The Better Man Podcast

After an accidental mushroom experience, I experienced a panic attack and realized I've been living with low-grade anxiety for far longer than I realized. 
 
And so, over the past couple of years, I've been on a winding and tumultuous emotional journey. It hasn't always been a linear path of growth either. I'd make some progress, then tumble down. I'd think I'd beaten it, but then it came back. 
 
But the process taught me a lot about myself, about my subconscious beliefs, and what to do when my emotions are overwhelming - both for short-term emergency fixes to get me through the day and long-term strategies to address the root cause of it. 
 
Anyway, I dive into the full details in this episode. 
 
But the reason I turned it into a podcast is because I know a lot of men are going through similar things. 
 
Whether your anxiety influences your decision-making, interrupts your presence, or turns into a full-blown panic attack … or you've pushed down your emotions in exchange for unhealthy (or even healthy) coping strategies, today's show will give you new (and hopefully more effective) ways to think about and approach your emotional health.
 
Listen now.  
 
Highlights include: 
 
The weird way I used work and productivity to hide myself from my emotions (and how to tell if you're also doing this) (4:58)

How stepping out of my head and into my body was the #1 most helpful thing to stopping my frequent panic attacks and low-grade anxiety (9:25) 

Why exercising worked better for emergency relief from panic than busy work or mindfulness (12:03)

A new way to think about anxiety that reduces some of your fear around it (16:33) 

How I came to realize I struggled with anxiety my entire life (and why I went most of my life without realizing it) (17:27) 

How to actually get out of your head and into your body (this was particularly tough for me - and I've heard similar things from other guys too) (23:36)

Why treating your emotional triggers as gifts empowers you over fear (43:10) 

 
Resources mentioned in this episode: 
 
1. 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 
 
2. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to 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

Today's guest, Coach Allan Misner and host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, almost drove himself to the ER when he was 39 after playing a half of a round of beach volleyball. 
 
His story may even resemble yours:
 
He prioritized his career over his fitness, over his health, over his family, and over his relationships for years without even noticing. 
 
That half round of volleyball was his wake-up call… but he was still battling a shoddy mindset which threw a wrench in his tires every time he tried to better himself. And so, he rode the fitness rollercoaster for another 8 years until his daughter said something to him that made him take his health and fitness seriously. 
 
And then, at age 47, he did two things you weren't "supposed" to be able to do: He lost 66 pounds of fat and gained 11 pounds of muscle at the same time. He also decided to start the 40+ Fitness Podcast because nothing of the sort existed at the time. (This was back in 2012-2013.) 
 
Anyway, after getting his fitness in order, he decided to help other people over the age of 40 take back control of their health, fitness, and lifestyle. 
 
And you know what?
 
He realized there were three key ingredients that determine your success regardless of your age or current fitness level: Your mindset, your limiting beliefs, and your motivation. 
 
And so, today's show takes a 40,000 foot view and gives you the strategy for getting fit after 40. We don't talk about any tactics because, as you'll hear, tactics can only work when they're used in support of a successful strategy. 
 
Here's what Allan and I discuss: 
 
Why you must change your approach to fitness after 40 (and how to actually do it) 

How fixing your mindset and limiting beliefs will naturally motivate you more than beating yourself up ever could 

The most effective way to set fitness boundaries with your family and get them to join you in your mission 

 
And more!
 
Listen now.  
 
Other highlights include: 
 
How one game of beach volleyball made Allan think he needed to head straight to the ER at only 39 (and how he transformed his fitness in his late 40s) (8:21) 

Why one conversation Allan had with his daughter finally forced him to get his fitness in order after riding the "yo-yo rollercoaster" for 8 straight years (9:08) 

How one bad workout can "taint" your entire perception of exercise when you're over 40 (even a bodyweight only workout like Allan explains at) (12:04) 

Here's exactly what Allen did to lose 66 pounds of fat and tack on 11 pounds of muscle - at the same time! - at age 47 (and why he thinks Man Flow Yoga is better than his strategy was) (14:47) 

How to break through the barrier of self-hatred and shame (which can be motivating when you begin, but becomes lethal over time) and find a more positive source of motivation (21:41) 

Why the choices you make today will determine how involved you are in your kids' or grandkids' lives 30 years from now (29:12) 

A straightforward way to reframe your anxieties and actually enlist the people in your life to help you conquer them (33:10) 

How to set boundaries with your fitness and nutrition in a way that lets your family join the fight with you (39:04) 

The "Head Straight" secret to simplifying your fitness and aligning every aspect of your life (52:22) 

How to create an identity around your new fitness regimen (and why this allows you to stay consistent without even thinking about it) (59:08) 




Guest Bio: 
 
Allan Misner is a health and fitness coach who helps people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s get strong, healthy, and capable for the life they actually want to live. He is the host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, one of the largest and longest-running health and fitness shows for people over 40, and the author of the award-winning book The Wellness Roadmap: A Straightforward Guide to Health and Fitness After 40. He and his wife live on a Caribbean island off the coast of Panama, where they run Lula's Bed and Breakfast.
 
