Episode 66

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Published on:

16th Apr 2025

Empathy as a Strength for Men

As a mindful, somatic coach and trainer, I've witnessed the profound impact that effective communication can have on our lives. In this episode, I explore the often-overlooked topic of men's struggle with sensitivity and empathy in a world that often discourages these traits.

The Challenge of Male Sensitivity

I share a personal story from my youth that illustrates the harsh societal expectations placed on men to suppress their emotions. This experience, along with countless others I've encountered in my work, highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift in how we view and nurture male sensitivity.

The Neurological Truth

Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that there's little neurological difference between male and female brains when it comes to empathy. This revelation begs the question: Are men naturally less empathetic, or has our culture conditioned them to suppress these innate qualities?

Reclaiming Empathy and Sensitivity

I offer insights on how men can reconnect with their emotional selves and create safe spaces for vulnerability. This process involves:

  • Recognizing the value of sensitivity in leadership and relationships
  • Finding supportive communities that celebrate emotional intelligence
  • Developing mindfulness practices to enhance self-awareness

The Power of Intentional Communication

We explore the immense impact our words can have on others and ourselves. By choosing our language with care and intention, we can become powerful forces for positive change in our relationships and communities.

A Call for Cultural Transformation

This episode serves as an invitation for all of us - regardless of gender - to examine how we can create a world that honors and nurtures our innate sensitivities. By doing so, we open the door to deeper connections, more authentic relationships, and a society that values the full spectrum of human emotion.

Whether you're a man grappling with your own sensitivity, someone who loves and supports sensitive men, or simply interested in fostering more empathetic communication, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for embracing our true selves in a world that often resists vulnerability.

Connect for Support and Coaching

If you or someone know resonates with this episode, reach out to me at TheMindfulCoach.com as I love to work with people on how to manage empathy.

The Gift and Burden of Empathy

Read more about how Empathy can be a gift and burden

Transcript
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Whether you're a man grappling with your own sensitivity, someone who loves and supports sensitive men, or simply interested in fostering more empathetic communication, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for embracing our true selves in a world that often resists vulnerability.

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About the Podcast

The Mindful Coach Podcast
Turning ordinary conversations into extraordinary experiences
Imagine you could uplevel every conversation you will ever have for the rest of your life. What would be the impact—professionally and personally?

How we show up in conversations—our presence, communication, and awareness—is the fastest way to improve the quality of our personal and professional lives. Yet, few people are ever taught how to cultivate this presence intentionally.

That’s what The Mindful Coach Podcast is all about.

In each episode, we explore the power of mindful communication—how awareness, somatic intelligence, and deep listening can turn ordinary conversations into extraordinary experiences. Through real conversations with coaches, leaders, and professionals, we uncover practical ways to build resilience, reduce reactivity, and create deeper connections with those we serve.

This podcast is also a gateway to a supportive professional community—the Mindful Coach Association (https://mindfulcoachassociation.com)—where mindful professionals gather to learn, connect, and grow in a space dedicated to authentic connection and skillful presence.

If you're ready to take this work further, check out my flagship program:
Mindfulness Communication and Presence for Professionals—an immersive training designed to help you cultivate presence, master communication, and transform your interactions in work and life.

If you're a coach, leader, or professional who values mindful communication and presence, visit The Mindful Coach (https://themindfulcoach.com) to learn more.

Join us as we explore what it truly means to show up—for ourselves, our clients, and the world.

Together, we are a mighty force.
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About your host

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Brett Hill

I'm a mindful somatic coach and coach trainer. I'm on a mission to help coaches be the best they can be, and the best way I know to do that, is to promote and encourage coach mindfulness. I created the Mindful Coach Method to help coaches learn the many great techniques and practices I've had the good fortune to learn and employ over the years.

But my interests go beyond training coaches and private practice.

I founded the Mindful Coach Association so coaches and other helping professionals who value mindfulness in their work can connect and collaborate. To help members be successful and tell their stories to the world. I launched the Mindful Coach Podcast.

Strangely enough, my interests in mindful communication align with my passion for technology.

After graduating with a degree in interpersonal communication, I became a technology expert and enjoyed a distinguished technical career. I frequently presented at technical conferences worldwide for companies like Microsoft, authored books, and was awarded Microsoft’s distinguished “Most Valuable Professional” award for nine years.

All my life I've been fascinated with how things actually work. That means looking deeply and seriously inside as well as at the world. How do our minds work? What are the limits of the human capacity to learn and understand? What creates unhappiness or joy?

I studied many inner practices, from common forms to very esoteric. I taught mindfulness and meditation in many forms. One of my most immersive studies was in Hakomi, a mindfulness-based somatic psychology, with founder Ron Kurtz. Also group dynamics under the guidance of Amina Knowlan, creator of Matrix Leadership. In addition, I taught beginning and advanced meditation for several years at the Lotus Center in Okla. City and established the Quest Institute meditation center in Dallas.

After obtaining several coach certifications, I created and teache The Mindful Coach Method to help “bridge the gap” so coaches can experience and use coaching presence, coach-centered mindfulness, and the somatic techniques he has found so essential in his work, yet are often missing in coach training.

I'm on a mission in my work as a coach, teacher, speaker, and author to help people be more present and connected to their authentic voice, and the world itself. I specialize in mindful communications and coach training so we can connect authentically, speak truly, and listen deeply. What does the world need more than this?

Certifications include International Coaching Federation, Somatic-Wellness & Mindfulness Coach, and Mindful Facilitator by the Institute for Organizational Mindfulness. He’s also an alumnus of the Inner MBA by Sounds True, and has hundreds of hours of training in Hakomi, Matrix Group Leadership, Martial Art, Contact Improvisation, and others.