The Evolved Caveman Podcast w/ Dr. John Schinnerer

Dr. John Schinnerer -The Evolved Caveman
The Evolved Caveman Podcast w/ Dr. John Schinnerer

Success Without Happiness is Just Fancy Misery Let’s be honest. If you’re crushing it at work but your personal life is circling the drain, you’re not actually winning. And if you’ve mastered spreadsheets but can’t remember the last time you laughed, touched a human, or had sex that didn’t feel like a negotiation—well, you’ve got a problem.  The goal here isn’t just success. It’s success and happiness. At work and at home. Anything less? That’s just a burnout cocktail served with a side of regret.  Dr. John Schinnerer has been helping men level the hell up for over 20 years. We're talking Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 CEOs, pro athletes, and high-powered execs—aka, the guys who look like they have it all together but are secretly one crisis away from losing their minds.  John’s obsession? The sweet spot where high performance meets actual fulfillment. Where you stop white-knuckling your way through life and start showing up with purpose, connection, and the kind of swagger that comes from knowing who you are—not just what you do.  So if you want to become the kind of man who’s not emotionally allergic, who leads with confidence, loves with intention, and actually enjoys the life he’s built—welcome. You’re exactly where you need to be.  Just do us all a favor and hit subscribe, rate, review, and, most importantly, share this with another person who could use a kick in the emotional pants.  Let’s evolve, fellas. The world needs better men.  For more on the podcast, visit:TheEvolvedCaveman.com  For more on Dr. John's executive coaching services, visit:GuideToSelf.com  For info on Dr. John and Joree's top notch couples counseling, hit up:LoveIsntEnough.netFor info on Joree's excellent counseling for women, take a look at:JoreeRose.com

  1. The Essential Guide to Ego Death and Growth: Mastering Your Mind

    6D AGO

    The Essential Guide to Ego Death and Growth: Mastering Your Mind

    **Ego Death & Psychedelic Rebirth — with AJ Murillo**Here is another mind-bending episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*. This week, Dr. John sits down with AJ Murillo — author, psychonaut, and expert navigator of the inner cosmos — to talk all things *ego death*.What the hell *is* ego death? And why should you care? Because it might just be the wake-up call your soul, your heart and your mind have been begging for.AJ takes us through her deeply personal journey — from divine moments as a kid to full-on ego obliteration via psychedelics as an adult. We talk about prepping your mind and spirit for the plunge, managing emotional chaos mid-trip, and dodging the landmines on the path to inner transformation.We also dive into:- What happens *after* ego death — and why reintegration is the real test  - How psychedelics can amplify self-awareness (if you’re ready to face the truth)  - Why the mind-body connection is your best ally — or your worst enemy  And how letting go of who you *think* you are can lead to who you *actually* areWhy Ego Death Matters To You 1. Insecurity and Fear of Failure – When identity is tied to achievements or external validation, failure feels like a personal attack rather than a learning experience. 2. Relationship Struggles – A strong ego can lead to defensiveness, an inability to admit mistakes, and difficulty empathizing with others, causing conflict in romantic and social relationships. 3. Lack of Growth – Over-identification with a fixed self-image makes it hard to embrace change, take risks, or learn from feedback. 4. Perfectionism and Stress – A fragile ego fears imperfection, leading to anxiety, burnout, and chronic dissatisfaction. 5. Inauthenticity – The need to maintain an idealized self-image can cause people to suppress their true thoughts, emotions, or desires. 6. Victim Mentality – An ego that feels attacked easily can lead to blame-shifting and a refusal to take responsibility for personal actions. 7. Resistance to Vulnerability – Overattachment to ego creates a fear of being seen as weak, making emotional intimacy difficult. 8. Spiritual and Existential Disconnection – When the ego dominates, people may struggle to find deeper meaning, purpose, or a sense of interconnectedness.This episode is part mystical download, part grounded coaching, and 100% real. So if you're ready to challenge your identity, expand your consciousness, and explore the cosmic ballet that is *you* — buckle up.Let’s crack the shell of the ego and see what’s on the other side.Wanna Go Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole? Here’s Where to Stalk Us (Respectfully):👔 For Dr. John’s work helping execs and high performers stop silently imploding: 👉 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)💔 Curious about the couples counseling magic John’s doing with the amazing Joree Rose, LMFT👉 [LoveIsntEnough.net](https://LoveIsntEnough.net)  (*Spoiler: Love isn’t enough, but skills, self-awareness, and maybe a glass of wine are.*)🎙️ For all things caveman evolution, podcast-style: 👉 [TheEvolvedCaveman.com](https://TheEvolvedCaveman.com)

