Exploring Mindfulness: A Unique Approach for Men

In the highly connected landscape of 2025, podcasters, commentators, and social-media influencers dominate the “manosphere.” These figures promise men recognition, health, and achievement, yet often promote views on masculinity that leave many feeling more hurt and isolated than ever. Jon Macaskill and Will Schneider from Men Talking Mindfulness aim to connect with men amid their struggles, confusion, and desires for meaningful lives filled with connection. In an expansive discussion with former Mindful editor Amber Tucker, Macaskill and Schneider share insights on how mindfulness can serve men in a time when authentic masculinity is urgently needed. They envision a masculinity that emphasizes genuine resilience, wisdom, and connection rather than mere performance.

Two Paths to Discovering Mindfulness

Amber: I’d like to begin by learning about your individual journeys to mindfulness. Jon, you’re a retired Commander from the US Navy SEALs, and Will, you have a background as a yoga teacher and coach—two distinct paths that might seem unlikely to intertwine. How did you both come to discover mindfulness, and what was entailed in making it a part of your lives?

Jon: My journey into mindfulness, which I think Will shares as well, came from a need to change. I faced issues like anxiety, survivor’s guilt, and depression. As a SEAL, I was trained to push through pain and stress—sometimes even creating stress for myself just to keep moving forward.

Eventually, that mindset led to my breaking point. I could no longer cope physically, mentally, or emotionally. At my lowest, while dealing with post-traumatic stress and sleepless nights, a counselor introduced me to mindfulness. Initially, I laughed off the suggestion, thinking I, as a special operator, didn’t require such practices. He flipped the narrative, asking, “If I had a pill to enhance your performance, would you take it?” Naturally, we always seek ways to boost our performance. However, that “pill” turned out to be mindfulness and meditation.

Curious, I decided to give it a shot. After several months, I found that it did improve my ability to handle stress and anxiety. I got the performance boost I was promised, but it also helped me manage stress more effectively. While I was skeptical at first, mindfulness allowed me to slow down and be present. What I thought was a weakness became a strength, providing me with the skills to confront issues I had avoided. It improved my emotional regulation, helped me reconnect with family and friends, and, most importantly, let me connect with my true self.

Integrating mindfulness into my life required discipline. It’s easy to practice mindfulness or meditate occasionally and then lapse. However, committing to a daily practice transformed my approach to leadership, parenting, and life as a whole.

Will: My journey into meditation began before I embraced yoga, back in 2006. At that time, I had just relocated to New York City to pursue acting—auditioning, training, and performing a lot of theater and television. I wanted to be more present and manage the anxiety that performing brings. I started practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) and found it helpful. However, it was tough to sit twice daily for 20 minutes without a group to meditate alongside or the online resources we have now. It was frustrating initially, as my mind would wander and I felt unproductive. A year and a half later, I became more consistent, which coincided with discovering yoga, particularly the asana practice. This dual focus on mind and body felt like my practice. It has been incredibly rewarding, and incorporating these skills into my coaching and the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast enriches my journey every day.

Starting the Men Talking Mindfulness Podcast

Amber: Let’s discuss the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast that you co-host. It covers challenging topics like loneliness, trauma, and the unhealthy aspects of masculinity. Can you share some of the most impactful discussions you’ve had? How have your guests or listeners revealed the value of mindfulness in dealing with these issues?

Will: We’ve approached mindfulness from numerous perspectives! Both Jon and I are practitioners, and we host many insightful authors. The podcast has significantly influenced my life, as I see myself as a student of mindfulness continually learning. A standout episode for me was with Dr. Robert Glover, who wrote No More Mr. Nice Guy. His insights into the “nice guy” syndrome and its limitations on fully embracing masculinity were deeply impactful.

We also had Jon Eldredge, the author of the bestselling book Wild at Heart, on the show. Our conversation revolved around three vital principles central to masculinity: seeking adventure, nurturing relationships, and having a mission to pursue. I just returned from a two-week adventure in Peru, which was exhilarating! I’m still working on my relationships, but I feel aligned with those other two aspects. I keep all the books I’ve read for the show, and our guests have consistently emphasized core mindfulness principles, being present, and how that presence elevates our biology, allowing us to unlock our potential amidst stress and anxiety.

