The Evolved Caveman: Emotional Intelligence for Successful Men
The Evolved Caveman is a podcast aimed at successful men—leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, husbands, and fathers—who feel stressed, emotionally disconnected, or unfulfilled despite their achievements. Hosted by Dr. John Schinnerer, it offers practical, science-backed strategies for developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-mastery. Episodes cover managing anger without suppression, regulating stress, improving communication, strengthening marriage, and leading with confidence. The tone is honest, jargon-free, and lightly irreverent, focusing on actionable tools rather than therapy speak or macho posturing. Dr. Schinnerer is an executive coach with a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and a former consultant to Pixar's Inside Out.
Episodes
Episode 22: Boundaries: How to Stop Being a Doormat Without Becoming a Dick
Are you a nice guy who says yes to everything, avoids conflict, and secretly resents the hell out of everyone? Or have you built walls so high that nobody can get close to you?Either way, we need to talk about boundaries.A lot of men struggle with boundaries because nobody ever taught us how to set them. We learned to suck it up, keep the peace, be useful, avoid disappointing people, or j
Episode 21: The Psychology of Authoritarianism: Fear, Masculinity & What Keeps Democracy Alive
What makes authoritarianism attractive? It may have less to do with politics than we think—and more to do with fear, humiliation, belonging, certainty, emotional regulation, and our ideas about strength. In this episode of The Evolved Caveman, Dr. John Schinnerer steps away from partisan shouting matches and looks at authoritarianism through the lens of psychology. Fascism doesn’t usually
Episode 20: Healthy Masculinity: Why Strong Men Need Vulnerability, Connection, and Psychological Flexibility
What does healthy masculinity actually look like?Healthy masculinity is the ability to choose your response rather than defaulting to one rigid version of manhood. A man with healthy masculinity can be stoic when stoicism serves him, and open when openness serves him. The trait is a tool he uses, not a script that runs him. Psychologists call this psychological flexibility.For many men, t
Episode 19: How Men Find Meaning At Work: Why Successful Men Feel Empty — And How To Rebuild Meaning At Work
A lot of successful men quietly wonder, “Why doesn’t this feel better?” You’ve built the career, earned the respect, hit the milestones — yet something inside feels flat. In this episode, Dr. John Schinnerer breaks down one of the most common (and least discussed) challenges high‑achieving men face: the loss of meaning at work.Drawing on psychological research and decades of coaching men,
Episode 18: Why Men Get Defensive When They’re Wrong — And How to Stop
Ever notice that the moment your wife points out something you did wrong, your brain suddenly becomes a highly motivated defense attorney?She says, “You forgot.”You explain why.She says, “You hurt my feelings.”You explain what you meant.She says, “You’re getting defensive.”“I’M NOT GETTING DEFENSIVE.”Welcome to one of the stranger features of the male nervous system.In this episode of The
Episode 16: Who’s Sitting on Your Throne? A New Framework for Men's Inner Leadership
Why does a simple comment from your partner suddenly feel like an assassination attempt on your entire character?In this episode, Dr. John introduces the Inner Kingdom: a practical model for understanding the competing voices inside every man. There’s the wounded young Squire, the heavily armed Knight, the emotionally honest Lover, and the wise King who is supposed to be running the place
Episode 38: The Inner Kingdom: Who’s Sitting on Your Throne?
