The Power of Shared Experience
In this episode, Dr. Baruch HaLevi dives into one of the most transformative tools he teaches in men’s peer groups: the practice of experience sharing. Too often, men (and people in general) fall into the trap of giving advice—“you should do this”—which shuts down real connection and growth. Instead, Dr. B shows how shifting from fixing mode to sharing our own lived experience opens the door to authenticity, dignity, and transformation. Whether you’re a father, husband, coach, or simply someone striving to show up better in your relationships, this episode reveals how to move beyond advice-giving and step into true presence and empathy.==Join our Own Your Number Enneagram Program just for 98$, and well, own your relationships. Check out here: https://ownyournumber.defiantspirit.org/pages/home🔹 What You'll Learn: The danger of “should-ing” – how advice shuts down conversation and connection.Experience sharing explained – why telling your story helps others uncover their own solutions.From clergy to coach – Dr. B’s journey of learning to let go of giving answers.The dignity of free will – respecting others’ autonomy, even when they ask for advice.Peer group practices – how men’s circles use tapping and tools to shift out of fixing mode.Gestalt perspective – seeing the whole person instead of just their problem.📌 Timestamp Highlights:0:05 – Why men’s peer groups are so powerful and how tools apply to everyday life.0:43 – “Should-ing all over everyone”: the natural impulse to give advice.1:18 – How Dr. B’s background as a rabbi reinforced the expectation of having the answers.2:18 – The impact of giving advice: shutting down conversations with kids and peers.2:41 – Introduction to experience sharing as an alternative to advice.3:38 – Adapting the level of guidance for children at different ages (4 vs. 14 vs. 24).4:02 – Gestalt and the importance of seeing the “whole” rather than fragments.5:15 – Why even as a coach or therapist, Dr. B refuses to dictate choices.6:14 – Maintaining a man’s dignity and free will instead of giving the “easy out.”6:50 – Why listening, empathizing, and sharing experiences is the real path to transformation.🔔 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/Join our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/TheDefiantSpirit#Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
13 Okt 7min
Have You Cheated The Guy in the Glass? A Manifesto for Men.
In this deeply personal solo episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), host B shares the single most important poem he has ever read: "The Guy in the Glass." This poem is the key to understanding B's life's work and the haunting story at its core, the suicide of his father. B recounts in visceral detail how his father's final moments were spent dying by suffocation while staring at his own reflection in a mirror. This harrowing image has fueled B's 18-year journey to "take his father down from the rope" and serves as the central theme of his upcoming book of the same name. This episode is a raw exploration of self-worth, accountability, and the lies men tell themselves. B discusses:-His own journey from a ""superstar rabbi"" to the brink of suicide in Israel, where he felt worth more dead than alive.-The secret history of the poem and its original focus on ""pelf"" (ill-gotten gains), and why men are 16x more likely to die by suicide over financial issues. -The ""Rubik's Cube"" analogy for self-deceit and why you can't cheat the guy in the glass.-Why he passionately believes ""cancel culture"" is the societal version of what his father did to himself. This is more than a story of tragedy; it's a defiant call to action. It’s a mission to help every man look in the mirror and befriend, love, and respect the person staring back. It is the foundation of the 13 Minute Mission: to push back the devastating statistic of male suicide and help men choose life.In This Episode, We Discuss:(00:28) B recites the poem that changed his life, "The Guy in the Glass."(02:18) The haunting story of his father's suicide and his final moments staring in a mirror.(05:05) Why his father "canceled himself" and the destructive nature of judging a life by its worst moments.(08:47) The secret history of the poem and its original word, "pelf" (ill-gotten gains).(10:16) The shocking statistic: Men are 16x more likely than women to die by suicide over financial issues.(13:40) The mirror exercise: Why so many successful men can't look themselves in the eye.(15:51) How B's own success as a "superstar rabbi" made him lose respect for the guy in his glass.(19:51) The George Bailey moment: B's own journey to the brink and the "why" that kept him from taking his own life.(22:52) The "Rubik's Cube" Analogy: What happens when a man starts believing his own lies.(28:34) The 13 Minute Mission: Pushing back the statistic to save 2,888 men's lives this year alone. About the Host: The host of the podcast is B. B., 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: https://www.menspeergroups.com/B's Professional Website: https://www.bhalevi.com/Connect with B on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-halevi/#TheGuyInTheGlass #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #SelfRespect #PersonalAccountability #FindingYourWhy #Logotherapy #Podcast
9 Okt 29min
The Power of Clearing: Simple Tools for Stronger Relationships
Most men wait until tension boils over before they speak up. But what if you could prevent blowups by clearing the air while things are still small? In this episode, Dr. B introduces one of the most powerful men’s peer group tools: clearing. It’s simple, but not simplistic—and practicing it can transform trust, intimacy, and resilience in every relationship.Big Ideas CoveredWhat clearing is — a proactive way to “discharge tension” before it becomes conflict.Why it matters — unspoken slights erode trust over time; small honesty creates big safety.How it works — in peer groups, men go around and state who they are “clear” with and why.Learning to say hard things — practicing honesty in a kind, direct way.Learning to hear hard things — resisting defensiveness, fixing, or turning it back.Why “clear is kind” — Brené Brown’s reminder that avoiding truth is actually unkind.Everyday examples — spinach in teeth, a missed email, a forgotten reply; courage is in the little things.Real courage — not just running into burning buildings, but keeping your heart open in conversation.Notable Moments:[00:06–01:20] What is clearing? — A tool to release steam before small issues become big problems.[01:23–02:00] How it looks in practice — “I’m clear with John… I’m not clear with James, here’s why.”[02:52–03:48] Learning to hear hard things — Receiving without defensiveness, fixing, or firing back.[04:39–05:26] The spinach test — Why not speaking up about the little things erodes trust.[05:41–06:12] Brené Brown reminder — “Clear is kind, unclear is unkind.”[06:17–06:41] Courage redefined — True courage is saying and hearing the hard things that keep our hearts open.Clearing is simple, repeatable, and transformative. It builds muscle for honesty, compassion, and courage—whether with your wife, your friends, or your team. Want to go deeper?
