What is a men's retreat? What happens there? Why go to one, and who is it for? I spoke with Owen Marcus, founder of MELD, on my life-changing experience attending my first retreat almost exactly 1 year ago.

Owen is a legend in this space - he has worked alongside Peter Levine. Esther Perel has attended his retreats. Owen has been working, training, and organizing men's groups and retreats for over 30 years.

Highly recommend listening to this if you've been even remotely curious about the topic – this might be my favorite episode of the year.

Listen to this episode on Spotify | Apple | Web

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You can also watch our full video interview here 👇

Stuff mentioned in the episode...

🏜️ MELD: PRIME Retreat - Feb 19-22, Joshua Tree

MELD PRIME: Men’s Somatic Retreat and Training | MELD
Transform your life at MELD Prime Retreat, the #1 men’s nervous system reset for peak performance, emotional healing, connection & purpose.
MELD | Men's Emotional Leaders Development
  • MELD: CORE - 10-Week Somatic Training - core
  • MELD: FORGE - Advanced Group Coaching - forge

🌳 Couples Retreat: 6 Days in Costa Rica

Led by Owen and his partner and therapist Dalia -

Hold Me Tight Couples Retreat – Costa Rica - Dalia Anderman, LMFT
Reignite Your Relationship Strengthen Your Bond, Reignite Your Love: Relax and Rediscover Each Other at a 6-day Hold Me Tight® Couples Retreat in Costa Rica Reserve Your Spot April 16-21, 2026 Step into a new chapter of your relationship One filled with deeper connection and rekindled passion. Unwind and reconnect with your partner amid the lush
Dalia Anderman, LMFT - Emotional Focus Therapy

📚 Stuff to read

I'm not avoidant, you're avoidant... 👀
  • Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment - amazon
    • Excellent primer on attachment theory
  • Esther Perel - Mating in Captivity - amazon
    • Her card game is awesome with friends - Where Should We Begin - amazon
  • Peter Levine - Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - amazon
  • Steven Porges - The Pocket Guide to Polyvagal Theory - amazon

(affiliate links above)

🎙️ Stuff to listen to

  • Sue Johnson - The Science of Lasting Love - spotify | apple
    • This is by far the best thing I've listened to when it comes to navigating life as a couple

📺 Stuff to Watch

  • Couples Therapy 🔥🔥🔥 - paramount+
    • My wife and I can't get enough of this show... if we win a million dollars the first thing we're doing is hiring Orna 😂 #goals
Orna is the 🐐