Midlife Mavericks Podcast

StreTch Rayner
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
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The Midlife Mavericks Podcast brings raw, unfiltered conversations with men in midlife. Guests share what’s working, what’s challenging, and the lessons they’ve learned about health, relationships, purpose, and personal growth. It’s a space for men to be honest, vulnerable, and real, helping listeners feel understood, supported, and inspired to take the next step in their own lives with clarity and confidence.

  1. A Cardiologist’s Wake-Up Call for Men: No One Is Coming To Save You

    FEB 11

    A Cardiologist’s Wake-Up Call for Men: No One Is Coming To Save You

    In this episode, I sit down with a cardiologist who speaks honestly about heart disease, modern medicine, and the growing gap between treatment and true health, especially for men in midlife. WHAT WE COVER Why heart disease is not being reversedThe blind spots in modern cardiologyStress, inflammation, and lifestyle riskNatural vs pharmaceutical interventionsCOVID, trust, and medical authorityWhy responsibility is the real medicine 👉 Join the Midlife Mavericks Brotherhood: https://www.skool.com/midlife-mavericks-7896/about GUEST LINKSWebsite: https://naturalcardiologyinstitute.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalcardiologyinstitute/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jamesknellermd Chapters: 00:00 The Shift in Men's Health Perspectives 06:59 The Journey to Cardiology 12:43 The State of Cardiology Today 18:27 Preventive Measures in Cardiology 23:52 Nutrition and Heart Health 29:42 The Impact of Seed Oils 35:23 Dealing with the Pressure of Patient Care 46:05 The Role of Medical Professionals in Patient Care 52:42 The Benefits and Risks of Turmeric 01:01:45 Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiology 01:09:44 Reforming Healthcare: A Call for Equity

    1h 15m
  2. Michael Tierno: The First Sign a Man Is About to Break in Midlife

    JAN 14

    Michael Tierno: The First Sign a Man Is About to Break in Midlife

    Most men don’t fall apart in midlife, they quietly fade.They keep going, keep providing, keep performing… until something cracks.In this episode, Michael Tierno reveals why men break down, why success can feel empty, and how brotherhood restores what modern life strips away.What we cover: Why men hit emotional breaking pointsThe hidden cost of emotional suppressionMasculinity, identity, and midlife transitionWhy men heal faster togetherReclaiming purpose without burning everything downChapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Tierno 04:07 The Journey of Continuous Learning 06:10 Rediscovering Purpose and Direction 09:49 The Ayahuasca Experience: A Turning Point 12:42 Transformative Insights from Ayahuasca 17:06 Shifts in Beliefs and Understanding 20:33 Exploring Idealism and Consciousness 25:09 The Impact of Ayahuasca on Gratitude and Compassion 31:16 The Evolution of Michael's Work 33:02 Unique Approaches in Retreats 33:31 Building a Supportive Community Post-Retreat 38:18 Redefining Masculinity and Vulnerability 49:40 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth 53:35 The Role of Integration in Lasting Change 59:57 Misconceptions About Psychedelics and Healing 01:07:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery 01:12:51 Understanding Expanded States and Their Impact 01:16:35 Caution in Seeking Guidance 01:22:31 The Importance of Slowing Down 01:24:24 Legacy and Personal Reflections 01:26:23 Midlife: A Reckoning, Not a Crisis Join the Midlife Mavericks Skool Community:https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about Michaels links: Website: https://www.michaeltiernoguide.com/ Email: michael@michaeltiernoguide.com

    1h 27m
  3. Doctor Warns: This ‘Small’ Gland Is Destroying Men’s Testosterone

    12/22/2025

    Doctor Warns: This ‘Small’ Gland Is Destroying Men’s Testosterone

    You feel exhausted. Your labs say you’re fine.Something doesn’t add up. In this episode, Dr. Kevin Smith explains why most men in midlife are misdiagnosed, under-tested, and over-medicated, and how thyroid dysfunction quietly destroys energy, sleep, and testosterone. What we cover: Why “normal” blood tests miss real problemsThe thyroid–testosterone connection most doctors ignoreEarly signs of thyroid dysfunction in menAutoimmunity, stress, gut health, and hidden triggersWhy lifestyle load matters more than geneticsGuest: Dr. Kevin SmithWebsite: https://metabolicsolutions.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsmithdc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsmithdc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cccpa1 👉 Join the Midlife Mavericks Skool communityhttps://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about?ref=13988353f9c0420e9b33e4ff258e3924 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:30 The Journey to Functional Medicine 11:38 Understanding Patient-Centric Care 21:37 The Thyroid: A Small Gland with Big Impact 30:02 Autoimmunity and Its Complexities 31:32 Understanding Autoimmune Diseases and Their Impact 37:46 The Immune System: TH1 vs TH2 Dynamics 43:18 Quality of Supplements: The Importance of Sourcing 46:15 Thyroid Health and Its Connection to Testosterone 50:53 Lifestyle Changes: Small Steps to Big Impacts 54:15 Nutritional Approaches for Thyroid Health

