The Better Man Podcast

Nothing is a better one-two punch for burning fat, building muscle, and building a pain-free and injury-free lifestyle if you're over 40 than by combining strength training with yoga. 
 
But not just any kind of strength training. 
And not just any kind of yoga. 
 
That's why I partnered with Funk Roberts, a strength and conditioning coach for men over 40, to create a brand-new way to train your body:
 
Man Flow Muscle! 
 
Nobody understands all the nuances that go into programming a strength training program like Funk. Plus, Funk's style is a lot like my style: we both make follow-along workouts with muscle and body cues at the exact time you need them. 
 
In today's show, Funk and I reveal… 
 
Why Man Flow Muscle is the most effective way to workout if you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70

How to avoid the common mistakes men make when they first start lifting and when they first try yoga 

How to join Man Flow Muscle at a fat 50% discount 

 
Highlights from this episode: 
 
Why yoga is actually the missing piece to becoming jacked after 40 (0:54) 

The BEST way to eliminate your anxiety and overwhelm about the gym entirely (3:10) 

What most men over 40 who stop lifting because their body hurts don't understand (your body doesn't need to hurt as long as you do THIS) (5:39) 

How doing yoga will make you stronger when you lift weights (and also makes every other aspect of everyday living more enjoyable) (6:26) 

Why Funk stopped training MMA and UFC fighters to help men over 40 build strength instead (13:29) 

3 big fears that cause most men to shy away from yoga (even though it's perhaps the best way to sustain your fitness, improve your lifts in the gym, and make you more fulfilled in everyday life) (21:29) 

Why 95%+ of yoga programs simply don't work for men over 40 (21:56) 

Why "metabolic training protocol" (which the entire Man Flow Muscle program was built around) is the single most effective way to build muscle safely - and as quickly as possible - if you're 40+ (28:50) 

The "sweet spot" of time spent in the gym for men over 40 according to Funk (and why it's far LESS time than you probably think) (32:02)

How shorter workouts actually improve your results after age 40 (and the opposite is even more true: overtraining jacks up your hormones in a bad way) (32:58) 

The Afterburn Effect: How Funk's lifting system sometimes causes men to keep sweating even two hours after they complete the workout because their body is still burning calories (33:35) 

How to burn fat while building muscle at the same time (35:24)

The "Active Reminders" method naturally baked into Man Flow Muscle that will prevent your fatigue from deteriorating your technique (41:52)

 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
1. Man Flow Muscle: If you're ready to combine Man Flow Yoga and Funk's "Swole & Shredded" dumbbell workouts, this brand-new program from Funk and me is currently available at a hefty 50% discount until Sunday, October 25, 2026 here: https://manflowmuscle.com/

Coach Patrick, trained therapist and our mental and emotional health coach at Man Flow Yoga, and I recently hosted a Be The Better You Retreat. 
 
Each one of these retreats hones in on a different theme based on the guys who attend. This most recent event was about finding yourself, or as Coach Patrick puts it:
 
Remembering yourself! 
 
As we grow up, we put on different masks (or act as different characters) because somewhere along the way, usually by age 7, our subconscious mind discovered that this was the way to receive love and to feel safe. 
 
But while it was true during childhood, it morphs into something sinister in adulthood that usually manifests itself as shame, self-hatred, a lack of confidence, and zero motivation. 
 
This saps your energy, traps you in a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and anxiety, and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But the solution is as simple as it is difficult:
 
Taking off your mask, setting down the characters, and becoming more of yourself again each day. You can do this on your own with the help of a therapist and a journaling and meditation practice. Or, as Coach Patrick and I have realized through hosting these retreats, you can accelerate your journey of remembering yourself through community. 
 
Here's what Coach Patrick and I discuss: 
 
How shame-based motivation saps your energy and motivation and will eventually make you hate exercising 

Why the natural male inclination to solve instead of listen is part of the reason we feel so isolated and alone

The importance of community in accelerating your self-discovery journey 

 
And so much more including… 
 
Why men find it easier to "remember themselves" than to "find themselves" (and how this makes you more confident, motivated, and whole) (3:33) 

Have you done the "7 Why's" exercise to motivate yourself to become healthier but it didn't work? Here's the reason it didn't work and wasn't sustainable: (4:20) 

The strange way your subconscious creates patterns when you're young that subtly control your behavior into adulthood (5:31) 

3 difficult questions fear asks that prevents you from taking off your mask and being your true self (7:13) 

How community is a cheat code for fostering confidence, self-love, and personal growth (7:46) 

The deeper truth about why you're living under constant stress (8:38) 

How to practice your personality in the same way you'd practice yoga or strength training (14:00) 

The single most insidious subconscious belief pattern that quietly affects more men's lives than perhaps any other belief or external thing (19:23) 

