188: Moving From Your Survival Path to Your Soul Path with Caleb Campbell (Former NFL player & West Point graduate)

If you were born in the 80s, then you might be at a higher risk for gut dysfunction than the average person.    Today's guest, Ben Brown (founder of Body Systems Coaching and Head Nutrition & Fitness Coach of 20+ years) learned this the hard way:   He was plagued by gut issues throughout his teens, but never realized the significance of gut issues until much later. As he went about undoing the damage he had accidentally done to his gut health, he started realizing that his energy came back online, his immunity strengthened, and his mood improved.    Today, Ben coaches men over 40 look at their body holistically to reach their weight loss, health, and fitness goals. And with over 20 years experience being a nutrition and fitness coach, he's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to gut health, the implications your gut has on your overall health, and the steps you must take to reach any goal you have.    Here's what Ben and I discuss:    Why so many people overlook the importance of gut health (and some simple, low-friction ways to restore function to your gut)  The role pain plays in creating lasting, internal motivation  How building a new identity that's aligned with your fitness goals keeps you accountable when discipline and motivation dip    And more, including…    Why do digestive issues plague so many men (and why do they go completely overlooked for most of your life)? (3:40)  How antacids made Ben's digestive problems worse (5:30)  The strange connection between being born in the 80s and GI distress (6:06)  Why ignoring your gut problems can make you more susceptible to infections, take your mental health down a dark path, and create an unshakeable sense of fatigue that sleep can't fix (10:39)  How to improve your gut health, slowly but surely, over time without spending a small fortune on supplements and lab tests (13:30)  What to do if you're having fewer than two bowel movements per day to start to address any underlying gut dysfunction (17:54)  Which kinds of processed foods are less bad for your gut? Ben shares some tips for making smarter and more informed tradeoffs here: (23:52)  How social media traps you into a more dichotomous way of thinking that keeps you stuck on a yo-yo diet (28:12)  Do you struggle with motivating yourself to get healthy? Here's how one of Ben's clients (who weighs 290 lbs) decided to make a lasting change (35:58)  How to develop a stronger sense of self-kindness (52:36)   Guest Bio:     Resources mentioned in this episode:   1. Ben Brown's Body Systems Coaching: If you liked what Ben shared in today's show, you can learn more about his Body Systems Coaching on his website here: https://bodysystems.com/    2. Follow Ben on Instagram: @bodysystemscoaching. His DM's are open if you have a question or need help!   3. Check out Ben's Podcast, The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show: On Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 (or wherever else you listen to podcasts).    4. FirmTech: An "Oura Ring" for your Johnson. Save 15% by using my link: https://myfirmtech.com/manflowyoga    5. Man Flow Yoga Events: We just announced new locations for 2026 in-person events. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    6. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

If you're an achiever or find that you're endlessly striving for, well, something greater, then you know the path isn't full of clarity.    It certainly wasn't for today's guest, Caleb Campbell. Caleb is a West Point graduate, former Army officer, and former NFL linebacker. But he was always followed by a sense of not being enough.    At first, he turned his sense of not being enough into fuel. This actually worked pretty well: He achieved his dream of making the NFL, becoming the second ever draft pick from West Point, and even being called "America's Athlete" on ESPN after being the first player to serve and play concurrently.    But achieving his dreams didn't fix the disconnection he felt internally.  In fact, it made his emotions leak out in strange and counterproductive ways.    And so, he decided to leave the NFL and become a janitor in a mental health facility in Canada. During the five years he spent getting free therapy there, he made a seismic shift:  He moved from his survival path and instead started walking down his soul path. He argues this is something that every man secretly yearns for, but we don't know how to interpret the signs, especially when the path isn't clear.    