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.

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 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.

Many of us have internalized the belief that vulnerability equates to weakness. This mindset contributes to a culture of shame and emotional suppression. However, by embracing vulnerability, we can transform shame and achieve emotional freedom.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the traditional concepts of male leadership are being challenged and redefined. Growing up, many of us lacked positive male role models. We experienced poor leadership from those in positions of authority, and effective leadership seemed more of an exception than a norm. But, what defines a strong male leader in our modern times?