Have you ever reacted to something—and known, even as it was happening, that you were making the situation worse?A partner says you seem distant, but you hear, “You’re failing me.” Your boss requests a revision, but you hear, “You’re not good enough.” Your child rolls their eyes, and your nervous system responds as if everything you stand for is under attack.In this episode of The Evolved
Episode 14: Unlocking Men's Blind Spots: The Path to Self-Awareness & Success
Dr. John explains psychological blind spots drawing on organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich’s research that while most people believe they’re self-aware, only 12–15% actually are. He distinguishes internal self-awareness (knowing your values, emotions, motivations) from external self-awareness (knowing how others experience you), noting they aren’t strongly correlated and blind spots
Episode 14: The Top 10 Regrets Men Have Before They Die (And How to Avoid Them)
Here's a question most men never ask themselves until it's too late: If you found out today you had six months to live what would you regret?Turns out, the answer is almost entirely predictable. And preventable. Researchers have been interviewing men in hospice care, in their 70s and 80s, men who built impressive careers and full lives — and the same ten regrets show up over and over, reg
Episode 13: The Real Reason AI Adoption Keeps Failing at Work (It's Not the Tech)
Most companies are solving the wrong AI problem.They're asking, "How do we get people to use AI?" when the better question is, "How do we help people feel safe enough, supported enough, and clear enough to use AI well?" Those are not the same thing. You can force exposure. You cannot force trust, nor psychological safety.In this episode of The Evolved Caveman, Dr. John Schinnerer makes th
Episode 12: Why the Manosphere Feels So Right—and Why It's Failing You
There's a reason those manosphere videos hit so hard. The ones that say the world is rigged against you, that you just need to get stronger, richer, more dominant — and everything will click into place. They see something real. They name a pain most guys have been told to ignore.But here's what nobody in those circles will ever tell you: the playbook they're handing you has an expiration
Episode 37: Your AI Therapist Will See You Now — Should You Let It?
In this episode, Dr. John Schinnerer explores the fast-growing role of AI in mental health, emotional support, and men’s wellbeing. Why are so many men opening up to chatbots about anger, anxiety, marriage struggles, loneliness, and shame before they’ll talk to another human being? Is AI becoming a powerful new mental health tool—or a slick new way to avoid real vulnerability?Dr. John bre
Episode 10: You’re Not Selfish. You’re Defending an Image.
Most men weren't taught to be selfish. They were trained to protect an image — and that's a different problem entirely.In this episode, Dr. John Schinnerer breaks down how the Man Box — the unwritten rules every boy absorbs about what "real men" do and feel — quietly creates what he calls defensive egocentrism: a pattern where men organize their entire sense of worth around performance, s
Episode 9: Living in a Post-Truth World: The Death Of Facts
In this provocative and darkly funny episode of Living in a Post-Truth World: The Death Of Fact, host Dr. John Schinnerer explores how America entered the post-truth era—and what it’s costing our democracy, our public health, and our sanity.Dr. John examines how the Trump administration’s documented removal and disruption of public datasets—from health and climate reports to environmental
Episode 8: How to Save Humanity From Itself
A Manifesto for Men Who Want To Heal Their Community Humanity isn’t being destroyed by “the other side.”It’s being destroyed by what happens to a human nervous system under threat.When men feel humiliated, stressed, or powerless, we don’t get wiser — we get tribal, righteous, cruel, and certain. We turn people into villains so we can feel like heroes without doing the hard work of becomin
Episode 7: Unlocking Leadership: Tackling Ego and Enhancing Self-Awareness with Jay Scherr
In this episode of the Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John teams up with Jay Scherr, founder of Jay Scherr Business Consulting and host of Business Minds Coffee Chat. Dive deep into the human side of leadership as Jay shares insights from over 30 years in the corporate world and his journey of self-awareness, ego confrontation, and personal growth. The discussion covers the intricacies of r
Episode 6: America Is Having a Nervous Breakdown (And We’re Calling It Politics)
America isn’t having a political debate. America is having a nervous system collapse.We’re living inside a culture that feels like fight-or-flight with a microphone—where fear becomes identity, identity becomes rage, and rage becomes normal.In this episode, Dr. John delivers a ruthless, practical framework for what’s actually driving polarization: our collective “Director of Defense” is r
Episode 5: From “I Do” to “We Do”: How Couples Survive the Parenting Years Without Losing Each Other (w/ Eli Weinstein)
If you’ve ever looked at your partner in the parenting trenches and thought, “Wait… who are you—and what happened to us?” this episode is for you. Dr. John sits down with Eli Weinstein—therapist, no-BS truth-teller, and author of From I Do to We Do (out March 2026)—to unpack why couples drift after kids… and how to rebuild the “we” without buraning the whole house down. You’ll hear the re
