1251: Respect Over Control and Rethinking Emotional Growth for Men With Chris Cullen

"A lot of good things happen when we grab control of that space between our first in our second thought. There's a lot of gifts that come from just taking agency back over your own thoughts before you act."

What happens when we stop trying to manage emotions and start taking responsibility for the space between reaction and choice? In this episode, Heather and Chris Cullen explore a deeper, more grounded conversation about emotional regulation, gender dynamics, and why so many well-intentioned approaches to growth and healing are failing most men. They talk about respect versus control, collaboration versus competition, and how reclaiming agency over our second thought can radically change the way we relate to ourselves, our partners, and our families. This isn't about "fixing" men or "watering down" women; it's about creating environments where both can actually show up differently.

What to listen for:
✨ Why men are realizing that the old ways of "managing emotions" aren't working
✨ What makes traditional therapy feminine in a way that doesn't always support men
✨ The men in your life aren't "unmotivated"; they just have different needs

"Men want to feel respected, women want to feel admired. Part of the respect is bringing us into the equation versus telling us what to do. Making it pro-social for a purpose bigger than you will help ignite that flame."

✨ How to create space for men to feel respected and supported in their growth
✨ When women reclaim their power, men will naturally show up differently
✨ Shifting into relationship as collaboration versus competition

"If you come to me with a chin up and chest out, like, 'You need to do this', you're probably getting it right back. And I don't know that that friction creates a great environment to express or feel."

✨ Your first thought may be reactive, but you're always in charge of your second thought
✨ It's not your spiritual journey to manage your children or partner's experience
✨ Navigating the fear of anger when the men in your life are struggling

About Chris Cullen:

Chris Cullen is a keynote speaker, author, and founder of Win Within, where he helps people and organizations unlock their best through mindset training. A former Division 1 athlete and two-time Ironman finisher, he brings real-world lessons on resilience, growth, and performance into his talks and workshops. Over a decade in the medical field, he generated more than $100M in sales and led high-performing teams across the U.S. and Canada before shifting his focus to mindset and culture. He is the author of I Get To: Change Your Words, Change Your Life, a book that explores how three simple words can transform self-leadership, performance, and workplace culture. Chris also serves as the mental conditioning coach for the University of Georgia softball team, guiding Division 1 athletes with tools to sharpen their mindset and identity. His work blends science, story, and strategy to help others lead themselves first—and thrive in life, sport, and business.

Connect with Chris Cullen:

• Website: https://www.chriscullen.com

• Instagram: @chriscullen_c3

• Book: I Get To: Change Your Words, Change Your Life: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-get-to-chris-cullen/1148030572

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