Men Talking Mindfulness: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health for Leaders Under Pressure

Jon Macaskill & Will Schneider
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Men Talking Mindfulness is dedicated to empowering men to embrace their true selves with bravery and authenticity. Our mission is to guide them on a journey of continual learning, developing self-love, and meaningful living. We work to inspire men to lead lives that they can look back on with pride and to create legacies that align with their deepest values. We are committed to cultivating a space where vulnerability is strength, being yourself is the norm, and where every man can unleash their potential to live a life of exceptional impact and fulfillment. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. The Mental Edge: Chad McGehee on Performance, Injury Prevention & Focus

    6D AGO

    The Mental Edge: Chad McGehee on Performance, Injury Prevention & Focus

    Want fewer injuries, better readiness to train, and athletes who can actually handle pressure?In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Chad McGehee, Director of Meditation Training at University of Wisconsin Athletics and co-founder of Inner Edge Meditation. Chad works directly with elite athletes and coaches to train attention, reduce injury risk, and improve performance—without adding more volume, stress, or drills.Together, they break down how mindfulness functions as strength and conditioning for the mind, why attention is involved in every rep and decision, and how short, consistent meditation practices are linked to better readiness, recovery, and resilience in high-pressure environments.You’ll hear how Chad went from meditation skeptic to leading mindfulness inside a major Division I athletic department, how teams like Wisconsin Volleyball integrated daily practices, and why mental training supports both performance and mental health for athletes and coaches alike.In this episode, you’ll hear:• How training attention supports injury prevention and recovery• Why mindfulness improves mood, energy, and readiness to train• How meditation helps athletes bounce back faster after mistakes• How coaches can introduce mindfulness without losing buy-in• Why the teacher’s personal practice matters as much as the technique• Simple practices teams can use this weekIf you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or leader who wants sustainable performance without burnout, this conversation is a practical blueprint.You’ll walk away with:✅ A clear understanding of how mindfulness impacts performance and injury risk✅ Simple meditation tools for warm-ups, cooldowns, and meetings✅ Language to help skeptical athletes and coaches engage✅ Encouragement to treat mental training like physical trainingSponsor:Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides.Release DatesMedical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026Discount Code: PFH25Offer WindowsMedical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions: https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourselfLinks & ResourcesMore episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.comMental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.comBook Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.comIf this episode helps you, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one coach, athlete, or parent who needs it.This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 7m
  2. The Yes Mindset: What a Global CEO Learned About Family, Service, and Success

    12/22/2025

    The Yes Mindset: What a Global CEO Learned About Family, Service, and Success

    What if the most game-changing shift in your life is a three-letter word you’ve been afraid to use? In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, hosts Will Schneider and Jon Macaskill sit down with Jim Alling—former President of Starbucks, COO of T-Mobile USA, and CEO of TOMS—to explore how the simple word yes, paired with gritty gratitude and servant leadership, can transform the way men lead, live, and relate. Jim shares how saying yes to the right things—family, values, service, and curiosity—helped him navigate massive responsibility: tens of thousands of employees, billions in revenue, and the pressure of leading globally recognized brands. He also gets honest about the real cost of hustle culture, what burnout feels like at the top, and why the most effective leaders are often the most human. In this conversation, you’ll hear:• How one mentor at Starbucks taught Jim the “power of yes”• Why he chose family and his child’s health over a secure corporate path• What gritty gratitude looks like when life is hard—not polished• The difference between performative leadership and servant leadership• Why men who “have it all together” often feel empty inside• How to say yes without becoming a doormat (values, boundaries, clarity)• How humility, humor, and service kept Jim grounded across Nestlé, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and TOMS If you’re a man caught between success and burnout—or you lead people and want to make a real difference without losing your soul—this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with:✅ A new understanding of yes as a doorway to purpose✅ A servant-leadership blueprint that still delivers results✅ Tools to integrate gratitude into pressure and responsibility✅ Encouragement to lead as your whole self—not just your title Sponsor Peptides for Health by Mark L. Gordon, M.D. is a new two-volume series exploring the science and clinical application of therapeutic peptides. Release Dates• Medical Edition Vol. 1: December 22, 2025• Consumer Edition Vol. 1: January 20, 2026 Discount Code: PFH25 Offer Windows• Medical Edition: Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026• Consumer Edition: Jan 20 – Feb 20, 2026 Proceeds support the development of the Children of Veterans Program.Preview both editions:https://tbihelpnow.org/biohack-yourself Links & Resources🔗 More episodes & resources: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com💼 Mental fitness & coaching with Will: https://willnotfear.com🎤 Book Jon to speak with your team: https://jonmacaskill.com If this episode resonates, please follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with one man who needs to hear it. This episode was co-produced by Robert Lopez of https://www.cratesaudio.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1 hr
  3. Why Constant Dizziness and Brain Fog Are Really a Balancing Problem with Caydrick Bloomquist

