The King Within: Modern Masculinity and the Sovereign Man

Mike Salemi
  • 5.0 (59)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The King Within explores what it means to embody true strength, purpose, and presence in every area of a man’s life. Hosted by performance coach Mike Salemi, this show bridges the worlds of movement, mindset, and meaning—helping men reclaim their vitality, master their nervous system, and lead from a grounded center. From elite athletes to modern-day warriors, every conversation dives deep into the frameworks, tools, and inner work required to live, love, and lead with integrity. Subscribe for weekly conversations on high performance, embodiment, leadership, and holistic wellness. 💪 Join The Grounded King Collective → thegroundedking.com Mention 'PODCAST' for a special discount 🌐 Learn more → coaching.mikesalemi.io

  1. AUG 22

    138. How to Work With Pain

    Most men don’t realize just how much pain they’re carrying, or how that pain silently bleeds into their work, relationships, and sense of self. In this short solo episode, I break down how unaddressed pain shows up in the body and mind, why “powering through” makes it worse, and what it actually looks like to begin healing. You'll learn a 4-step process for who to work with your pain in real time using writing as the tool. You’ll hear insights drawn from my own life, client experiences, and what I’ve seen working with high-performing men who’ve reached their breaking point. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most men underestimate how much pain they’re carryingHow to begin using writing as a tool for transformationA story of facing pain in relationship and what it revealedPractical steps (the 4-Step Enlifted Storywork Process) for working with fear and discomfortA powerful invitation to take the next step in your own growth LINKS and OFFERS: NEW SPECIAL: Vital Man Collective Virtual Men's Group. Get one additional month free when you reach out this week (Email: Mike@Mikesalemi.io)NEW SPECIAL: Men of Movement Retreat: Get $1000 off on this retreat October 9-12th, when you reach out this week (Email: Mike@Mikesalemi.io)Book a free 15 Minute call with Mike to discussion options or offers: 1:1 Coaching, Retreats, or the Vital Man Collective Men's Group

    26 min

  2. AUG 7

    137. Reactivity vs. Responsiveness: How to Lead Yourself When You Want to Snap

    Most men think reactivity is the problem, however it’s not always. In this episode, I break down the key difference between clean, protective reactivity and the kind of emotional reactivity that damages trust and connection. I’ll walk you through what’s really underneath those short fuses, how to shift from unconscious reactions to grounded leadership, and how to start reparenting yourself in the heat of the moment. This one’s for the men who are holding a lot, doing a lot, and want to show up better for themselves and the people they love. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The real difference between healthy reactivity and unconscious reactionWhy overextension leads to emotional snap points in menHow Enneagram Type 2 patterns fuel people-pleasing and resentmentA simple breath + grounding practice to shift reactivity in the momentJournal prompts to help you respond, not explode, under pressure Links Free Gift: The Strongman's Scoreboard Vital Man Collective - Men's Group and Private Community Men of Movement Retreat, Oct. 9-12th in Mt. Shasta, CA Apply for 1:1 Coaching with Mike Mike's Website

    28 min

  3. JUL 19

    136. When You Know Better… But Still Do It with Greg Schmaus

    Have you ever found yourself stuck in a pattern you know isn’t serving you… and no matter how much you try, you keep repeating it? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and returning guest Greg Schmaus to explore why good men so often betray themselves—even when they’re doing everything they can to “fix it.” We go deep into Family Constellations, the victim triangle, and the unconscious contracts many of us form in childhood that silently shape our relationships, sense of power, and integrity. This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and deeply practical—especially if you’ve ever said, “I know better… but I still can’t change.” In this episode, we cover: The victim triangle as a constellationWhy men stay stuck in self-betrayalHow childhood dynamics shape adult relationshipsThe link between infidelity and hidden family contractsFamily Constellation work as a path to healing LINKS: October 9-12th Men of Movement Retreat, Mt. Shasta - Learn More Healing 4D with Greg Schmaus - Click Here Apply to Work with Mike - Click Here Mike's Website

    59 min

  4. MAY 3

    135. The Sacred Pause: Hunting, Healing, and Coming Home

    In this solo episode, I share the transformative experience of my sixth sacred hunt—a trip that reset me from the inside out. From deep rest under an old tree to the intensity of a final morning harvest, this journey was filled with humbling insights on pace, presence, and purpose. I reflect on what it really means to walk with the land, how the hunt became a mirror for my life back home, and the unexpected ways these immersions in nature sharpen my leadership, my relationships, and my soul. In this episode, I share: What sacred hunting taught me about presenceThe moment the land forced me to slow downWhy success isn’t always about the killHow nature sharpens leadership and awarenessThe power of unplugging and walking with the landWhat makes this hunt different than all the restDetails on the upcoming Primal Reset Retreat LINKS Primal Reset Retreat, May 17-20th in Mt. Shasta, CA Scared Hunting

