Mind Over Masculinity

The New Masculinity: Emotional Intelligence, Vulnerability, and Leadership with Carlos Davidovich

In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty is joined by Carlos Davidovich—medical doctor, TEDx speaker, and author of 5 Brain Leadership—to dissect outdated masculine norms and explore a more evolved, emotionally intelligent masculinity. Carlos shares his 30+ years of work around the concept of “new masculinity,” drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and global coaching experience. They discuss how vulnerability, once misunderstood as weakness, is now a crucial leadership asset, and how emotions influence decision-making more than logic ever could. This conversation isn’t about tearing masculinity down—it’s about freeing it.
About the Guest:Carlos Davidovich, MD is a global executive coach, medical doctor, and author of Five Brain Leadership. He blends neuroscience with leadership development to help executives and organizations perform at their highest potential. Carlos has worked across Argentina, Spain, Canada, and beyond, helping redefine leadership through emotional intelligence and intuitive awareness.
 
Key Takeaways:
New masculinity embraces emotional expression, empathy, and intuition—challenging the outdated "macho" script.
Vulnerability is not weakness; it's awareness of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure—and essential for modern leadership.
Carlos’s “Five Brains” model—rational, emotional, instinctual, intuitive, and higher self—offers a framework for holistic leadership.
Fathers play a critical role in shaping emotional literacy in boys, and the lack of emotional modeling can stunt healthy masculinity.
Redefining masculinity isn’t about erasing identity—it’s about expanding it to include the full human experience.
Connect with Carlos Davidovich:Website: www.carlosdavidovich.comLinkedIn: Carlos Davidovich, MD
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: Redefining Masculinity with Aaron Gambel

In this raw and revealing episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik sits down with transformational life coach Aaron Gambel to unpack the real cost of silent suffering among men. From childhood trauma to a near-suicidal turning point, Aaron shares his journey from emotional suppression to emotional sovereignty. They discuss the myths of modern masculinity, nervous system regulation techniques, and the power of male vulnerability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning the outdated ideals of manhood and seeking a more grounded, honest path forward.
About the Guest:Aaron Gambel is a transformational life coach, speaker, father, and former film industry professional. After reaching a breaking point five days after his 43rd birthday, he chose healing over silence. From hospital recovery to becoming a men’s circle facilitator, Aaron now empowers men to reconnect with their emotions, redefine their self-worth, and reclaim their lives with presence and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
Emotional suppression often stems from generational trauma and social programming.
Connection, not isolation, is what men need most in their darkest hours.
Ice therapy, exercise, and breathwork are practical tools for nervous system regulation.
Redefining masculinity means balancing decisiveness with empathy, not dominance.
Healing starts when we allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and supported—without shame.
Connect with Aaron Gambel:Website: www.aarongambel.comInstagram & TikTok: @aarongambel
 
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The Gospel of Fitness: Building Strength from the Inside Out with Steve McKinney

In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we sit down with Steve McKinney—author of The Gospel of Fitness, pastor, Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and veteran fitness coach. Steve shares his no-nonsense approach to strength training, cutting through the noise of modern fitness trends to focus on sustainable, simple strategies that keep both your mind and body strong. We unpack his "3 W Approach"—weight training, walking, and watching your diet—along with powerful insights on redefining strength beyond the mirror. Whether you're battling burnout, starting late, or overwhelmed by fitness misinformation, this conversation is a wake-up call for every man looking to age strong and live fully.
About the Guest: Steve McKinney is a bestselling author, pastor, fitness coach, and black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With over 30 years of experience training everyone from athletes to executives, Steve is passionate about helping men cut through fitness fads to achieve lasting results. His book, The Gospel of Fitness, brings clarity and balance to anyone seeking strength and well-being at any age.
Key Takeaways:
Why strength training is vital for men over 35—and how to do it safely.
The 3 W Approach for lasting fitness: weight training, walking, and diet.
How fitness can serve as a form of ministry and a path to purpose.
The truth behind social media fitness myths and why comparison is toxic.
How to start your strength journey today—no matter your age or fitness level.
 