If this resonates with you as much as it did for me, you're in for an absolute treat in this episode as Caleb and I discuss:    Why a mid-life crisis is an invitation to a mid-life reinvention  How to sync back into the "original knowing" that your body felt when you were still in the womb (and why this lights up your soul's path)  What to do after realizing that what got you to the point you're at today can't get you to where you want to go (and how to embrace "unstriving" instead)    And more, including…    How to participate with the ongoing energetic evolution of your life (and why your natural instinct to fight against it leads you astray) (2:50)  The weird way being celebrated for your ability to perform or hold it all together slowly but surely sabotages your internal valves (this is what caused Caleb to have a mental breakdown at West Point) (15:33)  Why compartmentalizing your anger and pain to use it as fuel works in the short-term (and how it leaks out as rage over the long-term) (16:47)  A definition of anger that will forever change how you think about it and wield it in your life (21:37)  How a story of not being enough haunts almost every action and behavior that follows (and rewriting the story unlocks control over emotional reactions and outbursts) (24:12)  Why being the second NFL draft pick in the history of West Point and the first to serve and play concurrently only made Caleb feel more broken (28:25)  How Caleb becoming a janitor in a mental health facility in Canada after leaving the NFL moved him from survival and into his soul's path (31:31)  What your sense of fatigue that no amount of sleep can fix is trying to tell you (46:43)  Why all men are secretly longing for a deep belly "Grief Cry" (50:05)  How to use nature to grieve the past selves of yourself that no longer exist (53:33)    Guest Bio:   Once known as "America's Athlete," Caleb Campbell is a West Point graduate, former Army officer, NFL linebacker, and author of Unstriving: 12 Lessons on Authentic Success from a Recovering Overachiever. Caleb knows firsthand what it costs to perform when the pressure is real and the path forward isn't clear. Today he works with leaders and teams navigating the defining challenge of this moment—how to stay at your best when the stakes are high, the uncertainty is relentless, and the margin for error is shrinking. Through his story and a hard-won actionable framework, he helps organizations turn pressure into a competitive edge. Resources mentioned in this episode:   1. Pre-order Caleb's book releasing on September 22, 2026: If you liked what Caleb was putting down in today's episode, his book, Unstriving: 12 Lessons on Authentic Success from a Recovering Overachiever, releases in a few days. Get your copy here: https://www.calebcampbell.me/unstriving    2. Follow Caleb on social media:    Instagram: @caleb_campbell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcalebcampbell/  Caleb's Website: https://www.calebcampbell.me/    3. Rapid Release: The mobility tool I've been obsessed with these past couple of months because I can use it while I watch TV to free myself from pain and tightness. Save 10% when you use my link here: https://manflowyoga.com/rapidrelease    4. Man Flow Yoga Events: We just announced new locations for 2026 in-person events. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    5. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

The topic of AI is unavoidable. The cat is already out of the bag with this piece of technology.    The questions then become:    Can it make you a better man?  Can you use it to get more of your own time back?  Is using AI ethical?    And so, I invited Ted Phaeton, productivity coach and host of the Modern Man Podcast, back onto the show to discuss AI with me.    Here's what Ted and I discuss:    The personal and mundane use cases of AI  Some of the ethical concerns regarding AI and intellectual property  How to reframe your underlying beliefs that makes accepting change harder     And more, including…    How to get AI to help you use your groceries more efficiently (and make weight loss easier than its ever been) (14:00)  2 software tools you probably haven't heard about that can help you learn almost any topic at lightning speed (18:19)  Why AI won't be able to solve your back pain, why it might make it worse, and my personal rule of thumb to be able to tell when AI's hallucinating (22:27)  Here's the dark (but true) reason behind why AI chatbots seem empathetic to you (24:08)  How to use AI to reach your goals faster than you otherwise would (28:23)  Should we be worried about the future of AI? Here are some reasons to be hopeful (33:39)  How using AI tools for the mundane parts of life can give you more free time in your day (45:10)  Don't know what to make of AI? Neither do Ted and I… we discuss some of the grey areas at (54:06)    Guest Bio:   Ted Phaëton is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and host of The Modern Man, a top 2% globally ranked podcast dedicated to helping men unlock their full potential. As a performance architect, he specializes in the Ops Audit, helping high-achieving entrepreneurs and leaders implement the Optimized Performance Systems required to master their time and scale their impact. Ted provides the proven frameworks and discipline necessary for men to lead with purpose and reclaim their freedom. Resources mentioned in this episode:   1. The Modern Man Podcast: If you liked what Ted was putting down in today's episode, head to his website to listen to The Modern Man Podcast he hosts and the Noble Knights men's group he leads: https://TheModernManPodcast.com    2. Man Flow Yoga Events: We just announced new locations for 2026 in-person events. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    3. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