Connect with Allan below: 
 
Podcast: 40+ Fitness (available anywhere you listen to podcasts)
Website and coaching: https://40plusfitness.com 
The Wellness Roadmap (book): https://amzn.to/3TZTHPv 
Email: 40plusfitnesspodcast@gmail.com
 
Resources mentioned in this episode: 
 
1. 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 
 
2. 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 
 
3. FirmTech: An "Oura Ring" for your Johnson. Save 15% by using my link: https://myfirmtech.com/manflowyoga 
 
4. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
5. 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

Here is a downright frightening statistic: 
 
Within five years, men over the age of 50 with untreated erectile dysfunction will suffer a severe health problem like a heart attack or stroke. 
 
ED is the big, glaring red flag that you need to do something about your health. But due to embarrassment, avoiding uncomfortable conversations, and the ease of getting short-term solutions like Viagra, most men never bring it up to their doctors. And so, they never get to the root of the problem, and thus, have a higher risk of premature death. 
 
But you know what?
 
ED doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship, your sex life, or your life. In fact, it's possible to enhance the quality of all three of these categories even if you have ED, a declining libido, or are over the age of 50. 
 
Especially after you listen to today's episode with Suzanne Noble, London-based sex educator, speaker, and host of the chart topping podcast Sex Advice for Seniors.
 
As a senior herself, Suzanne shares stories from "the trenches" (both from her personal life and from her professional life helping seniors enjoy more pleasurable sex), reveals the most effective "pleasure multipliers" for men, and gives you simple ways to improve your sex life. 
 
Here's what Suzanne and I discuss: 
 
How men in their 50s, 60s, and 70s can reinvigorate their sex life 

Why you cannot afford to ignore your ED (it's a big, glaring red flag that something is "off" with your overall health) 

Fun and exciting ways to have more vulnerable conversations with your partner to improve your intimacy, communication, and sex life  

 
And more!
 
Listen now.  
 
Other highlights include: 
 
Why do so many men over age 50 suffer in silence when it comes to a declining libido? (3:42) 

A counterintuitive way that performing worse "downstairs" can actually improve your intimacy and communication with your partner (4:41) 

How the "Blue Pill," while it may be a suitable short-term strategy, can actually further disguise more serious health issues that may be threatening your life (10:40) 

Most men experience a significant health problem within 5 years of untreated ED: Here's how to prevent suffering the same, sometimes fatal, fate (11:22) 

The best type of diet to improve your bedroom performance (15:15) 

What do women actually want from men during sex? Suzanne shares her insights at (19:52) 

How to gamify your sex life and make talking about your intimate life with your partner easier and more enjoyable with the "Yes-No-Maybe" checklist (21:30)

The most important "sex enhancing toy" for men over the age of 50 (27:23) 

How to improve your sexual life by figuring out what turns you on and what turns you off in your regular, mundane life (33:36) 

 
Guest Bio: 
 
Suzanne Noble is a London-based sex educator, speaker, and host of the
chart topping podcast Sex Advice for Seniors. She is on a mission to
challenge outdated narratives around aging, particularly concerning
sex, relationships, and intimacy later in life. Through candid
conversations with experts and real people, Suzanne tackles topics
often ignored—from dating and desire to sexual health and confidence
after 50. Known for her warm, no-nonsense approach, she creates a
space where older adults can explore their sexuality without shame and
with a sense of curiosity, humour, and empowerment.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode: 
 
1. Use code "MFY15" to save 15% on The 5 Step Method That Helped Thousands Of Men Over 50 Get Strong Erections Again: If you have a declining libido, erectile dysfunction, or any other "downstair" problems, Suzanne's 5 Step Method has helped thousands of men over 50 get strong erections again and reinvigorate their sex life. Save 15% with code "MFY15" here: https://www.stayfirmprogram.com/ 
 
2. Download a FREE copy of Suzanne's "Yes/No/Maybe Checklist" mentioned in the episode. Available here: https://yesnomaybe.sexadviceforseniors.com/
 
3. Visit Suzanne's website, Sex Advice for Seniors, where you can find tons of free content, podcast episodes, and other resources to restore your sex life, here: https://sexadviceforseniors.com/ 
 
4. Follow Suzanne on social media below: 
 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sex-advice-for-seniors-podcast/id1633226903 
Substack: https://sexadviceforseniors.substack.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexadviceforseniors 
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sexadviceforseniors 
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sexadviceforseniors 



5. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
6. MFY Sexual Wellness Challenge: Want to use yoga to improve your sexual wellness, get stronger erections, and last longer in bed? Then join the FREE 7-Day Sexual Wellness Challenge here: https://shrtlnk.co/uA27H

"Foot health is the new sleep" … [And] it may be that big toe strength is probably the greatest proxy for longevity, well beyond VO2 max and grip strength over the age of 65." - Mark Sisson 
 
The most neglected, overlooked, and downright ignored aspect of your overall health and longevity isn't your VO2 max, your grip strength, or even your sleep. 
 
