The Evolving Man Podcast

Andy Nguyen and Yenukwa Kombian are the co-founders of Kings of Hearts, an organization committed to cultivating heart-based leaders. With 8 years of experience, they specialize in men’s leadership training and facilitate transformative men’s groups and retreats. Their work is rooted in the leadership values of awareness, embodiment, and integrity, empowering men to lead with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a deeper connection to themselves and others. On this episode, we cover: Men’s Isolation: a huge issue men are facing today. A peek into what we do in our men’s groups and why it is so impactful. The three pillars of men’s leadership training. How Andy and Yenukwa found themselves doing “men’s work”. How Andy emerged from being a participant into a leader. Men’s groups: The power of being seen with all one’s flaws and shadows, and being supported The challenges of offering authentic feedback to other men The “Miracle Zone” of personal growth. Osho’s dynamic meditation, the controversy around him, and useful practices he taught Embodying the Conscious King Archetype How to lead without making it about you The importance of accountability in leadership. Emotional self-awareness and the importance of community. The Work: Men’s group in prison, and how we are not all that different from those men. Men’s big emotions: Need a container. The importance of men’s groups that go inward. What Andy and Yenukwa recommend for men who are just starting out in this kind of work. Links from this episode: Kings Hearts website @kingsofhearts on Instagram Kings of Hearts Podcast KOH Retreat Nov 1-3 2024See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is a distinguished researcher and three time guest on the podcast. Recently he has been digging into the biological effects of the electromagnetic spectrum, and finding out how modern electromagnetic fields can damage living tissue. What he has uncovered will make even the most skeptical listeners think differently. In this episode, Balduzzi describes the harmful effects of EMFs and shares practical ways we can all reduce our exposure. Here’s what we cover on this episode: An overview of the electromagnetic spectrum, and where cell phones and wifi fit in. EMF sensitivities and allergies. How electricity works in our bodies, and how that may interact with other electric fields The mechanism by which practices like earthing can have significant health benefits. How our bodies use electric fields to regulate, among other things, the distribution of minerals Relationship between electric frequencies and proper functioning of mitochondrial DNA Effect of EMF on bee biology and behavior Comparing non-ionized and ionized radiation How non-ionizing radiation can damage DNA. History of lobbying affecting national telecom tower installation laws Difference between 5G, and the ‘5G’ on new wifi routers Pulses of radiation are more harmful to our bodies than continuous fields Effects of proximity to frequency emitters such as phones and wifi Effects of bluetooth earphones Starlink radiation Benefits of earthing, contacting ground with bare skin The different options for blocking or reducing EMF exposure in your home. Links from this episode: Dr. Balduzzi’s Website: Fit Father Project Radio wave packet resource EMF Reader Ben is using Book Highlight: "The Invisible Rainbow" by Arthur Furstenberg explores the historical correlation between major pandemics and the rollout of EMF technology. A must-read for those curious about the hidden layers of our modern environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the world of sacred plant medicines, indigenous wisdom, and conscious parenting with the extraordinary Vivien Vilela. Join us as we explore the delicate art of harvesting peyote, the spiritual importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with the earth, and the dangers of commodifying sacred plants. Vivien shares her journey from the party scene to a profound spiritual awakening. We discuss the significance of ceremony and proper guidance when working with plant medicines, and we specifically discuss Peyote. We also discuss the visionary Aniwa Gathering, a transformative event founded by Vivien, which brings together indigenous leaders from around the world to share sacred ceremonies and wisdom without the use of entheogenic medicines. Learn about the critical need for sustainable practices, the impact of screen addiction on children's development, and how to raise children naturally in a city environment. Ben and Vivien also reflect on their personal experiences, the importance of spiritual initiations, and the lifelong journey of personal growth and healing. Whether you're a parent, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or someone curious about indigenous practices, this episode offers valuable insights into living a conscious, connected life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and informed. On this episode, we discuss: Harvesting and use of Peyote properly Destruction and Disruption of Peyote Plants Efforts to educate on responsible harvesting Indigenous Cultural Practices