The Masterful Man

Sven Masterson
  • 5.0 (3)
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Unlock Unshakable Confidence, Leadership, and Freedom as a Man This is the podcast for men who refuse to settle. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your marriage, career, or personal growth—like you’re carrying the weight of the world while secretly wondering if it’s all about to fall apart—you’re not alone. Too many high-achieving men feel like they’re winning on the outside but losing where it matters most: in their relationships, their inner peace, and their sense of purpose. This show is your roadmap to breaking free. It’s where men learn to stop living on autopilot, take ownership of their lives, and step into the kind of strength and leadership that changes everything—from the way they handle conflict to the way they show up as husbands, fathers, and men of impact. Each episode dives deep into the real struggles men face: Overcoming resentment, shame, and emotional isolationBreaking free from the need for external validationRebuilding intimacy and trust in marriage without begging for itMastering emotional resilience and self-sourced confidenceFinding purpose and direction without feeling lost in expectationsLearning the power of brotherhood, accountability, and personal ownership This isn’t about gimmicks, outdated alpha-male advice, or shallow self-improvement hacks. It’s about real, lasting transformation. You won’t find easy answers here—just the raw truth, powerful insights, and practical strategies that help men reclaim their power and lead their lives with clarity and conviction. Hosted by a mentor and coach who has walked this path firsthand, the conversations go beyond surface-level talk. You’ll hear from men who have done the work—men who have faced their darkest moments and emerged stronger, wiser, and more unstoppable than ever. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, if you’re done with self-doubt, and if you’re ready to step into a version of yourself that leads, loves, and lives with unshakable confidence—this is where it starts. Hit follow and start your journey today. Learn more at https://masterful.men

  1. 07/21/2025

    Can Men Really Use Artificial Intelligence to Create Authentic Intimacy?

    In this episode of The Masterful Man Podcast, Sven Masterson and Steve Horsmon take on a growing trend in modern masculinity: men turning to AI for personal growth, emotional insight, and even relational repair. From decoding texts to composing “compassionate” responses, more men are outsourcing what they feel unequipped to face themselves. The goal might be connection, but the result is often disconnection, self-betrayal, and deeper isolation. Sven and Steve share what they’re seeing in their coaching work: Men trying to fix deep relational struggles with surface-level tacticsThe temptation to outsource self-awareness instead of developing itHow AI reinforces a “doing” mindset and keeps men stuck in performanceWhy emotional safety, intimacy, and love require risk, not scriptsThe difference between external skill and internal trustThe subtle ways self-doubt leads to manipulation, even in good menWhy real change begins the moment you allow yourself to be seen This isn’t just a conversation about technology. It’s about what happens when men search for control instead of choosing growth. Underneath the silence, habits, or even anger, most men long to be known and accepted without having to keep performing. But intimacy doesn’t come from better phrasing. It comes from becoming a man who no longer hides behind it. This episode explores why so many capable men stay stuck—and why so few ever find the intimacy, peace, and presence they crave. We speak plainly, from the raw experience of shame and insecurity to the relief of finally liking the man in the mirror. If you’re tired of trying to earn love through perfection, Tired of “solving” your wife like a system, And something deep inside is ready for real change... start here. Related Resources 📖 Narcissist! Or Not? Ever been accused of narcissism, or wondered if you might be one? This short book explores what’s really going on—and why self-awareness, not shame, is the path forward. ➡️ https://narcissistornot.com 🧭 Take the Assessment Want honest feedback on how your behavior might come across to others? Especially through the lens of insecurity or self-protection? ➡️ https://bit.ly/40XFWnV Ready to Actually Do the Work? If this episode hit home and you’re done trying to AI-hack your way into connection, take the next step. Steve and I created the 60-Day Relationship Reset for men ready to become safe, solid, and seen—without outsourcing their inner work. This isn’t relationship advice. It’s a practical path to becoming the kind of man who doesn’t just want intimacy—he creates it. Ideal for men who are: Walking on eggshells in their marriageAlways second-guessing what to say or doFeeling shut out emotionally or sexuallyTired of performing for loveReady to lead from strength, not fear This experience is raw, challenging, and grounded in real transformation—not performative “niceness,” not tactical charm, and definitely not AI scripts. ➡️ Enroll now: https://bit.ly/non-course-men Use promo code: DONTASKAI for 30% off (good for 7 days) Become a Man Who Can Be Intimate Both Sven and Steve host private communities for men who are ready to stop hiding, be fully seen, and walk a path of transformation, not just collect information. Explore Masterful Men (Sven’s community): https://masterful.men Explore Goodguys2Greatmen (Steve’s community): https://goodguys2greatmen.com/goodguys2greatmen-live-coaching-roundtable/ These are not tip-and-trick groups. They're places for men ready to drop old strategies, reclaim their power, and build lives marked by confidence, clarity, and connection. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to stop running. #menswork #intimacyformen #emotionalmaturity #masculineleadership #menscoaching #selfleadership #narcissismrecovery #authenticconnection #innerwork #relationshipgrowth #marriagehelpformen #emotionalintelligence #beabetterman #masculineidentity #overcominginsecurity