    46 min
  2. *Mud, Meaning & Masculinity — w/ Author & Positive Psych Star John Sean Doyle**

    APR 17

    *Mud, Meaning & Masculinity — w/ Author & Positive Psych Star John Sean Doyle**

    *Mud, Meaning & Masculinity — with Poet & Positive Psych Star John Sean Doyle**  What if embracing pain was the key to more joy, connection, and purpose?In this thought-provoking convo, Dr. John sits down with **John Sean Doyle** — poet, lawyer, and “the poetic voice of positive psychology” — to talk about how to stay grounded in a chaotic world and live with more reverence, resilience, and kindness.We cover:- The beauty of *both/and* — joy and pain, awe and grief  - How to raise kinder kids (and better men)  - Why meaning and poetry are essential for a well-lived life  - Lessons from working with drill sergeants, judges, monks, and more  - His powerful book, *Mud and Dreams***About John Sean Doyle:**  Sean is a poet, lawyer, and former positive psych professor. His writing and workshops help people recover reverence for life and create a culture of compassion — from the courtroom to the classroom to the dinner table.📘 [JohnSeanDoyle.com](https://johnseandoyle.com)  📩 LiveFully@JohnSeanDoyle.com  📱 IG/Twitter: [@JohnSeanDoyle](https://twitter.com/JohnSeanDoyle)---**Dig the episode?**  🎧 [Listen on Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-evolved-caveman-w-dr-john-schinnerer/id1463310003)  ⭐ Drop a 5-star review — it helps more than you think  📢 Share with someone who needs a dose of grounded wisdom---**Connect Like An Evolved Caveman:**  📸 [@TheEvolvedCaveman](https://instagram.com/TheEvolvedCaveman)  👥 [Anger.Management.Expert](https://facebook.com/Anger.Management.Expert)  🐦 [@JohnSchin](https://twitter.com/JohnSchin)  💼 [Dr. John Schinnerer on LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/DrJohnSchinnerer)  🌐 [GuideToSelf.com](https://GuideToSelf.com)🎧 Production: Brian Donat at [B/Line Studios](https://www.BLineStudios.com)---Less grind. More grace.  #MensMentalHealth #MudAndDreams #Resilience #PoeticMasculinity #TheEvolvedCaveman #EmotionalFitness #PositivePsychology

    39 min
  3. The Future of Aging: A New Approach to Health and Wellness w/ Jacob Kendall, Ph.D.

    APR 14

    The Future of Aging: A New Approach to Health and Wellness w/ Jacob Kendall, Ph.D.

