Mark Groves, The Human Connection Specialist, joins me for another conversation about masculinity, relationships, and healing our wounds as a group. 

Mark provides no BS relationship advice to men and women, drawing on his many years of experience and studies of relationships. He brings his blunt, funny, and outspoken style to our conversation. 

On this episode, we discuss:
Intro - Mark's Upcoming Podcast
What "Be A Man" Means
The old "masculinity". Time to redefine it.
Childhood trauma, circumcision, and fighting for whats right
"Men's Rights" - Why its not okay to speak about it
The school system and why "all boys have ADD"
The making of the "Nice Guy syndrome"
How modern conflict-avoidant men end relationships
The shaming of men, and how it wounds men further
Shaming men for being sensitive
How to build an emotionally cut-off man
How not talking about sex makes our sex culture worse
The "Me Too" movement and how it is a part of our healing
Criticism and our critical culture
Masculine and Feminine traits
Toxic Masculinity and Toxic Femininity 
Societal shadow issues
Holding space at an individual level, and societal level
Men - learning to express emotion
Leaning in to The New Masculinity 
The Masters Of The Universe Summit


Mark's Instagram - @createthelove
Mark's Website - markgroves.tv
The MOTU Website - motusummit.com

 

Mark Groves, The Human Connection Specialist, joins me for another conversation about masculinity, relationships, and healing our wounds as a group.&nbsp; Mark provides no BS relationship advice to men and women, drawing on his many years of experience and studies of relationships. He brings his blunt, funny, and outspoken style to our conversation.&nbsp;
On this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li>Intro - Mark's Upcoming Podcast</li>
<li>What "Be A Man" Means</li>
<li>The old "masculinity". Time to redefine it.</li>
<li>Childhood trauma, circumcision, and fighting for whats right</li>
<li>"Men's Rights" - Why its not okay to speak about it</li>
<li>The school system and why "all boys have ADD"</li>
<li>The making of the "Nice Guy syndrome"</li>
<li>How modern conflict-avoidant men end relationships</li>
<li>The shaming of men, and how it wounds men further</li>
<li>Shaming men for being sensitive</li>
<li>How to build an emotionally cut-off man</li>
<li>How not talking about sex makes our sex culture worse</li>
<li>The "Me Too" movement and how it is a part of our healing</li>
<li>Criticism and our critical culture</li>
<li>Masculine and Feminine traits</li>
<li>Toxic Masculinity and Toxic Femininity&nbsp;</li>
<li>Societal shadow issues</li>
<li>Holding space at an individual level, and societal level</li>
<li>Men - learning to express emotion</li>
<li>Leaning in to The New Masculinity&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="http://www.motusummit.com">The Masters Of The Universe Summit</a></li>
</ul>
 Mark's Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/createthelove">@createthelove</a> Mark's Website -&nbsp;<a href="http://markgroves.tv">markgroves.tv</a> The MOTU Website -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.motusummit.com">motusummit.com</a>
&nbsp;

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 inspiring figures who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about personal growth, romantic relationships, parenting, men's work, addiction recovery, and healing.

The Evolving Man podcast features inspiring figures who are strong forces of change in the world. Tune in to witness discussions about personal growth, romantic relationships, parenting, men's work, addiction recovery, and healing.

To Be A Man - with Mark Groves

intro

post intro

Ben sits down with Jason Grechanik - a tabaquero and plant medicine practitioner who spent years apprenticing in the Peruvian Amazon studying the traditional spiritual and medicinal use of tobacco.

Together they explore the surprising role tobacco has played in indigenous healing traditions, the difference between sacred tobacco and commercial cigarettes, and why many traditional cultures considered tobacco one of the most important master plants.

The conversation moves through spirituality, masculinity, addiction, trauma, anxiety, nervous system healing, warrior traditions, direct experience, and the relationship between plants and consciousness.

Jason also shares his personal journey into the world of plant medicine, including his intense initiation into tobacco dietas and what these traditions teach about healing, presence, clarity, and power.

