This week on Tough Love for Men, we’re sharing a special episode from Reclaiming the Gentle Man, hosted by men’s work facilitator and relationship coach Dave Lishansky.

Ryan joins Dave as a guest to explore reparenting your inner child and how early emotional conditioning continues to shape adult relationships. Dave also reflects on Ryan’s influence as a teacher and mentor in his own journey.

Together, they discuss how the pressure to be capable can leave men struggling with shame, defensiveness, and expressing their needs. They explore developing an inner parent or mentor who can meet vulnerable parts of yourself with care, curiosity, and accountability.

In this episode:

  • How childhood conditioning shapes emotional expression and relationship patterns.
  • What reparenting yourself can look like when shame, anger, or insecurity surfaces.
  • The role of men’s groups, mentorship, and support beyond your relationship.
  • How to express your needs and set boundaries when people-pleasing takes over.
  • Returning to connection after a reactive moment.
  • A “loving presence” practice where partners take turns sharing and listening.

Through examples from their own marriages, Ryan and Dave offer an honest look at growth as an ongoing practice, including the moments when familiar patterns return.

Explore Reclaiming the Gentle Man and connect with Dave:

Website: davelishansky.com

Instagram: @dave_lishansky

Listen to the original episode on Spotify

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