Calling All MEN

02/12/2024

I remember that bird.
Screaming for help.

It was Chiang Rai, Thailand, 2016.
My life was so simple, so easy, so free

All I did was write my book, drink cappuccinos
Go for long runs in the hot afternoon sun,
Receive Thai massages,
Eat, drink and sleep.
For months on end.

The days passed by and I wasn't keeping track

But that bird.
It haunted me then.
It haunts me now.

There's a sound that a caged bird makes
That is different from a free bird.

Imagine...
To have wings to fly
But to be trapped in a cage.
Day after day.

Did it ever escape?
Or did it die in that cage?
I don't know it's fate.

As a teen boy
I'd sleep with the window cracked open
Just in case I needed to quickly escape

I feared not having an option
I feared being trapped
In a bad situation

I had motorbikes, 3-wheelers and a dune buggy
Ready for a fast escape

I knew dozens of ways to get into or out of
Our family home.

At 17 my mother tried to take the keys to my Firebird.
That was the day I left home
For good

That was the day
I refused to live my life in a cage
In any way.

For I am a phoenix.
I have wings.

All of the freedoms I now enjoy
Was very hard fought for
And all along the way

One of my great loves
In this one precious life...
Has been going back for my brothers

Once I have discovered a new life-changing degree of freedom
When I see them chained in a prison I escaped
I must go back for them

For we have only
This one, precious life.
Whether it's helping young guys

Break free from resentful dependence on parents
And leave home and their teen mentality
To stake out a life on their own terms.
As a man.

To helping young men
Break free from dependence on an employer
And leave their job and the employee mentality
To create a business and life of their own design
As an entrepreneur.

To helping men
Break free from the cultural box they are in
And leave their home country and cultural conditioning.
To live a life of wild international adventure
As an adventurer.

Over the last 15 years
Across the continents
I've taken many men (and women)
On transformational international escapades

I aim to provide an experience
That transforms them forever
I facilitate encounters with nature, with others and with themselves

That shift everything
Forever

And now I'm up to it again.
Link in the first comment (men only this time).

of Calling All MEN... apply!

07/11/2024

WHY YOUNG MEN WENT FOR TRUMP

"The young men ... were voting for a different view of history and human nature. In their world, individual greatness matters. Male ambition serves a purpose. Risk-taking and defiance create progress.

This is why the Trump victory ... signals a resurrection of old truths: that civilisation advances through the actions of remarkable individuals, that male traits can build rather than destroy, and that greatness—despite our modern discomfort with the concept—remains a force in human affairs."

What I learned about Trump’s landslide victory from one night in New York City.

02/11/2024

Who expects chaos, riots and violence in America between Nov 5 and Jan 20?

27/10/2024

I LIVE IN SUCH A RICH AND GENEROUS WORLD

This morning as we were waiting to be served breakfast on the beach, I carried my 12-month old daughter, Bella, down to the water to watch the local boys racing their hand-made sail boats.

These local boys live in an absolute paradise.

Back at the beachside restaurant, a German lady called out to Bella and I. We went over for a chat, and she confessed today was the last day of their week-long vacation.

They were so sad to be leaving, and returning to cold Berlin.

A good American friend of mine almost brought his family of six here on vacation for 2 weeks. It would have cost them about $35,000. In the end, he backed out, not because of the cost, but because it all seemed too complicated.

My little family and I are so so so fortunate...

We have been enjoying this, the most magical part of Zanzibar, for nearly 4 months now. Perfect turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, super welcoming locals, few tourists.

And we'll probably be here 2 more before heading to the Western hemisphere.

Yesterday, A local man who has become my friend has now invited us for the second time to go stay at his beautiful little home in the jungle near his village.

"Please, Michael, come stay as long as you want. You pay nothing."

This is an extra house he has been building, and he's inviting us to come stay as long as we wish--and for free.

I've received generous invites like this so many times all around the world over my 15 years of world travel.

So much so that I often feel I've got "the cheat codes" to life.

The invites to stay for free is one thing, but the richest part is the warm invitation by locals who then open up their whole world and share it with you.

But such doors don't open for tourists (who tend to pay top dollar for everything, even for the cheapest of stays or experiences).

Nor does it happen for many travelers.

And it would have never happened to me back when I was very American. I used to be an extreme individualist.

I rarely gave anything away. Nor did I ask for anything. I certainly didn't want any handouts, nor would i accept any charity.

Such was beneath me!

"I will earn everything myself, and you should do the same!" was my attitude.

I had no pity for the "moochers," and I never wanted to be one.

But after my deep and slow world travels, I am no longer the same man. And I don't live in the same world.

I am now at ease with the world, and I feel so blessed.

I have been so kindly welcomed and generously cared for all around the world so many times over... that I no longer see life or humanity the same way.

I grew up being suspicious of anything offered "for free." But the reality is, these invites are not "for free." They are instead a beautiful gift.