It's your foot strength and health! 
 
The reality is that your feet have evolved over thousands of years to be your interface with the ground and the universe. But modern society forces us to stuff them into cushiony shoes, which leads to foot muscle atrophy. 
 
You might be wondering what the big deal is. But a lack of foot strength causes problems up the entire kinetic chain. 
 
In other words: your feet may be responsible for your knee pain, your hip pain, your lower back pain, and even your neck pain! 
 
It's also one of the primary driving factors behind why falls are often so fatal after 65. 
 
But bestselling health author, co-founder of Peluva, and friend of the show Mark Sisson has you covered in this episode. Mark reveals why foot health is the new sleep, why it may be the greatest longevity marker we have, and how modern shoes have ruined your foot health. 
 
Here's what Mark and I discuss: 
 
Why foot health is more important than I ever realized 

The importance of your feet being in contact with the ground 

How weak feet lead to feet problems (as well as knee, hip, back, and neck pain) 

How to ease your feet into being able to wear barefoot shoes 

 
And so much more!
 
Listen now.  
 
Other highlights include: 
 
What actually causes bunions (and why it has nothing to do with your genetics)? (4:47) 

Do balancing poses cause your feet to "hurt?" This is a common problem I hear … and yet Mark's reasoning about why you're feet aren't actually hurting demonstrates just how far our foot health has fallen (6:30) 

Why you don't have flat fleet (even if your foot has lost its arch) (8:02) 

How to roll your ankle without spraining it (and how this also prevents knee tweaks and pain) (8:44) 

The bizarre reason running shoes are the primary driver of runner injuries (15:31) 

The scientific "up the kinetic chain" reason why having weak feet results in bodily pain and injuries all over your body (21:30) 

Try these overlooked foot exercises to strengthen your feet enough to wear barefoot shoes without pain (29:31) 

Why weak feet are the silent culprit behind life-altering falls that shatter your hip in your 50s, 60s, and beyond (32:35) 

Why big toe strength may be the greatest proxy for longevity over age 65 (that means it could be MORE important than VO2 max and grip strength) (35:45) 

The "glove-shaped shoe" secret for strengthening your feet by doing nothing other than walking (44:30) 

 
Resources mentioned in this episode: 
 
1. Save 10% on Peluva's Barefoot Shoes with code ManFlowYoga: If you have lower back pain, hip pain, or knee pain, the problem may be your shoes. Not only do they feel like a mini foot massage with each step, but they're also the best way to strengthen your feet and relieve knee, hip, and lower back pain. Get your barefoot shoes here: https://peluva.com/ 
 
2. Get your free copy of The Definitive Guide To A Barefoot And Minimalist Shoe Lifestyle: If you want to learn more about the health benefits of barefoot living and why foot strength may be the #1 longevity marker of the future, get your free copy here: https://peluva.com/products/the-definitive-guide-to-a-barefoot-and-minimalist-shoe-lifestyle 
 
3. Follow Mark Sisson and Peluva on Instagram: 
 
@MarkSissonPrimal
@WearPeluva 
 
4. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
5. 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

There's a male loneliness epidemic ripping through society. I've felt it. You've felt it. I'm willing to bet the vast majority of listeners have felt it too. 
 
But hearing about it or feeling it yourself is a totally different thing than doing something about it. 
 
And so, since I've been feeling the loneliness that comes when all of your time is consumed by work and family, I decided to try a few different ways to connect with other men on a deeper level. 
 
In today's show, you'll hear what I discovered about male loneliness from running these social experiments, the #1 thing holding you (and other men) back from building better friendships, and a few simple ways you can find more connection and become less lonely in your day-to-day life. 
 
Listen now.  
 
Other highlights include: 
 
The weird connection between social anxiety and a lack of a fulfilling social life that's easy to overlook (2:36) 

How I started to address my own lack of social connection in my own life (3:06) 

How simply conversing with other men can help you make significant strides in your mental and emotional health (6:28) 

Why do men suck at friendships compared to women? Here's why it has to do more with guilt than you realize… (7:12) 

My favorite "ice breaker" for going deeper into a surface level conversation (12:31) 

The incredible burden unfelt emotions have on you (and a reliable way I've found to help me feel them before they bubble up and explode) (16:45) 

The "Stoics have emotions too" secret that helps you process and feel your emotions without bending to their will (18:20) 




Resources mentioned in this episode: 
 
1. Man Flow Yoga Events: If you've been battling some of the themes I brought up in today's show alone, I want to invite you to come to an in-person event with me and other like-minded men. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events/ 
 
2. 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