Jon: One memorable conversation was with Dr. Ed Adams and Ed Frauenheim, who co-authored Reinventing Masculinity. They challenged the notion that men must conform to a rigid stereotype of toughness or risk not being considered masculine. That discussion was particularly striking…

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Our audience really connected with the message, as we heard from men who shared statements like, “I thought something was wrong with me for not matching the stereotype,” or “I’ve come to understand that there’s power in being true to myself and embracing who I really am.”

We also welcomed Jocko Willink, a fellow retired Navy SEAL. There were some impactful moments during that discussion about finding a balance between intensity and being present. Many people believe you can’t be intense and present at the same time, but we talked about how mindfulness can actually enhance one’s leadership abilities. Dr. Mark Gordon also joined us, sharing groundbreaking insight into the connection between the brain and body. He’s a neuroendocrinologist. Furthermore, we’ve had Dr. Rob Kelly on three occasions discussing purpose and overcoming addiction. Multi-time Olympic champion, Apolo Ono, appeared as well, sharing how mindfulness has influenced his Olympic journey and the transition afterward. Recently, Dan Millman joined us to talk about his book, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior.

We’ve even had Congressman Tim Ryan discuss how mindfulness can be integrated into politics. Steven Kotler came on to explain how flow science relates directly to performance and presence, all backed by mindfulness. Apologies for the name drops, but as Will mentioned, this show has transformed the lives of many listeners as well as our own. We’ve gained so much knowledge about mindfulness—how it connects to leadership, wealth, health, and impacts virtually every aspect of life. It has positively changed us. That’s my take.

Will: Absolutely, we’re like the little guinea pigs for the show, experimenting with ideas and discussing them. It’s been enjoyable to be both learners and teachers in this journey we’ve created.

How to Begin Your Mindfulness Journey

Amber: That’s fantastic. I appreciate you both for highlighting the variety of voices and expertise featured on the podcast. There are many familiar names for the Mindful readership, alongside several new ones, which is really exciting. You mentioned how listeners have expressed how the podcast has introduced them to mindfulness—whether it’s been their first exposure, helped them develop a daily practice, strengthened their relationships, or even aided in saving marriages. I’m curious, why do you think mindfulness is resonating so deeply with so many men at this point in time?

Jon: I’ll tackle that first, Will, if that’s okay. What’s fascinating is that mindfulness has historically resonated with men. It was brought into the world by monks in various ways, but there were also warriors—figures today’s men read about.

We read about the Spartans and samurai, who practiced meditation before heading into battle to stay present and calm, rather than relying on traditional pre-battle rituals. I think men are beginning to see that the old mantra of suck it up or man up no longer applies. They’re recognizing that embracing vulnerability and authenticity is essential because holding onto these outdated mindsets leads to broken marriages, mental health struggles, and isolation.

Mindfulness appeals to them because it doesn’t require sacrificing toughness. Some think practicing mindfulness equates to losing toughness, but that’s not the case. It actually helps redefine what toughness means. Being present, feeling your feelings, and managing those emotions takes genuine strength. It’s not about controlling feelings, but rather regulating them. It also takes immense courage to confront challenges without resorting to numbing substances. In fact, if you keep numbing issues, you won’t overcome them. This is where guys like Jocko, Olympians like Apolo, thought leaders like Steven Kotler, and figures like Congressman Tim Ryan find value today.

Will: I believe we’re living in a time of unprecedented chaos. The constant bombardment of technology and social media creates overwhelming demands for our attention. There’s an exponential increase in messages across various platforms, leading to overstimulation.

In that chaotic environment, mindfulness serves as a natural counterbalance. If chaos exists, what balances it out? For many, that’s mindfulness. It teaches us how to remain untriggered and manage our emotions effectively.

For men specifically, the shift in traditional work roles since the Industrial Revolution has been significant. It requires a different set of skills than what was needed for a typical factory job. Additionally, family dynamics have transformed as well. With both parents often working, communication has become essential. Mindfulness aids men in understanding themselves on a deeper emotional level. They’re less enslaved by their emotions and can manage their frustrations, anxiety, and stress, making them more effective in various environments, whether at home, work, or community events. Mindfulness is beneficial globally, particularly for men, as these skills weren’t traditionally taught. While some education systems are beginning to include these concepts, most individuals over 20 or 25 never learned these skills. People are seeking avenues to acquire these tools, and our podcast, along with many mindfulness teachers, aims to assist in integrating mindfulness into everyday life to cope with today’s societal challenges.