Topics Discussed
Tobacco as sacred medicine
The difference between tobacco and cigarettes
Indigenous and Amazonian healing traditions
Tobacco dietas and plant apprenticeships
Masculinity and spiritual initiation
Anxiety, addiction, and trauma healing
The difference between medicine and medication
Why shamans consider tobacco a master plant
Jiu-jitsu, embodiment, and grounded spirituality
Direct spiritual experience vs intellectual knowledge

About Jason Grechanik

Jason Grachanik is a tabaquero and plant medicine practitioner who spent years living and apprenticing in the Peruvian Amazon studying traditional healing systems, tobacco work, and master plant dietas.

He now works with people through immersive healing retreats and traditional plant medicine practices rooted in Amazonian traditions.

Links from this episode: 

Jason’s website

Retreats with Jason

Jason's Instagram

The Universe Within - Podcast

Evolving Man’s Freedom From Addiction Circle

The ARKA Talks Podcast

Ben sits down with Jason Grechanik - a tabaquero and plant medicine practitioner who spent years apprenticing in the Peruvian Amazon studying the traditional spiritual and medicinal use of tobacco.
Together they explore the surprising role tobacco has played in indigenous healing traditions, the difference between sacred tobacco and commercial cigarettes, and why many traditional cultures considered tobacco one of the most important master plants.
The conversation moves through spirituality, masculinity, addiction, trauma, anxiety, nervous system healing, warrior traditions, direct experience, and the relationship between plants and consciousness.
Jason also shares his personal journey into the world of plant medicine, including his intense initiation into tobacco dietas and what these traditions teach about healing, presence, clarity, and power.
Topics Discussed
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Tobacco as sacred medicine</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between tobacco and cigarettes</li>
<li aria-level="1">Indigenous and Amazonian healing traditions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Tobacco dietas and plant apprenticeships</li>
<li aria-level="1">Masculinity and spiritual initiation</li>
<li aria-level="1">Anxiety, addiction, and trauma healing</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between medicine and medication</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why shamans consider tobacco a master plant</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jiu-jitsu, embodiment, and grounded spirituality</li>
<li aria-level="1">Direct spiritual experience vs intellectual knowledge</li>
</ul>
About Jason Grechanik
Jason Grachanik is a tabaquero and plant medicine practitioner who spent years living and apprenticing in the Peruvian Amazon studying traditional healing systems, tobacco work, and master plant dietas.
He now works with people through immersive healing retreats and traditional plant medicine practices rooted in Amazonian traditions.
Links from this episode:&nbsp;
<a href="https://jasongrechanik.com/">Jason&rsquo;s website</a>
<a href="https://nicotianarustica.org/">Retreats with Jason</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/jasongrechanik/">Jason's Instagram</a>
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7C5UIeKqJQdGLNPob9yJh7?si=73e726adbe3943eb">The Universe Within - Podcast</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/freedom-from-addiction/">Evolving Man&rsquo;s Freedom From Addiction Circle</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI2tKDBzBfno58eWjcFKQtglYsmnPgEng">The ARKA Talks Podcast</a>

#106 - Sacred Tobacco, Healing & The Warrior Path - w/ Jason Grechanik

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in personal transformation, Stefanos Sifandos works at the intersection of human potential, relational intelligence, and embodied leadership. He is a trained educator and somatic, trauma-informed relationship specialist with a background in behavioral science and philosophy, known for translating deep inner work into grounded, real-world change.

In this episode, we dove deep with Stefanos about the real work that keeps love and connection alive, especially through parenting, marriage, and personal challenges. Stefanos got vulnerable about hitting rock bottom, doing the inner work, and how being radically honest and intentional with yourself and your partner is the ultimate foundation for transformation. If you want insight into lasting love, conscious relationship tools, and parenting, this episode is a must-listen. 

