Excellence Above Talent Podcast

What If Honesty Is The Real Measure Of Manhood

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1865459/fan_mail/new] Some of the most broken men you know look like the most reliable ones. I’m talking about the veteran who shows up, the coach who keeps encouraging others, the husband and leader who gets it done, and the friend who always says, “I’m good.” I’m also talking about what people don’t see: the internal battle, the pressure to perform strength, and the pain that gets carried alone. I share why men’s mental health became personal for me, including two low points that still shape how I speak, coach, and mentor today. One is my own season of not being okay, when I felt overwhelmed, trapped, and unseen. The other is losing a buddy I served with in Iraq, someone who brought light into a scary place but struggled hard after we got home. I offered help and even sent money, but I didn’t ask the question that mattered most: “Are you okay?” That loss is a permanent reminder that men can suffer silently until it’s too late. We talk about the lies men absorb early: asking for help is weakness, struggling means failure, real men don’t break. We also get real about how pain leaks out sideways through anger, isolation, addiction, emotional shutdown, depression, anxiety, and sometimes suicide. My core takeaway is simple: healing doesn’t begin when we get tougher, it begins when we get honest, then we build awareness, accountability, and growth from there. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to carry it alone. Listen, share this with a man you care about, and subscribe, rate, and review the show so more men hear they’re not alone. Support the show [https://cash.app/$usarmy3037] #excellenceabovetalent [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/excellenceabovetalent?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #EAT [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eat?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #dontgiveup [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dontgiveup?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youdeservethebest [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youdeservethebest?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youareenough [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareenough?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] ... [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareworthy?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R]

What If Obedience Matters More Than Being Understood

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1865459/fan_mail/new] We step back from the noise and talk to the man who feels alone, pressured, and unseen while trying to grow into his best self. We break down why chasing approval crushes men’s mental health and why obedience matters more than being understood.  • taking a reset after a long run of heavy topics  • recognizing when persuasion stops being productive  • spotting the hidden cost of chasing validation  • asking who you are without performance  • using Joshua and Caleb to contrast fear with faith  • remembering past wins when fear narrows your focus  • choosing honesty as the start of healing  • protecting peace by dropping expectations that are not yours  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And for daily, motivational, and up-to-date content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Excellenceabove Talent. Support the show [https://cash.app/$usarmy3037] #excellenceabovetalent [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/excellenceabovetalent?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #EAT [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eat?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #dontgiveup [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dontgiveup?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youdeservethebest [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youdeservethebest?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youareenough [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareenough?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] ... [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareworthy?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R]

You’re Not a Victim of Everything!!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1865459/fan_mail/new] We close the 24-week series with a blunt truth: ego turns accountability into a threat and keeps men stuck in blame. We break down how ownership creates freedom, why victim mentality weakens manhood, and what it takes to actually change.  • the difference between accountability and taking all the blame  • why ego interprets correction as disrespect  • how victim mentality blocks healing and growth  • a reframed way to think about high-profile domestic violence allegations  • why staying with obvious red flags is still a choice  • coaching middle school boys on responsibility and decision-making  • shame versus accountability and why the wording matters  • Aaron’s personal story of cheating, validation-seeking, and finally owning the damage  • why “performing innocence” protects image but kills character  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And for daily, motivational, and up-to-date content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ExcellenceAbove Talent. And remember, keep moving forward, never give up, and you are never alone in this battle.  Support the show [https://cash.app/$usarmy3037] #excellenceabovetalent [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/excellenceabovetalent?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #EAT [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eat?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #dontgiveup [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dontgiveup?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youdeservethebest [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youdeservethebest?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youareenough [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareenough?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] ... [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareworthy?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R]

Congratulations, You Played Yourself Today

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1865459/fan_mail/new] You can be “the strong one” and still be falling apart. When we keep performing confidence, toughness, success, and even spirituality, we may look put together but feel strangely numb, lonely, and tired. We’re not always exhausted because life is hard. We’re exhausted because acting is hard, and our nervous system was never designed to stay on stage 24/7. We dig into how the mask gets built early, especially when praise only shows up after achievement, emotions get ignored, or vulnerability feels unsafe. I share why men often learn to perform masculinity instead of understanding it, and how that turns into “don’t cry,” “don’t ask for help,” and “don’t look weak.” The hidden trap is brutal: you can receive love for someone you’re pretending to be, while the real you stays unseen. We also talk about people pleasing as performance, the fear underneath it, and why resentment grows when we trade authenticity for acceptance. Then we pivot to what real healing looks like: truth over image management, alignment between your public and private self, healthy boundaries, and the courage to ask, “Who am I when no one is around?” The goal isn’t to impress people. The goal is peace. If you’re ready to stop pretending and start healing, listen now, then share this with a man who needs it. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what mask are you ready to put down? Support the show [https://cash.app/$usarmy3037] #excellenceabovetalent [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/excellenceabovetalent?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #EAT [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eat?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #dontgiveup [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dontgiveup?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youdeservethebest [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youdeservethebest?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youareenough [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareenough?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] ... [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareworthy?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R]

You Can’t Blame Your Past And Keep Hurting People

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1865459/fan_mail/new] We wrap our series with a blunt look at how unhealed pain turns into patterns that damage relationships and get handed down to kids. We challenge ourselves to stop confusing “normal” with “healthy” and to take full responsibility for the work of healing.  • why unhealthy behavior can feel normal when it is familiar  • how unhealed pain leaks into relationships, parenting, and friendships  • swearing “I’ll never be like that” while still repeating it without healing  • the difference between explanation and excuse in personal change  • how cycles spread through learned behavior, including racism and hate  • practical steps like emotional regulation, boundaries, therapy, and apology  • why legacy is behavior and emotional impact, not just money  • choosing to build people up instead of becoming a hurt person who hurts people  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.  And for daily, motivational, and up-to-date content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ExcellenceAboveTalent.  Support the show [https://cash.app/$usarmy3037] #excellenceabovetalent [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/excellenceabovetalent?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #EAT [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/eat?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #dontgiveup [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dontgiveup?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youdeservethebest [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youdeservethebest?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] #youareenough [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareenough?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R] ... [https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/youareworthy?__eep__=6&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZVzLAXtTXK4Ky1FWAFfmYrVnlP-U4lgvXY63St-UBCD5feEjaU4mnleGRLIXUiIyi91UBve7RPFn7sDmS3VhkXEsYHSuiSaNBTOK37Td5T7PPIkwqdDGixa4gTpdYQeT7Qf65VOGBWvv9v43eta0DaN&__tn__=*NK-R]