In this conversation, Chris Chandler-Yates and Ashley Smith explore the concept of healthy masculinity from various perspectives. They discuss the importance of communication, vulnerability, and the dynamics of relationships, particularly in the context of modern gender roles. Ashley shares her insights on how cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of masculinity and femininity, while Chris emphasizes the need for men to embrace their emotional side. The discussion also touches on the balance between traditional gender roles and the evolving expectations in relationships today. In this conversation, Ashley Smith and Chris Chandler-Yates explore the complexities of modern relationships, masculinity, and gender roles. They discuss the evolution of DEI initiatives, the impact of physical appearance on professional opportunities, and the importance of teamwork in partnerships. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-respect, boundaries, and the changing dynamics of dating in today's society. Ultimately, they advocate for honesty, kindness, and the importance of being true to oneself in navigating relationships.

To contact Ashley: https://links.ashleysmithirl.com

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Takeaways

Healthy masculinity involves protecting and providing.

Communication is essential for healthy relationships.

Cultural perspectives shape our understanding of masculinity.

Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Relationships should be a partnership, not a hierarchy.

Compromise is more important than sacrifice in relationships.

Men and women should have equal opportunities, but are not equal.

Emotional intelligence is crucial for personal growth.

Modeling healthy relationships is important for future generations.

Understanding different cultural definitions of masculinity can broaden perspectives. It's important to communicate deal breakers in relationships.

DEI initiatives have evolved from good intentions to complex challenges.

Physical appearance can influence professional opportunities, but skills should be prioritized.

Men and women should be evaluated based on their capabilities, not just gender.

The protector instinct in men is a natural biological response.

Teamwork in relationships means sharing responsibilities equally.

Self-respect and boundaries are crucial for healthy relationships.

The dynamics of dating have shifted, making it harder for men to find partners.

Men should support their partners' successes without feeling threatened.

Honesty and being true to oneself are essential for personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthy Masculinity

04:02 Perspectives on Masculinity and Femininity

09:54 Cultural Influences on Gender Roles

15:53 The Dynamics of Relationships

21:57 Encouraging Individuality in Relationships

27:58 Finding Balance in Modern Masculinity

33:04 Navigating Relationships in Midlife

36:33 Expectations and Communication in Partnerships

40:59 The Dynamics of Masculinity and Femininity

45:49 Equality and Sacrifice in Relationships

49:11 The Evolution of DEI and Its Implications

55:34 Physicality and Gender Roles in Professional Settings

01:05:20 The Strengths of Women in Communication

01:07:00 Body Image and Societal Expectations

01:08:47 The Evolving Role of Men in Relationships

01:10:35 The Impact of Women's Success on Relationships

01:12:05 Navigating Masculinity in Modern Society

01:14:43 Teamwork in Relationships

01:17:37 Balancing Responsibilities in Modern Households

01:19:55 The Importance of Team Dynamics

01:22:51 Self-Care and Personal Growth

01:28:30 Healthy Boundaries and Self-Respect

01:30:49 The Challenges of Adulting

01:34:40 Final Insights on Masculinity and Integrity

In this conversation, Chris Chandler-Yates and John Smith explore the complexities of masculinity in today's society. They discuss the evolution of men's roles, the impact of toxic masculinity, and the importance of vulnerability and emotional expression. The dialogue emphasizes the need for men to understand their identity, navigate relationships, and recognize when to fight for or exit from them. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the significance of healthy masculinity and the challenges faced by men in modern times. In this conversation, John Smith and Chris Chandler-Yates discuss the challenges men face in managing work stress, maintaining healthy relationships, and the importance of physical health. They emphasize the need for men to communicate effectively with their partners, seek support from friends, and prioritize self-care. The discussion also highlights the significance of finding purpose and balance in life, particularly in relation to health and well-being. John shares personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges, ultimately encouraging men to break societal molds and focus on their own paths.To listen to or contact John Smiths podcast I Shower After Work: https://open.spotify.com/show/27XH6LENIWEBV7rSmKEeTP?si=b904dfa8fcea4945hosts@isawpodcast, john@isawpodcast, isawpodcast.com, 507-607-ISAW(4729)Takeaways

Healthy masculinity is about moral compass and responsibility.

Toxic masculinity is a mislabeling of toxic behavior, not masculinity itself.

Vulnerability is essential for personal growth and healthy relationships.

Men often feel pressured to suppress emotions to appear strong.

The importance of communication in relationships cannot be overstated.

Young men need guidance on what it means to be masculine today.

It's crucial to recognize when a relationship is no longer healthy.

Men should not feel ashamed to seek help or express emotions.

Personal growth is a continuous journey, not a destination.

Understanding one's identity is key to navigating masculinity. When things go south at work, communicate without overwhelming your partner.

It's essential to have a support system outside of your relationship.

Men often need to vent their frustrations without directing them at their spouses.

Physical health is crucial for emotional well-being and managing stress.

Finding time for self-care is vital for maintaining balance in life.

Small gestures in relationships can have a significant impact.

Men should focus on their own health to be better partners and fathers.

Purpose and drive are essential for personal growth and health.

Tracking food intake can help men become more aware of their eating habits.

It's important to educate oneself about health and fitness to make informed choices.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Motivated Masculinity01:24 John's Background and Journey03:19 The Evolving Definition of Masculinity05:18 Toxic Masculinity vs. Real Masculinity06:17 Navigating Family Dynamics and Identity14:48 Understanding Healthy Masculinity24:06 The Importance of Vulnerability in Men30:18 Lessons from Past Relationships36:41 Confidence and Personal Growth43:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery45:07 Navigating Relationships and Masculinity47:35 Knowing When to Fight or Exit50:31 The Importance of Communication in Relationships52:20 Understanding Actions vs. Words53:56 The Complexity of Infidelity56:39 The Impact of Trauma on Relationships58:37 The Burden of Masculinity01:00:22 The Role of Physical Health in Masculinity01:16:58 Transforming Health and Fitness Habits01:19:17 Overcoming Health Challenges and Finding Purpose01:21:37 The Importance of Physical Activity and Self-Worth01:22:47 Balancing Life, Health, and Responsibilities01:24:09 Nutrition: The Key to Weight Loss01:29:27 Meal Prep and Healthy Eating Strategies01:34:49 Finding Purpose in Health and Fitness01:40:45 Final Insights on Living with Purpose

Success doesn’t mean fulfilment. You’ve built a career, achieved financial security, and checked all the boxes—but something still feels off. At some point, you had a vision for your life—then reality, doubt, and routine got in the way. In this episode, I help you uncover where you lost it and, more importantly, how to get it back. If you feel stuck or directionless, this is your wake-up call to reclaim your purpose and take action.

Playing it safe feels secure, but it’s a slow path to regret. Avoiding risk keeps you comfortable, but it also keeps you stuck—draining your drive, weakening your confidence, and robbing you of real purpose. In this episode, I break down the hidden price men pay for choosing safety over challenge. If you’re tired of feeling stagnant and ready to push past fear, this is where it starts.

"You've built a career, financial security, a reputation... but take it all away—who are you really?"

I explain tools to immediately identify who you are without all the material things and how to be the MAN you wish to be moving forward!

In this first episode, I share who I am, why I’m doing this, and what you can expect from the Motivated Masculine Men Podcast. I break down my journey—how I hit rock bottom and what I learned climbing back up. This isn’t just talk; it’s real experience, hard lessons, and practical insights on being a strong, driven man today.