Episode 4: Politics Has Hijacked Your Nervous System
In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, we’re not debating policies—we’re talking biology.If you’ve felt chronically irritated, restless, impatient, exhausted, or weirdly numb and checked out, there’s a reason: your nervous system doesn’t experience politics as “ideas.” It experiences threat, instability, conflict, and unpredictability—and the last decade delivered a steady stream
Episode 36: Why You Get Pissed When You’re Wrong (It’s Your Nervous System)
You can’t change what you don’t feel.Ever notice how fast anger shows up the moment you realize you messed up?You cut someone off in traffic.You miss something obvious at work.Your partner calls you out—and suddenly you’re defensive, pissed, explaining, blaming, or shutting down.This episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast is about that moment—the split second when your body reacts before
Episode 3: The Science of Sex & Desire: What Kinsey Research Reveals About Intimacy, Trust, and the “Sex Recession”
What if most sexual shame isn’t personal failure—but bad information? In this episode, Dr. John talks with Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute, about what the science actually says about desire, intimacy, fidelity, and pair-bonding. They unpack why “normal” is a misleading idea in sex, why many couples are touch-deprived, and how stress and low-level threat respo
Episode 1: The Badass Practice of LovingKindness: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Mental Health
Most guys think lovingkindness meditation is soft, woo-woo, incense-burning nonsense.It’s not.It’s emotional strength training.In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer breaks down why lovingkindness (aka metta) is one of the most underrated weapons a man can use to:• shut down the inner critic• lower anger and reactivity• increase self-worth• stay calm under pre
Episode 35: The 5 Realms of Self-Worth — Why Feeling “Enough” Changes Everything
Self-worth is the operating system running your relationships, career, stress, sex life—even your biology. Update it and everything upgrades.Self-worth ≠ self-esteem. Dr. John maps 5 realms that shape love, success, health, and meaning—plus simple practices to feel enough now.Self-worth isn’t a warm fuzzy—it’s the master switch for how you love, lead, and live. In this episode, Dr. John b
Episode 34: Why Avoiding Difficult Conversations Is Wrecking Your Life
Why Avoiding Difficult Conversations Is Wrecking Your LifeIn this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer explores the psychology behind avoidance and how it impacts our lives. He discusses why our brains are wired to avoid discomfort and the detrimental effects that avoidance has on our relationships, mental health, and personal growth. He provides practical steps for
Episode 33: Longevity Hacks: Why Some Guys Age Like Fine Wine—and Others Like Warm Milk
Join Dr. John Schinnerer in this episode of the Evolved Caveman Podcast as he dives deep into the science behind aging and longevity. After a mind-blowing 40-year high school reunion, Dr. John explores why some people age gracefully while others, well, don’t. Learn about the role of telomeres, and discover practical, science-backed hacks to extend your health span, from meditation to exer
Episode 32: How Men Can Navigate Modern Manhood
How do we successfully show up as men in such a politically-charged environment? Join Dr. John as he dives into an eye-opening conversation with Laurence Johns, a seasoned men's work expert. Raised amidst the gritty streets of 1980’s East London, Laurence shares his tumultuous journey from success to addiction to near-bankruptcy, and the brotherhood that saved him. Now a key figure in The
Episode 31: Have The Courage To Look At Your Own Shit
Loving Kindness and Radical Honesty: A Wish for the WorldIn this episode of the Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John shares his profound wish for the world: that everyone develops the courage to face their own inner challenges with radical honesty. He emphasizes that true loving-kindness is not just about wishing others well but involves facing personal fears, shadows, and emotional struggle
Episode 30: Mindset Makeover: Master Weight Loss, IQ, Pain Management, Stress Management, & Age Better
Join Dr. John on The Evolve Caveman Podcast as he dives into the power of mindset in transforming your life. With a mix of humor and candid storytelling, Dr. John discusses how adopting a growth mindset can boost intelligence, manage pain, master stress, slow aging, and even aid in weight loss. Hear inspiring real-world examples and learn practical steps to upgrade your mental game. Subsc
Episode 29: World Peace with Mandar Apte
One Human Family: Exploring Global Peace with Mandar ApteFrom Shell Engineer to Peace AdvocateIn this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John interviews Mandar Apte, a former petroleum engineer turned peace advocate. Mandar shares his fascinatingjourney from working at Shell Oil to teaching meditation practices to over 2000 Shell employees, and founding Cities for Peace in 2018.