    Heart Surgeries, Health Bombs & Why Men Are Too Dumb to See a Doctor – with Dr. Jacob KendallHey degenerates, seekers, and emotionally constipated warriors—Dr. John here with another no-BS episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*.This time? We’re going deep with Dr. Jacob Kendall, a man who’s basically stared death in the face (twice), wiped someone else’s ass for a living (caregiving, people—keep up), and still thought, “You know what? I should get *another* advanced degree.” Because apparently two heart surgeries and three fields of study (biology, social work, public health) weren’t challenging enough.And now? He’s working on a Master’s in Divinity. Yeah, seriously. This man’s brain is playing 4D chess while the rest of us are still trying to spell “healthcare.”We dig into:- Why your health isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, social, and maybe even spiritual (yeah, I said it)- Why men suck at going to the doctor (hint: it’s not bravery, it’s stupidity)- How America’s obsession with *rugged individualism* is basically a slow-motion death cult  - Hot takes on masculinity, male fragility, and why women outlive us by years (pro tip: it's not because of kale)  - Why the U.S. healthcare system is like trying to fix a bullet wound with duct tape and a WebMD article  - What the hell it means to *age well* without turning into a cranky, isolated shadow of your former selfThis episode is jam-packed with real talk, brilliant insights, and a healthy dose of “WTF are we even doing with our lives?”So pour a (healthy) drink, drop the ego, and press play.  Because staying healthy shouldn’t require divine intervention—but honestly, it might help.

    37 min
  4. Mastering Stress and Anxiety Like A Monk: Dr. John’s Guide To Keeping Your Cool

    APR 7

    Mastering Stress and Anxiety Like A Monk: Dr. John’s Guide To Keeping Your Cool

    Join Dr. John as he dives deep into the top ways to master stress and anxiety. With a blend of personal stories, practical tools, and a touch of humor, Dr. John explains what stress and anxiety are, why we experience them, and how to manage them effectively. Discover scientifically proven strategies such as mindful breathing, physical exercise, gratitude practices, and mindful self-talk. Learn to reset your mental state and regain control over your life while keeping your edge. Tune in for actionable insights and become your own stress-busting superhero.00:00 Introduction and Purpose01:17 Understanding Stress and Anxiety01:42 Personal Story: Overcoming Anxiety05:28 Defining Stress and Anxiety08:24 Top 12 Tools to Manage Stress and Anxiety28:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFor more info on Dr. John’s work with men, visit GuideToSelf.com. For more on the podcast, visit TheEvolvedCaveman.com. For more details on the couples counseling work John does with Joree, visit LoveIsntEnough.net.

    31 min
  5. Healing Men: The Unseen Battle with Trauma

    MAR 24

    Healing Men: The Unseen Battle with Trauma

    THE UNSEEN BATTLE: WHY MEN SUCK AT HEALING FROM TRAUMALet’s get real. Men don’t talk about trauma. We barely talk about emotions at all, so why the hell would we open up about the stuff that actually messed us up? Instead, we do what we’ve been trained to do—bury it, numb it, ignore it, and hope it just goes away. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.  In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer sits down with Malachi Gillihan, a PhD candidate and men’s trauma specialist who’s making it his mission to help men face their demons instead of running from them. Malachi knows what he’s talking about, because he’s been there. As a survivor of child sexual trauma, he understands firsthand how trauma rewires the brain, hijacks emotions, and shapes how men show up (or don’t) in relationships, work, and life.  We explore the messy, uncomfortable, and absolutely necessary conversation about men and trauma—why we avoid it, how it impacts us in ways we don’t even realize, and what the hell to do about it.  THE UNCOMFORTABLE TOPICS WE’RE DIVING INTO  - What trauma actually is (hint: it’s not just war vets and car crashes)  - The helplessness factor and why it screws men up more than we think  - Clinical vs. subclinical PTSD and why so many guys are walking around with undiagnosed trauma  - How gender socialization makes healing harder (because apparently, “suck it up” isn’t great medical advice)  - Why co-regulation matters in recovery and why going it alone is the worst plan ever  - How the rugged individualism myth keeps men stuck in cycles of pain  - The power of group therapy and why healing happens faster when you stop trying to tough it out solo  ABOUT MALACHI GILLIHAN  Malachi is not your typical trauma expert. He’s a yogi, spiritual counselor, and trauma specialist who blends Eastern and Western approaches to recovery. He’s taught over 1,000 classes on trauma, meditation, and healing, runs a private practice, and leads retreats designed to help men break free from the weight of their past. With a Master’s in East-West Psychology and a PhD in progress focused on group-based interventions for survivors of sexual trauma, he’s spent years studying how trauma rewires the brain and how men can reclaim their emotional health.  If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have trauma," or "That stuff doesn’t affect me," this episode might just prove you wrong. And if you’ve been carrying something heavy for way too long, this conversation could be the first step toward finally putting it down.

