Success, Intuition, and Purpose: Paul Davis on Unlocking Your Genius

Host Andy Grant interviews business growth consultant and intuitive advisor Paul Davis about aligning business success with purpose, meaning, and self-care. Davis explains that financial turnarounds don’t last if the owner’s mindset, beliefs, and unresolved childhood trauma aren’t addressed, citing ACE scores and how fear, shame, and guilt can escalate depression and suicidal ideation. He shares his own lifelong suicidal thoughts, why he hid them to avoid appearing weak or risky in senior roles, and how his brother Eugene’s death prompted him to speak openly and develop a methodology for purpose.

Davis outlines “genius” as an innate spirit and describes four purpose elements: a life quest/mission, divine inspiration, three “genius drivers” for fulfillment, and a “genius role” archetype. He emphasizes giving “from the saucer, not from the cup,” building intuition, and living with an “open hand” rather than a constant focus on productivity.

00:00 Why Leaders Stay Silent
00:27 Meet Paul Davis
01:29 Business Meets Mindset
03:22 Sunrise Wake Up Call
05:15 Dark Questions Early
06:29 Research And New Method
08:35 Service And Mission
09:57 Why Success Feels Empty
10:38 Trauma Triggers Self Care
15:04 Why He Hid It
18:17 Loss Changed Everything
20:19 Defining Genius
21:02 Divine Inspiration Explained
21:32 Why Finding Your Why Fails
22:10 Genius Drivers And Fulfillment
22:49 Genius Roles And Alignment
24:27 Success Without Purpose
26:23 Intuition And Seventh Son
29:19 What Leaders Need Most
31:24 Find Your Lifelong Quest
35:00 Meaningful Life And Legacy
37:04 Open Hand Living Advice
38:59 Final Wrap And Resources

Connect with Paul
Paul Davis — https://davisbusinessconsultants.com/
LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/pauldavisdublin
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/davisconsultants

Resources
Genius Unlocked: Discover Your Life Purpose & Innate Genius by Paul Davis — https://amzn.to/4tq8JNc
All of Paul’s books — https://amzn.to/4tq8JNc

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | https://realmenfeel.org/group⁠
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com⁠ for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | https://www.realmenfeel.org/
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel⁠⁠

#RealMenFeel ep 398

Rebuilding After Betrayal, Divorce, and the Dead Bedroom: Ralph Brewer on Men, Shame, and Support

Host Andy Grant interviews men’s coach Ralph Brewer about rebuilding after infidelity, divorce, and relationship collapse. Ralph shares his own experience of being divorced within 60 days after his spouse’s infidelity and becoming a single father of three, including how he blamed himself for years and later learned he couldn’t control another person’s choices. He explains how therapy and connecting with other men led him to create the “Dad Starting Over” platform, write five books—starting with the breakout “The Dead Bedroom Fix”—and build HelpForMen.com and the paid Brotherhood community with frequent Zoom meetings, forums, conferences, and coaching.

They discuss common patterns among anxious, codependent “Mr. Nice Guy” men paired with avoidant partners, how “man up” emotional suppression causes flatness and mental health issues, the risks of bitterness and rapid rebound dating, and why peer support and asking for help are essential.

00:00 Shame and Masculinity
00:19 Show Intro and Guest
01:28 Ralph's Divorce Story
02:34 Owning Too Much Blame
03:58 Therapy and Brotherhood
05:10 From Blog to Brand
07:32 Identity After Breakup
10:29 Man Up Culture Costs
12:15 Anxious Avoidant Trap
15:48 Rewiring Shame and Self-Worth
18:07 Dead Bedroom Explained
19:58 First Step Honest Inventory
21:11 Why Men Choose Wrong
21:51 Pragmatic Partner Vetting
22:55 Divorce Patterns Repeat
23:56 Avoiding Bitter Blame
25:36 Rebound Relationship Trap
26:53 Neurodivergence And Dating
29:27 Rock Bottom And Coping
32:04 Brotherhood And Community
36:52 How To Find Ralph
38:31 Ask For Help
40:01 Final Takeaways

Connect with Ralph
Ralph Brewer — https://helpformen.com/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/dadstartingover
Instagram — https://instagram.com/dadstartingover

Resources
The Dead Bedroom Fix by Ralph Brewer — https://amzn.to/4tgMJ7n
All of Ralph’s books — https://amzn.to/4s85KYM

Join other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 397

The Hollow Man Syndrome: Redefining Success, Vulnerability, and the New Alpha

Host Andy Grant interviews Kenyada Meadows, a Bank of America senior vice president and master certified executive coach, about “hollow man syndrome”—men who appear successful but feel empty and unfulfilled. Meadows explains the metaphor of a strong tree with decaying roots and describes how hollowing out can manifest as strained relationships, self-medicating, short tempers, or acting out. He contrasts traditional “alpha” achievement-driven masculinity with “emotional integrity,” emphasizing vulnerability, community, and emotional literacy as skills for connection and asking for help.

