The Brutal Truth About Emotional Courage w/Dave Smith (4min MicroDose)

Most people go through life without ever being truly initiated.In this raw and revealing conversation, Will and Jon are joined by rites of passage guide Darren Silver to unpack why transformation requires more than just time — it requires challenge, community, and a deep connection to nature. They explore the wounding at the heart of real initiation, the loss of cultural rituals, and how fathers, plant medicine, and honest reflection can guide us through the most important transitions of our lives. This is a conversation about healing, masculinity, and what it takes to answer the question: Are you truly living, or just getting by?Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters00:00 – Introduction03:09 – Nature and Life Transitions07:54 – Personal Transformation Through Rites of Passage20:15 – Mystery and the Transformative Journey24:48 – Transformation and Inner Change28:22 – Growth, Responsibility, and Rites of Passage37:51 – Identity, Belonging, and the Adolescent Edge39:11 – Identity and Belonging in Adulthood45:40 – Community Recognition and the Need for Rites50:05 – Responsibility and the Journey Home51:59 – Relationship Support During Transitions54:00 – Change and the Path to Inner Peace01:05:22 – Happiness and Human ConnectionHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if leadership meant putting people before profit? In this inspiring episode, Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks, shares how he helped shape the company’s culture through the principles of servant leadership. He explores the power of self-awareness, mindfulness, and compassionate emptiness in building trust and fostering meaningful connections. Behar reveals how listening deeply, asking the right questions, and leading with personal values can create a workplace where people thrive. From the importance of presence to the strength found in vulnerability, this conversation offers a heart-centered approach to leadership that is grounded in purpose, service, and genuine human connection.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:59 - Mindfulness and Self-Awareness06:10 - Creating a People-First Culture08:52 - The Importance of Compassionate Listening11:47 - Navigating Difficult Conversations14:38 - The Role of Values in Leadership17:46 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Leadership20:35 - Compassionate Emptiness in Leadership23:38 - The Power of Questions26:30 - Feedback and Responsiveness29:23 - Aligning Purpose and Values32:40 - The Six Ps of Leadership35:37 - Intentional Communication38:35 - Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue41:25 - The Impact of Leadership on Culture44:14 - Living with Intention47:17 - The Journey of Continuous ImprovementHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the thing you turn to for relief is actually rewiring your brain against you? In this powerful episode, Dr. Trish Leigh exposes the hidden neurological effects of pornography - how it hijacks your dopamine system, fuels addiction, and quietly erodes motivation, mental health, and relationships. We dive deep into the evolutionary roots of sexuality, the influence of technology on behavior, and the daily habits needed for recovery. From parenting in the digital age to rebuilding intimacy and overcoming erectile dysfunction, this is a raw, science-backed conversation about breaking free from porn and taking back control of your life.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:48 - The Dopamine Dependency Cycle05:50 - The Evolutionary Perspective on Sexuality08:53 - The Role of Technology in Sexual Behavior11:54 - Parenting in the Age of Digital Exposure14:56 - The Importance of Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence17:59 - The Path to Recovery from Pornography Addiction20:54 - Healthy vs. Maladaptive Masturbation Patterns23:46 - The Connection Between Pornography and Erectile Dysfunction26:38 - Building Healthy Relationships and Intimacy29:58 - Strategies for Overcoming Pornography Addiction32:55 - The Importance of a Morning Routine35:55 - Navigating Sexuality and Testosterone38:46 - The Role of Communication in Relationships41:46 - Final Thoughts and Resources for RecoveryHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