Amber: I really appreciate both of you discussing this issue, especially considering how mindfulness and meditation tools often appear targeted towards women today. It’s great to be reminded that these practices were not exclusively for one gender and can benefit everyone, no matter our background or training.

Jon: I want to add something important. I’m glad you highlighted that. The guests we’ve mentioned are primarily male, and even more specifically, white men. However, we’ve welcomed a diverse range of guests over time. Theresa Larson is a close friend, and we’ve had her share insights on being a mindful mother, which may not seem like a typical topic for a men’s show, but it’s vital for men to understand the challenges mothers face. We’ve also featured Ali and Atman Smith and Andrés González from the Holistic Life Foundation, and Uma Naidu, who shared…

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mindful eating. She’s a nutritionist. I want to emphasize that while this is a men’s show, we have many female listeners and guests.

Amber: Thank you for that clarity. You’ve hosted Amishi Jha too, right?

Jon: Yes, and General Walt Piatt as well.

Amber: That must have been a compelling discussion.

Will: Absolutely. They communicated so effectively, and it’s fantastic to see a highly decorated general advocating for mindfulness. It can truly enhance everything you pursue, making a significant difference. It’s encouraging to see more individuals realizing this potential.

Various Approaches to Mindfulness for Men

Amber: Yes, integrating mindfulness in areas like the military is crucial, as it supports both performance and mental well-being. You’ve featured a diverse array of influential guests, including bestselling authors, Olympians, prominent business figures, and politicians. How do you believe these varied voices contribute to your mission of reshaping the conversation around masculinity and mental health? While some guests may not classify themselves as mindfulness experts, they share insights that align with mindful principles. Would you agree with that characterization?

Will: Yes, we’ve approached the show by recognizing the many perspectives of mindfulness. We invite experts who can address specific challenges, educate us, or highlight beneficial topics in our lives.

From the standpoint of masculinity, we’ve been raised by family and mentors to be tough. However, the demands of the modern world require emotional intelligence. Our aim is to foster conversations about this awareness and how understanding our minds, emotions, and actions can initiate real change. Though it may require practice, we hope to promote happier, healthier, and more peaceful lives for men through what they learn from our show.

Jon: Furthermore, we bring in a variety of guests with different perspectives. Men often see successful figures and might compare themselves unfavorably, thinking, What’s wrong with me? When these high achievers share their struggles, it helps normalize the discussion around mindfulness, indicating that it’s beneficial for everyone. Regardless of one’s background or success, we all face challenges, and while mindfulness may not eliminate struggles, it can aid in coping with them.

Will: One key aspect of compassion is recognizing our shared humanity. We create an environment for individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges. A common thread among our distinguished guests is that embracing vulnerability and authenticity is crucial for achieving greatness. A thorough self-assessment is necessary to unlock that potential.

Looking Ahead

Amber: What do you envision as the long-term impact of Men Talking Mindfulness?

Jon: My aspiration is to shift the cultural perception so that vulnerability, presence, and compassion are seen as strengths rather than weaknesses. In 10 years, I hope more people are teaching mindfulness to their children, leaders are demonstrating emotional intelligence, and companies prioritize emotional skills alongside resumes. I want to see fewer individuals suffering in silence. If even one person changes after listening to us, it can positively affect their family, workplace, and community. Over time, these changes could alter society and even the world.

Will: There’s not much I can add to what Jon has said. It’s thrilling to witness the impact we’re already making. If we can create such wide-reaching effects with the men engaging now, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities ahead. Our role is to provide a space for others to explore, gain insights, and emerge as more mindful individuals who lead with compassion and accountability. I’ve noticed positive changes in my relationships with family and friends, and I believe our efforts contribute to that progress.

Amber: If you’re genuinely changing minds and lives within your circles, that’s nearly as significant as transforming the world. That represents profound change, especially when it comes from authenticity.

Will: That’s a valid point.

Amber: Your growth and outreach are impressive and valuable. I appreciate all the work you both do. To conclude, I would love to help introduce more men to mindfulness. When speaking with men who may be new to mindfulness, is there a particular practice or exercise you suggest as an introduction?