Connect with Steve McKinney:
Website: fitnessandmore.net
Instagram: @SteveMcKinneyFitness
YouTube: Steve McKinney Fitness
Book: The Gospel of Fitness available on Amazon
 
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Why Bigger Muscles Aren’t the Answer: Jeff Bailey on Joint Health, Compression, and Aging Well

In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Jeff Bailey, a pioneer in joint health and the creator of Avita Yoga, to challenge the fitness industry’s obsession with muscle bulk. Jeff shares how repurposing muscles to nourish joints—not just build strength—can prevent arthritis, delay degeneration, and keep you mobile for life. They unpack why joints crave compression, how common strength routines may reinforce harmful patterns, and why it’s never too late to reclaim your mobility—even at 61. This conversation reframes strength, longevity, and what it truly means to move well as we age.
About the Guest:Jeff Bailey is a master teacher with over 13,000 hours of teaching experience, founder of Avita Yoga, and a leading voice in joint health and mobility. After recovering from a debilitating ski accident, Jeff developed a revolutionary movement practice that has helped thousands avoid joint replacements and chronic pain. At 61, he proves it’s never too late to rebuild strength from the inside out.
Key Takeaways:
Why joints need compression—not just stretching or traction—to stay healthy
The downside of traditional strength training for joint health
How “repurposing” muscles can prevent arthritis and maintain mobility
Why slow, intentional movement matters more than heavy lifting
It’s never too late to reclaim mobility, no matter your age or injury history
Connect with Jeff Bailey:Website: Avitayogaonline.comBook: Mobility for Life – mobilityforlifebook.com
 
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Breaking the Lone Wolf Myth: Jason Lange on Men’s Groups, Embodiment & Emotional Strength

In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with men’s embodiment coach and group facilitator Jason Lange to explore how men's groups can be life-changing spaces for emotional growth, authenticity, and support. Jason unpacks the myths around masculinity, the hidden costs of stoicism, and the transformative power of being seen—truly seen—by other men. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone still trying to go it alone. Whether you’re new to men’s work or deep in the journey, you’ll leave with real insight into what it means to lead, feel, and grow in today’s world.
About the Guest:Jason Lange is a certified No More Mr. Nice Guy coach, men's group leader, and evolutionary guide. With training under renowned mentors like John Wineland and Dr. Robert Glover, Jason creates spaces where men drop pretense, confront their truth, and reclaim their power. He facilitates deep group work that blends shadow integration, embodiment, and emotional fitness.
Key Takeaways:
Men's groups are not therapy sessions—they’re structured, accountability-driven spaces for real transformation.
True masculinity involves emotional presence, not emotional suppression.
Men are wired for connection but are conditioned to isolate—Jason shares how to break that pattern.
Vulnerability doesn’t weaken men—it strengthens their relationships, leadership, and mental health.
80% of the vagus nerve’s communication flows from the body to the brain—why embodiment work is crucial.
Connect with Jason Lange:Website: https://www.jasonlange.me/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmlange/Men’s Group: https://evolutionary.men/
 
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Redefining Strength: Self-Love, PTSD & Inner Healing with Combat Veteran Cole Grace

In this deeply personal episode of Mind About Masculinity, host Avik sits down with Cole Grace—a former bomb technician in Iraq turned mental health advocate—to explore what real strength looks like beyond war zones and expectations. Cole opens up about living with PTSD, addiction, and the brutal inner critic shaped by survival. Together, they unpack why men struggle with self-love, how emotional repression becomes addictive, and why external wins can’t heal internal wounds. Drawing on his book Internal > External, Cole offers grounded, actionable wisdom for men who are ready to stop running and start healing.
About the GuestCole Grace is a combat veteran, speaker, and author of Internal > External: Calming the Chaos Within. After disarming roadside bombs in Iraq and battling personal demons post-deployment, Cole now helps others master their inner world through mindset tools, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability. His mission is to help men rebuild their lives by owning their stories and emotions—not suppressing them.
Key Takeaways
Self-love isn't soft—it's essential to mental resilience and masculine strength.
Combat taught Cole to repress emotion for survival, but healing demanded he face those buried feelings.
Reprogramming limiting beliefs with affirmations and gratitude isn't fluff—it’s neuroscience.
Real masculinity includes control over emotional reactivity, not suppression.
External success means little when internal wounds go unaddressed.
Emotional repression might work short term, but unresolved trauma resurfaces in self-sabotage and rage.
Connect with Cole Grace• YouTube: @CGrace21
 
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Testosterone, Emotions & Mental Health: A Conversation with Chelsea McLeod

In this insightful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Chelsea McLeod, a hormone health coach helping high-achieving men and women reclaim their health. Together, they explore how testosterone influences not just physical strength and libido, but also emotional balance, mental clarity, and resilience. Chelsea breaks down the connection between stress, sleep, nutrition, and hormonal health—and why many men are silently struggling with low testosterone without realizing it. From the hidden impact of gut health to practical lifestyle shifts, this conversation challenges the outdated belief that declining health is an inevitable part of aging.
About the Guest:Chelsea McLeod is a powerhouse hormone health coach who has helped over 200 women and men heal hormone and gut imbalances. She works with C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes to boost testosterone, improve energy, and reclaim health without burnout. Chelsea left corporate life after her own health crisis and is now on a mission to help a million people worldwide balance their hormones naturally.
Key Takeaways:
Testosterone affects mood, motivation, sleep, and emotional regulation—not just muscle and libido.
Chronic stress and poor sleep lower testosterone by disrupting hormonal precursors.
Simple steps like better sleep hygiene, clean eating, and addressing gut health can significantly boost testosterone naturally.
Emotional intelligence and hormone health are interconnected; emotional suppression can manifest physically.
Men don’t have to accept feeling “off” or emotionally flat as normal aging—there’s a path to healing.
Connect with Chelsea:Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @healthywithchelsShe offers private coaching for men looking to work one-on-one to improve hormonal and mental health.
 