    50 min
  6. Behind Closed Doors: Shana James on Trust, Vulnerability, and Your Love Life

    MAR 3

    Behind Closed Doors: Shana James on Trust, Vulnerability, and Your Love Life

    In this episode of the Evolved Caveman and Love Isn't Enough podcasts, Dr. John and Joree interview Shana James, a relationship coach with 20 years of experience who specializes in helping men with their love and sex lives. Shana discusses her work, including insights from her podcast, 'Man Alive,' and her book, 'Honest Sex.' Topics covered include the importance of vulnerability, relational healing, honest communication, and overcoming attachment wounds. The conversation also dives into how to build intimacy, the impact of social conditioning, the challenges of modern relationships, and practical tips for improving connection and trust within partnerships.Timestamps:03:22 Playing and Experimenting in Relationships05:06 Honest Conversations and Deep Connection08:23 Navigating Disappointment and Building Trust09:33 Understanding and Healing Attachment Wounds16:07 Practicing Vulnerability and Self-Awareness24:55 Exploring Honest Sex25:45 The Importance of Vulnerability in Sexual Relationships26:46 Being Present During Intimacy28:25 Communicating Desires and Needs29:33 Mindfulness and Sexual Arousal33:09 Redefining Intimacy Beyond Physical Acts38:12 Building Trust and Security in Relationships39:00 Practical Tips for Enhancing IntimacyOur Guest, Shana James:As a relationship coach for 20 years, Shana James has humbly discovered the causes of disconnection and distrust in relationships, as well as how to build trust and keep passion alive. She has specialized in supporting men who are frustrated with their love and sex lives, both in dating and long term relationships. Shana is the creator and host of the Man Alive podcast, with 300 episodes. She has a TEDx Talk, 'What 1000 Men's Tears Reveal About the Crisis Between Men and Women.' Her most recent book is: Honest Sex: A Passionate Path to Deepen Connection and Keep Relationships Alive. Shana has a Master’s in psychology. She has facilitated decades of workshops based on her training in communication, mindfulness, psychology and sensuality.

    55 min
  7. Warrior Compassion: Healing Men and Mending Society

    JAN 20

    Warrior Compassion: Healing Men and Mending Society

    Warrior Compassion: Healing Men and Mending SocietyIn this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer, men's therapist, hosts Sean Harvey, CEO of Warrior Compassion Institute and author of 'Warrior Compassion.' They discuss Sean's extensive work in men's healing and leadership within hypermasculine, paramilitary organizations. The conversation delves into topics like inner work, personal transformation, shame, the impact of attachment styles, and the dynamics of hatred and extremism. Sean shares his approach to engaging men in healing through adventure, play, and safe spaces. He also discusses the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies and the challenges of addressing issues like white supremacy and radicalization.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:12 Sean Harvey's Work in Paramilitary Organizations02:50 Men's Healing and Personal Transformation03:44 Addressing Shame and Attachment in Men06:52 Engaging Men in Personal Growth11:24 Vulnerability and Authentic Connection20:27 Dismantling White Supremacy30:25 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies35:42 Building Self-Worth and Compassion41:08 Conclusion and Final About Dr. John’s Guest:Sean Harvey is CEO and Senior Strategic Advisor of Warrior Compassion Institute, author of Warrior Compassion: Unleashing the Healing Power of Men, and a TEDx speaker (Compassion Makes the Warrior). He co-founded Project Compassion, a national initiative to deepen compassion in police departments, federal law enforcement, and the military, which now extends to firefighters, paramedics, veterans, and sectors such as defense and energy. Sean’s work addresses hate, polarization, and extremism through innovative leadership and engagement strategies. With over 25 years of Leadership and Organization Development experience, Sean has also served on the faculties of Cornell, NYU, and Baruch College CUNY.