    12/15/2025

    Why Constant Dizziness and Brain Fog Are Really a Balancing Problem with Caydrick Bloomquist

    If you’ve been dealing with constant dizziness and brain fog and you can’t figure out why you feel off, spacey, or not fully in your body, this episode is for you. Dizziness and brain fog are not just random symptoms or signs of aging – they’re often your brain’s way of screaming that your balance system is overloaded and undertrained. Constant dizziness and brain fog can also quietly wreck your focus, drain your energy, spike your anxiety, and sabotage how you show up at work, in the gym, and in your relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn why what feels like a “mind problem” is often actually a balance problem – and how to start changing it from the ground up. Human Performance Specialist Caydrick Bloomquist breaks down the hidden role of your brain’s balance network in mood, focus, stress, and sleep, and why most guys never get taught how to train it on purpose. Caydrick’s work in Neuro-Functional Training and Mental Fitness shows that when you start working directly with your balance and awareness systems, you can shift how you feel faster and more powerfully than just trying to “think positive” or meditate harder. Instead of floating through your day half-present and half-dissociated, you learn how to get back in your body, stabilize your system, and actually feel like yourself again. You’ll hear how balance drills and vestibular-focused work – including spinning, head movements, and targeted visual-vestibular exercises – can literally help rewire your brain. These inputs tell your nervous system, “You’re safe and in control,” which can calm anxiety, clear brain fog, and reduce that ongoing dizzy, floaty feeling in a way that sitting still often can’t touch. If meditation has felt too slow or frustrating for you, this conversation gives you a more active, body-based way to train awareness, presence, and emotional regulation. We also explore why your balance system is really your awareness system – constantly feeding your brain information about where you are in space. When that system is off, your brain feels unsafe and ramps up symptoms like dizziness, weird vision, brain fog, irritability, and emotional overreactions. When you tune this system up, you don’t just stand steadier; you think clearer, react calmer, and sleep deeper because your brain finally trusts your body again. If you’re a man who’s tired of living with constant dizziness and brain fog, feeling like your brain is always half a second behind, this episode gives you a new map for what’s actually going on – and a path forward. You’ll walk away with a new understanding of why you feel the way you feel, plus practical ideas and a fresh respect for the “hidden hardware” driving your mood, focus, and performance. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 8m
  4. Why Having Fun is Essential for Men’s Mental Health

