Leadership Episodes

Find your brotherhood in Authentic AF. Visit https://www.skool.com/authenticaf/about Escaping the Success Trap: Measuring Resistance and Reclaiming Emotional Freedom with Mike Irving Andy Grant interviews executive coach Mike Irving about the “success trap,” where external achievement still leaves men feeling stuck, numb, or dissatisfied. Mike shares how, despite building a successful business in his 20s, he became miserable and was prescribed depression medication near 30, prompting him to lear...

Find your tribe in Authentic AF. Visit https://www.skool.com/authenticaf/about From External Success to Inner Peace: Breathwork, Energy Healing, and Becoming a Peaceful Warrior with Rick Lybarger Host Andy Grant welcomes Rick Lybarger, founder of Wisdom Won, who describes how decades of external achievement as a financial planner masked inner disconnection until divorce, heavy drinking, and a Modern Mystery School Life Activation catalyzed change. Rick shares his background with childhood trauma...

Find your tribe in Authentic AF. Visit https://www.skool.com/authenticaf/about Guardians of Grit: Authentic Identity, Purpose, and Raising Strong, Kind Sons On Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant speaks with David Ask, founder of The Ask Experience and author of the upcoming book Guardians of Grit, about authentic identity, purpose, grit, and fatherhood. Ask argues identity is uncovered—not achieved—by clarifying values, convictions, virtues, strengths, and desired impact, rather than defining onesel...

Find your tribe in Authentic AF. Visit https://www.skool.com/authenticaf/aboutNothing Changes Until You Show Up: Redefining Masculinity Host Andy Grant interviews Daryl Dittmer on Real Men Feel about what it means for men to “show up” with honesty, discipline, integrity, and responsibility rather than performing through money, muscles, status, or possessions. Dittmer describes true masculinity as being a provider and protector while also allowing feelings and building loving relationships, shari...

Doug Fleener on Sobriety, Self-Trust, and the “What If” Rule: Pause, Question, Go On Real Men Feel, Andy Grant talks with Doug Fleener, author of Start with What If, about how asking better questions can spark practical change. Doug shares how addiction and bankrupting his family business led to a pivotal interruption—“What if today you just went today without drink or drug?”—launching nearly four decades of sobriety. They discuss why men often wait for “rock bottom,” how shame thrives in isolat...

From Busy Brain to Loving Heart: Howard Steinberg on Trauma, Achievement, and Authentic Masculinity Host Andy Grant interviews Howard Steinberg, author of Confessions of a Problem Seeker, about how compulsive hyperthinking and achievement masked inherited trauma from being raised by Holocaust survivors, plus the fear and isolation shaped by a childhood type 1 diabetes diagnosis and a likely undiagnosed ADHD. Steinberg describes building an outwardly successful identity as an entrepreneur while l...

Men, Masks, and Meaning: Sean Hegarty on Being “Fine,” Identity, and Men Forge Forward Host Andy Grant talks with Sean Hegarty, founder of Men Forge Forward, about how many men hide stress behind the mask of being “fine,” shaped by pressure, responsibility, and fear of appearing weak. Drawing on years as a paramedic and healthcare manager, Sean describes seeing men buckle under hidden load—especially during COVID when support networks vanished—and shares his own “dark time” after being diagnosed...

Reinvention, Grief, and Identity After Corporate Life On Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with reinvention coach Shelley McIntyre about why workplace change triggers resistance rooted in grief and fear of loss, explained through self-determination theory’s three needs: autonomy, competence, and connection. McIntyre distinguishes reinvention coaching from career coaching by focusing on identity questions—when high achievers feel they’ve “masked” themselves with competence, status, and titles,...

From Burnout to Boundaries: Clarity, Values, and Life Reboot Host Andy Grant interviews coach Loren Silverman, who helps overwhelmed high performers set healthier boundaries, clarify values, and rebuild steadier lives, including through his gamified 12-week “Life Reboot Nerd Edition” (a Dungeons & Dragons-style framework where clients “level up” real-life skills like boundaries and energy mastery). Silverman shares his own burnout and how the 2022 Ukraine invasion—impacting his Ukrainian dev tea...

Episode 400: The Invisible Scorecard Host Andy Grant marks Real Men Feel’s 400th episode and 10-year anniversary with returning guest Vanessa Cardenas, a relationship reset expert, to examine how men constantly measure themselves through an “invisible scorecard” of success, money, status, age, and relationship milestones. They discuss how comparison “pulls a man out of his life and puts him onto someone else’s timeline,” eroding confidence and intimacy, especially when men fill gaps with imagine...

Success, Intuition, and Purpose: Paul Davis on Unlocking Your Genius Host Andy Grant interviews business growth consultant and intuitive advisor Paul Davis about aligning business success with purpose, meaning, and self-care. Davis explains that financial turnarounds don’t last if the owner’s mindset, beliefs, and unresolved childhood trauma aren’t addressed, citing ACE scores and how fear, shame, and guilt can escalate depression and suicidal ideation. He shares his own lifelong suicidal though...