How to eradicate your fear by asking yourself one question again and again (21:22) 

Why saying things out loud (with your actual vocal cords) instantly cuts through your bullshit (26:11) 

How undigested guilt eats your energy, drains your motivation, and puts your fear in the driver seat (27:15) 

The "shoulding yourself" trap that's so easy to fall into and so devastating to believe (32:51) 

The weird way being silly and unserious makes it easier, or less daunting, to confront the heavier stuff (35:41) 




Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
1. 2027 Man Flow Yoga Events: If you're interested in joining the next Be The Better You Retreat (happening in Austin, TX in spring 2027), join the interest list here: https://manflowyoga.com/training/in-person-events/ 
 
2. Rapid Release: The mobility tool I've been obsessed with these past couple of months because I can use it while I watch TV to free myself from pain and tightness. Save 10% when you use my link here: https://manflowyoga.com/rapidrelease 
 
3. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7

Do you ever feel like you're just wandering through life without a purpose … or like you're in the midst of a mid-life crisis?
 
These experiences start hitting you between your mid 30s to late 40s - and they bring up a bunch of difficult emotions. 
 
But here's the good news:
 
I invited Connor Beaton of ManTalks back onto the show to share a few tricks to reframe your mid-life crisis (and turn it into a positive transformation). He reveals why fueling yourself with Dark Motivation (from internal shame) leads to a crisis in your 30s or 40s. And he also explains why running on shame-based motivation for too long is a recipe for depression. 

If you're feeling off, without a true purpose in life, are in the middle of significant life changes, or feeling a depressive bug lately and you can't explain why, Connor gives you the step-by-step playbook to conquer these feelings and get closer to your true self. 
 
Here's what Connor and I discuss: 
 
How Dark Motivation works in the short-term (and comes with a hefty cost not worth paying over the long-term)

How stepping into the unknown frees you from the shackles of your rational mind and lets you step into the wisdom of your body 

Why your refusal to let certain things go is the #1 thing keeping you stuck (and how it's creating stress and disease in your body) 

 
Other highlights include: 
 
Why do so many men struggle with therapy and is there a more effective strategy for us? (6:47) 

Do you feel like you're just wandering through life without a purpose? Here are a few reasons behind why so many men feel like this (9:55) 

How men twist and contort to themselves to please other people without realizing it (and how to feel more comfortable in your own skin) (22:29) 

The "Dark Motivation" trap that fuels some level of success and then causes a full-blown mid-life crisis (29:53) 

How celebrating yourself, recognizing yourself, and validating yourself can save you from the brink of Dark Motivation-induced depression (31:22) 

A simple mindset shift that reframes your midlife crisis as a positive and healthy evolution of your true self (35:33) 

The scary way we let the stock market influence our beliefs about ourselves (even if you have nothing invested into the market) (39:19) 

3 basic principles (that sound too simple to be true) to choose your own Odyssey and become the man you've always wanted to be (46:56)   

How to listen (and then trust) your own intuition (51:45) 

 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
1. The ManTalks Alliance: If you want to join a group of other men committed to personal development, surrendering, and tangible growth, join Connor's ManTalks Alliance here: https://mantalks.com/alliance/ 
 
2. ManTalks Podcast: Check out Connor's podcast, Man Talks, wherever you listen to podcasts. 
 
3. Follow ManTalks on Instagram: @ManTalks or via this link: https://www.instagram.com/mantalks/ 
 
4. Magic Mind: Magic mind is my favorite caffeine supplement for when I need an extra boost of energy. Try it here: https://ManFlowYoga.com/MagicMind
 
5. Man Flow Yoga Events: We have one more in-person event for 2026.  Get your ticket (and stay up-to-date on 2027 events) here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
6. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7

Bobby B. (Man Flow Yoga Member and today's guest) went his first 40 years without exercising. 
 
He wasn't an athlete. 
He didn't come from a particularly healthy or active family. 
And to tell the truth, he frankly had other areas of his life that deserved more of his attention than working out. 
 
But then he turned 40, saw the black balloons and ominous tidings in Spencer's, and then went to have some blood work.
 
While his health wasn't in critical condition, his doctor noticed a few risk factors that shouldn't be ignored. And so, his doctor gave him three choices:
 
Get on medications (something that Bobby didn't want to do), get a CT scan to get a clearer picture of his health risks, or try to improve his markers with a little D&E (diet and exercise). 
 
Bobby chose the latter, found Man Flow Yoga, and used it as a catalyst for becoming healthier in nearly every aspect of his health and fitness. Yes, even after age 40. 
 
If you need an extra dose of motivation, this episode is for you.
 
