Bridging Connections with Bryan Reeves

Bryan Reeves & Tait Arend
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Welcome to Bridging Connections, formerly known as "Men This Way." Join your host Bryan Reeves —former U.S. Air Force captain, renowned author and professional coach to men, women, and couples; along with his lifelong best friend and leadership coach, Tait Arend. Together, they tackle the essential, raw conversations we all need to engage in about relationships, purpose, health, spirituality, and more. Dive deep into discussions that matter and explore the connections that bind us all. 

  1. 163. KINGS COUNCIL: Living in Alignment, Letting Go, & Giving Your Gift Even When No One Cares

    DEC 5

    163. KINGS COUNCIL: Living in Alignment, Letting Go, & Giving Your Gift Even When No One Cares

    In this soul-nourishing episode, Bryan opens the circle on a private men’s gathering with longtime brothers John Lee, Larry Winters, Mikey Brackett, and Troy Ravenseye. What follows is a deeply honest exploration of aging, art, resistance, and the sacred tension between creating from joy versus performing for the world’s approval. ⏱️ Highlights00:00 – Introduction by Bryan: What makes this episode different 03:23 – John’s discovery of a spiritual retreat property—and a powerful synchronicity 09:00 – A 43-year-old book changes lives: The Flying Boy comes full circle 12:58 – Red Hawk, Osho, and the wisdom of “dropping your old solutions” 16:30 – The Rainmaker story: Alignment vs. control in creating change 20:02 – Seasonal resistance: When your body wants rest but your world demands action 25:18 – Earth connection, aging, and the wisdom of listening to your body 32:45 – Embracing help: Why asking (and receiving) is harder—and more vital—than we think 37:55 – John’s viral video on aging and the surprising reaction it received 41:40 – Mikey on letting art lead the way instead of trying to monetize purpose 43:30 – The trap of measuring everything—and the freedom of creating without needing outcome 48:55 – From shadow artist to soul creator: letting music, poetry, and spirit come forward 49:48 – The power of slow creation: bonsai trees, hand tools, and meaning-making 53:21 – Contraction vs. expansion: Thaddeus Golas and The Lazy Man’s Guide to Enlightenment 57:20 – Closing reflections and the quiet power of being in the work 📞 Connect With Us🔹 John Lee @ https://johnleebooks.com/ 🔹 Larry Winters @ https://substack.com/@larrywinters 🔹 Bryan Reeves @ https://bryanreeves.com 🔹 Mikey Brackett @ https://mikeybrackett.com/ 🔹 Troy Ravenseye (email bryan@bryanreeves.com) 🔥 ELEVATE 2026 Men's Coaching Journey

    59 min
  2. 162. The Seduction of AI: Convenience, Creativity … Catastrophe? w/ Akira Chan

    NOV 28

    162. The Seduction of AI: Convenience, Creativity … Catastrophe? w/ Akira Chan

    In this expansive and very human conversation, filmmaker and creative technologist Akira Chan joins Bryan Reeves and co-host Tait Arend to explore the wild, exhilarating, and sometimes terrifying frontier of artificial intelligence. From AI-generated songs and robot companions to the ways technology is already shaping our relationships, creativity, and emotional lives, this episode dives deep into what it means to stay human in an AI-driven world. Grounded, curious, and refreshingly real, this dialogue asks the questions that matter most: How do we use AI to bridge connections, not replace them? What parts of our humanity should never be outsourced? And how can these tools actually make our relationships richer? 00:00 – Dogs, Heartbeats, and Nervous System Whisperers 03:00 – “This Is Not AI”… or Is It? 04:30 – How Bryan and Akira First Met 07:00 – The First Wave of AI Magic 08:00 – Why This Episode Matters Now 10:45 – Can AI Help Us Connect More Deeply? 11:30 – The AI-Generated Song for Bryan & Tait 15:45 – The Imposter Question: Is Anything Truly Original? 20:00 – “I Feel Manipulated Sometimes” 23:00 – Will Men Fall in Love with AI Companions? 26:00 – How AI Is Already Shaping Our Thinking 33:00 – AI Tools Akira Actually Recommends 37:00 – The Atrophy of Human Skills 45:00 – Robots Are Coming Into Our Homes 52:00 – The Line Akira Won’t Cross as a Filmmaker 1:00:00 – What We Must NOT Outsource to AI 1:04:30 – Wrapping with Heart Contact DetailsConnect with AkiraWebsite - https://akirachan.com/ Production Company - https://www.raremedia.tv/ Connect with Bryan ReevesOfficial Website: https://bryanreeves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanreevesinsight/Men’s Coaching Program: https://bryanreeves.com/elevate

