The Evolution of Men: Dan Doty on Maturity, Growth, and Parenting

What does it mean to be a “good man” today? In this profound conversation with Dan Doty, a leader in men’s work and fatherhood, we explore modern masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and the pressure of balancing traditional expectations with the demands of today’s world. Dan reflects on his journey from wilderness therapy programs to pioneering community spaces that foster connection and healing for men. Together, we discuss how fatherhood can serve as a rite of passage, challenging men to deepen emotional bonds with their families while confronting cultural narratives that inhibit vulnerability. Dan’s insights illuminate how shared experiences — like his Fatherhood Ready program and primal hunting excursions — help men reconnect with their sense of purpose and form meaningful, supportive communities. This episode is an invitation for men and women alike to embrace a more open, nurturing version of masculinity, fostering a healthier future for everyone.

Dan Doty is a father of 3, an outdoorsman, and the co-founder of Fatherhood Unlocked and Fatherhood Ready. In the past he was a therapeutic wilderness guide, the director of hit tv show MeatEater, and one of the founders of EVRYMAN. He has been featured on the Today Show, Men's Health, and the Joe Rogan Experience.

—Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherhoodunlocked/
—Dan’s Website: https://dandoty.com/
—Dan’s Podcast: https://www.fatherhoodunlocked.com/
— Dan’s Course: Fatherhood Ready: https://www.fatherhoodready.com/

If you want to dive deeper into Mark’s content, search through every episode, find specific topics we’ve covered, and ask him questions, go to his Dexa page: https://ask.markgroves.com/

Themes: Modern Masculinity, Fatherhood Journey, Men’s Work with Dan Doty, Emotional Vulnerability for Men, Redefining Masculinity 2024, Becoming a Better Father, Raising Emotionally Connected Men, Fatherhood Initiation, Balancing Tradition and Fatherhood, Dan Doty, Masculinity and Mental Health, Men’s Emotional Health, Parenting and Masculinity, Healing Father-Son Relationships, Men’s Emotional Growth Journey, Transformational Men’s Work, Fatherhood Rites of Passage, Primal Masculinity Experience, Men’s Wilderness Therapy, Breaking Emotional Barriers for Men

0:00:00 Intro
0:02:51 The Wilderness Therapy Journey
0:10:07 The Impact of Father-Son Relationships
0:12:24 Challenges for Modern Fathers
0:20:11 Embracing the Emotional Journey of Fatherhood
0:24:15 The Evolution of the Father's Role
0:29:23 The Complexity of Protecting Our Children
0:37:06 Fatherhood as an Initiatory Process
0:48:29 The Power of Men's Groups
0:58:09 Building Community for Expectant Fathers
1:06:01 The Primal Connection of Hunting

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