Amir Khalighi is the founder and lead facilitator for The Embodied Masculine, a training ground for men that empowers men to connect to their bodies, their purpose, and to nature. Amir runs immersion retreats and weekly embodiment circles that integrate his 5 pillars to facilitate powerful transformations in his students. 

Amir joined me to talk about the impacts of men doing their work to know their inner masculine and feminine energies, and the inner strength and power that comes as a result of nurturing a personal spiritual practice.

In this episode we dive into:
Amir’s definition of men’s work.
Exploring the self through embodiment, somatic, and shamanic work. 
Our wounds as our teachers. 
Paradigm shifts. 
Father wounds.
Stepping into service and giving back to the world. 
The importance and significance of “present” male figures in a community. 
Self-regulation for boys
Integrating shadow aspects of self. 
Archetypal work and energies. 
Interconnectedness and living in fulfillment. 
Nurturing the evolution and empowerment of The Masculine. 
Shifting a culture through generations.
The Conscious King.
How men can practice being with Feminine power. 
How do men do external and internal work with their own Feminine essence? 
Feminine embodiment practices in men’s work.
Ideologies and energetics in mixed martial arts. 
Structured Masculine practices. 
The 5 instruments in Amir’s work: attention, breath, sound, movement, visualization. 
Creating space and emptiness in oneself.  
Reframing the concept of the unknown.
The human birthright of divine connection. 
What work should be done alone vs. with community?
Recovery and addiction work ideology in men’s work. 
Plant medicine. 
Stepping away from AA (12 steps) and listening to the inner call for deeper growth. 
Amir’s men’s work offerings. 

Links from this episode:
Amir’s Website
Amir’s Instagram
Amir’s Vimeo
Book - Iron John by Robert Bly
Book - King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Douglas Gillette and Robert L. Moore
Evolving Man Episode with John Wineland - as referenced in this episode
Evolving Man Episode with Christine Hassler - as referenced in this episode

Amir Khalighi is the founder and lead facilitator for <a href="https://embodiedmasculine.com/">The Embodied Masculine</a>, a training ground for men that empowers men to connect to their bodies, their purpose, and to nature. Amir runs immersion retreats and weekly embodiment circles that integrate his 5 pillars to facilitate powerful transformations in his students. Amir joined me to talk about the impacts of men doing their work to know their inner masculine and feminine energies, and the inner strength and power that comes as a result of nurturing a personal spiritual practice. In this episode we dive into:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Amir’s definition of men’s work.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Exploring the self through embodiment, somatic, and shamanic work. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Our wounds as our teachers. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Paradigm shifts. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Father wounds.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stepping into service and giving back to the world. </li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance and significance of “present” male figures in a community. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Self-regulation for boys</li>
<li aria-level="1">Integrating shadow aspects of self. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Archetypal work and energies. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Interconnectedness and living in fulfillment. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Nurturing the evolution and empowerment of The Masculine. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Shifting a culture through generations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Conscious King.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How men can practice being with Feminine power. </li>
<li aria-level="1">How do men do external and internal work with their own Feminine essence? </li>
<li aria-level="1">Feminine embodiment practices in men’s work.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ideologies and energetics in mixed martial arts. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Structured Masculine practices. </li>
<li aria-level="1">The 5 instruments in Amir’s work: attention, breath, sound, movement, visualization. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Creating space and emptiness in oneself.  </li>
<li aria-level="1">Reframing the concept of the unknown.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The human birthright of divine connection. </li>
<li aria-level="1">What work should be done alone vs. with community?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Recovery and addiction work ideology in men’s work. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Plant medicine. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Stepping away from AA (12 steps) and listening to the inner call for deeper growth. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Amir’s men’s work offerings. </li>
</ul>
Links from this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://embodiedmasculine.com/">Amir’s Website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/khalighi/">Amir’s Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://vimeo.com/embodiedmasculine">Amir’s Vimeo</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122600.Iron_John">Book - Iron John by Robert Bly</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/91781.King_Warrior_Magician_Lover">Book - King, Warrior, Magician, Lover by Douglas Gillette and Robert L. Moore</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://evolvingman.com/john-wineland/">Evolving Man Episode with John Wineland - as referenced in this episode</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://evolvingman.com/christine-hassler/">Evolving Man Episode with Christine Hassler - as referenced in this episode</a></li>
</ul>

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders and influencers in the personal growth arena who are actively engaged in "deep work", whether that be as a healer, or someone doing their own work. The guests on this podcast have a unique gift that they bring to the world, and they come to share these gifts with listeners. 

Tune in to witness discussions about addiction, consciousness, masculinity,  health and personal growth.

The Evolving Man Podcast

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about relationships, mens' work, addiction recovery, and healing.

