What do mechanical masculinity and mechanical orgasms have in common, and why do you want to expand beyond both? Listen to today’s Man Alive episode with Ed Frauenheim, co-author of Reinventing Masculinity: The Liberating Power of Compassion and Connection, to find out!
Show notes
There is a lot of talk about masculinity these days. People are trying to figure out what is healthy vs. what is “toxic,” what is sovereign vs. what is self-centered.
On today’s Man Alive podcast my guest and I stumbled upon a different term — mechanical masculinity. (Spoiler alert: We also talked about mechanical orgasms.) Ed Frauenheim, co-author of four books, including the latest, Reinventing Masculinity: The Liberating Power of Compassion and Connection, is about connecting the dots between reinventing masculinity, organizations and society. He has been exploring masculinity through his writing and his own life experiences.
A recent heart attack was a wake up call for Ed. He realized that to be happy and supported he needed to step out of a traditional, or mechanical, masculine role. Without integrating a wider range of qualities and roles he knew he wasn’t going to survive.
In our conversation we discussed…
- Expanding beyond a confined masculine model that focuses on providing, protecting, conquering, stoicism & competition
- What it is possible when a man embraces the quality of surrender
- How to move beyond mechanical to more expanded orgasms
- How to replace the fear of dying with the more worthwhile fear of not living fully
- The importance of managing wellness on the path toward success
I realized I did not send a note on Valentine’s Day. I hope you had a good one, whether you spent time with a loved one or on your own. I do not subscribe to the commercial nature of the holiday but it is a great way to playfully celebrate those we love, including ourselves! This year I chose to go on a walk with a friend in the morning and go rock climbing with my kid in the afternoon. I bought some gifts for friends and bought myself a rainbow heart t-shirt I’ve been eyeing. I share this because I believe we can create lives full of joy, no matter who we are sharing them with.
If Valentine’s Day was hard for you, or if you’re having a hangover of regret or disappointment, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support you and I believe you can have the love you want.
Links:
Connect with Ed Frauenheim
Connect with Shana James
Website: shanajamescoaching.com/3ways
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Bio:
Ed Frauenheim is about reinventing masculinity, organizations and society. And connecting the dots among the three. Ed is a writer, speaker and consultant who has focused on workplace, technology and culture matters for more than 25 years. His stories have been featured in Fortune, Wired and USA Today. Ed was senior director of content at Great Place to Work, the global consultancy that produces the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
He has co-authored four books. The latest is Reinventing Masculinity: The Liberating Power of Compassion and Connection. The book tells the story of how we are evolving from a cramped, unhealthy, outdated masculinity to one that frees us all to build a better, more inclusive future at home, at play, at work and in the world.
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