Here are some of the pieces we discuss on this episode:

– How to keep love alive and act with love when your romantic partner is angry or distant
– The challenge of maintaining connection and spark in long-term relationships, especially under stress and obligations
– Stef's personal journey of transformation and inner work
– The impact of becoming a parent: how fatherhood stretches emotional edges and expands capacity for love, grief, and devotion
– Life challenges and awakenings: Stefanos Sifandos's turning point with addiction, infidelity, and facing suicidal thoughts
– The role of surrender and connection in moving through rock-bottom moments
– How shame, worthiness, and self-connection relate to addiction and healing
– The power of speaking the truth and vulnerability in men’s work and relationships
– Recognizing and breaking patterns of trauma bonding in volatile relationships
– When and why it’s healthy to let go of a relationship that’s become too toxic or drama-filled
– The importance of doing inner work: working on yourself to show up better in partnership
– Facing old family patterns, impatience, and imperfection as a partner and parent
– Real talk on the struggles of parenthood: impatience, mistakes, and embracing humanity
– Practicing conscious parenting: modeling humility, self-regulation, and apology to your child
– How a father’s relationship with his daughter informs her view of masculinity and future partnerships
– Making quality time and simple connection a priority in marriage
– Relationship tools: carving out time for intentional sharing, listening, and repair (including the Imago dialogue practice)
– The impact of performative gestures versus simple, consistent acts of care in keeping the spark alive
– How curiosity and presence nurture ongoing intimacy and novelty in partnerships
– The art of holding space, self-regulation, and loving your partner even when you’re the target of their anger
– Embracing imperfection in relationship and family life
– Stef’s new book, Tuned In and Turned On: A Path to True Connection, Deep Healing, and Lasting Love, and how it explores these teachings and practices in greater depth

Links from this episode

Stefanos Sifandos – Tuned In and Turned On - with Book Bonuses

Stef’s Instagram

The Path to Conscious Love program for couples

The Conscious Relationship Council live program for men

The Arka Fire and Flow Men’s Weekend - Feb 26 to March 2nd

Keep an eye out for:

The Arka Talks Podcast – launching Feb 2026 (link to be shared upon release)

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in personal transformation, Stefanos Sifandos works at the intersection of human potential, relational intelligence, and embodied leadership. He is a trained educator and somatic, trauma-informed relationship specialist with a background in behavioral science and philosophy, known for translating deep inner work into grounded, real-world change.
In this episode, we dove deep with Stefanos about the real work that keeps love and connection alive, especially through parenting, marriage, and personal challenges. Stefanos got vulnerable about hitting rock bottom, doing the inner work, and how being radically honest and intentional with yourself and your partner is the ultimate foundation for transformation. If you want insight into lasting love, conscious relationship tools, and parenting, this episode is a must-listen.&nbsp;
Here are some of the pieces we discuss on this episode:
&ndash; How to keep love alive and act with love when your romantic partner is angry or distant &ndash; The challenge of maintaining connection and spark in long-term relationships, especially under stress and obligations &ndash; Stef's personal journey of transformation and inner work &ndash; The impact of becoming a parent: how fatherhood stretches emotional edges and expands capacity for love, grief, and devotion &ndash; Life challenges and awakenings: Stefanos Sifandos's turning point with addiction, infidelity, and facing suicidal thoughts &ndash; The role of surrender and connection in moving through rock-bottom moments &ndash; How shame, worthiness, and self-connection relate to addiction and healing &ndash; The power of speaking the truth and vulnerability in men&rsquo;s work and relationships &ndash; Recognizing and breaking patterns of trauma bonding in volatile relationships &ndash; When and why it&rsquo;s healthy to let go of a relationship that&rsquo;s become too toxic or drama-filled &ndash; The importance of doing inner work: working on yourself to show up better in partnership &ndash; Facing old family patterns, impatience, and imperfection as a partner and parent &ndash; Real talk on the struggles of parenthood: impatience, mistakes, and embracing humanity &ndash; Practicing conscious parenting: modeling humility, self-regulation, and apology to your child &ndash; How a father&rsquo;s relationship with his daughter informs her view of masculinity and future partnerships &ndash; Making quality time and simple connection a priority in marriage &ndash; Relationship tools: carving out time for intentional sharing, listening, and repair (including the Imago dialogue practice) &ndash; The impact of performative gestures versus simple, consistent acts of care in keeping the spark alive &ndash; How curiosity and presence nurture ongoing intimacy and novelty in partnerships &ndash; The art of holding space, self-regulation, and loving your partner even when you&rsquo;re the target of their anger &ndash; Embracing imperfection in relationship and family life &ndash; Stef&rsquo;s new book, Tuned In and Turned On: A Path to True Connection, Deep Healing, and Lasting Love, and how it explores these teachings and practices in greater depth
Links from this episode
Stefanos Sifandos &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tunedinandturnedonbook.com/">Tuned In and Turned On - with Book Bonuses</a>
Stef&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stefanossifandos/">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://courses.risingwoman.com/path-to-conscious-love">The Path to Conscious Love</a> program for couples
The&nbsp;<a href="https://evolvingman.com/conscious-relationship-council/">Conscious Relationship Council </a>live program for men
<a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arkabrotherhood/1885683">The Arka Fire and Flow Men&rsquo;s Weekend</a> - Feb 26 to March 2nd
Keep an eye out for:
The Arka Talks Podcast &ndash; launching Feb 2026 (link to be shared upon release)

