In this conversation, my guest, Mike Ljubsa, shares his transformative journey from Canada to Jamaica, where he now runs Mycomeditations, a psilocybin-assisted therapy retreat. He discusses the profound impact of psychedelics on mental health, emphasizing the importance of integration and the therapeutic use of psilocybin. Mike also highlights the significance of men's work in creating safe spaces for vulnerability and healing. The conversation delves into the science behind psychedelics, their potential for neuroplasticity, and the future of psychedelic therapy as a means of fostering personal growth and balance.
mike@mycomeditations.com
Work with Miles (Psychotherapy and Coaching)
00:00 Introduction to Mike Ljubsa and His Journey
02:56 The Impact of Upbringing on Mental Health
05:43 Discovering Psychedelics: A Personal Journey
08:56 The Duality of Psychedelic Experiences
11:44 Understanding Trauma and Healing
15:01 The Role of Psychedelics in Therapy
17:50 Navigating OCD and Personal Struggles
20:57 Exploring Therapeutic Psychedelic Sessions
28:53 Conversational MDMA Therapy
32:38 Revisiting Grief and Loss
35:28 The Power of Feeling to Heal
39:18 Exploring Different Psychedelics
43:38 Comparing Psychedelic Experiences
49:26 Inner Child Work and Healing
54:16 Neuroscience of Psychedelics and Healing
56:46 The Power of Psychedelics in Performance
58:53 Psychedelics and Problem Solving
01:00:50 Healing Trauma and Personal Growth
01:05:47 Psychedelic Therapy Retreats: A New Approach
01:11:50 Integration and Therapeutic Practices
01:17:45 Safety and Screening in Psychedelic Use
01:19:54 Men's Work and Vulnerability
In this conversation, Traver Boehm discusses the importance of creating dedicated spaces for men to engage in open conversations about their experiences and challenges. He shares insights from his own journey through darkness retreats with a discussion on what occurs in this type of retreat, emphasizing the profound personal growth that can occur when one confronts their ego and past traumas. The discussion highlights the significance of community support, the integration of experiences, and the role of humor in coping with grief and pain. Ultimately, Traver encourages men to embrace vulnerability as a strength and to find meaning in their struggles. In this conversation, Traver and Miles explore the profound themes of caregiving, presence, self-betrayal, and the heroic effort required to live authentically. They discuss the importance of being present with those who are suffering, the necessity of breaking the cycle of self-betrayal, and the courage it takes to surrender to life's challenges. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of building a relationship with oneself and the power of conscious self-dialogue in fostering personal growth and emotional intelligence.
Coaching and Counseling with Miles
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation
02:58 The Importance of Men's Spaces
05:41 Darkness Retreats: The Journey Begins
08:55 The Challenges of Extended Darkness Retreats
11:41 Experiences and Insights from the Darkness
14:58 The Role of Ego and Surrender
17:44 Integration and Post-Retreat Reflections
37:28 Transforming Pain into Purpose
39:09 Exploring the Depths of the Soul
41:51 The Struggles of Men and the Path to Healing
45:30 Finding Meaning in Rock Bottom
47:58 The Absurdity of Life's Challenges
50:32 Grief, Humor, and the Human Experience
52:40 Lessons from Hospice Care
55:48 The Heroic Effort of Self-Discovery
01:05:43 The Price of Entry for Transformation
01:09:14 Finding Authenticity in the Dark
01:11:44 The Courage to Surrender
01:13:51 Dialoguing with Darkness
01:17:09 Returning to Self
01:20:23 Building a Relationship with Yourself
01:23:52 Creating a Supportive Environment
Miles, Josh, and Frank discuss the complexities of military life, focusing on the challenges of burnout, mental health, and the transition to civilian life. They explore the importance of community and support systems for veterans, the impact of deployment lengths, and the need for effective transition programs. The discussion also highlights the role of chaplains and the significance of open conversations about mental health within the military culture. In this conversation, veterans share their experiences transitioning to civilian life, the importance of community, and the healing power of storytelling. They discuss the challenges of navigating relationships and mental health after service, emphasizing the need for safe spaces where veterans can share their stories without judgment. The discussion also highlights the role of humor and camaraderie in coping with the struggles of post-military life, as well as the connections formed through shared experiences in jiu-jitsu and other activities.