Meadows outlines his “New Alpha” framework of three domains—relationships at work, at home, and with oneself—critiques the myth of perfect work-life balance with the idea of “wobbling well,” and discusses re-parenting the inner child, grace, and intentional reflection. He shares taking four months of paid parental leave in a competitive Wall Street environment, finding no downside, and encourages men to broaden “providing” beyond money to presence and communication.

00:00 The Hollow Tree Metaphor
00:31 Meet Kenyada Meadows
01:32 Defining Hollow Man Syndrome
04:19 Personal Turning Points
05:37 Mentorship and The New Alpha
08:23 Costs of Traditional Alpha
09:56 Emotional Integrity Skills
14:38 Why High Achievers Feel Empty
16:31 Wobbling Work Life Balance
18:40 Reparenting the Inner Child
21:07 Taking Paternity Leave
24:02 Providing Beyond Money
28:04 Three Domains Framework
29:49 Rethinking Alpha Culture
32:46 Connect and Final Takeaway
36:15 Closing and Community Invite

Connect with Kenyada
Kenyada Meadows — https://www.executiveparentcompany.com/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyadameadowscpaciacfe/Resources
The New Alpha: Be Three Times the Leader Through Balance, Not Dominance by Kenyada Meadows — https://amzn.to/4bA4BCV

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 396

Men’s Health, Loneliness, and Real Masculinity

Host Andy Grant opens by saying men need truth and connection, not shame or fake strength. After a guest postpones due to health news, Andy shares he has a colonoscopy scheduled and urges men to prioritize physical health: get annual checkups, know family history, ask doctors questions, and follow colorectal cancer screening guidance, noting rising deaths under 50 and citing Chadwick Boseman and James Van Der Beek.

He then discusses an international survey reporting that about a third of Gen Z men believe wives should obey husbands and husbands should have final say, interpreting this as a search for identity, direction, belonging, respect, purpose, and brotherhood. Andy argues that men are hurting without language, loneliness increases vulnerability to harmful online narratives, and real masculinity is responsibility, integrity, presence, and emotional honesty, inviting listeners to join his community at https://realmenfeel.org/group.

00:00 What Men Really Need
00:18 Welcome and Plans Change
00:44 Colonoscopy Wake Up Call
01:22 Screening Facts and Risks
02:31 Gen Z Survey Shock
03:18 What Men Are Hungry For
04:32 Pain Turns Into Anger
05:15 Loneliness and Online Voices
06:05 Masculinity Without Domination
07:17 Why Real Men Feel Exists
07:38 Two Reminders and Next Steps

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join us in the Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 395

Escaping the Success Trap: When Achievement Still Feels Empty

Host Andy Grant discusses “the success trap,” where men achieve promotions, money, status, and accomplishments yet feel empty, disconnected, and numb. Citing a Forbes article, he explains the paradox that believing we’re successful can limit growth by creating fear of risking standing in others’ eyes, even when success lacks meaning. Drawing from his corporate experience and nearly 400 Real Men Feel episodes, he describes signs and outcomes such as identity tied to performance, discomfort with rest, emotional inaccessibility, burnout, midlife crisis, relationship struggles, addiction, and self-destructive behavior.

Grant shares quotes from Johnny Cash, Maya Angelou, Albert Schweitzer, and Winston Churchill, then offers three solutions: redefine success to include meaning and connection, reconnect with feelings through reflection and journaling, and build brotherhood to counter isolation, inviting listeners to the Authentic AF community.