The Evolving Man podcast features leaders who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about relationships, mens' work, addiction recovery, and healing.

#72 - The Embodied Masculine - with Amir Khalighi

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is a distinguished researcher and three time guest on the podcast. Recently he has been digging into the biological effects of the electromagnetic spectrum, and finding out how modern electromagnetic fields can damage living tissue. What he has uncovered will make even the most skeptical listeners think differently.

In this episode, Balduzzi describes the harmful effects of EMFs and shares practical ways we can all reduce our exposure.

Here’s what we cover on this episode:


An overview of the electromagnetic spectrum, and where cell phones and wifi fit in.
EMF sensitivities and allergies. 
How electricity works in our bodies, and how that may interact with other electric fields
The mechanism by which practices like earthing can have significant health benefits.
How our bodies use electric fields to regulate, among other things, the distribution of minerals
Relationship between electric frequencies and proper functioning of mitochondrial DNA
Effect of EMF on bee biology and behavior
Comparing non-ionized and ionized radiation
How non-ionizing radiation can damage DNA.
History of lobbying affecting national telecom tower installation laws
Difference between 5G, and the ‘5G’ on new wifi routers
Pulses of radiation are more harmful to our bodies than continuous fields
Effects of proximity to frequency emitters such as phones and wifi
Effects of bluetooth earphones
Starlink radiation
Benefits of earthing, contacting ground with bare skin
The different options for blocking or reducing EMF exposure in your home.


Links from this episode:

Dr. Balduzzi’s Website: Fit Father Project

Radio wave packet resource

EMF Reader Ben is using

Book Highlight: "The Invisible Rainbow" by Arthur Furstenberg explores the historical correlation between major pandemics and the rollout of EMF technology. A must-read for those curious about the hidden layers of our modern environment.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi is a distinguished researcher and three time guest on the podcast. Recently he has been digging into the biological effects of the electromagnetic spectrum, and finding out how modern electromagnetic fields can damage living tissue. What he has uncovered will make even the most skeptical listeners think differently.
In this episode, Balduzzi describes the harmful effects of EMFs and shares practical ways we can all reduce our exposure.
Here’s what we cover on this episode: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">An overview of the electromagnetic spectrum, and where cell phones and wifi fit in.</li>
<li aria-level="1">EMF sensitivities and allergies. </li>
<li aria-level="1">How electricity works in our bodies, and how that may interact with other electric fields</li>
<li aria-level="1">The mechanism by which practices like earthing can have significant health benefits.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How our bodies use electric fields to regulate, among other things, the distribution of minerals</li>
<li aria-level="1">Relationship between electric frequencies and proper functioning of mitochondrial DNA</li>
<li aria-level="1">Effect of EMF on bee biology and behavior</li>
<li aria-level="1">Comparing non-ionized and ionized radiation</li>
<li aria-level="1">How non-ionizing radiation can damage DNA.</li>
<li aria-level="1">History of lobbying affecting national telecom tower installation laws</li>
<li aria-level="1">Difference between 5G, and the ‘5G’ on new wifi routers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Pulses of radiation are more harmful to our bodies than continuous fields</li>
<li aria-level="1">Effects of proximity to frequency emitters such as phones and wifi</li>
<li aria-level="1">Effects of bluetooth earphones</li>
<li aria-level="1">Starlink radiation</li>
<li aria-level="1">Benefits of earthing, contacting ground with bare skin</li>
<li aria-level="1">The different options for blocking or reducing EMF exposure in your home.</li>
</ul>
 Links from this episode:
Dr. Balduzzi’s Website: <a href="https://www.fitfatherproject.com/">Fit Father Project</a>
<a href="https://cellphonetaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Radio-Wave-Packet.pdf">Radio wave packet resource</a>
<a href="https://a.co/d/06LeSVI">EMF Reader Ben is using</a>
Book Highlight: "The Invisible Rainbow" by Arthur Furstenberg explores the historical correlation between major pandemics and the rollout of EMF technology. A must-read for those curious about the hidden layers of our modern environment.

#93 - EMF Radiation: New Discoveries On the Effects of WiFi and Cell Phone Radiation - with Dr. Anthony Balduzzi

Alison Armstrong has been teaching and speaking publicly about men and relationships for 3 decades. She is a thoughtful and inquisitive individual whose curiosity led her to a profound revelation about human behavior and relationships. Through her deep contemplation and examination of male development, she realized that men often react independently of women's influences, shaped instead by their developmental stages. 

Her insights shed light on the misconceptions women might have, believing that a man's dedication to his career or personal goals could signify a lack of love. Alison's keen realization emphasizes that men and women's actions and priorities are influenced by different developmental needs, rather than personal affection or commitment. Her work aims to foster better understanding and communication between genders.

