Every 13 minutes in America, a man dies by suicide. Dr. Baruch’s mission is simple and audacious—push that number back to 14. In this intimate conversation, Dr. Cody Young shares a raw journey through a school shooting that impacted his family, the loneliness many men quietly carry, and the seismic life shift of leaving his lifelong faith. Together, Baruch and Cody explore moving from “Mr. Nice Guy” to a good man—taking radical responsibility, building real brotherhood, and claiming authorship over your life.
Key Topics Covered:
The 13-minute mission: reframing men’s mental health with a concrete goal.
Evergreen High School shooting: a father’s helplessness, a community’s response, and unseen trauma after crisis.
The loneliness epidemic in men: why having “people around” isn’t the same as having community.
Faith transition & excommunication: cost of leaving a high-control community, grief, and rebuilding belonging.
From “nice” to “good”: the moral courage to take a stand—even when it creates conflict.
Shadow work & humility: moving from being a knower to a seeker; questioning, integrating, and growing.
Radical responsibility: becoming the author of your life (and why authority starts with authorship).
Men’s groups that go deep: beyond sports and weather—practicing vulnerability, service, and accountability.
Parenting after trauma: noticing the hidden aftershocks and supporting healing over time.
Timestamp Takeaways:
0:05 — The rebrand: why “13 Minutes” and the goal to push it to 14.
0:56 — What a 1-minute shift would mean: 2,888 men choosing life this year.
1:22 — Evergreen, CO school shooting: Cody’s daughter barricaded; parents’ helplessness.
4:06 — Injury update and outcome; the shooter’s death by suicide.
6:17 — School & community response: resources, care, and the “after” of trauma.
7:54 — The bridge to men’s work: loneliness as a common denominator.
10:15 — Origin story: growing up LDS (Mormon), marriage, and a faith built into identity.
12:28 — Leaving the church: losing community, starting a support group, and backlash.
14:50 — Formal excommunication: recording and publishing the proceedings—and why.
18:03 — From “nice guy” to good man: taking a stand even when it isn’t “nice.”
20:07 — The turning point question: “If it isn’t true, would you want to know?”
22:42 — Applying scientific thinking to faith; following data and intuition out of certainty.
26:02 — Early cracks: polygamy, Book of Mormon anachronisms, and cognitive dissonance.
31:02 — Family ties & eternity narratives: how excommunication reframes relationships.
35:11 — Moving to Colorado: rebuilding friendship muscles without a ready-made community.
37:00 — Why men’s groups (MKP, etc.) matter: depth, service, and real talk.
38:59 — Image management vs. vulnerability: why depth was missing before.
44:49 — “Circle the wagons”: insulation, persecution narratives, and not Googling the hard questions.
46:05 — Becoming a seeker: humility, curiosity, learning across traditions.
48:53 — Radical ownership: accountability without outsourcing to leaders or dogma.
51:30 — Fatherhood after crisis: standing steady at the center so the family can orbit.
Guest Links — Dr. Cody Young
Professional Profile: Nationwide Children’s Hospital — Dr. Cody M. Young (Radiology)
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/cody-m-young
Men don’t need more answers—they need a reason, a brotherhood, and the courage to author their lives.
In this episode, Dr. Baruch HaLevi explores the transformative power of commitment—one of the core tools used in men’s peer groups and one of the most essential virtues in life. Commitment isn’t just about showing up when it’s easy; it’s about aligning your word, your actions, and your integrity, even when it’s inconvenient.
From being on time to honoring relationships, from saying yes only when you mean it to courageously saying no when you can’t follow through, commitment is the foundation of character. Through personal stories, group practices, and timeless wisdom, Dr. B shares how men can move from excuses to excellence—and why living impeccably with your word changes everything.
Key Topics Covered
The challenge of commitment – why men often resist and how it reveals character.
Peer group standards – no missing, no excuses, no showing up late.
Time is life – why respecting others’ time is the deepest form of respect.
Rocks, pebbles, and sand – putting first things first when it comes to priorities.
Accountability practices – $50 late fines and $200 missed-meeting fines to reinforce integrity.
Impeccability with your word – lessons from The Four Agreements.
The true meaning of sin (to miss the mark) – and how it connects to integrity.
When to say no – why refusing commitments you can’t keep is more honorable than overpromising.
Going all in – what it looks like to honor commitments in body, mind, and spirit.
Timestamp Takeaways
0:05 – Commitment as a transformative peer group tool.
0:28 – Why men resist committing and what’s really underneath the excuses.
1:03 – What “I have no choice” actually means about priorities.
2:05 – How showing up for peer groups translates into showing up in life.
2:53 – The “rocks in the jar” metaphor for prioritizing core values.
3:23 – Brotherhood, funerals, and why these men would carry Dr. B’s casket.