After an accidental mushroom experience, I experienced a panic attack and realized I've been living with low-grade anxiety for far longer than I realized.    And so, over the past couple of years, I've been on a winding and tumultuous emotional journey. It hasn't always been a linear path of growth either. I'd make some progress, then tumble down. I'd think I'd beaten it, but then it came back.    But the process taught me a lot about myself, about my subconscious beliefs, and what to do when my emotions are overwhelming - both for short-term emergency fixes to get me through the day and long-term strategies to address the root cause of it.    Anyway, I dive into the full details in this episode.    But the reason I turned it into a podcast is because I know a lot of men are going through similar things.    Whether your anxiety influences your decision-making, interrupts your presence, or turns into a full-blown panic attack … or you've pushed down your emotions in exchange for unhealthy (or even healthy) coping strategies, today's show will give you new (and hopefully more effective) ways to think about and approach your emotional health.   Listen now.     Highlights include:    The weird way I used work and productivity to hide myself from my emotions (and how to tell if you're also doing this) (4:58) How stepping out of my head and into my body was the #1 most helpful thing to stopping my frequent panic attacks and low-grade anxiety (9:25)  Why exercising worked better for emergency relief from panic than busy work or mindfulness (12:03) A new way to think about anxiety that reduces some of your fear around it (16:33)  How I came to realize I struggled with anxiety my entire life (and why I went most of my life without realizing it) (17:27)  How to actually get out of your head and into your body (this was particularly tough for me - and I've heard similar things from other guys too) (23:36) Why treating your emotional triggers as gifts empowers you over fear (43:10)    Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Magic Mind: Magic mind is my favorite caffeine supplement for when I need an extra boost of energy. Try it here: https://ManFlowYoga.com/MagicMind    2. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    3. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

Today's guest, Coach Allan Misner and host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, almost drove himself to the ER when he was 39 after playing a half of a round of beach volleyball.    His story may even resemble yours:   He prioritized his career over his fitness, over his health, over his family, and over his relationships for years without even noticing.    That half round of volleyball was his wake-up call… but he was still battling a shoddy mindset which threw a wrench in his tires every time he tried to better himself. And so, he rode the fitness rollercoaster for another 8 years until his daughter said something to him that made him take his health and fitness seriously.    And then, at age 47, he did two things you weren't "supposed" to be able to do: He lost 66 pounds of fat and gained 11 pounds of muscle at the same time. He also decided to start the 40+ Fitness Podcast because nothing of the sort existed at the time. (This was back in 2012-2013.)    Anyway, after getting his fitness in order, he decided to help other people over the age of 40 take back control of their health, fitness, and lifestyle.    And you know what?   He realized there were three key ingredients that determine your success regardless of your age or current fitness level: Your mindset, your limiting beliefs, and your motivation.    And so, today's show takes a 40,000 foot view and gives you the strategy for getting fit after 40. We don't talk about any tactics because, as you'll hear, tactics can only work when they're used in support of a successful strategy.    Here's what Allan and I discuss:    Why you must change your approach to fitness after 40 (and how to actually do it)  How fixing your mindset and limiting beliefs will naturally motivate you more than beating yourself up ever could  The most effective way to set fitness boundaries with your family and get them to join you in your mission    And more!   Listen now.     