Breaking out of the box of conventional masculinity opens up a world of new possibilities. What if being a man meant so much more than what society tells us?

In this episode, we’re thrilled to explore what it means to live beyond the constraints of traditional masculinity. We're talking about shaking off the cultural conditioning that shapes men, tapping into our imagination, and finding new forms of freedom. Plus, we’ll uncover ways to foster intimate, emotionally understanding relationships among men and redefine what it means to take responsibility. Trust us, you don't want to miss these insights!

So, let's think about it. The conventional idea of masculinity often feels like a suit of armor – heavy, restrictive, and outdated. But what if we told you that taking off this armor can lead to a life that's freer and more authentic? We also discuss the importance of taking ownership of our actions and how this shift can strengthen our relationships, both platonic and romantic. Imagining a world where masculinity and femininity are seen as a spectrum could reshape how we view leadership and community roles.

Our conversation is just scratching the surface, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you. Tune in to the full episode and join us as we explore how to live beyond boundaries.

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• Breaking free from traditional male roles and societal expectations
• The importance of emotional intimacy and vulnerability among men
• Embracing the spectrum of masculine and feminine energies in our lives

If you're interested in finding answers to your most pressing questions, or to submit a question of your own for an upcoming episode, go to jonsymes.com/drop-in. We host a free monthly drop-in for you to join the discussion!

👉🏻To watch all episodes, head over to jonsymes.com/podcast
👉🏻Feel free to drop Jon a line at jonsymes.com/contact
👉🏻To connect with Jared, visit jaredarchbold.org

In every man's life, there's a phase where questions outnumber the answers and understanding oneself feels like solving a never-ending puzzle. Today's episode is a raw, insightful look into men’s journeys from adolescence to adulthood.

In this episode, Jared explores how we become the men we are today, starting from birth when we absorb everything around us. As we progress, we notice differences between boys and girls and model ourselves on the men in our families, learning by mimicking. Early wounds shape our self-perception, and as we grow, we seek identity beyond family, influenced by peers and cultural figures. Adolescence introduces new dynamics like dating, and we try on various identities to see what fits. This quest for self continues into early adulthood, often causing friction with our family's expectations as we seek independence and authenticity.

We also reflect on how stepping into adulthood is more than just a biological milestone; it’s a call to question, heal, and redefine who we are. We discuss how our early experiences have sculpted our identities and the necessity of finding authenticity amidst societal expectations.

Are we products of our environment, or is biology our destiny? We argue that the soul's unique spark pushes us to question and break free from societal expectations.

Our episode today has scratched the surface of what it means to navigate the turbulent waters of growing up and finding personal authenticity. Listen in, and let's explore more of these themes together.

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• Teenage rebellion and the search for identity
• The impact of early experiences on personal growth
• Redefining authenticity and questioning societal norms

If you're interested in finding answers to your most pressing questions, or to submit a question of your own for an upcoming episode, go to jonsymes.com/drop-in. We host a free monthly drop-in for you to join the discussion!

👉🏻To watch all episodes, head over to jonsymes.com/podcast
👉🏻Feel free to drop Jon a line at jonsymes.com/contact
👉🏻To connect with Jared, visit jaredarchbold.org

Navigating the modern world feels chaotic, especially when it comes to understanding our roles. This episode explores how past societal shifts have impacted the way men see themselves and their place in the world today.

Today, Jared Archbold and I, Jon Symes, dig into some serious stuff. We talk about our loss of spiritual connection, how modern governance has shaped behaviors, and why empathy gets sidelined in a patriarchal culture. We explore the transition from natural coexistence to institutional control, examining both men's gains and losses in this shift. And hey, we're also hinting at what's coming up next – the tough questions about who we are and why we follow certain societal norms.

Jared opens up about his discomfort with how we've drifted from a spiritual connection to a more institutionalized view of it. We've lost touch with the natural world and our empathy, something men really need to thrive. On my end, I discuss how governance and distant powers have distorted our ability to coexist, leading to a culture dominated by men and, unfortunately, at the expense of women. Both of us agree there's a narrative at play here, shaping our daily interactions without clear heroes or villains, just people navigating a corrupted culture.

If you're ready to question societal norms and find a way out of a culture that's thrown us off balance, tune in. And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our future episodes.

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• The shift from spiritual interconnection to institutionalization
• How patriarchy benefits and limits men
• The historical context of men's roles in society

If you're interested in finding answers to your most pressing questions, or to submit a question of your own for an upcoming episode, go to jonsymes.com/drop-in. We host a free monthly drop-in for you to join the discussion!

👉🏻To watch all episodes, head over to jonsymes.com/podcast
👉🏻Feel free to drop Jon a line at jonsymes.com/contact
👉🏻To connect with Jared, visit jaredarchbold.org