Emphasis on reciprocity and respectful relationships with the earth Rituals such as fasting, offerings, and spiritual connection Commodification and Misappropriation Concerns over sacred plant medicines being commodified Importance of traditional initiations and proper practices The dangers of recreational use without proper guidance Adherence to indigenous practitioner wishes Ceremony and Reciprocity Knowledgeable Practitioners and Offerings Importance of sitting in ceremony with experienced practitioners Physical and spiritual offerings Reciprocity and its significance Aniwa Gathering Focus on spiritual connection without entheogenic medicines Use of natural herbs like cacao, tobacco, and sage Raising funds for indigenous projects through the Huya Aniwa foundation Peyote’s Spiritual Significance Description of peyote and its roots in Mexico and Texas Its role in connecting individuals to their true selves and ancestral memory Importance of using peyote in the right ceremonial context Indigenous wisdom on parenting Lack of initiation rituals in western societies Approaches to avoid screen time and societal pressures Emphasis on discipline with love and fostering unconditional love and respect Traditional midwifery and keeping children close Nurturing imagination and avoiding artificial toys Faster brain development in indigenous children in nature Challenges in City Environments Pushback from society and finding natural stimuli The impact of screens on children’s emotional balance and ability to be present Concerns about excessive screen time Conscious living as parents Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening Vivien’s Story Journey from party scene and drug use to spiritual awakening Spiritual session leading to significant growth Aniwa Gathering Aniwa’s main site Aniwa on instagram Hyua Aniwa Aniwa on Youtube Ben’s Freedom From Addiction CircleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Gray is a relationship coach who has written hundreds of articles that have been read by over 250 million people worldwide. He has worked with tens of thousands of clients via his programs, groups, and 1-on-1 coaching. He joins me on this episode to talk about how to get the most out of life as the challenges land on our doorstep. We discuss: Moving from bachelor to committed relationship Marriage has actually been great Dating takes a lot of energy! Finding someone who’s also a giver Each relationship is different, so relationship advice can’t be universal Look for a counterpoint to where you and your partner tend to go too far, for example with too much or too little structure. Fears of going into marriage: "what if things get worse and worse and I’m stuck?" The practice of addressing troubles in the relationship rather than just enduring them. Phases of life: dating and deeper relationships. Thresholds of deepening into a relationship. Preparing for parenthood. The benefits of becoming a generalist, of getting off the computer and chopping wood. City life vs. country life Giving up financial opportunities for the sake of heart and happiness. Relationship with money: between the poles of demonizing it and making it one’s god The importance of choosing friends who support your objectives. Solo therapy compared to group therapy. In parenting, offering children both safety and adventurous risk. How it can help children to see their parents work responsibly. How being a parent can limit available work time, but make it more potent. Screen addiction and parenthood. Countering screen addiction with finding a deeper purpose. Links: Jordan Gray’s website Productivity courseThe Level-Up Your Relationships WorkshopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Groves, founder of Create The Love is a relationship expert, but he also believes in freedom of speech and thought, and is an advocate of personal sovereignty. During the recent pandemic, he began sharing what he was seeing in the people and institutions around him. His sharing on @itsmarkgroves and The Mark Groves Podcast was controversial, because any dissenting opinion at that time was censored and considered to be “unsafe”.I personally appreciated the discourse that Mark was bringing, as I lacked the courage to be as bold as he was, despite agreeing with many of his questions. On this episode of the podcast, I discuss the pandemic, the lockdowns, and the hysteria that took over our society at that time. In this episode, we dive into: The dangers of framing everything as a safety issue. Dehumanizing people during the pandemic. Data-based arguments about COVID-19 vaccines. Mass formation psychosis. Why PCR tests shouldn’t be used for diagnostic purposes. Unconsciously believing that healthy people are biological threats. The wide scope of misinformation spread throughout the pandemic. The anxiety, fear, and hysteria spearheading pandemic behavior. Family conflicts and getting “canceled” over COVID-19 dissent. COVID-19 and masks as an ideology vs evidence-based. Natural immunity is at least equal to vaccinated immunity. The exploitation of psychology and weaponization of belonging. Normalizing controlling people’s bodily