Modern Masculinity

Hector Santiesteban
  • 4.8 (12)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED DAILY

"Modern Masculinity" is a podcast that explores the real-life challenges that men face today. Whether it's balancing work and family, figuring out how to be a good husband or father, or just trying to make sense of the world - this show is for guys looking for practical, down-to-earth advice and guidance. The podcast discusses the struggles and triumphs of modern manhood and features interviews with men (and women) who can share their methods and mindsets to maneuver the world as a modern man.

  1. When Your Ego Drives: How to Take Back the Wheel with Chris Gray

    6D AGO

    When Your Ego Drives: How to Take Back the Wheel with Chris Gray

    Hector sits down with Chris Gray — a direct response marketing strategist and introspective father — to unpack the daily dance between ego, awareness, and authentic leadership. Chris shares how years of meditation and mindfulness have reshaped his approach to business, family, and self-acceptance. Using vivid analogies — from the ego as a GPS to a well-meaning but overbearing parent — he offers practical wisdom for men ready to stop fighting themselves and start integrating every part of who they are. Whether you’re a dad, a founder, or just a man learning to carry your weight with grace, this episode will leave you asking: who’s driving — you or your ego? Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome & Meet Chris Gray00:01:24 - Diving In: What We’re Really Carrying00:01:56 - The Path of Awareness: Making Peace with Ego00:04:32 - The Inner Dialogue: Listening to Yourself00:07:24 - Spiritual Lessons & New Perspectives00:12:26 - Redefining Masculinity & Growth00:19:47 - Why the Hard Stuff Matters00:25:44 - Closing Reflections & Takeaways Links And Resources: Chris's WebsiteChris Gray on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    28 min
  2. The Shame-Addiction Loop No One Talks About with Michael Brabant

    JUN 20

    The Shame-Addiction Loop No One Talks About with Michael Brabant

    Hector welcomes Dr. Michael Brabant, a transformational psychologist and founder of Candor & Coherence, to explore what it really means to evolve as a man in today’s world. From confronting inherited patterns of stoicism and shame to understanding the power of emotional multiplicity through Internal Family Systems (IFS), this conversation is a masterclass in modern manhood. Michael offers real talk on the grind culture trap, the necessity of rest, and how true fulfillment comes not from chasing success, but from aligning with your soul. The episode calls on listeners to redefine strength—not as control or domination, but as the courage to feel deeply, grieve honestly, and live with unwavering authenticity. If you've ever felt like you were doing all the right things and still felt off-center, this episode might be the nudge your inner compass has been waiting for. Chapters: 00:00:00 - A Different Kind of Masculine Conversation Begins00:00:37 - Why Your Inner Parts Might Be Running the Show00:01:59 - What Today’s Man Is Secretly Struggling With00:02:57 - How I Built a Business That Didn’t Betray My Soul00:04:32 - Escaping Survival Mode: The Real Upgrade00:07:48 - The Inner Voices That Shape Your Life00:12:07 - Masculine Archetypes Aren’t Just Theory00:15:39 - Why Men Must Grieve to Grow00:20:23 - The Real Process of Shedding Old Selves00:29:45 - What Rest Reveals About Who’s In Charge00:35:02 - Addiction, Avoidance, and Facing What’s Real00:43:04 - Rethinking Masculinity from the Inside Out Links And Resources: Dr. Michael Brabant on LinkedInCandor and Coherence Hector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    45 min
  3. Why Owning Your Time Is the Ultimate Power Move with Zach Richards

    JUN 6

    Why Owning Your Time Is the Ultimate Power Move with Zach Richards

    Hector sits down with Zach Richards, co-founder of REI Capital Guys, to explore the quiet power of private lending and the deeper meaning of financial freedom. Zach breaks down how true freedom isn’t about flashy cars or massive portfolios—it’s about owning your time, minimizing stress, and building systems that let you live life on your terms. From the difference between risky speculation and dependable cash flow, to the invisible labor of family life, this conversation hits hard for any man seeking more than hustle—someone striving for balance, stability, and intentional growth. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Why This Episode Might Change the Way You See Freedom00:00:38 - Zach Richards: From Code to Capital00:01:52 - How Private Lending Quietly Changed His Life00:03:04 - Balancing the Mission and the Marriage00:03:26 - The Moment Everything Pivoted00:05:35 - Redefining Who You Are (and What You Want)00:09:31 - What Real Financial Freedom Feels Like00:14:09 - Being a Provider Without Losing Yourself00:31:28 - Staying Steady in a World on Fire00:33:31 - One Final Thought Every Man Should Hear Links And Resources: Website: REI Capital Guys CommunityFree eBook: Private Lending GuideZach Richards on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    35 min
  4. What Most Men Get Wrong About Meditation with Damon Mitchell

