
  • September 20 · 13 min

    Alan Gillanders on Vulnerability, Strength, and Inner Truth

    Why does asking for help still feel like failure for so many men? On Mind Over Masculinity, host Sreemedha sits with author Alan Gillanders to unpack where the pressure to "have it all together" really comes from, and what it costs us to keep performing it. Alan shares why talking to a trusted friend, not toughing it out alone, is often the real starting point. Expect an honest look at masculinity, vulnerability, and finding strength in speaking up instead of staying silent. About the Guest: Alan Gillanders is an author based in Australia who writes about higher consciousness and the "divine energy" within us. His work explores how tuning into that inner guidance shapes everyday decisions and relationships. Key Takeaways: Notice the pressure to "have it all together" as an old script, not a personal truth. Talking to one trusted friend, without needing to fix anything, is often the first honest step back to yourself. Sitting quietly and asking what you need to know often brings answers faster than pushing for them. If you're carrying something alone, men's support groups or a workplace counsellor exist, you don't have to battle it solo. Connect With the Guest: Website — alangillanders.com Also on Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, and LinkedIn (search "Alan Gillanders"). Episode Chapters: [00:00] (approx.) Cold Open — What If Hiding Is the Real Weakness? [02:00] (approx.) Meet Alan Gillanders — Author and Voice on Higher Consciousness [05:00] (approx.) Where "Having It All Together" Really Comes From [10:00] (approx.) The Cost of Suppressing What's Real [15:00] (approx.) One Practice — Sitting Quietly and Asking Your Higher Self [20:00] (approx.) Signs You're Disconnected, and Why Talking Helps [26:00] (approx.) Closing Reflection — Strength Is Letting Something Out 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #mensmentalhealth #vulnerabilityisstrength #toxicmasculinity #innerguidance #higherself #emotionalstrength #malemindset #consciousliving #breakthestigma #innerworkformen #speakupdontshutdown

    • Transcript
  • September 18 · 19 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond the Armor: Ann Mattingly-Lowe on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if asking for help was the strong thing to do all along? Host Swati talks with Ann Mattingly-Lowe, founder of Generations Skincare, about a men's skincare line tied to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Ann shares her father's story as a decorated WWII veteran who lived with undiagnosed PTSD, why emotional guardedness in men often comes from feeling insecure rather than actually being tough, and why failure is simply progress rather than proof that something is wrong with you. About the Guest: Ann Mattingly-Lowe is the founder of Generations Skincare, launching a men's line called Gent Skin in partnership with the men's mental health organization Heads Up Guys. Each product carries a mental health themed name and quote, with proceeds supporting suicide prevention. Key Takeaways: Even decorated, tough veterans can carry PTSD, and getting help is not weakness. Emotional guardedness often comes from insecurity, not from actual toughness. Basic self-care, like showering or getting out of bed, matters most when it's hardest. Failure is progress, not proof that something is wrong with you. You can't control what everyone thinks of you, only how you show up. Connect With Ann Mattingly-Lowe: Website: generationsskincare.net Screening tool: headsupguys.org Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Ann Mattingly-Lowe (approx.) [06:00] A Father's Story: Toughness and PTSD (approx.) [15:00] Where Emotional Guardedness Really Comes From (approx.) [22:00] Basic Self-Care as a Starting Point (approx.) [28:00] Failure as Progress, Not Proof of Weakness (approx.) [33:00] Where to Find Gent Skin (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #malementalhealth #suicideprevention #mentalhealthpodcast #emotionalstrength #breakthestigma #skincare #authorinterview #innerwork #ptsdawareness #vulnerabilityisstrength #selfcare

    • Transcript
  • September 15 · 25 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond Traditional Roles: Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if asking for help was never a sign of weakness at all? Host Swati talks with life coach Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis about redefining masculine strength beyond traditional roles. Elisabeth shares how a difficult childhood pushed her toward independence early, why living by a script you never chose can quietly make you sick, and why leaving your comfort zone works better one small step at a time. About the Guest: Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis is a life coach, hypnotherapist, and author of The Soul Kit and One Suitcase, A Thousand Stories. She spent 11 years as a tour guide and 17 years as a police interpreter, and hosts the podcast Most Memorable Journeys. Key Takeaways: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. There's no reason toughness or sensitivity should be assigned by gender in raising kids. Living by a script you never chose can quietly wear down your health. The comfort zone isn't actually comfortable, it's often where dreams go to die. Consistency matters more than perfection, if you slip, you simply start again. Connect With Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis: Social media: search her full name (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn) Books: available on Amazon Podcast: Most Memorable Journeys (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube) Website: https://thesoulkit.com/ Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis (approx.) [08:00] Redefining Masculinity: The Biggest Misconception (approx.) [15:00] Where These Ideas About Strength Come From (approx.) [23:00] Living by a Script You Never Chose (approx.) [30:00] Leaving the Comfort Zone One Step at a Time (approx.) [36:00] Where to Find Elisabeth (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #malementalhealth #comfortzone #mentalhealthpodcast #vulnerabilityisstrength #authorinterview #personalgrowth #breakthestigma #resilience #lifecoaching #selfawareness