4:08 – Fines and accountability: $50 for being late, $200 for missing.
5:00 – Time is life: why punctuality is respect.
5:27 – The Four Agreements: “Be impeccable with your word.”
6:01 – Sin as “missing the mark”—living out of alignment with your integrity.
7:18 – One-year minimum commitment: why “testing it out” isn’t real commitment.
7:45 – Saying no with courage versus committing without integrity.
8:15 – The call to be all in—living impeccably through every commitment.
Commitment is not about convenience—it’s about integrity. A man’s word, honored consistently in the small things and the big ones, is the true measure of his character.
On the morning of 9/11, former ATP top-100 tennis pro Jeff Salzenstein rode the subway through the World Trade Center stop—ten minutes before impact. That near-miss, and later the harrowing fight to save his brother from addiction, shaped a life philosophy that puts meaning over medals. In this raw, uplifting conversation, Jeff and Dr. B explore purpose (“your why”), identity beyond achievements, and how true growth blends the warrior’s drive with the lover’s heart.Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹 What You'll Learn:Near-miss at 9/11 — Survival sharpens perspective.The power of WHY — Purpose as self-transcendence, not self-achievement.Identity beyond titles — You’re not your résumé.Numbers vs. meaning — Rankings and money are tools, not truth.Process over prize — Growth comes from pursuit, not outcome.Self-reliance forged early — Tennis as a dojo for discipline and entrepreneurship.Living paradox — Warrior drive × Lover’s heart = authentic power.Stage as service — Speaking and coaching as giving, not ego.Family and loss — Brother’s addiction and death as catalyst for healing.Brokenness to wholeness — Scars become a source of connection.True fulfillment — Lasting joy comes from service, not success.📌 Timestamp Highlights:[00:00–02:00] 9/11 near-miss — Jeff passes through the World Trade Center subway stop minutes before impact; survival reshapes perspective.[04:20–06:12] Discovering his WHY — Purpose framed as self-transcendence and breaking generational patterns.[08:01–11:04] Beyond “Top-100” — Why Jeff resists being defined by accolades and wants to be known for his heart.[12:15–14:12] Process over prize — Tennis wasn’t about loving the game; it was about mastery, resilience, and performance.[18:01–20:26] Solopreneur origins — Alone on the courts since age 4, learning self-reliance and discipline.[21:17–23:01] The ceiling of being seen — Insecurity with the world’s best; fear of visibility limited growth.[25:09–27:19] Stage as service — Reframing competition skills into speaking and coaching with heart.[40:03–42:11] The hollowness of winning — Why trophies and money don’t satisfy; fulfillment requires serving others.[47:02–51:18] Brother’s overdose and intervention — Chaos, rehab, prison, transformation, relapse, and tragic loss.[51:54–53:30] Sparks of meaning — Carrying shards of pain from darkness to light for self and others.[54:00–55:20] Closing loop — From 9/11 to family loss, Jeff embraces brokenness as the path to wholeness and service.🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
In today’s episode, Dr. Baruch HaLevi explores one of the oldest yet most overlooked tools for transformation—confidentiality. In an age of constant oversharing, “leaky boundaries,” and broken trust, the ability to hold confidence is rare but essential. Drawing from his years as a rabbi and his work leading men’s peer groups, Dr. B unpacks why confidentiality is foundational for growth, vulnerability, and authentic connection.
You’ll discover how keeping confidence strengthens relationships, why confession and safe spaces are timeless human needs, and how practicing this tool can transform not just peer groups, but marriages, friendships, and communities.
==Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹 What You'll Learn:Confidentiality as a life tool – not just for peer groups, but for every relationship.
Why breaches happen – from accidental texts to cocktail party slips.
The spiritual dimension of confession – why humans need safe spaces to share burdens.
Clergy lessons learned – how Dr. B’s time as a rabbi shaped his understanding of trust.
Peer group boundaries – “What’s said here stays here. What’s learned here can be shared.”
The slippery slope of sharing what’s not yours – how it slowly erodes trust.
Men and vulnerability – why many carry too much alone, and how confidentiality opens the door to authentic connection.
Transformational growth – how learning to hold and share in confidence softens hearts and strengthens relationships.📌 Timestamp Highlights:
0:05 – Why peer group tools matter—and why they’re universal.
0:28 – Confidentiality defined as a timeless, transformational tool.
0:54 – How trust is broken in subtle, everyday ways.
1:38 – Lessons from the rabbi’s chair: why holding confidence is sacred.
2:16 – Confession as a primal, spiritual act across traditions.
3:18 – Peer group rules: what’s said here stays here.
3:50 – Why even a small “slip” in confidence chips away at trust.
5:09 – Men carrying burdens alone and the need for safe spaces.
