Men Talking Mindfulness
Men Talking Mindfulness
Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider
Welcome to Men Talking Mindfulness - raw, uncut, and unapologetic conversations about mindfulness. Hosted by retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness coach, Jon Macaskill, and renowned NYC yoga instructor and mindfulness guru, Will Schneider, MTM is dedicated to helping men and those with men in their lives navigate life's complex challenges through mindfulness practices. Each episode delves into a range of topics, including mental health, relationships, personal growth, and resilience, offering practical advice and techniques to cultivate mindfulness and improve overall well-being.
MEDITATION: Transformation Technique
This meditation is great anytime you’re feeling stuck and need some inspiration to move forward beyond all the fear, worries and self-sabotage.
Aug 31, 2023
20 min
Unmasking the Silent Struggle: Fathers and Depression
In this enlightening episode, Jon and Will sit down with Travis Goodman, a holistic mental health expert, to explore the intricate web of men and depression, particularly spotlighting the experience of fathers. Drawing from his extensive training in therapies like Attachment-Focused-EMDR, EFT, and DBT, Travis provides a unique perspective on the emotional challenges many men face and offers practical tools for navigating the sometimes stormy waters of mental health. Whether you're a father, a partner, a son, or simply someone keen to deepen their understanding, this conversation promises to be both eye-opening and empowering. Time Stamps: (00:00:33) Fatherhood and celebrating all fathers. (00:03:45) The Men Talking Mindfulness merch shop. (00:08:05) Moving away from one-dimensional. (00:11:13) Men and depression stigma. (00:14:41) Men's fight, flight, freeze response. (00:20:15) The burden of masculinity. (00:23:14) Coping mechanisms and distractions. (00:25:45) Men's struggles with emotional regulation. (00:29:39) Fear as a driver. (00:33:38) The importance of attachment. (00:37:12) Parents as threat to safety. (00:40:15) Coping mechanisms and distractions. (00:43:11) Setting boundaries with technology. (00:48:03) Building trust with men. (00:49:33) One-dimensional view of masculinity. (00:53:28) Long-term therapeutic transformation. (00:55:40) Shifting focus and finding purpose. (00:58:03) Never reaching the enough state. (01:04:47) Signs and symptoms of depression. (01:05:23) Feelings inside, not expressed. (01:08:43) Tossing the ball in communication. (01:12:16) Therapist as a safe space. (01:17:05) Grounding and self-compassion. (01:20:00) Self-compassion and workshop announcement. //LINKS Find Travis Therapy4Dads on IG and podcast and youtube.com/@travisgoodman //WHERE YOU CAN FIND US Text MINDFUL to 33777 to sign up for the MTM NewsletterWebsite - ⁠http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/⁠ Listen on Spotify - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast⁠ Watch on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Follow Will - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/⁠ Follow Jon - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill⁠ Join the MTM Facebook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665 #MenTalkingMindfulness #Mindfulness #meditation
Aug 28, 2023
1 hr 21 min
A Meditation to Move Beyond the "All or Nothing" Mentality
Discover the profound power of balance with our "Embracing Balance Meditation." In this guided mindfulness journey, you'll explore the liberating concept of finding equilibrium in life's pursuits, letting go of the constraints of all-or-nothing thinking. Close your eyes and settle into a comfortable position. Allow the soothing voice to lead you on a transformative path as you visualize a metaphorical dial—the symbol of your approach to various aspects of your life. Release the weight of extremes as you gently turn the dial towards the center, embracing a space where progress is valued over perfection. Through deep breaths and focused awareness, you'll connect with the idea that life unfolds in gentle ebbs and flows. As you journey through this meditation, you'll set intentions to integrate the wisdom of the balanced dial into your daily life, fostering a flexible and compassionate mindset. This meditation invites you to let go of rigid expectations and embrace the beauty of gradual progress. It reminds you that every step forward, no matter how small, leads you closer to your goals. Embrace the transformative power of finding your unique middle ground—a place where well-being and advancement coexist harmoniously. As you emerge from this meditation, you'll carry with you the tools to navigate life with grace and resilience, embodying the concept of balance in all your endeavors.
Aug 24, 2023
11 min
Harnessing Mindfulness in the Workplace: A Conversation with Combat Veteran, Jannell MacAulay PhD.