I loved this episode with Dave Smith, and so will you! Dig into the full podcast here: https://pod.fo/e/2bd385More about Dave and his work ➡️ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/All things MTM here: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it truly mean to live as a “peaceful warrior” in today’s chaotic world?Will and Jon sit down with Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, to explore mindfulness, self-discovery, and the deeper lessons of personal growth. Dan shares how life’s challenges act as spiritual weight training, why breath and meditation are essential tools for inner peace, and how embracing life fully - beyond moderation - can transform our journey. From redefining success to letting go of comparison, this episode offers practical wisdom, inspiring sound bites, and a guided breathing exercise to help you reconnect with yourself and live with purpose.Buy Dan's book here: https://www.peacefulwarrior.com/books/Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:54 - Defining the Peaceful Warrior05:47 - The Role of Adversity in Growth09:07 - The Journey of Writing 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior'11:49 - Understanding the Mind and Brain Distinction15:07 - The Practice of Mindfulness and Breathing18:03 - The Concept of Happiness and Satisfaction20:46 - The Role of Behavior in Shaping Life24:00 - The Fictional Socrates and His Influence34:23 - Socrates: The Prickly Teacher36:48 - The Gate of the Warrior40:09 - Paradox and Awareness42:47 - Transforming Emotions46:02 - The Dangers of Moderation51:18 - The Importance of Boldness52:14 - Striving for Excellence55:27 - The Journey of the Peaceful WarriorHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Trigger WARNING! This snippet might piss some people off. If it does reach out to Sashe directly on IG https://www.instagram.com/mind_heart_method/Here is the link to the Full Episode: https://pod.fo/e/2c4119Learn more all things MTM at https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Olympic champion. Icon. And then… nothing.Apolo Ohno spent his entire life training for one thing - winning gold. He became the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history, chasing perfection at all costs. But when the spotlight faded and the podium disappeared, he faced a battle far tougher than any race: Who was he without the sport?In this raw and honest conversation, Apolo opens up about the identity crisis that hit after retirement, the role of ego in driving success - and destroying it - and the painful process of starting over from scratch.This isn’t just about sport. It’s about life after the thing you thought defined you. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:(00:00) Redefining Purpose After Winning: Apolo Ohno's Journey Beyond the Podium(06:30) "Life After Winning: Navigating Identity and Transition"(08:01) "Navigating Life After Peak Achievements: The Ongoing Journey of Self-Discovery"(11:42) "Coping with Life Transitions and Identity Shifts"(14:22) "Embracing Friction and the Beginner's Mindset in Life Transitions"(16:52) "Reprogramming for Post-Athletic Life"(17:38) Navigating Personal Growth and Diverse Success Strategies(20:17) "Experiences of Flying with Children"(22:01) "Redefining Performance Beyond Sport: Lessons from the Ice to the Boardroom"(23:27) "Aligning Performance with Core Values and Personal Fulfillment"(25:01) "Redefining Performance: The Four Pillars and Five Golden Principles"(27:28) "Embracing Friction for Growth and Success"(30:06) Journey of Post-Olympic Life and Pursuit of Success Beyond Sports(33:55) "Evaluating Long-Term Fulfillment and Passion in Career Choices"(38:08) "Exploring Passion and Realism: Navigating Personal Growth and Success"(42:16) Inspiring Conversations: Pursuing Your Passion and Impacting the World(43:21) "The Impact of Passion and the Importance of Mentorship"(46:52) "The Four Pillars of Well-being: Sleep, Exercise, Diet, and Mindset"(47:47) "Finding Balance: The Role of Exercise, Social Interaction, and Self-Reflection in Managing Stress"(49:17) "Importance of Exercise and Sleep Tracking for Mental Health"(51:16) Transitioning from Military Service: Challenges and Reflections(57:14) Reflections on Abandonment, Team Dynamics, and Life Beyond Sport(01:02:51) "The Hidden Reserves of Human Potential"(01:04:52) "How to Connect with Apolo Ohno"(01:05:20) "Closing Remarks with Apolo Ohno: Embracing Change and Emotional Intelligence"(01:06:09) "Embracing Change and Transition Programs for Veterans and Athletes"(01:06:36) Introducing ARENA-M: Supporting Transitioning Veterans and AthletesHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

It's amazing what we can do, who we can become, and what can show up when we slow down and work from inside out. Here is Dr. James Doty, a neurosurgeon and author of "Mind Magic": The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How It Changes Everything, teaching us about how to manifest.Listen to our full episode with Dr Doty on MTM here: https://pod.fo/e/257f21If you would like to learn how to slow down we have an entire episode on Breathwork with 3 breathing practices backed into the episide listen here and start changing by getting to know your breath: https://pod.fo/e/309c12And RIP Dr James Doty, MD who passed July 17, 2025 - you will be missed and your torch of compassion will be carried forward - Thank you for all you brought to the world.Check out Dr. James Doty's two books: "Into the Magic Shop" (a New York Times bestseller)"Mind Magic"Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it truly mean to care for aging parents while preserving their dignity, independence, and joy? This conversation explores the emotional and practical realities of caregiving, from the strain of daily responsibilities to the deep rewards of being present and actively listening. Through personal stories, the speakers highlight the need for open communication about end-of-life planning, the emotional weight of anticipatory grief, and the delicate balance between prolonging life and ensuring its quality. They emphasize shifting expectations, finding joy in shared moments, and cherishing family gatherings as a way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories—reminding us that, in the end, family connections are what matter most.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction02:46 - Navigating the Challenges of Aging Parents05:58 - Being Present and Actively Listening 08:54 - Shifting Perspectives on Aging11:32 - Finding Joy in Shared Moments14:53 - The Emotional Strain of Caregiving 17:45 - Maintaining Dignity and Independence20:56 - Practical Support for Aging Parents23:55 - Conversations About End-of-Life Planning 26:39 - The Role of Communication in Caregiving29:50 - Anticipatory Grief and Emotional Challenges32:40 - Quality of Life vs. Prolonging Life35:47 - Lessons Learned from Aging Parents38:57 - The Value of Family Gatherings41:49 - Preparing for Our Own Aging44:52 - Closing Reflections and TakeawaysHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Learn from the man who made Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and the Chicago Bulls Champions. Here is our full Podcast with the Great George Mumford: https://pod.fo/e/2c0946We highly recommend reading George's latest book UNLOCKED: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover SuccessMore about all things MenTalkingMindfulness.comHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.