In this deeply honest and often funny conversation, Danny and Tyler dive into the idea of the “learning state” — that mental posture of curiosity and humility that keeps us growing as men. They explore how and why many men shut it off, the role ego plays in stunting our growth, and what it actually looks like to turn it back on.

Through personal stories ranging from terrifying tarantula encounters to spreadsheets and pivot tables, they unpack the unexpected lessons that come from unexpected places. Tyler opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of chemo treatment and how certain medications can cloud mood, judgment, and relationships. Danny shares the surprising parallels between learning financial tools, training jiu-jitsu, and maintaining healthy male friendships.

Together, they break down:

• Why staying in a learning mindset is critical for relationships, work, and personal growth
• The difference between boundaries that build connection and boundaries that build walls
• How escalation works in arguments — and why “rules of engagement” matter
• Why asking better questions often matters more than having better answers
• The dangerous habit of giving too many passes and how it builds resentment
• How to navigate friendship and marriage when each person plays by different “rules”

This is a candid conversation that blends real-life struggle, practical takeaways, and a few moments of humor that could only happen between two friends who’ve been through a lot together.

Let’s get real: saying “no” is hard—especially when you’re exhausted, juggling life, health, and expectations. In this raw and no-BS episode, Danny and Tyler crack open what it really means to set boundaries as men. Danny shares his ongoing fight with cancer and how it's forced him to reevaluate everything from weed habits to people-pleasing. The guys dive into what healthy boundaries look like (spoiler: not ghosting, not snapping), why conflict avoidance is killing your peace, and how to stop being a doormat without turning into a jerk.

Also: paddleboard races, reggae jams, and a raffle win you won’t believe. This one’s equal parts gut check and good vibes.

🚧 Boundaries, Baby:

• How to define your “hell no” list (what you won’t accept, no matter what)
• Why saying “no” isn’t rude—it’s survival
• People-pleasing vs. self-respect: drawing the damn line

🧠 Mind Games:

• Rumination loops, mental fatigue, and that voice in your head that won’t shut up
• The difference between avoiding drama and avoiding yourself

🌿 Weed or Crutch?

• Medical marijuana: miracle relief or slippery slope?
• Danny’s honest look at using weed for nausea vs. just zoning out

💔 Family, Farts, and Fights:

• Fighting fair vs. character assassination (and the Gottman rules for not being a jerk)
• Bathroom boundaries, oversharing, and what not to do in a relationship
• Why calling your partner a name might be the beginning of the end

🏄‍♂️ SUP Life:

• Park City SUP throwdown: paddle races, reggae beats, and Danny’s raffle win
• Shoutout to Trent, Carla & the team—organizing a killer event despite mall cop interference

💬 Listener Takeaways:

• Boundaries are like muscles—they only work if you use them
• Say “no” kindly, firmly, and unapologetically
• You can be chill and assertive at the same time
• No one will protect your peace but you

In this deeply personal and raw episode, we peel back the layers of manhood, trauma, and transformation. Tyler and Danny dive into childhood experiences that shaped their emotional responses, reflecting on their relationships with their fathers and how those early lessons manifest in adult life, from silent retreats in the desert to childhood “gladiator fights” in school bathrooms.

Through powerful storytelling, moments of humor, and candid vulnerability, they explore generational cycles, the challenge of apologizing, and the pursuit of inner peace amidst life’s chaos. With discussions touching on mental health, shadow work, and men’s groups, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of masculinity and healing.

• The impact of childhood trauma and generational habits
• The struggle and importance of forgiveness
• Men’s mental health and emotional awareness
• The role of self-care and therapy in healing
• Silent retreats, breath work, and emotional resets
• Finding strength in vulnerability

Join the conversation, do the work, and fight your shadows—because peace starts with self-awareness.

Fighting Shadows: Fathers, Forgiveness & Finding Peace