the ACT OUT podcast

Adam Tomlin
  • 5.0 (16)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

  1. 3D AGO

    The Joy in Helping Others Through Art: Creativity, Healing & Purpose

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nancy Dillingham Marks, a glass artist whose work and life have been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to craft. What starts as a conversation about glassmaking quickly unfolds into a powerful story about artistic identity, perseverance, and the role creativity plays in shaping a meaningful life. Nancy shares her journey into the world of glass art, explaining what first drew her to the medium and how she developed her skills over time. Adam and Nancy explore the process of glassmaking—from the technical precision it requires to the creative freedom it allows—and how working with such a delicate yet demanding material mirrors the challenges and rewards of personal growth. The conversation also dives into the realities of being a working artist, including the discipline it takes to stay committed, the vulnerability of sharing your work, and the balance between passion and sustainability. Nancy reflects on how creativity evolves over time, why artistic expression is essential at any stage of life, and how pursuing what you love can lead to unexpected opportunities and deeper fulfillment. If you’ve ever been curious about glass art, the creative process, or what it takes to build a life around your passion, this episode offers an inspiring look at how art, resilience, and self-expression come together. Learn more about Nancy and her work at: https://www.glassartscollective.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    31 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Upgrade Your Brain: Rewire Fear and Take Back Control

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Arnold Beeks, a brain retraining specialist, coach, and trainer with more than 50 years of experience helping people grow into better leaders—and more importantly, better humans. What starts as a conversation about “upgrading your brain” quickly turns into a deeper and deeply personal discussion about fear, childhood conditioning, healing, and the inner voices that shape how we move through the world. Arnold shares what it was like growing up with a highly controlling father whose military mindset ruled the home, and how that environment wired him for fear, hypervigilance, and constant self-monitoring. Adam and Arnold dig into how those early experiences shaped Arnold’s inner critic, why so many people live from a place of survival without realizing it, and what it actually takes to shift that voice from criticism into something more supportive and life-giving. The conversation also explores Arnold’s idea that we don’t just have one brain—we have three: the head, the heart, and the gut. He explains how most people are taught to trust only the thinking brain while ignoring the wisdom of the heart and the signals of the body, and why real growth comes from creating coherence between all three. Adam and Arnold also talk about trauma, emotional regulation, personal responsibility, leadership, and why coaching—rather than command-and-control authority—creates healthier, more effective people and organizations. If you’ve ever felt ruled by fear, stuck with a harsh inner critic, or curious about how your childhood programming still affects your relationships, confidence, and leadership today, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Learn more about Arnold Beeks at: https://braingym.fitness/masterclass/ or https://www.skool.com/brainupgrade/about Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    42 min

  3. APR 2

    Raising Boys in the Modern World: Let’s Be Honest About What’s Not Working

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Shaun Dawson, host of the Raising Men podcast, for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, healing, and what it really means to navigate life as a modern man. What starts as a discussion around personal struggles quickly opens up into a deeper exploration of self-awareness, emotional growth, and the stories we tell ourselves. Adam and Shaun dig into how men often feel pressure to “have it all figured out,” and how that can lead to disconnection, avoidance, or staying stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They explore the idea that we are not the stories we’ve been telling ourselves—and that real growth begins when we’re willing to question those narratives and take responsibility for how we show up. Listeners will hear an honest breakdown of what healing actually looks like—not as a straight line, but as a personal and often messy process. Adam and Shaun talk about emotional regulation, the importance of community, and why spaces like men’s groups and circles can play a critical role in helping men reconnect with themselves and others. They also dive into shifting from judgment to curiosity, breaking old patterns, and building a more intentional way of living. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own patterns, struggled with identity, or wondered what it really takes to grow as a man in today’s world, this episode offers a grounded and relatable perspective on doing the work—and why it matters. Learn more about Shaun Dawson and the Raising Men podcast: https://raising.men Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 2m

  4. MAR 26

    PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Skydiving through Fear, Freedom & Adrenaline

