Shows
The State of MenThe Last Episode: The Time Has Come To Step AwayMike & Aydian discuss in this podcast our dreams and how we have been limiting ourselves in our life. We evaluate how impactful we are being with this project, The State of Men. We are explaining why this project or podcast isn’t the right project for us at the moment. We both want to be doing something that is empowering for both of us and we explain what this means for us.Thank you so much for being with us along the journey. We are very grateful for your time and for helping make this...2022-03-011h 00The State of Men30. Why Sometimes You Need to Step Away in Order to Truly Step Up with Jason RosarioJason Rosario is Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at BBDO Worldwide. Today, Aydian and Mike talk with Jason about the power of Vulnerability, what it means to have outlets for our emotions, and why sometimes you need to step away in order to truly step up. Listen to hear more of Jason’s personal journey of how he got to be the man he is today, and why he knew he needed to give men a guiding light on their journey to healthier masculinity.Top Take-Aways:
Have you ever tried journaling as an out...2022-02-2240 minThe State of Men29. What is the importance of Bitcoin with Larry Moore?SummaryIn today’s episode, Mike & Aydian interview Larry D Moore about crypto and its future. He explains how he transitioned into full-time trading after entering the crypto rabbit hole. He also dives into the complete shift that is happening inside of our financial systems. We also covered the importance of having access to things. - We define what crypto & blockchain is and how we will use this technology in the future.- What decentralized currency means and how the technology works- How the bitcoin network and how that - Why this...2022-02-151h 11The State of Men28. A Conversation with Mike's Mom, Michele WattsToday, Aydian and Mike talk with Mike’s Mom, Michelle Watts. In this episode, we get some more details on how Mike grew up. Michelle raised her three kids, while her husband traveled for work, and after moving many times ended up long-term in Indiana. We get some insights on what it was like as a Mid-West Mom, raising a firecracker like Mike, and how much things have changed with raising kids since she was a full-time Mother. Top Take-Aways:
Do you ever talk to your Mom about what it was like for her...2022-02-081h 20The State of Men27. How To Break Implicit Biases and Operate from Compassion & Love with Anu GuptaSummary: Today, Aydian and Mike talk with a scientist, educator, lawyer, and founder of “Be More with Anu” - Anu Gupta. Anu and the men discuss growing as men in a society that is starved for compassion. Anu discusses his work with different races and cultures - helping individuals break implicit biases and navigate from a place of compassion and love. Top Take-Aways:
Do you often find yourself struggling to build meaningful, healthy friendships with other men?
Does being a man make you innately better than the opposite gender? Do you see toxic...2022-02-011h 00The State of Men26. Breaking the Breadwinner MentalitySummary: Today, Aydian and Mike talk about their own journeys with money, while they break down the “breadwinner” mentality. Aydian unpacks how his early interactions with money ultimately shaped his perception of monetary success as an adult. While Mike brings his experience of overcoming self-inflicted financing obstacles and understanding his new role as a financial contributor to his family. Top Take-Aways:
Is it the amount of money in our bank accounts that really makes us feel secure or is it the feeling of having money that provides security?
How did watching our paren...2022-01-251h 12The State of Men25. Men Having DaughtersSummary: Today, Aydian and Mike discuss the fears that often follow men having daughters. As parents themselves, Mike and Aydian offer a unique perspective on this topic and discuss every aspect from societal expectations to the transference of masculine toxicity to ultimately changing the narrative. Top Take-Aways:
Why are men more afraid of having daughters than sons? Are we groomed to prefer one gender over the other?
Why do we societally romanticize the father and son bond and relationship to such a high degree?
Why do men fear raising a daughter in a...2022-01-1856 minThe State of Men24. Finding and Honing Your Agency with Dr. Juliana HauserSummary: Today, Aydian and Mike interview Dr. Juliana Hauser, the doctor who jumps in those hard conversations as she helps people rethink and reimagine sex, sexuality, and relationships. Dr. Juliana tackles the hard questions about finding and honing your agency. Dr. Juliana, Mike, and Aydian discuss bringing men to the table regarding sex, sexuality, and body positivity in a safe environment. Top Take-Aways:
What is the difference between empowerment and agency?
Is it possible to have agency in some aspects of your life, but not in others?
How do men fit in the w...2022-01-111h 02The State of MenTop 3 Dreams for 2022Today, Aydian and Mike are going to reflect on how the past few years have shaped their decisions and dreams going into the new year. From taking yourself too seriously to transforming your goals to a focus on having some serious fun - we are going to touch on it all.