    58 min
  4. Men’s Coach: The Hidden Emotion Destroying Men’s Health & Relationships

    12/09/2025

    Men’s Coach: The Hidden Emotion Destroying Men’s Health & Relationships

    Most men in midlife don’t realise they’re carrying emotional patterns they never chose. Patterns that shape their relationships, their health, their sense of purpose, and even their identity. In this powerful conversation, men’s coach Michael Read reveals the hidden forces that cause men to shut down emotionally, repeat the same relationship cycles, and run from the discomfort that could actually save their lives.Michael calls it emotional constipation, a simple but confronting idea that explains why so many men feel stuck, numb, overwhelmed, or disconnected.This episode is raw, science-backed, and deeply relatable. If you’ve ever wondered “Why do I react like this?” or “Why do my relationships keep playing out the same way?”…this conversation might hit harder than you expect. 00:00 Introduction to Men's Health and Relationships 05:43 Understanding Relationship Patterns and Personal Growth 08:26 The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships 11:37 Recognizing Signs of Relationship Issues 14:25 Navigating Relationship Dynamics and Communication 17:37 Strategies for Reconnecting in Relationships 20:30 Emotional Self-Regulation and Conflict Resolution 27:32 Navigating Difficult Conversations 29:47 The Impact of Parenting on Emotional Development 33:42 The Importance of Emotional Expression in Men 36:26 Therapy vs. Men's Groups: Finding Support 39:32 Breaking Generational Patterns of Emotional Disconnection 42:58 Facing Discomfort: The Path to Transformation 51:11 Understanding Avoidance and Distractions 53:46 The Role of Hormones in Relationships 56:37 Healing Through Vulnerability and Connection 59:22 Navigating Relationship Needs and Communication 01:03:28 Understanding Gender Differences in Relationships 01:08:30 The Importance of Honest Conversations in Relationships 01:11:06 The Importance of Self-Reflection in Midlife 👉 Join the Midlife Mavericks Community (Free) A brotherhood for men ready to reclaim their strength, health, and purpose. Connect with other men doing the work: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about 🎙️ Listen on Your Favourite Platforms Spotify: You're here.YouTube: https://youtu.be/f-EhFuj2uFI 📚 Connect with Michael Read Website: https://www.adaptivemen.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadaptivemen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptiveMen 🔥 If this episode hit something in you… Leave a comment, what part spoke to you the most?And share this with a mate who might need to hear it.

    1h 12m
  5. Ep. 37 Modern Stoicism for Men in Midlife: Lessons from a Nuclear Submarine Officer William Spears

    11/26/2025

    Ep. 37 Modern Stoicism for Men in Midlife: Lessons from a Nuclear Submarine Officer William Spears

    In this episode, I sit down with William C. Spears, a U.S. Navy submarine officer, philosopher, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. We explore what it means to live with honor, integrity, and emotional control in a world that often rewards the opposite. William shares how Stoicism applies beyond the battlefield, to leadership, parenting, and midlife purpose. We talk about morality, legacy, and the timeless pursuit of wisdom. This episode is a reminder that true strength is not about suppressing emotion but mastering it, and living in alignment with your values. William's Details Website: https://williamcspears.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636246230 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.spears.18 Midlife Mavericks Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about?ref=13988353f9c0420e9b33e4ff258e3924 KEY TAKEAWAYS Stoicism teaches emotional mastery, not suppression, wisdom over impulse.Morality, courage, justice, and self-control form the foundation of character.True integrity means your values align with your actions, even under pressure.Leadership and fatherhood require emotional awareness, not detachment.Legacy isn’t about titles or status, it’s about who you become and what you teach.Philosophical reflection and journaling help men align success with virtue.Physical health, sleep, and discipline are modern moral imperatives. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to William C. Spears 07:22 Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy 16:30 Navigating Chaos with Stoicism 22:15 Masculinity and Emotional Expression 29:12 Teaching Stoicism to Young Men 34:58 Recognizing the Signal from the Noise 42:09 The Challenges of Stoicism in Adversity 46:59 The Journey of Writing a Stoic Book 01:04:04 Defining Success and Future Aspirations 01:10:38 The Quest for Integrity in Midlife 01:11:08 Understanding Stoicism: A Path to Wholeness