    In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam heads to Skydive Suffolk to jump out of a plane with tandem instructor David Rosas—and what starts as a high-adrenaline adventure quickly turns into a deeper conversation about fear, freedom, community, and what it really means to pursue happiness. David shares how his own first jump didn’t immediately hook him, but how skydiving slowly opened up into something bigger: a career, a calling, and a way of life. David talks about how he went from a nervous first-time jumper to nearly 9,000 jumps, traveling to different drop zones, packing parachutes, and eventually becoming a tandem instructor. Adam and David also dig into the surprising culture of skydiving—how people from completely different backgrounds find connection in the sport, and why the trust, repetition, and shared experience create such a strong sense of community. 🪂 Want to see Adam jump out of the plane? Check out the full episode video on YouTube and Spotify. The conversation also dives into THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS—why some people find it by pushing themselves beyond fear, why freedom feels different when you’re 13,500 feet in the air, and how skydiving has a way of pulling people fully into the present moment. David reflects on why nobody ever really “arrives” at happiness, why the pursuit matters more than the finish line, and how doing something bold can completely shift the way you see your life. If you’ve ever wondered what skydiving actually feels like, why people keep going back, or what happens when you finally do the thing that scares the hell out of you, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe a little tempted to book a jump of your own. Learn more about Skydive Suffolk: Skydiving & Tandem Jump in Virginia | Skydive Suffolk Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    20 min

  5. MAR 19

    The Legacy of Woodstock: Vibing with Creativity, Music & Community

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Duncan Rich, co-founder of MELD Community Incorporated, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, community, and the powerful role that place can play in shaping people’s lives. Duncan shares his journey from growing up in the Boston area to building a life in the Catskills near Woodstock, New York—a region famous for its deep artistic roots, cultural movements, and history of attracting musicians, writers, and creative thinkers. Adam and Duncan explore why the Woodstock and Catskills region has long been a magnet for artists, free thinkers, and spiritual seekers, tracing connections from Native American traditions and early artist colonies to the legendary music scene that helped define the area. Duncan reflects on how growing up around music—and starting his first band as a kid—helped shape his path and eventually led him toward community-building work that blends creativity, connection, and purpose. The conversation also dives into the mission behind MELD Community, an organization focused on bringing people together in meaningful ways. Duncan discusses the importance of creating spaces where people can explore creativity, authenticity, and deeper connection with others. Adam and Duncan reflect on how intentional communities, art, and shared experiences can help people reconnect with themselves and with each other in a world that often feels fragmented. Learn more about Duncan Rich and MELD Community: http://meld.community/core If you’re interested in creative communities, the cultural history of Woodstock, or the ways music, art, and intentional spaces can bring people together, this episode offers a fascinating look at how place, culture, and collaboration can shape meaningful lives. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 3m

  6. MAR 12

    The Urban vs. Rural Divide: Why Rural Voters Feel Ignored by National Politics

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with John Peace, host of the Rural Route Review podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about rural America, politics, and the growing divide between urban and rural perspectives. John shares stories from growing up on a small dairy farm in Wise County, Virginia, where agriculture, coal mining, and family traditions shaped the culture and economy of the Appalachian region. Together, Adam and John explore how industries like tobacco, coal, and manufacturing once sustained rural communities—and what happened when those industries disappeared. John also breaks down how political messaging, economic change, and government policy have influenced voting patterns across Appalachia and rural America. The conversation dives into the decline of local journalism, the rise of “news deserts,” and how social media and national media narratives have replaced local reporting in many communities. Adam and John discuss how that shift has changed political conversations—from debates about local taxes and school funding to national culture-war issues that often have little direct impact on rural towns. Learn more about John Peace and the Rural Route Review podcast: https://youtube.com/@ruralroutepodcast?si=_qloxfO60Smdiflf Listeners will also hear an honest look at how personal experiences shape political beliefs—from family traditions and union history to economic crises like the Great Recession. Adam reflects on how his own views evolved over time, while John explains why understanding rural culture is essential for anyone hoping to bridge the political divide. Together they explore why fear, identity, and storytelling often matter more in politics than policy details. If you’ve ever wondered why rural America votes the way it does, how economic changes reshaped Appalachian communities, or why conversations between urban and rural Americans sometimes feel like they’re happening in different worlds, this episode offers a deeper look at the history, culture, and perspectives behind those divides. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 28m