In this episode, Alison and I explore the complexities of conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of curiosity over false conclusions. We discuss the evolution of the men's movement, strategies for handling relationships, and the power dynamics between genders. Alison shares her own transformative experience of challenging negative perceptions of men and highlights the critical role of empathy and understanding in nurturing strong, healthy relationships.

On this episode, we discuss:
How men and women deal differently with emotions.-
How women can get what they need while empowering men.
How she became a champion for men, and a helper in relationships between men and women.
Frog farming vs. discovering princes.
Helping women understand stages of men’s development.
How she learned to stop diminishing men, and how that changed her relationships.
Ways that women justify disempowering men.
Moving ‘from furious to curious’.
Learning to improve communication.
Dropping over-fixation on boundaries and leaning in with curiosity.
Avoiding labelling each other.
Being ‘pro-choice orgasm’
Tips on really listening to each other, and common traps of not listening.
The importance of making friends outside your relationship.
How her work has changed over the years.
Her thoughts on different waves of feminism.

Links from this episode:

Alison’s website

Alison’s Instagram

Alison’s Youtube

Alison Armstrong has been teaching and speaking publicly about men and relationships for 3 decades. She is a thoughtful and inquisitive individual whose curiosity led her to a profound revelation about human behavior and relationships. Through her deep contemplation and examination of male development, she realized that men often react independently of women's influences, shaped instead by their developmental stages. 
Her insights shed light on the misconceptions women might have, believing that a man's dedication to his career or personal goals could signify a lack of love. Alison's keen realization emphasizes that men and women's actions and priorities are influenced by different developmental needs, rather than personal affection or commitment. Her work aims to foster better understanding and communication between genders.
In this episode, Alison and I explore the complexities of conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of curiosity over false conclusions. We discuss the evolution of the men's movement, strategies for handling relationships, and the power dynamics between genders. Alison shares her own transformative experience of challenging negative perceptions of men and highlights the critical role of empathy and understanding in nurturing strong, healthy relationships.
On this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li>How men and women deal differently with emotions.-</li>
<li>How women can get what they need while empowering men.</li>
<li>How she became a champion for men, and a helper in relationships between men and women.</li>
<li>Frog farming vs. discovering princes.</li>
<li>Helping women understand stages of men’s development.</li>
<li>How she learned to stop diminishing men, and how that changed her relationships.</li>
<li>Ways that women justify disempowering men.</li>
<li>Moving ‘from furious to curious’.</li>
<li>Learning to improve communication.</li>
<li>Dropping over-fixation on boundaries and leaning in with curiosity.</li>
<li>Avoiding labelling each other.</li>
<li>Being ‘pro-choice orgasm’</li>
<li>Tips on really listening to each other, and common traps of not listening.</li>
<li>The importance of making friends outside your relationship.</li>
<li>How her work has changed over the years.</li>
<li>Her thoughts on different waves of feminism.</li>
</ul>
Links from this episode:
<a href="https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/">Alison’s website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thealisonarmstrong/">Alison’s Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AlisonArmstrongVideos">Alison’s Youtube</a>

#92 - The Dance Of Partnership - Relationship Wisdom with Alison Armstrong

In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the world of sacred plant medicines, indigenous wisdom, and conscious parenting with the extraordinary Vivien Vilela. Join us as we explore the delicate art of harvesting peyote, the spiritual importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with the earth, and the dangers of commodifying sacred plants. Vivien shares her journey from the party scene to a profound spiritual awakening. We discuss the significance of ceremony and proper guidance when working with plant medicines, and we specifically discuss Peyote.

We also discuss the visionary Aniwa Gathering, a transformative event founded by Vivien, which brings together indigenous leaders from around the world to share sacred ceremonies and wisdom without the use of entheogenic medicines. Learn about the critical need for sustainable practices, the impact of screen addiction on children's development, and how to raise children naturally in a city environment.

Ben and Vivien also reflect on their personal experiences, the importance of spiritual initiations, and the lifelong journey of personal growth and healing. Whether you're a parent, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or someone curious about indigenous practices, this episode offers valuable insights into living a conscious, connected life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and informed.

