Terry Martyniuk is active in men's groups as both a member and a leader, conducts workshops, and is a graduate of the "Radical Aliveness" program. Terry has done extensive work to bring healing and positive change to his outlook on life, demeanor, and sense of self-worth. He shares his personal journey from shame to self-respect and tells us how he came to "own his voice." He discusses some of the many benefits of attending men's groups, including why they are a perfect laboratory for trying out new behaviors, how they can break the feeling of isolation, and how they assist in validating a man's sense of identity. Terry examines the uniqueness of men-only gatherings where men cultivate compassion, empathy, and listening, along with the understanding that they are not alone. He explores how creativity can speed up the process of healing, why every experience in a men's group is valuable, and what benefits are realized when a man steps into his discomfort and asserts himself. Terry also weighs in on how men's groups allow participants to explore anger in a safe environment and how purpose through service can become clear when a man moves past deep-rooted emotions such as shame and guilt. Interviewers: Tristan Laurillard and Chay Beriault [Recorded on March 15th, 2016 for the documentary Men Need Men] |
John Ince is a Canadian activist, entrepreneur, and lawyer. He is the author of seven books, including "The Politics of Lust," "Joyshift: The Journey to Primal Happiness," and the forthcoming "Our Primal Heart." He blogs at ourprimalheart.com. John has been involved in men's groups for over sixteen years, and they have had a profound impact on his life. In this in-depth interview, John discusses how intellectualization, "institutional" thinking, and superficial chat can get in the way of the deep emotional connections, which is a key benefit of men's meetings. He examines the concepts of sexuality, self-disclosure, how long-term emotional support can be found within a men's group, and how this type of support differs from that in a single-partner relationship. John believes that attending men's meetings will foster the ability to speak comfortably in small groups, promote the values of equality and respect, build meaningful connections with other men, and do much more. Interviewers: Tristan Laurillard and Chay Beriault [Recorded on April 11th, 2016 for the documentary Men Need Men] |
An interview with Mark Brunke (1955-2018), a therapist and counselor, with over twenty years of active participation in men's groups. Mark discusses the benefits and challenges of men's groups, the upside of discord and conflict within a men's fellowship, and why meetings aren't therapy. He touches on relationships and their key components, as well as the factors that are behind our anger, whether we know it or not. He answers the question: "Do we have the innate ability to heal emotionally?" Mark also explores how a man can experience "heaven on earth" through his connection to a woman, but will never have his emotional needs completely satisfied in one relationship. In this in-depth interview, Mark shares his insights and perspectives about men's groups, how the process of examining our beliefs can be used to navigate modern-day challenges, and much more. Interviewers: Tristan Laurillard and Chay Beriault [Recorded on April 12th, 2016 for the documentary Men Need Men] |
Meet Bob Munro, the CEO and a leader of men at The Art Of Masculinity, with close to thirty years of experience in men's groups. Bob shares his personal insights from his youth and years as a young adult, three marriages, and how, in his mid-forties, he came to understand the man he wanted to become. He tells us how he shed the "little-boy" image of himself and grew into maturity as he ventured into a world of "good men." Bob explains why he used to have more women friends than men, how lost and unsure he felt, and why he was unable to find answers. And then, his perspective changed one weekend when he decided to participate in a men's retreat. Bob discusses what a Three-Dimensional Man is, when and where to take the "mask" off, how to "go into battle" emotionally clean, and why it is vital to a man's well-being to have other men in his life. Bob's "cup is now full" because men give him what he needs and the one woman in his life gives him what he wants. Bob Munro's experience of surrounding himself with hundreds of "good men" has been transformative. Interviewers: Tristan Laurillard and Chay Beriault [Recorded on April 13th, 2016 for the documentary Men Need Men] |
Stephen J. Johnson, Ph.D. is the author of "The Sacred Path — The Way Of The Spiritual Warrior" and has been a practicing, licensed psychotherapist for over forty years. His involvement with the men's movement spans over three decades. Through his clinical interest in, and understanding of, men's issues, Stephen has been inspired to work intensively with men's groups, men's retreats, and outreach programs. Stephen delivers insights into how a man's beliefs and behaviors are shaped. He describes how a man can utilize different methods to better support himself, as well as his relationship with his partner. He delves into how stories and myths have taught men to reflect on who they are, how the roles of fathers differ from those of mentors, and why men are drawn to nature and a sense of adventure. Stephen also touches on a man's varied states of vulnerability, both within romantic relationships and within a men's community. He explores what it means to show up as a "mindful man" and a "spiritual warrior" in this time of complexity and uncertainty. Interviewer: Tristan Laurillard [Recorded on April 23rd, 2016 for the documentary Men Need Men] |
An interview with Andreas Aubert — counsellor, writing consultant, journalist. Andreas Aubert speaks with passion and authenticity. He believes deeply in the benefits of men's groups and in how they can improve men's lives by challenging them to be more true and real. In this video, Andreas describes how men's groups encourage individuals to explore concepts such as shame, respect, honesty, boundaries, struggle, and what it means to be human. He delves into the benefits of clarity, how men can express themselves more effectively, and the power of truth in the moment. In addition, he describes how groups of men can bring depth and breadth to their members' inner understanding, beyond that of typical male friendships. He discusses why he believes conflict is not to be feared and avoided, but to be embraced, and that expressing judgment can be healthy, promote healing, and provide a way into deeper connections. Andreas draws upon years of experience as a member and co-facilitator of men's groups to inspire men to seek their inner courage and discover the challenges, as well as the rewards, that are to be found within a circle of men. Interviewer: Tristan Laurillard [Recorded on February 19th, 2017 for the documentary Men Need Men] |
Influenced by both Indian mysticism and Western science, Sujith Ravindran has traveled four continents to develop and participate in brotherhoods. In his more than thirty years of experience working with men and his active involvement in over forty-five men's groups, he has developed a large, worldwide network. Sujith is recognized for his work in the fields of relationships and leadership development. He is the author of the books "The Being Leader" and "Mature Masculinity," which have been translated into various languages. In this interview, Sujith discusses the differences between the men's work he does (based on his Indian traditions) and the typical North American men's group model, as well as the reasons why certain aspects of a man's inner journey can be supported only by a council of men. Sujith shares his thoughts on the characteristics of a healthy relationship and the ways in which a man's responsibility to show up in his relationship relates directly to how he shows up in the world. He explains his view of vulnerability and describes the manner in which a men's group can provide a safe environment to help transform a man through the healing of his wounds, overcoming anger, and moving past grief into a place of peace. Sujith explores our reasons for repressing difficult emotions, how men are blocked from showing love and compassion, and the two common demons that men face: fear and anger. Sujith, a deep believer in leading by example, also touches on why brotherhoods are integral to fostering the internal motivation and inspiration that are required for a man to take action and bring about changes in his life. Interviewer: Tristan Laurillard [Recorded on June 2nd and 4th, 2017 for the documentary Men Need Men] |