Welcome to the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, where we explore thought-provoking conversations and personal journeys that inspire, motivate, and challenge us to navigate life's complexities and discover our inner strength. In this episode, "Unveiling Masculinity: Nico Lagan's Bold Journey to Empower Men," our host, Wize El Jefe, engages in a compelling and raw conversation with the insightful and passionate Nico Lagan, an entrepreneur, men's coach, and host of The Nico Lagan Show. Together, they delve deep into the struggles and triumphs of masculinity, personal growth, and the pursuit of purpose.As the episode unfolds, it sets a poignant tone with the revelation that 33% to 40% of boys today are growing up without their fathers due to divorce rates. Nico Lagan sheds light on the lack of understanding and guidance on what boys should aspire to in life, lamenting the societal idolization of sociopathic behaviors and the absence of empathy in teachings. He boldly challenges the notion of becoming a self-made millionaire and emphasizes the need for nurturing relationships and seeking guidance, highlighting the disappearance of communities and relationships with neighbors as a significant loss.The conversation explores the contrasting dynamics of living in big cities versus smaller communities, with the latter being portrayed as more caring and community-oriented. Nico passionately emphasizes the significance of interconnectedness, accountability, and serving others, positioning these values as crucial elements in shaping masculine identity and holistic well-being.The episode further unfolds as Nico Lagan addresses criticism of his approach to advocating for masculinity with unyielding defiance, elaborating on the importance of speaking out and rejecting the need to tiptoe around opinions in today's society. He candidly shares his personal journey, attributing his turbulent past of addiction and drug dealing to the absence of a father figure in his life, and how this propelled him to transform his suffering into a catalyst for empowering men.Nico's journey takes a raw and unflinching turn as he recounts his own struggles, including dropping out of school, battling addiction, and engaging in criminal activities as a means of coping. His journey becomes a powerful testament to the impact of male influence in shaping boys into men, as he candidly discusses the negative ramifications of not having a positive male role model. The narrative becomes enriched with personal anecdotes, such as an example of how Canadian laws can unfairly favor women in domestic violence situations, refocusing attention on the unique challenges and dangers that men encounter in today's society.As the conversation progresses, a powerful theme emerges, emphasizing the transformative nature of suffering and hardships, while simultaneously challenging the norms concerning masculinity. Nico and Wize discuss the purposefulness of their struggles, echoing Bruce Lee's perspective on facing the adversities of life and the personal growth that accompanies it. Inspiring beliefs are shared, such as the Egyptian mythological concept of having a lighter heart than a feather as a measure of living a good life, instilling a powerful sense of purpose and accountability.The episode continues to weave a tapestry of personal experiences, emphasizing the impact of not having closure with one's biological father and the profound journey towards finding meaning and purpose through self-reflection and restoration. The narrative evolves into a rich exploration of midlife crises, the pursuit of meaningfulness in life, and the resilience to confront personal struggles that characterize the essence of masculinity.The episode takes an introspective turn as Wize El Jefe opens up about his own experiences of feeling lost and purposeless, grappling with personal tragedies and embarking on a path of self-discovery, ultimately finding solace through podcasting and the positive impact of sharing stories. Their shared exploration of spirituality and the quest for purpose becomes a poignant thread that intertwines their stories and resonates with listeners, instilling a sense of hope and empowerment.Nico Lagan's courage and unwavering commitment to living authentically and sharing his message shine through as he discusses stepping away from societal expectations and following his personal calling. His book "Purpose," rooted in his personal journey of navigating a midlife crisis, becomes a beacon of inspiration, offering a guide to embracing personal legend and overcoming challenges. His transition out of a corporate job during the COVID-19 pandemic to a remote wooded area serves as a testament to the transformative power of embarking on a journey of self-discovery and reconnecting with purpose.In closing, the episode encompasses heartfelt messages of appreciation for essential workers and the powerful reminder that change begins with one person at a time and one community at a time. It is an enriching, soul-stirring narrative that challenges societal norms, uplifts the spirit, and encourages listeners to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, purpose, and empowerment.This episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast encapsulates a powerful narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the unyielding pursuit of purpose, leaving an indelible mark on listeners and empowering them to navigate life's complexities with courage, authenticity, and a renewed sense of purpose.