Other highlights include:    How one game of beach volleyball made Allan think he needed to head straight to the ER at only 39 (and how he transformed his fitness in his late 40s) (8:21)  Why one conversation Allan had with his daughter finally forced him to get his fitness in order after riding the "yo-yo rollercoaster" for 8 straight years (9:08)  How one bad workout can "taint" your entire perception of exercise when you're over 40 (even a bodyweight only workout like Allan explains at) (12:04)  Here's exactly what Allen did to lose 66 pounds of fat and tack on 11 pounds of muscle - at the same time! - at age 47 (and why he thinks Man Flow Yoga is better than his strategy was) (14:47)  How to break through the barrier of self-hatred and shame (which can be motivating when you begin, but becomes lethal over time) and find a more positive source of motivation (21:41)  Why the choices you make today will determine how involved you are in your kids' or grandkids' lives 30 years from now (29:12)  A straightforward way to reframe your anxieties and actually enlist the people in your life to help you conquer them (33:10)  How to set boundaries with your fitness and nutrition in a way that lets your family join the fight with you (39:04)  The "Head Straight" secret to simplifying your fitness and aligning every aspect of your life (52:22)  How to create an identity around your new fitness regimen (and why this allows you to stay consistent without even thinking about it) (59:08)  Guest Bio:    Allan Misner is a health and fitness coach who helps people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s get strong, healthy, and capable for the life they actually want to live. He is the host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, one of the largest and longest-running health and fitness shows for people over 40, and the author of the award-winning book The Wellness Roadmap: A Straightforward Guide to Health and Fitness After 40. He and his wife live on a Caribbean island off the coast of Panama, where they run Lula's Bed and Breakfast.   Connect with Allan below:    Podcast: 40+ Fitness (available anywhere you listen to podcasts) Website and coaching: https://40plusfitness.com  The Wellness Roadmap (book): https://amzn.to/3TZTHPv  Email: [email protected]   Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Rapid Release: The mobility tool I've been obsessed with these past couple of months because I can use it while I watch TV to free myself from pain and tightness. Save 10% when you use my link here: https://manflowyoga.com/rapidrelease    2. Magic Mind: Magic mind is my favorite caffeine supplement for when I need an extra boost of energy. Try it here: https://ManFlowYoga.com/MagicMind    3. FirmTech: An "Oura Ring" for your Johnson. Save 15% by using my link: https://myfirmtech.com/manflowyoga    4. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    5. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

Here is a downright frightening statistic:    Within five years, men over the age of 50 with untreated erectile dysfunction will suffer a severe health problem like a heart attack or stroke.    ED is the big, glaring red flag that you need to do something about your health. But due to embarrassment, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, and the ease of getting short-term solutions like Viagra, most men never bring it up to their doctors. And so, they never get to the root of the problem, and thus, have a higher risk of premature death.    But you know what?   ED doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship, your sex life, or your life. In fact, it's possible to enhance the quality of all three of these categories even if you have ED, a declining libido, or are over the age of 50.    Especially after you listen to today's episode with Suzanne Noble, London-based sex educator, speaker, and host of the chart topping podcast Sex Advice for Seniors.   As a senior herself, Suzanne shares stories from "the trenches" (both from her personal life and from her professional life helping seniors enjoy more pleasurable sex), reveals the most effective "pleasure multipliers" for men, and gives you simple ways to improve your sex life.    Here's what Suzanne and I discuss:    How men in their 50s, 60s, and 70s can reinvigorate their sex life  Why you cannot afford to ignore your ED (it's a big, glaring red flag that something is "off" with your overall health)  Fun and exciting ways to have more vulnerable conversations with your partner to improve your intimacy, communication, and sex life     And more!   Listen now.     