For years, I wore my "niceness" like a badge of honor. I was the guy who never rocked the boat, who swallowed his truth to keep the peace, who bent over backward to make everyone else happy—especially in relationships.

I thought I was a good man. I said ‘yes’ when I meant ‘no.’ I avoided conflict to ‘keep the peace.’ I bent over backward to make women happy. And in the end, every relationship crumbled—not because I was too nice, but because I wasn’t honest.

Have you ever felt like you’re running on a treadmill—working hard, achieving goals, but still feeling empty inside? That’s been me for most of my life. I’d push myself to succeed, check off the boxes, and meet expectations, but no matter how much I accomplished, there was always this lingering sense of disconnection and self-doubt. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was missing something essential.

I’ve been waiting for this conversation for a long time. Sitting down with Riley Smith—one of my best friends, a certified men’s coach, and the Lead Facilitator at Brothr men’s retreats—felt like coming home.

What separates the man who commands his life from the one who just goes with the flow? It’s not luck. It’s not talent. It’s not even sheer hard work.

It’s vision.

In a world built on distractions, losing control over your time, energy, and focus is easy. Our dopamine-driven culture pushes us toward instant gratification, from endless social media scrolling to quick hits of sugar, hypersexualized content, and binge-worthy entertainment. But there’s a way out—and it starts with reclaiming your brain.

Modern life leaves many of us feeling isolated, stressed, or unfulfilled despite doing “all the right things.” Many men handle this by pushing through alone, but this approach often limits true growth. Real connection, especially with other men, is a transformative force that offers support, accountability, and the clarity needed to elevate every part of life.

What’s one of the most overlooked traits that set highly successful men apart? It’s not just talent, luck, or intelligence—it’s sexual discipline.

Have you ever wondered why you’re not where you want to be in life? Maybe you’ve been working hard, setting goals, and pushing forward, but something keeps holding you back.

Have you ever felt like you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? As men, many of us are taught from a young age to keep our struggles to ourselves, to maintain a stoic exterior, and to be problem-solvers in every aspect of our lives. But what if the very strength we’re trying to hold onto is keeping us stuck?

In a recent conversation I had with Phabien Doiron on the podcast, we dove deep into the topic of labels—specifically, the labels society and even we, ourselves, place on our identity.

Loneliness can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent reality. For men, overcoming loneliness often means building deeper connections—both with ourselves and with others. Whether it’s fostering vulnerability, forming strong male friendships, or using technology mindfully, there are clear, actionable steps we can take to feel more connected and supported.

Loneliness is more than just a fleeting emotion. It’s a silent crisis that impacts millions of men, eroding both physical and mental health. If you've been feeling a sense of disconnection or isolation, you're not alone, but the impact of this loneliness goes far deeper than you might realize.

Loneliness is a silent epidemic among men. You may not even realize it's affecting you until it begins to chip away at your sense of self, your relationships, and your overall well-being. Have you ever felt disconnected from those around you, even when you’re not alone? That subtle disconnection can often be one of the first signs of loneliness creeping in.

Loneliness is a silent struggle many of us face but seldom voice. Despite our external successes, many of us harbor internal battles that impact our mental state and relationships. I, too, once believed that a man must handle his problems alone. This mindset left me feeling isolated, despite the seemingly positive direction of my life.

In today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves dreaming big but struggling to translate those dreams into reality. What is it that separates men who merely dream from those who achieve greatness? The answer lies in two powerful tools that are often overlooked: honest feedback and accountability.

Anger is a universal emotion, but it manifests in different forms and can either be a powerful force for good or a destructive one. By understanding the different types of anger and employing practical tools to manage them, we can transform this intense emotion into something that protects rather than harms.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, many young men are grappling with a deep sense of disconnection and lack of purpose. This struggle, I believe, is partly due to the loss of meaningful rites of passage that once marked the journey from boyhood to manhood.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the growing sense of polarization and social unrest? Do you ever think to yourself, there's got to be a better way? I often find myself pondering these questions and seeking ways to make sense of the chaos around us. Through my reflections, I've created a framework called the "Evolution of a Warrior," which I believe can help us navigate these turbulent times.

Navigating life's challenges often feels like a test of endurance. But have you ever considered how well you bounce back from setbacks? This resilience is known as the Adversity Quotient (AQ), a concept introduced by Dr. Paul Stultz, a leading resiliency researcher. Developing a high AQ is essential for becoming a better leader in your own life and in the lives of those around you.