What societal expectations keep men isolated, unhealthy, but grinning and bearing it? And what can be done differently so that men feel better, perform better, serve better, and can raise the next generation to be happy and healthy? Duncan Rich of MELD (Men’s Emotional Leadership Development) explains that men were brought up to feel required to be strong and independent, without the encouragement to seek out companionship, help and assistance. MELD is an organization that hosts men’s groups and retreats where men learn together how they physically process their experiences and emotions, so that they can get more healthy and interact and express themselves more productively in family and professional situations. Get a 15% discount on the MELD Prime 4-day men’s somatic training retreat taking place at Joshua Tree in California on Februrary 19th through 22nd with the coupon code provided in the episode. Ramsey will be there! Learn more and register at https://meld.community/prime.

What do I intend to do and accomplish in 2026? We never really know what will happen or come to pass, but if we have clear intentions, clear to ourselves and stated clearly to others, I believe we have a much better chance of achieving what we set out to do. I intend to do a lot of things, and I don't intend to do them alone or in isolation. Curious? Take a listen! And ... let me know what you think. What do you intend to do this year? Perhaps we can help each other.

How was my year? I’d love to tell you, and I’d love to hear how your year went as well. Listen to this audio version of the year-end letter that we used to stick into those Christmas Cards. I feel like I had a great year, a year of achieving a few things, which was a nice change from the past few years, which felt filled with questions, trials, and beginnings. I’m reaching out these days, but I wish I hadn’t waited this long. And I encourage you to reach out too, even if (especially if?) you do NOT feel great. How was your year?

What’s the best way to stay mobile, active, and healthy as we age beyond our 50’s and 60’s into our 70’s? Dr. Michael has been a chiropractor for more than 30 years and has aged along with his patients, seeing and learning the best ways to maintain mobility, strength and stamina. He wrote the book “Fitness over 50, 60, 70 and Beyond” as a conversational guide, based on science but not bogged down in technical terms. Ramsey and Dr. Michael had a fun conversation about fitness and about what it was like “back in our day.” This is a great episode to help get you off the couch, or at least stretching in the chair. Learn more at https://www.drmguad.com/.

What’s worthwhile to consume, consider, believe, say and do towards Peace of Mind, Vitality of Body and Joy of Spirit? And what’s the big deal, why do we need to do anything different from what we all do now? Modern life with our screens and desks and food delivery options does not line up with what we were designed or evolved for: waking with the sun, walking around, spending time with others, eating nutrient-dense whole foods, and getting enough high-quality restorative sleep. We need to be mindful of what we consume, whether we’re talking food or narratives, to consider whether or not it is real, healthy and good. We choose what to believe, whether we call it science or faith, and that’s the basis of what we say out loud, and the actions that we do or do not take. We need motivation to do the right things, and we need to talk about it, because it often isn’t obvious what the right things are. I have three offers for healthy living motivation and discussion: this podcast, the “Stress Response” book available on Amazon, and direct services to help you get Better Before Burnout. Learn more at www.whatsworthwhile.net.

Based on travel to all 5 traditional Blue Zones, what can we learn about how to live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives? Veronique Ory explains what she experienced during her 2025 world tour of the parts of the world where the local populations are known to live the longest. Veronique is a yoga instructor, global retreat and travel organizer, and author of “Shine On & Off The Mat.” Ramsey and Veronique talked about how our bodies were made to respond to physical challenges, how time seems to slow down when we focus on simple, natural things, and how nice it is to eat and spend time with loved ones. If you’ve ever dreamed about leaving the hustle and bustle behind and visiting the Blue Zones … or even the Blue Zone vibe … this is a great episode to enjoy. Learn more at https://yogawithveronique.com.

How would people who live the longest celebrate the holidays? My guest this week visited in 2025 all five traditional Blue Zones in the world. It got me thinking about all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and how things could be different if we were focusing squarely on our health, joy, vitality, relationships and loved ones. Elvis sang about a Blue Christmas that was lonely without those we love … I’m imaginging a Blue Zone Christmas that is focused on being with those we love, and truly being present with them. I promise I won’t try to sing any Elvis songs!

Is it wealth, success, stamina, fitness, relationships or health that men chase after in the middle of their lives, but which still elude them? Perhaps a combination? Stretch Rayner looked amazingly fit and successful early in his life, as part-owner in a busy gym. But his energy levels kept declining and he felt awful. It took a move back to his home country of Australia and work with a functional doctor to figure out what was really going on with him. Today, Stretch is the founder of Midlife Mavericks, a community of men working together to support their health, fitness and each other. Ramsey and Stretch spoke about the common traps that guys fall into in midlife, where to look for real improvements, and how men can reclaim their vitality and health. Learn more at https://www.thesustainabletrainingmethod.com/midlife-mavericks.