E125: The Authenticity of Men with Special Guest Dr. Eric Hansen

E125 Introduction

One of the shadows of growing up as an American man is the manbox we have all been cultured in. Part of the messaging from the manbox is to be stoic and self-reliant at all costs. Never let men (or women) see you asking or seeking support. Never speak of your struggles is the message that men internalize. It seems a bit absurd now as I write this.

When I was brought into the tribe of men through a powerful initiation called the New Warrior Training with the Mankind Project, I saw something entirely different. I saw powerful, authentic men who spoke of the full spectrum of the male experience. The struggles and challenges that we all face without all the macho posturing that comes with the manbox. I also saw men that were emotionally expressive but they didn’t seem wimpy or weak. Quite the contrary. These men were emotionally truthful, comfortable in their skin, and skilled at relationships of all sorts. And I wanted some of that for myself.

The initiation and the work changed my life. I did episodes about this in the early days of the show. If you go back to that first season (particularly those first dozen episodes) or read my book, you will hear my testimony and gratitude for this work and the men who lead and participate in it.

My guest today is the man who brought me into this work. One of my early mentors. He guided me onto the path that would alter the course of my life for the better. I have been thinking a lot lately about mentoring. How do we better mentor the younger men? How do we meet them where they are and honor their gifts and their brilliant and offer the wisdom that we carry as the older generation? How do we see them with fresh eyes?

The topic of mentoring and elderhood is one we will be diving a bit more into as season four unfolds.

Eric Hansen Bio

My guest today is Eric Hansen. Eric has been a leader in the fields of economic development and men’s work.

He has travelled the world MANY times over as the President of Economic Transformations Group for the past 23 years. And he has been leader on dozens of trainings for The Mankind Project. Eric has also staffed a number of these trainings in Folsom Prison with the Inside Circle. Bringing healing and transformation to the men who reside there. Here is my interview with Eric Hansen.

E125 Final Thoughts-

I hope you enjoyed our conversation with Eric. The film we were speaking about is called The Work and it is a powerful expression of how men’s work can transform lives, no matter the circumstances.

And lastly, if you find the show valuable and would like to support us, please consider a small monthly donation. Any donation is greatly appreciated and you can do that at the donation tab at www.basecamp-podcast.com . Thank you listeners.

Basecamp for Men E125: The Authenticity of Men