Here's what Bobby and I discuss: 
 
How a life-changing hiking trip in Japan made Bobby even more dedicated to fitness than his doctor did 

Why it's never too late to take your first step on your fitness journey (and how to do it without giving up a couple of weeks in) 

The Man Flow Yoga Catalyst Effect that Bobby (and thousands of our Members have experienced) 

 
And more, including… 
 
How Bobby feels younger today at 42 years old than he felt when he originally turned 40 (6:23) 

How to decide to become invested in your fitness (even if you went your first 40 years - or more - of life without exercising at all) (12:24) 

Why "liquid sugar" is probably the worst beverage to drink if you're interested in feeling better, looking leaner, and getting healthier (Bobby dropped 30 pounds by just cutting out liquid sugar) (15:43) 

Bobby's doctor gave him the choice of medications, a CT scan, or diet and exercise when his blood pressure and cholesterol were in bad shape. Here's how he used diet and exercise to lower his health risk (19:31)  

How to conquer mental roadblocks that are stopping you from working out (22:32) 

The single most effective way to exercise when you have a bad case of gym anxiety (23:32) 

How Man Flow Yoga turned Bobby into a morning person (25:24)  

The hiking trip in Japan that gave Bobby his why: How hiking up stairs (taking 42,000 steps or walking 19 miles) made him realize that fitness is necessary if you want to do cool shit (27:59) 

The Man Flow Yoga Catalyst Effect: How it inspired Bobby to lift weights (even though he has significant gym anxiety) (32:41) 

Here's a physical therapist confirming that joints can be loud as long as they don't hurt! (38:48) 

How Bobby conquered his significant gym anxiety for good (and why he thought he was silly after overcoming it) (43:13) 

 
Resources mentioned in this episode:




1. Berski Beef Sticks: Use code ManFlowYoga to save a chunk of change on these delicious and extra nutritious snacks here: http://eatberski.com/MANFLOWYOGA 
 
2. Man Flow Yoga Events: We have one more in-person event for 2026.  Get your ticket (and stay up-to-date on 2027 events) here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
3. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7

If you were born in the 80s, then you might be at a higher risk for gut dysfunction than the average person. 
 
Today's guest, Ben Brown (founder of Body Systems Coaching and Head Nutrition & Fitness Coach of 20+ years) learned this the hard way:
 
He was plagued by gut issues throughout his teens, but never realized the significance of gut issues until much later. As he went about undoing the damage he had accidentally done to his gut health, he started realizing that his energy came back online, his immunity strengthened, and his mood improved. 
 
Today, Ben coaches men over 40 look at their body holistically to reach their weight loss, health, and fitness goals. And with over 20 years experience being a nutrition and fitness coach, he's a wealth of knowledge when it comes to gut health, the implications your gut has on your overall health, and the steps you must take to reach any goal you have. 
 
Here's what Ben and I discuss: 
 
Why so many people overlook the importance of gut health (and some simple, low-friction ways to restore function to your gut) 

The role pain plays in creating lasting, internal motivation 

How building a new identity that's aligned with your fitness goals keeps you accountable when discipline and motivation dip 

 
And more, including… 
 
Why do digestive issues plague so many men (and why do they go completely overlooked for most of your life)? (3:40) 

How antacids made Ben's digestive problems worse (5:30) 

The strange connection between being born in the 80s and GI distress (6:06) 

Why ignoring your gut problems can make you more susceptible to infections, take your mental health down a dark path, and create an unshakeable sense of fatigue that sleep can't fix (10:39) 

How to improve your gut health, slowly but surely, over time without spending a small fortune on supplements and lab tests (13:30) 

What to do if you're having fewer than two bowel movements per day to start to address any underlying gut dysfunction (17:54) 

Which kinds of processed foods are less bad for your gut? Ben shares some tips for making smarter and more informed tradeoffs here: (23:52) 

How social media traps you into a more dichotomous way of thinking that keeps you stuck on a yo-yo diet (28:12) 

Do you struggle with motivating yourself to get healthy? Here's how one of Ben's clients (who weighs 290 lbs) decided to make a lasting change (35:58) 

How to develop a stronger sense of self-kindness (52:36)

 
Guest Bio:
 
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
 
1. Ben Brown's Body Systems Coaching: If you liked what Ben shared in today's show, you can learn more about his Body Systems Coaching on his website here: https://bodysystems.com/ 
 
2. Follow Ben on Instagram: @bodysystemscoaching. His DM's are open if you have a question or need help!
 
3. Check out Ben's Podcast, The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show: On Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 (or wherever else you listen to podcasts). 
 
4. FirmTech: An "Oura Ring" for your Johnson. Save 15% by using my link: https://myfirmtech.com/manflowyoga 
 
5. Man Flow Yoga Events: We just announced new locations for 2026 in-person events. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
6. Man Flow Yoga: Haven't signed up yet? Start your 7-day free trial and see how yoga can eliminate aches and pains better than other types of exercise here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7