Miles Ahead: Mental Health meets Physical Health

Dr. Miles Salisbury
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Men talking about what it’s like to be a man in the modern world. Healing, teaching, caring for a family, and caring for yourself, while taking care of your community-these are the challenges for the wounded healer. Although we talk about our experiences from a man's point of view, this is not a podcast just for men. The topics discussed will likely resonate for all.

  1. FEB 17

    Connor Beaton: Facing Pain-A Journey into Men's Work

    Can we truly find strength in the parts of ourselves we’ve spent a lifetime trying to hide? Welcome back to the show. Today, I’m sitting down with someone who has become a mentor and a guide for many men—including myself. Connor Beaton is the founder of Man Talks and the author of the powerful book, Men’s Work: A Practical Guide to Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, and Find Freedom. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "unspoken" side of the male experience. We explore why so many of us feel like we’re walking through life with cement blocks on our feet—carrying the weight of childhood hurt, career failures, and relational dysfunction—all while pretending we’ve got it under control.  Key themes we discuss include: Alchemy of Suffering: How avoiding pain doesn't make you stronger; it makes you fragile. True strength comes from moving toward your suffering and learning to alchemize it into meaning.The Powerlessness Journey: Why a man who hasn't experienced a journey of powerlessness will often grow up to abuse power.Pseudo-Initiations: In the absence of traditional rites of passage, many modern men unconsciously "nuke" their lives—sabotaging jobs or marriages—just to see if they can survive the wreckage.The Shadow & The Ego: Understanding that your ego is simply a collection of predictable patterns. Changing your identity requires questioning these patterns and making the "unconscious conscious." We also tackle a question I get constantly from women: How do I help the man I love without mothering him? Connor offers a perspective that is "jet fuel" for men. Instead of offering ultimatums or diagnosis, he explains how women are often a "permission card holder." Finally, we discuss the transition from the Logos (rational, black-and-white thought) to the Direct felt experience. Most men live from the neck up, but true emotional sovereignty lives in the body. We talk about how to bridge that gap and why it’s essential for high-performance—whether you're a father or a Wall Street trader. Takeaways for the "Work": Confession is the first step: Admitting the dysfunction or pain you are carrying is the only way to stop it from directing your life.Weakness isn't the enemy: In war and in psychology, ignoring your weaknesses is a surefire way to get "flanked."Pattern Recognition: Your identity is just a mass of behavioral patterns. If they aren't serving you, you have the power to consciously choose new ones. YouTube Channel Coaching and Counseling with Miles Podcast IG Work with Connor 00:00 Introduction to Men's Work and Pain 07:07 The Role of Pain in Masculinity 10:55 Navigating Midlife Transitions 19:40 The Importance of Confession and Vulnerability 23:31Supporting Men in Their Journey 30:29 Connecting Mind and Body Through Breath 39:3 7 The Energy of Emotions 42:06 The Impact of Touch on Boys 44:57 Understanding Emotional Intensity in Boys 49:56 Generational Trauma and Emotional Resilience 52:58 The Tyler Durden Complex 58:59 The Collapse of the Archetypal Father 01:04:43 Navigating Modern Relationships 01:10:00 Emotional Labor and Connection 01:10:25 The Importance of Male Connection 01:11:12 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries 01:12:11 Embracing the Villain Archetype 01:16:58 Facing Hidden Aspects of Self 01:20:02 Understanding Grief and Moving Forward 01:24:40 Rebuilding Trust After Trauma 01:30:39 Choosing to Grieve 01:33:09 Overcoming Negative Patterns as a Parent 01:37:47 Managing Expectations and Disappointments

