In this powerful episode of the Midlife Mavericks podcast, Stretch sits down with Astren for a raw and revealing conversation about what it really takes for men to evolve in midlife.

Together, they unpack the deep work of breaking generational patterns, navigating identity shifts, and answering the call to move beyond the grind of the Warrior phase.

If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing success but still felt empty inside—this episode is for you.

Stretch and Astren explore the masculine archetypes—particularly the Warrior, Trickster, and King—and how these energies show up in our daily choices, relationships, and inner dialogue. They reveal how many men get trapped in the Warrior’s world of proving, pushing, and performing, even when their soul is calling for something more grounded, wise, and fulfilling.

This isn’t a surface-level chat. They dive into the necessity of rites of passage, the pain of letting go of past identities, and the internal resistance that often comes up when we try to slow down and do the deeper work.

If you’re a man in midlife who’s questioning the hustle, craving real connection, and wanting to live with more purpose—this episode will speak directly to you.

Website: http://www.agogistrength.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agogi_pt/

Takeways:

🔄 Breaking the cycle: Healing isn’t just personal—it rewires generations.

💥 The Warrior trap: Strength and drive are powerful, but without purpose, they lead to burnout.

👑 Stepping into the King: Fulfillment begins when you lead from values, not validation.

🌪️ The Trickster within: Recognizing the part of you that sabotages growth is key to moving forward.

🌿 Emotions aren’t weakness: They’re fuel for self-awareness and transformation.

🔥 You’re not broken: You’re in transition—and that’s part of the rite of passage.

🛡️ Letting go is strength: Shedding outdated identities is essential to reclaiming your life.

📣 Support is not optional: Brotherhood and connection are critical during life transitions.

⚖️ From achievement to alignment: Redefine success from the inside out.

🧭 Awareness is the gateway: The more present you are, the more power you reclaim.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journeys

03:59 Breaking Generational Cycles

06:55 Awakening to Change

09:53 Masculine Archetypes and Self-Discovery

12:58 Understanding Emotions and Control

16:01 The Importance of Vulnerability in Men

19:01 Conversations Around Mental Health

22:01 The Pressure of Modern Masculinity

24:58 The Warrior Archetype

33:24 The Trickster Archetype Across Cultures

35:29 Understanding Archetypes and Life Phases

41:43 Transitioning from Warrior to King

47:23 The Challenge of Letting Go

54:00 Rites of Passage and Identity Transformation

01:06:25 Transitioning from Warrior to King

01:08:03 Rites of Passage and Rituals

01:10:21 The Role of Support in Transition

01:14:22 Awareness and Distraction in Modern Life

01:18:26 Living in Alignment with Values

01:22:45 The Importance of Action and Practicality

01:28:33 The Balance of Letting Go and Inner Work

01:32:48 Final Thoughts on Emotional Awareness

01:36:46 Empowering Midlife Men

01:37:10 Taking Action for Health and Purpose