Podcast Summary
Pressure to hide true selves causes conflict: Men can achieve authenticity by shedding societal expectations and embracing vulnerability, leading to greater confidence, integration, and freedom.
Societal pressure and conditioning can lead men to wear masks, hiding their true selves and causing conflict in relationships. Authenticity, or living honestly with integrity, is a beautiful ideal but often difficult to achieve due to fear and insecurity. Men are encouraged to be strong and hide vulnerability, but these notions are misguided and disconnecting. The more we can summon the courage to remove these masks and be open, raw, and honest, the more integrated, confident, and authentic we become. Lewis Howes, author of "The Mask of Masculinity," discusses this topic on Rich Roll's podcast, emphasizing the importance of shedding societal expectations and embracing vulnerability to live our best lives. It's a journey towards peace with ourselves and a sense of freedom.
Innovative running apparel and meaningful conversations: On leads with tech-infused apparel and Voicing Change Media fosters deep discussions on vulnerability and redefining masculinity, while Waking Up offers free mindfulness resources
Technology in apparel is just as important as in other areas, and On is leading the way with innovative, high-performance running apparel made from next-gen premium fabrics. Additionally, vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and sharing our stories and facing our fears can lead to positive change. The podcast Voicing Change Media, featuring shows like The Proof, Soulboom, Mentor Buffet, Feel Better, Live More, and a conversation with Amanda DeCadine, is committed to fostering meaningful exchanges and sharing thought-provoking content. Meditation app Waking Up, with its robust catalog of daily meditations and library of mindfulness resources, offers a free app for those who can't afford it. Lewis Howes and Rich Roll, who both started podcasting around the same time, had an open and dynamic conversation about storytelling, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity. These themes are applicable to all.
The importance of delegating and building a team for growth: Delegating tasks and building a team leads to business growth, but maintaining personal boundaries is crucial for maintaining focus and energy.
Growth and letting go of control are essential for personal and business development. The speaker shares how he started out doing everything himself but learned to delegate and build a team, leading to business growth. He also acknowledges the importance of creating boundaries and maintaining personal space despite having a team working in close proximity. The podcasting journey has been a significant part of his life, transforming his business, relationships, and allowing him to share his message with a wide audience. The intimacy of the podcast format has enabled him to connect with listeners on a deeper level, leading to impactful experiences and community building.
Curating Quality Guests for Podcasts: Prioritize intuition and audience interests, avoid compromising content quality, and maintain a thematic through line for consistent value to the audience.
Curating high-quality guests for a podcast or any content creation platform is a crucial responsibility that requires careful consideration. The host's intuition and audience's interests should be the top priorities, even if it means turning down friends or well-known figures. It's essential to avoid compromising the quality of content to please others or due to external pressures. The access to a wider pool of potential guests that comes with success also brings the responsibility to serve the audience consistently, creating a thematic through line for the content. While it may be awkward to decline requests, the ultimate goal is to deliver value to the audience and maintain the integrity of the platform.
The Power of Podcasting: Building Authentic Connections with Guests: To create successful podcasts, focus on understanding and respecting your audience, building genuine connections with guests, and asking open-ended questions to allow for vulnerable stories and impactful interviews.
Creating a successful podcast requires a deep understanding and respect for the audience, as well as the ability to build meaningful connections with guests. The speaker shared his personal experience of growing a podcast into a massive enterprise, highlighting the intimacy and power of podcasting as a medium. He emphasized the importance of being mindful of boundaries and making guests feel comfortable to create impactful interviews. The speaker also mentioned the value of asking open-ended questions and giving guests permission to share vulnerable stories, leading to some of the most powerful interviews. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of authenticity, connection, and a guest-centric approach in podcasting.
Provide 80% value in an interview, keep self-promotion to a minimum: Focus on delivering value in interviews, give 90-95% of the content and keep self-promotion to 5% to keep the audience engaged and increase the chances of sharing the content widely.
Providing value in an interview goes a long way in engaging and retaining an audience. According to the speaker, when guests focus too much on promoting their product or service, the interview can become dull and uninteresting. Instead, the speaker suggests giving 90-95% of the value during the interview and only dedicating 5% to promoting the thing they're trying to sell. By doing this, the interview becomes more engaging, and the speaker is more likely to promote the content extensively. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of utilizing the internet effectively and sharing valuable stories to connect with listeners. When reflecting on their own experiences, the speaker wishes they had started using video content earlier, as it provides an additional platform for sharing content and building an audience.
Starting a project with authenticity and evolving as you go: Focus on creating authentic content and allowing your project to evolve as you learn and grow, rather than trying to have everything figured out at the start.