So strap in - Mike and Aydian are ready to set the stage to conquer those dreams, intentions, and visions for 2022.
Top Take-Aways:
- What are the big dreams outside of the day-to-day operation of your life? Where is your “margin for magic”? By the end of 2022 - what woul...2022-01-0456 minThe State of Men22. Work-Life BalanceSummary: Today Mike and Aydian talk about the elusive work/life balance. The discussion continues on the State of Men as we discover if the true work/life balance exists. Our hosts unpack the pressures placed on having a true work-life balance when your work is anything but conventional. Top Take-Aways:
Have you ever felt like there are enough hours in the day? Where do you find time for yourself?
Where do the idea and constant push to have an even work-life balance come from?
What determines the value of your time?
How do you me...2021-12-281h 05The State of Men21. How to Have Tough Conversation with your Family During the HolidaysBite Your Tongue or Say Your Peace? Today, Mike and Aydian delve into the always entertaining world of interacting with your family during the holidays. From dated humor to political view, the holidays can be a minefield of emotions and opinions. When do you say something? When is it appropriate and when is it not? Mike and Aydian answer these questions and more, along with providing helpful tips for navigating difficult topics without compromising your boundaries.
Top Take-Aways:
- What do you do in those touchy and difficult situations?
- Are we different around our families versus in our real...2021-12-211h 01The State of Men20. Men & Body IssuesIn today’s episode, Mike & Aydian, discuss their journey when it comes to their body images. Mike shares his experience over the past few years of gaining and losing weight. He also explains more about going through his skin journey and how that has affected his view of his body. Aydian shares his journey with his eating disorder and how he was under eating to achieve the perfection of his ideal body perfection. He looks back on his life when he had the perfect six-pack in his life. They examine how eating disor...2021-12-141h 08The State of Men19. How We Deal with Our AngerToday we are talking about how Aydian and Mike deal with their anger. As men, we are never taught how to appropriately deal with our anger. Anger is an emotion and there is nothing wrong with expressing anger. It becomes an issue when we start to take the anger out on other people or things around it. Being unable to express our anger in a healthy manner is hurting ourselves and those around us. Mike and Aydian share stories about how they have misused their anger. Also, they share stories of how they have used...2021-12-071h 08The State of Men18. Start Your Year off Right with Mike's End of the Year PlanningDuring this episode, Aydian and Mike talk about doing end-of-the-year planning and preparing for the next coming year of 2022. In this episode, we covered the importance of planning your year and how to go about preparing for the upcoming year. It is important to map out the year so everyone on the team and the family have a plan for the upcoming year. It is valuable to call in what you would like to create for the following year. This episode is the exact reason we are putting this episode together. Go her...2021-11-301h 07The State of Men17. 5 Things We Are Grateful For Plus Mike's Hairy BackMike and Aydian talk about what they are grateful for this year. Gratitude comes in little and big ways for each of us. Keeping an awareness of the things we are happy about in our lives is a great way to remind us that most times, it ain’t that bad. What are you grateful for?Top Take-Aways:
Thanksgiving Day traditions
Aydian and Mike list 5 things they are grateful for this year
New business ventures
Mikes hairy back
2021-11-231h 04The State of MenUpdate From Mike On Upcoming Changes To The PodcastMike Watts gives a short Update on happenings with The State of Men and the plans for 2022.
Thank you so much for being on this ride and we look forward to more amazing episodes with you.
Cheers2021-11-1903 minThe State of Men16. Are You a Good Guy or an Unintentional A*hole?Take the Challenge: Click hereSummary: Aydian and Mike explain the difference between a good guy or an unintentional asshole. One of the sayings men carry around is the fact they don’t think they are like the men that are causing harm to people in their lives because they are good guys. Everyone else is the asshole. Top Take-Aways:
The details for the 5 Day Challenge that is listed on TheStateofMen.com
Having a new awareness is the key to creating change in our life
Why doing this challenge will help in your fa...2021-11-1640 minThe State of MenUrban Meyer Viral Video, Our ThoughtsSummary: Aydian and Mike delve into the conversation and controversy around the Urban Meyer video circulating on news and social media. Everyone seems to have an opinion and the guys parse out what the video of the Jacksonville Jaguars coach includes, its impact and repercussions, and what it says about masculinity and relationships today.Top Take-Aways:
Why does our society treat men and women’s infidelity in monogamous relationships differently?
How do personal actions dictate business decisions?
How do men hold other men accountable?