    JUN 3

    What Most Men Get Wrong About Meditation with Damon Mitchell

    Hector sits down with certified men's coach Damon Mitchell for an unfiltered and enlightening conversation on meditation, masculinity, and the pursuit of wholeness. Damon shares how sobriety and meditation reshaped his identity and gave him the tools to engage more consciously in relationships — not just with others, but with himself. Together, they unpack the shifting roles of men in a post-feminist society, the quiet strength in contemplative practices, and the often unspoken struggles of modern manhood. Whether you’re navigating identity beyond addiction, redefining masculinity, or just looking for a more grounded way to show up in your life — this episode is an open invitation to explore your inner terrain with honesty and humility. Expect no fluff, just real talk on emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the messy, beautiful work of becoming whole. Chapters: 00:00:00 - What We Were Never Taught About Being Men00:02:48 - Meeting the Man Behind the Transformation00:03:22 - From Addiction to Awareness: Damon's Turning Point00:03:55 - Why Most Men Can’t Heal Alone00:09:15 - The Practice That Created Space (and Saved Him)00:14:41 - Can Meditation Make You a Better Man?00:20:10 - Masculinity Isn’t Broken — It’s Evolving00:22:55 - The Father Wound and the Pendulum Swing00:24:45 - From Resistance to Reverence: Learning Stillness00:26:09 - What Most Guys Get Wrong About Meditation00:30:51 - Does Meditation Conflict with Religion?00:36:55 - If You’re Just Starting, Start Here00:42:08 - The Invitation: What Kind of Man Are You Becoming? Links And Resources: Intenitonalize My Life Coaching Intake FormThe Intentionalize My Life's WebsiteModern Masculinity Podcast FormSubstackDamon on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    43 min
  5. Being Vulnerable Doesn’t Make You Weak with Shaun Emerson

    MAY 27

    Being Vulnerable Doesn’t Make You Weak with Shaun Emerson

    Hector sits down with Shaun Emerson, Development Lead at MenLiving, to explore the raw, unfiltered truths about modern manhood. Together, they dig into the emotional weight men silently carry—loneliness, anxiety, and the societal pressure to “suck it up.” Shaun shares how his transition from tech executive to nonprofit leader reshaped his understanding of masculinity, revealing the power of community, emotional honesty, and radical self-exploration. From generational programming to relationship dynamics, the episode asks: what does it mean to be a modern man in today’s world—and how can we redefine masculinity to include strength and sensitivity? Whether you’re new to men’s work or deep in the process, this episode will challenge you, affirm you, and invite you into a deeper connection—with yourself and your brothers. Chapters: 00:00:00 - What Does It Mean to Be a Man Today?00:01:42 - Shaun Emerson Steps Into the Circle00:02:31 - From Corporate Hustle to Conscious Connection00:04:08 - Why Most Men Don’t Talk (and Why That’s Changing)00:06:31 - Making It Normal for Men to Feel00:10:50 - The Power of Inner Work00:12:35 - Alone in a Crowd: The Hidden Epidemic00:15:47 - Masculine, Feminine & the Energy Between00:18:57 - Real Stories, Real Feelings00:39:14 - One Last Truth & Where to Go Next Links And Resources: MenLiving.org📧 Email Shaun: shaun@menliving.orgShaun Emerson on LinkedIn 📖 Recommended Book: Rescuing Our Sons by Dr. John DuffyHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    41 min

  6. MAY 16

    You Don’t Need to Be Loud to Be a Real Man with Dal Houston

    Hector sits down with Dal Houston — attorney, rancher, motivational speaker, and self-proclaimed “eccentric cowboy” — to challenge the worn-out scripts of modern masculinity. Together, they unpack the deep emotional power of personal style, the importance of expressing your individuality (even if it means rocking British riding boots to a UFC fight), and why aging should be about speeding up, not slowing down. From growing up in a blue-collar world with little room for uniqueness, to discovering the grounding force of tall cowboy boots and bespoke fashion, Dal offers a refreshing, grounded, and unapologetic take on what it means to be a man today. This episode is a wake-up call for any man stuck in a life of “soul-deadening” sameness, reminding us that life should be lived “hard, fun, and full of expression.” If you’ve ever felt out of place while trying to fit in — this one’s for you. Chapters: 00:00:00 – Meet the Eccentric Cowboy Who’s Redefining Masculinity00:00:50 – Why What You Wear Could Be the Key to Who You Are00:01:56 – From Shy Rancher to Fashion-Forward Philosopher00:03:19 – Getting Stared At and Still Showing Up: The Price of Authenticity00:05:27 – Stop Copying. Start Dressing Like You Mean It.00:14:48 – Style Isn’t Trendy. It’s Timeless (Here’s How to Find Yours)00:28:26 – Law, Livestock, Leather: How to Be All of Yourself at Once00:39:51 – Don’t Slow Down. This Is What Modern Masculinity Really Looks Like Links And Resources: Website: www.dalhouston.comDal on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    44 min

