The Antidote to Being Left Out: How Men's Peer Groups Create Unconditional Support

In this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B and Dave sit down with Steven Ziegler, a man known as the ultimate connector who builds community wherever he goes. But what drives him? A deep-seated desire to ensure no one ever feels left out—a feeling he knew intimately as a kid.

Steve shares his 25-year journey with men's peer groups, which began with the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) in 2000. He reveals how a group that started with a business focus quickly evolved into an essential source of vulnerability, brotherhood, and unconditional support. He found that the draw might be business, but you stay for the vulnerability.

Dave, B, and Steve explore:

•The hidden loneliness entrepreneurs face and why business talk is just the "velvet curtain."

•The pain of losing a close friend who wasn't in a peer group, and the tragic, preventable outcome.

•The battle with the inner critic: Why his harshest judge is himself and the difficult work of self-forgiveness.

•A deeply moving story about taking his 80-year-old father on a final trip to Europe to heal old wounds and create a lasting legacy.

This episode is a testament to why men can't and shouldn't go it alone. It’s a story about evolving as a man, breaking negative patterns, and the profound impact of having a safe place to share your journey.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

(01:09) Why Steve joined his first peer group 25 years ago (it wasn't for pain).

(04:55) The draw was business, but he stayed for the vulnerability.

(08:45) Why some men were scared to go deeper and eventually left the group.

(11:20) Life without a peer group: "It'd be like going to the gym and just not having a plan."

(13:45) Hitting rock bottom after leaving a toxic business partnership.

(25:30) Steve's Superpower: The childhood reason he never wants anyone to feel left out.

(28:45) The challenge of self-forgiveness and cringing at past parenting mistakes.

(36:20) The tragic death of his friend Kurt, and why a peer group could have saved him.

(42:23) Steve Ziegler's "Why."

(44:12) A final, beautiful trip to Europe with his 80-year-old father.

Learn More & Get Involved with Steven:

Professional Bio of Steven

Company Website

About the Host:

The host of the podcast is B HaLevi, a Logotherapist (meaning-centered therapy), men's coach, and co-founder of Men's Peer Groups. Drawing from his personal journey as a third-generation suicide survivor and his professional experience as a former rabbi, B is on a mission to help men discover, articulate, and live their "Why."

Learn More About Men's Peer Groups

B's Website

#MensPeerGroup #Connection #Brotherhood #Vulnerability #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #Fatherhood #Legacy