Episode 28: Increasing Your Self-Worth: The Key to True Happiness and Success
In this high-energy episode, Dr. John dives illuminates the differences between self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Why is this so important? Discover why some men have been incredibly successful yet (often) still feel lousy about themselves. This is the critical difference between self-worth and self-esteem. Self-esteem is built from the outside in (i.e., compliments from other
Episode 27: The Untold Struggles Behind 'Lying Drunk': A Conversation with Tony Hicks
A Rollercoaster Journey Through AlcoholismJoin Dr. John on The Evolved Caveman Podcast as he catches up with his old friend, Tony Hicks. From their middle school antics to Tony's new book 'Lying Drunk,' this episode dives deep into Tony's struggles with alcoholism. Tony shares brutally honest and sometimes hilarious stories about the trials, tribulations, and sheer insanity of being an al
Episode 26: Stop Taking Other’s Sh*t Personally: It’s Rarely About You!
Join Dr. John Schinnerer in this episode of The Evolved Caveman as he delves into the art of not taking other people's moods personally and helping others to do the same. Discover the 'depersonalization game,' learn the difference between emotions and moods, and master the 'crank call' to communicate your bad moods effectively (i.e., the best gift you can give your loved ones!). Get ready
Episode 25: Battling Burnout: Tactics for a Balanced and Fulfilling Life
The latest episode of The Evolved Caveman has dropped, and this time it’s about stress and burnout, comparing the two, unpacking why you should care and what the hell to DO about them. Burnout is a soul-crushing abyss, not just tiredness, but a full-blown system crash caused by chronic stress. Dr. John Schinnerer highlights the grim reality: 82% of employees are at risk of burnout, with h
Episode 24: Navigating Rude Realities: Unmasking the Epidemic of Incivility with Dr. John Schinnerer & Dr. John O'Brien
In today's sterling episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer teams up with John O'Brien, a licensed psychologist & executive coach from Portland, Maine. Together, the Johns tackle the epidemic of rudeness plaguing our workplaces, political lives, and homes. From defining rudeness and its various types—interpersonal, cyber, and victimless—to exploring anger, incivili
Episode 23: A Love Letter To All Men
In this special episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer delivers a heartfelt message to men, addressing the significant pressures and outdated norms surrounding modern masculinity. Highlighting the findings of the State of American Men 2025 report by Equimundo, he discusses the harmful effects of societal expectations on men, including financial stress and isolation. D
Episode 22: From Trauma to Triumph: Healing through Mindfulness
In this episode of The Evolved Caveman, Dr. John is joined by Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat, a multifaceted expert whose journey from skepticism to healing spans numerous disciplines. From a childhood in Iraq marred by war to groundbreaking research on trauma and refugees, Dr. Kasim's relentless pursuit of healing has led him through the realms of sales, counseling, and mindfulness. Together, they
Episode 21: Evolving Beyond AI: Why Emotional IQ is Men's Ultimate Advantage
In this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John explores the next wave of the AI revolution, emphasizing emotional intelligence over technical prowess. Addressing an audience of modern men, he stresses the importance of evolving beyond outdated ideals of stoicism and rugged individualism. Dr. John outlines seven practical steps to enhance emotional intelligence, including naming
Episode 20: From Conflict to Connection: Transform Your Marriage with Rich Heller
In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast, Dr. John sits down with Rich Heller—a marriage whisperer with two decades of experience and the brains behind the *Rich in Relationship* podcast. Think of Rich as a relationship mechanic who helps couples stop setting emotional fires and start building actual connection (without needing a fire extinguisher or a therapist on speed dial).They
Episode 19: The 4 Indicators of Looming Divorce Part 2: Contempt and Stonewalling
Welcome back to a special joint episode of The Evolved Caveman andLove Isn’t Enough podcasts, where your favorite therapist power couple,Dr. John and Joree, lovingly drag your toxic relationship habits into thedaylight. This week? We’re tackling the last two horsemen of your relationalapocalypse: Contempt and Stonewalling. (Because your love life wasn'talready teetering on the edg
Episode 18: The 4 Horsemen of Looming Divorce: Criticism & Defensiveness Edition (Part 1)
Welcome back to a special joint episode of The Evolved Caveman and Love Isn’t Enough, where Joree and John lovingly drag your relationship habits into the light—so you can stop sabotaging your love life one passive-aggressive comment at a time.In this episode, we’re saddling up with the Four Horsemen of the (Relationship) Apocalypse, straight from the research of the OG love nerds, Drs.