    1h 49m

  2. JAN 27

    Phil Horning: How To Create a Code to Live By

    The Grounded Warrior is back! Miles and Phil Horning explore the significance of living by a personal code, emphasizing the importance of values, presence, and vulnerability in building meaningful connections. They discuss the concept of containerization and how it can hinder emotional expression, as well as the necessity of healthy boundaries to protect one's sovereignty. The dialogue also delves into the journey of finding purpose and values, the role of discipline in creating rituals, and the importance of walking a path with vision for personal growth. In this conversation, Miles and Phil explore the themes of materialism, gratitude, community, vulnerability, and the importance of deepening connections in relationships. They discuss the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and the need for authentic connections. The conversation also delves into the significance of service and responsibility in building community, as well as the transformative power of rituals in processing grief and deepening the soul. 00:00 Living by a Personal Code 02:41 The Importance of Contact and Presence 09:36 Establishing Healthy Boundaries 16:07 Sovereignty and Self-Leadership 28:01 Courage from Integrity 30:38 Establishing Personal Codes and Boundaries 33:04 Discipline and Ritual in Daily Life 42:03 Walking a Path with Vision 58:09 Serving from Responsibility 01:06:13 Deepening the Soul 01:08:10 Exploring the Concept of Soul 01:11:07 Navigating Grief and Darkness 01:13:25 Finding Gifts in Grief 01:19:05 Rituals of Grief and Transformation 01:20:18 The Minnesota Men's Conference Experience 01:28:45 The Power of Community and Connection 01:34:34 Embracing Rituals in Modern Life YouTube Channel Coaching and Counseling with Miles Podcast IG Work with Phil: thegroundedwarrior.com Tenets: thegroundedwarrior.com/tenets YouTube: youtube.com/@groundedwarriorpodcast Instagram: instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior

    1h 41m

  3. 12/23/2025

    Navigating ADHD & Neurodiversity: A Journey with Roxanne Turner

    In this episode of the Miles Ahead Podcast, host Miles speaks with Roxanne Turner, a neurodiversity specialist and equine coach. They explore Roxanne's journey from professional equestrian to coaching, the therapeutic benefits of working with horses, and the complexities of ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. The conversation delves into the impact of technology on mental health, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and the importance of patience and understanding in both coaching and personal development. Roxanne shares insights on how equine therapy can build confidence and emotional regulation, making it a powerful tool for individuals with neurodivergent diagnoses. In this conversation, Miles and Roxanne Turner explore the complexities of ADHD and neurodiversity, discussing emotional regulation, coping strategies, and the importance of self-compassion. They delve into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly in educational settings, and emphasize the need for supportive environments. The discussion also highlights the significance of recognizing triggers, managing procrastination, and fostering curiosity as essential components of personal growth and development.  YouTube Channel Work with Roxanne Podcast IG Miles’s IG Coaching and Counseling with Miles 00:00 Introduction to Roxanne Turner and Her Journey 02:52 Transitioning from Equestrian to Coaching 05:51 Understanding Neurodiversity and ADHD 08:57 The Intersection of ADHD and Anxiety 11:56 Coaching Strategies for Different Age Groups 14:57 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 17:55 Parenting in the Digital Age 20:55 The Therapeutic Benefits of Working with Horses 26:11 Meeting People Where They Are 27:33 Normalizing Fear and Building Confidence 30:34 The Dance of Coaching and Therapy 33:13 The Power of Patience and Presence 35:15 Experiential Learning with Horses 38:48 Healing Through Connection with Horses 42:11 The Journey of Learning and Growth 44:43 Communication Styles in Relationships 49:11 Trusting the Process of Growth 50:48 Building Confidence in Neurodivergent Individuals 52:25 Understanding Projection Sensitivity and Feedback 53:5Coping Strategies for Emotional Reactions 56:29 Recognizing Triggers and Building Awareness 59:00 The Spectrum of Sensitivity in Neurodivergence 01:01:17 The Role of Environment in ADHD Management 01:03:15 Transitioning from School to Home Life 01:05:06 The Importance of Unstructured Play 01:07:16 Organizational Strategies for ADHD 01:10:03 Creating Supportive Living Environments 01:14:44 Navigating Working Memory Challenges 01:18:15 Harnessing Strengths in Neurodivergent Individuals 01:19:14 Understanding Student Motivation and Learning Styles 01:25:32 Procrastination and Overwhelm in Neurodivergent Minds 01:39:52 Self-Compassion and Support in ADHD Journeys

    1h 44m

  4. 11/11/2025

    Josh and Dave go to Israel and Palestine

    Josh is back on the podcast again, and we bring on our friend, Dave Smith, who is a well traveled and well read historian, and all around renaissance man. These two decided it would be fun to go against the state department's travel advisory and go into an active war zone. For Josh, this isn't new, except this time he had to pay for it vs being paid. For Dave, this also wasn't his first rodeo. We get into what they both saw firsthand prior to the recent cease fire deal, and what is different than the news outlets report vs what they experienced. What they thought of the culture, and the nuance upon nuance of a very complicated history, and the things that surprised them and left them in awe. Dave and josh also give their two cents on what could be done going forward to help peace last. We also get into the existential psychology of the human condition and other fascinating topics. Enjoy! YouTube Channel Miles’s IG Coaching and Counseling with Miles Podcast IG Work with Josh Josh’s IG Dave's contact: dwsmithtx@gmail.com