6:02 – Dr. B’s personal journey: learning to trust again after past breaches.
7:00 – How practicing confidentiality attracts deeper, higher-quality relationships.🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
Every 13 minutes in America, a man takes his own life. In this powerful episode, Dr. Baruch “B” HaLevi goes straight to the deep end with guest Justin Smith—an actuary and father—on how stats, fatherhood, and men’s peer groups can move us from numb survival to purpose. They unpack the cost of never stating your preferences, why midlife math matters, and how modeling emotional fitness at home can change generations.Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹 What You'll Learn:Purpose is practiced, not guessed. Use data to inform your life, not replace your humanity.Stating preferences is intimacy work; silence breeds unfair resentment.Model what you want your kids to emulate: movement, honest emotion, and community.Midlife math is motivating: your time isn’t infinite—act accordingly.Peer groups give men consistent, skilled relationships beyond acquaintances.📌 Timestamp Highlights:[00:00–00:36] Why “13 Minutes” — Every 13 minutes a man dies by suicide; Dr. B sets the gravity of the show.[01:06–02:06] Actuary’s take — Justin explains risk groups, isolation, veterans, and nuance behind the statistic.[07:44–08:55] Fatherhood as a mirror — Becoming a dad forces him to confront his habits and live with purpose.[09:03–10:01] Advice to 13-year-old self — Passion matters more than money; today you can build a life doing almost anything.[15:18–17:13] Raising a son differently — Affection, roughhousing, agency, and modeling emotional availability.[18:26–22:13] “Chinese vs. tacos” story — How avoiding preferences builds hidden resentment that later erupts.[24:20–26:21] Therapy & repair — Couples and individual therapy open space for honesty in his marriage.[27:58–29:32] Midlife math — At 39–40, your “life left” becomes less than what you’ve lived—true midlife.[36:19–39:11] Model it, don’t preach it — Kids learn fitness and emotional expression by seeing it lived.[39:42–40:48] Dad’s note on joyless sacrifice — A generational shift in parenting and purpose.[41:47–44:00] The email that changed their relationship — Vulnerability with his father deepens their bond.[44:31–46:12] Peer group breakthrough — From resisting connection to craving it monthly.[47:27–48:46] Zero→One courage — Breaking generational patterns by being the first to step into peer groups.🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
In this episode, Dr. Baruch HaLevi dives into one of the most transformative tools he teaches in men’s peer groups: the practice of experience sharing. Too often, men (and people in general) fall into the trap of giving advice—“you should do this”—which shuts down real connection and growth. Instead, Dr. B shows how shifting from fixing mode to sharing our own lived experience opens the door to authenticity, dignity, and transformation.
Whether you’re a father, husband, coach, or simply someone striving to show up better in your relationships, this episode reveals how to move beyond advice-giving and step into true presence and empathy.
==
Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships.
Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹
What You'll Learn:
The danger of “should-ing” – how advice shuts down conversation and connection.
Experience sharing explained – why telling your story helps others uncover their own solutions.
From clergy to coach – Dr. B’s journey of learning to let go of giving answers.
The dignity of free will – respecting others’ autonomy, even when they ask for advice.
Peer group practices – how men’s circles use tapping and tools to shift out of fixing mode.
Gestalt perspective – seeing the whole person instead of just their problem.
📌 Timestamp Highlights:
0:05 – Why men’s peer groups are so powerful and how tools apply to everyday life.
0:43 – “Should-ing all over everyone”: the natural impulse to give advice.
1:18 – How Dr. B’s background as a rabbi reinforced the expectation of having the answers.
2:18 – The impact of giving advice: shutting down conversations with kids and peers.
2:41 – Introduction to experience sharing as an alternative to advice.
3:38 – Adapting the level of guidance for children at different ages (4 vs. 14 vs. 24).
4:02 – Gestalt and the importance of seeing the “whole” rather than fragments.
5:15 – Why even as a coach or therapist, Dr. B refuses to dictate choices.
6:14 – Maintaining a man’s dignity and free will instead of giving the “easy out.”
6:50 – Why listening, empathizing, and sharing experiences is the real path to transformation.
🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our
Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit
#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
In this deeply personal solo episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), host B shares the single most important poem he has ever read: "The Guy in the Glass." This poem is the key to understanding B's life's work and the haunting story at its core, the suicide of his father. B recounts in visceral detail how his father's final moments were spent dying by suffocation while staring at his own reflection in a mirror. This harrowing image has fueled B's 18-year journey to "take his father down from the rope" and serves as the central theme of his upcoming book of the same name.
This episode is a raw exploration of self-worth, accountability, and the lies men tell themselves. B discusses:
-His own journey from a ""superstar rabbi"" to the brink of suicide in Israel, where he felt worth more dead than alive.