Coaching and Counseling with Miles
00:00 Introduction to Military Experiences
02:51 Burnout and Deployment Challenges
06:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
08:52 Training and Tactical Instruction
11:54 Current Career and Technology Sales
14:50 Deployment Schedules and Historical Lessons
24:24 The Impact of Deployment on Families
31:31 Mental Health Challenges in the Military
38:38 The Importance of Community and Support
45:12 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
54:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Veterans
57:31 The Importance of Sharing Stories
01:00:42 Navigating Relationships Post-Military
01:04:4 1The Alien Experience of Veterans
01:09:46 Finding Community in Jiu-Jitsu
01:20:17 The Balance of Peace and Violence
01:20:51 The Duality of Violence and Peace
01:23:15 Evolution of Military Training and Selection
01:27:49 The Journey of Becoming a Pararescue Jumper
01:30:48 Reflections on Military Service and Personal Growth
01:36:17 The Importance of Sharing Stories
01:40:07 Building Community and Connection Among Veterans
In this conversation, Miles and Karden explore the intricate relationship between the body, nervous system, and emotional health, awareness and agency in managing one's autonomic nervous system, the impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior, and the necessity of emotional tools for navigating discomfort. The dialogue emphasizes the allostatic load and its effects on health, the significance of inner child work, and the intersection of psychology and body awareness in achieving holistic wellness. In this conversation, Karden and Miles explore the themes of masculinity, inner child work, and the importance of men's initiation. They discuss the significance of vulnerability and the healing power of brotherhood, emphasizing the need for men to connect with their inner selves and seek mentorship. The dialogue also touches on the midlife transition, the challenges of self-discovery, and the role of trust in relationships. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the journey of embracing one's true self and the value of community in this process.
The Secret Language of The Body Book
Coaching and Counseling with Miles
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Body Awareness and Nervous System
02:54 The Importance of Balance in Autonomic Regulation
06:10 Agency Over the Autonomic Nervous System
08:42 Understanding Male Responses to Threat
11:36 Childhood Wounds and Adult Reactions
14:37 The Allostatic Load and Nervous System Paradox
17:21 Training the Nervous System for Peace
20:05 Reintegration Challenges for Veterans
28:57 Reclaiming Personal Power
29:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery
31:55 The Challenge of Healing
33:43 Understanding Emotional Responses
36:39 Navigating Depression and Overwhelm
39:36 The Dorsal Vagal Response
41:03 The Role of Perception in Healing
42:38 Inner Child Work and Emotional Healing
45:12 The Power of Community and Brotherhood
48:20 Experiencing the Men's Initiation
54:41 The Importance of Trust and Rest
56:24 The Value of Trust Over Control
57:48 The Transformative Power of Jiu-Jitsu
59:55 Embracing the Beginner's Mind
01:02:37 The Importance of Humility in Learning
01:05:42 Navigating Midlife Transitions
01:09:30 The Role of Mentorship in Men's Work
01:17:38 Finding Authenticity Beyond Ego
In this conversation, Miles and Zac Miller delve into the transformative experience of Ibogaine treatment, exploring its potential benefits for mental health, particularly for veterans and first responders. Zac shares his personal journey of surrender, the importance of medical supervision, and the holistic approaches taken during the treatment. They discuss the neuroplasticity effects of Ibogaine, the significance of setting intentions, and the challenges of coping with life changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and the ongoing process of healing and integration, as well as Zac's insights on coaching and helping others navigate their own journeys.
beondibogaine.com/beond-service
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod
https://www.instagram.com/miles.graham.salisburyphd/
00:00 Introduction to Ibogaine Treatment
02:50 The Journey of Surrender
06:08 Medical Supervision and Holistic Approaches
08:58 The Experience of Ibogaine
12:00 Neuroplasticity and Integration
14:56 The Role of Intentions
17:39 Coping with Life Changes
20:44 The Importance of Community
23:36 Reflections on Healing and Growth
26:24 Coaching and Supporting Others
29:31 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
The legend himself joins me this episode to talk about some of the body of his works. I talk about being MIA and going through a difficult time.
In this episode, Miles and Duey Freeman explore the complexities of personal challenges, attachment theory, and the importance of male figures in healing. They discuss the impact of fragmentation in relationships, the role of addiction in emotional struggles, and the therapeutic benefits of working with horses. The conversation emphasizes the fluid nature of healing and the significance of connection and contact in fostering emotional well-being. In this conversation, Miles and Duey explore the intricate dynamics of animal interaction, particularly with horses, and how these principles can be applied to human relationships and therapy. They discuss the importance of building trust through incremental steps, the unique communication methods of horses, and the challenges men face in the therapy world. The conversation also delves into the impact of patriarchy on mental health and the growing epidemic of male loneliness, emphasizing the need for authentic connections and the integration of various therapeutic modalities.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles
03:03 The Impact of Loss and Grief
05:53 Father Wounds and Male Mentorship
08:44 Attachment Theory and Its Evolution
11:48 Fragmented vs. Integrated Attachment
14:16 Addiction and the Need for Contact
16:57 The Role of Food, Touch, and Movement
20:03 Fluidity in Attachment and Relationships
35:47 The Importance of Relational Contact
38:07 Addiction and Predictability in Relationships
39:38 Contingent Eye Contact and Attachment
43:04 Connecting with Horses: A Therapeutic Approach
45:12 Understanding Horse Behavior and Communication
55:04 The Art of Therapy and Personal Growth
01:05:26 Integrating Dance and Self-Expression
01:06:44 The Concept of Wholeness and Health
01:08:08 Authenticity in Relationships
01:10:10 Masculinity and Therapy
01:13:15 Celebrating Differences in Gender
01:14:00 The Crisis of Male Therapists
01:16:26 The Nice Guy Archetype and Male Vulnerability
01:19:31 Patriarchy and Objectification
01:23:00 Isolation and Mental Health in Men
01:25:50 Healthy Masculinity and Connection
https://www.manuncivilized.com
My guest today is Lindsay Dettwiler. She has an amazing back story and thousands of amazing stories of survival, perseverance, and the best dating "war stories".
Topics covered:
Origin Stories
Childhood wounding and trauma
Addiction and Recovery
Journey to becoming a Personal Trainer
Bonus content on dating and what women want
Work with Lindsay:
Email contact/sign-up: lindsay@lindsayfit.com
Work with Miles:
Josh Sabraw is back and drops in to let us know what he has been up to. We get off and go like he never left. Early adopters of the podcast will especially enjoy this one.
Topics covered:
Music currently listened to
What Josh is creating
Making decisions and how grief and loss are involved
How shame is involved if you don't make decisions and try to do it all
How to make and trust change
"The Red Shirt Phenmena" for boys in school
Climbing out of dark holes and being self-led
Work with Josh:
https://joshsabraw.substack.com
Work with Miles:
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
Music Mentioned:
My guest today is Zac Miller. He is a former civil servant of Public Safety, having been in Law Enforcement, Dispatch, and the Fire Service, a rare feat, and is now working with the Uncivilized team. He also does coaching, breathwork, and other healing modalities for first responders, veterans, and people from all walks of life.
Topics covered:
00:00 Introduction to Zach Miller and His Journey
02:53 Exploring the Ibogaine Experience
05:44 The Impact of Public Safety Work on Mental Health
08:53 Coping Mechanisms and the Role of Alcohol
19:53 Breath Holding and Nervous System Resetting
22:21 The Connection Between Trauma and Healing
25:28 Finding Purpose Through Pain
26:21 Finding Gifts in Adversity
27:12 The Journey of Self-Discovery
30:33 Confronting Dark Thoughts
34:39 The Impact of Intrusive Thoughts
37:50 Navigating the Chaos of Public Safety
41:47 Moral Injury in Law Enforcement
50:39 Finding Community and Support
53:21 Recognizing and Addressing PTS
56:38 The Role of Breathwork in Healing
59:52 Struggle vs. Suffering: Understanding the Difference
01:01:28 The Journey into Coaching and Breathwork
01:08:32 Sharing Knowledge and Resources for Healing
Work with Zac:
https://www.evolvingguidance.com
https://www.instagram.com/evolvingguidance/
https://www.instagram.com/zac_evolving/
Work With Miles:
https://www.instagram.com/zac_evolving/
Michael Returns to the podcast. We get an update from him moving from New York to Georgia and the contrast between the two. Then we get into all things relationships, dating, mating, and much more. Here are some of the topics covered:
03:00 The Importance of Male Friendships
06:03 Navigating Dating and Relationships
08:58 Understanding Masculinity and Vulnerability
17:59 Accountability and External Support
27:05 The Intersection of Neurobiology and Therapy
29:58 The Limitations of AI in Therapy
32:52 Exploring Masculinity and Relationships
38:55T The Dynamics of Attraction and Control
55:45 Biological Imperatives and Relationship Dynamics
01:00:00 The Impact of Societal Changes on Family and Community
01:05:11 Balancing Career and Family Life
01:12:49 Navigating Modern Dating Challenges
01:18:01 Polyamory vs. Monogamy: A Biological Perspective
01:20:32 The Complexity of Female Attraction
01:22:47 Understanding Emotional Needs in Relationships
01:25:18 Integrating Masculinity and Femininity
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
Work With Miles
Work With Michael
My guest today is Marlin Bernabe who is one of the most impressive fitness trainers I have seen work live. I have the fortune to watch him work at my gym and am always amazed at how differently he works with people individually and in a group setting.
We cover a range of topics:
Marlin's background and brief origin story
How he got into becoming a trainer and coach
The types of training her provides and how he tailors it to each person
How to help one make the leap to becoming someone who goes to the gym consistently
How to help your spouse or significant other become interested in going to the gym
Marlin's future plans and goals.
Work with Marlin:
https://www.instagram.com/movethatbody13/
Work with Miles:
My guest today is Davy . We were connected through Dave Boyd and the Man Uncivilized Nation. We hit it off immediately and knew we needed to plant the flag for the Uncivilized Nation's Men's Group in the Portland area, and that we would become close friends given we have similar origin stories and backgrounds.
We cover a lot of interesting terrain in this one:
Religious Trauma.
Davy's story from his upbringing, current work, and moving towards becoming a psychotherapist and Men's Work supporter.
How Men's Work is Women's Work and Vice Versa.
Healing the gender wars.
Male Loneliness.
Why speaking with a Chaplain is easier than a Psychologist in Veteran and LEO circles.
AI "therapy".
Fatherhood, divorce, and breaking generational legacy wounds.
Our experiences having done Men's Work, retreats, and how we all are standing on the shoulders of giants.
This is a great listen for both men and women.
If you would like to sign up to join a Men's Group through the Uncivilized Nation, email us here: manuncivilizedportland@gmail.com
You can also send an enquiry via my website below.
Work with Miles:
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
https://www.manuncivilized.com
Phil Horning and I are freshly returned to the relative and "civilized world". We give a brief synopsis of what we learned and went through at Traaver Boehm's Men's Initiation Retreat, as well as the deep healing we received from the experience.
For the Women listeners, this episode will help you understand the men in your life more and the pain they face (and good news, Uncivilized Inc. has an upcoming Women's retreat!, I'll link the website below).
Listen in to see how working with Duey Freeman and horses can change your life, how Michael Gay and Dave Boyd can help you to heal, and a shout out to Zach Miller for helping us fuel. And of course, how the legend Traver Boehm himself who started this movement to reach a million men is going.
I did a prior retreat and AAR podcast episode from Connor Beaton's retreat last year (3/25/24) and it was amazing to see how these two retreats interlock in amazing ways.
If you are on the fence about going to a men's retreat or wonder what you may be in for, this episode will give you a little peek through the lens of Phil and I's personal experiences there. And they were life-changing. Enjoy!
https://www.manuncivilized.com
Work with Phil:
https://thegroundedwarrior.com
https://www.instagram.com/the_grounded_warrior/
Work with Miles:
Ever wondered how massage can heal men? Wonder no more.
Martin and I get into a lot of interesting topics:
Plant-based medicine.
Martin's Origin Story, growing up "on base", running from the military police, being homeschooled, his messaging about what manhood was and was not, and how he has come out of a dark night of the soul recently.
Martin talks about male loneliness, the problems men face with dating these days, and how he has overcome being a "nice guy" and more integrated.
How to more effectively cope with ADHD.
His approach to massage therapy in working with men and women, and how men could really benefit and heal from massage, not just physically, but emotionally as well.
Work with Martin:
https://www.youtube.com/@wakemassage_pdx
Work with Miles:
In today's chat, I have Todd Leuch who is a Voice Actor and also does Men's Work With Connor Beaton. We get into a lot of interesting topics:
Men's Work, how we both got into it.
Todd's growth experience doing the work, his adverse childhood experiences and trauma, and how he navigated having his father go to prison and needing to become the "man of the house" as a young boy.
Todd's voice-acting career and its budding success.
ADD/ADHD and how this has affected both of our lives and how we have battled and worked with it.
Parenting and fatherhood.
Todd's spiritual experience that changed his life.
And much more.
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
https://www.youtube.com/@ToddLeuchVO
www.linkedin.com/in/todd-leuch-a3262624b
https://www.facebook.com/todd.leuch
Books Mentioned:
My Guest today is Dr Grant Headley, who is a Dr of Physical Therapy.
We cover how to be active and avoid injury, what to do about it if you are injured, how to stay physically healthy, and how one's psychological health can play a factor in injury prevention or contribute to it.
Other topics include how endurance sports or physical training can sometimes masquerade as addictions to avoidance of underlying mental health conditions or ways to cope with problems, rather than facing them, and how this can be a slippery slope. Grant talks somewhat about his past challenges and how he has grown into the healing and success he has in his personal life and business. We also talk about men's pelvic floor health, how this can affect erectile dysfunction and fertility, and what to do about it.
This conversation was a great synergy of mental and physical fitness.
Dr Grant's bio, contact information, and content:
Dr. Grant Headley, PT DPT - Specialized Physical Therapy for your evolving health
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic mobility and men's pelvic floor dysfunction, I offer comprehensive care that goes beyond symptom management to address the root causes of musculoskeletal issues.
My approach integrates precision movement education with cutting-edge therapeutic technologies. I empower you to understand your body's mechanics through proper exercise form and alignment principles drawn from yoga and strength conditioning—teaching you skills to maintain lifelong mobility and prevent joint degeneration.
For accelerated healing, I utilize advanced modalities including Winback TECAR therapy and Piezowave Focused Shockwave, providing non-invasive options for tissue regeneration, chronic pain relief, and skin health.
Whether you're dealing with pelvic dysfunction, or joint pain, or seeking to optimize your movement patterns, my goal is to equip you with both immediate relief and the knowledge to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health.
Schedule a consultation to begin your journey toward pain-free, confident movement.
I integrate this approach in the gym setting of Project 360 for athletes, in the medical wellness clinic Evergreen Factor for those dealing with chronic pain and dysfunction, and in the industrial setting for manual laborers.
https://www.instagram.com/thebodylistener/
https://www.evergreenfactor.com
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
This was my first-ever crossover podcast. Michael has a podcast called The Adaptive Men. We decided to get together and talk about a variety of topics. We cover a lot of ground.
How Michael is transforming his gifts as a massage therapist into becoming a Men's Work Coach
How to Prioritize yourself
What Society Teaches Men
Why you need to Feel your Feelings
How hormones can dictate perception
Why modern psychotherapy sometimes doesn't land well with men
And so much more.
Pass this one on to a man you think could use it
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptiveMen
Michael's contact:
Micheal's Ebook https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FS0pHNXN7RVD1PC6KPwLuYlytc6CPadDUCltuc-O_nc/edit?usp=sharing
Fork in the Road Episode
In this episode, Miles and Josh discuss the struggles of the sandwich generation. How each of us copes with family, career, and health demands.
Miles shares his breakthroughs with his therapy and what has led to his growth in terms of addressing his narratives. How to complete the loop of learning and dismantle the trauma holding you back from your best.
What Josh is up to, why he has to take a step back, and how he will be a return guest.
https://www.instagram.com/milesaheadpod/
https://www.instagram.com/miles.graham.salisburyphd/
https://www.instagram.com/joshsabraw/
DMX
Gretta Von Fleet
Book: The Courage to be Disliked
By Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
This was a super fascinating and engaging conversation. Cedric's work is very powerful (as you will witness as Josh offers for me to be in the hot seat). He is sharing the stage at some big conferences coming up, (check his website and social media for more information) such as Gabor Mate, Matthias Barker, Peter Levine, and Thomas Hubl.
I think you will find this a very interesting and unique approach to doing deep work and finding change that has lasting effects.
https://www.cedricbertelli.com/free-guide
This is a spur of the (big moment) minisode brought about by the Eagle's HUGE win last night. I thought I'd take some time to relish in this but also use the moment to talk about the great connector for men, AKA, sports, and how we can move to more conversations of depth, and ultimately closer friendships. If you are female and have a man in your life who struggles to find male friendships or talk to men more, this one is for them. If this short episode helps anyone, please forward it on! I will do a deeper dive on this subject at some point as it is very rich. In the meantime, Go Birds!