    1h 35m

  5. 10/21/2025

    Unlocking the Mind: Healing Through Psilocybin. A New Approach to Therapy

    In this conversation, my guest, Mike Ljubsa, shares his transformative journey from Canada to Jamaica, where he now runs Mycomeditations, a psilocybin-assisted therapy retreat. He discusses the profound impact of psychedelics on mental health, emphasizing the importance of integration and the therapeutic use of psilocybin. Mike also highlights the significance of men's work in creating safe spaces for vulnerability and healing. The conversation delves into the science behind psychedelics, their potential for neuroplasticity, and the future of psychedelic therapy as a means of fostering personal growth and balance. YouTube Channel mike@mycomeditations.com MycoMeditations @mikeljubsa @milesaheadpod Work with Miles (Psychotherapy and Coaching) 00:00 Introduction to Mike Ljubsa and His Journey 02:56 The Impact of Upbringing on Mental Health 05:43 Discovering Psychedelics: A Personal Journey 08:56 The Duality of Psychedelic Experiences 11:44 Understanding Trauma and Healing 15:01 The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy 17:50 Navigating OCD and Personal Struggles 20:57 Exploring Therapeutic Psychedelic Sessions 28:53 Conversational MDMA Therapy 32:38 Revisiting Grief and Loss 35:28 The Power of Feeling to Heal 39:18 Exploring Different Psychedelics 43:38 Comparing Psychedelic Experiences 49:26 Inner Child Work and Healing 54:16 Neuroscience of Psychedelics and Healing 56:46 The Power of Psychedelics in Performance 58:53 Psychedelics and Problem Solving 01:00:50 Healing Trauma and Personal Growth 01:05:47 Psychedelic Therapy Retreats: A New Approach 01:11:50 Integration and Therapeutic Practices 01:17:45 Safety and Screening in Psychedelic Use 01:19:54 Men's Work and Vulnerability

    1h 26m

  6. 09/09/2025

    Traver Boehm: Exploring the Depths of Darkness

    In this conversation, Traver Boehm discusses the importance of creating dedicated spaces for men to engage in open conversations about their experiences and challenges. He shares insights from his own journey through darkness retreats with a discussion on what occurs in this type of retreat, emphasizing the profound personal growth that can occur when one confronts their ego and past traumas. The discussion highlights the significance of community support, the integration of experiences, and the role of humor in coping with grief and pain. Ultimately, Traver encourages men to embrace vulnerability as a strength and to find meaning in their struggles. In this conversation, Traver and Miles explore the profound themes of caregiving, presence, self-betrayal, and the heroic effort required to live authentically. They discuss the importance of being present with those who are suffering, the necessity of breaking the cycle of self-betrayal, and the courage it takes to surrender to life's challenges. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of building a relationship with oneself and the power of conscious self-dialogue in fostering personal growth and emotional intelligence. Traver Boehm’s IG 28 Days in Darkness book ManUncivilized book ManUncivilized Podcast   ManUncivilized.com YouTube Channel Coaching and Counseling with Miles Miles’s IG Podcast IG 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 02:58 The Importance of Men's Spaces 05:41 Darkness Retreats: The Journey Begins 08:55 The Challenges of Extended Darkness Retreats 11:41 Experiences and Insights from the Darkness 14:58 The Role of Ego and Surrender 17:44 Integration and Post-Retreat Reflections 37:28 Transforming Pain into Purpose 39:09 Exploring the Depths of the Soul 41:51 The Struggles of Men and the Path to Healing 45:30 Finding Meaning in Rock Bottom 47:58 The Absurdity of Life's Challenges 50:32 Grief, Humor, and the Human Experience 52:40 Lessons from Hospice Care 55:48 The Heroic Effort of Self-Discovery 01:05:43 The Price of Entry for Transformation 01:09:14 Finding Authenticity in the Dark 01:11:44 The Courage to Surrender 01:13:51 Dialoguing with Darkness 01:17:09 Returning to Self 01:20:23 Building a Relationship with Yourself 01:23:52 Creating a Supportive Environment