-The secret history of the poem and its original focus on ""pelf"" (ill-gotten gains), and why men are 16x more likely to die by suicide over financial issues.
-The ""Rubik's Cube"" analogy for self-deceit and why you can't cheat the guy in the glass.
-Why he passionately believes ""cancel culture"" is the societal version of what his father did to himself.
This is more than a story of tragedy; it's a defiant call to action. It’s a mission to help every man look in the mirror and befriend, love, and respect the person staring back. It is the foundation of the 13 Minute Mission: to push back the devastating statistic of male suicide and help men choose life.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
(00:28) B recites the poem that changed his life, "The Guy in the Glass."
(02:18) The haunting story of his father's suicide and his final moments staring in a mirror.
(05:05) Why his father "canceled himself" and the destructive nature of judging a life by its worst moments.
(08:47) The secret history of the poem and its original word, "pelf" (ill-gotten gains).
(10:16) The shocking statistic: Men are 16x more likely than women to die by suicide over financial issues.
(13:40) The mirror exercise: Why so many successful men can't look themselves in the eye.
(15:51) How B's own success as a "superstar rabbi" made him lose respect for the guy in his glass.
(19:51) The George Bailey moment: B's own journey to the brink and the "why" that kept him from taking his own life.
(22:52) The "Rubik's Cube" Analogy: What happens when a man starts believing his own lies.
(28:34) The 13 Minute Mission: Pushing back the statistic to save 2,888 men's lives this year alone.
About the Host: The host of the podcast is B. B., a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."
Learn More About Men's Peer Groups: https://www.menspeergroups.com/B's Professional Website: https://www.bhalevi.com/Connect with B on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-halevi/
#TheGuyInTheGlass #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #SelfRespect #PersonalAccountability #FindingYourWhy #Logotherapy #Podcast
Most men wait until tension boils over before they speak up. But what if you could prevent blowups by clearing the air while things are still small? In this episode, Dr. B introduces one of the most powerful men’s peer group tools: clearing. It’s simple, but not simplistic—and practicing it can transform trust, intimacy, and resilience in every relationship.
Big Ideas Covered
What clearing is — a proactive way to “discharge tension” before it becomes conflict.
Why it matters — unspoken slights erode trust over time; small honesty creates big safety.
How it works — in peer groups, men go around and state who they are “clear” with and why.
Learning to say hard things — practicing honesty in a kind, direct way.
Learning to hear hard things — resisting defensiveness, fixing, or turning it back.
Why “clear is kind” — Brené Brown’s reminder that avoiding truth is actually unkind.
Everyday examples — spinach in teeth, a missed email, a forgotten reply; courage is in the little things.
Real courage — not just running into burning buildings, but keeping your heart open in conversation.
Notable Moments:
[00:06–01:20] What is clearing? — A tool to release steam before small issues become big problems.
[01:23–02:00] How it looks in practice — “I’m clear with John… I’m not clear with James, here’s why.”
[02:52–03:48] Learning to hear hard things — Receiving without defensiveness, fixing, or firing back.
[04:39–05:26] The spinach test — Why not speaking up about the little things erodes trust.
[05:41–06:12] Brené Brown reminder — “Clear is kind, unclear is unkind.”
[06:17–06:41] Courage redefined — True courage is saying and hearing the hard things that keep our hearts open.
Clearing is simple, repeatable, and transformative. It builds muscle for honesty, compassion, and courage—whether with your wife, your friends, or your team. Want to go deeper?
In this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B sits down with Jared Wasmek, a retired police officer with a remarkable story of healing and transformation. Jared is a gentle soul—an artist, a helper, a peacemaker. So how did he end up spending 19 years in law enforcement? To fill a void, he put on the badge like a mask, hoping the uniform would make him feel noble and special.
For nearly two decades, Jared absorbed the trauma of the streets. As a natural empath, the constant negativity manifested in over 30 debilitating physical and mental symptoms. He was the department's peer support expert, yet he was the last person to see how broken he had become.
This is the story of his shattering. Jared shares the vulnerable moment he finally asked for help, walking away from his career and feeling completely fractured. But in that brokenness, he discovered a profound truth: it was his persona, not his spirit, that had been destroyed. His healing journey began with an unusual retirement gift from his fellow officers: not a gun, but a yoga study.
Today, Jared has turned his pain into purpose. He is the founder of Second Response, a peer support organization dedicated to helping first responders find connection, heal from trauma, and learn that they are not alone.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
(02:45) Jared's identity as a peacemaker and why he became a police officer to "fill a void."
(09:30) Nicknamed "Father Was" because of his unique ability to get confessions.
(12:15) As an empath, how he took on the negative energy of the job, leading to 30+ physical symptoms.
