Welcome to the show.

Had an absolutely powerful conversation with Jon Cook and his mate Miles, who shared one of the most raw and honest stories I've heard. This is what real vulnerability looks like, and blimey, it's transformative.

Key Points:

Miles went from successful finance career to losing everything - health, family, home - through addiction and mental health struggles

After his 10th seizure, he hit rock bottom and decided to completely change how he lived his life

Found recovery through rehab and fellowship groups that provided non-judgmental space to be heard and understood

Men's mental health crisis is real, especially during challenging times like Christmas when isolation intensifies

Society's pressure on men to maintain a facade of strength and success creates a culture of silence that kills

The Stark Reality: "I lost my physical health, I lost my mental health, I lost my wife, I lost my access to the children, I lost my home." Miles didn't sugarcoat how quickly life can unravel when you're struggling alone.

The Fellowship Power: "I had a space where people would actually just sit and listen." That simple act of being heard without judgment became the foundation for Miles' recovery and rebuilding.

Cultural Pressure: We're living at such a fast pace that we don't pause to reflect on our well-being. The expectation to appear strong and successful isolates men from getting the help they desperately need.

The ONE Thing:

Recovery is possible, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one has to face their struggles alone - community and vulnerability are the pathways to transformation.

Breaking the stigma around men's mental health starts with conversations like this one.

Connect with Jon Cooke:

https://www.skool.com/the-honest-man-project-4222

Welcome to the show.

I had a profound conversation with Sven Masterson from Pennsylvania - an "accidental men's midlife coach" and author who completely transformed his understanding of masculinity and marriage. Sandra Norris connected us, and I can see why - this man gets what real men's work looks like.

Key Points:

• At 51, Sven followed the "script" - husband, father of six, entrepreneur - but was miserable, especially in his marriage
• Initially thought he had a "wife problem" until discovering he had a "me problem" - lacking empathy and compassion
• Found a coach online who offered free conversations, joined men's groups, went to a retreat in Mexico with strangers
• Now dedicates 1000+ hours annually to coaching men worldwide through conversations and community
• Writes books and runs cohorts because the men he works with are "conscientious, thoughtful, intelligent" - they read books and take action

The Vulnerable Moment: Sven shared publicly wanting his wife to "die in her sleep" during his darkest period - with her sitting beside him. That honesty connected with countless men struggling with similar thoughts.

Men's Work Reality: Real men's groups aren't about tearing down women or being "feral" - they're spaces where men can be creative, intuitive, empathetic, supportive, and industrious. When quality men gather, they echo and confirm the best in each other.

The Power of Story: We all think we're alone in our struggles - "I'm 50, why don't I have this figured out?" But when you tell your truth, you realize there are others just like you in 8 billion people.

The ONE Thing: Your value and worth is intrinsic - you're born perfect in that regard. Let go of the idea that your worth comes from performance or roles, because inevitably those roles end. That's when real vitality begins.

Connect with Sven:

https://svenmasterson.com

Connect with Steve: (Cohort program)

https://sawrightcoaching.com/12wyc

Welcome to the show.

Sometimes the hardest journeys create the strongest platforms to help others.

I had an incredible conversation with Kelvin Sampson from Nigeria, CEO of KD Squares and one of the most inspiring people I've met. This young man's journey from literally going hungry for days to building a globally recognized tech company is absolutely extraordinary.

Key Points:

• Born into poverty, lived with extended family, struggled through university and beyond
• Hit rock bottom after graduation - went without food for days, had to engage in dangerous illegal activities just to survive
• Started freelance writing at $1 per 500 words, working 10,000 words some days just to get by
• Built KD Squares (named after partners King, Kelvin, Denzel, David) as a mission-driven company empowering young Africans with digital skills
• Now globally recognized: 3rd best web design company worldwide, 5th in business intelligence, working with 100+ companies across 20+ countries

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The Mission:

Instead of young talent turning to cybercrime for quick money, KD Squares provides legitimate pathways through digital skills training.

Kelvin's living proof that there's a better way than taking shortcuts that hurt communities.

From Teaching to Tech:

Even during his darkest days, Kelvin was teaching in secondary schools - always had that moral compass of helping others while helping himself. That ethos drives everything he does today.

Global Impact:

The company has multiple international awards and accolades, providing social proof to young Africans that legitimate success is possible through hard work and skill development.

The ONE Thing:

True success isn't just about climbing out of your circumstances - it's about building platforms to help others do the same.

Kelvin's journey from survival mode to global recognition shows what's possible when you combine necessity, initiative, and genuine desire to lift up your community.

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  Connect with Steve:

  linkedin.com/in/sawright