    1h 11m
  6. Ep.36 The Science of Good Times: Redefining Success, Flow & Fulfilment with Christian W Schnepf

    11/12/2025

    Ep.36 The Science of Good Times: Redefining Success, Flow & Fulfilment with Christian W Schnepf

    After achieving everything he thought he wanted, business success, travel, recognition, Christian Schnepf found himself suicidal, realising that ticking all the boxes didn’t mean living a meaningful life. His story is one of awakening and rebuilding, from chasing external success to cultivating inner fulfilment. Through years of self-reflection, research, and a PhD project, Christian developed the Good Time Ratio (GTR), a metric that measures how much of your life feels aligned, energised, and meaningful. In this episode, Christian and Stretch explore: The emptiness of “success” when it’s out of alignmentHow breakdowns can spark deeper transformationThe five key areas that determine life satisfactionWhy flow and self-care are essential for men in midlifeHow to use data to identify what truly gives, or drains, your energyThe future of the Good Time Ratio app and how it’s helping people optimise their lives Website: https://chrisw.co/ App:  goodtime.app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisw.gt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisw.gt  Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about Key Takeaways Fulfilment ≠ achievement: You can have everything on paper and still feel empty.Energy is the compass: What feels attractive and energising points you toward flow.Measure what matters: The Good Time Ratio helps visualise where energy flows or gets blocked.Self-care is leadership: Taking care of yourself first enables you to serve others better.Solitude brings clarity: Periods of isolation help quiet external noise and reconnect you to your inner voice.Men need “good times” too: Joy, movement, challenge, and freedom are essential forms of masculine self-care. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Life 03:11 Reflections on Youth and the Standard Script 06:07 The Downward Spiral and Realisation of Emptiness 10:11 Finding Hope and the Decision to Change 12:48 Steps Towards a New Life 16:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery 20:14 Embracing Minimalism and New Opportunities 24:06 Crafting a Vision and Mission Statement 28:24 The Importance of Joy and Fulfillment 32:47 Inquiring into Identity and Choices 33:29 The Good Time Ratio and Insights on Success 34:29 The Pursuit of Good Times 36:53 Measuring Good Times: The Good Time Ratio 41:19 The GoodTime App: Navigating Life with Data 47:25 Five Areas of Life: Understanding Energy Flow 55:10 Self-Care: The Key to Sustainable Happiness 01:01:45 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 01:08:25 Accessing the Good Time Ratio App 01:14:02 The Essence of Christian's Journey

    1h 15m
  7. Ep.35 Hacking Reality: How to Reprogram Stress and Anxiety with EFT with Sophia Torrini

    10/29/2025

    Ep.35 Hacking Reality: How to Reprogram Stress and Anxiety with EFT with Sophia Torrini

    In this conversation, Stretch sits down with Clinical EFT practitioner and NeuroChange Solutions consultant Sophia Torrini to explore practical self-healing for men in midlife. Sophia shares her personal journey from a near-fatal health event and years of lingering symptoms to meaningful change through Emotional Freedom Techniques, Reality Hacking, and Meta Consciousness. The discussion clarifies what EFT is, why tapping while naming emotions can calm the nervous system, and how unprocessed stress patterns can hard-wire into the body. Sophia explains heart–brain coherence, the role of brainwave states, and why you cannot plant new habits until you pull the emotional weeds. You will hear simple entry points like body scans, happy memory priming, breathwork, and short morning practices that build safety and momentum. The big idea is straightforward. Feel it safely, clear the charge, then rehearse the future you want. For men who have followed the script but feel restless, this episode offers a grounded pathway to reclaim clarity, energy, and personal power. Sofia's Website: https://www.tapintoyourbestself.com/ Sofia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapintoyourbestself/ Sofia's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapintoyourbestself.EFT Join The Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about Key takeaways EFT is a structured tapping method that helps down-regulate stress and rewire emotional patternsYou cannot reprogram on top of repression. Pull the emotional weeds before planting new habitsHeart–brain coherence increases calm, focus, and better decision makingAnxiety is often multiple alarms at once. Separate the signals, then resolve themSimple daily inputs work. Short body scans, breathwork, and happy memory priming build safetyYounger brains may rewire faster, but consistency beats intensity at any ageMovement, play, and joy help teach the body it is safeFinal step. Rehearse the future self you want to become Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques 03:26 Sophia's Journey to Healing 16:47 Understanding Emotional Freedom Techniques 22:44 The Science Behind Emotions and Disease 30:20 Connecting with Emotions: Tools for Men 34:06 The Importance of Heart-Brain Coherence 36:54 Experiencing Change Through Emotional Release 39:23 Transformative Experiences and Identity Shifts 40:31 The Science of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) 42:57 Healing Through Emotional Work 46:10 Commitment to Healing Practices 49:10 Individual Differences in Healing Journeys 52:58 Managing Stress and Anger 55:18 Understanding Emotions as Messages 57:55 The Connection Between Beliefs and Health 01:02:05 Creating Reality Through Belief 01:07:52 Shifting to a Healthier Version of Yourself 01:11:23 Hacking Reality and Memory Reframing 01:16:19 The Essence of Healing