    1h 6m

  3. NOV 14

    161. An Ode To Women (Who Compel Men Into Manhood)

    In this raw and revealing episode, Tait and Bryan reflect on a powerful and often overlooked truth: So many men only find this work because the women in their lives refused to give up on them. Whether it’s a book left on a nightstand, a therapy session demanded through gritted teeth, or a heartbreaking confrontation, women have been the silent initiators of many men's healing journeys. This episode is an acknowledgment. A thank-you. An ode. It’s also a challenge to the men listening to hear the love beneath the criticism. And to the women: keep standing strong. 💡 What You’ll Learn:Why resistance is often the first step in every man’s growthThe role women play in awakening men to their potentialWhy emotional isolation is harming modern relationshipsWhat makes a true men’s group different from a friend groupHow being witnessed by trustable men changes everythingWhy your partner's frustration may be the invitation of a lifetime 📍 Chapters 00:00 - Intro: The Most Awkward Part of Every Podcast 01:17 - An Ode to Women: The Real Gateway to Men’s Work 03:32 - The Elevate Program: 6 Years and 100+ Men Later 05:05 - Resistance: “I Didn’t Want to Go to Therapy” 07:34 - What Women Are Really Asking For 09:14 - Traumatizing Rites of Passage: Frats, Gangs, and Military 10:50 - Looking to Women for Validation—and the Fallout 13:15 - Women as Unintended Stewards of Manhood 16:27 - The Disney Lie: Where Love Stories Break Down 18:11 - Why Men Without Friends Lean Too Hard on Their Partners 20:20 - Friend Groups vs. Men’s Groups: The Third Option 21:44 - A Real-Time Breakthrough: When One Conversation Changes Everything 23:32 - “This Is Just Normal Now”—How Fast Growth Can Happen 25:03 - A Message to Women: Your Nagging Might Be an Invitation 26:49 - Hurtful Words and Hidden Truths 28:03 - What Men’s Work Gave Me That My Wife Couldn’t 30:45 - What Support from Other Men Really Looks Like 32:27 - Final Thoughts: Thank You, Women. Truly. 34:03 - Learn More About Elevate 2026 🙏 Connect with Bryan & Tait: • Website • Instagram

    34 min
  4. 160. When a Dream Dies: Healing Through Major Life Changes and Invisible Loss

    NOV 11

    160. When a Dream Dies: Healing Through Major Life Changes and Invisible Loss

    Have you ever grieved something difficult to explain to others ... or to yourself? A dream you never got to live, a world you left behind after moving, a home you never got to call home, a relationship that never got off the ground? In this powerful solo return, Bryan Reeves explores the deep emotional terrain of ambiguous loss: grief without closure, headlines, or a clear reason. From the loss of a dream wedding and the promise of parenthood to the emotional cost of eight moves in five years, Bryan shares personal stories and hard-earned insights on how to grieve the invisible, hold space for uncertainty, and honor your experience without needing it to make sense to anyone else. If you're carrying sadness you can't fully name or explain, this episode will help you feel seen, and invite you to start healing. ⏱️ Highlights00:00 – Why I Took a Break 01:32 – The Ireland Retreat That Changed Everything 03:20 – The Weight of Eight Moves in Five Years 04:45 – What Is Ambiguous Loss? 06:30 – Invisible Grief: Our Lost Wedding & Parenthood Dreams 08:15 – The House We Couldn't Live In 10:00 – Guilt, Grief, and Comparing Pain 12:05 – Grieving the End of a Day: A Malibu Story 14:00 – Why Some Grief Is Hard to Explain 15:25 – The Loneliness of Loss Without Witness 17:10 – Wisdom from Francis Weller on Communal Grief 19:40 – Moving In, Letting Go: A Nervous System Exhale 21:10 – Lessons From a Decade-Long Relationship 23:00 – Life Has Seasons—And That’s Okay 25:15 – Tiny Green Shoots: Signs of Spring After Long Winter 27:05 – New Beginnings: Retreats, Books, and Rebuilding 29:15 – Closing Reflection: You’re Not Broken for Feeling This 30:45 – Name Your Grief, Honor Its Place 📬 Connect with Bryan:🌐 Join the newsletter & explore Bryan's coaching & retreats: https://bryanreeves.com 📸 Instagram📺 Youtube

