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We explore the crisis of male friendships and how it affects men's mental health and relationships, particularly in midlife. The episode unpacks why men are increasingly isolated and offers practical solutions for rebuilding meaningful connections.

• Only 26% of men report having six or more close friends, down from 55% in 1990
• 17% of men report having zero close friends
• Many married men mistakenly count their wives' friends' husbands as their own friends
• Competition, vulnerability fears, and the "man box" prevent men from forming deep friendships
• Male loneliness often manifests as addiction, overwork, irritability, or withdrawal
• Men are taught to project being "alright" even when struggling
• The TCS model (Text weekly, Call monthly, See quarterly) offers a framework for maintaining friendships
• Younger generations are showing more openness to vulnerability in male friendships
• Women can support by modeling connection, inviting dialogue, and being "soft landing places"
• Men benefit from joining organizations and participating in shared activities with other men

Men, you don't have to be alone. If you're in any kind of pain or anguish, remember you are worthy. You deserve to be here for your friends, family, and most importantly, for yourself. Reach out and get help if you need it.

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💃🏽Stacy M. Lewis
🌍 thestacymlewis.com
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🎩Wayne Dawson
🌍 viptransformativeliving.com
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Wayne and Stacy tackle the challenge of invisibility in midlife, exploring how cultural conditioning and past experiences can lead us to silence our voices and minimize our presence.

• Invisibility stems from being taught to "small up yourself" and prioritize others' voices over your own
• The roots often trace back to childhood lessons about being "seen not heard" or gender expectations
• Invisibility prevents healing and growth because "we cannot heal what we do not reveal"

The STEP OUT framework offers practical strategies for reclaiming visibility:
S - See yourself first
T - Tell your truth
E - Express clearly, don't assume
P - Practice boundaries
O - Own your presence
U - Undo the training
T - Take up space

• Taking up space applies physically, vocally, emotionally, and in your digital footprint
• Public speaking opportunities like Toastmasters can help develop confidence in being seen and heard

Reflect: "What part of me has been hiding?"

Connect with Coach Wayne at viptransformativelivingcom or DM him for a free ebook: "Breaking Free: Discover your Purpose, Power and Prosperity at Midlife."

Connect with Coach Stacy at thestacymlewiscom.

You are the Revolution!

Subscribe @CoachStacyMLewis and @CoachWayneVIP

💃🏽Stacy M. Lewis
🌍 thestacymlewis.com
Schedule a Connecting Conversation
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

🎩Wayne Dawson
🌍 viptransformativeliving.com
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What happens when your career path suddenly shifts beneath your feet? Whether pushed out or feeling that inner nudge to move on, career transitions in midlife bring unique challenges—and surprising possibilities.

Coach Wayne vulnerably shares his own experience of being asked for his resignation despite years of excellence awards, revealing how this forced transition led him to fundamental questions about identity: "What, beyond the job, and who was I?" This powerful moment illustrates the crucial first step in any career change: recognizing that your job doesn't define you. Your worth extends far beyond your professional title or achievements.

The conversation offers practical wisdom around what employers actually care about (hint: it's not your GPA) and what makes candidates stand out in today's technology-driven hiring landscape. With AI now screening resumes before human eyes ever see them, your application strategy requires thoughtful alignment with job descriptions. The hosts provide actionable strategies for creating impact-focused resumes, strategically building networks that open doors, and maintaining digital profiles that enhance rather than hinder your opportunities.

Perhaps most valuable is the discussion around values—distinguishing between "means values" (your job) and "end values" (your deeper purpose). This framework helps midlifers make intentional choices rather than reactive ones during career transitions. As Coach Stacey reminds listeners, "Your experience is still valuable, as is your story," encouraging authenticity when crafting your professional narrative.

Coach Stacy closes this episode with a powerful reminder from Isaiah 43:19 about God making "a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert," encouraging listeners to do their part while trusting in divine support through challenging transitions. For anyone feeling stuck, pushed out, or simply ready for change, this conversation offers both practical tools and the perspective shift needed to transform career disruption into meaningful renewal.

Subscribe, share, and join us next week as we continue empowering your midlife journey with relevant topics and solution-focused conversations.

Subscribe @CoachStacyMLewis and @CoachWayneVIP

💃🏽Stacy M. Lewis
🌍 thestacymlewis.com
Schedule a Connecting Conversation
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

🎩Wayne Dawson
🌍 viptransformativeliving.com
Book a Discovery Call
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Spotify, Apple, iHeartRadio, Amazon