Will: Yes, we’ve been facilitating a meditation course through Men Talking Mindfulness for the past year and a half, and we’re launching a new course soon. We’ve observed that a fundamental step toward making a significant change in one’s life is focusing on your breath—slowing it down and understanding it. I’ve witnessed extraordinary transformations in just a few weeks of incorporating breathing techniques. When you calm down and use your breath as a tool, you begin to recognize: Wow, that’s anxiety. Why do I hold such high expectations? I’m a perfectionist. The entire perception of the world shifts.

We often discuss the biological benefits of mindfulness, but calming ourselves helps us connect with our true selves, our biology, and the present moment, enabling us to forge a new path forward. It’s simple, free, and can be done in as little as 30 seconds or more extended sessions.

Jon: I completely agree that starting with breathwork is fantastic. However, I would also mention the value of his yoga classes,

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Many men walk in expecting to be perfect right from the start. This mindset often extends to meditation as well. I used to think the same way. It’s essential to begin with simple steps. A common error men make is believing they need to meditate for a whole hour from day one or have a flawless setup. However, taking just five deep, intentional breaths—like Will mentioned—when feeling stressed can help restore your calm. This small action can switch your nervous system from a fight-or-flight state to one of tranquility and clarity. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can begin to experiment with longer and more detailed meditation sessions. We’ve included some of those on our show, available on our YouTube channel. Remember to start small and stick with it. It’s a lot like gym workouts; if you push yourself for two hours in a gym and don’t go back for weeks, that effort may go to waste. Similarly, meditating for an hour and then waiting weeks to do it again isn’t effective. Instead, commit to meditating for 10, or even just five minutes a day, and be consistent. You’ll gain more from this approach. So, my advice is to start small, keep it simple, and remain consistent.

Will: Whenever we discuss change and transformation, the idea of consistency arises. Every guest emphasizes: choose one task and do it repeatedly for weeks. This builds confidence and courage. Witnessing this process has been enjoyable and rewarding, as we see lives change.

The MTM Origin Story + Final Thoughts

Amber: Is there anything else you’d like to add or briefly discuss before we wrap up?

Will: For anyone reading who wants to start or has been curious about mindfulness, I suggest connecting with others who practice it or joining a group. The collective energy around mindfulness is extremely motivating and makes it easier to participate. This shared experience helps you realize you’re not alone in your struggles; it reassures you that it’s okay to have ups and downs. Just knowing that others face similar challenges can be really beneficial as you embark on this journey.

Jon: I’ll share a bit about how our show came to be. We were introduced through a mutual friend, a military member who recognized my interest in mindfulness and had just returned from a retreat with Will. Was it in Peru, Will?

Will: No, it was actually in Bermuda! We should mention Scott Tucker who made that introduction. But please, carry on, Jon.

Jon: Okay, so Scott returned from his retreat in Bermuda and said, You’ve got to meet Will. As I was transitioning from military life, I was meeting people from various fields. After that intro, Will and I started having monthly calls focused on mindfulness and meditation, sharing our insights, challenges, and new practices. Then COVID struck. I saw Will on Instagram, and since he began offering online yoga classes, I suggested starting an Instagram Live for meditation, replicating our phone calls in a public format. We initially had six viewers, and we figured out how to convert the Instagram Live audio into a podcast. We thought that might help us reach a larger audience. If readers listen to our early episodes, they’ll notice we had poor audio quality, but now, we have top-notch microphones and a more professional setup. Our journey began somewhat chaotically during COVID, and we’ve continued for five years, adapting with various audio and video tools. Mindfulness is integral to our process, allowing us to notice how things evolve. That’s a quick highlight of our origin story.

Amber: Thanks for sharing that, Jon. Many podcasts emerged during the pandemic, and it’s impressive that yours has thrived. I believe the mindfulness you incorporate is a significant reason for your success.

Will: Absolutely. Our partnership has been crucial in keeping our momentum going; doing this solo would have been challenging given the long journey to this point. Jon and I motivate each other to stay active in our work. Now we’re five years in, with a broader impact and a supportive team helping us grow, which is fantastic to see.

Jon: According to Feed Spot—a podcast ranking site focused on mindfulness—we were ranked number three globally by iHeartRadio in 2025. We’re among the top 10 mindfulness podcasts in the country and in the top 1.5% of podcasts worldwide. We are proud of our progress so far and are committed to keep moving forward.

Will: Thank you genuinely. Your support in spreading our message means a lot.

Amber: Thank you both! It’s been a delight to collaborate over the years. I appreciate all we’ve accomplished together and look forward to what’s next for you and for Men Talking Mindfulness.

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