In this deeply personal episode of Mind About Masculinity, host Avik sits down with Cole Grace—a former bomb technician in Iraq turned mental health advocate—to explore what real strength looks like beyond war zones and expectations. Cole opens up about living with PTSD, addiction, and the brutal inner critic shaped by survival. Together, they unpack why men struggle with self-love, how emotional repression becomes addictive, and why external wins can’t heal internal wounds. Drawing on his book Internal > External, Cole offers grounded, actionable wisdom for men who are ready to stop running and start healing.

About the GuestCole Grace is a combat veteran, speaker, and author of Internal > External: Calming the Chaos Within. After disarming roadside bombs in Iraq and battling personal demons post-deployment, Cole now helps others master their inner world through mindset tools, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability. His mission is to help men rebuild their lives by owning their stories and emotions—not suppressing them.

Key Takeaways

• Self-love isn't soft—it's essential to mental resilience and masculine strength.

• Combat taught Cole to repress emotion for survival, but healing demanded he face those buried feelings.

• Reprogramming limiting beliefs with affirmations and gratitude isn't fluff—it’s neuroscience.

• Real masculinity includes control over emotional reactivity, not suppression.

• External success means little when internal wounds go unaddressed.

• Emotional repression might work short term, but unresolved trauma resurfaces in self-sabotage and rage.

Connect with Cole Grace• YouTube: @CGrace21

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In this insightful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Chelsea McLeod, a hormone health coach helping high-achieving men and women reclaim their health. Together, they explore how testosterone influences not just physical strength and libido, but also emotional balance, mental clarity, and resilience. Chelsea breaks down the connection between stress, sleep, nutrition, and hormonal health—and why many men are silently struggling with low testosterone without realizing it. From the hidden impact of gut health to practical lifestyle shifts, this conversation challenges the outdated belief that declining health is an inevitable part of aging.

About the Guest:Chelsea McLeod is a powerhouse hormone health coach who has helped over 200 women and men heal hormone and gut imbalances. She works with C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes to boost testosterone, improve energy, and reclaim health without burnout. Chelsea left corporate life after her own health crisis and is now on a mission to help a million people worldwide balance their hormones naturally.

Key Takeaways:

• Testosterone affects mood, motivation, sleep, and emotional regulation—not just muscle and libido.

• Chronic stress and poor sleep lower testosterone by disrupting hormonal precursors.

• Simple steps like better sleep hygiene, clean eating, and addressing gut health can significantly boost testosterone naturally.

• Emotional intelligence and hormone health are interconnected; emotional suppression can manifest physically.

• Men don’t have to accept feeling “off” or emotionally flat as normal aging—there’s a path to healing.

Connect with Chelsea:Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @healthywithchelsShe offers private coaching for men looking to work one-on-one to improve hormonal and mental health.

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM – Send me a message on PodMatchDM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikTune to all our 15 podcasts:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikSubscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community:https://nas.io/healthymind

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In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we sit down with Bogdan Rosu—leadership coach, martial artist, and author of Greatness and Mastery. Together, we explore how men can pursue elite leadership and high performance without burning out. From martial arts philosophies to emotional intelligence, Bogdan breaks down how “being like water” isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. We discuss the illusion of hustle culture, the hidden costs of self-doubt, and why stillness is a high-performer’s secret weapon. Whether you’re chasing the next belt in your career or in your character, this conversation challenges conventional success narratives and offers a grounded roadmap for sustainable greatness.

About the Guest:Bogdan Rosu is a high-performance leadership coach, martial artist, and host of the Stories from Your Future Selfpodcast. With clients ranging from seven-figure CEOs to entrepreneurs at pivotal crossroads, Bogdan helps men break through limiting beliefs, align with purpose, and lead without compromise. His upcoming book Greatness and Masteryfuses martial arts with modern leadership—teaching principles that help ambitious men rise without running themselves into the ground.

Key Takeaways:

• Greatness begins with love—for the self, the craft, and the journey—not just achievement.

• Rigidity is not strength. Flexibility, like water, enables resilience and smarter leadership.

• Even multi-millionaires face the same fears—burnout and paralysis don’t discriminate.

• Discipline is often mistaken for self-denial. True mastery aligns passion with confidence.

• Masculinity isn’t just doing—it’s about knowing when to be, reflect, and recharge.

Connect with Bogdan Rosu:Find and connect with Bogdan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themindsetcoach/

https://bogdanrosu.biz/greatness-and-mastery-free-book

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#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #masculinity #leadership #martialarts #mentalhealth #burnout #resilience #podcast

In this episode of Mind Over Masculinity, we dive deep with Balki Kotarapu, a fractional CTO and mentor who has led tech teams through intense growth, scaling companies from millions to tens of millions. Balki shares how vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and mental health awareness have become his superpowers in leadership. We explore why true strength isn't about having all the answers but about building trust, admitting gaps, and working through challenges together. This conversation unpacks lessons from high-stakes tech environments, the toll it takes on mental health, and the balance needed to thrive as both a leader and human. A must-listen for founders, tech leads, and anyone navigating leadership with authenticity.

About Balki Kotarapu: Balki Kotarapu is a seasoned fractional CTO, entrepreneur, and mentor with a proven track record of scaling startups and building high-performance teams. Having raised over $150 million and developed AI products for Fortune 100 companies, Balki’s leadership style is grounded in vulnerability, clarity, and emotional intelligence. He is passionate about reshaping toxic tech cultures and fostering environments where both people and products succeed.

Key Takeaways:

• Why vulnerability is a leadership strength, not a weakness.

• The hidden cost of overwork in high-stakes tech roles.

• How balancing personal and professional life boosts leadership performance.

