Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 126: “How to Stop Procrastinating and Take Action”
In this episode, Mark tackles the ever-present challenge of procrastination that keeps so many people from reaching their true potential. He delves into why procrastination is often the “death meal” of personal progress, blocking us from taking steps toward our goals and fulfilling lives. Mark offers a candid look at how procrastination shows up not only in our work but also in our relationships, where many men avoid emotional work because it isn’t “fun” or comfortable. He sheds light on the science behind procrastination, explaining how our anticipation of discomfort is often worse than the task itself.
To combat procrastination, Mark emphasizes the power of accountability systems and the need to face the root fears that fuel avoidance. He also provides practical advice, including breaking tasks into manageable steps and setting time limits, to help listeners develop productive habits.
Highlights:
- Procrastination as the “Death Meal” of Life: Mark discusses how procrastination can sabotage goals and hinder a fulfilling life. He addresses the universal struggle with procrastination and its impact on achieving what matters most.
- Relationship Work Isn’t Always “Fun,” But It’s Necessary: Mark challenges the common view of relationships as purely recreational and emphasizes the importance of doing the necessary emotional work, which many men tend to delay or avoid.
- The Anticipation of Pain is Worse Than the Actual Task: Referencing research, Mark explains how the anxiety and fear leading up to a task are often more distressing than doing the task itself.
- The Power of Accountability in Overcoming Procrastination: Mark shares his personal strategies for using accountability to stay on track and prevent procrastination, highlighting the value of accountability partners and systems.
- Identifying and Addressing Root Fears Behind Procrastination: Mark guides listeners through a process of uncovering the fears and limiting beliefs that cause them to procrastinate, encouraging introspection to identify what’s holding them back.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 125: “How to Stop Being so Emotional”
In this episode, Mark dives into the importance of emotional awareness and healthy expression for men. He sheds light on the pressure men face to suppress their emotions and the impact it has on their relationships and personal growth.
Mark introduces practical tools, like the Feelings Wheel, to help men understand and communicate their emotions more effectively. The conversation further explores the power of self-love and self-acceptance as foundational for meaningful connections, and Mark challenges men to break cycles of emotional neglect to become better partners, fathers, and individuals.
Highlights:
- Emotional Awareness & Expression for Men: Mark discusses why men struggle with processing emotions and the importance of honoring their feelings.
- Societal Pressure to Suppress Emotions: Exploring how societal norms push men to avoid vulnerability and the benefits of breaking free from this mindset.
- Understanding Emotions vs. Feelings with the Feelings Wheel: Mark introduces the Feelings Wheel as a tool for men to dig deeper into their emotions beyond surface reactions.
- Self-Love and Acceptance as the Key to Connection: Emphasizing self-love as essential for men to build genuine connections with others.
- Breaking Cycles of Emotional Neglect: Mark challenges men to reflect on the impact of past neglect and make positive changes in their relationships.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 124: “Why You Must Kill Complacency”
In this episode, Mark unpacks lessons from the Patriots’ legendary Super Bowl LI comeback and explores the power of relentless commitment. He highlights Tom Brady’s competitive spirit, the importance of building consistent habits, and embracing accountability to overcome personal challenges, including the “father wound.”
Highlights:
- Historic Comeback Insight: Mark reflects on how the Patriots’ resilience against the Falcons demonstrates the dangers of complacency.
- Competitive Spirit: The value of relentless improvement over resting on past successes, applicable in sports, relationships, and personal growth.
- Building Consistent Habits: Key steps for men to overcome challenges: develop habits, adopt a strategic mindset, and embrace accountability.
- Overcoming the “Father Wound”: Embracing accountability as a growth tool rather than a source of shame.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 123: “What Story Are You Telling Yourself?”
In this episode, Mark dives deep into the power of stories and how they shape our perspectives and actions. Whether it’s through movies, sports, or our personal lives, the stories we tell ourselves can either empower us or keep us trapped in harmful patterns. Mark challenges participants to take a hard look at the narratives they’ve created and make the shift from victimhood to empowerment.
Highlights:
- The Power of Stories: Mark discusses how we’re all drawn to stories and explains how the narratives we create about our lives aren’t always based on reality.Commitments vs. Convictions: True commitment stems from deep personal conviction.
- Manipulating Through Stories: Andrew shares how he tried to win back his wife through manipulative actions, which Mark calls out, stressing the importance of genuine self-care over external validation.
- Shifting from Victim to Empowered: Carlos opens up about how he changed his mindset from being a victim to owning his actions, marking a pivotal step in his personal growth.
- Overcoming Guilt and Building Trust: Adam shares his struggle with guilt after abandoning his family, and Mark encourages him to take ownership, move from guilt to conviction, and rebuild trust.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 123: “What Story Are You Telling Yourself?”
In this episode, Mark dives deep into the power of stories and how they shape our perspectives and actions. Whether it’s through movies, sports, or our personal lives, the stories we tell ourselves can either empower us or keep us trapped in harmful patterns. Mark challenges participants to take a hard look at the narratives they’ve created and make the shift from victimhood to empowerment.
Highlights:
- The Power of Stories: Mark discusses how we’re all drawn to stories and explains how the narratives we create about our lives aren’t always based on reality.Commitments vs. Convictions: True commitment stems from deep personal conviction.
- Manipulating Through Stories: Andrew shares how he tried to win back his wife through manipulative actions, which Mark calls out, stressing the importance of genuine self-care over external validation.
