Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Ep. 16

5 Truths to Build Unshakable Confidence

I don’t know about you but I always looked up to the guy who seemed like he was born confident. He walks into a room and everyone takes notice. His shoulders are back, his head held high, and he just has an energy about him.

This was not me growing up. I was meek, unsure of myself, and simply not a confident guy. Even into adulthood, my confidence level was nearly non-existent. I bounced from friend group to friend group, constantly changing my persona to fit in. I was so afraid of losing a job or disappointing someone that I had no established boundaries and often went against what brought me happiness and, even at times, my morals to be accepted and seemingly appreciated.

About 10 years ago, I got to the point where I felt completely out of control in my own life. I was constantly bouncing from one idea to the next, there was no real direction. I came to the realization that my confidence was so low that I didn’t even believe in my decisions and choices.

I finally made a decision to work on developing this area of my life. And so I did.

I began reading books, studying, and taking courses that helped build confidence. It was definitely a process, but over the last decade, I have built up a deep-rooted confidence that carries with me in every situation.

It’s unshakable. It’s honest. It’s authentic.

Over the course of this journey, I’ve learned five truths to help you build a confidence that lies deep inside your gut and can be accessed under any circumstances.

But make sure to stay til the end of the episode cause I’m going to share a couple of down and dirty pro tips to give you an instant injection of pure confidence.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 - Introduction

01:18 - My Journey

09:38 - Truth #1: Confidence is a Skill

17:29 - Truth #2: Live Authentically

22:40 - Truth #3: You’re Going to Disappoint People Along the Way

36:45 - Truth #4: Confidence is Noth the Absence of Fear

42:16 - Truth #5: Confident People Surround Themselves with Other Confident People

43:48 - 5 Pro Tips for an Instant Boost of Confidence

Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97⁠Email: ⁠joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠Website: ⁠https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

Socials:TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork⁠

#buildingconfidence #howtobuildconfidence #mensempowerment

Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Ep. 15

It’s Okay to be Okay.

I was introduced to Michael Rockafellow through a mutual friend and couldn’t wait to get him on the podcast to share his experience in overcoming adversity. Michael was born with only one arm and grew up in an abusive household with an alcoholic mother and an absent father. After battling his own demons of alcohol and drug addiction, Michael has achieved six years of sobriety. Through courage and personal growth, he has found love with his partner Tanner and started his own business. Michael is a prime example of what it means to “know thyself” and to work towards a point where it’s okay to be okay.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 - Welcome

02:13 - Michael’s Story

05:21 - Childhood Trauma

09:43 - Do we ever REALLY find Peace

14:46 - The Emotional Pressure Placed on Ourselves

18:33 - Dealing with the Anger Inside

21:56 - The Mirror, Owning Your Shit

25:45 - Connecting with other Guys on an Emotional Level

29:08 - Setting Hard Boundaries

36:01 - Lessons Learned from The Artist’s Way

45:41 - It’s Okay to be Okay

Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97⁠Email: ⁠joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠Website: ⁠https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

Socials:TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork⁠

#overcomingadversity #strenghtandcourage #mensempowerment

Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Ep. 14

Situational Anxiety and Calming the Mind Loop

When was the last time you got caught in a mind loop? You know, when a situation pops into your head and it spins around and around and around, essentially driving you insane. You play out different outcomes. You have endless dialogues in your mind. And you stress yourself out beyond recognition.

I experienced this this past weekend. I’ve recently been presented with a job opportunity that could have an incredible impact on my life. The position will put me into a leadership role as well as provide me with financial security I’ve never known. The problem is, I have a checkered past and if they decide to run a background check, it could all be taken away.

So, I’ve been up in my head all weekend about what I should do, what conversations will need to happen, and how I will react if things go south.

I was literally driving myself crazy, so something had to be done to calm the mind loop. Here’s what happened to bring peace back into my life.

Timeline:

00:00 - Opening

01:09 - Welcome

01:19 - Situational Anxiety & the Mind Loop

04:08 - Where Does Anxiety Come From

15:47 - What Happens in the Body

21:25 - Stress Hormones in the Body

26:50 - Calming the Mind Loop

Men’s Challenge: https://mensempowermentnetwork.com/mens-challengePodcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97⁠Email: ⁠joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠Website: ⁠https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

Socials:TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork⁠

#situationalanxiety #calmthemind #mensempowerment

Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Ep. 12

Way to Listen, Bro! - Effective Communication Part 2

Ever been accused of Never Listening? Maybe by your wife, girlfriend or partner? Are you a little sick and tired of hearing those words? What if you have you have a partner that goes on, and on, and on forever and ever, never getting to the freaking point? Sometimes these situations go hand in hand.

I was in a relationship with a guy who loved to talk. He would come home from work and blather on for what seemed like hour going over every detail he could think of about his day and the issues he’d had. It got to the point where I would get a tightening in my chest whenever he would begin a conversation.

The problem was not on his end, it was on mine. At that point in my life, I was incapable of effective communication including listening and making others heard.

However, with personal growth, some patience and a lot of practice I slowly began to improve and my relationships began to grow stronger.

Not to mention using these techniques has taken a lot of stress off my plate. Life is more peaceful. And isn’t that ultimately what every guy is looking for?

Timeline:

00:00 - Welcome

01:25 - You NEVER Listen to Me

03:04 - Masculine & Feminem Communication Styles

04:56 - What We have here is a Failure to Communicate

09:18 - Active Listening

22:40 - Ugh! But They Never get to the DAMN Point!

Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97⁠

Email: ⁠joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

#activelistening #betterrelationships #mensempowerment

Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Ep. 12

Making Yourself Heard - Effective Communication Part 1

Ever leave a conversation and feel like you just weren’t being heard? Ever feel like you constantly get railroaded or stepped on when speaking with someone? Maybe you’re the opposite and feel the need to raise your voice or push your way through a conversation.

I have never been a great communicator. My go-to style has been to push my thoughts and feelings down to allow for others to make their point and then just casually nod my head and smile in agreement regardless of whether I agreed or not and regardless of how I felt about the conversation.

Slowly, as I developed more and more confidence this began to change. Over the past few years, on this journey of self-exploration, discovery, and growth I have transitioned into a stronger communicator and ensure I am being effective and heard. This can also be attributed to understanding different communication styles.

Understanding different communication styles is like having a secret code that unlocks effective chit-chat with anyone. People generally display one of the following styles:

Aggressive: These folks often interrupt, talk over others, and disregard their feelings. They tend to express themselves forcefully or even hostilely. Picture a bulldozer, pushing through obstacles without considering others.

Passive: They avoid expressing their thoughts or needs, allowing others to make decisions for them. They're like doormats, suppressing their emotions and letting others walk all over them.

Passive-Aggressive: These individuals express negative feelings or thoughts indirectly or subtly, often through sarcasm or hinting. It's like a ticking time bomb disguised as politeness or concern.

Assertive: This style involves expressing oneself directly, honestly, and respectfully. They actively listen, empathize, and are willing to negotiate and compromise. Think of a sturdy bridge that allows for a smooth flow of communication.

Podcast Timeline:

00:00 - Introduction

00:23 - Welcome

01:57 - Stories of Not Being Heard

07:14 - Three Main Communication Styles

12:06 - Where do Communication Styles Come From?

18:56 - Importance of Learning Other Communication Styles

28:39 - Transitioning into an Assertive Communication Style

Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97⁠Email: ⁠joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork⁠Website: ⁠https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

#communicationstyles #makingyourselfheard #mensempowerment

Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Ep. 11

Overcoming Adversity Through Communication with Cory Clement

What’s up Guys! I am stoked to welcome our very first guest on the Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast. This freaking awesome dude has been put through the ringer using drugs and alcohol to mask a life of pain and inner turmoil. It wasn’t until he began to discover his worth, become vulnerable, and open himself to honest communication that he began to grow as a man and begin to create a beautiful life full of adventure, strength, and happiness. Men, it is my humble honor to welcome to the podcast, Cory Clement.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 - Welcome

01:14 - Meeting Cory

03:16 - The Journey out of Alcoholism

07:33 - Too Insecure to Connect

09:44 - Shattering that Ego and Connecting to Other Men

15:00 - Fitting In

18:57 - New Steps in the Journey

23:33 - I AM… is only a Part of You.

26:37 - Ego vs. Insecurity - Breaking the Geno-Code

32:22 - Shifting the Focus to Men’s Mental Health

40:18 - A New Perspective

Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97⁠

Email: ⁠joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com⁠

#overcomingadversity #strenghtandcourage #mensempowerment

The Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Episode 10

Black Sheep of the World, UNITE!

Growing up did you ever feel like you just didn’t belong? Maybe you take a look at your family and ask yourself, “How in the Hell did I get Here?” Did you often find yourself alone? You, my friend, may have been the black sheep of the family. You thought differently, you acted differently, you were just different.

Now, in adulthood, you find yourself socially isolated and plagued with negative self-talk and low self-esteem. I get it. Totally my story too. More than 20 years have passed since I left my parent’s house and ventured out on my own. I look around and I’ve got no one but myself. Even when I’m around others, I feel completely alone. Maybe you’re in a long-term, committed relationship, like I was, and you still feel isolated. Afraid to form real, deep connections.

But we can break down those walls, become vulnerable, and form meaningful connections with others. Today’s podcast is about overcoming social isolation, negative self-talk, and low self-esteem brought on by being the black sheep.

Make sure to share and like the podcast and until next time gents, cheers!

00:00 - Introduction

00:45 - Welcome

05:31 - Black Sheep & Social Isolation

13:46 - We Can Overcome

20:59 - Social Suggestions

#blacksheep #socialisolation #mensempowerment #lowselfesteem #lowselfconfidence #empoweringmen

The Men’s Empowerment Network Podcast

Season 1 Episode 9

Rock Your Routine

Ever feel like you’re just drifting through life? One day just bleeds into the next without any direction. Yeah, been there man. I had goals and everything, but it just didn’t seem like I was making any progress. It wasn’t until I took a look at my daily routine that I realized what I was doing on a daily basis was completely incongruent with what I wanted my life to look like. My daily routine was all over the place. No wonder I wasn’t making any progress! Once I got that dialed things started happening rather quickly. I began feeling more fulfilled, more productive and more accomplished - even when I took a day off! So, let’s work today to Rock YOUR Routine!

00:00 - Introduction

03:26 - The Psychology of the Routine

24:25 - Two Types of Routines

31:28 - My Rockin’ Routine

58:06 - Tips to Creating YOUR Rockin’ Routine

Keep in Touch:

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6g3ESdC9SBriTYQbI7rLKL?si=5bf1caff04a64e97

Email: joshua@mensempowermentnetwork.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mensempowermentnetwork?_t=8i516Dz6Suh&_r=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mensempowermentnetwork/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mensempowermentnetwork

Website: https://www.mensempowermentnetwork.com

#rockyourroutine #mensempowerment #feelmoresuccessful