How do you make meaning for yourself, and how does that inform not only your worldview, but also how you navigate life?

In this episode, we reveal a framework that could change the way you think about personal growth and development.

Have you ever felt stuck, questioning your purpose, or unsure about the next steps in your life or career? Or maybe you're searching for deeper meaning and authenticity in everything you do. If so, you're in the right place.

Today, we're exploring the powerful concept of vertical development—a framework that delves into how we make meaning in our lives and how we can move through different stages of adult development to unlock our true potential.

We'll uncover how understanding these stages can lead to profound personal growth, greater authenticity, and a more fulfilling life. You’ll learn how you can navigate your own developmental journey, shedding light on how you can transform not just yourself, but also your relationships and your impact on the world around you.

Our guest today, Mac Ling, brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to this topic. As an executive coach and facilitator of men's groups, Mac has helped countless individuals discover confidence and belief in their whole, authentic selves. His insights are not just theoretical—they're drawn from real-life experiences and successes.

So, whether you're a coach, a leader, or someone passionate about personal development, this episode is brimming with valuable insights and actionable strategies. So let’s get on the road!

Connect with Mac

• www.macling.com
• www.coachingcollective.net
• Linked In

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

Episode 3.13: The Friend Connection with J Stamatelos

Will you be my friend? It’s a vulnerable question to ask. And if you’re a man, it might even feel like an impossible one.

Have you considered the importance of friendships in your life? Not just any friendships, but those deep, meaningful connections that shape who we are?

I count myself as a very lucky man, for my world today is filled with deep and satisfying friendships. It wasn’t always this way. For most of my life, I had only one or two very close friends. I recognize now what a loss it was to spend all those years without connections.

In this episode, I sit down with my frequent guest—and very good friend—J Stamatelos to explore the world of adult male friendships. We delve into why these relationships are so crucial for our mental and physical health, and why it's often challenging for men to form and maintain them.

J and I share our own stories, some of which are wounds from our past that still resonate today. We talk about the cultural norms that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking emotional support from each other. But most importantly, we talk about breaking these barriers. You'll hear about the power of vulnerability and how being open about our feelings can lead to stronger, more supportive friendships.

This episode is not just for men; it's for anyone who wants to think more about friendships and the profound impact they have on our lives. I invite you to join us for a conversation that could change the way you view and make friendships.

So let’s get on the road!

Connect with J Stamatelos
https://www.jamesjstamatelos.com/

#mensmentalhealth #EmotionalWellness #VulnerabilityIsStrength #emotionalhealth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #MenAndEmotions #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareForMen #EmotionalIntelligence #HealthyRelationships #menshealth #personalgrowth #EmbraceYourFeelings #malefriendships #mensfriendships #friends #friendship

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

It has been said that each of us carries at least one good story: That of our own lives. My guest today is proof of that old adage. His story is one that truly embodies the essence of resilience, transformation, and the power of human connection.

In this episode, I welcome my close friend Matthew Parkes. When I first met Matt, I had no idea of his history or the things he’d been through. He simply struck me as a charming and affable fellow. But as our friendship flourished, I became aware of his extraordinary and inspiring personal story.

From a near-death experience that turned his life upside down to overcoming severe alcoholism, Matt has faced unimaginable challenges and emerged stronger on the other side. Here, Matt shares his journey through a severe medical crisis, struggles with addiction, and how a community focused on men’s emotional health helped him find a new path. It’s a story of pain, perseverance, and ultimately, profound personal growth.

Beyond the trials, what stands out most is Matt’s vulnerability and authenticity. His journey is a testament to the power of facing our deepest fears, leaning into our pain, and finding strength in connection.

I invite you to sit back, open your heart, and prepare to be inspired. So let’s get on the road!

#mensmentalhealth #EmotionalWellness #VulnerabilityIsStrength #emotionalhealth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #MenAndEmotions #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareForMen #EmotionalIntelligence #HealthyRelationships #menshealth #personalgrowth #EmbraceYourFeelings

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

When was the last time you had a good cry? What’s that? You say men don’t cry? You might be right. And that’s not a good thing.

