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“When we show up as our most authentic self and run the risk of vulnerability, I actually get to know you,” says Mike Salemi, host of The King Within podcast, who returns to center stage for a powerful reflection on masculinity, fatherhood, and reclaiming grounded leadership. In this deeply personal episode, Mike Salemi unpacks the evolution of his show—from its origins as “The Path” to the focused message of The King Within—revealing how his own journey through self-limiting beliefs, family legacy, and the birth of his son Luca inspired a complete transformation.

Mike Salemi shares how true maturity and leadership require integrating vulnerability with strength, and offers a new definition of “king”: not a distant ruler or tyrant, but a man with inner sovereignty, responsibility, and presence. Supported by Harry Duran, Mike's new podcast producer and recent Men of Movement retreat attendee, they discuss the need for men’s work now more than ever—and why most men are desperately seeking connection and authenticity beneath layers of success and external achievement.

Tune into The King Within to learn why the balance of masculinity and vulnerability is so essential—and what it truly means to be a leader your family runs toward, not away from.

5 Key Takeaways

3:04 How do you overcome limiting beliefs and fears when starting a new project like launching a podcast?

7:49 Why is it important to be intentional and focused about the audience and message of your work or podcast?

12:34 How can the concept of "the king within" be redefined to represent mature and responsible leadership?

15:14 What are the different approaches to men’s work, and why is balancing vulnerability and strength essential?

20:38 What practical topics and strategies will help men cultivate responsibility and presence in their everyday lives?

Memorable Quotes

"When we show up as our most authentic self and run the risk of vulnerability, I actually get to know you less about the mask that you wear or who you think you need to be to show up."

"The grounded king, or the king within, is someone who's rooted in their core values, not necessarily the values that they inherited from their parents. Nothing against our parents, but most men specifically, and most people in this world, are regurgitating a script that they inherited from father to son, great grandfather, grandfather, etc."

"I'm realizing that presence is the currency of fatherhood. He doesn't care how much money I'm making. He doesn't care. All he wants is Papa to go to the park. Papa, play with me. Papa, be with me."

Connect with Harry

Harry's done-for-you podcast agency, FullCast: https://fullcast.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamharryduran/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryduran/

Work With Mike

(mention you saw this on the podcast for a listener-only discount)

The Grounded King (group coaching) - https://thegroundedking.com

Men of Movement Retreat - https://www.menofmovement.com/

1:1 Coaching - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/1-1Coaching

Programs (use code 'PODCAST' for an additional 10% discount)

Kettlebell Lifestyle - https://www.kettlebelllifestyle.com/

Mastering the Kettlebell - https://www.masteringthekettlebell.com/

Athleticism for Life (Bulgarian Bag training) - https://mikesalemi.kartra.com/page/BulgarianBagProgram

Bulgarian Bag Certifications - https://coaching.mikesalemi.io/bulgarianbagcertifications

Connect with Mike

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mike.salemi/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSalemi

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalemi111/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mike.salemi.583

X/Twitter - https://x.com/mike_salemi