6 Okt 6min
"My Badge Was a Mask": The Breaking Point That Ended a 19-Year Police Career
In this powerful episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B sits down with Jared Wasmek, a retired police officer with a remarkable story of healing and transformation. Jared is a gentle soul—an artist, a helper, a peacemaker. So how did he end up spending 19 years in law enforcement? To fill a void, he put on the badge like a mask, hoping the uniform would make him feel noble and special. For nearly two decades, Jared absorbed the trauma of the streets. As a natural empath, the constant negativity manifested in over 30 debilitating physical and mental symptoms. He was the department's peer support expert, yet he was the last person to see how broken he had become. This is the story of his shattering. Jared shares the vulnerable moment he finally asked for help, walking away from his career and feeling completely fractured. But in that brokenness, he discovered a profound truth: it was his persona, not his spirit, that had been destroyed. His healing journey began with an unusual retirement gift from his fellow officers: not a gun, but a yoga study. Today, Jared has turned his pain into purpose. He is the founder of Second Response, a peer support organization dedicated to helping first responders find connection, heal from trauma, and learn that they are not alone. In This Episode, We Discuss:(02:45) Jared's identity as a peacemaker and why he became a police officer to "fill a void."(09:30) Nicknamed "Father Was" because of his unique ability to get confessions.(12:15) As an empath, how he took on the negative energy of the job, leading to 30+ physical symptoms.(24:00) "I was invincible until I wasn't": The slow breakdown and burnout from years on patrol.(29:00) Being the department's peer support expert while completely ignoring his own trauma.(33:43) The moment he realized, "I can't do this alone anymore."(39:00) Leaving his career and feeling completely broken, fractured, and in despair.(44:00) The unusual retirement gift he received from his fellow officers that started his healing journey.(49:15) His new mission founding Second Response to bring peer support to first responders.(55:00) The embarrassing, vulnerable story he kept secret for years and the healing power of sharing it with peers. About the Guest:Jared Wasmek is a retired 19-year veteran of law enforcement and the founder of Second Response, an organization providing peer support and resources for first responders. After a medical retirement due to cumulative PTSD, Jared dedicated himself to a journey of healing, embracing modalities like yoga and peer connection. He now uses his experience to help other first responders navigate the unique traumas of their profession. Website: https://www.secondresponse.net/ Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-wasmek-3b4a53230/ 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: https://www.menspeergroups.com/B's Website: bhalevi.com#FirstResponders #MentalHealth #Police #PTSD #TraumaRecovery #PeerSupport #LawEnforcement #HealingJourney
2 Okt 1h 2min
This Isn't About Suicide; It's About Thriving. My Manifesto for Men.
