Speaking deeply and honestly, focusing in on other people, and connecting with their own feelings and bodies often don’t come easily to men within the typical surface-level gatherings and interactions that we have. But there is great value in learning to do so in men’s groups. Jason Lange is a men's embodiment coach, group facilitator, certified “No More Mr. Nice Guy” coach, and an evolutionary guide. As a young man, Jason had no idea what to do with his body or with what he felt. Through men’s groups and mentorship he learned how to understand himself and how to relate well with others. Ramsey and Jason discuss the elements of a productive men’s group, the reality behind archetypes and stereotypes, and how it is perhaps the best of times and the worst of times to be a man. This is a great listen not only for men, but also for the women who love them. Learn more at https://evolutionary.men.

How can we get together to improve the health of our brains through mind, body, spirit, and relationship improvements? Amen Whole-4 is now piloting programs at faith communities across the nation, including at Saddleback Church Lake Forest, where Michelle Chen is the ambassador and Jessica Schenk is an enthusiastic participant. Michelle has about 10 years of experience promoting holistic health within their faith community through “The Daniel Plan.” Jessica is a full-time mom of an angelic 3-year old daughter, who praises God not only for the impacts and improvements in herself, but also the cascading effects throughout her family. They both give inspiring testimonials of their own and other’s experiences through the Amen Whole-4 journey, including the challenges and commitments necessary for success. This is an uplifting episode and also a pretty in-depth overview of the Amen Whole-4 program, for anyone that is considering it. Learn more at www.amenwhole4.com.

Who’s on the trail, and what’s their life like? Out running, I noticed the other people walking and rolling on the trail, watched how they interacted with each other, with me. I wondered what it would be like to chat with the lonely dad with the stroller. It would have been weird. So I kept running. I passed out the smiles and head nods as I passed the people, but that didn’t quite make up for the opportunity I passed on to reach out and connect with somebody. Makes me wonder … if we take all this time to work on our own Mind, Body and Spirit, what are we missing if we don’t also work on relationships?

Why do some have friend groups, and how do they start? Likely two friends find a third and invite them in. Groups of three friends are the stuff of story and legend, from The Three Musketeers to Three’s Company. There’s something powerful and stable about the number three, and it can be the foundation and beginning of a group. For those who are lonely and pining for a group of friends, here’s some practical advice on how to make the jump from a pair of two to a group of three.

Why is it terrifying to speak honestly to a group and what happens when we do? Even when we show up for community or group meetings in person or online, it’s still often intimidating to raise a hand and speak up. And it’s more intense to share deep truth or a message that doesn’t go along with what everyone else is saying. But that’s where and when real impacts are made, both for the speaker and the listener. Is there a powerful opportunity to learn and teach about holistic health, Peace of Mind, Vitality of Body and Joy of Spirit within a wide variety of different types of groups? Aren’t these things we all want and need? As always, we should balance the risk and reward, and use discernment and judgement when considering how much to share in community group settings.

What changed after 40? Your priorities, stamina, strength, relationships? Philip Blackett turned 40 a few years ago on Thanksgiving Day. Sitting among family, he realized what he was truly thankful for, and began to see that his actions, attitudes, and behaviors needed to change for the new era of life he was entering. Today, he works with folks in midlife to navigate this phase of life and live their purpose, engage with each other in community, improve their overall health, regain their stamina and build their strength. If you are 40 and up, and looking for ways to thrive in midlife, then this is a great episode for you. Learn more at LifeAfter40.com.

What’s a simpler way to drive changes within ourselves that stick for the long-term, require less energy and determination, and make us ultimately more healthy and happy? “Change Made Easy” podcast host, personal trainer and coach Paul Levitin has devised a system based on the acronym EASIER: which stands for Enthusiasm, Availability, Simple, Imperfect, Exponential, and Repeatable. Ramsey and Paul not only talk through making change EASIER, but also why change feels so hard, how our bodies were built to avoid change, and how we can convert periods of powerful growth into lasting new behaviors. This is a great episode for anyone who looking for how to make effective improvements successfully. Learn more at instagram.com/paullevitin.

How can we talk with, learn about, and relate to people with very different ideas, beliefs, and views from ourselves in ways that reduce our stress levels and increase our burnout resilience? Maury Giles is the CEO of Braver Angels, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to depolarization, empowering people to have calmer, more productive and respectful interactions with people who think differently from each other. Ramsey and Maury discuss what it’s like to be a “Red” or “Blue,” why discovering someone’s life experience is a breakthrough to finding common ground, and how Braver Angels creates opportunities for people to have real discussions. Ramsey also directly asks Maury’s advice on how to navigate the political nature of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement moment. If you dread those holiday meals with extended family or have tense moments at work with your opinionated colleagues, this is a great episode to learn how to lower the temperature of those interactions … and your blood pressure. Learn more about Braver Angels at www.braverangels.org.