    • Transcript
  • September 15 · 26 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond Stoicism: Steve Barton on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if calm and controlled isn't the same thing as actually strong? Host Swati talks with coach Steve Barton about the difference between stoicism and real strength, and why he didn't even recognize he had emotions until he was 36. Steve shares why masculine and feminine energy show up in every relationship regardless of gender, a simple two-question technique for actually listening instead of jumping to fix things, and why independence isn't the goal, interdependence is. About the Guest: Steve Barton is a coach who works with men navigating masculinity and personal growth. He didn't recognize he had emotions until he was 36, and later co-authored The Father, The Son, and the Aha Moment with his son. Key Takeaways: Calm and controlled isn't the same as being okay, stoicism can hide real emotion. When someone wants to vent, ask 'tell me more' instead of jumping to fix it. Childhood conditioning shapes adult relationship patterns long before we're aware it's happening. Real strength comes from interdependence, not from insisting on total independence. The opposite of judgment is curiosity, toward yourself and toward other people. Connect With Steve Barton: Website (free book download): stevebartoncoaching.com LinkedIn: Steve Barton Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Steve Barton (approx.) [06:00] Stoicism vs. Real Strength (approx.) [13:00] Masculine and Feminine Energy in Relationships (approx.) [22:00] The Two-Question Listening Technique (approx.) [30:00] Interdependence Over Independence (approx.) [36:00] Where to Find Steve (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #stoicism #malementalhealth #vulnerability #mentalhealthpodcast #relationships #emotionalintelligence #authorinterview #innerwork #breakthestigma #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • September 15 · 20 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond Stereotypes: Stephanie McAlister on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if the walls we build to look strong are the same walls keeping people out? Host Swati talks with counselor Stephanie McAlister about the misconception that masculine strength means hiding emotion, and why vulnerability is actually a form of strength. Stephanie shares a simple visual for how new habits form over time, why getting curious instead of judgmental helps break old patterns, and why occasionally slipping back into an old way of being doesn't mean the change failed. About the Guest" Stephanie McAlister is the owner and founder of Virtual Connect Counseling Clinic, offering counseling services across Canada. She also spent time in substance use research focused on prevention and detox. Key Takeaways: Hiding emotion isn't strength, it often just creates distance in relationships. Anger is usually acceptable in men while other emotions get labeled as weak. When you feel yourself judging someone, try getting curious about them instead. New habits feel hard at first, like walking a new path through tall grass. Slipping back into an old pattern doesn't erase the progress you've already made. Connect With Stephanie McAlister: Website: virtualconnect.ca Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Stephanie McAlister (approx.) [06:00] The Biggest Misconception About Masculine Strength (approx.) [13:00] Where These Ideas About Strength Come From (approx.) [20:00] Judgment vs. Curiosity (approx.) [27:00] The New Path Through Tall Grass (approx.) [33:00] Where to Find Stephanie (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #malementalhealth #vulnerabilityisstrength #mentalhealthpodcast #counseling #emotionalhealth #breakthestigma #personalgrowth #menshealth #relationships #selfawareness

    • Transcript
  • September 13 · 33 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond the Armor: Boad Swanson on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if strength was never about muscle at all, but about character? Host Naba talks with author Boad Swanson about why so many men confuse physical toughness with real strength, and what Aristotle's virtues can teach us about becoming whole. Boad shares why society still celebrates looks and power over character, why women and men genuinely make each other better, and why reading widely, slowly, and consistently is one of the most reliable paths to real growth. About the Guest: Boad Swanson is an entrepreneur, husband, and father of four, based in Laguna Beach, California. He is the author of Great Souled Men, which applies Aristotle's twelve virtues to help men build character, purpose, and lasting strength. Key Takeaways: Real strength includes emotional and mental capability, not just physical toughness. Society still rewards looks and power over character, and that trade-off costs us. Men and women genuinely make each other better, that's not a threat to either. Admitting you were protecting yourself means admitting there was something worth protecting. Reading widely and consistently, even a little each day, slowly shapes real character. Connect With Boad Swanson: Website: greatsouledmen.com Book: Great Souled Men (available on Amazon) Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Boad Swanson (approx.) [06:00] The Biggest Misconception About Male Strength (approx.) [14:00] How Men and Women Make Each Other Better (approx.) [22:00] Why We've Lost Sight of Virtue (approx.) [30:00] Where Rigid Strength Really Comes From (approx.) [36:00] Where to Find Boad (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #malementalhealth #characterandvirtue #aristotle #personalgrowth #mentalhealthpodcast #authorinterview #breakthestigma #menshealth #purposefulliving #selfimprovement