Episode 17: Navigating Anger in Relationships: Expert Advice with Dr. John Schinnerer
Ready for a no-holds-barred chat on anger management, male irritability and their impact on relationships? We've got Dr. John Schinnerer—yes, his last name is a mouthful—dropping some serious self-awareness bombs. Trina Glines interviews Dr. John to help you discover your authentic self and stop life's challenges from becoming roadblocks. Dr. John breaks down how anger actually works (hin
Episode 15: Unlocking Strength with Heart: A Man's Guide to A Happier, More Connected Life w/ Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D.
Buckle up, intrepid listeners! Dr. John kicks off the latest episode of the Evolve Caveman Podcast with a bang, bringing on the illustrious Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D. This dude isn't just any therapist; he's a leadership coach, founder of Strength with Heart men's groups, and past president of the APA's division on Men and Masculinities. Oh, and did I mention he co-developed training for NAS
Episode 12: The Essential Guide to Ego Death and Growth: Mastering Your Mind
**Ego Death & Psychedelic Rebirth — with AJ Murillo**Here is another mind-bending episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*. This week, Dr. John sits down with AJ Murillo — author, psychonaut, and expert navigator of the inner cosmos — to talk all things *ego death*.What the hell *is* ego death? And why should you care? Because it might just be the wake-up call your soul, your heart an
Episode 11: Mud, Meaning & Masculinity — w/ Author & Positive Psych Star John Sean Doyle
Mud, Meaning & Masculinity — with Poet & Positive Psych Star John Sean DoyleWhat if embracing pain was the key to more joy, connection, and purpose?In this thought-provoking convo, Dr. John sits down with **John Sean Doyle** — poet, lawyer, and “the poetic voice of positive psychology” — to talk about how to stay grounded in a chaotic world and live with more reverence, resilience
Episode 10: The Future of Aging: A New Approach to Health and Wellness w/ Jacob Kendall, Ph.D.
Heart Surgeries, Health Bombs & Why Men Are Too Dumb to See a Doctor – with Dr. Jacob KendallHey degenerates, seekers, and emotionally constipated warriors—Dr. John here with another no-BS episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*.This time? We’re going deep with Dr. Jacob Kendall, a man who’s basically stared death in the face (twice), wiped someone else’s ass for a living (caregiving
Episode 9: Mastering Stress and Anxiety Like A Monk: Dr. John’s Guide To Keeping Your Cool
Join Dr. John as he dives deep into the top ways to master stress and anxiety. With a blend of personal stories, practical tools, and a touch of humor, Dr. John explains what stress and anxiety are, why we experience them, and how to manage them effectively. Discover scientifically proven strategies such as mindful breathing, physical exercise, gratitude practices, and mindful self-talk.
