Ben Owen: He Lost Everything to Addiction… Then Built a Movement to Save Others

Connor Beaton, founder of ManTalks, joins MTM. He in a transformative conversation about shadow work and its profound impact on personal choices and mental well-being. Throughout the discussion, Connor delves deep into the concept of the "shadow self," exploring how acknowledging and integrating the hidden, often suppressed aspects of our personalities leads to greater self-awareness and genuine change. We candidly address the role of shame in our lives—how it can serve as both a motivator and a destructive force—and why many people unconsciously use shame-based narratives as a way to push themselves, often resulting in cycles of self-sabotage and emotional stagnation. Connor illustrates how confronting shadow elements like guilt, regret, and self-doubt enables us to break free from repeating negative patterns. Listeners will learn actionable strategies for revealing and working through feelings of shame, while gaining tools for healthier inner dialogue and compassionate self-reflection.You'll learn how self-compassion, accepting past mistakes, and building more authentic relationships—cornerstones of Connor’s approach to men’s emotional growth and healing.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 - Introduction 02:46 - The Transformative Power of Shadow Work05:48 - Defining the Shadow: Repression and Its Consequences08:47 - The Role of Shame in Men's Lives11:44 - Personal Journeys: Crisis and Transformation14:56 - Shame and Its Manipulative Power18:00 - Separating Personhood from Behavior20:56 - Relationships as Mirrors for Self-Discovery23:47 - The Role of Mindfulness in Shadow Work27:04 - Psychedelics and Accessing the Unconscious30:04 - The Body's Role in Self-Realization32:58 - Conclusion: The Journey of Self-DiscoveryHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Men Talking Mindfulness aims to empower men's personal and emotional growth through mindfulness. We offer engaging content and practical tools in a supportive community, guiding men toward a balanced, mindful, and fulfilling life.This is an episode Jon recorded with Chris Lazier and Shaun Emerson from the If You've Come This Far podcast... lots of fun stuff to know about Jon - a lot that we never knew before!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From the depths of addiction to the frontlines of redemption, Ben Owen’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. In this episode, Jon and Will sit down with Ben, the founder of We Fight Monsters, to uncover how he turned personal pain with addiction into purpose, leading a movement that combats addiction, human trafficking, and broken systems from the streets of Memphis to beyond. Ben reveals the brutal realities of recovery, mental health, the importance of mindfulness in chaos, and the unbreakable resilience that fuels his mission to reunite families and rebuild lives. This is not just a story about survival -  it’s about what happens when you decide to fight for something bigger than yourself.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 - Introduction03:12 - Ben Owen's Journey to Recovery06:01 - The Birth of We Fight Monsters09:06 - Transforming Lives in Memphis11:51 - The Role of Mindfulness in Recovery14:37 - Building Trust and Community17:42 - Confronting Human Trafficking20:34 - The Power of Resilience23:42 - Creating Economic Opportunities26:31 - The Importance of Family Reunification29:47 - Engaging with Law Enforcement32:22 - The Role of the Community35:43 - The Owen Army and Expanding the Mission38:35 - Mindfulness in Action41:28 - The Future of We Fight MonstersHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when young men struggle to find their place in a rapidly changing world? Joseph Fuller joins hosts Jon and Will to explore the challenges facing young men today - from the decline of traditional male jobs, and the stigma around trades, to the crucial role of mentorship, education, and social skills in shaping identity and opportunity. This is adding to the escalating mental health crisis. Together, they unpack how cultural shifts away from college education are redefining masculinity, why trades remain “AI-proof,” and what society can do to better support young men in navigating careers, mental health, and self-worth in the 21st century.Learn more about Joseph Fuller: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2025/05/harvard-men-gender-gap-education-employmentFeeling 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 - Introductions02:48 - Cultural Identity and Self-Worth in Men05:50 - The Decline of Traditional Male Jobs09:12 - Education and Skills Gap12:01 - The Impact of Social Skills on Employment14:54 - The Role of Sports and Physical Activity17:43 - The Importance of Mentorship and Guidance20:48 - The Stigma Around Trades and Vocational Education23:57 - The Role of Male Teachers in Education26:31 - The Crisis of Male Identity in Modern Society29:24 - Solutions for the Future of Young MenHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

So what happened here? So close to the finish line, Jon tells us why he decided to drop out of the Physique Competition and end this grueling fitness Journey.Learn what MTM is all about at:mentalkinmindfulness.comHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t lack of skill or ambition, but the silent weight of too many choices? Jon and Will unpack the hidden toll of decision fatigue - the mental exhaustion that can cloud judgment, lower productivity, and derail even the most capable leaders. They explore how nutrition, boundaries, and mindfulness can restore mental clarity, why making decisions when energy is highest leads to better outcomes, and the power of simplifying routines to protect your focus. You’ll discover how rest and recharge are not luxuries but essentials, and why having a mentor or coach can cut through the noise to bring clarity. This conversation is a guide to reclaiming your energy, making sharper decisions, and leading with confidence.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 - Introduction01:10 - Understanding Decision Fatigue and Mental Energy11:57 - Clear Goals as the Key to Beating Decision Fatigue15:33 - The Role of Intentional Goals in Mental Clarity16:59 - Leadership Challenges in Decision Fatigue18:21 - Mindfulness and Self-Awareness for Leaders19:17 - Practical Strategies for Clarity and Energy23:20 - How to Replenish Energy for Better Choices25:18 - The Hidden Impact of Judicial Decision Fatigue26:41 - Sleep and Nutrition as Decision-Making Essentials29:26 - The Power of Personal Boundaries31:08 - Boundaries and Routines for Stronger Decisions34:05 - Proven Tips to Boost Productivity and Clarity35:16 - Nutrition’s Role in Sharper Decision-Making40:25 - Smarter Choices Through Effective Strategies41:56 - The Best Ways to Recharge for Peak Performance42:34 - Final Thoughts: Share, Review, and ConnectHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 servant leadership and putting people over profits shaped the company's culture. He discusses how a people-first leadership philosophy leads to authentic connection, trust, and accountability in the workplace. Behar reveals that putting people over profits empowers employees and nurtures a values-based leadership approach. From presence and vulnerability to empowering employees and focusing on the bottom-up approach, Howard demonstrates that success comes from putting people over profits, cultivating workplace culture, and leading with empathy, purpose, and genuine human connectionFeeling 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.