Je’Von Ikner joins the show to share a raw, grounded conversation about addiction, honesty, and the slow work of becoming a rooted man. As the founder of The Rooted Man, Je’Von helps men reclaim their strength, clarity, and purpose through embodied coaching that weaves together nervous system awareness, somatic practice, and values-based living. His work is designed for men who are tired of numbing out, performing, and pretending—and who are ready instead to cultivate depth, connection, and integrity from the inside out.

Episode Overview:

In this conversation, Josh and Je’Von explore Je’Von’s multi-year journey with kratom—how it began as a “harmless” solution for back pain and slowly evolved into a hidden daily addiction intertwined with alcohol, shame, and disconnection from his wife, son, and the things that once made him feel alive. They unpack what it actually took for him to get free: drawing a hard line in the sand around his son’s birthday, building an online support network, creating and sticking to a tapering plan, and enduring a long season of withdrawal and emotional recalibration.

From there, the conversation widens into how addiction suppresses connection, desire, and creativity, and how removing a numbing agent can slowly restore capacity for intimacy, joy, and aliveness. Je’Von shares the agricultural framework behind The Rooted Man—“clearing the land,” “tilling the soil,” “planting seeds,” “watering the crops,” and “harvesting”—as a practical roadmap for men who realize they’ve been “painting the leaves” instead of tending the roots of their lives. The two also challenge the ways men use “plant medicine” and spiritual language to bypass hard inner work, masking avoidance as growth and depth.

What You’ll Learn:

• How a “natural plant” like kratom can quietly slide from pain relief into full-blown dependence, secrecy, and self-betrayal
• The physical and emotional realities of kratom withdrawal, including the long tail of mood swings, anxiety, and nervous system recalibration
• Why community and honest accountability are often the missing ingredients in getting free from addictive patterns
• How addiction numbs not just pain but also connection, creativity, desire, and the simple things that make you feel most alive
• The role of honesty with yourself and your partner, and how shame, partial truths, and fear of confrontation keep cycles of addiction in place
• A practical, step-by-step framework from The Rooted Man: clearing the land, tilling the soil, planting seeds, watering the crops, and harvesting your gifts
• The subtle ways men “paint the leaves” with plant medicine, psychedelics, and spiritual language instead of doing the slow work of tending their inner soil
• How to begin replacing numbing behaviors with life-giving practices, brotherhood, and aligned action so you can live as a more rooted, present man

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Guest: JeVon Ikner

Website: https://therootedman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jevon_ikner

Introduction:

In this episode, I open up about why I stepped away from the podcast for the past six months and share a candid look at what has been happening in my life. The discussion covers personal growth, mental and emotional challenges, and how these experiences impacted my marriage, health, and passion for this show. I reflect on codependency, navigating personal setbacks, and the importance of reclaiming actions and habits that support my best self. This episode is both a return to the microphone and an invitation for listeners to consider where they might be holding back in their own lives or relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Honest discussion about what led to a six-month podcast break, including recent life transitions and internal struggles.
• Insights on codependency and how it can subtly influence actions and relationships.
• Personal reflections on marriage, self-worth, and the reality of evolving roles after big life changes.
• The importance of small daily habits like morning walks, and their impact on well-being.
• Why reclaiming personal interests and routines—such as podcasting—is crucial for growth and connection.
• Encouragement for listeners to examine where they might be “playing small” and the value of making incremental positive changes.
• An open invitation for listeners and potential guests to connect and join future conversations about the multifaceted reality of masculinity.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Josh Trent has spent over two decades in pursuit of truth in wellness, driven by a deep curiosity that took root in childhood. Raised in a broken home, he turned to sports for solace, unknowingly laying the foundation for a lifelong journey toward personal well-being.

Through plant medicine, breathwork, and deep self-exploration, he has turned struggles into wisdom, guiding others toward greater health, presence, and emotional intelligence. With over 700 podcast interviews featuring the world’s top wellness experts, Josh openly shares his journey, inspiring others to embody wellness and wisdom in their own lives.