Other highlights include:    Why do so many men over age 50 suffer in silence when it comes to a declining libido? (3:42)  A counterintuitive way that performing worse "downstairs" can actually improve your intimacy and communication with your partner (4:41)  How the "Blue Pill," while it may be a suitable short-term strategy, can actually further disguise more serious health issues that may be threatening your life (10:40)  Most men experience a significant health problem within 5 years of untreated ED: Here's how to prevent suffering the same, sometimes fatal, fate (11:22)  The best type of diet to improve your bedroom performance (15:15)  What do women actually want from men during sex? Suzanne shares her insights at (19:52)  How to gamify your sex life and make talking about your intimate life with your partner easier and more enjoyable with the "Yes-No-Maybe" checklist (21:30) The most important "sex enhancing toy" for men over the age of 50 (27:23)  How to improve your sexual life by figuring out what turns you on and what turns you off in your regular, mundane life (33:36)    Guest Bio:    Suzanne Noble is a London-based sex educator, speaker, and host of the chart topping podcast Sex Advice for Seniors. She is on a mission to challenge outdated narratives around aging, particularly concerning sex, relationships, and intimacy later in life. Through candid conversations with experts and real people, Suzanne tackles topics often ignored—from dating and desire to sexual health and confidence after 50. Known for her warm, no-nonsense approach, she creates a space where older adults can explore their sexuality without shame and with a sense of curiosity, humour, and empowerment.   Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Use code "MFY15" to save 15% on The 5 Step Method That Helped Thousands Of Men Over 50 Get Strong Erections Again: If you have a declining libido, erectile dysfunction, or any other "downstair" problems, Suzanne's 5 Step Method has helped thousands of men over 50 get strong erections again and reinvigorate their sex life. Save 15% with code "MFY15" here: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com/    2. Download a FREE copy of Suzanne's "Yes/No/Maybe Checklist" mentioned in the episode. Available here: https://yesnomaybe.sexadviceforseniors.com/   3. Visit Suzanne's website, Sex Advice for Seniors, where you can find tons of free content, podcast episodes, and other resources to restore your sex life, here: https://sexadviceforseniors.com/    4. Follow Suzanne on social media below:    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sex-advice-for-seniors-podcast/id1633226903  Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.substack.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sexadviceforseniors  Facebook: https://facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors  5. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    6. MFY Sexual Wellness Challenge: Want to use yoga to improve your sexual wellness, get stronger erections, and last longer in bed? Then join the FREE 7-Day Sexual Wellness Challenge here: https://shrtlnk.co/uA27H  

"Foot health is the new sleep" … [And] it may be that big toe strength is probably the greatest proxy for longevity, well beyond VO2 max and grip strength over the age of 65." - Mark Sisson    The most neglected, overlooked, and downright ignored aspect of your overall health and longevity isn't your VO2 max, your grip strength, or even your sleep.    It's your foot strength and health!    The reality is that your feet have evolved over thousands of years to be your interface with the ground and the universe. But modern society forces us to stuff them into cushiony shoes, which leads to foot muscle atrophy.    You might be wondering what the big deal is. But a lack of foot strength causes problems up the entire kinetic chain.    In other words: your feet may be responsible for your knee pain, your hip pain, your lower back pain, and even your neck pain!    It's also one of the primary driving factors behind why falls are often so fatal after 65.    But bestselling health author, co-founder of Peluva, and friend of the show Mark Sisson has you covered in this episode. Mark reveals why foot health is the new sleep, why it may be the greatest longevity marker we have, and how modern shoes have ruined your foot health.    Here's what Mark and I discuss:    Why foot health is more important than I ever realized  The importance of your feet being in contact with the ground  How weak feet lead to feet problems (as well as knee, hip, back, and neck pain)  How to ease your feet into being able to wear barefoot shoes    And so much more!   Listen now.     