  7. APR 29

    Is Jesus the Perfect Role Model for Modern Masculinity with Todd Miechiels

    Todd Miechiels joins Hector Santiesteban to explore the transformational journey from defining manhood by titles and income to redefining it through faith, humility, and service. Todd shares his call from the business world into the mission field, revealing how surrendering traditional measures of success led to a life of deeper intimacy with God and others. Together, they unpack how modern men can find purpose not in what they produce, but in who they become—and why knowing and sharing your personal story is one of the most courageous and impactful acts of leadership today. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Called Into Purpose00:01:52 - A Man Interrupted00:02:58 - Wrestling With God00:04:53 - Reawakening the Soul00:07:18 - Where Is God Now?00:09:04 - Doubt, Faith, and Identity00:13:34 - Brotherhood and Becoming00:22:54 - Learning From the Carpenter00:27:02 - What Grace Really Means00:27:22 - An Invitation to Skeptics00:27:33 - Why He Chose the Cross00:28:49 - A Love That Costs Everything00:29:19 - Stories That Shape Us00:31:12 - The Rescue Begins00:32:48 - God Speaks in Many Ways00:37:47 - The Resurrection Reframed00:45:31 - Redefining Manhood Through Faith Links And Resources: Todd's Personal WebsiteStory Stewardship FoundationHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    52 min
  8. The Illusion of Having It All: When Ego Masks Emptiness

    APR 22

    The Illusion of Having It All: When Ego Masks Emptiness

    Hector sits down with award-winning podcaster and fellow storyteller Matt Gilhooly to explore the unraveling of Hector’s past relationship and the identity crisis that followed his greatest professional success. Together, they peel back the layers of ego, childhood conditioning, and the craving for external validation that many men silently carry. With emotional honesty and unflinching vulnerability, Hector shares what it means to look “successful” on the outside but feel disconnected on the inside — and how that dissonance became the catalyst for a new journey toward wholeness. This episode is a raw look into the modern masculine experience: the hidden shame, the healing process, and the redemptive power of reflection. Chapters: 0:00:00 - Welcome to the Episode That Changes Everything00:02:03 - Opening the Vault: Where the Real Story Begins00:02:59 - Young Love, Old Patterns: The Roots of It All00:05:07 - Success, Ego, and the Illusion of “Having It All”00:09:44 - Marriage Starts Fast… But So Do the Cracks00:13:25 - Craving Control While Losing Connection00:15:18 - When Identity Collides with Intimacy00:17:42 - The Slow Burn of Resentment00:20:11 - Seeking Peace but Breeding Distance00:22:47 - The Relationship Becomes a Mirror You Avoid00:25:32 - Fatherhood Hits Harder Than Expected00:33:56 - Health Scares, Family Shifts, and the Weight of It All00:34:53 - The “Perfect” Neighborhood That Didn’t Fix Everything00:35:36 - Parenting Together While Drifting Apart00:36:47 - When Validation Replaces Connection00:37:30 - The Vasectomy That Said More Than Words00:39:39 - Speaking, But Not Hearing: When Communication Fails00:42:43 - Spiraling: The Pain Beneath the Patterns00:45:35 - Reclaiming Identity After Losing Yourself00:56:27 - Co-Parenting in the Aftermath: Navigating a New Normal00:01:00:56 - What Purpose Feels Like After the Breakdown00:01:03:28 - Wrapping Up: Reflections, Resources, and What’s Next Links And Resources: WebsiteThe Life Shift PodcastInstagramTwitter/XHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on Twitter Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Modern Masculinity? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

    1h 5m
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4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

"Modern Masculinity" is a podcast that explores the real-life challenges that men face today. Whether it's balancing work and family, figuring out how to be a good husband or father, or just trying to make sense of the world - this show is for guys looking for practical, down-to-earth advice and guidance. The podcast discusses the struggles and triumphs of modern manhood and features interviews with men (and women) who can share their methods and mindsets to maneuver the world as a modern man.

Information

  • Creator
    Hector Santiesteban
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Hector Santiesteban
  • Show Website
    Modern Masculinity

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