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 Begins
• 00:00:37 - Why Your Inner Parts Might Be Running the Show
• 00:01:59 - What Today’s Man Is Secretly Struggling With
• 00:02:57 - How I Built a Business That Didn’t Betray My Soul
• 00:04:32 - Escaping Survival Mode: The Real Upgrade
• 00:07:48 - The Inner Voices That Shape Your Life
• 00:12:07 - Masculine Archetypes Aren’t Just Theory
• 00:15:39 - Why Men Must Grieve to Grow
• 00:20:23 - The Real Process of Shedding Old Selves
• 00:29:45 - What Rest Reveals About Who’s In Charge
• 00:35:02 - Addiction, Avoidance, and Facing What’s Real
• 00:43:04 - Rethinking Masculinity from the Inside Out

Links And Resources:

• Dr. Michael Brabant on LinkedIn
• Candor and Coherence
• Hector Santiesteban on LinkedIn
• Hector 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!