Episode 9: Healing Men: The Unseen Battle with Trauma
THE UNSEEN BATTLE: WHY MEN SUCK AT HEALING FROM TRAUMALet’s get real. Men don’t talk about trauma. We barely talk about emotions at all, so why the hell would we open up about the stuff that actually messed us up? Instead, we do what we’ve been trained to do—bury it, numb it, ignore it, and hope it just goes away. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. In this episode of The Evolved Caveman Podcast,
Episode 8: Behind Closed Doors: Shana James on Trust, Vulnerability, and Your Love Life
In this episode of the Evolved Caveman and Love Isn't Enough podcasts, Dr. John and Joree interview Shana James, a relationship coach with 20 years of experience who specializes in helping men with their love and sex lives. Shana discusses her work, including insights from her podcast, 'Man Alive,' and her book, 'Honest Sex.' Topics covered include the importance of vulnerability, relatio
Episode 7: Warrior Compassion: Healing Men and Mending Society
Warrior Compassion: Healing Men and Mending SocietyIn this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John Schinnerer, men's therapist, hosts Sean Harvey, CEO of Warrior Compassion Institute and author of 'Warrior Compassion.' They discuss Sean's extensive work in men's healing and leadership within hypermasculine, paramilitary organizations. The conversation delves into topics like inne
Episode 6: From Self-Doubt to Fearlessness: Strategies for Success
In this episode of the Evolved Caveman podcast, Dr. John welcomes leadership and empowerment coach Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself Consulting. They discuss Ben's journey from an overworked healthcare executive to a passionate guide for others seeking greater meaning in work and life. Ben shares insights from his new book, Becoming Fearless, and highlights strategies for
Episode 5: Navigating Emotions: The Art of Non-Judgmental Awareness
How to take a look at your emotions without labeling them as right or wrong while also reflecting on personal experiences. Dr. John discusses this approach with respect to a frightening recent incident where he lost sight in his left eye while in Portugal (then got e.coli two days later and had to be taken off the plane by ambulance!). The key to being resilient and bouncing with life’s c
Episode 4: How to Build a Happier Relationship w/ Dr. John & Joree
Welcome to The Evolved Caveman Podcast. In this episode we tackle what it truly takes to build and maintain a happy, thriving relationship. Whether you’re in the honeymoon phase or navigating the ups and downs of long-term commitment, this show is for anyone looking to deepen their connection with their partner and cultivate lasting joy.We often hear that love is a feeling, but a great re
Episode 3: Stop Anger In Your Relationship In Minutes
Why is anger so rampant? What if you could stop anger in your relationships? What would that be worth to you? Think of the possibilities. Greater happiness. Less divorce. Fewer kids growing up in single family homes. More functional adults. Greater productivity. What if we could stop anger in its tracks? Join Dr. John in this eye-opening talk with Rod Jeter, the creator of WBAngry and fin
Episode 2: Bouncing Back From Divorce With Vitality & Purpose
When I went through divorce after a 16 year marriage, I was devastated, depressed and angry. My ex-wife (unnecessarily) initiated litigation that lasted 3.5 years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. It took me months, if not years, to fully recover, both emotionally and financially. So how can we do divorce better? How do we recover more quickly? How do we bounce for
Episode 1: Why Masculinity Is Now A Central Theme In Politics
Millions of men are tired of the way in which MAGA Republicans have defined masculinity in the traditional, restrictive fashion - emphasizing the “hard” side of men and shaming the “soft” side. This includes prioritizing independence over interdependence, thinking over feeling, autonomy over connection, and emotional suppression over vulnerability. The old view is “power over” others rat
Episode 33: How We Evolve As Men
It’s time to check back in with one of my favorite guys doing men’s work - Alex Terranova. Alex just published a book of the top 100 things he’s learned in doing over 500 podcasts and was kind enough to include me in it! But the book barely gets a mention as there are so may other things to discuss. How does a “recovering asshole” come to be a reputed men’s coach and Coach of the Year? H
Episode 32: The Top Tools For A Loving, Thriving Relationship Dr. John Schinnerer & Joree Rose, LMFT
Love isn’t enough for a thriving relationship. That’s merely the starting point. What do you do when life gets in the way? When things get stressful? How do you keep your relationship positive when you are pushed and pulled on all sides?Join me, Dr. John, and my partner Joree Rose as we discuss the best tools we know of to maintain that positive, supportive, loving feeling in your relatio
Episode 31: Being Afraid To Ask For What You Need - Our Biggest Barrier To Success