    56 min
  8. From Self-Doubt to Fearlessness: Strategies for Success

    JAN 13

    From Self-Doubt to Fearlessness: Strategies for Success

    In this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John welcomes leadership and empowerment coach Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself Consulting. They discuss Ben's journey from an overworked healthcare executive to a passionate guide for others seeking greater meaning in work and life. Ben shares insights from his new book, Becoming Fearless, and highlights strategies for overcoming self-doubt. Dr. John recounts a challenging vacation that tested his resilience and mindfulness. The conversation covers the importance of self-leadership, crafting meaningful work, and addressing fears in pursuit of personal and professional growth.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Benjamin Ritter01:28 A Challenging Vacation Story04:39 Dealing with Adversity and Mindfulness08:37 The Importance of Asking for Help17:57 Ben's New Book and Personal Updates20:04 Facing and Overcoming Fears24:06 Building Tools for Growth and Accountability24:23 The Power of a Growth Mindset24:53 Overcoming Excuses and Embracing Responsibility25:37 Learning and Practicing Leadership Skills26:25 Understanding Different Levels of Learning28:21 Building Confidence and Self-Worth30:32 The Role of Self-Belief in Personal Growth33:17 Managing Inner Critic and Voices in Your Head40:10 Finding Meaning and Satisfaction in Work41:45 Promoting Self-Leadership in the Workplace42:29 Exploring Job Crafting for Fulfillment44:53 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAbout Our Esteemed Guest:Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself (LFY) Consulting, is a Chicago based leadership and empowerment coach, national speaker, consultant, mentor, teacher, and passionate about guiding others in finding, creating, and sustaining greater meaning at work and in life. During his time as a healthcare executive and side hustling entrepreneur he was over worked and under-utilized, and despite his professional success didn’t feel successful. After much introspection he pivoted professionally and started crafting a more effective, efficient, and aligned life. As he was creating this new life he realized that his process was a process, and that he could coach others how to do the same for themselves. Ben is the author of the book, Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies To Journey From Self-Doubt To Self-Mastery.Links:benjamin-ritter.comLinkedin.com/in/ritterbenj Youtube.com/c/benjaminritter

    59 min
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4.8
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

Success Without Happiness is Just Fancy Misery Let’s be honest. If you’re crushing it at work but your personal life is circling the drain, you’re not actually winning. And if you’ve mastered spreadsheets but can’t remember the last time you laughed, touched a human, or had sex that didn’t feel like a negotiation—well, you’ve got a problem.  The goal here isn’t just success. It’s success and happiness. At work and at home. Anything less? That’s just a burnout cocktail served with a side of regret.  Dr. John Schinnerer has been helping men level the hell up for over 20 years. We're talking Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 CEOs, pro athletes, and high-powered execs—aka, the guys who look like they have it all together but are secretly one crisis away from losing their minds.  John’s obsession? The sweet spot where high performance meets actual fulfillment. Where you stop white-knuckling your way through life and start showing up with purpose, connection, and the kind of swagger that comes from knowing who you are—not just what you do.  So if you want to become the kind of man who’s not emotionally allergic, who leads with confidence, loves with intention, and actually enjoys the life he’s built—welcome. You’re exactly where you need to be.  Just do us all a favor and hit subscribe, rate, review, and, most importantly, share this with another person who could use a kick in the emotional pants.  Let’s evolve, fellas. The world needs better men.  For more on the podcast, visit:TheEvolvedCaveman.com  For more on Dr. John's executive coaching services, visit:GuideToSelf.com  For info on Dr. John and Joree's top notch couples counseling, hit up:LoveIsntEnough.netFor info on Joree's excellent counseling for women, take a look at:JoreeRose.com

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