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Greatness Without Burnout: Martial Arts, Masculinity & Mastery with Bogdan Rosu

In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we sit down with Bogdan Rosu—leadership coach, martial artist, and author of Greatness and Mastery. Together, we explore how men can pursue elite leadership and high performance without burning out. From martial arts philosophies to emotional intelligence, Bogdan breaks down how “being like water” isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. We discuss the illusion of hustle culture, the hidden costs of self-doubt, and why stillness is a high-performer’s secret weapon. Whether you’re chasing the next belt in your career or in your character, this conversation challenges conventional success narratives and offers a grounded roadmap for sustainable greatness.
About the Guest:Bogdan Rosu is a high-performance leadership coach, martial artist, and host of the Stories from Your Future Selfpodcast. With clients ranging from seven-figure CEOs to entrepreneurs at pivotal crossroads, Bogdan helps men break through limiting beliefs, align with purpose, and lead without compromise. His upcoming book Greatness and Masteryfuses martial arts with modern leadership—teaching principles that help ambitious men rise without running themselves into the ground.
Key Takeaways:
Greatness begins with love—for the self, the craft, and the journey—not just achievement.
Rigidity is not strength. Flexibility, like water, enables resilience and smarter leadership.
Even multi-millionaires face the same fears—burnout and paralysis don’t discriminate.
Discipline is often mistaken for self-denial. True mastery aligns passion with confidence.
Masculinity isn’t just doing—it’s about knowing when to be, reflect, and recharge.
 
Connect with Bogdan Rosu:Find and connect with Bogdan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themindsetcoach/
https://bogdanrosu.biz/greatness-and-mastery-free-book 
 
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Embracing Vulnerability & Leadership in Tech with Balki Kotarapu

In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we dive deep with Balki Kotarapu, a fractional CTO and mentor who has led tech teams through intense growth, scaling companies from millions to tens of millions. Balki shares how vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness have become his superpowers in leadership. We explore why true strength isn't about having all the answers but about building trust, admitting gaps, and working through challenges together. This conversation unpacks lessons from high-stakes tech environments, the toll it takes on mental health, and the balance needed to thrive as both a leader and human. A must-listen for founders, tech leads, and anyone navigating leadership with authenticity.
About Balki Kotarapu: Balki Kotarapu is a seasoned fractional CTO, entrepreneur, and mentor with a proven track record of scaling startups and building high-performance teams. Having raised over $150 million and developed AI products for Fortune 100 companies, Balki’s leadership style is grounded in vulnerability, clarity, and emotional intelligence. He is passionate about reshaping toxic tech cultures and fostering environments where both people and products succeed.
Key Takeaways:
Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness.
The hidden cost of overwork in high-stakes tech roles.
How balancing personal and professional life boosts leadership performance.
The role of emotional intelligence in solving technical bottlenecks.
Insights on reshaping toxic work cultures to prioritize well-being.
 
Connect with Balki: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balki
 
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Alignment Over Pressure: Rethinking Success & Masculinity with Grace Najean

In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with transformational leadership strategist Grace Najean to challenge the deeply ingrained belief that pressure equals progress. Together, they unpack the cost of hustle-driven success, the hidden toll of male conditioning, and how men can reclaim their power through alignment instead of burnout. Grace shares her insights from coaching high achievers, revealing why self-awareness, inner voice, and sustainable practices matter more than ever for modern men. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind or disconnected from yourself, this conversation is a must-listen.
About the Guest: Grace Najean is a transformational leadership strategist, creator of the Soulfluence Method, and a former Platinum Coach with Tony Robbins. She guides high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives toward sustainable, soul-aligned success by bridging strategy with spirituality. Grace also hosts transformational retreats helping people reconnect with their true selves.
Key Takeaways:
Why pressure-driven success leads to burnout, not fulfillment
How societal conditioning traps men in cycles of proving
The critical role of self-awareness in sustainable leadership
How alignment can unlock clarity, freedom, and authentic power
Simple tools like SWOT and Ikigai to reconnect with your purpose
Connect with Grace Najean: Visit Grace’s website at www.gracenajean.comLearn more about her transformational retreats and coaching services.
 
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