00:00 The Success Trap
00:36 Welcome and Setup
01:34 Why Success Feels Empty
03:03 My Corporate Wakeup
03:44 Signs You Are Stuck
04:42 Achievement Armor Costs
06:03 Patterns From 400 Talks
07:01 Redefining Real Success
08:01 Three Ways Out
09:53 Join Authentic AF

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join us in the Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 394

Midlife Identity, Men Speaking Up, and Finding Fulfillment After 50

Andy Grant interviews UK-based Philip Briscoe, host of the Mid-life Men Podcast, about his midlife turning point at 50 after leaving a tech job where he felt undervalued and realizing he didn’t know who he was beyond work. Philip describes how stress and lack of fulfillment contributed to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and lifestyle-related health issues including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and fatty liver, many of which improved after he stepped away. He explains creating his podcast to fill a lack of resources for men, finding purpose by sharing men’s recovery narratives, and later turning interviews into his book Men Speak Up, focused on communication and getting help.

They discuss misconceptions about the “midlife crisis,” hormonal and mental-health realities, ageism, normalizing taboo topics like suicidal thoughts, and the importance of supportive friendships and groups.

00:00 Burnout and Identity Loss
00:57 Meet Philip Briscoe
02:08 Turning 50 Wake Up Call
03:32 Health Alarms and Change
04:09 Finding Purpose Through Podcasting
06:46 Work Family and Delayed Joy
09:44 Why Mid-life Men Exists
12:24 Lessons Men Speak Up
15:15 Depression Signs and Support
18:45 From Podcast to Book
20:51 Midlife Crisis Myths
25:59 Purpose as a Continuum
27:25 Connect and Final Takeaway
30:13 Closing and Community Invite

Connect with Philip
Philip Briscoe — https://www.mid-lifemen.com/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/midlifemenpodcast/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/midlifemen/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbriscoe/

Resources
Men Speak Up: Journeys Through Mental Health by Philip Briscoe — https://amzn.to/4kT4QgJ

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 393

Real Men Feel: 10-Year Anniversary—From Blab to Authentic AF

Andy Grant celebrates 10 years of Real Men Feel, which first went live on February 23, 2016 on Blab, and thanks co-founder Appio Hunter, past guests, and listeners for helping create a space where men can talk about the full range of emotions. The episode features audio from the very beginning of the first 2016 episode, a clip from episode 100 about two and a half years later reflecting on how the show grew from a planned monthly, 30-minute format into weekly hour-long conversations with guests, and additional segments from more recent discussions.

Across multiple guest clips answering the recurring question, “What’s one thing you wish more men knew?”, themes include vulnerability as strength, listening, empathy, belonging and finding a tribe, not having to be the strongest or prove masculinity, being allowed to say no and speak up, self-acceptance and compassion, and not having to go it alone. Andy concludes that men need more connection rather than more advice and invites listeners to join the Authentic AF community at realmenfeel.org/group, offering live calls, men’s circles, meditations, honest conversations, and relationships without performance or posturing.

00:00 10-Year Anniversary: Why Real Men Feel Exists
02:02 How the Episode Will Unfold: Clips From 2016 to Now
02:47 Flashback to Episode 1 (2016): Andy’s Mission & Creating Space for Men
04:18 Meet Co-Host Appio Hunter: Emotional Healing & Men as Human Beings
06:22 Episode 100 Throwback: Celebrating the Journey & Early Blab Days
11:01 From Monthly to Weekly: How the Show’s Format Evolved
13:09 “One Thing I Wish More Men Knew” Montage Begins: Vulnerability & Belonging
15:49 Relationships as a Portal: Communication, Healing & Intimacy
18:58 More Wisdom From Guests: Listening, Ego, Empathy & Authenticity
22:45 You Don’t Have to Go It Alone: Voice, Support & Self-Acceptance
27:53 Closing Reflections: Connection Over Advice + Join Authentic AF

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 392

Are You Being Real?

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant addresses the skepticism surrounding authenticity, particularly among men. He explores how the term has been diluted and misused across contexts, reducing it to a mere buzzword. Andy revisits the core values of his show—authenticity, vulnerability, and compassion—while sharing personal experiences that illustrate the genuine meaning of being authentic.