#105 - From infidelity to integrity: The Work That Keeps Love Alive - with Stefanos Sifandos

Kute Blackson is an author, speaker, and true spiritual visionary. In this episode, we dive deep into discovering your soul's true calling. We talk about Kute’s powerful journey leaving his father's shadow, navigating the unknown with courage, and how real transformation is about shedding old patterns to reveal your authentic self. 

Kute shares how surrendering to life's guidance opens doors you never expected, leading not only to personal success, but deep fulfillment. If you want some deep wisdom on how to “find your purpose”, this episode is rich with inspiration.

In this episode, we dig into:

– Kute Blackson’s inspiring journey as a spiritual visionary, speaker, and author.
– His story of upbringing in Ghana, Japan, and London, and his exposure to miracle work and spirituality from a young age.
– Kute’s early life speaking in his father’s churches and being named as his father’s successor at age 14.
– The internal struggle and courage it took for Kute to break away from his father’s path to follow his own calling.
– Key reflections on a man’s journey with his father and the pivotal coming-of-age moment of “facing the father.”
– Deep discussion on the concept of surrender – what it truly means and its role in personal evolution.
– Debunking common misconceptions about surrender as weakness or passivity.
– The spiritual principles of letting go, un-learning, and uncovering our true essence.
– The dance between intention, action, and surrender – how to tune into your soul’s calling without being overly attached to outcomes.
– The analogy of surrender in life to lovemaking and surfing, highlighting the balance between action and allowing.
– Practical insights on following intuition, even when the path is unclear.
– Kute’s green card “miracle” story and the power of trusting life’s guidance.
– The importance of embracing the “void” or unknown as a necessary space for growth and transformation.
– Kute’s journey to the US and the challenges of building a purpose-driven life from scratch.
– His first attempts at launching a talk show in Hollywood, the attachment to a specific vision, and obedience to deeper spiritual guidance.
– Kute’s transformative pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago and time in India, leading to new breakthroughs.
– The evolution of his work: from coaching one-on-one to leading international retreats and writing bestselling books.
– The vital distinction between laziness and true surrender – aligning with deep personal commitment over fleeting moods.
– The process and importance of generational healing, specifically the powerful healing and reconciliation with his father.
– How healing with his father impacted his own son and future lineage (“the generational wealth of consciousness”).
– The value of men’s groups and real stories in fostering true change and support.
– How Kute embodies and teaches deep listening, surrender, and walking the unknown path.