Starting a podcast or any creative project doesn't require having it all figured out at the beginning. The speaker shared how he started his podcast without listening to others and focused on creating content that he would want to listen to. He emphasized that it's important to start and evolve as you grow, rather than being influenced by others. He also mentioned that it's okay to look back and see the progress and growth over time. Additionally, he encouraged starting a project with the intention of expressing what you want to share, and figuring out the rest as you go. The podcast space may be more competitive now, but unique and different content continues to thrive. The speaker is currently working on a documentary and expanding his podcast into other media, such as books and TV shows. Overall, the key takeaway is to focus on creating authentic content and evolving as you go, rather than getting bogged down by trying to have everything figured out at the beginning.
Boost your brand with high-quality content and storytelling: Investing in content production can lead to increased downloads, sold-out events, and even tripled businesses. Focus on what excites and challenges you, and believe in your vision to attract influential people and add value to your audience.
Creating high-quality content and great storytelling, especially in the form of documentaries, can significantly boost a business or personal brand. As seen with examples like Tony Robbins and the Minimalists, investing in content production can lead to increased download numbers, sold-out events, and even tripled businesses. However, the process is not easy and requires significant investment and effort. Netflix and Facebook Watch are untapped platforms for documentaries, but getting content on these platforms is not straightforward and involves working with agents and distributors. It's essential to create content from the heart and focus on what excites and challenges you, rather than trying to cater to an audience. Even if the content doesn't make money directly, it can still attract influential people and add value to your audience. So, believe in your vision, invest in high-quality content, and stay true to your creative endeavors.
Building Connections for High-Profile Interviews: Timing and respect are crucial when trying to secure high-profile interviews. Building genuine relationships with potential guests can lead to successful collaborations.
Building meaningful connections is key to securing high-profile interviews. The speaker shares his experience of trying to interview Jim Carrey, who may prefer long-form podcasts over magazine interviews. He reveals that he offered a significant donation to Carrey's charity to make it happen but hasn't heard back yet. The speaker emphasizes the importance of timing and respecting the interviewee's willingness to participate. He also shares stories of successful interviews with Moby and Travis Barker and the importance of building relationships before approaching potential guests. Ultimately, the speaker values authenticity and doesn't pressure guests into appearing on his podcast.
Exploring the complexities of masculinity: Author Lewis Howes invites readers to question societal norms and expectations of masculinity, and embrace vulnerability for personal growth.
Author and podcast host Lewis Howes explores the complexities of masculinity in his new book, "The Mask of Masculinity." He was motivated to write this book due to his own experiences with emotional confusion and a desire to challenge societal expectations. Howes shares how he's always sought to defy assumptions about himself and take on meaningful projects. He discusses his past struggles with emotional awareness and unhealthy relationships, admitting to a fear of being alone and a compulsion to be right. These experiences led him to recognize the need to move beyond a zero-sum game mentality and connect with his emotions and others in a more authentic way. Through this exploration, Howes invites readers to question societal norms and expectations of masculinity and embrace vulnerability for personal growth.
Childhood experiences of bullying and feeling unseen: Unaddressed wounds from past can hinder intimacy and trust, but sharing and healing can lead to a more authentic and fulfilled life.
Childhood experiences of bullying, feeling unseen, and being picked last led a man to wear various masks, pushing himself to achieve great things in athletics, but leaving him feeling unhappy and unfulfilled. These unaddressed wounds from his past made it difficult for him to be intimate with others and trust them, as he feared vulnerability and the potential for hurt. It wasn't until attending an emotional intelligence leadership workshop that he began to understand the importance of sharing his past experiences and healing from them, ultimately lifting a weight off his shoulders and allowing him to live a more authentic and fulfilled life.
Sharing vulnerabilities in a safe space leads to emotional release and healing: Sharing past traumas and hurts in a supportive environment can lead to profound emotional release and healing, creating transformative experiences.
The power of sharing vulnerabilities and past experiences in a safe and supportive environment can lead to profound emotional release and healing. During a 5-day workshop, participants addressed their deepest fears and hurts, including childhood traumas and parental issues. After three days of sharing, the trainer encouraged participants to let go of the past and focus on their future visions. One participant, who had been holding onto the memory of being raped as a child, found the courage to share her story for the first time in front of the group. The experience was cathartic, and she was met with support and admiration from her fellow participants. This experience demonstrated the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of creating safe spaces for people to share their stories and heal.
Sharing painful experiences leads to deeper connection: Sharing deep, painful experiences with trusted individuals can lead to greater intimacy and understanding in relationships, despite initial fear and embarrassment. Societal conditioning can hinder men from being authentic, leading to resentment and conflict. By being vulnerable and sharing stories, we can find freedom, inner peace, and inspire others.