There's a big difference.

I'm convinced that if my American friends back home had tasted what I've tasted... and knew what I now know when it comes to world travel...

Most of the US migration would be going in the other direction.

OUT!

With yet another contentious US election coming up, I feel for my American compatriots.

I used to get so angry at times living in the US, what with the diminishing of liberties, the violation of rights, etc.

Since I've been gone now for 15 years, it no longer affects me.

I get to be amused by it all...

Observing from some peaceful paradise.

8 years ago before the 2016 election, I had been slow world traveling for 6-7 years...

And I wrote a little ebook:

33 WAYS to ENJOY FREE STAYS Around the World

If you'd like me to pop it over to you, comment Escape below.

I'm gonna get back to my little family now. ;-)

PS. Forget the "free" part of free stays. Every man should simply know how EASY and beautiful it can be to take off and travel the world for as long as you want.

Such a journey can transform you forever, in beautiful ways.

24/10/2024

SO MANY BOYS AND YOUNG MEN HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND

It's a crime, a sin and and an epic failure for fathers and elders to help their son avoid the pain and transformation of puberty with puberty blockers, changing gender identities and so on.

It's also a crime, a sin and an epic failure for fathers and elders to help their son avoid the pain and transformation of becoming a man, of heading into the world, leaving home, providing for himself, being held to account by other men, and discovering he has what it takes.

So many of us men have become so domesticated, emasculated, feminized and demoralized as males that we no longer support our sons and younger brothers to mature into men who can be counted on and trusted to lead.

There is fear, pain and shame a boy will feel upon undergoing either of these transformations. That is HOW you go from boyhood to manhood! Facing it head on, and walking through it.

So afraid are many angry single mothers and emasculated males that their son will become toxic, that they infantilize him and coddle him... not realizing that this is a great way to create toxic males who resent their mothers, resent their masculinity, resent their fathers, and are ready to do harm to themselves of others.

The way out of this vicious, toxic cycle is to support boys in going through especially these first to stages of initiation and transformation.

There's more beyond that, but every boy and young man has to start there.

Or he's fu**ed.

No thanks to those who call themselves his father/s, elders or elder brothers.

If you're a young man who wasn't well-fathered, eldered, initiated or mentored... reach out to me.

23/10/2024

MEN: There are real forces at work, not just to domesticate you and emasculate you, but to demoralize you.

The notion that your language and behavior at all times should be that which makes women, children and the marginalized comfortable is how you become declawed and de-neutered.

And the tearing down of your heroes, your God, your ancestors, your forefathers and your father is how you become demoralized.

You need time in men-only spaces (where feminized, hall monitor , angry single-mother-raised males are naturally mocked and bullied into respect that they are among men), because you need to be able to kill and to die if need be for your people, to face the most gruesome, vicious and horrific situations and not cower, but do what must be done. And fellow men need to trust that you will do your part as a man.

You need your heroes, and those who defend them--and you need to defend your heroes against those who would find all manner of ways to criticize them from the peanut gallery of those without nuts. Great men don't spend their lives cowering to make everyone comfortable and apologizing at every claim of offense.

Becoming a good man for your people, a mature and responsible man with noble intentions and a compassionate heart, should not come at the expense of your claws, your balls or your spirit.

Because when the hard times come, if you can't be counted on to stand up and do what is necessary, what kind of man are you?

20/10/2024

Those who espouse extreme "empathy" stances against protecting the border and protecting children from trans ideology are not just suicidal empathy.

It's also gaslighting men about their sacred role of protecting their people.

The movement to reflexively label men who want to protect their families and children as racist and transphobic is something every man has a duty to fight back against.

Men: You DO have sacred roles for your people.

It's not "toxic masculinity" to be on guard against potential harm to your country, your family and your children.

It is your sacred duty.

Don't be shamed into cowardice.

Do your duty.

Stand up for your people.

Even if they call you names or cancel you.

01/09/2024

Brunch with my sweetie in Zanzibar.

2 months on this beautiful island.

Life is too short nit to live a grand adventure.

24/08/2024

MEN: Does passion and s*x fade once you marry and/or have kids?

15/08/2024

THE ITALIAN GI**LO TEACHING ME ABOUT LOVE

18 years ago, I had a GREAT life:
- a single, happy, healthy, fit, confident young man
- living a free and daring life of my own making
- with my own business
- making a big difference in people's lives
- with my own transformational leadership work.
- working with inspiring visionaries, leaders
- who raved about my work and ther results
- living in the BEST city (Austin, TX) famous for i awesome music, nightlife and tons of beautiful single women
- in the "freest country in the world"
- surrounded by great friends and loving family

What I realized that year in 2006, is that years of sacrifice to achieve my dreams, success and happiness had come at a cost:

MY WILD ALIVENESS
RAW UNBRIDLED ADVENTURE
REALIZING PERSONAL DREAMS (of DATING BEAUTIES IN FAR OFF LANDS, for example)

I think many successful, responsible, happy men can relate.