The Hollow Man Syndrome: Redefining Success, Vulnerability, and the New Alpha Host Andy Grant interviews Kenyada Meadows, a Bank of America senior vice president and master certified executive coach, about “hollow man syndrome”—men who appear successful but feel empty and unfulfilled. Meadows explains the metaphor of a strong tree with decaying roots and describes how hollowing out can manifest as strained relationships, self-medicating, short tempers, or acting out. He contrasts traditional “al...

Escaping the Success Trap: When Achievement Still Feels Empty Host Andy Grant discusses “the success trap,” where men achieve promotions, money, status, and accomplishments yet feel empty, disconnected, and numb. Citing a Forbes article, he explains the paradox that believing we’re successful can limit growth by creating fear of risking standing in others’ eyes, even when success lacks meaning. Drawing from his corporate experience and nearly 400 Real Men Feel episodes, he describes signs and ou...

Real Men Feel: 10-Year Anniversary—From Blab to Authentic AF Andy Grant celebrates 10 years of Real Men Feel, which first went live on February 23, 2016 on Blab, and thanks co-founder Appio Hunter, past guests, and listeners for helping create a space where men can talk about the full range of emotions. The episode features audio from the very beginning of the first 2016 episode, a clip from episode 100 about two and a half years later reflecting on how the show grew from a planned monthly, 30-m...

Unlocking the Real You: The Power of Animal Archetypes In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant is joined by Eric Gee, a published author, life and writing coach, who shares his unique personality typing system based on animal archetypes. They discuss how this system provides deeper insights into oneself beyond superficial traits, helping individuals make better life choices across careers, relationships, and personal growth. Eric elaborates on common misconceptions in traditional perso...

Transformative Fatherhood with Jon Hord: From Reactive to Present In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant speaks with Jon Hord, founder of the Engaged Father Project. Jon shares his journey from a stressed-out father to becoming an emotionally regulated, present parent. They discuss intentional parenting, emotional regulation, and redefining strong fatherhood. Jon explains the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and conscious choices in improving fatherhood. He also discuss...

Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant is joined by Tyler Foley, a keynote speaker and author of 'The Power to Speak Naked.' They delve into topics such as masculinity, leadership, vulnerability, and the complexities of jealousy and control for men. Tyler shares how his communication skills and diverse influences shape his masculinity and confidence. The conversation also explores relationship dynamics, including how to be supportive of a su...

In this unique clip show, host Andy Grant of Real Men Feel compiles powerful, honest answers from 17 previous guests to one pivotal question: 'What do you wish more men knew?' These responses shed light on the significant themes of love, vulnerability, self-worth, and emotional resilience. From emphasizing the importance of self-love and accountability to advocating for better sexual health and emotional expression, these insights reveal a common thread—strength and vulnerability are not oppo...

From Silence to Strength: A Veteran's Journey In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Louis Stockley Jr., an army veteran, father, coach, and founder of Before 22. Louis shares his story of serving 17 years in military and federal service, facing emotional shutdowns, and nearly losing his family to his video game addiction. He discusses the pressures of masculinity, how the military shaped him, and the harrowing experiences of transitioning to civilian life. Louis also ta...

Facing Imposter Syndrome and Grief In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes Alain Dumonceaux, founder of The Awakened Man, to discuss imposter syndrome and grief. Alain shares his personal journey of loss and self-discovery, including the death of his father-in-law and nearly losing his marriage. He explains how these experiences motivated him to create a supportive community for men to find purpose, power, and wholeness. Alain delves into the concept of awakening, the impor...

Self-Care is Selfless In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant is joined by Coach Brian Parana, a health coach, husband, father of four, and former owner of a CrossFit gym. Brian emphasizes that the most selfless thing a man can do for his loved ones is to take better care of himself. Throughout their discussion, Brian shares his journey into fitness, insights on balancing self-care with family responsibilities, and the importance of community and accountability. The episode examines...

Exploring Vulnerability: Nick Jonsson on Executive Loneliness and Mental Health In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant talks with Nick Jonsson, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and mental health advocate. Nick shares his personal struggles with loneliness and isolation despite outward success, his battle with alcoholism, and how hitting rock bottom led him to ask for help. They discuss the stigma around male vulnerability, the unique pressures facing high-achieving men, and practic...

The Power of Men's Groups: Healing, Growth, and Brotherhood with Nicky Billou Join the RMF Community, Authentic AF, http://realmenfeel.org/group In this episode of Real Men Feel, Andy Grant interviews Nicky Billou, a prolific podcast guest and advocate for men's growth. Nicky shares his transformative journey following a devastating divorce, highlighting how men's groups helped him heal and grow. The discussion explores the significance of male-only spaces, the benefits of serving others, and th...

Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Kendra Dahlstrom In this episode of Real Men Feel, Andy Grant welcomes executive coach and speaker Kendra Dahlstrom to discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome and its impact on high achievers, especially men. Kendra shares her experiences with imposter thoughts and highlights the importance of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and authenticity in leadership. Together, they explore the significance of integrating personal w...