  7. MAR 5

    The Modern Man’s Toolbox: Healing, Fatherhood & Emotional Strength

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! CW: This episode contains content regarding themes of suicidal ideations. Viewer discretion advised. In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with men’s coach and founder of Dad Mode Activated, Aaron Gambel, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about men’s mental health, fatherhood, emotional awareness, and what it really takes to break generational cycles. Aaron shares his journey from spending 15 years working in the high-pressure Hollywood film industry to experiencing what he calls a “dark night of the soul.” After hitting rock bottom and facing a moment where he nearly ended his life, Aaron made the courageous decision to seek help and check himself into UCLA’s behavioral health unit. That decision—and everything that followed—became the turning point that reshaped his life and eventually led him into coaching and mentoring other men. Adam and Aaron dive into the realities many men quietly struggle with: feeling disconnected from their emotions, growing up in households where vulnerability wasn’t modeled, and learning how childhood experiences shape the way we show up in relationships, careers, and parenting. The conversation explores how trauma patterns can keep people stuck in familiar chaos, why our brains often choose a “familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven,” and how awareness, nervous system regulation, and self-reflection can help people start rewriting those patterns. The episode also explores Aaron’s work with men’s groups like The Wolf Den, where men practice stepping out of “fix-it mode” and into emotional presence. Through meditation, breathwork, and intentional conversations, Aaron helps men reconnect with their bodies, their emotions, and their sense of purpose—something many men were never taught growing up. Aaron also talks about the inspiration behind his upcoming Dad Mode Activated program, a fatherhood mentorship designed to help men navigate the emotional and psychological shift that comes with becoming a dad. From the anxiety many men experience during pregnancy to the fear of repeating generational mistakes, Aaron explains why preparing men for fatherhood isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional awareness, questioned your identity as a man or a father, or wondered how to break patterns from your past while building something healthier for your kids, this episode offers an honest and relatable look at what that journey can look like. Learn more about Aaron Gambel and Dad Mode Activated: https://www.aarongambel.com Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local crisis support service. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits:

    1h 2m

  8. FEB 26

    Rethinking Safety and Security: How to Stop Violence Before It Happens

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions (Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention Solutions), for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about preventing targeted violence before it ever reaches the “headline” stage. Robert breaks down why we don’t actually have a reporting problem—we have a coordination problem—and what it looks like when schools, law enforcement, mental health, and community organizations work together early instead of waiting for a crisis. Robert walks listeners through the Pathway of Violence (grievance → planning → acquisition → broadcasting → attack), explains what behavioral threat assessment (BTAM) really is, and why he prefers thinking of these teams as “care teams” instead of just threat teams. Adam and Robert dig into how prevention is often less about catching “bad people” and more about noticing patterns: isolation, escalating behavior, unmet needs, and the ripple effects of housing instability, substance use, or social disconnection that can compound over time. The conversation also explores why logical arguments don’t work when someone is emotionally dysregulated, how radicalization isn’t always about ideology but about identity, community, and purpose, and why top-down interventions often backfire. Robert shares powerful real-world examples—from school bus drivers spotting early warning signs to the “Toyota vs. Mercedes” analogy for building a culture of prevention—and explains how security measures can accidentally increase fear if the emotional narrative of safety gets ignored. If you’ve ever wondered what violence prevention actually looks like in the real world—or how communities can shift from reacting after the fact to stepping in sooner with support, connection, and smarter systems—this episode will change the way you think about safety. Learn more about Robert Mahoney and TVTP Solutions: https://tvtpsolutions.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce This episode includes discussion of suicide and violent ideation in the context of prevention and behavioral threat assessment. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local crisis support service.

    1h 17m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Tomlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 the ACT OUT podcast
  • Show Website
    the ACT OUT podcast