Sharing our deepest, most painful experiences with trusted individuals can lead to greater intimacy and connection in our relationships. The speaker shared his experience of being sexually abused as a child and the challenges he faced in opening up to his family and close friends about it. He describes the fear and embarrassment he felt, but also the deeper love and understanding that emerged once he shared his story. The speaker also discusses how societal conditioning can contribute to men wearing different masks and hiding their vulnerabilities, leading to resentment and conflict. By sharing our stories and being authentic, we can find freedom, inner peace, and inspire others to do the same.
The power of vulnerability: Being vulnerable allows us to connect with others, achieve our potential, and live our best lives. Despite societal pressure, sharing our stories and owning our truth can create a supportive community where everyone can be authentic.
Being vulnerable and open about our flaws and failures is a strength that connects us to others and brings meaning and purpose to our lives. However, societal pressure and conditioning often discourage men from being vulnerable, leading them to hide behind masks and hold back. This not only prevents us from achieving our full potential but also causes unnecessary suffering. By sharing our stories and owning our truth, we can provide permission for others to do the same and create a supportive community where everyone can be their authentic selves. As Brené Brown says, vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a source of courage and connection. It's a terrifying but beautiful process that empowers us to live our best lives.
Embracing vulnerability for men's emotional growth: Men can improve their lives and relationships by shedding masks and embracing vulnerability, inspired by Brené Brown and Oprah's messages.
Men, particularly those who have been socialized to suppress their emotions, can benefit greatly from embracing vulnerability and connecting with others. The speaker shares his personal experience of being drawn to the work of Brené Brown and Oprah, and feeling a responsibility to bring their messages to men who might not be open to them. He describes how men, often unconsciously, wear masks that hide their true emotions and create barriers to meaningful connection. The speaker suggests that it takes a significant interruption or painful experience to make men question their identities and let go of their masks. He encourages men to be open to wrestling with their demons and to seek out communities that support emotional vulnerability and connection. By doing so, men can live more fulfilling lives and contribute to a less conflict-ridden world.
Understanding Men's Masks for Deeper Connections: Acknowledging men's good qualities and offering space for growth can help them remove masks, leading to deeper, more authentic relationships.
Recognizing and understanding the masks men wear can lead to transformative conversations and deeper connections in relationships. Instead of making men wrong for wearing these masks, women can act as loving interruptions by acknowledging the good and offering space for growth. This approach can encourage men to let go of their defenses and reveal their true selves, leading to more intimate and fulfilling relationships. It's important for women to approach this with love, awareness, and patience, as it can be challenging to step back and see the reasons behind a man's behavior after years of frustration. By focusing on the positive and offering support, women can help the men in their lives remove their masks and build stronger, more authentic connections.
Living with masks can limit growth and prevent fulfillment: Examine your masks, let go of those that hinder growth, and live more authentically for greater balance and fulfillment.
Wearing masks, whether it be material, athletic, or emotional, can limit our growth and prevent us from living a fuller, richer life. These masks can provide temporary benefits, but they can also lead to suffering and unfulfillment in other areas of our lives. The author of the book shares his personal experiences with various masks and encourages readers to examine their own masks and consider letting go of those that no longer serve them. The process can be scary and uncertain, but the reward is the opportunity to live more authentically and find greater balance and fulfillment in all aspects of life. The author emphasizes that it's not about being right or wrong, but rather about identifying what's effective and what's not, and being aware of the potential negative consequences of wearing certain masks. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce suffering and live a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Focusing on wealth or athletic capabilities for self-worth is unsustainable: True happiness comes from within by addressing childhood wounds and being open to vulnerability, not solely from wealth or success.
Focusing solely on wealth or athletic capabilities for self-worth can be a dangerous and unsustainable path to happiness. Building meaningful relationships and making an impact in people's lives should be a priority. The example of a famous director who gave up his wealth and fame to find inner peace serves as a reminder that true happiness comes from within and requires addressing childhood wounds and being open to vulnerability. Wealth and success can enhance our lives, but they don't guarantee inner peace and fulfillment. It's essential to embark on a journey of self-discovery and address the emotional traumas that may be holding us back from living a purposeful and meaningful life.
Navigating conflicting expectations and gender roles: Awareness of masks and emotions, daily practices, and supportive relationships help millennials navigate conflicting expectations and internalized gender roles, striving for authenticity and self-actualization.
Men and women of the millennial generation face conflicting expectations and internalized gender roles that can create a sense of vertigo. These expectations include being strong, sensitive, a provider, and an emotional being all at once. To navigate these conflicting expectations, it's essential first to be aware of the masks we wear and the emotions and experiences that trigger us. This can be achieved through journaling and daily practices like meditation, gratitude, and connecting with others. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and grounded people who can provide loving feedback is also crucial. Ultimately, the goal is to be aware of the masks we wear, let go of the things that trigger us, and strive for authenticity and self-actualization. It's important to remember that we're all works in progress and that it's okay to make mistakes and wear masks sometimes. The key is to be aware of them and work towards shedding them to live our best lives.
