In this crucial episode, Charles and Dan dive into the foundational responsibilities of the masculine and the subtle forces that either create deep, lasting intimacy or lead to eventual conflict.

The conversation begins by examining the crucial demand for masculine safety, exploring what happens when a man fails to "hold space and provide safety," forcing his partner to step out of her feminine and into an energy that strains the relationship. They discuss the essential concept of polarity, making the case that the spark in romance thrives on the natural differences between partners, not their similarities. This is most clear in moments of stress, where men tend to retreat to logic and women urgently seek connection.

The hosts pivot to challenging conventional views of relationship conflict by introducing the Feminine as Oracle—the idea that a woman’s behavior, even if it feels like "acting out," is actually an indirect, instructive message reflecting her partner's internal "drift or laziness."

Finally, Charles and Dan identify the single greatest threat to a man's center: fear. They argue that nearly all non-masculine behavior is rooted in a fundamental sense of threat, and the ultimate solution is the commitment to inner work—cultivating a deep, centered belief in one’s own resilience so that you can respond to difficulty instead of reacting to it.

Support the show

In this episode, Charles and Dan unpack chapters four, five, and six of The Masculine in Relationship — and explore why so many men fall into the trap of becoming either strong-but-destructive or nice-but-ineffective. They dig into what it actually takes to embody the rare third option: a strong good man who leads with clarity, steadiness, emotional presence, and purpose.

The conversation moves through the core foundations of masculine development: how purpose shapes direction, why reactivity erodes trust, what emotional safety really requires, and how structure frees the feminine to relax rather than brace. Charles and Dan get personal about their own patterns, the work men often avoid, and the uncomfortable moments that reveal whether you’re reacting from old wounds or responding from grounded awareness.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain dynamics repeat in your relationships — or what women are actually looking for when they say they want a man who “can lead” — this episode gives you the clarity, context, and challenge you need to step into a more integrated masculine expression.

Support the show

In this first episode of our new series on The Masculine in Relationship by G.S. Youngblood, Charles and Dan dive into the foreword, preface, and opening chapters of the book that’s redefining modern masculinity.

They explore why real leadership in a relationship starts with grounded presence—not control—and how polarity, purpose, and emotional steadiness shape connection. This isn’t about blame or “fixing” your partner; it’s about showing up as a man who leads through clarity, direction, and self-awareness.

Listen as Charles and Dan unpack why Youngblood’s message challenges both modern culture and men’s comfort zones, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of purpose, power, and love in the episodes ahead.

Support the show

In this episode, Charles and Dan take a closer look at Stephen Bartlett’s conversation with Dr. Julie Smith on The Diary of a CEO — exploring what it really means to manage anxiety, build confidence, and grow through self-compassion instead of self-criticism.

They talk about why it’s so much easier to look “not needy” than to actually have your needs met, how rejection ties back to our deepest beliefs about worthiness, and why believable affirmations matter more than positive ones. You’ll also hear reflections on the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion, the myth of instant transformation, and how aligning your daily life with your core values makes sustainable growth possible.

During the conversation, Charles mentions a helpful free tool for exploring your own core values: personalvalu.es
— a simple A/B-style assessment that helps clarify which values drive your decisions and how to realign your habits to match them.

If you haven’t seen it yet, the full Diary of a CEO episode with Dr. Julie Smith is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgemIt_ESxo

For more from Dr. Julie Smith, visit:
https://www.drjuliesmith.com

Listen, watch, and explore more Mindfully Masculine episodes at MindfullyMasculine.com.

Support the show

In this episode, Charles and Dan unpack one of their favorite conversations from The Diary of a CEO — Steven Bartlett’s interview with Simon Sinek.

They explore what it really means to “find your why,” why self-awareness beats self-improvement, and how honesty, feedback, and integrity all connect to a deeper sense of fulfillment that lasts longer than success or achievement ever could.

From the power of vulnerability to the courage of truth-telling, this episode dives into the difference between looking successful and actually feeling aligned with your purpose.

Watch the original Diary of a CEO conversation with Simon Sinek here:
👉 https://youtu.be/Q-zuTZuYeCg?si=r0eb40OnB4kyQJYW

Key Topics Discussed
• Why rediscovering your “why” matters more than chasing results
• The difference between self-awareness and self-improvement
• What the 48-hour honesty challenge reveals about integrity
• Why vulnerability means direct honesty, not public performance
• How feedback builds self-knowledge and better relationships
• Why fulfillment comes from service, not status

Takeaways for Listeners

1. Ask yourself why you want what you want — and keep asking until you hit something real.
2. Try the 48-hour honesty challenge: no white lies, no polite untruths.
3. Seek feedback from people who see you clearly — then say “thank you” and nothing else.
4. Reconnect your goals to purpose, not just performance metrics.

You can find all of our episodes, along with anything new we’re creating and sharing, at MindfullyMasculine.com

Support the show

In this episode, Charles and Dan unpack key insights from The Diary of a CEO conversation with sleep scientist Matthew Walker — exploring how modern life undermines rest, what’s actually happening in your brain while you sleep, and the small, practical changes that can improve energy, focus, and overall well-being.

We discuss:

• Why sleep loss affects every system in the body
• The myths around caffeine, naps, and “catching up” on weekends
• What REM sleep really does for emotional regulation
• Simple steps to build a better nightly routine

Watch the original Diary of a CEO episode featuring Matthew Walker:
🎧 The Science of Sleep – Why You’re Tired All the Time

Listen to all Mindfully Masculine episodes and find more from Charles and Dan at MindfullyMasculine.com

Support the show

Charles shares a personal reflection on Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir All the Way to the River—a raw, beautifully told story about love, addiction, and loss. He explores what makes Gilbert’s writing different from typical books on recovery and co-dependence, how her honesty resonates with his own journey, and why the audiobook version delivers an especially powerful experience.

Support the show

In this conversation, Charles and Dan unpack one of the most practical interviews they’ve ever heard on The Diary of a CEO—Steven Bartlett’s talk with body-language expert Vanessa Van Edwards.
Instead of vague “be confident” advice, this episode focuses on clear, actionable steps that make communication more intentional and effective.

They break down:

• How warmth and competence shape every first impression
• The body-language cues that build trust (and the ones that destroy it)
• Why open posture and visible palms instantly change how people read you
• The difference between uptalk and downtalk—and how Obama mastered it
• What AirPods, small talk, and friendship say about modern connection
• The subtle gestures that make others mirror and agree with you

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or disconnected, this episode shows how to realign your physical cues with your intentions—and become someone people actually hear.

🎧 Watch or listen to every episode at mindfullymasculine.com

Support the show