    1h 27m

  2. 07/01/2025

    From Self-Loathing to Self-Leadership: Isaac’s Journey to Unconditional Worth and Marriage Redemption

    What happens when you’ve built the life you thought you wanted, but it still feels empty? Isaac had a steady job, a loving wife, and three beautiful children. He was a man of faith, a provider, and a devoted father. But underneath it all, he was miserable. His marriage felt strained, his emotions ran cold, and he had a constant sense that he wasn’t enough. He kept the peace, avoided conflict, and did “all the right things”—but nothing seemed to work. Then came the breaking point. In this gripping and powerful conversation, Isaac shares the journey that took him from suicidal despair to deep emotional freedom. He reveals how covert contracts, religious shame, and childhood bullying shaped his emotional world, and how discovering the concept of Unconditional High Regard (UHR) helped him reclaim his worth, rebuild his marriage, and become the kind of man who can lead himself with strength and empathy. Whether you’ve struggled with people-pleasing, religious guilt, emotional numbness, or the deep fear that you’re just not good enough, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why having “everything you wanted” doesn’t guarantee peace, connection, or fulfillmentHow shame hides behind blame, manipulation, and conflict avoidance in marriageThe truth about covert contracts and the damage they do to trust and intimacyWhy “being a good Christian husband” sometimes fuels more resentment than connectionThe moment Isaac almost ended it all, and what saved him insteadHow UHR (Unconditional High Regard) changed his inner world and outer relationshipsThe critical role community played in his healing and long-term growthWhat a marriage actually needs to thrive, and how to stop making your wife responsible for your value Isaac’s transformation didn’t come from fixing his wife, quoting more Bible verses, or learning better techniques. It came from seeing himself differently. When a man stops trying to earn love and starts embodying worth, everything changes... from the inside out. Apply for a complimentary mentoring session with Sven here: 👉 https://svenmasterson.com/apply Join the Masterful Man Community and start your journey toward becoming unstuck, unshakable, and unstoppable. ⚡️ Start your free 7-day trial + lock in 15% off for 24 months with code: RECLAIM15 👉 https://become.masterful.men Mentioned in This Episode: • No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover – https://amzn.to/3GsiMOP • What to Do When the Aliens Show Up (And Even If They Don’t) by Sven Masterson – https://bit.ly/alienarrivalbook • Good Guys to Great Men by Steve Horsmon – https://goodguys2greatmen.com If you’re in a dark place right now, please don’t stay silent. You’re not alone, and there is help: U.S.: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.orgAustralia: Call 13 11 14New Zealand: Call 0800 543 354UK: Call 116 123Global directory: findahelpline.com Your life matters. #MensGrowth #MarriageHelp #FaithAndHealing #UnconditionalSelfWorth #EmotionalMaturity #MensCommunity #MensWork #GetUnstuck #RelationshipLeadership #MasterfulMen #FromShameToStrength #FaithWithoutShame #StopPeoplePleasing #ChristianMen #MensMentorship

    1h 54m

  3. 06/23/2025

    From Numb and Anxious to Grounded and Free: Jeff’s Journey Out of Resignation and Into Real Life