In this gripping episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, join hosts Jon Macaskill, a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness teacher in Colorado Springs, and Will Schneider, a yoga and mindfulness teacher in NYC, as they dive deep into raw and authentic conversations on mental health, personal growth, and self-discovery. Today, they are honored to sit down with Dr. Jannell MacAulay, a USAF Combat Veteran with 20 years of service, who also holds a PhD. From pilot and commander to special operations consultant and professionalism instructor, Jannell is not your typical mindfulness advocate. Imagine the fierce dedication of a combat veteran, coupled with a profound journey into mindfulness — that’s what Dr. MacAulay embodies. She pioneered the introduction of mindfulness as a proactive performance strategy within the US military, and her unique insights have reached beyond her service. In her inspiring talk, Dr. MacAulay candidly shares her personal experiences in the military and how she transformed initial skepticism, both her own and that of others, into a bridge between the worlds of military discipline and mindful introspection. But it’s not just about her journey — Dr. MacAulay equips listeners with actionable strategies for integrating mindfulness into high-stress, high-stakes environments, from the battlefield to the boardroom. She provides tangible tools, from quick breathing techniques to deeper practices, that are designed to help anyone — corporate leaders, young professionals, or individuals seeking balance in today’s fast-paced world — enhance their professional life and personal resilience. As a special note, Dr. MacAulay’s remarkable achievements extend beyond her military service and mindfulness work. She was part of a heroic mission that destroyed 1200 tons of poisonous gas in Syria, averting a global crisis and saving untold lives—a mission that captured the attention of Rolling Stone magazine and is potentially hitting the silver screen. Plus, don’t miss her sharing about her unique talent in the California Miss Teen competition: juggling machetes! Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and equipped with the tools to harness the power of mindfulness, no matter where your 'battlefield' lies. Thank you for tuning in, sharing this podcast, helping us grow, and embarking on this journey towards becoming more mindful. Catch this episode and let Dr. Jannell MacAulay guide you towards a mindful transformation in the workplace and beyond! Time stamps: (00:01:31) Mindfulness in the workplace. (00:04:03) Parachute breath and relaxation. (00:08:23) Joy in the struggle. (00:12:30) Mindfulness in high stress environments. (00:17:47) Developing trust within oneself. (00:19:23) Building Interpersonal Trust. (00:23:19) The power of connection. (00:25:09) Fear of people's opinions. (00:29:42) Mindfulness and burnout. (00:33:57) Mindfulness and inner critic. (00:37:01) Living life moment to moment. (00:39:15) Teaching mindfulness to children. (00:43:08) Leading Yourself First. (00:46:08) Combating chemical weapons. (00:50:25) Machete juggling talent. (00:52:59) Unique baton twirling talent. (00:56:50) Solving for burnout. (01:01:13) Mindfulness and its impact. (01:05:21) A mindful minute. (01:08:31) Parasympathetic activation and discomfort. //LINKSFind Jannell: https://jannellmacaulay.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jannell-macaulay-phd-a187261/https://www.instagram.com/macaulayjc/ //WHERE YOU CAN FIND USText MINDFUL to 33777 to sign up for the MTM NewsletterWebsite - ⁠http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/⁠Listen on Spotify - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast⁠ Watch on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Follow Will - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/⁠ Follow Jon - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill⁠ Join the MTM Facebook Group - ⁠#MenTalkingMindfulness #Mindfulness #meditation
Aug 21, 2023
1 hr 9 min
MEDITATION: Self Compassion Meditation
Are you feeling down in the dump? Or you can't let go of something that's bothering you? Then you are in the right place. This self-compassion meditation will help lighten your load so you experience a happier and more peaceful day. Come back and do this meditation any time you need it! Thank you Will MTM
Aug 17, 2023
14 min
Dopamine: The Molecule of More with Author Michael E. Long
