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.