    What if the life you’ve built isn’t actually yours? What if your success, your marriage, your performance, and even your goals were quietly shaped by fear, pressure, and a deep sense of “not enough”? That was Jeff’s story. From the outside, he had everything dialed in—solid job, two great kids, marriage, house, provider status. But inside, he was unraveling. Emotionally disconnected. Living for retirement. Stuck in a joyless routine where nothing he did ever felt like enough. Until one quiet rejection on the couch cracked everything open. In this powerful and deeply relatable episode, Jeff shares the truth most men never admit: that you can have the appearance of success and still feel like a ghost in your own life. Through heartbreak, introspection, and years of unlearning, Jeff discovered how to lead himself—not with force or performance, but with presence, authenticity, and self-trust. If you’ve ever felt unseen, emotionally stuck, or terrified to be alone with your own thoughts, this conversation will feel like coming up for air. You’ll hear Jeff talk about: The “invisible success trap” that kept him stuck for decadesHow his marriage crisis became the doorway to personal transformationThe role of childhood programming and emotional neglect in shaping men’s adult livesWhy he used to think retirement would be the first time he’d get to really liveHow he learned to stop fearing conflict and start expressing his truth—even if it meant saying “no onions on my pizza”The real reason men avoid solitude—and what happens when you finally learn to enjoy your own companyHis perspective on divorce, co-parenting, and the unexpected gift his ex-wife gave him Jeff doesn’t tell a story of perfect redemption or “winning his wife back.” He tells a deeper story—the story of becoming a man he actually likes being with. A man who feels at peace in his own skin. A man who no longer needs to prove anything to be worthy of love. If you’re a man who’s been quietly suffering under the weight of perfectionism, people-pleasing, or passive resignation... this episode is a mirror. And maybe a map. The truth? You don’t need to hit rock bottom to start climbing out. But you do need to stop doing it alone. That’s why we created Masterful Men—a mentoring and brotherhood community designed to help men get unstuck, emotionally unshakable, and ultimately unstoppable. You can start today with a 7-day free trial. 👉 Join us at https://become.masterful.men #mensmentalhealth #divorcerecovery #selfgrowth #healingjourney #personaldevelopment #mentalhealthawareness #fatherhood #emotionalintelligence #menshealth #innerwork #selfleadership #growthmindset #mensupportingmen #highperformancehabits #anxietysupport

    2h 8m

  4. 06/09/2025

    Breaking Through Emotional Gridlock: How Men Lose Connection—and How to Get It Back

    Is your marriage stuck in a cold, transactional rut—where everything feels like a scorecard and intimacy feels out of reach? In this powerful conversation, Sven Masterson and Masterful Men member Craig delve deep into what truly causes emotional disconnection in marriage—and why so many men unknowingly withhold the very thing they’re desperate to receive. They explore how the cultural messaging around love has left men relationally malnourished and how most of us have been trying to draw warmth from a well we’ve never learned to fill ourselves. You’ll hear about: The false gospel of "doing more" to earn love—and why it always failsHow our own shame and internal regard shapes every relationship we haveThe shift from conditional love to unconditional high regard—and why it's not about being a doormatWhat it means to become a "monarch" in your marriage and life—and why you can’t drag your partner through the cocoonWhy true intimacy requires being emotionally seen—and why most men have never practiced that safelyThe transformative power of men’s community and why trying to grow alone will keep you stuckAnd the surprising truth about your marriage: It might not be the problem—it might be the invitation to find yourself This episode is for any man who feels like love has become a transaction, and who longs for a marriage rooted in emotional safety, mutual respect, and enduring connection. If you’re ready to stop playing the martyr or the fixer—and start leading with presence, warmth, and authentic power—then join us at https://masterful.men or apply for a complimentary mentoring session at https://svenmasterson.com/apply. Sven's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sven-Masterson/author/B0D3YFWY5P #MensWork #MarriageHelp #RelationshipAdvice #EmotionalGridlock #MensGrowth #EmotionalLeadership #MasterfulMen #UnchainedHusband #EmotionalSafety #MidlifeMarriage #MensCoach #SelfLeadership #RelationalHealing #MasculinePresence #FromStuckToStrong

    1h 45m

  5. 06/02/2025

    Emotional Safety & Secure Masculinity: How Strong Men Create Safe Relationships (Without Losing Their Power)

    What does it mean to be an emotionally safe man? Not just in theory—but in the day-to-day mess of marriage, intimacy, and relational gridlock? In this raw and enlightening episode, Sven sits down with Steve Horsmon from GoodGuys2GreatMen—a coach, mentor, and co-author (along with Sven) of the book Narcissist! Or Not?. Together, they unpack one of the most misunderstood ideas in relationships: emotional safety. Why women crave it. Why most men misunderstand it. And how learning to embody it can unlock the intimacy and connection you’ve been chasing for years. This isn’t another feel-good pep talk or soft advice. It’s a grounded, humorous, deeply relatable conversation between two men who have lived the transformation themselves—and now mentor others through it. Here’s what we explore in this episode: What emotional safety really means (it’s not about coddling feelings)Why most men are emotionally unsafe—and don’t realize itThe hidden resentment cycle that destroys intimacyWhy your kids feel safe with you, but your wife doesn’t—and what that saysHow anxious men unknowingly create avoidant partnersWhy being the “lighthouse” is more powerful than being the “rowboat”The truth about sex, safety, and spiritual maturity in relationshipsWhy trying harder usually backfires—and what actually worksThe “emotional weaning” every man must go through to become wholeAnd why the best thing you can do for your relationship… is stop needing it to fix you This is one of those episodes you’ll come back to again and again—not just for the insights, but because it reminds you of who you are and who you’re becoming. If you’re ready to stop chasing approval, fighting for connection, or wondering if your marriage will ever feel alive again… this episode offers a new path: one rooted in maturity, sovereignty, and quiet strength.  To join Sven and the Masterful Men community, visit: www.masterful.men For more from Steve, visit: www.goodguys2greatmen.com For More on Emotional Safety in Marriage: https://resilienthusbandbook.com Hashtags: #MensWork #EmotionalSafety #MasculineLeadership #MarriageHelp #SelfLeadership #EmotionalMaturity #AvoidantWife #AnxiousAttachment #SecureMan #MasculinePresence #SexlessMarriage #MenWhoLead #FromMilkToMastery #MasterfulMen #GoodGuysToGreatMen

