The Arena Series: Conversations About Men

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos tackle the timeless question: What does it mean to be a man in 2026? Jake reflects on lessons from his father—leading with heart, embracing vulnerability, and making a difference without seeking credit. Nick shares his immigrant father's blueprint: being a man means contributing more than you take, not from unworthiness, but from trust that giving creates its own rewards. They challenge the "Happy wife, happy life" mentality, clarifying that loving the relationship more than yourself isn't about self-betrayal—it's about full participation. Jake reveals how wedding industry norms expect grooms to be disengaged, and why he's intentionally showing up differently. Their conclusion? Being a man in 2026 means being fully engaged—present, responsible, heart-centered, and actively shaping your experience rather than passively following someone else's script. 🔑 Topics Covered What fathers teach us about masculinity (for better or worse) Contributing more than you take vs. playing victim The difference between healthy giving and self-betrayal Why full participation matters in relationships and major life moments Coming from the heart vs. coming from unworthiness 💡 Reflective Prompt: Are you fully participating in your life—or are you following a script written by someone else? 📍 Links + Resources Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick's website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com Novel "The Men's Group: A Novel of Messy Friendships" (June 9, 2026) 💼 Connect: Jake Fishbein & Nick Papadopoulos on LinkedIn With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos explore why men chase money—and what they're really seeking beneath the surface. Nick argues men are chasing self-worth and validation, measuring themselves against others to prove "I'm okay, I'm a real man." Jake adds that economic shifts have stripped away traditional pathways: only 15% of 30-year-olds own homes today (down from 50% in 1960), women graduate college at twice the rate of men, and younger generations face stagnating wages. Many men feel their masculinity and purpose eroding. The hosts examine the toll: never being present, missing relationships, playing an endless game with no finish line. Nick quotes Pink Floyd—"dig that hole, forget the sun"—as the perfect metaphor for this exhausting chase. Their solution? Ask better questions. Help men define what matters on their own terms, not what they've been told should matter. 🔑 Topics Covered What men are actually chasing: self-worth, validation, worthiness How economic shifts impact men's identity and sense of purpose The cost of chasing external validation: disconnection and exhaustion Why asking questions beats prescribing solutions 💡 Reflective Prompt  What are you actually chasing when you pursue financial success? Is it on your terms—or someone else's game? 📍 Links + Resources Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick's website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com Novel "The Men's Group: A Novel of Messy Friendships" (June 9, 2026) 💼 Connect: Jake Fishbein & Nick Papadopoulos on LinkedIn With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos tackle one of the most avoided topics in men's work: sexuality and physical intimacy. Opening with a striking story from a joint men's and women's group session where men were paralyzed by fear while women spoke explicitly and comfortably about sex, they explore why this topic remains so taboo—even in spaces designed for vulnerable conversation. Nick shares how religious shame, non-affectionate parents, and childhood sexual abuse distorted his relationship with intimacy for decades. Jake opens up about growing up in the internet age, his father's warnings, and how chat rooms became his secretive, shame-filled introduction to sexuality—eventually getting caught with all his conversations saved on AOL for his parents to read. The hosts examine how shame creates profound disconnection in relationships, with men hiding everything from porn addiction to their honest desires from their partners. They turn the mirror on themselves as facilitators, asking why they avoid addressing sex in men's groups when they tackle every other area of life. Jake shares how Nick's transformative homework assignment—"go get laid in two weeks"—helped him redefine his entire relationship with sexuality. The conversation deepens as they explore sex as the ultimate vulnerability of being truly seen, and offer practical invitations for normalizing these crucial conversations and letting go of sexual shame. 🔑 Topics Covered Why women spoke explicitly about sex while men froze in fear at a joint group session Early messages that shaped sexuality: religious shame, parental formality, and internet-age secrecy How shame creates disconnection and secrecy in committed relationships Why sex is the one topic consistently avoided in men's groups—even by facilitators Jake's transformative "go get laid in two weeks" homework assignment The vulnerability paradox: Sex as being ultimately seen and connected to creation Practical steps for normalizing sex conversations and letting go of shame 💡 Reflective Prompt What shame are you still carrying around sex and intimacy? What would it take for you to normalize conversations about your sexuality—first with yourself, then with your partner, and potentially with trusted friends? 