Josh Trent has spent over two decades pursuing truth in wellness, driven by a deep curiosity that took root in childhood. Raised in a broken home, he turned to sports for solace, unknowingly laying the foundation for a lifelong journey toward personal well-being.g into one’s purpose. With raw honesty, he shares experiences with self-doubt, past addictions, and the practices that have helped him cultivate resilience and wisdom.

This episode is packed with deep insights, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live with authenticity and emotional intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

1. Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome

• The only way through self-doubt is action—confidence is built by doing the work.

• True commitment comes when there’s no turning back.

2. Vulnerability vs. Transparency in Leadership

• Transparency is sharing struggles; vulnerability is allowing others into the pain.

• Leadership requires both, but boundaries are essential.

• The best leaders illuminate the path for others rather than just directing the light.

3. The Role of Plant Medicine in Healing

• Psychedelics (psilocybin, ayahuasca) can be powerful tools—but only with spiritual maturity.

• Misuse can be dangerous; preparation through meditation and breathwork is key.

4. Breaking Free from Limiting Patterns

• Removing toxic influences, healing childhood wounds, and deepening spiritual connection is crucial for growth.

• Personal transformation isn’t just intellectual—it requires emotional and spiritual healing.

5. The Power of Words & Identity Shifting

• Words shape reality; self-talk determines perception.

• Instead of resisting negative thoughts, engaging with them (e.g., Internal Family Systems Therapy) leads to healing.

• True power comes from peace, not force—wholeness makes us unshakable.

6. Three Things Men Must Focus On for Growth

• Emotional Epigenetics: Healing inherited trauma rather than being controlled by it.

• Clarity on Purpose: Knowing who you are and what you stand for.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of masculinity, healing, and personal evolution.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Guest: Josh Trent

Podcast: https://wellnessforce.com/podcast-episodes/

David is a serial entrepreneur. He has helped launch and sell two multi-million dollar businesses, worked in the mortgage industry, and was CEO of a pet-food company, WAG.

His passion, however, is supporting high-performers in being connected to themselves and their families, while excelling in their work. His clients have included one of the largest hedge fund managers in the world, a Grammy award winner, and one of the biggest marketers on the planet.

Today, we’re diving into something I know many of us wrestle with: staying emotionally grounded while leading at the top—whether you’re running a company, chasing big goals, or just trying to show up as your best self. David’s got this rare ability to blend high-level leadership wisdom with a heart that’s always on, and I can’t wait to unpack that with him. So, let’s get into it—here’s my chat with David Charlson, a guy who makes me, and hopefully you, a little better just by listening.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Health Starts with Authenticity: David defines emotional health as staying connected to your true self, not defaulting to self-protective patterns.
• Psychological Safety Drives Performance: Drawing from Google’s Aristotle Project, David emphasizes that leaders must model vulnerability—sharing struggles and ideas—to create teams where innovation and honesty thrive.
• Practical Anchors for Resilience: Under pressure, use "anchors" (e.g., inspiring quotes, memories) and "catalytic behaviors" (e.g., outdoor time) to reconnect with your authentic self quickly and consistently.
• Release, Don’t Suppress: High performance doesn’t mean ignoring emotions. David and Josh advocate facing inner critics—crying, shaking, or jogging through them—to emerge more present and powerful.
• Feedback Requires Filters: Stay open to feedback but test it against your "who"—your authentic identity. Surround yourself with "healthy mirrors" (trusted friends or coaches) to discern truth from distortion.
• Masculinity and Femininity in Balance: David redefines leadership as embracing all expressions—sensitive or fierce—without labels, creating space for business creativity and strength.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Guest: David Charlson

Course: https://executiveemotionalhealth.com/

In this deeply personal episode, I explore the stigma around suicidal thoughts, particularly for men, and how these thoughts, rather than being purely negative, can serve as a powerful signal for change. Drawing from my own struggles—starting in my teenage years, through my divorce, and even recently—I share how I have learned to recognize these thoughts as an opportunity to take inventory of my life, reach out for help, and create meaningful change. I emphasize the importance of community, vulnerability, and proactive steps to break free from isolation and destructive patterns.