    1h 28m

  6. 05/27/2025

    From Performer to Partner: A Husband’s Awakening After His Wife Checked Out

    What happens when a high-achieving, well-meaning husband wakes up to the reality that his wife has been emotionally gone for years? That’s exactly what happened to Chris—a successful business owner, father of three, and Ironman competitor who thought he was checking all the right boxes. He provided, he stayed loyal, he was involved at church, and he pushed himself to grow… but behind the scenes, his marriage was quietly unraveling. In this raw and deeply relatable conversation, Chris shares what it was like to discover that the woman he loved no longer felt safe, seen, or even attracted to him. And it wasn’t because he was lazy, abusive, or absent—it was because, like many men, he didn’t know how emotionally disconnected he had become. He was leading everywhere but home. We dive into the painful wake-up moment that flipped his world upside down, why his wife described their marriage like living on a sinking ship, and how his attempts to “fix” things only made her shut down more. But more importantly, Chris reveals what finally worked: getting out of performance mode, doing the inner work, and letting himself be truly seen—not just by his wife, but by a community of men who refused to let him settle for less than a full, wholehearted life. This episode is for any man who: Feels like he’s doing everything “right” but it’s never enoughGets reactive or defensive when his wife shares how she feelsHas been called controlling, emotionally unavailable, or even narcissisticIs terrified that his marriage might be beyond repairIs stuck in shame, confusion, and hopelessness about what to do next Chris’s journey is a powerful reminder that transformation doesn’t start by fixing your wife—it starts by facing yourself. And when a man begins to source love and validation from within instead of waiting for it from others, everything changes. His leadership grows. His marriage shifts. His kids notice. His world opens up. If you’re tired of waiting, blaming, and living on emotional eggshells, this conversation will speak directly to your heart—and show you what’s possible on the other side of stuckness. It starts with ownership. It grows in community. It leads to freedom. Check out https://masterful.men to begin your own journey. Top 15 Hashtags for This Episode: #MensWork #MarriageHelp #EmotionallyUnavailable #HighAchievingMen #MarriageRecovery #HusbandsInCrisis #MensCoaching #EmotionalResilience #AvoidantWife #SelfLeadership #MenInCommunity #MasculineGrowth #HealingShame #FromResentmentToConnection #MasterfulMen

    1h 56m

  7. 05/12/2025

    Letting Go to Lead: From Sexual Shame & Self-Doubt to Courage, Ownership & Emotional Safety

    Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try to fix your marriage, it only makes things worse? That was Mohamed’s experience. A devoted father and husband on the outside, he was secretly battling shame, depression, self-doubt, and emotional paralysis. He carried hidden guilt around sexuality, struggled to trust himself, and lived in fear of confrontation—always waiting for his wife’s acceptance before he could offer it to himself. But real change didn’t come from trying harder. It came when he stopped trying to fix the marriage… and started transforming the man inside it. In this honest, powerful episode, Mohamed opens up about how he moved from martyrdom, emotional gridlock, and codependency into leadership, clarity, and self-respect. What unlocked it all? Acceptance. Ownership. And a radical new way of seeing himself—and his wife. This episode is for any man who: Battles sexual shame, secrecy, or silent guiltHas struggled with porn, fantasy, or sexual dysfunctionIs waiting for his wife to change before he doesLives in fear of emotional confrontationIs terrified of losing the marriage—but even more afraid of staying stuckTries to earn love through performance, people-pleasing, or perfectionismConfuses approval with acceptance and avoids hard truthsWants deeper connection but doesn't know how to get there without control or collapse You’ll discover: The difference between acceptance and approval—and why it mattersHow shame masquerades as humility but sometimes also hides deep arroganceWhat it means to have unconditional high regard for yourself and your partnerWhy letting go of needing your marriage to survive is the first act of emotional courageHow to set strong boundaries without attack or retreatWhy sexual shame destroys connection—and how to reclaim your dignityThe power of ownership and self-sourced trust to transform your lifeHow real leadership is forged in the fires of fear—not the comfort of certaintyWhy brotherhood and men’s community are essential for lasting changeWhat happens when a man stops being reactive and starts becoming rooted This isn’t a conversation about quick fixes or performance hacks. It’s a vulnerable look at what it means to become a man who is emotionally solid—who lays down the gun, owns his part, and becomes the safe, grounded presence his family needs. If you’re stuck in shame, confusion, or fear of confrontation—and you’re ready to stop outsourcing your worth and start becoming who you were meant to be—this episode will meet you right where you are. But don’t just listen. Join us inside Masterful Men, where you’ll find the community, challenge, and mentorship that will help you go from stuck to unstoppable. 🔹 Learn more and start your journey → https://masterful.men

    2h 29m

  8. 05/06/2025

    Rebuilding After Divorce: How One Man Found Strength, Self-Worth & a Better Life

    What happens when the life you built suddenly crumbles? When the woman you thought you’d grow old with tells you she’s no longer in love with you? For many men, divorce feels like the end. But for Andrew, it became the beginning of something unexpected—his own transformation. In this raw and powerful episode, Andrew shares how he went from shock and resignation to confidence and peace, even while co-parenting his four daughters just across the street from his ex-wife. We explore: The warning signs he missed and the patterns that kept him stuckThe painful reality of watching his former life continue without himHow he overcame deep self-judgment, resentment, and fearThe mindset shift that helped him let go and rebuild his life on his termsWhy learning to be okay alone was the key to thriving in new relationshipsHow he forged a strong, drama-free co-parenting relationship with his exThe simple but powerful decisions that helped him reclaim his power Divorce doesn’t have to mean devastation. Andrew’s story proves that it can be a doorway to something greater—if you’re willing to do the work. If you’re struggling with the pain of separation or feeling stuck in your own life, this episode will give you a new perspective—and real steps to start moving forward. But listening isn’t enough. True transformation comes when you take action. Join us inside Masterful Men, where you’ll find the guidance, community, and mentorship to step into the life you were meant to live. 🔹 Start your journey today → Masterful.Men #DivorceRecovery #MensGrowth #MasterfulMen #MasculineLeadership #SelfWorth #Fatherhood #DivorcedDad #MensMentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalResilience #Confidence #SelfDiscovery #HealingAfterDivorce #LifeAfterDivorce #CoParenting #ReclaimYourPower

    1h 58m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Unlock Unshakable Confidence, Leadership, and Freedom as a Man This is the podcast for men who refuse to settle. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your marriage, career, or personal growth—like you’re carrying the weight of the world while secretly wondering if it’s all about to fall apart—you’re not alone. Too many high-achieving men feel like they’re winning on the outside but losing where it matters most: in their relationships, their inner peace, and their sense of purpose. This show is your roadmap to breaking free. It’s where men learn to stop living on autopilot, take ownership of their lives, and step into the kind of strength and leadership that changes everything—from the way they handle conflict to the way they show up as husbands, fathers, and men of impact. Each episode dives deep into the real struggles men face: Overcoming resentment, shame, and emotional isolationBreaking free from the need for external validationRebuilding intimacy and trust in marriage without begging for itMastering emotional resilience and self-sourced confidenceFinding purpose and direction without feeling lost in expectationsLearning the power of brotherhood, accountability, and personal ownership This isn’t about gimmicks, outdated alpha-male advice, or shallow self-improvement hacks. It’s about real, lasting transformation. You won’t find easy answers here—just the raw truth, powerful insights, and practical strategies that help men reclaim their power and lead their lives with clarity and conviction. Hosted by a mentor and coach who has walked this path firsthand, the conversations go beyond surface-level talk. You’ll hear from men who have done the work—men who have faced their darkest moments and emerged stronger, wiser, and more unstoppable than ever. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, if you’re done with self-doubt, and if you’re ready to step into a version of yourself that leads, loves, and lives with unshakable confidence—this is where it starts. Hit follow and start your journey today. Learn more at https://masterful.men

Information

  • Creator
    Sven Masterson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sven Masterson, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Masterful Man