📍 Links + Resources Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick's website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com Their novel "The Men's Group: A Novel of Messy Friendships" (coming late June 2026) 💼 Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Jake Fishbein Nick Papadopoulos With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos tackle one of the most fundamental yet avoided aspects of masculinity: why men struggle to ask for help and express genuine gratitude. From the age-old joke about men refusing to ask for directions to today's digital age equivalent of wandering grocery store aisles rather than asking staff for help, this pattern runs deep in the male psyche. Jake candidly shares his recent experience avoiding lawyers while trying to create contractor agreements, preferring to spend 25 hours wrestling with AI rather than risk looking "stupid" or "incompetent" to a professional. Nick opens up about a challenging conversation with his partner Anissa that transformed when he made a simple phone call to say "thank you"—and how that moment of gratitude created a profound shift in both his heart and their relationship. His vulnerability reveals how expressing appreciation became a completely different way of protecting and providing for someone he loves. The conversation explores why men have been conditioned to believe that doing things alone makes them smart and capable, while asking for support somehow diminishes their worth. They examine how this isolation creates a vicious cycle: when men don't include others, they're actually training people not to support them, reinforcing the very loneliness they're trying to avoid. From mental health struggles to relationship challenges, Jake and Nick reveal how the fear of appearing weak keeps men trapped in their heads instead of connecting through their hearts. They discuss the profound difference between "presence" and "performance"—how women and partners crave authentic connection over endless doing and providing. The hosts share powerful insights about how asking for help and saying thank you aren't signs of weakness, but pathways to genuine strength, deeper relationships, and psychological safety that goes far beyond physical protection. 🔑 Topics Covered The evolution from "won't ask for directions" to modern avoidance patterns in daily life Jake's contractor agreement story: How fear of looking incompetent keeps men isolated The training cycle: How not asking for help teaches others we don't need support Nick's gratitude breakthrough: How one "thank you" transformed a relationship dynamic The performance trap: Why men think providing means constantly doing rather than being present Heart vs. head connection: Moving from ego-driven independence to vulnerable authenticity Presence over performance: What partners actually crave from the men in their lives The health benefits: How asking for help reduces pressure and increases resilience 💡 Reflective Prompt What are you currently trying to handle alone that would benefit from support? When was the last time you called someone just to say "thank you" for being in your life, and what might change if you did that today? 📍 Links + Resources Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick's website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com 💼 Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Jake Fishbein Nick Papadopoulos With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos tackle one of the most pervasive yet unspoken challenges in modern masculinity: the dangerous entanglement of self-worth and career identity. Through raw vulnerability and unflinching honesty, Nick reveals his own journey of career addiction—how titles, responsibilities, and external validation became the sole source of his identity until a cancer diagnosis in 2021 forced a complete reckoning. He shares the painful moments of feeling invisible at social gatherings when conversations weren't centered on his work, and how he would desperately steer discussions back to his expertise just to feel valuable again. Jake explores the external dangers of tying identity to career, sharing a powerful story of a female client who gave 15 years to a tech company only to have her managerial role stripped away in a corporate reorganization—leaving her feeling betrayed and worthless despite her dedication. Together, they examine how men specifically fall into the trap of measuring their worth through promotions, paychecks, and professional achievements. The conversation takes a profound turn as Nick describes his transformation during cancer treatment—how being physically unable to work revealed the depth of his career addiction, and how "Nick-sitting" sessions with his men's group showed him where his true value lay: in his relationships and community. Jake shares his own "Who Am I" list—a coffee-stained piece of paper that grounds his identity in character traits rather than professional accomplishments. From the societal scripts handed to men about being providers and achievers, to the soul-crushing conformity that comes with never questioning these expectations, the hosts reveal how career obsession leads to constant disappointment, health issues, and ultimately contributes to the alarming statistics around men's mental health and suicide rates. 