    49 min

  5. APR 27

    134. Liver & Vital Living: A Deep Dive with Aleks Rybchinskiy

    In this episode of The Path, I’m joined by my longtime friend and brother Aleks Rybchinskiy—a practitioner who’s walked the holistic performance path for decades and played a key role in the creation of BERSKI, a nutrient-dense organ meat snack line co-founded by Richard Blomberg of Eleiko. This conversation is for the man who’s done a lot of things right—built a strong body, built a business, maybe even a family—but is still seeking more alignment with his values. We explore how nutrition, especially ancestral foods like liver, can become a tool for reclaiming energy, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. We also get real about fatherhood, time, and discerning what’s truly worth showing up for. In this episode, we cover: Why liver outperforms muscle meat in protein and micronutrient contentThe problem with most liver supplements—and what “desiccated” really meansUnderstanding the labels: grass-fed vs. grass-finished vs. pasture-raisedHow Aleks reversed his father’s fatty liver through daily liver intakeHow conscious nourishment supports masculine leadership and family life LINKS: BERSKI 10% Discount Code: THEPATH Work with Mike: 1:1 Coaching | Vital Man Collective | Retreats Follow Mike: Website: Coaching.mikesalemi.io May 17-20th Primal Reset Retreat, Mt. Shasta, CA Instagram: @Mike.salemi

    1 hr

  6. APR 4

    133. Why High Performers Crash (And Don’t See It Coming)

    Most high-performing men don’t realize they’re crashing until something breaks. And by the time they feel it in their body, relationships, or clarity—it’s usually been coming for a while.  In today’s episode of The Path Podcast, I share the 5 Misfires of the Modern Man—the subtle but powerful signs your system is screaming for a reset. These are the patterns I see in clients who are crushing it in business but quietly burning out behind the scenes. If you’re waking up tired, always tense, disconnected from your purpose, or just feel like your edge is slipping—this episode is for you. Topics Covered:Why 8 hours of sleep still leaves you tiredHow tension reveals unspoken emotionWhat flat workouts and low sex drive really meanThe moment you realize you’ve outgrown your lifeWhat it costs to ignore your body’s signals LINKS May 17-20, Primal Reset Retreat in Mt. Shasta, CAVital Man CollectiveWebsite Instagram: @mike.Salemi

    38 min

  7. MAR 22

    132. Water Like You’ve Never Heard It—A Miracle Healing Story with Scott Estrada

    In this episode of The Path with Mike Salemi, I sit down with Scott Estrada for a deeply personal and powerful conversation on healing, hydration, and the miracle of his father’s recovery. After a traumatic spinal cord injury left Scott’s father with a grim prognosis, Scott devoted himself to creating a healing environment using everything he had learned over 40 years of studying human biology, hydration, and natural medicine. What unfolded inside that hospital room defied what most would consider possible. We dive into the science and spirit behind real healing—how structured water, mineralization, light, and nature all play a role in restoring the body at a cellular level. Scott also shares what it took to make peace with his father’s choices and how surrender, presence, and deep trust became part of the healing process. Whether you’re into high-performance, holistic health, or the emotional journey of transformation—this conversation will move you. We explore: • The miracle recovery of Scott’s father • The role of water, light, and hydration in cellular healing • How modern environments create chronic dehydration • Making peace with a loved one’s path • What most hospitals and systems miss about true healing LINKS: Scott Estrada WebsiteIon Mike Salemi WebsiteVital Man CollectiveMay 17-20th Primal Reset Retreat

    1h 23m

  8. MAR 7

    131. Why Men Feel Lost—And How to Reclaim Your Fire

    "I feel like I've lost myself over the years. I don't even know who I am anymore." I've heard this countless times from men in my groups—and I’ve been there myself. Life transitions like fatherhood, career shifts, breakups, and injuries can leave you feeling disconnected from your fire, your passion, and even your sense of self. But this feeling isn’t random—it’s a pattern, and it has deep roots. In this episode of The Path, we dive into Nice Guy Syndrome, a pattern of people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, and losing yourself in relationships. I’ll share my personal wake-up call, the hidden beliefs that fuel this behavior, and how to break free. We’ll also cover: The three biggest traps that keep men stuckThe difference between solitude and isolationHow to rebuild self-trust and take actionWhy brotherhood and accountability are essential for growthHow small shifts in language can change your story If you’ve ever felt lost, this episode will help you find your way back. Links & Resources New Men's Community & Group Learn More about The Vital Man Collective, click here Upcoming Men's Retreats: May 17-20th, Primal Reset Retreat Collab with Tim Corcoran, Mt. Shasta, CA - Click HereOctober 9-12th: Flagship Men of Movement Retreat, Mt. Shasta, CA - Click Here Connect with me on Instagram: @Mike.Salemi Website

    33 min
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About

The King Within explores what it means to embody true strength, purpose, and presence in every area of a man’s life. Hosted by performance coach Mike Salemi, this show bridges the worlds of movement, mindset, and meaning—helping men reclaim their vitality, master their nervous system, and lead from a grounded center. From elite athletes to modern-day warriors, every conversation dives deep into the frameworks, tools, and inner work required to live, love, and lead with integrity. Subscribe for weekly conversations on high performance, embodiment, leadership, and holistic wellness. 💪 Join The Grounded King Collective → thegroundedking.com Mention 'PODCAST' for a special discount 🌐 Learn more → coaching.mikesalemi.io

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