(24:00) "I was invincible until I wasn't": The slow breakdown and burnout from years on patrol.
(29:00) Being the department's peer support expert while completely ignoring his own trauma.
(33:43) The moment he realized, "I can't do this alone anymore."
(39:00) Leaving his career and feeling completely broken, fractured, and in despair.
(44:00) The unusual retirement gift he received from his fellow officers that started his healing journey.
(49:15) His new mission founding Second Response to bring peer support to first responders.
(55:00) The embarrassing, vulnerable story he kept secret for years and the healing power of sharing it with peers.
About the Guest:
Jared Wasmek is a retired 19-year veteran of law enforcement and the founder of Second Response, an organization providing peer support and resources for first responders. After a medical retirement due to cumulative PTSD, Jared dedicated himself to a journey of healing, embracing modalities like yoga and peer connection. He now uses his experience to help other first responders navigate the unique traumas of their profession.
Website: https://www.secondresponse.net/
Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-wasmek-3b4a53230/
About the Host:
The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."
Learn More About Men's Peer Groups: https://www.menspeergroups.com/
B's Website: bhalevi.com
#FirstResponders #MentalHealth #Police #PTSD #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #LawEnforcement #HealingJourney
In this powerful solo episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), host B lays his soul bare to reveal the raw, personal mission behind his work with men. He starts with the tragic statistic that gives the podcast its name: every 13 minutes, a man in America takes his own life. For B, this isn't just a number, it's the story of his father, his hero, who he lost to suicide 18 years ago.
B shares his unapologetic views on accountability, why he refuses to "whitewash" his father's legacy, and how that loss fueled his life's purpose. He then reveals for the first time his own journey to the brink, standing on the 13th floor of a building in Israel, feeling worth more dead than alive after leaving a successful career as a rabbi.
This episode is a manifesto for life. It's about facing the inevitable "shatterings" of life, divorce, disease, death, despairand diving into the darkness to find the sparks of meaning. Learn why men isolate themselves, the difference between "buddies" and "brothers," and how finding your "Why" is the ultimate antidote to despair. This isn't just about surviving; it's a roadmap for thriving.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
(00:45) The story behind the podcast's name and B's father's suicide.
(04:36) Why true friendship for men means dropping the mask and creating a brave space.
(07:55) "The Shattering": How all great things, from the Big Bang to personal growth, begin in brokenness.
(11:25) Darkness Diving: The Logotherapy practice of finding meaning in life's most difficult moments.
(13:21) Reframing midlife challenges, like dropping testosterone, as an opportunity for deeper intimacy.
(18:05) The shocking statistic: 80% of all suicides are male—one every 13 minutes.
(20:26) B's personal story of almost committing suicide in Israel and the "Why" that kept him alive.
(25:08) This isn't a podcast about suicide; it's a podcast about life and why you need "Why Awareness."
(30:39) The mission of Men's Peer Groups and how they create a tribe of brothers to hold men accountable.
About the Host:
The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."
Learn More About Men's Peer Groups
B's Website#MensMentalHealth #FindingYourWhy #SuicidePrevention #Logotherapy #ViktorFrankl #PersonalGrowth #Thriving #PodcastIn this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B and Dave sit down with Steven Ziegler, a man known as the ultimate connector who builds community wherever he goes. But what drives him? A deep-seated desire to ensure no one ever feels left out—a feeling he knew intimately as a kid.
Steve shares his 25-year journey with men's peer groups, which began with the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) in 2000. He reveals how a group that started with a business focus quickly evolved into an essential source of vulnerability, brotherhood, and unconditional support. He found that the draw might be business, but you stay for the vulnerability.
Dave, B, and Steve explore:
•The hidden loneliness entrepreneurs face and why business talk is just the "velvet curtain."
•The pain of losing a close friend who wasn't in a peer group, and the tragic, preventable outcome.
•The battle with the inner critic: Why his harshest judge is himself and the difficult work of self-forgiveness.
•A deeply moving story about taking his 80-year-old father on a final trip to Europe to heal old wounds and create a lasting legacy.
This episode is a testament to why men can't and shouldn't go it alone. It’s a story about evolving as a man, breaking negative patterns, and the profound impact of having a safe place to share your journey.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
(01:09) Why Steve joined his first peer group 25 years ago (it wasn't for pain).
(04:55) The draw was business, but he stayed for the vulnerability.
(08:45) Why some men were scared to go deeper and eventually left the group.
(11:20) Life without a peer group: "It'd be like going to the gym and just not having a plan."
(13:45) Hitting rock bottom after leaving a toxic business partnership.
(25:30) Steve's Superpower: The childhood reason he never wants anyone to feel left out.
(28:45) The challenge of self-forgiveness and cringing at past parenting mistakes.
