In this first episode of our new series on The Masculine in Relationship by G.S. Youngblood, Charles and Dan dive into the foreword, preface, and opening chapters of the book that’s redefining modern masculinity.

They explore why real leadership in a relationship starts with grounded presence—not control—and how polarity, purpose, and emotional steadiness shape connection. This isn’t about blame or “fixing” your partner; it’s about showing up as a man who leads through clarity, direction, and self-awareness.

Listen as Charles and Dan unpack why Youngblood’s message challenges both modern culture and men’s comfort zones, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of purpose, power, and love in the episodes ahead.

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In this episode, Charles and Dan take a closer look at Stephen Bartlett’s conversation with Dr. Julie Smith on The Diary of a CEO — exploring what it really means to manage anxiety, build confidence, and grow through self-compassion instead of self-criticism.

They talk about why it’s so much easier to look “not needy” than to actually have your needs met, how rejection ties back to our deepest beliefs about worthiness, and why believable affirmations matter more than positive ones. You’ll also hear reflections on the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion, the myth of instant transformation, and how aligning your daily life with your core values makes sustainable growth possible.

During the conversation, Charles mentions a helpful free tool for exploring your own core values: personalvalu.es
— a simple A/B-style assessment that helps clarify which values drive your decisions and how to realign your habits to match them.

If you haven’t seen it yet, the full Diary of a CEO episode with Dr. Julie Smith is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgemIt_ESxo

For more from Dr. Julie Smith, visit:
https://www.drjuliesmith.com

Listen, watch, and explore more Mindfully Masculine episodes at MindfullyMasculine.com.

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In this episode, Charles and Dan unpack one of their favorite conversations from The Diary of a CEO — Steven Bartlett’s interview with Simon Sinek.

They explore what it really means to “find your why,” why self-awareness beats self-improvement, and how honesty, feedback, and integrity all connect to a deeper sense of fulfillment that lasts longer than success or achievement ever could.

From the power of vulnerability to the courage of truth-telling, this episode dives into the difference between looking successful and actually feeling aligned with your purpose.

Watch the original Diary of a CEO conversation with Simon Sinek here:
👉 https://youtu.be/Q-zuTZuYeCg?si=r0eb40OnB4kyQJYW

Key Topics Discussed
• Why rediscovering your “why” matters more than chasing results
• The difference between self-awareness and self-improvement
• What the 48-hour honesty challenge reveals about integrity
• Why vulnerability means direct honesty, not public performance
• How feedback builds self-knowledge and better relationships
• Why fulfillment comes from service, not status

Takeaways for Listeners

1. Ask yourself why you want what you want — and keep asking until you hit something real.
2. Try the 48-hour honesty challenge: no white lies, no polite untruths.
3. Seek feedback from people who see you clearly — then say “thank you” and nothing else.
4. Reconnect your goals to purpose, not just performance metrics.

You can find all of our episodes, along with anything new we’re creating and sharing, at MindfullyMasculine.com

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In this episode, Charles and Dan unpack key insights from The Diary of a CEO conversation with sleep scientist Matthew Walker — exploring how modern life undermines rest, what’s actually happening in your brain while you sleep, and the small, practical changes that can improve energy, focus, and overall well-being.

We discuss:

• Why sleep loss affects every system in the body
• The myths around caffeine, naps, and “catching up” on weekends
• What REM sleep really does for emotional regulation
• Simple steps to build a better nightly routine

Watch the original Diary of a CEO episode featuring Matthew Walker:
🎧 The Science of Sleep – Why You’re Tired All the Time

Listen to all Mindfully Masculine episodes and find more from Charles and Dan at MindfullyMasculine.com

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Charles shares a personal reflection on Elizabeth Gilbert’s new memoir All the Way to the River—a raw, beautifully told story about love, addiction, and loss. He explores what makes Gilbert’s writing different from typical books on recovery and co-dependence, how her honesty resonates with his own journey, and why the audiobook version delivers an especially powerful experience.

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In this conversation, Charles and Dan unpack one of the most practical interviews they’ve ever heard on The Diary of a CEO—Steven Bartlett’s talk with body-language expert Vanessa Van Edwards.
Instead of vague “be confident” advice, this episode focuses on clear, actionable steps that make communication more intentional and effective.

They break down:

• How warmth and competence shape every first impression
• The body-language cues that build trust (and the ones that destroy it)
• Why open posture and visible palms instantly change how people read you
• The difference between uptalk and downtalk—and how Obama mastered it
• What AirPods, small talk, and friendship say about modern connection
• The subtle gestures that make others mirror and agree with you

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or disconnected, this episode shows how to realign your physical cues with your intentions—and become someone people actually hear.

🎧 Watch or listen to every episode at mindfullymasculine.com

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In this week’s episode of The Mindfully Masculine Podcast, Charles and Dan dive into Steven Bartlett’s most-viewed Diary of a CEO interview — his conversation with Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power.

What starts as a look at Greene’s ideas on seduction, confidence, and power turns into a bigger exploration of what really drives human behavior. Charles and Dan unpack the tension between authenticity and performance, confidence and insecurity, attraction and manipulation. They discuss the fine line between influence and deceit — and why the word seduction can mean either self-mastery or self-deception, depending on the intent behind it.

The conversation also moves beyond power dynamics into addiction, codependence, and vulnerability — including how chasing validation can become its own form of addiction, and why genuine confidence has to be built, not performed.

Topics include:

• Why “seduction” can feel manipulative — and how Greene tries to reframe it
• The difference between cultivating attraction and playing games
• Power as self-control vs. control over others
• The role of confidence, competence, and comfort in your own skin
• Masks, roles, and authenticity in modern life
• How addiction and codependence mirror our search for control
• What real strength looks like in relationships and leadership

If you’ve ever wondered where healthy confidence ends and manipulation begins, this episode offers a nuanced take on the psychology of power, presence, and connection.

Listen, follow, and share The Mindfully Masculine Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and visit mindfullymasculine.com for more.

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Love, sex, survival — Esther Perel has spent decades showing how our relationships shape everything about the quality of our lives. In this episode of Mindfully Masculine, Charles and Dan unpack her powerful conversation with Steven Bartlett on The Diary of a CEO.

We explore the big themes from Esther’s interview:

• Why the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life
• How childhood experiences shape adult patterns (and how to change them)
• The “figure-eight” loop couples get stuck in — pursuer vs. distancer
• Why love is a verb, not a feeling, and what it takes to keep desire alive
• How presence, novelty, and vulnerability keep relationships from going stale

This is a conversation for men who want to stop repeating old patterns, show up more fully for their partners, and understand what it really takes to make relationships last.

Watch the full Diary of a CEO interview with Steven Bartlett and Esther Perel here: https://youtu.be/nTWXfo7narw?si=ycEbp6RpgqQLJ9JY

For all of our full episodes, audio and video, visit mindfullymasculine.com.

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