I'd sacrificed these for so long
That so long became TOO long

As great as my life was, my soul YEARNED to be set loose!

After encountering a few wild souls in 2006 and 2007, this yearning was nurtured. These buried desires awakened.

And ultimately, I CHOSE to LET GO of it all... and set sail on a grand and wild international adventure that's lasted until now...

And now in 2024, I find myself once again, living a dream life.
This time with a baby girl and a beautiful sweetheart who could become my wife

We're raveling the world.
Currently enjoying the coast of East Africa and the island of Zanzibar.

BUT...

Another aspect of my Aliveness, my Passion and my Desire has been buried day by day...

In the final months of pregnancy and the 9 months post partum, there has been so much added responsibility and energy required of my sweetheart and I, that we'ere left with relatively little time or energy for the adventures, passion, intimacy we used to enjoy.

Welcome to fatherhood, right?

Not so fast...

Sure, the demands of fatherhood and providing for, protecting and guiding my young family have required great sacrifice of time and energy.

And, yes I know that MANY MEN SIMPLY ACCEPT that s*x, passion and intimacy must to a large degree be sacrificed with fatherhood and marriage.

But I refuse to believe it.

I'm ready to learn a new way.

And a teacher has appeared.

I've recently been learning from a retired Italian Gi**lo who speaks more about love than he does about s*x.

The first time I followed his simple instructions, my girlfriend wept. "I've never felt so close to you," she told me as I held her in my arms.

A new adventure has begun.

An adventure of far greater depth, intimacy and passion...

And I'm up for it!

06/08/2024

WHEN PURSUING FREEDOM, SUCCESS & HAPPINESS leaves you Alone, Empty and Devoid of Deep Purpose or Meaning

(The fate of so many men today.)

As so many men do today, I walked away from my religion.

Men who leave religion for Freedom tend to throw out a number of babies with the bathwater...

And end up alone, empty and purposeless.

Many end up dying of drug overdose or su***de.

One of the sacred values they tend to discard is a plethora of experiences of the holy and the sacred.... as well as the cultivation of the felt inner compass they may have once called The Holy Spirit.

Growing up Mormon, we were encouraged and trained to sense the subtle guide of a warm and peaceful feeling filling my chest that I'd have when I acted in line with (or considered acting in line with) God's will.

The narrative was that the Holy Ghost is with me and witnessing my thoughts and actions and communicating with me through this subtle feeling.

After leaving the religion of my upbringing and my family, I kept this relationship to this feeling as a guide. (In fact, it was instrumental in my choice to walk free from the religion, but that's a story for another day.)

I came to call this feeling Honor, and I hold it sacred to this day.

Outside of religious circles this feeling often goes nameless. People feeling it will tend to say something like, "I felt so good."

Soon after leaving the religion I came upon Ayn Rand's writings. She articulated an inspiring vision of an ideal man as one who stands up for his values and is true to his vision in the face of everything.

Indeed, there is Honor in standing up for one's values and vision, and being loyal and true to one's self in the face of a world that pressures you to conform, compromise and pretend.

But there is far more to Honor, and far more ways to cultivate Honor in one's life than this.

AND there are so many ways Honor can cultivate YOU as a man, a leader and a creator!

But so many men don't have a relationship with this powerful force within.

Without Honor, the pursuit of personal freedom and happiness can lead one to leave one's people--just as one might leave his religion.

It saddens me to see so many men today who, in the name of being "strong," "independent," "successful," or "free," sever bonds with loved ones, parents and friends when conflict arises.

So many men increasingly shrink their sphere of connection and responsibility with the illusion this will lead to "happiness" and "freedom."

A lot of success gurus support this. It's your life. Don't "waste your time" with "losers."

Your mother? She's a narcissist. Cut her out.

Your father? He's too controlling. Cut him out.

Your brother? Your sister? Your friend? You'll be better off without them.

For me, this would be impossible.

My Honor is at stake.

Honor CALLS me to stand up, not just for myself, but for my people.

Without a connection to Honor, I imagine that I too might chase endless personal freedom and happiness... and end up quite empty and alone with a sense that life is meaningless.

Compared to most I do have a LARGE degree of personal freedom (I'm currently living in Zanzibar) and happiness.

But I didn't find it by shrinking my circle of responsibility or cutting people off.

My freedom and happiness comes by living with Honor. And from Honor.

It's my mission to restore Honor in men's hearts and lives.

So that, yes they can live happy and free as uncompromised individuals who are true to their values and vision...

But also so they can become great men of and for their people.

29/06/2024

That moment at the end of your late night shower...

When you lift the bucket above your head to pour the remaining hot water over you...

You look up through the braches of papaya trees to see thousands and thousands of stars...

And you remember...

I'm in Africa!