2021-11-121h 07The State of Men14. Weird Stuff Men Do to Prove Their ManhoodIn today’s episode of the podcast, Mike Watts & Aydian Dowling dig into the weird things men do to prove their manliness. Do you find yourself denying how cold it is and telling everyone you’re fine when you are freezing? What is it about acknowledging that you are cold equates to weakness or non-manliness? Why on earth are bandaids emasculating? The guys go into the common and uncommon ways we prove our masculinity to ourselves and others.In this episode, we discuss the following:
The idea that per...2021-11-091h 01The State of Men13. The Struggle is RealIn today’s episode of the podcast, Mike Watts & Aydian Dowling discuss struggle and masculinity. Listen in as the guys unpack the idea that men need to always push through when struggling. What supports do you use when you are struggling and do you allow yourself to lean on them? What is your inner monologue when things get difficult?In this episode, we discuss the following:- How does pushing your own needs down impact your health?- How does past trauma impact how we view our struggles?- How do our ideas of...2021-11-0555 minThe State of Men12. Is Being A Man Killing You?In today’s episode of the podcast, Mike Watts & Aydian Dowling dive into an article they read called Why do Men Die Earlier? Men on average are living on average 5.5 years less than women. We discuss why it is important to find a doctor that feels they are working for you instead of you working for them. They also explain how we are letting go of all of the ‘manly’ activities in our life which allow us to show up in the world caring for the people in our lifeIn this episode, we discuss t...2021-11-021h 01The State of Men11. Why TV Dads Suck & Our ExperienceMike and Aydian unpack modern fatherhood, digging into their own experiences as fathers, the impact of how they were parented by their fathers, and how fatherhood has shifted in America over the last three generations. What impact do media portrayals of fatherhood have on learning to be a father? How do men learn to become fathers?Top Take-Aways:
How do the different roles men play in society impact each other?
Does the experience of having divorced or non-cohabiting parents shape your perception of fatherhood?
How do we hold other men accountable as fathers?
Wh...2021-10-291h 09The State of Men10. Do Men Need Therapy?Mike and Aydian discuss why men only comprise one-third of all people who go to therapy. Is it that men don’t want help? Many men equate getting help with weakness and do not seek out mental health professionals. Has society imposed expectations on men that don’t encourage men to get help?Top Take-Aways:
Many men equate getting help with weakness and do not seek out mental health professionals.
Men tend to rely on their romantic partners for emotional needs while women have separate friend relationships they also discuss stress and mental healt...2021-10-261h 05The State of Men9. Dudes Just Wanna Have FunMike and Aydian dive into what it means to have fun as a grown man. Do you have rituals around preparing to have a good time? At what point do you remember societal pressure imposing on what was considered “age-appropriate fun”? Do we conflate productivity with joy? How do you define fun for yourself?Top Take-Aways:
Do you need mind-altering substances to put you in a place to have fun?
At what point in our lives do the expectations around having fun change?
Does money allow you to experience more fun in your life2021-10-221h 02The State of Men8. Are Men Bad at Relationships?SummaryMike Watts and Aydian Dowling discuss the cultural myth that men are bad at relationships. Are men really only capable of transactional relationships with other men? Can men invest emotionally in platonic relationships? Why is the dominant paradigm that men want to “fix” others rather than be vulnerable and authentic?Top Take-Aways
Moving toward a transformational relationship requires sitting with another man’s pain, asking more questions, and being continued support.
Ask others if they want advice or if they just want you to listen.
Why don’t men, in general...2021-10-191h 02The State of Men7. One Movie, Two Perspectives (Luca The Movie)Mike and Aydian dissect the movie, Luca. They dive into the friendship between boys, masculinity in friendship, and queer subtext in the film. Why is it that we don’t see more fictional depictions of caring and platonic friendship between boys? What is it about the depiction (or lack thereof) of queerness in a mainstream film that causes the queer community to overlay gay subtext when it is not explicitly stated? Listen in and then let us know what you think.Top Take-Aways:
Why is seeing a platonic and caring friendship among boys feel revolutionary?
How do...2021-10-1550 min
CONNECT with Sheila Botelho Podcast123: Growing a Regenerative Business While Doing Less - with Kate NorthrupEpisode Notes:"It’s not that our businesses don’t require work, but when having a clear focus, we can work less and achieve more.” -Kate NorthrupBestselling author of Do Less and Money: A Love Story, CEO, planner creator, and regenerative business researcher, Kate Northrup is here to explore and share how we can be more relaxed while making the impact we were meant to.Kate created The Origin Company to help aspiring and established business owners work less while having less stress and creati...2021-10-1341 minThe State of Men6. Before You Become a Dad, Listen Up!Have you found yourself wondering what parenting means to the modern man in America? How do men show up as fathers in 2021 and do what is best for their kids, partners, and selves?This week Aydian Dowling and Mike Watts discuss the top lessons they have learned as fathers committed not to perfection but showing up as their best selves.Top Take-Aways:
How do we manage the illusion of control as a parent?
Why is it important to have the ability to grow in the role of father?
How does connecting...2021-10-121h 00The State of Men5. The Biggest Dream Killer, You?Mike Watts and Aydian Dowling discuss what it took to get this podcast from idea to reality including:
- How they handled unexpected life events impacting the launch.
- What books and resources helped them reframe their life views.
- How to opt into what feels right in the face of uncertainty
Listen in as they talk about how the best-laid plans can take longer than you think.
Top Take-Aways:
How does facing your fear change your life?
How do we manage expectations and prevent ourselves from giving into negative thought patterns?2021-10-081h 02The State of Men4. Say What?!- Language and Terminology DefinedMike Watts and Aydian Dowling discuss the language and terminology listeners will commonly encounter in the podcast including those concerning gender, sexuality, and pronouns. They dig into the evolution of words, how some terms are permissible depending on who is using them, and if there are words that should not be used at all. Join the guys to unpack language and its impact on our understanding of each other.
Top Take-Aways:
- What words should I be using?
- What do these terms around LGBTIA+ conversations mean?
- What is the difference between sexuality and gender identity?
- What is...2021-10-0548 min
The State of Men3. Forever Changing the Olympics-Team USA Athlete Chris MosierMike and Aydian in conversation with Team USA Athlete Chris Mosier discussing:
- Athlete Sponsorships
- Being an out transgender athlete
- Masculinity in mens’ spaces
- How children perceive and learn from adults’ masculinity2021-10-011h 04The State of Men2. Introducing the Hosts: Mike Watts & Aydian DowlingWho are these guys anyway? Mike Watts and Aydian Dowling introduce themselves and discuss what brought them to this podcast, their unique life experiences, and perspectives that inform their vantage points on manhood in modern America. 2021-09-291h 06The State of Men1. Who We Are and Why The State of MenIn their first episode, “Who We Are and Why We are Here,” Aydian Dowling and Mike Watts lay the foundation for their groundbreaking podcast: The State of Men.
We get the inside scoop of how they met, their hopes for the modern man, and how they plan on helping us there. They waste no time opening up about themselves while setting the stage for an all-inclusive environment to discuss every aspect of masculinity.
From football to accountability, from mountain biking to broken kneecaps, from fatherhood to vulnerable conversations, we hear how Aydian and Mike plan to help “level up” men in today...2021-09-2756 minThe State of MenWelcome To The State of MenThis podcast is hosting by Mike Watts & Aydian Dowling.Below are the details of the show and the hosts:Website: The State of MenPodcast: The State of Men, follow on your favorite listening platformIG: The State of MenAydian DowlingWebsite: Visit hereIG: Follow hereMike WattsWebsite: Visit hereIG: Follow here2021-09-2205 minThe State of MenThe State of Men TrailerBelow are the details of the show: Website: The State of MenPodcast: The State of Men, follow on your favorite listening platformIG: The State of MenAydian DowlingWebsite: Visit hereIG: Follow hereMike WattsWebsite: Visit hereIG: Follow here2021-09-1401 min
Plenty with Kate NorthrupEpisode 163: Being and Being Married to a Trans Person with Aydian and Jenilee DowlingLast June I had the absolute pleasure of standing in the back of the room watching my husband Mike share his heart and wisdom on a panel of incredible men at the BirthFit Summit. I was so freaking proud of him. Mike shared the stage with a man who spoke about something that really touched me. This man was raised as a woman and transitioned to being a man in his early twenties. He shared that he was the only person on the panel who knew both what it was like to be...2019-12-101h 06Plenty with Kate NorthrupEpisode 163: Being and Being Married to a Trans Person with Aydian and Jenilee DowlingLast June I had the absolute pleasure of standing in the back of the room watching my husband Mike share his heart and wisdom on a panel of incredible men at the BirthFit Summit. I was so freaking proud of him. Mike shared the stage with a man who spoke about something that really touched me. This man was raised as a woman and transitioned to being a man in his early twenties. He shared that he was the only person on the panel who knew both what it was like to be...2019-12-101h 06