🔑 Topics Covered The career addiction epidemic: How titles and validation become identity Nick's cancer wake-up call: When illness stripped away professional identity The invisibility factor: Feeling worthless in non-work social situations External validation trap: Why there's never enough professional recognition The "Who Am I" exercise: Building identity beyond career achievements Societal scripts: The dangerous masculine blueprint of provider/achiever The conformity cost: How following scripts crushes the soul Health consequences: The link between career obsession and men's declining wellness 💡 Reflective Prompt What would happen if your job title, salary, and professional achievements were stripped away tomorrow? Who would you be? What would define your worth? Consider asking three people who know you well: "Who am I to you—and don't mention my career." 📍Links + Resources Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick's website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com Create your own "Who Am I" list focusing on character traits and values Men's suicide prevention resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 💼 Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Jake Fishbein Nick Papadopoulos With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos tackle one of the most avoided topics in men's conversations: pornography and its profound impact on intimacy and relationships. With 91.5% of men aged 18-73 reporting porn consumption in the past month, this isn't a fringe issue—it's affecting nearly every man and their relationships. Nick courageously shares his traumatic first encounter with pornography at age 10, revealing how it was used as a tool of manipulation by a predator, and how his family's shame-filled reaction pushed him deeper into dangerous territory. His raw vulnerability illustrates the complex web of trauma, shame, and unhealthy patterns that can shape a man's relationship with sexuality and intimacy. Jake explores why men rarely discuss porn or sex authentically in group settings, despite it being such a prevalent part of their lives. Together, they examine how shame, fear of vulnerability, and cultural conditioning keep these crucial conversations locked in darkness—and the devastating cost of that silence. From financial ruin to relationship destruction, the hosts reveal how porn addiction affects real lives, including a powerful story of a man watching porn upstairs while his family gathered below—a metaphor for the isolation and disconnection that secrets create. They discuss how feelings of unworthiness drive men to retreat into fantasy rather than risk authentic requests or vulnerability with real partners. The conversation extends to our digital age, where AI relationships and virtual interactions offer even more ways to avoid the messy, challenging, but ultimately rewarding work of real human connection. 🔑 Topics Covered The staggering statistics: Why 91.5% of men consume porn and what it means for relationships Nick's origin story: Childhood trauma, manipulation, and the birth of shame around sexuality The silence epidemic: Why men avoid authentic conversations about sex and intimacy The worthiness factor: How feelings of inadequacy drive men to fantasy instead of real connection The hidden costs: Financial ruin, relationship destruction, and emotional isolation Modern challenges: AI relationships and the increasing avoidance of human vulnerability Breaking the cycle: How bringing shame into the light begins the healing process 💡 Reflective Prompt What aspects of your sexuality or relationship to intimacy are you keeping in the darkness? What conversations are you avoiding that might actually bring you closer to the connections you desire? 📍Links + Resources Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick's website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com 💼 Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Jake Fishbein Nick Papadopoulos With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos dive into a question at the heart of modern masculinity: What gives men their sense of self-worth? From childhood heartbreaks to the quiet pressures of adulthood, Jake and Nick explore how men lose touch with their intrinsic value—and how they can reclaim it. They share personal stories of early rejections, the cultural myth of the self-sacrificing man, and the long, often painful journey to realizing you matter simply because you exist. Expect deep reflections, laughter, a powerful reminder that comparison is the thief of joy, and a practical invitation to build your self-worth from the inside out—not from likes, titles, or someone else’s approval. 🔑 Topics Covered How early relationships shape a man’s sense of worth The hidden dangers of the “self-sacrificing man” myth Why real self-worth starts with internal validation How to reconnect with what genuinely fills you up The role of community, connection, and being seen Why you don’t need permission to matter—you already do  💡 Reflective Prompt What’s one small step you could take today to honor your own worth? 📍Links + Resources Jake’s website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick’s website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men’s Group: www.arenamensgroup.com 💼 Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Jake Fishbein Nick Papadopoulos With Love, Jake & Nick