    12/08/2025

    Why Having Fun is Essential for Men’s Mental Health

    This episode is a deep dive into why having fun is not optional for men’s mental health—it is the silver bullet that so many guys are missing. From the outside, men are told to grind harder, stay stoic, and carry everything alone, but inside, loneliness, stress, and emotional exhaustion are quietly stacking up.  Having fun becomes a radical act of rebellion against isolation, shame, and emotional numbness. John and Will unpack how having fun and playful presence can pull men out of their heads and back into their hearts, bodies, families, and communities, opening the door to real connection, creativity, and relief. Loneliness in men is now recognized as a genuine health risk, not just a feeling to tough out, and it is strongly linked to anxiety, burnout, depression, and even physical illness.  In this conversation, John and Will explore how lightening up and making space for joy can interrupt that spiral. When men stop treating life as a never-ending performance review and start allowing play, silliness, and hobbies that feel good, their nervous systems calm down, stress chemistry shifts, and it becomes easier to open up, reach out, and let people in. You’ll hear how simple practices—like reclaiming old passions, trying new playful activities, or bringing a sense of humor into daily routines—can build resilience and emotional flexibility.  Research shows that enjoyable leisure and playful mindsets boost mood, sharpen focus, improve problem-solving, and enhance relationships, all of which are crucial for men who feel stuck, burnt out, or alone. This episode connects those insights directly to real life: how having fun with friends, partners, kids, or even solo can be the bridge from isolation to intimacy, from rigid seriousness to grounded presence. The tone is honest, unpolished, and real—no fake positivity, no macho posturing.  If you’re a man feeling the weight of loneliness, or you love a man who seems checked out, this conversation offers both language and tools to shift the story. You’ll walk away with a new understanding of why having fun is not childish or trivial—it is a serious strategy for protecting men’s mental health, rebuilding friendships, and rediscovering what it feels like to be fully alive.Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:00:00 - Introduction 02:54 - Playfulness as a Tool for Connection 05:45 - The Consequences of Losing Playfulness 08:57 - Creativity and Brain Development 11:51 - Playfulness in Adulthood 14:51 - The Role of Fun in Mental Health 17:41 - Breaking Free from Societal Expectations 20:36 - Finding Joy in Everyday Life 23:41 - The Courage to Be Playful 26:53 - The Connection Between Play and Success 29:47 - Embracing Vulnerability and Fun 32:44 - The Adventure of Playfulness 35:28 - The Playful Spirit of Jesus 38:32 - Final Thoughts on Playfulness Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    50 min
  5. How to Improve Sleep Quality, Boost Recovery, and Calm Your Mind with Robert Sweetman

    12/01/2025

    How to Improve Sleep Quality, Boost Recovery, and Calm Your Mind with Robert Sweetman

    If you’ve ever laid in bed wired, exhausted, and dreading tomorrow’s alarm, this episode is your playbook on how to improve sleep quality as a man who actually has things to do. In this no‑BS conversation, we dig into how to improve sleep quality so you can boost recovery, calm your mind, and stop feeling like you’re running on fumes. You’ll hear how to improve sleep quality using simple, repeatable habits instead of gimmicks, and why better sleep might be the most powerful “performance enhancer” you’re not truly using yet. Sleep is way more than closing your eyes; it’s your nightly reset for testosterone, mood, focus, and emotional resilience, and guys who short-change sleep pay for it with anxiety, irritability, weaker gains, and a higher risk of burnout and health issues. That’s why this episode with Sleep Genius founder and former Navy SEAL Robert Sweetman goes deep on practical sleep hygiene, stress management, and recovery tactics designed for high-performing men who still want to show up strong for their families, teams, and missions. You’ll learn how to lock in a consistent sleep schedule without feeling like a monk, how to set up a “sleep cave” that’s dark, cool, and distraction‑free, and how to use light, timing, and movement during the day so your brain actually wants to shut down at night. Rob unpacks battle-tested tools from elite environments—like deliberate wind‑down routines, mental off‑loading, breathing, and mindfulness—to help calm your mind before bed so you’re not replaying your to-do list at 2 a.m. You’ll also hear how better sleep accelerates muscle recovery, reduces injury risk, and improves decision‑making and reaction time, giving you an edge in training, career, and life. We link the science to real‑world habits you can use tonight—no magic supplements required. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, simple plan for how to improve sleep quality, boost recovery, and calm your mind so you can wake up more energized, more grounded, and more dangerous—in all the right ways.Buy Robert’s book here - https://www.amazon.com/62Romeo-SLEEP101-Weeks-Sleep-Restoration/dp/B0F8MLZQM2Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Chapters:00:00 - Introductions02:50 - Rob Sweetman on Improving Sleep12:19 - Sleep Hygiene and Mental Health26:31 - How Light and Sound Affect Sleep29:06 - Light, Sound, and Sleep Quality32:29 - Brown Noise for Better Rest33:50 - Noise, Temperature, and Sleep37:50 - Building Consistent Sleep Routines40:00 - New Sleep Solutions for the Military41:58 - Developing Military Sleep Pods43:37 - Better Sleep Tools for Warfighters48:45 - Coaching High Performers on Sleep52:02 - Common Sleep Disruptors53:26 - Healthy Sleep Habits58:11 - Sleep Tracking: Pros and Cons01:01:06 - Why Deep Sleep and REM Matter01:02:36 - How Meal Timing Affects Sleep01:05:02 - Processed Foods, Obesity, and Health01:07:27 - Intermittent Fasting Insights01:08:51 - Eating Habits That Support Sleep01:11:13 - Closing Thoughts and Giveaway Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 15m
  6. George’s Self-Discovery Journey: Letting Go of Control and Discovering My Truth with George Thompson