(36:20) The tragic death of his friend Kurt, and why a peer group could have saved him.
(42:23) Steve Ziegler's "Why."
(44:12) A final, beautiful trip to Europe with his 80-year-old father.
Learn More & Get Involved with Steven:
About the Host:
The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."
Learn More About Men's Peer Groups
#MensPeerGroup #Connection #Brotherhood #Vulnerability #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #Fatherhood #Legacy
On this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B and Dave sit down with Army veteran Deke Letson. Waking up in a jail cell after a DUI was just the beginning of his downward spiral. It led to losing his job and a moment of ultimate despair with a 9mm pistol in his mouth. In that darkest moment, the thought of his children became his reason to live.
In this raw and powerful conversation, Deke opens up about the invisible wounds of war, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he didn't know he had, a painful relationship with his alcoholic father, and the crushing loneliness that pushes so many men to the brink.
This is a profound story about breaking generational cycles, turning pain into purpose, and the incredible healing power of the outdoors. Deke shares how he went from the edge of suicide to founding Veterans Exploration Therapy (VET), a nonprofit that uses adventure to help veterans and their families reconnect and heal.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt hopeless, struggled to find their purpose, or wants to understand the battle many veterans face after returning home.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
(0:00) Introduction to Deke Letson's journey.
(5:15) The pain of an estranged relationship with an alcoholic father.
(8:30) Rock Bottom: The DUI that changed everything.(10:05) The 9mm Moment: Why he chose not to pull the trigger.
(18:45) The shocking TBI diagnosis that explained everything.
(22:10) How a class project became a life-saving nonprofit: The birth of VET.
(29:00) Using adventure therapy to push past fear and build trust.
(35:25) His kids saw him at his worst; now they see him as a role model.
(40:10) How you can support VET and save lives.
Learn More & Support:
Support Deke's Mission at VET: https://www.vetxtherapy.org
About the Host:
The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."
Learn More About Men's Peer Groups: https://www.menspeergroups.com/
B's Website: bhalevi.com
#MensMentalHealth #Veteran #SuicidePrevention #Podcast #Inspiration #FindingYourWhy #PTSD #TBI #RecoveryStory
Every 13 minutes, a man in America takes his own life. It’s a silent epidemic fueled by loneliness, isolation, and the pressure to "be tough." But what if there was a powerful antidote?
On this episode of 13 Minutes, co-founder Dave Mann answers one simple question: Why does every man need a peer group? He shares his raw, personal story of how, at 27, he was a "philanderer and a liar" on the verge of being divorced and bankrupt. His turnaround didn't come from a book or a guru—it came from the structured, supportive container of a men's peer group.
Dave and B break down the essential framework that makes these groups transformational, moving far beyond casual hangouts. Discover the "Four C’s" that are the bedrock of a healthy men's group:
-Commitment: What it truly means to be impeccable with your word.
-Confidentiality: Creating a brave space to share without judgment.
-Clearing: A powerful communication tool to release tension before it builds.
-Compassion: The key to becoming a "compassionate warrior," not just a "nice guy" or an "asshole."
Whether you're a man who feels like you're carrying the world alone, or a spouse who wants the man in your life to find purpose and connection, this episode is a roadmap. Learn why telling a man what to do often fails, and how an invitation to "Experience Share" can change everything.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
(00:45) Dave’s Story: How peer groups saved him from being "divorced and bankrupt."
(02:40) The charge to "Be a Mensch" and why men need a roadmap to get there.
(07:15) The difference between a fraternity and an intentional men's peer group.
(11:05) Why "shoulding on someone" shuts men down and what to do instead.
(18:35) The "3 C's" missing from many men's lives: Discipline, Commitment, and Compassion.
(29:30) Confidentiality: Creating an impenetrable "brave space" for men.
(36:30) Clearing: The communication tool that can save a marriage.
(46:15) This isn't about being a "nice guy"; it's about being a "compassionate warrior."
(48:45) The 13 Minute Mission: How we can save 2,888 men's lives this year.
Learn More & Get Involved:
Share this with a man in your life. It could be the invitation he's been waiting for.
About the Host:
The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."
Learn More About Men's Peer Groups
#MensPeerGroup #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Masculinity #Brotherhood #PersonalGrowth #Communication #SaveMensLives #Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
How do the defining moments of our youth, the ones shaped by absence and adversity, forge the men we become?
On this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B sits down with his "brother outlaw," Brian Rosen, for a profoundly honest conversation about a life journey few could imagine. Brian shares his experience of being sent to a boys' home at age 11, the "father hunger" that shaped his path, and a life-altering choice he made as a high school senior that remained a private part of his story for years.