- Shifting from Victim to Empowered: Carlos opens up about how he changed his mindset from being a victim to owning his actions, marking a pivotal step in his personal growth.
- Overcoming Guilt and Building Trust: Adam shares his struggle with guilt after abandoning his family, and Mark encourages him to take ownership, move from guilt to conviction, and rebuild trust.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 122: “Turning Your Conviction into Commitment”
In this episode, Mark dives deep into the core principles of transformation, focusing on personal accountability, true commitment, and the importance of discipline. He emphasizes that real change starts with taking ownership of one’s actions rather than blaming external factors.
Through personal stories and examples, Mark outlines the difference between making commitments and staying true to them through conviction. He challenges men to examine where they fall short in relationships, finances, and personal growth, stressing the importance of consistent action and focus.
Highlights:
- Accountability and Ownership: Owning your actions is the first step towards growth.
- Commitments vs. Convictions: True commitment stems from deep personal conviction.
- Focus and Discipline: Consistency and discipline are key to real transformation.
- Becoming a Better Man: Honest self-assessment and vulnerability are essential for growth.
- Next Steps and Resources: Mark introduces his 5-day challenge for those ready to commit to positive change.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 121: “How Victim Energy is Killing Your Marriage”
In this episode, Mark dives into the concept of “victim energy” and how it impacts personal growth and relationships.
Highlights:
- Victim Energy Defined: Mark explains how victim energy is characterized by blaming external circumstances and people for personal problems. This mindset limits growth and destroys personal responsibility.
- The Origins of Victim Mentality: Mark traces the origins of victim mentality to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, showing how blaming others has been a human tendency for centuries.
- Dangers of Victim Energy: Discover how choosing to be a victim can disempower you, rob you of confidence, and block your ability to take action in your life.
- Breaking Free from Victim Mentality: Learn strategies to overcome victim energy by identifying feelings of helplessness, being emotionally vulnerable, and taking responsibility even in challenging situations.
- Fatherhood’s Role in Ending Victim Cycles: Mark discusses how strong, emotionally connected father figures can break cycles of victimhood and create lasting positive change.
- Real-Life Application in Marriage: Mark provides a marriage example where victim energy plays out in defensiveness, highlighting the need for empathy and accountability to resolve conflicts.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 120: “How to Lead Your Wife Back to the Marriage”
In this episode, Mark delves into the challenges of leading your wife back to the marriage. Using the analogy of Frodo’s journey from The Lord of the Rings, he explains how many men long to return to a perfect past in their relationship.
Mark emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness and vulnerability, which are crucial to rebuilding connection and trust.
He also introduces the TSC model—Time, Space, and Consistency—as a guide for men to regain influence and lead their wives effectively. Tune in to learn how patience, personal growth, and leadership can transform your marriage.
Highlights:
- Emotional Awareness & Vulnerability: Emotional vulnerability is essential for men to rebuild connection with their wives. Mark explores the importance of being in touch with one’s emotions and the role it plays in intimacy.
- Leadership & Influence in Marriage: Mark explains that leadership in marriage is not about control but about influence. He emphasizes the role of personal growth in regaining influence and leading in the relationship.
- The TSC Model: Time, Space, and Consistency: Introducing the TSC Model, Mark provides a framework to help men rebuild trust and connection by giving their wives Time, Space, and Consistency. This approach teaches men patience and persistence in their efforts to heal the marriage.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 119: “How to WORK on Yourself”
In this episode, Mark breaks down what it really means for men to do the “work” on themselves, especially in the context of divorce, separation, and personal growth. Mark emphasizes that true self-improvement is about more than just reading books or watching videos—it’s about embracing vulnerability and doing the uncomfortable things that lead to real transformation. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries, avoiding codependency, and seeing painful experiences like separation as opportunities for growth.
Highlights:
- Defining the Work: Mark highlights the difference between passive learning and actively doing the hard work to improve oneself.
- Dealing with Divorce/Separation: Mark advises men going through separation on how to focus inward and take ownership of their growth.
- Setting Boundaries: The importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding codependent relationships during difficult times.
- Personal Transformation: Viewing separation as a chance to rebuild and create a better future, even when it’s painful in the moment.
- Recap and Action Steps: Mark wraps up with actionable steps for continuing the journey of personal growth.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
Empowered AF 2.0 – Episode 118: “Q & A with Mark Santiago”
In this episode, Mark dives deep into the most critical questions men face when trying to save a marriage. Whether you’re wondering if it’s time to let go, navigating the pain of separation, or dealing with a mentally ill spouse, Mark provides actionable advice on how to become the best version of yourself in the face of adversity.
Highlights:
- Deciding When to Give Up on a Relationship – Brant asked how to know when it’s time to give up on a relationship. Mark shared his personal experience, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement rather than chasing reconciliation with an unwilling partner.
- Navigating Separation and Divorce – Robert opened up about his wife leaving, filing for divorce, and his journey of rebuilding himself while maintaining a relationship with his children. Mark stressed focusing on personal growth and avoiding harmful coping mechanisms.
- Saving a Marriage with a Mentally Ill Spouse – Tony asked how to navigate marriage with a spouse dealing with mental illness. Mark advised that in some cases, like with severe mental health conditions, the relationship may be too toxic to save, and the healthiest option might be personal growth and co-parenting.
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YOUR journey of healing starts with trusting the Empowered Man process and a $27 buy-in. If you can’t afford that, then you are doing the wrong work. You are paid commensurate to your value — so create more value.