Through honest storytelling and practical strategies, I challenge the belief that struggling with suicidal thoughts is a sign of weakness. Instead, I highlight how acknowledging these thoughts early, asking for help, and taking intentional action can lead to transformation. Whether you’re struggling yourself or want to better support someone who is, this episode offers hope, perspective, and actionable steps to shift from feeling trapped to moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Suicidal thoughts are not a sign of weakness—they’re an indicator that something in life needs to change.
• Men often struggle with emotional vulnerability and connection, which leads to isolation and increases the risk of suicidal ideation.
• Recognizing and addressing these thoughts early can prevent them from becoming overwhelming.
• Building a support system is critical—reaching out to trusted friends, family, or a community can make all the difference.
• Taking inventory of life’s challenges and identifying areas for growth helps regain control and direction.
• Simple but powerful actions—like removing access to harmful means, sharing struggles with loved ones, and making a plan—can be life-saving.
• Healing and rebuilding are possible—even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, life can be reshaped into something meaningful.
• Being a good friend means checking in—sometimes, offering support without waiting to be asked can make a difference in someone’s life.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Marriage is a beautiful thing. It offers the gift of moving you into the healthiest version of you, but it has the potential to derail you if you’re unwilling (or unable) to take a hard look in the mirror.

Today, we dive into my personal journey regarding the unhealthy aspects of how my marriage caused me to slowly withdraw from life… with the hopes you’ll be able to catch certain cycles in your own relationship and disrupt them before they create a destructive momentum that’s hard to come back from.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The “Island effect” most marriages go through in their first few years.
• How to identify and disrupt codependent tendencies.
• Why it’s important to catch the “little things”, and take action on them ASAP.
• What you need to do to consistently move your marriage in the direction you ultimately desire.
• Why I haven’t posted a new episode in six months.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Podcast: https://www.multifacetedmasculinity.com/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

In today’s solo episode, Josh is sharing honestly about his own journey. He dives into the ways pain and disappointment can create a byproduct of isolation, not only from others but also from God. He dives into how this happened to him and offers some practical ways to change your “spiritual status quo” if you’re unhappy with where you’re currently at.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How pain and disappointment can hinder your relationship with God.
• Why your spirituality is vital to nurturing healthy masculinity.
• Why it’s important to be brutally honest with yourself and God.
• What you can do if you’re unhappy with your current spirituality.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshcearbaugh

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

David Peralta is a spiritual teacher, coach, and creator of The Soul Centered Founder. Since 2019, he’s been helping impact-driven entrepreneurs build 6- and 7-figure businesses by aligning themselves with their soul’s purpose.

He’s spent over 20 years studying Zen Buddhism, eastern spirituality, and Christianity, and learned the science of how to awaken the soul directly from a spiritual master named Sri Kaleshwar in Southern India.

For years, David worked as a sought-after SEO and content marketing consultant. But despite the professional success, he lacked the level of fulfillment he'd always envisioned for himself. This spilled over into his family life, where he struggled to be the loving husband and father I knew I could be.

But after a series of profound spiritual awakenings, David realized that he needed to stop living a life based on fear and false expectations, and start living a life centered in the soul. Once he began to do so, he experienced miraculous levels of success across all areas of his life—and a complete transformation in his relationships.

Now, he helps others to open their hearts and align themselves with the wisdom and power of the soul—so they can create a lasting impact and become who they are meant to be.

In this episode you'll learn:

• David’s journey. How an experience at 14 years old began a life-long spiritual journey.
• Why spirituality plays a key role in men’s identity.
• How to “hold offense” and be open to all religions.
• What is unconditional love, and is it possible for humans to attain it?
• How changing for the better ripples into the next generation.
• Why it takes time to integrate spiritual experiences into our lives.
• How we can integrate in a way that solidifies our experiences.

Host: Josh Cearbaugh

Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshcearbaugh

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/

Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Guest: Andrew Daniel

Website: https://soulcenteredfounder.com/