Links from this episode:

Kute Blackson’s Website
Kute’s Book: You Are The One 
Kute’s Book: The Magic of Surrender 
Soul Talk with Kute Blackson (Podcast) 
8 Levels of Gratitude (Free Online Course)

Evolving Man’s Conscious Relationship Council

The Freedom From Addiction Circle

Kute Blackson is an author, speaker, and true spiritual visionary. In this episode, we dive deep into discovering your soul's true calling. We talk about Kute&rsquo;s powerful journey leaving his father's shadow, navigating the unknown with courage, and how real transformation is about shedding old patterns to reveal your authentic self.&nbsp;
Kute shares how surrendering to life's guidance opens doors you never expected, leading not only to personal success, but deep fulfillment. If you want some deep wisdom on how to &ldquo;find your purpose&rdquo;, this episode is rich with inspiration.
In this episode, we dig into:
&ndash; Kute Blackson&rsquo;s inspiring journey as a spiritual visionary, speaker, and author. &ndash; His story of upbringing in Ghana, Japan, and London, and his exposure to miracle work and spirituality from a young age. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s early life speaking in his father&rsquo;s churches and being named as his father&rsquo;s successor at age 14. &ndash; The internal struggle and courage it took for Kute to break away from his father&rsquo;s path to follow his own calling. &ndash; Key reflections on a man&rsquo;s journey with his father and the pivotal coming-of-age moment of &ldquo;facing the father.&rdquo; &ndash; Deep discussion on the concept of surrender &ndash; what it truly means and its role in personal evolution. &ndash; Debunking common misconceptions about surrender as weakness or passivity. &ndash; The spiritual principles of letting go, un-learning, and uncovering our true essence. &ndash; The dance between intention, action, and surrender &ndash; how to tune into your soul&rsquo;s calling without being overly attached to outcomes. &ndash; The analogy of surrender in life to lovemaking and surfing, highlighting the balance between action and allowing. &ndash; Practical insights on following intuition, even when the path is unclear. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s green card &ldquo;miracle&rdquo; story and the power of trusting life&rsquo;s guidance. &ndash; The importance of embracing the &ldquo;void&rdquo; or unknown as a necessary space for growth and transformation. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s journey to the US and the challenges of building a purpose-driven life from scratch. &ndash; His first attempts at launching a talk show in Hollywood, the attachment to a specific vision, and obedience to deeper spiritual guidance. &ndash; Kute&rsquo;s transformative pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago and time in India, leading to new breakthroughs. &ndash; The evolution of his work: from coaching one-on-one to leading international retreats and writing bestselling books. &ndash; The vital distinction between laziness and true surrender &ndash; aligning with deep personal commitment over fleeting moods. &ndash; The process and importance of generational healing, specifically the powerful healing and reconciliation with his father. &ndash; How healing with his father impacted his own son and future lineage (&ldquo;the generational wealth of consciousness&rdquo;). &ndash; The value of men&rsquo;s groups and real stories in fostering true change and support. &ndash; How Kute embodies and teaches deep listening, surrender, and walking the unknown path.
Links from this episode:
<a href="https://kuteblackson.com/">Kute Blackson&rsquo;s Website </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-One-Adventure-Discovering/dp/1501127306">Kute&rsquo;s Book: You Are The One </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Surrender-Finding-Courage-Let/dp/0593421469/">Kute&rsquo;s Book: The Magic of Surrender </a><a href="https://kuteblackson.com/soultalk/">Soul Talk with Kute Blackson (Podcast) </a><a href="https://www.8levelsofgratitude.com/the-8-levels-of-gratitude">8 Levels of Gratitude (Free Online Course)</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/conscious-relationship-council/">Evolving Man&rsquo;s Conscious Relationship Council</a>
<a href="https://evolvingman.com/freedom-from-addiction-circle/">The Freedom From Addiction Circle</a>

To Be A Man - with Mark Groves

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