    11/24/2025

    George’s Self-Discovery Journey: Letting Go of Control and Discovering My Truth with George Thompson

    Welcome to George’s Self-Discovery Journey—a raw, real conversation inspired by the acclaimed movie, The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself. In this episode, George blazes a trail through the wild Scottish Highlands, bringing to life the core themes of his transformational film. If you’re ready for something beyond the usual self-help chatter, this self-discovery Journey plunges you into discomfort and uncertainty—where letting go of control is the only way to discover your truth. George shares moments of falling apart and finding strength, trading comfort for courage. Be prepared for stories of surrender, of inner critics silenced in the mud and rain, and of what happens when you lose yourself to finally find what matters. No filters, no perfection—just the honesty of starting over, learning to cope, and the gritty reality of rediscovering yourself from the inside out. Whether you’re struggling with burnout, searching for meaning, or daring to break old patterns, let The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself be your invitation to real personal change. Here is the Youtube link to he Subtle Art of Losing Yourself : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM More about George and his work here: https://www.youtube.com/@George-ThompsonFeeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel. Looking for a great Speak or Coach - Jon Macaskill can help - learn more here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/ More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/  Chapters:00:00 – Introductions03:00 – How Film Mirrors Personal Discovery09:29 – Creativity, Presence, and the Filmmaking Flo15:43 – Parts Work Explained & Our Link to Nature24:09 – Staying Authentic While Creating Online28:38 – Leadership, Purpose, and a Shifting World29:32 – Finding Meaning in Service Through Social Platforms32:02 – Responding to Criticism with Self-Affirmation35:11 – The MMA Method for Daily Growth36:06 – Rewriting Self-Image Through Affirmations37:27 – Facing Fear with Presence and Mindfulness40:13 – The Practice of Returning to the Present41:51 – Nature, DNA, and Interconnected Life46:11 – Holding Unity in a Dualistic World48:27 – Personal Growth and Accepting the Self51:01 – Vulnerability, Openness, and Community Connection Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    52 min
  7. The Next Frontier in Healing: Ibogaine Therapy for TBI, PTSD, Depression and Addiction | Jonathan Dickinson

    11/17/2025

    The Next Frontier in Healing: Ibogaine Therapy for TBI, PTSD, Depression and Addiction | Jonathan Dickinson