Tune in to this captivating episode of Men Talking Mindfulness as we embark on an enlightening journey into the fascinating world of dopamine with acclaimed author Michael E. Long. Co-author of the thought-provoking book, "The Molecule of More," Michael takes us on a deep dive into the powerful neurotransmitter that drives our desires and ambitions. Join your Will and Jon as they sit down with Michael E. Long to explore the profound influence of dopamine on various aspects of our lives. From the complexities of romantic relationships and the sparks of creativity to the allure of success and the pitfalls of addiction, this conversation uncovers the science behind why we do what we do and want what we want. Throughout the episode, we discover how understanding dopamine can empower us to make better decisions, maintain healthier relationships, and even unleash our creative potential. Michael shares insights from his book, providing valuable knowledge about dopamine's role in shaping human behavior and its impact on societal progress. So, if you're curious about the neuroscience behind your desires, how to harness the power of dopamine for good, and the potential for greater mindfulness, this episode is a must-listen! Join us as we unravel the secrets of dopamine with the engaging author Michael E. Long on Men Talking Mindfulness. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest episodes on mindfulness, self-discovery, and the human mind! Time Stamps: (00:01:17) The dopamine circuit in the brain (00:07:37) The science of dopamine (00:09:53) Publishing journey and success (00:13:57) Consuming pleasure versus anticipatory pleasure (00:18:23) Reward prediction error (00:22:30) Maintaining romantic relationships (00:26:06) Love as a conscious choice (00:29:05) Control dopamine and desire dopamine (00:32:39) Control dopamine and desire (00:35:39) The influence of dopamine (00:38:26) Pursuit of more in technology (00:42:40) Dopamine and political leanings (00:46:27) Genius of "Pet Sounds" (00:50:09) High dopamine and low dopamine (00:54:07) Keeping the audience engaged (00:56:36) Harnessing Dopaminergic Urges (01:01:52) The sequel, the molecule of more (01:05:43) A fun and relatable book //LINKS Find Mike: www.michaelelongonline.com //WHERE YOU CAN FIND US Text MINDFUL to 33777 to sign up for the MTM NewsletterWebsite - ⁠http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/⁠ Listen on Spotify - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast⁠ Watch on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Follow Will - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/⁠ Follow Jon - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill⁠ Join the MTM Facebook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665 #MenTalkingMindfulness #Dopamine #Neuroscience #MichaelELong #TheMoleculeofMore #MindfulnessPodcast
Aug 14, 2023
1 hr 6 min
Meditation for Anxiety
Here's a short and simple meditation for you to address performance anxiety. Whether it's for a speech, a sporting event, a presentation, a tryout for a symphonic orchestra, or any other type of performance, this is designed to help you get into the right head space!
Aug 10, 2023
9 min
Building Meaningful Connections and Positive Social Change for Men w/ Manscending Founder Colin Bye
In this episode of Men Talking Mindfulness, we are interviewing Colin Bye, the founder of Manscending. We delve into the problem that many young men face today: forming meaningful connections in a world where they often feel misunderstood and isolated. Referencing Equimundo's State of American Men 2023 report, we discuss the alarming statistic that two thirds of US men aged 18 to 23 feel that "no one really knows me well." We explore Colin's personal journey, discussing his early struggles with maintaining friendships amidst frequent moves and his transformative experience in college when he joined a fraternity. We hear about how this led him to appreciate the critical role of community in ensuring wellbeing and success, and his commitment to mastering the art of creating meaningful connections. Our conversation illuminates Manscending's mission: to drive positive change in men's lives through the practice of mindfulness. We unpack the role mindfulness plays in facilitating spaces where men can express themselves honestly and without judgment. Together with Colin, we discuss the strategies he's developed to help men contribute to society powerfully and sustainably, despite the unique challenges of modern times. Finally, we discuss Colin's vision for building a worldwide brotherhood of calm, competent, and compassionate men, and how listeners can join this movement. This episode proves to be an enlightening discussion for any man, or anyone who cares about men's wellbeing, as we dive into the art of meaningful connection, mindfulness, and positive social change. Timestamps: (00:01:19) Fostering meaningful connections, (00:07:31) Manscending and brotherhood, (00:09:55) Challenges in fraternity experience, (00:13:09) Clothing company and pushing boundaries, (00:19:27) Investing in self-empowerment, (00:22:07) Empowering men in fraternities, (00:26:18) Connecting practices as a community, (00:30:57) Creating awareness and embracing change, (00:35:38) Men's vulnerability and ego, (00:41:30) Expanding men's roles in society, (00:43:25) Mindful breathing techniques. //LINKS https://www.manscending.work //WHERE YOU CAN FIND US Text MINDFUL to 33777 to sign up for the MTM NewsletterWebsite - ⁠http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/⁠ Send us a voice memo by texting MTM to 33777. Listen on Spotify - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast⁠ Watch on YouTube - ⁠ youtube.com/ @mentalkingmindfulness Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness Follow Will - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/⁠ Follow Jon - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill Join the MTM Facebook Group - ⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665/ Keywords: 1. Manscending 2. Mindfulness 3. Male wellbeing 4. Meaningful connections 5. Community 6. Male loneliness 7. Honesty 8. Non-judgment 9. Compassionate men 10. Brotherhood 11. Positive social change 12. Personal growth 13. Equimundo's State of American Men 2023 report Hashtags: 1. #MenTalkingMindfulness 2. #Manscending 3. #Mindfulness 4. #MaleWellbeing 5. #MeaningfulConnections 6. #Community 7. #CompassionateMen 8. #Brotherhood 9. #SocialChange 10. #PersonalGrowth 11. #EndMaleLoneliness 12. #MentalHealth 13. #MensMentalHealth 14. #PositiveMasculinity
Aug 7, 2023
46 min
A Meditation for Pain Management
Discover our guided meditation for pain management. This powerful, soothing session uses the power of visualization and breathwork to help manage pain. Explore a peaceful journey of healing, compassion, and self-understanding, transforming your relationship with pain. Dive into the healing power of a warm inner light that softens pain and promotes overall well-being. Available anytime, anywhere, this meditation supports your holistic healing journey and empowers you to cultivate a sanctuary of tranquility within yourself.
Aug 3, 2023
16 min
Dealing with Narcissistic Personalities
Welcome to the next episode of the "Men Talking Mindfulness" podcast, where hosts Will and Jon dive deep into a topic that affects many: how to work with narcissistic personalities and how to recognize, and even eliminate, elements of narcissism within ourselves. In this vital discussion, Will and Jon break down the complexities of narcissism, elucidating the behaviors and mindsets that characterize this personality trait. We often associate narcissism with an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. But there's much more to it, and recognizing these traits in others and ourselves is the first step towards understanding and growth. Jon and Will talk about how to handle interactions with narcissistic individuals, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and employing empathy and assertiveness. Their insight into navigating these tricky waters is based on both personal experience and a wealth of professional knowledge, providing listeners with practical tools and strategies to use in their daily lives. Yet, they don't stop there. Will and Jon also turn the lens on themselves and the listener, discussing how we can recognize and curb narcissistic tendencies within ourselves. The idea is not to demonize narcissism—since we all have a mix of traits—but to identify unhealthy patterns and strive towards self-improvement. Join Will and Jon as they shed light on this often misunderstood topic, sharing their wisdom and inviting a thoughtful discussion. Remember, self-awareness and empathy are key components of mindfulness, and exploring narcissism is part of this ongoing journey. Tune in for an enlightening, no-holds-barred conversation that invites each of us to take a closer look at our relationships and ourselves. PS… please excuse Jon’s “heavy breathing” hahaha. New microphone! Time Stamps: (00:00:53) Recognize and navigate narcissistic behavior. (00:09:12) Understanding narcissism and its traits. (00:11:30) Narcissists lack empathy and exploit others. (00:17:13) Fear of imperfection hinders progress. (00:27:30) Recognize and avoid narcissistic individuals. (00:28:27) The timestamp in the podcast where it starts to say "Narcissism can be draining and painful" is 00:28:27. Narcissism can be draining and painful. (00:36:17) Narcissists are made, not born. (00:43:09) Awareness and mindfulness can change. (00:43:52) Develop empathy to combat narcissism. (00:50:26) Establish boundaries, seek support. (00:55:01) Beware of narcissistic behavior. (01:00:40) Authenticity and vulnerability build connection. (01:06:10) Closing practice: Three parachute breaths. //WHERE YOU CAN FIND US Text MINDFUL to 33777 to sign up for the MTM NewsletterWebsite - ⁠http://mentalkingmindfulness.com/⁠ Listen on Spotify - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM-Podcast⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast - ⁠https://bit.ly/MTM_Apple_Podcast⁠ Watch on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mentalkingmindfulness⁠ Follow Will - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/willnotfear/⁠ Follow Jon - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill⁠ Join the MTM Facebook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/153173176744665
Jul 31, 2023
1 hr 9 min
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