Other highlights include:    What actually causes bunions (and why it has nothing to do with your genetics)? (4:47)  Do balancing poses cause your feet to "hurt?" This is a common problem I hear … and yet Mark's reasoning about why you're feet aren't actually hurting demonstrates just how far our foot health has fallen (6:30)  Why you don't have flat fleet (even if your foot has lost its arch) (8:02)  How to roll your ankle without spraining it (and how this also prevents knee tweaks and pain) (8:44)  The bizarre reason running shoes are the primary driver of runner injuries (15:31)  The scientific "up the kinetic chain" reason why having weak feet results in bodily pain and injuries all over your body (21:30)  Try these overlooked foot exercises to strengthen your feet enough to wear barefoot shoes without pain (29:31)  Why weak feet are the silent culprit behind life-altering falls that shatter your hip in your 50s, 60s, and beyond (32:35)  Why big toe strength may be the greatest proxy for longevity over age 65 (that means it could be MORE important than VO2 max and grip strength) (35:45)  The "glove-shaped shoe" secret for strengthening your feet by doing nothing other than walking (44:30)    Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Save 10% on Peluva's Barefoot Shoes with code ManFlowYoga: If you have lower back pain, hip pain, or knee pain, the problem may be your shoes. Not only do they feel like a mini foot massage with each step, but they're also the best way to strengthen your feet and relieve knee, hip, and lower back pain. Get your barefoot shoes here: https://peluva.com/    2. Get your free copy of The Definitive Guide To A Barefoot And Minimalist Shoe Lifestyle: If you want to learn more about the health benefits of barefoot living and why foot strength may be the #1 longevity marker of the future, get your free copy here: https://peluva.com/products/the-definitive-guide-to-a-barefoot-and-minimalist-shoe-lifestyle    3. Follow Mark Sisson and Peluva on Instagram:    @MarkSissonPrimal @WearPeluva    4. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    5. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

There's a male loneliness epidemic ripping through society. I've felt it. You've felt it. I'm willing to bet the vast majority of listeners have felt it too.    But hearing about it or feeling it yourself is a totally different thing than doing something about it.    And so, since I've been feeling the loneliness that comes when all of your time is consumed by work and family, I decided to try a few different ways to connect with other men on a deeper level.    In today's show, you'll hear what I discovered about male loneliness from running these social experiments, the #1 thing holding you (and other men) back from building better friendships, and a few simple ways you can find more connection and become less lonely in your day-to-day life.    Listen now.     Other highlights include:    The weird connection between social anxiety and a lack of a fulfilling social life that's easy to overlook (2:36)  How I started to address my own lack of social connection in my own life (3:06)  How simply conversing with other men can help you make significant strides in your mental and emotional health (6:28)  Why do men suck at friendships compared to women? Here's why it has to do more with guilt than you realize… (7:12)  My favorite "ice breaker" for going deeper into a surface level conversation (12:31)  The incredible burden unfelt emotions have on you (and a reliable way I've found to help me feel them before they bubble up and explode) (16:45)  The "Stoics have emotions too" secret that helps you process and feel your emotions without bending to their will (18:20)  Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    2. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7   

Michael's worked with over 1,500 men over the last 7 years helping them to conquer every type of sexual dysfunction they're going through.    One such way sexual dysfunction manifests is with an inability to last longer than 60 seconds during sex. Or premature ejaculation for short.    The problem Michael's stumbled upon, both through his own struggles and with coaching 1,500+ men through it, is that kegels are not enough. Sometimes they can actually make you finish quicker. But the reality is, if kegels solved this problem reliably for men, no man would suffer from finishing too soon.    The real root of the problem is deeper and scarier:    Your nervous system. Modern life is set up in a way that sets everyone at a higher baseline level of the sympathetic nervous system (also known as the fight-flight-freeze response). This naturally lowers how long you last in bed. And then there are other problems like porn, sexual shame, emotional dysregulation, lack of emotional expression, overthinking, and the list goes on.    In other words:    If you struggle with premature ejaculation, you likely think it's a purely physical condition. But Michael's work over the last 7 years shows us that treating it as a purely physical condition sets you up for failure.   That's the bad news.    The good news?   Michael's helped thousands of men like you and he shares some of his top tips in this episode.    