Today, our guest is a mental health professional who's dedicated to helping men navigate their emotions and show up authentically in their relationships. His name is Ryan Kopyar, and he's here to share his wisdom and experience. In a world where men are often taught to suppress their emotions and 'man up,' Ryan is here to challenge that narrative. He's going to talk about why it's okay for men to feel, to cry, and to be vulnerable. And more importantly, he'll explain how doing so can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships and a more balanced life.

Ryan's new book, 'Big Boys Do Cry,' is a guide for men to navigate their emotions. Today, he's going to give us a window into his journey and share some practical tips that you can start using right away. Whether you're dealing with stress or just want to connect more deeply with the people you love, this conversation is for you. Ryan's insights can help you find strength in vulnerability and open up new pathways to emotional freedom.

So let’s get on the road!

Connect with Ryan: www.ryankopyarholistichealing.com

#mensmentalhealth #EmotionalWellness #BigBoysDoCry #RyanKopyar #VulnerabilityIsStrength #emotionalhealth #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #MenAndEmotions #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCareForMen #EmotionalIntelligence #BreakTheStigma #HealthyRelationships #menshealth #EmbraceYourFeelings #menswork #selfimprovement #menshealth #mensemotions #mensemotionalhealth #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #masculinity #emotionalhealth #vulnerability

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

Let’s take a deep dive into a topic that touches the heart of what it means to be a man in today’s world. We’re exploring the complexities of masculinity, the power of vulnerability, and the transformative potential of relational leadership.

Joining us is Donald Bialkowski, a seasoned therapist and relationship coach from Madison, Wisconsin, who has dedicated over two decades to understanding the intricacies of men’s psychology and couples' dynamics. In this episode, Donald shares his own transformative journey, from dealing with personal struggles to finding his purpose in helping others. He’s got some incredible insights and practical advice that you won’t want to miss.

Our conversation uncovers the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, how traditional gender roles shape emotional expression, and the crucial role of relational leadership in fostering genuine connections — both in personal life and within the broader scope of society.

So, whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of your own emotions or seeking ways to enhance your relationships, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to guide you on your journey. Listen as we explore how embracing vulnerability and stepping into relational leadership can lead to a more authentic, fulfilled life.

So let’s get on the road!

About Donald
Donald Bialkowski is a licensed clinical social worker and experienced therapist, relationship coach, and meditation teacher with over two decades of experience. His expertise lies in men's psychology and couples' work. He is the founder of Aligned on Purpose, a private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. His mission is to empower accomplished men in navigating personal challenges, enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering deeper connections, and achieving fulfillment in all areas of life

Connect with Donald
Website: www.onpurposementoring.com

#menswork #selfimprovement #menshealth #mensmentalhealth #mensemotions #mensemotionalhealth #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #coaching #menscoach #menscoaching #authenticity #masculinity #emotionalhealth #vulnerability #AuthenticityRoad #MentalHealthAwareness #RelationalLeadership #GenderRoles #EmotionalIntelligence #TherapyTalk

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

Some guys discover the world of men’s work, try it out, and discover it’s not for them. Perhaps they’re not ready to dig in, or the work simply doesn’t resonate with them.

Others engage in the work and are forever changed. They embark on a journey of discovery, take their discoveries back to their lives, and live the better versions of themselves. They benefit their spouses and partners, their children, and their communities. They make strides toward achieving the growth they’ve been seeking.

There’s a third group of men, however, who begin doing the work and recognize that this will be their lifelong mission or their legacy. They get called to a life of service of bringing this approach to emotional healing to every man they meet.

That’s what happened to me. The work changed me deeply, and I resonated with its power so greatly that it became my ministry to bring this work forward to help men heal their deepest wounds.

My guests today fit into that last category. These are men who found the work and recognized that they are called to pay it forward.