    17 min

  5. AUG 28

    159. Healing the Emotionally Unavailable Man

    Bryan Reeves sits down with renowned relationship coach and therapist Jayson Gaddis. Together they dive into the origins of men’s emotional unavailability, how childhood experiences shape intimacy in adulthood, and what it takes to build secure, nourishing partnerships. From personal stories of shame and armor to raising emotionally present sons, Jayson offers vulnerable insights and hard-won wisdom. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone who wants to understand why men struggle with intimacy—and how they can finally come home to their hearts. ⏱️ Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 02:45 – Bryan recalls Silvy's admiration for Jayson’s practical relationship wisdom 06:10 – The sixth-grade fight that taught Jayson to hide his sensitivity 12:25 – How shame around crying created lifelong armor 16:20 – From childhood wounds to emotional unavailability in adult relationships 21:15 – Teaching relationship skills to high schoolers: challenges & breakthroughs 26:30 – The greatest gift men can offer: emotional presence 32:40 – Navigating discipline, boundaries, and presence as a father and partner 38:00 – Mission Impossible vs. real life: balancing work, purpose, and family 43:20 – The foundation of intimacy: emotional security and safety 50:15 – Facing blind spots: learning to stop blaming and start owning feelings 56:45 – One foot in, one foot out: the cost of not being fully committed 01:04:00 – Why men chase “greener grass” fantasies—and the painful wake-up call 01:10:25 – Growth-oriented partnership: why your partner won’t stay if you stop growing 01:17:15 – Do men really want sex—or do they want intimacy and belonging? 01:23:00 – The Five Key Takeaways Finale: insight, mentor, resource, investment, practice 01:37:20 – Where to find Jayson Gaddis and his work 📬 Contact Guest – Jayson Gaddis Website: https://relationshipschool.comPodcast: The Smart Couple (available on major platforms) Host – Bryan Reeves Website: https://bryanreeves.comInstagram: @bryanreevesinsightMen’s Coaching Program: https://bryanreeves.com/elevate

    49 min
  6. 158. Adrian Grenier on Fame, Fatherhood & Finding the True Man Within

    AUG 14

    158. Adrian Grenier on Fame, Fatherhood & Finding the True Man Within

    In this raw and heartfelt rebroadcast, actor and environmental activist Adrian Grenier (Entourage, The Devil Wears Prada) joins host Bryan Reeves for a soul-baring conversation about his transformation from Hollywood heartthrob to grounded father and conscious community builder. They dive into the emotional challenges of shedding ego-driven fame, the sacred importance of modern brotherhood, and how fatherhood and marriage are awakening to his deepest purpose. Adrian reflects on old-paradigm masculinity, spiritual confusion, and why meaningful connection with men saved his life. ⏱️ Highlights [00:00] Welcome & Summer Break Setup [01:29] Who Is Adrian Grenier Now? [03:46] "I needed to get low to the ground" – Leaving Hollywood behind [06:48] The sacred discomfort of men's work [09:57] What success didn’t solve for Adrian [13:36] “Why did I come here?” — The spiritual reckoning [17:45] The illusion of media masculinity [24:32] Reframing brotherhood: Entourage vs real men’s work [30:14] Navigating differences: “I believe in the direction of our love” [41:03] What men miss without committed brotherhood [45:56] Breaking generational patterns as fathers and husbands [50:49] Becoming a father: “It’s the greatest call to action” [57:06] Healing through fatherhood: “I’m not going anywhere” [58:18] Closing: Grief, gratitude, and Barton Springs 👤 Adrian GrenierInstagramEarth Speed YouTube – His docuseries on regenerative living👨‍🏫 Bryan Reeveshttps://bryanreeves.com Elevate 2026 for MenInstagram

    59 min
  7. 157. [FEISTY WIFE EPISODE] Stop Wanting Your Partner To Be More Like You w/ Silvy Khoucasian LMFT

    JUL 31

    157. [FEISTY WIFE EPISODE] Stop Wanting Your Partner To Be More Like You w/ Silvy Khoucasian LMFT

