Advertise on podcast: Multifaceted Masculinity

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 manHost: 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.Links: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.Links: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.LinksHost: 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.LinksHost: 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.LinksHost: 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/

We’ve all been there at one time or another… in a funk… in an emotional rut… feeling unclear about how we arrived there and how to dig out of it. Today, we will dissect how exactly we get into funks and, more importantly, the five things we can do to change things. In this episode you'll learn: What leads to being in a funk? Why isolation is so detrimental to our wellbeing. The five things we can do to climb out of a funk. How to put together a detailed game plan. Practical action steps we can implement to begin seeing change within days!LinksHost: Josh Cearbaugh Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/ Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Andrew Daniel is an award-winning and international bestselling author and director at the Center for Cinesomatic Development. His Cinesomatics® workshops are held internationally from Nashville to London, Tuscany to Switzerland—helping professionals see the elusive patterns that hold them back. This methodology leads the world in cinematic movement diagnostics and advanced intuition development integrating approaches from embodiment, shadow work, therapy, and spirituality. His book, Awaken to Your True Self, is a gold Nautilus Book Awards recipient and #1 Amazon bestseller in the US & UK. In his early career, Andrew coded a particle and physics engine by the age of 18⁠, which was used by top Fortune 100 companies over the seven years of his software business. His first teaching work, Holistic Sex (Mindvalley, 2014), provided the world with a new paradigm that bridged the divide between sexuality, spirituality, and the sexes. Andrew is also an advisor for the Alan Watts Organization. In this episode you'll learn: Why is a victim mentality so “attractive”? Why are people afraid to let go of a victim mentality? How does somebody break out of a victim mentality? What does shadow work mean, and why is it so important? Can someone with a victim mentality have deep, meaningful sex? In what ways does our true self hide in the shadows? Where does our ego come from? What does “Ego death” mean? Why do people plateau or get stuck with self-development? Why is it important to have a holistic approach to connecting to your true self? Why is it important to have a holistic approach to connecting to your true self? What is Cinesomatics and how is it different from other approaches to connecting to your true self?LinksHost: 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://andrewdaniel.org/ Website: https://cinesomatics.org/

Today we unpack a topic I wish I had learned about 15 years ago… all of us will experience “storms” in our lives. The question is, how can you find anchors to hold on to during the storm? Learning how to identify your anchors, then integrate them into your life will help you stay locked into your True Self when the waves of doubt, fear, overwhelm, and pain come crashing in. In this episode you'll learn: Why you need to identify your personal anchors clearly. What is an Emotional Anchor? What is an Anchor Action? How can you pinpoint your specific anchors?... the ones that will help you the most. How to integrate your anchors in the most effective way to help you stay connected to your True Self.LinksHost: Josh Cearbaugh Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshcearbaugh Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/ Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Today we get to dive into what I’m calling “my s****y week”... an unexpected (and intense) wave of pain that took me off guard. Like many things in life, for those who are willing to lean into discomfort, there can be some beautiful life lessons. In this episode you'll learn: Why it’s important to keep your heart open even after you’ve “processed grief” How to stay present with the emotions non of us want to feel? How you can turn those negative emotions into fuel and motivation for moving forward. The importance of staying connected (to your heart, loved ones, and life) How holding space for those in pain creates a deeper connection… and how to do it without trying to change them.LinksHost: Josh Cearbaugh Website: https://joshcearbaugh.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshcearbaugh Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/ Online Course: https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Today is special… because today you get to hear from the man who has helped me navigate life's challenges more so than any other man. The one and only David Charlson. He is the person I turn to when I feel stuck, overwhelmed, sad, or proud. He is my personal and business coach, as well as a dear friend. I’m confident you’ll be able to grab some nuggets of wisdom from our conversation that can fundamentally improve the trajectory of your life if you’re willing to implement them.  Dave has over 24 years of business development experience. He was a mortgage banker for 16 years He has spent the past 10 years developing products for the pet industry and has created, branded, and established sales for two products that have generated 16 million in revenue He is currently CEO & President of North American Sales for Authentic Sales LLC, his pet product sales and marketing company that imports WAG dog treats from Australia and distributes them nationally in the US and Canada.  Dave is also CEO of Authentic Coaching Inc, a coaching company dedicated to helping leaders significantly increase performance and fulfillment through the power of Authentic Alignment.  Dave is all about creating safe places for businesspeople to be vulnerable and real about their struggles and brokering the truth of heaven in exchange for their limiting beliefs and fears.  He does this by attracting God's presence with his dedication to an extreme joy-filled vulnerability and boldly sharing radical testimonies. Dave also coaches a select group of executives across the United States. David is happily married to his wife Michele and has 4 children ages 27, 21,19,& 17 In this episode you'll learn: What does healthy masculine vulnerability look like? In what ways does vulnerability impact relationships? Why do we fight so hard to hold on to unhealthy internal paradigms? (and how do we change them?) How to stay grounded when things feel chaotic or overwhelming. How to stay strong in your identity and open to other people's spirituality. In what ways do Christians use Christianity to avoid taking responsibility?  LINKS: 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: Dave Charlson Website: https://davidcharlsoncoaching.com/  Conversation about Shame: https://vimeo.com/198274840

As much as we are fighting the inevitable, it’s no secret that we all eventually pass. Today we will be talking about processing the grief of saying goodbye… more specifically, my process of saying goodbye to an amazing man… Grandy, my ex-wife’s grandfather. We’ll also dive into the unusual dynamics I have with my ex’s family and the amazing support of my wife. In this episode you'll learn: What is the connection between death and intimacy? Key takeaways I gleaned from the man that modeled love, unlike anyone I’ve met. Why it’s important to forgive and heal from past pain that divorce can create. Why you shouldn’t use time or money to measure the things that matter in life.LinksHost Name: Josh Cearbaugh https://joshcearbaugh.com https://www.instagram.com/jcearbaugh/ https://facebook.com/joshcearbaugh https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com

Breathe in…Breathe out… It’s time to stress less and Pause Breathe Reflect with Michael O’Brien. Michael is a qualified meditation teacher, executive coach, endurance athlete, and creator of the Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Relaxation app. He loves helping people accomplish hard things through mindfulness. He’s a survivor of a horrific near-death cycling accident that he calls his Last Bad Day and recently rode his bicycle across America. Michael was also the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association first male Chapter President and started his HBA journey in 2003 He has shared his personal transformational Last Bad Day (aka near-death cycling accident) story and leadership advice with Fortune 500 companies, at TEDx, and with Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Real Simple, ABC, and NBC. In this episode you'll learn: Why it's important to approach life at a slower pace than society expects. How you can "reset" throughout the day.  Ways to incorporate breath work to help you become more self aware.  The app he created to help you practically make changes.  Advise for young entrepreneurs and high performing executives.  Why "hustle culture" is a recipe for disaster (and why you don't need to do it to succeed) Links Host: Josh Cearbaugh https://joshcearbaugh.com  https://instagram.com/joshcearbaugh  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcearbaugh/  https://www.jumpstartyourlife.com  Guest: Michael O'Brien https://www.instagram.com/PauseBreatheReflect/ www.facebook.com/michaelspeloton www.linkedin.com/in/michaelobrienpelotoncoaching