In this episode, I welcome the founders of Authentc Men: Phillip Gaynor, Dan Kline, and Tom Szigethy. Through their work, they are creating a community in which men can achieve their best selves while recognizing that no man has to do it alone.

We think you’ll enjoy hearing what they have to say about their journeys, the work, and how their new community can foster connection and healing. So let’s get on the road!

Connect with Phillip, Dan, and Tom at Authentc Men: www.authentcmen.com

#menswork #selfimprovement #menshealth #mensmentalhealth #mensemotions #mensemotionalhealth #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #evryman #coaching #menscoach #menscoaching #authenticity #personalauthenticity #masculinity #emotionalhealth #vulnerability #authentcmen

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

Losing your cool. Flying off the handle. Blowing a fuse. No matter what you call it, we all do it now and then: Get angry.

In today’s episode, we’re taking a deeper dive into this topic that touches every one of us. But this isn't just about the moments when we’ve seen red; it's about understanding the roots of our rage, navigating our emotions, and ultimately, finding freedom in the ways we respond to the world around us.

In this episode, we're joined by James Clemmons, a Marine veteran who's turned his personal battles with anger into a beacon of hope for many. James is the founder of Freedom from Anger LLC, an organization dedicated to helping individuals, especially those who are incarcerated, to manage their anger, reduce stress, and lead healthier emotional lives.

Through his work, James has seen firsthand the transformative power of self-awareness, acceptance, and the courage to seek help. We'll explore the physiological responses our bodies have to anger, the societal impacts of unmanaged rage, and how, to paraphrase something James said, 'managing anger doesn't mean eliminating it—it means understanding it.'

So, whether you've struggled with anger yourself or know someone who has, this conversation is an invitation to look inward, to challenge our perceptions, and to discover the freedom that comes from truly understanding and managing our emotions. So let’s get on the road!

Connect with James

• www.freedomanger.com
• James@FreedomAnger.com
• The Freedom From Anger Podcast: https://www.freedomanger.com/news-media
• X: @anger_llc
• IG: FreedomFromAngerLLC
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/FreeFromAnger

#menswork #selfimprovement #menshealth #mensmentalhealth #mensemotions #mensemotionalhealth #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #evryman #coaching #menscoach #menscoaching #authenticity #personalauthenticity #masculinity #emotionalhealth #vulnerability #anger #angermanagement

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© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.

Lining up guests for the podcast can feel risky at times. Unless the guest is someone I know well—an acquaintance or personal friend—I’m taking a leap of faith that this person and I will have enough to talk about to keep the conversation going for the better part of an hour. The concern might be that the person isn’t interesting, or the conversation flags. Or, worse, the person’s area of expertise may not align at all with our focus on finding and living one’s authentic life.

I had a small case of those jitters when I booked today’s guest, Kevin Palmieri. Kevin, as founder and co-host of Next Level University, comes from the worlds of podcasting and coaching, but with a decidedly different focus and vibe than is usual for our show. Yet as Kevin and I talked, something interesting happened: Two guys who I thought came from very different places started speaking the same language. And when that happened, I saw how my suppositions could have limited what turned out to be a beautiful interaction.

Kevin is an energetic, dynamic, and engaging speaker with a lot to say about personal growth, pursuing our personal authenticity, the power of community, and more. We think you’ll enjoy this ride. So let’s get on the road!

Connect with Kevin
WEB: www.nextleveluniverse.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri.90

#menswork #selfimprovement #menshealth #mensmentalhealth #mensemotions #mensemotionalhealth #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth #coaching #menscoach #menscoaching #authenticity #personalauthenticity #masculinity #emotionalhealth #vulnerability

Send us a Text Message.

Visit the Authenticity Road website: authenticityroad.online
Connect with us here.

© Authenticity Road, Inc. All rights reserved. Authenticity Road, its related marks, and "Adventures in men's work" are the exclusive property of Authenticity Road, Inc.