    What happens when a precision-timed therapist and a free-spirited adventurer fall in love? In this candid, spicy, and surprisingly hilarious conversation, Bryan Reeves and Silvy Khoucasian pull back the curtain on their own relationship to explore what it really takes to embrace differences—and not just survive them, but grow because of them. From cultural clashes to conflicting travel styles, sexual pacing to social preferences, they reveal the real stories behind the highlight reel—and how they've learned to navigate those gaps without losing themselves (or each other). Whether you’re navigating a new relationship or decades into one, this episode is your permission slip to stop fixing, start witnessing, and love without needing sameness. ⏱️ Episode Highlights:00:00 – Silvy calls Bryan out. 02:00 – Introducing Silvy: “This is my unmasked version” 03:30 – Speaking alongside The Gottmans at the Real Love Ready Conference 05:00 – Time: Is being late disrespect—or just different wiring? 08:00 – Ireland trip flashback: how they travel at totally different speeds 10:30 – “You’re fast. I’m slow.” – Processing pace in life and relationship 13:00 – Cultural differences: Armenian-Arabic collectivism vs. American individualism 16:00 – Privacy vs. openness: Who gets to tell the story? 18:30 – Affection gaps, erotic blueprints, and the golden retriever dynamic 21:00 – The wounds we bring: neglect, protection, and projection 25:00 – “Willing to disappoint—and to be disappointed” 27:00 – Grieving expectations: Letting go of the fantasy version of your partner 30:00 – Creating clear agreements vs. quiet resentment 33:00 – The dance of individuality and support 35:00 – Navigating transitions and identity shifts over 10 years 38:00 – Why difference isn’t the enemy—it’s the initiation 40:00 – Wrap-up and a preview of more episodes to come 🧠 Notable Quotes: “The problem isn’t our differences—it’s making them wrong that causes problems.” – Silvy “Your wound is holding hands with mine.” – Bryan “I grieve my expectations of you so that I may discover your love yet again.” – Silvy “You’re in my story now. It’s not just mine anymore.” – Bryan “When it’s hysterical, it’s historical.” – Silvy and Bryan “Respect can still be late.” – Silvy “Resentment dies in the land of clear agreements.” – Bryan 💌 Connect with Bryan & Silvy: Bryan Reeves → https://bryanreeves.com Silvy Khoucasian → www.silvykhoucasian.com

    47 min
  8. 156. Navigating The Death of Your Dream

    JUL 18

    156. Navigating The Death of Your Dream

    In this heartfelt solo episode of Bridging Connections, host Bryan Reeves delves into the profound journey of navigating life transitions and personal growth. Reflecting on his own experiences, Bryan shares the challenges and revelations that come with the death of a dream, the practice of grief, and the art of surrender. Join Bryan as he explores the importance of embracing change with grace, finding gratitude in unexpected places, and the enduring power of love and loss. Tune in for an introspective conversation that invites you to reflect on your own life transitions and how you can meet them with more ease and gratitude. 💡 Topics Covered: The paradox of being relational yet introvertedGrieving the dream of home ownership and fatherhoodMoving back to Los Angeles after the “great pandemic migration”Letting go of material things and the stories they holdThe practice of grief in a death-phobic, grief-illiterate cultureThe meaning behind Bryan’s tattoo: Command. Surrender. Breathe.The flowering of a crepe myrtle as a symbol of unexpected beauty in endingsA reflection on leaving behind gifts that may benefit others 🧠 Memorable Quotes: “It’s not the end of everything. It’s just the end of everything you know.” “A dream can’t die if you don’t dare to dream in the first place.” “Grief is the price we pay for love.” “We are like plants. We need the right soil to thrive.” “How might you meet the death of a dream with more grace, more ease, and perhaps even more gratitude?” 🌱 Closing Reflection:Bryan invites listeners to consider the dreams they may be quietly grieving or actively resisting. Rather than clinging to what was or what might have been, he offers a profound question: "What if the greatest act of courage isn't holding on—but letting go with love?" 📚 Books Mentioned in the Episode: Die Wise by Stephen JenkinsonThe Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis WellerIron John by Robert Bly🙏 Connect with Bryan: For more on Bryan’s coaching, writing, and future episodes, visit bryanreeves.com 🙏 Show Highlights: [00:02:15] - Introduction to the episode and the theme of life transitions. [00:05:30] - Brian shares his personal journey of moving across the country and the death of a dream. [00:12:45] - The importance of acknowledging and grieving the loss of dreams. [00:20:10] - Reflections on the practice of surrender and its role in personal growth. [00:28:00] - The story of planting a tree and its symbolic meaning in life transitions. [00:35:20] - Brian's insights on love, loss, and the enduring power of gratitude. [00:42:00] - Closing thoughts and an invitation to reflect on personal life transitions.

    37 min
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Welcome to Bridging Connections, formerly known as "Men This Way." Join your host Bryan Reeves —former U.S. Air Force captain, renowned author and professional coach to men, women, and couples; along with his lifelong best friend and leadership coach, Tait Arend. Together, they tackle the essential, raw conversations we all need to engage in about relationships, purpose, health, spirituality, and more. Dive deep into discussions that matter and explore the connections that bind us all. 

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