"The biggest barrier to success is not that others are unwilling to give but that we are afraid to ask.” - Adam Grant, NY Times bestselling authorI love it when, the most powerful ideas are the simplest. Find out how you can begin to master the one tool that stands between you and your success: the ability to ask for what you need to succeed and be happy. The Man Box culture teaches the v
Episode 30: Want More Happiness? Find Your Meaning w/ Dr. Michael Steger
One of the biggest factors in a happy, thriving life is meaning. Knowing your ‘why’, you can get through any ‘how.’ This show was previously aired in 2022, however it’s one of my all-time favorite episodes as the content is simple, actionable & significant. Topics covered…Why is meaning so important for us?How do you discover your meaning in life?Are there individual differences in te
Episode 29: Navigating Your Core Wounds In Relationship Dr. John Schinnerer & Joree Rose, LMFT
What's the best way to strengthen your connection in your romantic relationship and navigate through the complexities of your deepest core emotional wounds?Join me, Dr. John, and my partner Joree Rose as we dive into the essential understanding of core wounds in relationships, shedding light on how these deep-seated emotional injuries can impact our interactions and connections with our p
Episode 28: Love Isn’t Enough: Is Intensive Couples Therapy Right For You? Dr. John Schinnerer & Joree Rose, LMFT
Love Isn’t Enough: Is Intensive Couples Therapy Right For You?Dr. John Schinnerer & Joree Rose, LMFTJoin Joree and I in an in-depth conversation about our experience in intensive couples therapy (i.e., 2 six-hour days of therapy with Charlie & Linda Bloom!). We also go into our belief that intensives are a much more effective means to create positive, lasting change than the tradi
Episode 27: Stop Striving for Happiness (And How To Accept ALL Your Emotions)
One of the biggest sources of human suffering comes from our tendency to avoid uncomfortable emotions. We are not taught how to face these unpleasant, somewhat frequent experiences. Our first (and sometimes only) strategy is to suppress them, ignore them, or become overwhelmed by them. Yet how we meet and greet these difficult emotions with curiosity has everything to do with our well-bei
Episode 26: The People Pleaser’s Plight: How To Stop Feeling Too Guilty Dr. John Schinnerer & Joree Rose, LMFT
Anyone who has ever been a people-pleaser can know how hard it is to be in relationships that don’t have reciprocity. It can feel like we give and give and give, and just because we are connected in the relationship, can think it’s enough, when in reality, we end up feeling depleted and resentful. In this joint episode, with my partner in life and love, Joree Rose, LMFT, we talk about 6 a
Episode 24: The Anxious-Avoidant Trap: How Attachment Styles Impact Your Arguments
One partner has an anxious attachment style and gets triggered by her partner needing a time out during an argument, or threatening to leave. The other partner has an avoidant attachment style and gets emotionally flooded during disagreements. During these challenging moments, the anxious partner seeks to turn towards their partner, needing to reconnect in order to calm their physiology.
Episode 23: The Sacred Psychedelic Ceremony: All You Wanted To Know
Psychedelics have been described as “the mind revealing itself to itself.” Recent research backs this notion up, showing the profound healing impact of psychedelics such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA, and more. MDMA has been deemed “breakthrough status” by the FDA for folks struggling with PTSD. Psilocybin has been given “breakthrough status” by the FDA for its positive results fo
Episode 22: Fight Well w/ Your Loved One: New Tools For Arguments
Let’s face it: couples argue. Disagreements are inevitable. Arguing is not a problem; in fact, there’s a lot of authenticity & freedom in being able to express yourself fully, even when you’re angry. The problem is when arguing is ineffective, or when anger & insults erode the safety & security of your relationship. However, there are proven ways that you can argue better; way
Episode 21: Sexuality and Yoga for Men
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, energetic and spiritual practices which originated in ancient India, aim to still the mind and reduce human suffering (Duḥkha). Yoga can even include sexual energy in its practices. Yoga-like practices were first mentioned in the ancient Hindu text known as Rigveda. Yoga is referred to in a number of the Upanishads.The first known appearance of the wor
Episode 20: Master Class On Romantic Relationships
One of the most important pillars of a happy, thriving life is your relationship with your partner. Yet, so many of us struggle in this area. What do you need to be more satisfied in your relationship? How do you get your needs met? How do you put an end to having the same frikkin’ arguments over and over? How do you get a handle on your anger so your partner feels safe and secure in the
Episode 19: Expanding Your Personal Power & Happiness In A World Of Disconnection
