Why are so many men disconnected from their inner lives and what does it take to find the way back?

In this intimate and soul-stirring episode of The Masculine Wilderness Podcast, Andrew Carruthers invites us into a conversation many men never get to have about shame, emotional expression, and the quiet longing for authenticity. A former hairdresser turned Wayfinder, Andrew has spent years helping others navigate their emotional terrain, and now he’s sharing the raw truths and hard-earned wisdom that shape his work.

Together, Andrew and Tom explore the cost of silence in men’s lives, the weight of unspoken guilt, the armor of stoicism, and the stories that keep us from fully showing up. But this isn't a conversation about what’s wrong with men. It's a powerful reckoning with what’s possible for men: real emotional presence, radical self-awareness, and a return to community.

They go deep on the cultural rise of men’s work, not as a trend, but as a response to crisis. Andrew speaks directly to young men craving purpose, connection, and a path toward wholeness. His message is clear: you are not broken but must be brave enough to meet yourself.

If you're ready to drop the mask and step into something deeper, this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you feeling less alone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Masculine Wilderness Podcast

01:10 Andrew Carruthers: The Wayfinder Journey

03:19 From Hairdressing to Coaching: A Personal Evolution

09:49 Understanding the Clientele: Leaders and Educators

14:39 Masculine Mythology: Shaping Identity and Work

18:35 Emotional Presence: Challenges for Men

24:45 The Role of Shame in Men's Lives

25:36 The Cycle of Shame and Confirmation Bias

26:57 The Power of Men's Groups

29:09 Cultural Expectations of Masculinity

31:22 The Evolution of Men's Work

33:31 Emotional Expression in Older Generations

36:38 Tools for Emotional Awareness

39:20 Difficult Conversations for Older Men

41:47 Rites of Passage and the Role of Elders

45:01 The Openness of Younger Generations

47:21 Finding Enoughness and Community Support

49:14 New Chapter

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