    Step into the next frontier in healing as we unravel the transformative world of ibogaine therapy in this groundbreaking conversation with Jonathan Dickinson of AMBIO Life Sciences.  Ibogaine therapy isn’t just another trend—it’s a revolution for people who are ready to conquer TBI, PTSD, depression, anxiety and addiction. From the battlefield to the homefront, veterans and special operators are discovering how ibogaine therapy is changing everything they thought they knew about recovery, healing, and hope.  With Stanford University’s groundbreaking research at the center of this episode, and the buzz from Netflix’s new documentary "In Waves and War," the world is finally waking up to how powerful ibogaine therapy can be. This documentary lays bare the real struggles and triumphs of veterans making the courageous choice to reclaim their lives—shining a spotlight on stories that echo everything Jonathan and AMBIO are living day after day. Get ready to challenge what you think about addiction and trauma as Jonathan shares with Men Talking Mindfulness the science, the stories, and the remarkable outcomes that make ibogaine therapy a true game changer.  Whether you’re struggling with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury, haunted by memories, or fighting to break free from depression or addiction, ibogaine therapy might just be the lifeline you’ve been searching for.  Hear how brave veterans and special operators stepped up as pioneers, partnering with Stanford to unveil the brain-healing, life-rebuilding power of ibogaine therapy.   We dive deep into integration, mental wellness, and why men are flocking to ancient solutions like ibogaine therapy. This isn’t about magic bullets or shortcuts—it’s about stepping you’re of isolation, getting help, owning your journey, and finally healing. Welcome to a new era of recovery, one where courage and connection drive true healing. More about Ambio Life Sciences and your Work with Ibogaine here:https://www.ambio.life/ Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:52 – Ibogaine’s Effects on PTSD and the Brain 08:59 – What Makes Ibogaine Healing 13:08 – Ibogaine’s Cultural Roots and Modern Use 18:24 – Ibogaine and the Ancestral Mind 24:50 – Compassion, Pain, and Ibogaine Recovery 30:15 – How the Brain Heals in Recovery 33:11 – Misconceptions About Ibogaine Therapy 38:05 – Global Legal Status of Ibogaine 44:41 – Inside the Ibogaine Treatment Journey 52:24 – Navigating Post-Psychedelic “Gray Days” 57:34 – Integration After Psilocybin 01:02:36 – High-Dose Ibogaine: Intensity & Control 01:04:17 – Staying Aware Through Ibogaine’s Intensity 01:09:28 – The Arc of Psychedelic Transformation 01:14:06 – Healing and Mindfulness in Chaos Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 17m
  8. How Meditation Turned a Green Beret into a Better Father, Leader, and Human Being | Chris Lee

    11/10/2025

    How Meditation Turned a Green Beret into a Better Father, Leader, and Human Being | Chris Lee

    Meditation changed everything for Chris Lee. From Green Beret to father and high-performance coach, meditation wasn’t just a tool—it was a lifeline that helped Chris thrive on the battlefield and at home.  In this episode, you’ll discover how meditation gave Chris an edge when pressure mounted, and how meditation helped him become a better leader, a more connected dad, and a genuinely fulfilled human being. Chris’s journey proves that meditation isn’t just about sitting still—it’s about transforming anger into calm, stress into resilience, and uncertainty into clear purpose. Hear real stories of how Chris Lee used meditation to push past old limits and unlock patience, clarity, and strength. He combines insights from elite special forces training with practical meditation advice fit for any man navigating work and family life. With hard-won lessons and a dose of humor, Chris shows us why meditation belongs in your daily routine—whether you’re chasing success, battling overwhelm, or simply looking to be a stronger, more present man. Dig into Chris Lee at: https://fieldofresilience.com/About or on his IG at: https://www.instagram.com/coach_chris.lee/?hl=en Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:48 - Engaging in Meditation02:50 - One Breath Grounding Practice03:32 - Chris's Journey to Meditation04:11 - The Evolution of Chris's Practice06:11 - Walking Meditation Insights08:44 - Self-Compassion in Meditation10:20 - Meditation's Impact on Relationships12:14 - Realizing the Benefits of Meditation14:40 - Transition from Military to Mindfulness18:27 - The Need for Awareness21:13 - Career Shift to Coaching23:33 - Meditation as a Superpower25:00 - The Journey to Inner Peace27:25 - Removing Labels Through Meditation30:02 - Resistance in Meditation31:41 - Non-Doing in Meditation34:18 - Finding Time for Meditation36:02 - Tracking Progress and Metrics39:15 - Mindful Choices and Alcohol42:57 - Creating a Daily Meditation Protocol Feeling stuck? If you need help getting out of your rut, Will can help - head to willnotfear.com to learn more about his coaching to get you off the hamster wheel.  Looking for a great speaker or Coach hit up Jon Macaskill at https://jonmacaskill.com/ More from MTM at: https://mentalkingmindfulness.com/ Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 10m
See All (408)

About

Men Talking Mindfulness is dedicated to empowering men to embrace their true selves with bravery and authenticity. Our mission is to guide them on a journey of continual learning, developing self-love, and meaningful living. We work to inspire men to lead lives that they can look back on with pride and to create legacies that align with their deepest values. We are committed to cultivating a space where vulnerability is strength, being yourself is the norm, and where every man can unleash their potential to live a life of exceptional impact and fulfillment. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information