In an epoch of disconnection, alienation, loneliness and lack of meaning, how do we begin to tap into happiness? How might we start to cultivate personal power and self-confidence? How can the challenges we face ignite and illuminate our gifts to the world? Join Dr. John as he chats with Stephanie James, a psychotherapist, author & filmmaker on these topics and many more, such as…How
Episode 18: Create an Extraordinary Relationship, with Linda & Charlie Bloom
Join Joree and I in our new monthly Master Class series on Relationships: https://joreerose.com/theawaremethodmasterclass/And join us in Costa Rica Sept 28-Oct. 5, 2024: https://joreerose.com/retreats/costa-rica/In this joint episode with my partner Joree Rose, LMFT,, we talk with esteemed therapists, Charlie and Linda Bloom, who were an integral part of our healing after our breakup. Mar
Episode 17: Creating Deep Connection In Romantic Relationships
At the root of all happy and fulfilled relationships are deep connections - emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical. Connection is something we all say we want and yet not many know how to actually achieve it in a sustainable way. In this episode, Joree and I share some far out stories about our plunge into spirituality, owl familiars, psychedelics and healing our relationship fo
Episode 16: Laugh Your Way Into 2024 w/ Alli Goldberg, A Top 10 Comedian
2023 was a rough year for me. And I suspect it may have been rough for you too. In hopes of lightening things up as we head into a more peaceful and productive 2024, I interview Alli Goldberg, an up and coming comedian who, among other things, hosts a live dating show, Love Isn’t Blind, in which the men cannot speak. Alli and I talk about what she has found out about dating given her uniq
Episode 16: Authentic Masculinity: Taking Off The Mask
Even though men as a group have power, individual men often feel powerless. These contradictory experiences contribute to men’s hurting—hurting others and being hurt. Depression has risen to unprecedented highs in men. Loneliness among men is an epidemic. How do we reconcile these disparate truths?Based on more than fifteen years of research, Keith E. Edwards, PhD, illuminates men’s maski
Episode 15: Happiness = Connection & Relationship. Full Stop.
At the root of all happy and fulfilled relationships are deep connections - emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and sexual. Connection is something we all say we want and yet not many of us know how to actually achieve it in a way that is truly sustainable. In this episode, Joree and I share some stories from our recent trip to Africa that highlight the importance and value of human conne
Episode 14: Best Ways To Deal With A Romantic Breakup
Earlier this year, I went through a breakup with my partner, Joree. It was bruuuuutal. Fortunately, we reconciled after two months and now are stronger than ever. Yet, it raises a critical question: How do you BEST deal with the painful breakup from a loved one? We know that love is addictive. So breakups are a lot like kicking a substance abuse problem. But why do some people get addicte
Episode 13: Release Your Inner Passion & Level Up Your Sex Life
To what extent are you sexually repressed? Do you have a hard time talking about sex? Body parts? Can you ask for what you want in bed? Do you even know what you want? Great sex is an important part of a satisfying relationship. Find out more about how to level up the sexual part of your relationship in this episode of The Evolved Caveman. Topics covered:How to bring playfulness into you
Episode 12: Looking Backwards: Life Hacks From The Wisdom of Elders
The Wisdom of Elders. What can we learn from the wisdom of men who have suffered trauma, made mistakes & risen above it all? As it turns out, we can learn an incredible amount. Don St John’s life has been nothing short of miraculous. He suffered abuse in childhood—violent beatings & constant verbal abuse. In his early twenties, he was incapable of feeling human connection, had po
Episode 11: Archetypes, Heroic Journeys and Anti-heroes In Men
Star Wars. Lord Of The Rings. Call Of Duty. Homer’s Odyssey. Spiderman. All are examples of the Hero’s Journey. Popularized by the famed mythologist Joseph Campbell, this story arc is etched into our minds and hearts as what we are to do if we are to succeed as men. Yet, what happens if our lives are merely ordinary? What if we never get the chance to be a hero? Do we matter any less? Fi
Episode 10: My Grief Over Losing My Son 2 Weeks Ago
Slightly over two weeks ago, Joree and I came home from an epic Africa trip. The following day, the police came to my door to tell me my 23-year-old son, Brett, was dead. As always, I try to use experiences in my life to authentically and honestly teach others - how to feel, how to cope, how to make meaning, and how to rejuvenate and re-open the heart after loss. Trigger warning: This one
Episode 9: Mindfulness To Manage Your Manic Monkey Mind
The cliche’ that happiness is an inside job is true. Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “wherever you go, there you are.” The foundational step to a happier, more fulfilling life is self-awareness. And 95% of us will quickly self-report that we are highly self-aware. In truth, it’s about 12% of us. One of the most powerful ways to increase self-awareness is meditation. It allows us to turn inwards and