Communicate honestly for healing and self-awareness: Honest communication with trusted people or self-reflection helps identify patterns, gain insight, and align inner and outer selves for a healthier, happier life
Healing and self-awareness begin with honest and open communication. This can be with a trusted person, such as a therapist or a close friend, or through journaling and self-reflection. By taking inventory of our actions and reactions, we can identify patterns and gain insight into the root causes of our unhealthy behaviors. Sharing our deepest thoughts and experiences, whether it's coming out of the closet or opening up about past traumas, allows us to align our inner and outer selves and step into a lighter, more fulfilled life. It's important to remember that there's no one right way to heal, and it may take time and effort to find the approach that works best for us. But by committing to the process and being open and honest with ourselves and others, we can begin to resolve the dissonance within us and move towards a healthier, happier life.
The power of surrender and vulnerability: Surrendering and being vulnerable are essential for overcoming struggles and finding inner peace. Meditation deepens this process and has scientific benefits for the brain and body.
True surrender and vulnerability are the keys to overcoming struggles and finding inner peace. The speaker shared his experience of hitting rock bottom and being forced to be honest about his drinking problem in a rehab program. He tried to get sober on his own terms before, but only when he fully surrendered and let go did he begin to heal. The speaker also mentioned the power of meditation, which he deepened during a retreat in India. He emphasized the importance of understanding the science behind meditation techniques and the benefits they have on the brain and body. Despite being in India, he did not encounter any religious talk or gurus. Instead, he learned valuable tools to help him let go of suffering and be at peace with himself. This experience reinforced the importance of vulnerability and surrender in the face of challenges.
Learning to live in a 'beautiful state': Through meditation, transition from suffering to love, giving, and peak performance for a more sustainable and desirable state of living.
The meditation training at One World Academy, led by monk-like trainers, taught the importance of living in a "beautiful state" rather than a suffering state. This involves being aware of suffering when it arises and quickly transitioning into a state of love, giving, and peak performance. The training also emphasized the power of meditation in expanding one's consciousness and thinking more expansively. The speaker found the experience life-changing and has continued to practice meditation daily since returning. He also plans to deepen his teaching skills to help others. The speaker was drawn to the training after hearing about it from a friend and was intrigued by Tony Robbins' shift in philosophy towards emphasizing a beautiful state instead of a peak state. The meditation practice allows for sustained flow and positivity, making it a more sustainable and desirable state for living.
Louis's Upcoming Book Release and Meditation Workshop Experience: Louis encourages authenticity in his upcoming book and shares his personal meditation workshop experience, inviting listeners to explore his work and connect with him.
The speaker, Louis, shared his experiences with attending a meditation workshop and the upcoming release of his book. The workshop attracted around 30 people initially, with a smaller group continuing on for meditation instructor training. Louis has appeared on the speaker's podcast multiple times, and they had an organic and enjoyable conversation. The book, "Come as Yourself," is set to be released on October 19th, and the theme is encouraging people to be true to themselves. Louis plans to ramp up press for the book and may have a party before Halloween. The conversation was open, objective, and encouraged listeners to own their truth. The speaker encouraged listeners to check out Louis's work, including his podcast, books, and school, and to connect with him on social media. The speaker also mentioned his new plant-based meal planner and encouraged listeners to sign up for it. He invited Patreon supporters to a monthly AMA (ask me anything) video teleconference and encouraged listeners to support the show by sharing it, leaving reviews, or becoming a financial supporter.
Rich Roll's weekly roundup of inspiring finds: Rich Roll shares 5 or 6 things he finds inspiring each week, emphasizing it's not for profit but to share discoveries, produced with team support, encourages listeners to try new things and connect on social media, ends with a message of peace and love.
The host of the Rich Roll podcast, Rich Roll, shares a weekly roundup of inspiring and informative finds, which he calls "5 or 6 things." He emphasizes that this is not a money-making venture but a way to share interesting discoveries that can get lost in social media. The podcast is produced with the help of a team, including Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, Sean Patterson for graphics, David Zamet for photo portraits and video, and Anna Lemma for theme music. The podcast also includes a video of Lewis, which can be found on the host's YouTube page. Rich encourages listeners to try new things, like taking off their masks, and invites them to connect with him on social media. The podcast ends with a message of peace, love, and namaste. Overall, the "5 or 6 things" segment is a thoughtful and inspiring way for Rich to share his discoveries and connect with his audience.