• The role of emotional intelligence in solving technical bottlenecks.

• Insights on reshaping toxic work cultures to prioritize well-being.

Connect with Balki: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balki

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In this powerful episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with transformational leadership strategist Grace Najean to challenge the deeply ingrained belief that pressure equals progress. Together, they unpack the cost of hustle-driven success, the hidden toll of male conditioning, and how men can reclaim their power through alignment instead of burnout. Grace shares her insights from coaching high achievers, revealing why self-awareness, inner voice, and sustainable practices matter more than ever for modern men. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind or disconnected from yourself, this conversation is a must-listen.

About the Guest: Grace Najean is a transformational leadership strategist, creator of the Soulfluence Method, and a former Platinum Coach with Tony Robbins. She guides high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives toward sustainable, soul-aligned success by bridging strategy with spirituality. Grace also hosts transformational retreats helping people reconnect with their true selves.

Key Takeaways:

• Why pressure-driven success leads to burnout, not fulfillment

• How societal conditioning traps men in cycles of proving

• The critical role of self-awareness in sustainable leadership

• How alignment can unlock clarity, freedom, and authentic power

• Simple tools like SWOT and Ikigai to reconnect with your purpose

Connect with Grace Najean: Visit Grace’s website at www.gracenajean.comLearn more about her transformational retreats and coaching services.

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM me on PodMatchDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikTune in to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind

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In this deeply moving episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Sana sits down with Thomas R. Wilson—writer, business owner, sensory-friendly event specialist, and community advocate—to explore the intersections of men’s mental health, neurodiversity, and inclusion. Thomas shares his personal journey of navigating bipolar disorder and ADHD, breaking away from traditional masculine norms, and creating safe spaces for others to express their authentic selves. The conversation dives into societal biases, the lack of mental health resources, and the critical need for gentleness, creativity, and community support in men’s lives. This episode is a call to action for anyone ready to challenge stereotypes and build a more compassionate world.

About Thomas R. Wilson:Thomas R. Wilson is the founder of R&H Creative Advocacy and Storytelling LLC. With a mission to make community engagement more inclusive, Thomas designs sensory-friendly events and advocates for underserved communities, especially those navigating neurodiversity and mental health challenges. His work has gained international recognition and transformed over 40 businesses into more welcoming spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• Thomas’s mental health journey with bipolar disorder and ADHD highlights the importance of emotional expression and redefining masculinity.

• Men often struggle with finding safe spaces for vulnerability, creativity, and emotional healing.

• The biggest misconceptions around neurodiversity and mental health include viewing nontraditional paths as unproductive and judging emotional expression.

• Inclusive spaces require patience, gentleness, and the freedom to process emotions without judgment.

• Seeking treatment and finding supportive communities are essential steps toward healing and self-acceptance.

Connect with Thomas R. Wilson:

• LinkedIn: Thomas R. Wilson

• Email: ndtrpg@gmail.com

• Website: R&H Creative Advocacy and Storytelling

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community:https://nas.io/healthymind

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In this transformative episode of Healthy Waves, host Sana sits down with Marko Petrovic—world explorer, two-time bestselling author of Soul Path and Embrace of the Elements, and founder of the MARA Project. Together, they dive deep into ancient wisdom, modern mental health, the role of ego, and the art of liberating the restless monkey mind. Marko shares powerful practices like breathwork, cold exposure, and ancestral connection to rediscover harmony and joy. Whether you feel stuck, disconnected, or simply seeking deeper clarity, this episode offers grounded, soulful strategies to reclaim your inner peace and purpose.

About the Guest:

Marko Petrovic is a visionary explorer, bestselling author, and founder of the MARA Project—leading transformative journeys to sacred sites around the world. His work bridges ancient traditions with modern life, helping people reconnect to their roots, liberate mental chatter, and walk their authentic soul path with joy and resilience. Marko’s philosophy emphasizes living with presence, faith, and honoring the silent strength of our ancestors.

Key Takeaways:

• Ancient wisdom holds keys to healing the modern monkey mind.

• Ego, when balanced, becomes a vital ally rather than a barrier.

• Breathwork and chanting (OM) are powerful tools for mental clarity.

• Sacred sites and ancestral connection can trigger deep transformation.

• True harmony comes from honoring both support and challenge in life.

Connect with Marko Petrovic:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetmarko/?hl=en

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In this transformative episode of Mind Over Masculinity, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Dennis Procopio, founder of Man Up Life Coaching, to tackle the raw and often misunderstood realities of modern masculinity. From surviving the tough walls of Rikers Island to raising a special needs child, Dennis shares his journey and sheds light on why so many men today feel lost or disconnected. Together, they unpack the concept of “manning up,” its traditional weight, and how it can be redefined to empower men in today’s world. Whether you're feeling stuck, pressured by societal expectations, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing and strength coexist.

About Dennis Procopio:Dennis Procopio is a men’s coach, mentor, and founder of Man Up Life Coaching (MULC), an award-winning program that has logged over 10,000 coaching hours, helping men reclaim purpose, discipline, and emotional well-being. With a background shaped by adversity, Dennis offers a brotherly, results-driven approach to personal growth that resonates with men from all walks of life.

Key Takeaways:

• The hidden failure script many men operate from, involving self-judgment, depression, and risk avoidance.

• How societal rewards for productivity shape male identity.

• The deeper meaning behind "manning up" and why redefining it matters.

• Masculinity as a balance of both masculine and feminine traits.

• Why men need safe spaces and brotherly support to process emotions and grow.

Connect with Dennis Procopio:Website: manuplifecoaching.comEmail: maillifecoach.com for a free consultation.

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