Episode #122 - Why Men Pull Away: Unpacking Fear, Intimacy & Masculine Conditioning

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Avrum Weiss, psychotherapist and award-winning author of Hidden in Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships. This conversation dives into the emotional landscape that many men carry but rarely talk about—fears that can profoundly affect the way they connect with women and show up in intimate relationships. We explore fears of being controlled, overwhelmed by emotion, not being enough, or being left. While these fears are often hidden, they quietly influence so many relational dynamics.

Avrum and I discuss how traditional socialization teaches boys to shut down emotionally, how that creates barriers to true intimacy, and what’s needed for men to feel emotionally safe and seen. We also touch on how these patterns shift across generations, and why creating space for emotional literacy and community support is essential—not just for men, but for all of us.

Whether you're in a relationship, raising boys, or simply seeking to understand the masculine emotional experience more deeply, this episode offers a compassionate and eye-opening perspective on what’s really going on beneath the surface—and how we can all relate with more awareness and heart.

Sound Bites

"Men fear being controlled by women."

"Men are often emotionally unavailable."

"We all suffer under the same system."

Takeaways

• Many men fear being controlled by women in relationships.
• Men are often socialized to suppress their emotions.
• Understanding men's fears can improve relationship dynamics.
• Women often misinterpret men's withdrawal as disinterest.
• Men's emotional needs are often overlooked in society.
• The importance of emotional literacy for both genders.
• Community support is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Generational changes are leading to more emotionally aware men.
• Men benefit significantly from close relationships and marriage.

• Awareness of emotional dynamics can lead to healthier relationships.

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Episode #120 - In this powerful episode, I am joined by Shab Azma—an accomplished brand strategist, talent manager, and founder of Arc Collective. With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Shab has helped shape the careers of celebrity experts while championing a new way of doing business—one rooted in passion, purpose, and the divine feminine.

Shab shares her journey from managing blockbuster brands at Universal Studios and A-list talent at The Firm to launching her own company after a life-changing plant medicine experience. We discuss what it means to bring heart and authenticity into male-dominated industries, how women can step fully into their leadership, and why balancing masculine and feminine energy in work is more important than ever.

This conversation is equal parts career insight, spiritual awakening, and soulful truth-telling—tune in if you're ready to align your outer success with your inner calling.

Takeaways

• Clients come to us with their stories and passions.
• It's essential to identify your North Star.
• Creating a strategy requires patience and collaboration.
• Authenticity is crucial in leadership roles.
• Balancing masculine and feminine energies is key to success.
• Delegation and trust empower team members.
• Money is just energy; it should come from the right sources.
• Meditation helps strip away distractions to find clarity.
• Plant medicine can catalyze profound personal transformation.
• Spirituality is about tuning into your higher self.

Sound Bites

"What is your North Star?"

"Money is just energy."

"It's an inside job."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

02:14 Journey into Branding and Entertainment

05:05 The Shift from Performer to Manager

08:06 Building Brands and Intellectual Property

10:52 The Realization of Purpose

13:43 Merging Spirituality with Business

18:33 Creating a Collective and Authentic Space

22:26 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies

28:00 The Path to Conscious Leadership

40:18 The Journey of Transcendental Meditation

42:44 Embracing Spirituality Over Religion

46:01 The Role of Plant Medicine in Spiritual Awakening

48:43 Experiences with Ayahuasca and Other Plant Medicines

53:27 The Importance of Intentional Use of Plant Medicine

58:35 Integrating Spirituality into Professional Life

01:03:19 The Shift Towards the Divine Feminine

01:07:19 Navigating the Impact of AI on Human Connection

01:08:51 Living with an Awakened Heart

Connect with Shab Azma:

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Streaming: The Sabrina Soto Show & Cultural Eats now available on Hulu, Disney+, and Samsung TV+Channels

Let’s Connect!

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Keywords

spirituality, leadership, authenticity, feminine energy, plant medicine, business strategy, collective energy, mentorship, personal growth, women's empowerment