He emphasizes the importance of honesty, responsibility, and emotional openness to truly embody authenticity. Finally, Andy invites listeners to join his online community, Authentic AF at http://realmenfeel.org/group, to further explore and practice genuine self-expression.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:29 The Misuse of Authenticity
01:11 Defining True Authenticity
02:13 Personal Journey to Authenticity
04:13 Practicing Authenticity in Daily Life
05:45 Challenges Men Face with Authenticity
07:28 Living Authentically and Community Invitation
08:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | https://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 391

Unlocking the Real You: The Power of Animal Archetypes

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant is joined by Eric Gee, a published author, life and writing coach, who shares his unique personality typing system based on animal archetypes. They discuss how this system provides deeper insights into oneself beyond superficial traits, helping individuals make better life choices across careers, relationships, and personal growth. Eric elaborates on common misconceptions in traditional personality models and the importance of embracing one's true nature.

They explore the real-life application of these archetypes in education, relationships, and creative work, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and authenticity. Highlights include discussions of specific animal types, such as stags and peacocks, and their relevance to personal and professional life, as well as the impact of societal and parental expectations on identity.

00:00 The Dangers of Not Being Yourself
00:18 Introduction to Real Men Feel
00:26 Meet Eric Gee: Author and Personality Expert
01:23 Understanding Personality Typing
03:52 The Power of Animal Archetypes
06:14 Common Personality Types and Their Traits
07:36 Personality Types in Men and Society
11:57 Discovering Your True Personality
13:19 Impact of Social Programming on Boys
18:55 Upcoming Book and Common Questions
19:25 Relationship Dynamics and Personality Types
21:12 Creative Expression and Animal Types
22:58 Finding Your Authentic Voice
25:44 Understanding and Accepting Your Personality
29:29 Harry Potter Characters and Personality Types
32:43 Empowerment Through Self-Discovery
34:38 Where to Learn More and Final Thoughts

Connect with Eric
Eric Gee — https://www.projectyoutopia.com/
Take The Test — https://youtopiaproject.com/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/the_power_of_personality/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/eric.c.gee/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-gee-3565a79/

Resources
Power of Personality: Unlock the Secrets to Understanding Everyone in Your Life by Eric Gee — https://amzn.to/3Zq3eky

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 390

Transformative Fatherhood with Jon Hord: From Reactive to Present

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant speaks with Jon Hord, founder of the Engaged Father Project. Jon shares his journey from a stressed-out father to becoming an emotionally regulated, present parent. They discuss intentional parenting, emotional regulation, and redefining strong fatherhood. Jon explains the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and conscious choices in improving fatherhood.

He also discusses his transition from a corporate career to life coaching and the development of the Engaged Father Project, which helps fathers become the best versions of themselves. Jon offers practical advice for daily practices that can help fathers align their actions with their parenting goals.

00:00 The Power of Vulnerability in Fatherhood
00:27 Introduction to Real Men Feel
00:41 Meet Jon Hord: From Reactive to Present Parenting
01:06 The Biggest Disconnect in Fatherhood
03:10 Jon's Journey: Becoming the Father He Didn't Want to Be
05:40 The Turning Point: Finding a Life Coach
08:31 Creating the Engaged Father Project
14:03 The Role of a Life Coach
15:56 The Importance of Vulnerability in Fatherhood
34:54 Daily Practices for Intentional Fatherhood
38:09 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jon
The Engaged Father Project — https://theengagedfatherproject.com/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/theengagedfatherproject/
TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@theengagedfatherp
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedFatherProject
LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hord

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 389

Overcoming Life's Inner Prisons

In this compelling episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Matt Melvin, author of 'Bullied Behind Bars.' Matt shares his harrowing experiences of incarceration, bullying, and isolation, focusing on the mental prison of blame and anger that lingered long after his physical release. The conversation delves into the challenges many men face, such as shame, fear, and past trauma, and discusses the importance of emotional survival, men's groups, and what it truly means to feel free inside.

Matt talks about his journey to self-love and forgiveness and his plans to create a supportive community for men. This episode provides a powerful reminder that freedom is more about inner connection and honesty rather than external conditions.

00:00 Introduction to Forgiveness and Accountability
00:13 Welcome to Real Men Feel
00:34 Meet Matt Melvin: Author and Survivor
02:01 Matt's Journey Through Incarceration
05:31 Life After Prison: Challenges and Growth
13:11 The Importance of Men's Work and Vulnerability
19:23 Matt's Vision for the Future
27:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Matt
Matt Melvin — https://www.bulliedbehindbars.com/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/matthew.melvin.5621
X — https://x.com/barsbullied

Resources
Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison by Matt Melvin — https://amzn.to/4r2mSi8

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel

#RealMenFeel ep 388