This is a raw and vulnerable exploration of generational healing, the power of adoption, and what it means to take responsibility for your past in order to build a better future. It’s a story about how a man can transform his own wounds into a source of strength for his children—and his children's children—by showing up in a way he never experienced himself.
This episode is a testament to the fact that our past does not have to define our future, and that the hardest choices can lead to the most beautiful outcomes.
Key topics explored in this discussion include:
-Life in a Boys' Home: The jarring reality of being parent-placed in an institution at a young age.
-Healing "Father Hunger": Navigating a distant relationship with his biological father and finding other male role models.
-A Teenager's Choice: The incredible story of choosing adoption for his birth daughter and the astonishing, "small world" connection to his past.
-From Relinquishment to Reunion: The emotional journey of handing his daughter over and reconnecting with her 13 years later.
-Becoming a "Zadie": How a teenage decision led to him becoming a young grandfather and embracing a new family role.
-Generational Healing in Action: Consciously parenting his two sons in the way he wished he had been.
-The Power of a Peer Group: Why having a safe, intimate space with other men is an essential tool for modern masculinity.
Our guest, Brian Rosen, shares his personal story of resilience, fatherhood, and the beautiful, unexpected turns on the path to finding his why.
🔔 Stay Connected:
< a href="https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/">Follow us on Instagram
< a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit>Join our Facebook community
#AdoptionStory #GenerationalHealing #Fatherhood #MensWork #Resilience #MentalHealth #PeerSupport #FindYourWhy #PersonalStory #Masculinity
What lies beneath a man's anger? And what happens when he finally finds a safe space to let it go—not just for a moment, but for good?
In this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B, we’re joined by men’s coach and guide Phil Owens. Phil shares his incredible journey from a childhood in a religious cult and tumultuous military service—experiences that taught him to suppress his emotions—to a life dedicated to helping other men find their sacred purpose.
This conversation dives deep into the complex relationship men have with anger, the transformative potential of intentional plant medicine ceremonies, and the irreplaceable role of community in healing ancestral trauma. Phil explains how a painful childhood memory of "holding the light" for his father became the central metaphor for his life's work, guiding others through their darkest moments.
This episode is for any man who feels stuck carrying the weight of the past, and for anyone curious about the powerful synergy between men's peer groups and altered states of consciousness for profound personal growth.
Key topics explored in this discussion include:
-The Warrior & The Lover: Finding the balance between the masculine and feminine energies within.
-Reframing Trauma: How to change your relationship with past pain rather than trying to eliminate it.
-A New Use for Anger: Moving beyond anger as a default reaction to using it as a deliberate tool when necessary.
-From Competition to Connection: The unique healing power of men’s peer groups.
-Intentional Plant Medicine: The role of MDMA, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT in a ceremonial group setting.
-The Power of ""Letting Go"": How being supported by a community allows for deeper release and healing.
-Finding Your ""Why"": Discovering the inner light that provides the strength to endure any challenge.
Connect with our guest, Phil Owens, a guide who facilitates men's work, individual coaching, and altered states retreats.
🔔 Stay Connected:
#MensWork #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #AngerManagement #PlantMedicine #Psychedelics #PeerSupport #FindYourWhy #Veterans #SpiritualGrowth
What happens when a man commits to the deep, vulnerable work of personal growth? And what does that look like from the other side of the relationship?
In this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B and Dave, we’re joined by spiritual medium Rebecca Rosen, who offers a rare and insightful perspective as the wife of a Man Uprising participant.
Rebecca Rosen, who will share the profound transformation she has witnessed in her husband, moving beyond the societal expectation for men to be stoic and self-reliant. This conversation explores why it's not only healthy but essential for men to have a sacred, confidential space to connect with other men—and how that commitment can be one of the greatest gifts to their marriage. It’s an honest look at the shift from ""head to heart,"" the power of being truly seen, and how one person's growth can elevate an entire relationship.
This episode is for any partner who is curious about the inner world of the men in their lives and for any man considering a path of deeper self-awareness and connection.
Key topics explored in this discussion include:
-Why men need men: The unique and irreplaceable value of same-sex peer groups.
-The energetic gift of boundaries: How a man processing challenges in a peer group first can relieve the burden on his partner.
-From knowing to feeling: The crucial difference between intellectually understanding concepts and embodying them from the heart.
-Breaking the shame cycle: How non-judgmental spaces allow men to articulate feelings they would otherwise internalize.
-The evolution in parenting and partnership: Specific examples of how this work translates into deeper presence and authenticity.
-Reframing ""Man Uprising"": Moving beyond fear and toward mutual growth.
-The sacredness of confidentiality and why ""no pillow talk"" is a cornerstone of a successful peer group.
Connect with our guest, Rebecca Rosen:
Website:https://www.rebeccarosen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mediumrebeccarosen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediumrebeccarosen/
Podcast: Small Medium at Large
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🔔 Stay Connected:
#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
Why do so many successful men feel isolated, as if they have to wear a ""superhero suit"" and have all the answers? And what is the most powerful vehicle for breaking this cycle?
In this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B and Dave , we sit down with Cam Mochan, co-founder of Man Uprising and a 20-year veteran of elite peer groups like EO and YPO.
Cam shares his profound journey and unpacks the core mechanics of why peer groups work. He explains how a structured, confidential environment allows men to finally be vulnerable, share their true struggles, and realize they are not alone. This isn't about fixing what's broken; it's about providing the space for good men to become great.
From tackling the epidemic of male loneliness to building healthier men for a healthier world, this conversation is a masterclass in the art of authentic connection. It's a must-listen for any man who feels like something is missing and is ready to explore a deeper, more supportive way of living.
Key topics explored in this discussion include:
-Cam Mochan's 20-year history with peer groups and why he co-founded Man Uprising.
-The unique loneliness experienced by entrepreneurs and leaders.
-Why peer groups are different from—and complementary to—coaches, therapists, and mentors.
-The liberating power of structure in creating a safe space for vulnerability.
-The core principle: Sharing experiences, not telling each other what to do.
-The shocking statistics on male suicide that drive the mission of Man Uprising.
-Why being truly heard is one of the most transformative experiences a man can have.
-The goal of moving beyond professional development to build ""healthier men"" in all areas of life.
-The powerful idea that you don't have to be sick to want to get better.
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🔔 Stay Connected:
#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
In this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast) with B, he sits down with TJ Westphal, co-founder of The Slog Co., for an in-depth discussion on navigating adversity—what he defines as 'the slog.' Moving beyond the common narrative of simply enduring the grind, TJ presents a powerful framework for slowing down, engaging in radical honesty, and moving through challenges with intention, purpose, and courage. This conversation is a guide for anyone tired of maintaining a facade of being 'fine' and ready to move from stagnation to deliberate action. We explore how to reframe struggle into a catalyst for transformation, confront the resistance that hinders growth, and understand the high cost of suppressing vulnerability in our performance-driven world. From distinguishing a true calling from a destructive distraction to building a community rooted in accountability, this episode is a reminder that while the only way out is through, you don't have to do the work alone.
Email: admin@theslogco.com
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Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships.
Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home
🔔 Stay Connected:
special guest Dave Mann to their new studio. Inspired by the shocking statistic that a man takes his own life every 15 minutes in the U.S., Dave shares his personal journey from surviving cancer and deep depression to finding purpose through peer support. He opens up about balancing the “warrior” with the “lover” archetype—strength and vulnerability—and the life-changing role of structured peer groups.Together, Baruch and Dave delve into the importance of identifying your “why” and your absolutes, the transformative power of peer-led sharing (not advice), and how structured support has helped Dave overcome adversity—from health scares to personal loss. They also touch on Dave’s recent plant-medicine journey, which he says “opened a magic door,” and how peer groups and thoughtful ceremony support deep healing.This episode is a rallying cry: suicide isn't the answer—living courageously is. It’s a testament to the life-saving power of connection, community, and unapologetic vulnerability.—Tune in for:Dave’s raw and hopeful personal storyWhat peer groups really are—and why structure mattersA deep dive into the warrior/lover archetypesTools for men to reclaim purpose, respect, and emotional healthDave’s reflections on grief, brotherhood, and how to love others well==Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
In this raw and deeply human conversation, Phil Owens joins the podcast to explore the winding, sometimes painful, and ultimately redemptive journey from the first mountain of success and identity to the second mountain of meaning and purpose.Phil shares his path from growing up in rural Oklahoma as one of nine children, joining the military to escape, building multiple successful businesses, and ultimately experiencing the breakdown of identity that led him to a more spiritual, purpose-driven life.Topics we cover include:Leaving home, joining the military, and the drive to succeedBuilding and then detaching from the identity of "entrepreneur"The pain and clarity that comes with divorce, death, and business dissolutionSuicidal ideation and the unspoken darkness many men facePlant medicine, therapy, and the reintegration processFinding purpose on the second mountain: community, service, and spiritual growthLetting go of the ego’s need for titles, labels, and successLessons from Viktor Frankl, Edith Eger, and the importance of meaningThe power of men's groups like EO, YPO, and Man UprisingPhil’s vulnerability, honesty, and wisdom make this a must-listen episode for anyone who’s ever asked: What now? What’s next? Why am I here?🎧 Listen in and reflect on your own journey up the second mountain.🔗 Connect with us:Learn more about Man UprisingFollow us on Instagram and YouTubeSubscribe and leave a review if this episode moved you==Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹 What You'll Learn:???📌 Timestamp Highlights:???🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth