Shows
The American Masculinity Podcast14 Beyond Good Intentions: How White Men Can Support Black MenSend us a textTim sits down with Martin Henson—activist and founder of BMen Foundation—for an honest conversation about moving from good intentions to genuine support.Full Show Notes: www.empowerchangece.com/americanmasculinityBook List: https://bookshop.org/lists/amp-14-book-listHow to Walk Into Spaces that Don't Belong to You Without Shutting Down or Taking Over: https://americanmasculinity.gumroad.com/l/xvcnjWhat you’ll learn in this episode:Chapters:00:00 The Allyship Conversation That Makes White Men Uncomfortable05:10 When Fear...2025-07-291h 07
The American Masculinity PodcastB2 - 1 in 4 Men: The Silent TruthSend us a text1 in 4 men experience sexual violence in their lifetime - yet this reality remains largely invisible in our conversations about masculinity and trauma.In this video, we examine why 23% of men carry this burden in silence, the unique barriers that prevent male survivors from seeking help, and what we can do as a society to create safer spaces for these conversations.As a licensed psychotherapist specializing in men's mental health, I'll share insights on:00:00 – The Quiet Epidemic: 1 in 4 Men 01:08 – Why Men Don’t Talk 02:45 – What Keeps Them Silen...2025-07-2805 min
The American Masculinity Podcast13 The Workplace Struggles Men Never Talk AboutSend us a textWhat happens when blue- and white-collar men compare notes?In this episode, Tim sits down with entrepreneur and tradesman Jake Still to unpack the pressure that men face as providers across various industries, job sites, and offices. From leadership lessons to financial responsibility, they explore what men in both worlds can learn from each other.They break down how the trades build problem-solving resilience, why routines help men stay grounded, and how the pressure to provide can push men past their limits. Along the way, they dive...2025-07-221h 00
The American Masculinity Podcast12-Step Recovery: The Mentorship Model That Changes EverythingSend us a textWhat if recovery isn’t just about quitting—but about rebuilding your masculinity through real accountability, mentorship, and community?Full show notes + all sources: https://empoweredchangece.com/american-masculinity-podcastIn this episode, licensed addiction counselor Kevin Peterson shares how 12-step recovery changed his understanding of masculinity—and how men can move from isolation and control to connection, community, and personal growth.We dig into why healthy masculinity means showing up, not doing it alone—and why mentorship and acco...2025-07-1555 min
The American Masculinity Podcast11 Why Men Don't Recognize Abuse and What to Watch ForSend us a textMost men don’t see themselves as abuse survivors. DV advocate Jenn Doe explains why this silence is deadly.🔗 Full show notes, resources, and transcript: www.americanmasculinity.comMen are taught to be strong and never show weakness. But what happens when these expectations trap them in cycles of abuse they can’t even name? In this powerful episode, licensed psychotherapist and veteran Tim Wienecke is joined by Jenn Doe – a seasoned domestic violence advocate and educator specializing in supporting male and female survivors.2025-07-081h 02
The American Masculinity Podcast10 Nice Guy Trap: How to Keep Your Identity While DatingSend us a textIn this episode, couples therapist LaTrease Nwunye breaks down why “sacrifice” often breeds resentment and how reframing it as a conscious choice can transform your relationship.Full show notes and book list: https://empoweredchangece.com/staff/episode-10We dive into the hidden costs of the nice guy mindset, why leadership isn’t about control, and practical ways men can communicate needs without guilt. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re giving everything and getting nothing back, this conversation will give you tools to change that dynamic to...2025-07-011h 09
The American Masculinity PodcastWhy 4 Out of 5 Suicide Deaths Are Men (And What We Miss)Send us a textMost men don’t talk about suicide—until it’s too late. This episode breaks that silence.Interview with Khara Croswaite Brindle, TEDx Speaker & Suicide Prevention ExpertFull show notes + transcript: https://empoweredchangece.com/american-masculinity-podcastBooklist https://bookshop.org/lists/amp-9-not-weak-just-worn-down-masculinity-suicide-and-what-actually-helps Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for men in their late 20s and early 30s. Most of us were never taught how to ask for help—or even name what hurts.In this episode...2025-06-2458 min
The American Masculinity Podcast08 From Talking to Doing: What Makes CBT Click for MenSend us a textCBT gives men structure and tools—not just talk. 🎧 Show notes: www.americanmasculinity.com 📚 Books: bookshop.org/shop/americanmasculinityTherapist Bryce Jennings joins us to break down how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps men move from overthinking to action. We cover what actually happens in a session, why “vibe fit” matters as much as modality, and what to do if therapy hasn’t worked for you before.If you're therapy-curious, skeptical, or searching for tools that work—this one’s for you.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes o...2025-06-171h 15
The American Masculinity Podcast07 Jewish Masculinity: Duty, Doubt, and Showing Up AnywaySend us a textIn this heartfelt and insightful episode, Tim welcomes Ari H., a therapist and educator who grew up immersed in Modern Orthodox Judaism. Together, they explore how masculinity is shaped by faith, tradition, and the pressures and gifts of communal life. For full show notes, fact checks, and additional information go to: www.americanmasculinity.comAri shares raw reflections on grief, ego, and how Orthodox norms around prayer, education, and ritual shape men from a young age. With honesty, humor, and depth, this conversation reveals how Jewish masculinity is formed n...2025-06-031h 17
The American Masculinity Podcast06 Kink and Masculinity: Rethinking Power and Vulnerability with a Kink TherapistSend us a textWhat do kink, masculinity, and healing have to do with each other? In this episode, licensed psychotherapist Amanda Earle joins us to unpack what kink actually is—and what it gets wrong in mainstream portrayals. We dig into the relationship between masculinity and power, how submission can be deeply affirming for men, and why kink spaces can be both liberating and intimidating for cishet men looking to explore more of themselves. Amanda brings nearly a decade of clinical experience working with kink-identified clients, and her approach blends deep compassion, strong...2025-05-281h 12
The American Masculinity Podcast05 Understanding Male Pain: Deep Insights from an Expert Trauma TherapistSend us a textMen often confuse trauma with everyday stress or pain—until it quietly reshapes their relationships, emotions, and identity. In this conversation, trauma therapist Eric Blommel breaks down how trauma actually works in men, why most of us miss the signs, and what real healing looks like. 👉 Fact Checking, Full citations, tools, and links here: https://www.americanmasculinity.com/2470364/episodes/17203093-05-understanding-male-pain-deep-insights-from-an-expert-trauma-therapist🔍 What We Cover in This Episode· Why trauma in men often goes unrecognized (and how it hides in plain sight)· The difference between discomfort, pain, and t...2025-05-211h 17The American Masculinity Podcast04 Masculine Leadership: Can Control Transform into Competence? Insights from an Air Force Leader.Send us a textMasculine Leadership: Lessons from an Air Force Leader What happens when men lead from control instead of competence? This episode explores how fear-based leadership damages teams—and how to reset your leadership style with grounded authority.Former Air Force instructor and Space Force advisor Stephen DeGuzman joins the podcast to share powerful insights on: – Why masculine leadership often defaults to control – The difference between fear-based leadership and real influence – How the military culture both helps and hurts leadership development – What men can do to grow...2025-05-141h 03The American Masculinity Podcast03 - Why the Gender Spectrum Matters: Insights for the Modern ManSend us a textWhat if embracing the gender spectrum could make you a better man? In this episode, host Tim Wienecke — therapist, veteran, and men’s advocate — breaks down how to show up in gender-diverse spaces without shutting down or taking over.You’ll learn:Why gender isn’t just identity politics — it’s personalHow masculine traits got confused with toxicityFive practical rules to avoid being the asshole in non-masculine spacesWhy being a “good guest” and a “good host” matters more than everWhether you're navigating new social spaces, trying not to get canceled, or just...2025-05-0733 minThe American Masculinity Podcast02 Latino Masculinity Family, Machismo, and the Weight of Expectation with Alejandro CastroSend us a textWhat happens when masculinity is shaped by loyalty, religion, and unspoken family roles? This episode explores Latino manhood, machismo, and the pressure to show up strong—even when it costs you. A powerful conversation on cultural identity, spiritual healing, and what it takes to break the mold without breaking yourself. The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate. Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends. We focus on...2025-05-071h 09The American Masculinity Podcast01 - Masculinity Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Starting PointSend us a text00:00 – What Is American Masculinity? 01:02 – Who Is Tim Wienecke? 02:06 – Reflections on MeToo and Cultural Shifts 03:11 – The Problem with "Toxic Masculinity" 04:21 – Right-Wing Masculinity Myths 05:40 – What This Podcast Is Actually About 06:57 – What You Can Expect Going Forward 08:19 – The 3 Questions I’ll Ask Every Guest 09:09 – Masculinity Lesson from My Father 12:18 – When Masculinity Hurt Me 16:00 – When Masculinity Empowered Me 18:30 – Final Thoughts and What Comes NextDescription: Masculinity isn’t toxic—the polarized way we talk about it is.In this first episode of American Masculi...2025-05-0618 minThe American Masculinity PodcastIntro - What is American Masculinity and Why you might care what Tim thinks about it.Send us a textA quick look at the who, what, and why of The American Masculinity Podcast. Meet host Timothy Wienecke—a therapist, veteran, and advocate. By the end of this 90 seconds, you just might care what another middle-aged white guy on the internet thinks about masculinity in America. The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate. Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends. We focus on grounded tools, not...2025-05-0601 min
Stories and LessonsFrom Combat to Counseling - A interview with Duane FranceIn today's episode, we chat with Duane France. Duane is a retired Army Combat Veteran who has become a leader in veteran mental health both in Colorado and the country. Today he shares with us how he went from multiple deployments in combat zones to the counseling chair and national conferences. In the episode Duane and Tim chat about a few resources: Duane's Site: www.veteranmentalhealth.com Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Younger https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Homecoming-Belonging-Sebastian-Junger-ebook/dp/B01BCJDSNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1...2019-01-2953 min
Stories and LessonsTim shares stories about his birthdays through his life and gives lessons on how he was able to turn painful days into a celebration of his life.For many of us, holidays can be hard. From the outside, it seems like everyone is celebrating. In an effort to not be reminded of hard times and to not ruin other's celebrations, we pull back and isolate ourselves. Tim's experiences on his birthdays made it hard for him to celebrate. He shares the painful stories that caused him to pull back from the people wanting to celebrate him and how he overcomes his pain to join his loved ones in celebrating his life.2018-12-1320 min
Stories and LessonsBen Obrien, Fire Fighter, Life Coach, and a good friend comes on to share his stories. He shares how he was able to grow into one of the more competent and impactful people in his field.Ben Obrien is a father, friend, and person in the world. He has also been a Fire Fighter and EMT for over two decades and has recently built a coaching business helping men develop the skills needed to meet and beat their personal goals. In this episode, Ben shares his story and struggles of joining the fire service, finding his needs for connection ran deeper than his work, and how he incorporated the strength of his Bi-Polar diagnosis into his toolbox to build the connections he needs for a full life. For more information about Ben, visit his website: htt...2018-12-1249 min
Unapologetically SensitiveDeveloping Empathy Guided Me to Hear Myself with Timothy Wienecke, MP, LPC, LACEPISODE 009 TITLE Developing Empathy Guided Me To Hear Myself GUEST Timothy Wienecke, MP, LPC, LAC EPISODE OVERVIEW The term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) was charged and heavy for Tim. He talks about violence against women; interpersonal violence, feminism, learning to have empathy; the ways men are taught to express only anger or happiness and they have no emotional vocabulary. Tim works with men, and he has a podcast that is primarily for men called Stories and Lessons. Highlights 4 Characteristics of Highly Sensitive P...2018-12-1156 min
Stories and LessonsIn this story, Tim shares his story about choosing what a path after leaving the Air Force.Major life choices are difficult because they matter. Most folks getting out of the military to find themselves having to make major choices about what to do, where to live, and who they want to connect with. In this story, Tim shares how his transition out of the Air Force went and what those choices led to.2018-11-3019 min
Mindful Matters w Chris Griffin, LPC & Burke LewisSaving Those Who Save Us with Timothy Wienecke, LPCEver been in pain? That makes all of us!!!! Chris and Tim have a discussion about mindfulness and its relevance in helping our first responders, military personnel and veterans. With a focus on treating mostly male clients, Tim has a unique perspective on trauma, healing and empowerment. As an LPC and veteran of the Air Force, Tim is in a special role to be able to help other wellness professionals understand an underserved population. Get a pad and paper because you may want to take notes.2018-11-1438 min
Stories and LessonsA Interview with Mindfulness Master, Chris GriffinMindfulness Master, Chris Griffin came on to share his story of growing up as an Irish Catholic, moving from music to business, to counseling and how he blends those experiences into his successful life. In this episode, you will learn a lot about mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and how Chris used those skills to improve his life and the lives of his clients. For more about Chris, go to: www.griffincounselingct.com To hear more from him and others on Mindfulness, check out his podcast Mindful Matters: http://mindfulmatters.libsyn.com/2018-11-021h 04
Stories and LessonsLessons on Supporting SurvivorsIn our thirteenth episode, Tim picks up from our seventh episode to sharing his lessons gained supporting survivors of sexual assault and his training on Bystander Intervention. With the MeToo movement encouraging survivors to share their stories with loved ones, many of us are struggling to hold the pain and learn how to help protect our loved ones. We hope this story starts to give some guidance on how to help the survivors in your life.2018-10-1825 min
Stories and LessonsInterview with John Marx - Developing Resilience Among First RespondersWe are so lucky to have John Marx with us for this episode. John has a lifetime of service, 23 years as a police officer in Colorado who now works as an educator and advocate for the responder community. I know him from our work in ResponderStrong, an organization here in Colorado trying to coordinate and develop resources for first responders in Colorado. He shares his story on burn out, trauma, and how he's leveraged his experiences to empower the responder community to be stronger, healthy, and effective. For more about John and his organization Cops Alive, go to ht...2018-10-081h 00
B Squad HotrodMental Health and CarsEpisode 0099 - Mental Health and Cars An Interview with Timothy A Wienecke, MA, LPC, LAC where we talk mental health and cars. Show Notes Tim's website: https://empoweredchangece.com/ Tim's Podcast: https://empoweredchangece.com/category/stories-lessons-podcast/ Foundation 1023: http://foundation1023.org/ ResponderStrong: https://responderstrong.org/ A big thank you to Tim for coming on the show and then straining his schedule to accommodate some emergencies that came up post...2018-09-241h 34
Stories and LessonsSettling into StabilityIn this episode, Tim shares his story of settling into his new life in Denver at 19. Coming from the stress of his family, learning to just be a student came slowly, but it helped him learn how to enjoy stability and how to leave space for happiness.2018-09-1818 min
Stories and LessonsFatherhood - A Interview with Child Therapist Jeff SilvermanJeff and I chat about how he knew he wanted to work with children, how fatherhood has impacted him, and how we often see fathers struggle in our work. If you’re in the Denver area and are looking for a therapist for your child, Jeff is a great resource. Here is his website: http://www.jeffsilvermanlpcc.com/ He also mentions Love and Logic. This is a program and book that many family therapists use to help parents. It is one of the most popular programs for a reason. Here is a link to more information about it: htt...2018-09-1147 min
Stories and LessonsUsing Fear to Get Up and Off the MatIn our 9th episode, I share the story of coming back to Denver after college. This was a dark time in my life because, like many folks, college did not lead to the future I had planned on. I came back to find my friends moving on, a job market choked with other over-educated and under-qualified folks like myself, and a lack of purpose that I couldn't shake. My fear of failure and loneliness allowed me to fight my depression and start listening to friends to begin my next steps. Sometimes, fear is a great motivator.2018-09-0520 min
Stories and LessonsBlast From the Past - A Interview with Rick BlodgettRick Blodgett, a friend from my college days, is switching careers into the helping profession. He will not be in practice for a few years as he's in the middle of his degree program, but he shared a great insight into life. We had a lot of fun reminiscing about our college days, our insights looking back now, and share some tools to fight the sadness that creeps in on all of us. Find out more about Rick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickblodgett/ 2018-08-221h 04
Stories and LessonsAnger - Good and Bad Ways to Use itIn episode 7, I tell the story of how a getting furious at an overwhelmed woman trying to take on a prolific problem got me involved in fighting for survivors of sexual violence and how that same anger almost betrayed the moral imperative that empowered my work.2018-08-1320 min
Stories and LessonsBrotherly LoveI recorded this on my brother's birthday because what better way to let him know I care than to share embarrassing stories from our youth. In this story, you'll hear about how we grew up, the ways we cared for each other, and about what it took for me to see my brother as a man. I hope you enjoy.2018-08-0620 min
Stories and LessonsIzzy Abbass Shares a StoryIzzy Abbass, a man who has spent his entire adult life either in uniform or advocating for our servicemembers, comes on and shares how his first experience serving with a female soldier impacted him as a young infantryman. 2018-07-2725 min
Stories and LessonsBasic Training Part 2: The Importance of Service to Others.Picking up where he left off in Episode 3, Tim finishes his story about Air Force Basic Training. He shares the surprising role he found cleaning toilets and how important it can be to find your role in a group. After settling into my new world at Basic Training, I was surprised to find both peace and purpose while scrubbing toilets. Additionally, finding a way to pay back my fellow Airmen for getting hurt and out of shape self through basic reminded me how much I like teaching. 2018-07-1619 min
Stories and LessonsBasic Training Part 1 - You can't learn if you are not humble.I tried and tried to put a solid story together about my experience at basic in under 20 minutes and couldn't do it, so here's our first two-part episode. After graduating from the U, I had a hard time sorting out what I was going to do and who I was going to be. After a few years, I decided to join the United States Air Force at 27 years old. I knew it was going to be a challenge, so I did a bit of researched and talked to friends who had served before signing the dotted line. Even will that...2018-07-1516 min
Stories and LessonsThe Dangers of Ego and AssumptionBack in 2002, I looked great on paper and people generally thought I was doing everything right for a first-time college student. As most of us know, those struggling learn to hide their problems and I was no different. I was unable to be alone for any significant amount of time and I had just lost my main supporters to a work move. To fill the space, I tried jumping into the LGBTIAQ community as a Cis, heterosexual, guy. While this led to some successful allyship, it did not meet my needs or address my problems. Distraction and avoidance can work for...2018-07-1418 min
Stories and LessonsStepping Into Social Justice to Avoid Problems Didn't Work.Tim tells a story about his first attempt to get involved in social justice. Like most first tries, it did not go entirely as planned.2018-07-1320 min
Stories and LessonsA One Minute Introduction to Stories and LessonsStories and Lessons is a podcast where Timothy Wienecke shares personal stories from his life and collects stories from other people in the helping fields. These stories are chosen to be entertaining and normalizing. For more information about Tim and his guests, please visit www.empoweredchangece.com2018-07-1201 min
Head Space and Timing PodcastHST015: Timothy Wienecke - Veteran Mental Health and Higher EducationAre you looking for more ways to learn about military and veteran mental health and wellness? Check out Duane's books by going to www.veteranmentalhealth.com/booksSummary: Tim has spent the last two decades learning with and helping people navigate the hard times life throws at us. He has served as an advocate, representative, Airman, Sergeant, mentor, organizer, educator, and therapist. He uses his experience, passion, and education to empower people with the skills and knowledge needed to find the best way forward.He owns a private clinical mental health counseling p...2017-10-1055 min