autonomy. Censoring people, governments spreading misinformation, and the lack of critical thinking during the pandemic. Language is the first step to dehumanizing people in an out-group. Violating informed consent when getting vaccinated. How do we prevent divisiveness in the future? Healing begins with the acceptance of reality (that the unvaccinated were marginalized and demonized while being left out of society and losing their jobs, while the vaccine that was promised to end the pandemic didn’t, and Omicron did) Accountability without annihilation. Learning to speak your truth despite the inconvenience. Fighting for the freedom to disagree. Links from this Episode Part 1 of This Episode Mark’s Website Mark’s Instagram Masks Immunity Mass Formation Psychosis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Youngs has been in continuous recovery from severe addiction and alcoholism since 2009. His personal path to recovery involved a combination of 12 step work, and his work with Ayahuasca. Todd now works intensively with others to help them achieve a life of satisfying and meaningful sobriety. His approach is eclectic and holistic drawing on the 12 Steps, CBT, MEI, and Mindfulness practice in order to deeply address the bio/psycho/social/spiritual aspects of addictive disorders. Todd has worked extensively with Ayahuasca for over 14 years within a variety of communal and personalized settings. He is focussed on building bridges between the older treatment paradigm and newly emerging modalities that utilize Ayahuasca. He is the co-founder of Natura Care Programs. Todd is often heard fondly referring to his own personal path of recovery as AAA+, or “Ayahuasca Assisted Alcoholics Anonymous: A Roadside Service for broken-down, drug-addicted hippies”. In this episode we dive into: How humans explore drugs to satisfy creative and spiritual yearnings. The dark and light sides of psychedelics. Todd’s wild addiction recovery story. Using pharmaceuticals to manage side effects of drug and alcohol use. Connecting to something bigger than yourself through ayahuasca. Todd’s journey of brewing his own ayahuasca in his mother’s basement. How ayahuasca helped Todd through 12-step recovery. The necessity of connection and accountability during recovery. Family members seeing a change in Todd & Ben after ayahuasca journeys. Healthy ways to incorporate the use of an altered state to transform your life. Therapeutic opportunities when taking psychedelics. Psychedelics vs therapy. Are psychedelics the right path for you? Breaking down what the 12-week Natura Care Program looks like and why the 12 week model is advantageous. True recovery: Healing the root causes of addiction. Finding centeredness, calmness, joyfulness. Can you actually trust plant medicines? Ultra-conservatism vs. open-mindedness in recovery circles. Psychedelics in Recovery. Links from this episode Natura Care Programs Psychedelics in Recovery Todd’s Website Ben’s Freedom from Addiction Circle Evolving Man Brotherhood Free-Trial on Circle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheleana Aiyana is an author, a poet, my wife and the mother of our child. She is author of the Canadian bestseller “Becoming The One” and the forthcoming journal under the same name, and the founder of Rising Woman where she brings tools for healing and transformation to millions of women. She joins me on this episode for a candid conversation about our recent parenthood journey, the struggles we have had, and how we believe parents could be better supported (by their community, and themselves) to be the best parents they can be. In this episode we dive into: Why a shocking number of couples break up within the first year of having a child. The challenges that emerge once you become parents. The transformation of a relationship after the arrival of a child. Addressing the common phrase, "Being a parent is the hardest thing in the world." 50/50 parenting and the shifting roles and responsibilities as co-parents. The normalcy of changes in intimacy and sex life after having a baby. Accessing and integrating relationship tools from the experts. Taking time to master your romantic and sexual relationship. The goal of relationship work is not perfection. Minimizers VS Maximizers Gender-specific support in navigating parenthood and relationships. Men’s biggest struggle when the responsibilities of marriage and family weigh him down. The feeling of being "touched out" as a mother. The resurgence of old family dynamics when building a family. Ben & Sheleana’s personal parenthood struggles and steps to overcome the challenges. Negativity in relationships - The tendency to focus on negativity for survival and the power of conscious choice. How we co-create our problems in relationship. Doing vs. being. Navigating conflicts as a team. Gratitude practices to check in with your partner. Calling in your partner's true essence. How to be your own healer. Links Becoming The One Journal Freedom from Relationship Anxiety Program with Rising Woman The Conscious Relationship Council with Evolving Man Rising Woman Website Rising Woman Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.