    1h 33m

  7. 08/28/2025

    Frank Grun: US Air Force Medic, Rescue Operator and Weapons Specialist

    Miles, Josh, and Frank discuss the complexities of military life, focusing on the challenges of burnout, mental health, and the transition to civilian life. They explore the importance of community and support systems for veterans, the impact of deployment lengths, and the need for effective transition programs. The discussion also highlights the role of chaplains and the significance of open conversations about mental health within the military culture. In this conversation, veterans share their experiences transitioning to civilian life, the importance of community, and the healing power of storytelling. They discuss the challenges of navigating relationships and mental health after service, emphasizing the need for safe spaces where veterans can share their stories without judgment. The discussion also highlights the role of humor and camaraderie in coping with the struggles of post-military life, as well as the connections formed through shared experiences in jiu-jitsu and other activities. Frank’s IG Frank’s Coffee Company Vet Speak Podcast YouTube Channel Miles’s IG Coaching and Counseling with Miles Podcast IG Work with Josh Josh’s IG 00:00 Introduction to Military Experiences 02:51 Burnout and Deployment Challenges 06:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 08:52 Training and Tactical Instruction 11:54 Current Career and Technology Sales 14:50 Deployment Schedules and Historical Lessons 24:24 The Impact of Deployment on Families 31:31 Mental Health Challenges in the Military 38:38 The Importance of Community and Support 45:12 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 54:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Veterans 57:31 The Importance of Sharing Stories 01:00:42 Navigating Relationships Post-Military 01:04:4 1The Alien Experience of Veterans 01:09:46 Finding Community in Jiu-Jitsu 01:20:17 The Balance of Peace and Violence 01:20:51 The Duality of Violence and Peace 01:23:15 Evolution of Military Training and Selection 01:27:49 The Journey of Becoming a Pararescue Jumper 01:30:48 Reflections on Military Service and Personal Growth 01:36:17 The Importance of Sharing Stories 01:40:07 Building Community and Connection Among Veterans

    1h 50m

  8. 08/22/2025

    Karden Rabin: Author of The Secret Language of the Body

    In this conversation, Miles and Karden explore the intricate relationship between the body, nervous system, and emotional health, awareness and agency in managing one's autonomic nervous system, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, and the necessity of emotional tools for navigating discomfort. The dialogue emphasizes the allostatic load and its effects on health, the significance of inner child work, and the intersection of psychology and body awareness in achieving holistic wellness. In this conversation, Karden and Miles explore the themes of masculinity, inner child work, and the importance of men's initiation. They discuss the significance of vulnerability and the healing power of brotherhood, emphasizing the need for men to connect with their inner selves and seek mentorship. The dialogue also touches on the midlife transition, the challenges of self-discovery, and the role of trust in relationships. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the journey of embracing one's true self and the value of community in this process. YouTube Channel The Secret Language of The Body Book Work with Karden Karden’s IG Coaching and Counseling with Miles Miles’s IG Podcast IG Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Body Awareness and Nervous System 02:54 The Importance of Balance in Autonomic Regulation 06:10 Agency Over the Autonomic Nervous System 08:42 Understanding Male Responses to Threat 11:36 Childhood Wounds and Adult Reactions 14:37 The Allostatic Load and Nervous System Paradox 17:21 Training the Nervous System for Peace 20:05 Reintegration Challenges for Veterans 28:57 Reclaiming Personal Power 29:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery 31:55 The Challenge of Healing 33:43 Understanding Emotional Responses 36:39 Navigating Depression and Overwhelm 39:36 The Dorsal Vagal Response 41:03 The Role of Perception in Healing 42:38 Inner Child Work and Emotional Healing 45:12 The Power of Community and Brotherhood 48:20 Experiencing the Men's Initiation 54:41 The Importance of Trust and Rest 56:24 The Value of Trust Over Control 57:48 The Transformative Power of Jiu-Jitsu 59:55 Embracing the Beginner's Mind 01:02:37 The Importance of Humility in Learning 01:05:42 Navigating Midlife Transitions 01:09:30 The Role of Mentorship in Men's Work 01:17:38 Finding Authenticity Beyond Ego

    1h 28m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Men talking about what it’s like to be a man in the modern world. Healing, teaching, caring for a family, and caring for yourself, while taking care of your community-these are the challenges for the wounded healer. Although we talk about our experiences from a man's point of view, this is not a podcast just for men. The topics discussed will likely resonate for all.

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