 On this episode, we discuss:
Harvesting and use of Peyote properly
Destruction and Disruption of Peyote Plants
Efforts to educate on responsible harvesting
Indigenous Cultural Practices
Emphasis on reciprocity and respectful relationships with the earth
Rituals such as fasting, offerings, and spiritual connection
Commodification and Misappropriation
Concerns over sacred plant medicines being commodified
Importance of traditional initiations and proper practices
The dangers of recreational use without proper guidance
Adherence to indigenous practitioner wishes
Ceremony and Reciprocity
Knowledgeable Practitioners and Offerings
Importance of sitting in ceremony with experienced practitioners
Physical and spiritual offerings
Reciprocity and its significance
Aniwa Gathering

Focus on spiritual connection without entheogenic medicines

Use of natural herbs like cacao, tobacco, and sage

Raising funds for indigenous projects through the Huya Aniwa foundation
Peyote’s Spiritual Significance

Description of peyote and its roots in Mexico and Texas

Its role in connecting individuals to their true selves and ancestral memory

Importance of using peyote in the right ceremonial context
Indigenous wisdom on parenting 

Lack of initiation rituals in western societies

Approaches to avoid screen time and societal pressures

Emphasis on discipline with love and fostering unconditional love and respect

Traditional midwifery and keeping children close

Nurturing imagination and avoiding artificial toys
Faster brain development in indigenous children in nature
Challenges in City Environments

Pushback from society and finding natural stimuli
The impact of screens on children’s emotional balance and ability to be present
Concerns about excessive screen time

Conscious living as parents
Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening

Vivien’s Story

Journey from party scene and drug use to spiritual awakening

Spiritual session leading to significant growth



Aniwa Gathering

Aniwa’s main site

Aniwa on instagram

Hyua Aniwa

Aniwa on Youtube

Ben’s Freedom From Addiction Circle

In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the world of sacred plant medicines, indigenous wisdom, and conscious parenting with the extraordinary Vivien Vilela. Join us as we explore the delicate art of harvesting peyote, the spiritual importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with the earth, and the dangers of commodifying sacred plants. Vivien shares her journey from the party scene to a profound spiritual awakening. We discuss the significance of ceremony and proper guidance when working with plant medicines, and we specifically discuss Peyote.
We also discuss the visionary Aniwa Gathering, a transformative event founded by Vivien, which brings together indigenous leaders from around the world to share sacred ceremonies and wisdom without the use of entheogenic medicines. Learn about the critical need for sustainable practices, the impact of screen addiction on children's development, and how to raise children naturally in a city environment.
Ben and Vivien also reflect on their personal experiences, the importance of spiritual initiations, and the lifelong journey of personal growth and healing. Whether you're a parent, a seeker of spiritual wisdom, or someone curious about indigenous practices, this episode offers valuable insights into living a conscious, connected life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and informed.
 On this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Harvesting and use of Peyote properly</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Destruction and Disruption of Peyote Plants</li>
<li aria-level="1">Efforts to educate on responsible harvesting</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Indigenous Cultural Practices</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Emphasis on reciprocity and respectful relationships with the earth</li>
<li aria-level="1">Rituals such as fasting, offerings, and spiritual connection</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Commodification and Misappropriation</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Concerns over sacred plant medicines being commodified</li>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of traditional initiations and proper practices</li>
<li aria-level="1">The dangers of recreational use without proper guidance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Adherence to indigenous practitioner wishes</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ceremony and Reciprocity</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Knowledgeable Practitioners and Offerings</li>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of sitting in ceremony with experienced practitioners</li>
<li aria-level="1">Physical and spiritual offerings</li>
<li aria-level="1">Reciprocity and its significance</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Aniwa Gathering</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on spiritual connection without entheogenic medicines</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Use of natural herbs like cacao, tobacco, and sage</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Raising funds for indigenous projects through the Huya Aniwa foundation</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Peyote’s Spiritual Significance</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Description of peyote and its roots in Mexico and Texas</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Its role in connecting individuals to their true selves and ancestral memory</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Importance of using peyote in the right ceremonial context</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Indigenous wisdom on parenting </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lack of initiation rituals in western societies</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Approaches to avoid screen time and societal pressures</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Emphasis on discipline with love and fostering unconditional love and respect</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Traditional midwifery and keeping children close</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Nurturing imagination and avoiding artificial toys</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Faster brain development in indigenous children in nature</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Challenges in City Environments</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Pushback from society and finding natural stimuli</li>
<li>The impact of screens on children’s emotional balance and ability to be present</li>
<li aria-level="1">Concerns about excessive screen time</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Conscious living as parents</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Vivien’s Story</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Journey from party scene and drug use to spiritual awakening</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Spiritual session leading to significant growth</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
 
<a href="https://www.aniwagathering.com/">Aniwa Gathering</a>
<a href="https://www.aniwa.co">Aniwa’s main site</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aniwa.co/">Aniwa on instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.huyaaniwa.org">Hyua Aniwa</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AniwaCommunity">Aniwa on Youtube</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/freedom-from-addiction/">Ben’s Freedom From Addiction Circle</a>

#72 - The Embodied Masculine - with Amir Khalighi

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