Here's what Michael and I discuss:    Why premature ejaculation isn't only a physical issue How your mind hijacks your nervous system and makes you finish faster Why feeling your way into lasting longer is a more effective strategy (and Michael's favorite tools that make this easier)    Other highlights include:    How treating premature ejaculation like a purely physical condition can tighten its grip on your sex life (1:15)  Why kegels can actually make you finish sooner (1:53)  The strange way modern life itself can make you climax faster (and the holistic solution to last longer) (2:46)  The "Pelvic Repatterning Method" Michael Hodge first used on himself, then 1,500 of his students, to reverse their sexual dysfunction (7:50)  How to naturally take the pressure off of sex by engaging the 5 senses (and some of Michael's favorite activities to accomplish this) (19:12)  Why Michael's 8-week "Vigor" program, currently 15% off to the MFY Community - the coupon's in the show notes, can help you last far longer in bed in two short months (and maybe even faster!) (20:22) The biggest mistake men make when they're trying to regulate their nervous system (25:19)  How your intelligence holds you back from healing your emotional gunk that's causing your nervous system to go haywire (27:38)  Guest Bio:   Michael Hodge lived through 5 years of severe pelvic pain, urinary, and sexual issues. By merging his own healing experience with nervous system practices, he is helping thousands of men to transform their pelvic health. He also really likes dark chocolate and produces euphoric dance music.   Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Transform Men's Pelvic Health Website: https://www.transformpelvichealth.com/   2. Miachel's Vigor Sexual Strength Program (for ED and PE): https://bit.ly/vigorstrongsex      (Use code MANFLOW to save 15% on Michael's Vigor program.)     3. Overcome Pelvic + Urinary Issues Program: https://bit.ly/overcomepelvicpain     4. Follow Transform Men's Pelvic Health on social media:    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TransformPelvicHealth    Instagram: @transformpelvichealth   Tik Tok: @transformpelvichealth   5. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7    6. Man Flow Yoga Events: Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/   

I ended up in the ER last week after my wife and mom had to threaten me with an ambulance because they thought I was having a stroke.    (I didn't have a stroke, but I am dealing with, and on medication for, a case of stress-induced Bell's Palsy.)    This surprise visit to the ER was a wake-up call for me on several fronts:    Not only did I need to be threatened with an ambulance to go to the ER (I didn't think I was tough or anything… I just thought I'd be fine), but I was also surprised by just how many difficult emotions came up for me while getting an MRI and learning about my Bell's Palsy.    Anyway, I promised myself I wouldn't make a podcast about this if it felt like work. But I think it can help you - whether you're going through something similar, battling your own kind of health problem, or just dealing with the harsh realization that you can't have full control over your future.    Here's what I share in this episode:    Why being in "great" physical health doesn't grant you full control over your health  The most important things I learned about myself and my emotions from this surprise ER visit   Why the cost of your health is a lot less than whatever the doctor's visit or ER trip will cost you    Other highlights include:    How my brain thought I was just fatigued when my eye started twitching and my face started looking asymmetrical (my wife and mom had to threaten me with an ambulance!) (1:07)  Why I was surprised to go through such a wide range of emotions when I was getting an MRI (I mistakenly thought mindfulness would help me counteract the shocking sense of panic) (5:44)  Did you know 5 out of 10 people who get an MRI have to hit the "tap out" button? Here's how I managed to get through it… (7:06)  How I learned the hard way that I need to take my stress management more seriously (8:31)  The most important lesson I learned from my surprise ER trip where I thought I was having a stroke (it's just Bell's Palsy, I didn't have a stroke, and I'm doing okay) (11:29)  A weird way a scene from The Pitt (a very dramatic and intense show depicting what an ER room in Pittsburgh is like) made me feel better about my medical bills (14:30)    Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you ever wished that you could do yoga with me in person, I may just be coming to a city near you. Find the full list on in-person MFY events here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/    2. Man Flow Yoga: My breathing practice helped most in the MRI than any other training I've ever done. Breathing is a natural extension of the MFY method. Experience it for yourself by starting your 7-day free trial here:  https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7