In this episode of the Cross the Streams Podcast, we challenge the old-school mindset of "As a man, I have to..." and explore the power of shifting to "As a human" or even "As ME." Inspired by a recent quote from Coach Ivan C Thomas about "beating feelings into submission," we dive deep into how this language traps men in the restrictive "manbox" and prevents them from experiencing the full spectrum of human emotion. Join me as we unpack: The impact of words like "As a man" on identity and behavior. Why processing emotions beats suppressing them every time. A step-by-step evolution from restrictive gender norms to authentic self-expression. Real-life strategies for coaches, athletes, and everyone to break free from outdated scripts and live more fully. Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone striving to grow beyond societal expectations, this episode will inspire you to rethink the narratives that shape your life. Let’s learn how to embrace every part of ourselves—without apology. 👉 Don’t just listen—join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments, tag a friend, or hit that like button if this episode resonates with you. Let’s break the box together! 💬👇