In this powerful solo episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), host B lays his soul bare to reveal the raw, personal mission behind his work with men. He starts with the tragic statistic that gives the podcast its name: every 13 minutes, a man in America takes his own life. For B, this isn't just a number, it's the story of his father, his hero, who he lost to suicide 18 years ago. B shares his unapologetic views on accountability, why he refuses to "whitewash" his father's legacy, and how that loss fueled his life's purpose. He then reveals for the first time his own journey to the brink, standing on the 13th floor of a building in Israel, feeling worth more dead than alive after leaving a successful career as a rabbi. This episode is a manifesto for life. It's about facing the inevitable "shatterings" of life, divorce, disease, death, despairand diving into the darkness to find the sparks of meaning. Learn why men isolate themselves, the difference between "buddies" and "brothers," and how finding your "Why" is the ultimate antidote to despair. This isn't just about surviving; it's a roadmap for thriving. In This Episode, We Discuss:(00:45) The story behind the podcast's name and B's father's suicide.(04:36) Why true friendship for men means dropping the mask and creating a brave space.(07:55) "The Shattering": How all great things, from the Big Bang to personal growth, begin in brokenness.(11:25) Darkness Diving: The Logotherapy practice of finding meaning in life's most difficult moments.(13:21) Reframing midlife challenges, like dropping testosterone, as an opportunity for deeper intimacy.(18:05) The shocking statistic: 80% of all suicides are male—one every 13 minutes.(20:26) B's personal story of almost committing suicide in Israel and the "Why" that kept him alive.(25:08) This isn't a podcast about suicide; it's a podcast about life and why you need "Why Awareness."(30:39) The mission of Men's Peer Groups and how they create a tribe of brothers to hold men accountable. 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#MensMentalHealth #FindingYourWhy #SuicidePrevention #Logotherapy #ViktorFrankl #PersonalGrowth #Thriving #Podcast
25 Sep 34min
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 StevenCompany 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
18 Sep 49min
From a 9mm in His Mouth to Saving Veterans' Lives | Deke Letson's Journey
On this episode of 13 Minutes (The Podcast), B and Dave sit down with Army veteran Deke Letson. Waking up in a jail cell after a DUI was just the beginning of his downward spiral. It led to losing his job and a moment of ultimate despair with a 9mm pistol in his mouth. In that darkest moment, the thought of his children became his reason to live. In this raw and powerful conversation, Deke opens up about the invisible wounds of war, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he didn't know he had, a painful relationship with his alcoholic father, and the crushing loneliness that pushes so many men to the brink. This is a profound story about breaking generational cycles, turning pain into purpose, and the incredible healing power of the outdoors. Deke shares how he went from the edge of suicide to founding Veterans Exploration Therapy (VET), a nonprofit that uses adventure to help veterans and their families reconnect and heal. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt hopeless, struggled to find their purpose, or wants to understand the battle many veterans face after returning home. In This Episode, We Discuss:(0:00) Introduction to Deke Letson's journey.(5:15) The pain of an estranged relationship with an alcoholic father.(8:30) Rock Bottom: The DUI that changed everything.(10:05) The 9mm Moment: Why he chose not to pull the trigger.(18:45) The shocking TBI diagnosis that explained everything.(22:10) How a class project became a life-saving nonprofit: The birth of VET.(29:00) Using adventure therapy to push past fear and build trust.(35:25) His kids saw him at his worst; now they see him as a role model.(40:10) How you can support VET and save lives. Learn More & Support:Support Deke's Mission at VET: https://www.vetxtherapy.org 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: https://www.menspeergroups.com/ B's Website: bhalevi.com #MensMentalHealth #Veteran #SuicidePrevention #Podcast #Inspiration #FindingYourWhy #PTSD #TBI #RecoveryStory
11 Sep 40min
A Man Commits Suicide Every 13 Minutes. Here’s How We Fight Back.
Every 13 minutes, a man in America takes his own life. It’s a silent epidemic fueled by loneliness, isolation, and the pressure to "be tough." But what if there was a powerful antidote? On this episode of 13 Minutes, co-founder Dave Mann answers one simple question: Why does every man need a peer group? He shares his raw, personal story of how, at 27, he was a "philanderer and a liar" on the verge of being divorced and bankrupt. His turnaround didn't come from a book or a guru—it came from the structured, supportive container of a men's peer group. Dave and B break down the essential framework that makes these groups transformational, moving far beyond casual hangouts. Discover the "Four C’s" that are the bedrock of a healthy men's group:-Commitment: What it truly means to be impeccable with your word.-Confidentiality: Creating a brave space to share without judgment.-Clearing: A powerful communication tool to release tension before it builds.-Compassion: The key to becoming a "compassionate warrior," not just a "nice guy" or an "asshole."Whether you're a man who feels like you're carrying the world alone, or a spouse who wants the man in your life to find purpose and connection, this episode is a roadmap. Learn why telling a man what to do often fails, and how an invitation to "Experience Share" can change everything. In This Episode, We Discuss:(00:45) Dave’s Story: How peer groups saved him from being "divorced and bankrupt."(02:40) The charge to "Be a Mensch" and why men need a roadmap to get there.(07:15) The difference between a fraternity and an intentional men's peer group.(11:05) Why "shoulding on someone" shuts men down and what to do instead.(18:35) The "3 C's" missing from many men's lives: Discipline, Commitment, and Compassion.(29:30) Confidentiality: Creating an impenetrable "brave space" for men.(36:30) Clearing: The communication tool that can save a marriage.(46:15) This isn't about being a "nice guy"; it's about being a "compassionate warrior."(48:45) The 13 Minute Mission: How we can save 2,888 men's lives this year. Learn More & Get Involved:Share this with a man in your life. It could be the invitation he's been waiting for. 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 GroupsB's Website #MensPeerGroup #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Masculinity #Brotherhood #PersonalGrowth #Communication #SaveMensLives #Enneagram #EnneagramType #EnneagramTest #Man #Men #DefiantSpirit #DrBaruchHaLevi #Communication #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualGrowth
4 Sep 50min