    1h 17m
  8. Ep34. Tough Conversations, Cold Lakes & The Courage to Connect with Andrew Robinson

    10/22/2025

    Ep34. Tough Conversations, Cold Lakes & The Courage to Connect with Andrew Robinson

    Ep34 Show notes When Andrew Robinson set out to jump into a freezing New Zealand lake every day for 100 days, he wasn’t chasing followers, he was chasing connection. The project became Tough Yarns, a movement blending physical challenge, vulnerability, and men’s mental health. In this conversation, Andrew and Stretch unpack how discomfort builds character, why we struggle to ask for help, and how conversation itself can save lives. They explore the science of suffering, rites of passage, and Andrew’s next mission: a 5,500 km solo ride across New Zealand for Movember. You’ll leave this episode reminded that doing hard things isn’t about proving toughness, it’s about discovering truth, purpose, and connection. Andrew's Website: https://toughyarns.com/ Andrew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughyarns/ Andrew's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toughyarns Andrew's Movember Donations: https://nz.movember.com/mospace/15361970 Join The Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about  Key Takeaways Discomfort builds connection. Doing something hard — like cold water plunges — lowers defenses and opens space for honesty.Courage starts with curiosity. Asking deeper questions, even of strangers, creates real human connection.Men need modern rites of passage. Without structured transitions, many men stay stuck in the “warrior” phase and burn out.Vulnerability is leadership. Sharing your story first gives others permission to do the same.Ask and listen. Not everyone needs fixing — sometimes they just need space to be heard.Service creates meaning. Andrew’s 5,500 km Movember ride proves that personal challenge can drive collective change. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Robinson's Journey 03:28 The Power of Physical Challenges 06:32 Exploring Mental Health Through Physicality 09:31 Personal Reflections on Family and Growth12:27 Lessons Learned from Challenges 15:33 The 100-Day Cold Lake Challenge 18:41 Engaging Strangers and Building Connections 21:36 The Impact of Vulnerability and Trust 23:45 Self-Discovery Through Challenges 27:40 The Importance of Vulnerability 30:35 Rites of Passage and Masculinity 36:09 Transitioning from Physical to Emotional Challenges 41:21 The Journey of a 5,500 km Bike Ride 47:20 Breaking Down Communication Barriers 48:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery 49:33 Transforming Sales into Genuine Communication 50:25 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Conversations 51:58 The Power of Group Dynamics in Conversations 52:50 The Connection Between Physical Movement and Emotional Well-being 55:17 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability 57:11 The Importance of Listening in Relationships 01:00:48 Navigating Difficult Conversations 01:02:07 Understanding Others' Struggles 01:05:07 Setting Boundaries in Conversations 01:09:09 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement 01:11:23 Introduction to Tough Yarns and Movember Ride

    1h 12m
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About

The Midlife Mavericks Podcast brings raw, unfiltered conversations with men in midlife. Guests share what’s working, what’s challenging, and the lessons they’ve learned about health, relationships, purpose, and personal growth. It’s a space for men to be honest, vulnerable, and real, helping listeners feel understood, supported, and inspired to take the next step in their own lives with clarity and confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    StreTch Rayner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © StreTch Rayner
  • Show Website
    Midlife Mavericks Podcast