    • Transcript
  • September 12 · 22 min

    Redefining Strength Beyond Stereotypes: Dr. Sean Altman on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if asking for help was never a sign of weakness, but a way to grow? Host Niharika talks with Dr. Sean Altman about the cultural script that teaches men to push through pain alone. Sean shares how untreated stress often shows up as poor diet, alcohol, or avoidance, why vulnerability builds self-awareness rather than weakening it, and one simple way to make a long list of goals feel less overwhelming. About the Guest: Dr. Sean Altman is a functional medicine doctor specializing in orthopedic and regenerative medicine, treating chronic pain by working through the whole body rather than just symptoms. He also speaks on self-care for caregivers and the link between physical and emotional health. Key Takeaways: Asking for help is not weakness, it's often what helps you grow the most. Unprocessed stress often shows up physically, through poor diet, alcohol, or avoidance. Focus on one task at a time, a long list of goals can otherwise feel overwhelming. You can't take care of others well if you never take care of yourself first. Social media often shows only one narrow version of strength, muscle and power. Connect With Dr. Sean Altman: Website: drseanaltman.com Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook: Dr. Sean Altman Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Dr. Sean Altman (approx.) [05:00] The Belief That Keeps Men Stuck (approx.) [11:00] Where Rigid Masculine Expectations Really Come From (approx.) [18:00] How Suppressed Stress Shows Up Physically (approx.) [25:00] Making a Long List of Goals Feel Manageable (approx.) [31:00] Where to Find Dr. Altman (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #redefiningstrength #malementalhealth #chronicpain #selfcare #mentalhealthpodcast #vulnerability #functionalmedicine #healthandwellness #breakthestigma #expertinterview #personalgrowth

    • Transcript
  • September 12 · 35 min

    Healthy Boundaries and a United Front: Pesa Shayo on Mind Over Masculinity

    What if setting a boundary with your family doesn't have to mean dishonoring them? Host Sana talks with author Pesa Shayo about healthy boundaries in cross-cultural marriage, and why so many men carry pressure between their parents and their spouse. Pesa shares a framework for sorting family decisions into three buckets, why remembering you're friends first matters more than winning an argument, and why protecting your marriage doesn't mean disrespecting your family of origin. About the Guest: Pesa Shayo is an author and co-founder of Live Your Best Marriage, and creator of The United Front Blueprint. Originally from Kenya, he has been married to his American wife for over 20 years, and draws on that marriage to help couples build unity against outside pressure. Key Takeaways: Setting a boundary and honoring your parents are two different things, not opposites. Family decisions can be sorted into three buckets: yours alone, informed, or truly collective. Loyalty shifts from your family of origin to the family you're building together. Staying curious about a loved one's perspective defuses more than defending your position. Remembering you were friends before marriage helps hold everything else together. Connect With Pesa Shayo: Website (free United Front quiz): liveyourbestmarriage.com Episode Chapters: [00:00] Welcome to Mind Over Masculinity (approx.) [02:00] Meet Pesa Shayo (approx.) [06:00] Boundaries vs. Dishonoring Your Family (approx.) [13:00] The Three Buckets of Family Decisions (approx.) [22:00] When In-Laws and Spouses Disagree (approx.) [30:00] Remembering You're Friends First (approx.) [35:00] Where to Find Pesa (approx.) 🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? Send me a direct message on PodMatch. 👉 DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik 🌱 About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Global Mental Wellness Podcast Network - focused, credible, no more identity clutter. 👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Refer a Guest Know someone who would be a great fit for one of our podcast shows? Email us at services@podhealth.club with the subject line “Refer a Guest.” Requests without this subject line cannot be catered to. Support Our Podcast: Support this Podcast 📬 Contact & Links Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Contact Us Based in: India & USA 🎧 All Podcast Shows 🤝 Be a Guest 📩 Newsletter Substack 👉 Join the LinkedIn Community 📌 Disclaimer - This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements. If you have concerns about any content, please contact us here By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer in full. Read detailed disclaimer here. #podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #mindovermasculinity #healthyboundaries #crossculturalmarriage #malementalhealth #marriageadvice #christianmarriage #inlawrelationships #mentalhealthpodcast #relationships #authorinterview #familydynamics #faithandfamily

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes