The diagnosis that changed everything: Keith McGuinnes on cancer, masculinity, and the power of receiving
What happens when a fit, healthy yoga teacher steeped in Eastern practices, meditation and spiritual growth is suddenly diagnosed with cancer?
In this episode, I sit down with Keith McGuinnes, founder of Awaken Intimacy and co-founder of The Open Institute, to explore how a life-threatening illness forced him to stop pushing, start receiving, and finally open to the deeper lessons of intimacy, vulnerability and connection.
We talk about:
- The shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis at 40
- Why he chose chemotherapy (even as a holistic health practitioner)
- How the experience broke his lone wolf mentality
- The power of receiving love
- What men are missing when they stay stuck in hyper-masculinity
- His work today helping men and couples reclaim intimacy, polarity and presence
This is a raw, real and powerful conversation about grief, grace, and growing up.
Show Notes
Keith’s Cancer Diagnosis
- What happened at age 40 and the symptoms he ignored
- Why chemo was the right choice (even as a long-time yogi)
- How the experience forced him to slow down, reflect, and receive
The Emotional Journey
- Grieving the years he couldn’t receive love
- Learning to express emotion and let people in
- How it shifted his relationship to his own body and energy
Masculinity, Polarity and Intimacy
- The trap of hyper-masculine giving and the strength in receiving
- Letting go of lone wolf energy in favour of connection
- Why true intimacy requires openness — not just strength
Post-Cancer Purpose
- Moving from survival to service
- Keith’s work through Awaken Intimacy and The Open Institute
- Building community, relational depth, and sacred spaces in modern life