In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos dive into the surprisingly complex world of sharing—why it’s so damn hard for men, and why it might be the most transformational thing they can do. From childhood messages about “manning up” to the unspoken fear of losing an edge, Jake and Nick explore the emotional minefields that keep men quiet—and the magic that happens when they speak. Nick reflects on how writing about his cancer journey turned darkness into light. Jake opens up about oversharing, the tension between TMI and true connection, and how vulnerability isn’t about sharing secrets or crying—it’s about doing anything where you don't know what the outcome will be. They unpack why good news can be harder to share than bad, how men mistake humility for silence, and why simply appreciating your morning coffee might be a radical act of love. Expect real talk, laughter, a surprise hotel lobby gymnastics moment, and a powerful reminder: sharing isn’t self-indulgent—it’s an act of generosity. Especially when done with love. 🔑 Topics Covered Why men are afraid to share TMI vs. real vulnerability Sharing as healing and service Why men struggle to share good news The power of sharing joy—not just pain Emotional risk and emotional intelligence How to start building your sharing muscle 💡 Reflective Prompt What’s one thing you haven’t shared that’s ready to be said? 📍Links + Resources Jake’s website: www.jakefishbein.com Nick’s website: www.coachnick.com The Arena Men’s Group: www.arenamensgroup.com 💼 Connect with Us on LinkedIn: Jake Fishbein Nick Papadopoulos With Love, Jake & Nick

When men become fathers, what impact does that have on their identity, way of living, and sense of self? Is it something they prepare for or something that’s sprung on them? Few relationships impact a man as much as his relationship with his father, whether his father was absent or present. Many times, the nature of this relationship carries far into his life and impacts how he chooses to be a father, in his own right, or whether he chooses to be a father at all. While conversations for women around motherhood are commonplace in our society, it’s rarer for young men to be asked to explore their own relationship with fatherhood before becoming fathers themselves. In this 75-minute conversation, Coach Jake Fishbein and Dr. Grinman explore what fatherhood means to men and how men can prepare for fatherhood. They share their own experiences and explore how the lack of conversation about intentional fatherhood impacts our society in many ways. And they talk about what’s possible for men, women, their children, and their communities when men engage in a conversation about fatherhood long before becoming fathers themselves. To learn more about The Arena Series, visit www.thearenaseries.com.

Coach Nick Papadopoulos, Coach Jake Fishbein, and Dr. Jessica Koblenz to explore ‘Men & The Cave’ in this 75-minute conversation. When men are living in the cave, what impact does it have on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being? When men don’t take care of themselves, what’s the impact on them and others? For men, it can be challenging and societally unacceptable to ask for help or to admit when something is wrong and isn’t working. Instead of acknowledging the need for support or change, many men retreat to the metaphorical cave instead. While the cave can feel safe, it ultimately gets in the way of men taking care of themselves and asking for the support they need. And when men don’t take care of themselves, the people around them are impacted. In this 75-minute conversation, Coach Nick, Coach Jake, and Dr. Koblenz explored alternatives to the cave and what’s possible for men when they ask for support and take care of their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. They share their own experiences of retreating to the cave and how disconnecting has impacted their lives and relationships. And they talk about what’s possible for men, women, and even organizations when men are encouraged to speak up about their challenges rather than retreat and hide. To learn more about Coach Nick & Coach Jake, visit www.thearenaweekend.com.

In this hour-long conversation, Coach Nick Papadopoulos, Coach Jake Fishbein, and Dr. Jessica Koblenz explore Men & Intimacy.  What does intimacy mean to men? What gets in the way of men experiencing and creating the intimacy they desire? Men often find themselves in a competitive mindset, focused on winning and accomplishment. While this mindset can lead to tremendous tangible results, it can also get in the way of men creating intimate relationships. In this conversation, we explore how men can experience greater intimacy in their lives. We’ll share our own experiences with intimacy and what’s gotten in the way for us as we’ve looked to create meaningful relationships with partners, friends, and family. And we’ll talk about what’s possible when men (and women) allow for greater intimacy in their relationships.

Coach Nick, Coach Jake, and special guest Stephanie D’Ambra explore Men & Friendship in this episode of The Arena Series. What does friendship mean to men in general? How has COVID-19 impacted men’s relationship to friendship? There are many stereotypes and jokes about male friendship, but most of the time we don’t talk about what’s at the core and what’s possible when men connect with each other (and women) in different ways. In this hour-long conversation, we’ll talk about how men usually choose friendships that are side-by-side and activity-based vs. face-to-face friendships grounded in vulnerability.  We explore why men don’t always share with their male friends and often turn to women for emotional support during challenging times. In the age of Covid, where so many of the traditional male bonding opportunities have vanished, it’s more important than ever for men to redefine what it means to be friends and how they interact with their communities and themselves.