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Masculine Leadership: Lessons from an Air Force Leader
What happens when men lead from control instead of competence? This episode explores how fear-based leadership damages teams—and how to reset your leadership style with grounded authority.

Former Air Force instructor and Space Force advisor Stephen DeGuzman joins the podcast to share powerful insights on:
– Why masculine leadership often defaults to control
– The difference between fear-based leadership and real influence
– How the military culture both helps and hurts leadership development
– What men can do to grow beyond old leadership habits
– Why trust, not intimidation, builds effective teams

🎯 Whether you’re leading in the workplace, at home, or in uniform—this episode offers a tactical reset for men who carry too much.

🧰 Download the free leadership worksheet:
https://americanmasculinity.gumroad.com/l/pytjp

📺 Watch the full video episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/l1tgh1oqZl0

📚 Book mentioned: Leaders Eat Last – Support us with this affiliate link
https://bookshop.org/a/112938/9781591848011

👤 Connect with Stephen DeGuzman on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-deguzman-2a4aa8143

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Masculine Leadership vs Fear-Based Control
05:12 – Leadership Lessons from the Military
14:37 – What Happens When You Micromanage
22:40 – Respect, Dignity, and Modern Masculinity
36:20 – Personal Reflections on Leadership Failure
51:00 – A Tactical Reset for Men Who Lead

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.

Send us a text

What if embracing the gender spectrum could make you a better man? In this episode, host Tim Wienecke — therapist, veteran, and men’s advocate — breaks down how to show up in gender-diverse spaces without shutting down or taking over.

You’ll learn:

• Why gender isn’t just identity politics — it’s personal
• How masculine traits got confused with toxicity
• Five practical rules to avoid being the asshole in non-masculine spaces
• Why being a “good guest” and a “good host” matters more than ever

Whether you're navigating new social spaces, trying not to get canceled, or just want to be a better friend, partner, or leader — this conversation gives you grounded tools to move with clarity, respect, and confidence.

📝 Download the free worksheet: How to Walk Into Non-Masculine Spaces Without Shutting Down or Taking Over
👉 https://americanmasculinity.gumroad.com/l/xvcnj

Leave shame at the door. Bring curiosity instead.

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.

Send us a text

What happens when masculinity is shaped by loyalty, religion, and unspoken family roles? This episode explores Latino manhood, machismo, and the pressure to show up strong—even when it costs you. A powerful conversation on cultural identity, spiritual healing, and what it takes to break the mold without breaking yourself.

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.

Send us a text

00:00 – What Is American Masculinity?
01:02 – Who Is Tim Wienecke?
02:06 – Reflections on MeToo and Cultural Shifts
03:11 – The Problem with "Toxic Masculinity"
04:21 – Right-Wing Masculinity Myths
05:40 – What This Podcast Is Actually About
06:57 – What You Can Expect Going Forward
08:19 – The 3 Questions I’ll Ask Every Guest
09:09 – Masculinity Lesson from My Father
12:18 – When Masculinity Hurt Me
16:00 – When Masculinity Empowered Me
18:30 – Final Thoughts and What Comes Next

Description:
Masculinity isn’t toxic—the polarized way we talk about it is.

In this first episode of American Masculinity, therapist, veteran, and longtime men’s advocate Tim Wienecke shares why he launched the podcast—and what’s missing from today’s conversations about being a man in America.

Drawing on years of clinical work with men, veterans, and first responders—plus award-winning advocacy in sexual violence prevention and LGBTQ+ allyship—Tim reflects on how cultural narratives about masculinity have become either rigid or performative, and how both ends of the spectrum fail real men.

This episode sets the tone for what’s to come: no yelling, no easy answers—just honest, grounded exploration of gender, identity, accountability, and the quiet work of becoming the man you want to be.

You’ll hear:
– Why “toxic masculinity” misses the point
– What Tim’s father taught him about showing up
– How chasing status with women became a trap
– Why the Air Force changed everything
– What this podcast promises to deliver

Books Mentioned:
📚 Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves
Support indie bookstores and check out the AMP reading list here: https://bookshop.org/shop/AmericanMasculinity

Note: This show offers insight and education but isn’t a substitute for therapy.

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.

Send us a text

A quick look at the who, what, and why of The American Masculinity Podcast. Meet host Timothy Wienecke—a therapist, veteran, and advocate. By the end of this 90 seconds, you just might care what another middle-aged white guy on the internet thinks about masculinity in America.

The American Masculinity Podcast™ is hosted by Timothy Wienecke — licensed psychotherapist, Air Force veteran, and men’s advocate.
Real conversations about masculinity, mental health, growth, and how men can show up better — as partners, leaders, and friends.
We focus on grounded tools, not yelling or clichés. If you have questions or want a tool for something you're wrestling with, leave a comment or send a message — your feedback shapes what we build next.
Note: While this doesn’t replace therapy, it might help you notice something worth exploring.