Basecamp for Men E48: The One You Feed

E48: The One You Feed with Special Guest Eric Zimmer

 

E48 Introduction

I love speaking with people who have risen out of personal challenges. We all do this at different chapters in our Hero’s Journey. I think it’s naturally inspiring for us to hear redemption stories. There is something human and real about somebody who spirals downwards but recognizes their descent before

it’s too late for more courageous choices. We are imperfect people, learning at each choice point, and then sharing what we learned with our tribe. That is the very essence of the Hero’s Journey.

We have been so cultured to cover up our flaws or our mistakes or our character defects, as if we are the only ones that have them. It never occurs to us that by revealing more of ourselves to the world, we draw others in. Being authentic with others is like building a campfire. People want to come over and pull up a seat and listen in. It‘s human nature.

Personally, my life got 10 times better and more interesting when I dropped the pretense that I had it all figured out and started to share my faults, blind spots, and fears and doubts.  I hope these conversations help you in some small way. For we are fellow travellers in the middle of an epic story.

Eric Zimmer Bio-

My guest today is someone who exemplifies the authentic road. Eric Zimmer is a behavior coach, podcast host and author. At the age of 24, Eric was homeless, struggling with drug addiction, and facing jail time. In the years since, he not only found a way to overcome these obstacles to create a life worth living, he now helps others do the same.

Eric is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast, The One You Feed, which is based on the old parable about two wolves at battle within us. With over 300 episodes and over 15 million downloads, the show features conversations with experts across many fields of study about how to create a life worth living.

Here is my interview with Eric Zimmer.

To find out more a about his programs or to listen to his excellent podcast, go to  www.theoneyoufeed.net.

Basecamp for Men E46: Wisdom for Uncertain Times

E46: Wisdom for Uncertain Times with

Special Guest Paul Dunion

 

E46 Introduction

Whenever we find ourselves in uncertain times, it’s important to listen for voices of wisdom. This has always been true. Hearing truths that resonate and touch the human heart is a very good way to navigate confusion. Whenever we find ourselves amongst old structures and narratives that are no longer vibrant and alive, the Soul is indicating that it is time initiation into something new.  Together, we are travelling the faint path, you and I.  Right now, there is no sure, safe way. This much, I think, is clear.

Sometimes one simple conversation can make a difference in your perspective and trajectory. It’s interactions that carry depth that reaffirm our humanity. These conversations can help us back onto our true path or hero’s journey. It is clear to me more now than ever that we are here to help one another in these challenging times. My guest today is one such voice of wisdom.

Paul Dunion Bio-

Paul Dunion is a co-founder of the Connecticut’s Mens’ Gathering, a biannual retreat for men that began in 1992. He is the founder of Boys To Men, a mentoring community for teenage boys. He’s been in private practice as a Psychotherapist for 37 years and is presently a faculty member for Mobius Executive Training. Paul is the author of several books including my favorite, Path of the Novice Mystic. His blogs can be accessed at the Hufington Post as well as Medium.com. 

E46 Final Thoughts

To find out more about Paul and his work and writing, go to www.pauldunion.com

I always enjoy talking with Paul. I come away feeling better, more connected to my truth and to what is REALLY happening, as opposed to what all the media noise is trying to convince me about what is happening.

I love what Paul said about when we are in a paradigm shift, as we so clearly are now, our willingness to get shamelessly lost is something that can serve us well. It’s an interesting notion and it runs completely counter to how we have been cultured as men.

And what he said about cultivating tenderness is so powerful. In mythic terms, this is activating and strengthening the archetypal Lover.

What if, as men, we take on being more tender and caring? Would this make us less manly? Would it make us less courageous? What if this was the direction that our collective courage was taking us right now?

 

 

Basecamp for Men E41: Conversations with Men

E41: Conversations with Men featuring Chris Beatie

 

E41 Introduction

One of the many things that we talk about in men’s circles is to how to have a more open mind. Being curious about things brings a kind of magic to your life. I have discovered that when you adopt a growth-mindset, all sorts of things begin to open up.

With this in mind,I like to bring on writers and thought-leaders as guests to bring new perspectives to you. I also like to talk with friends, as I did many times in season one. My guest today is my good friend Chris.

Sometimes we can find great value in hearing two friends talking honestly about the challenges they’ve faced and what constitutes “the edge” of their learning. My hope with these conversations is that you the listener will feel that you are sitting in our circle, drawing inspiration and finding new terrain for your own personal development.

Chris Beatie Bio

Chris Beatie has been a computer engineer for the last 25 years.  Finding that the stress and rigors of 12+ hour work days was taking a toll on his health,  Chris decided to apply his engineering skills to improve his life, becoming a biohacker of sorts.  Books, podcasts, doctors, medications, eastern medicine, Chris has explored and experimented far and wide.  His personal mission passion is to help others find their most enlightened, capable, healthy and happy version of themselves.

Basecamp for Men E34: The Gifts of Solitude

Man looking at sunset with words

Hello listeners, I hope you are all having a great festive Holiday season. Before we get to our interview, I wanted to give you some updates on Basecamp. We are finishing up Season 1 in the coming weeks. I anticipate doing the final season One episode in January. After that, we will take a short hiatus (likely two months) to recharge and re-set things before season two.

Basecamp for Men E33: Firestarters for Men- Owning Your Shadow

Dark abstract

In Menswork, there is always talk about working with the shadow. The shadow is defined as everything that we hide, repress, and deny about OURSELVES. It can be a tricky business, becoming aware of your shadowy tendencies. It takes patience, and perseverance, and compassion. However, the upside is…..it humanizes everyone. You stop putting all the things you find unsavory OUT THERE and then demonizing the other person.