E30 - Erica Komisar - The Inconvenient Truth About Parenting In 2025
Erica Komisar – The Inconvenient Truth about Parenting in 2025In this thought-provoking episode, Pete Hunt welcomes back psychoanalyst and bestselling author Erica Komisar, following a year of exponential growth in her reach and message, including a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO. Known for challenging modern parenting ideals, Erica confronts the uncomfortable truths about early attachment, the myth of “having it all,” and why parental presence in a child’s early years is non-negotiable.Whether you’re a father, partner, or simply someone reflecting on how you were parented, this conversation offers both a reality check and a powerful invitation to rethink what children really need.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:29 – Why Erica’s message is seen as controversial 04:03 – The cost of early childcare trade-offs 09:20 – Narcissism and unmet emotional needs 13:00 – The impact of different attachment styles 18:04 – Boarding school and emotional detachment 23:30 – The social media narrative vs. real parenting 27:00 – Why guilt shouldn’t be ignored 32:16 – “Second chances” and late-stage fatherhood 36:45 – Teenagers, tech, and the void of play 41:00 – Starting deeper conversations with your kids 47:00 – Reframing parenting as teamwork 52:30 – Careers, control, and the realities of modern motherhood 1:03:00 – The long-term impact of early disconnectionTo find out more about the private network Pete founded for growth-focused leaders, visit:www.monumental.globalYour Wheel of Life in just 90 seconds:https://insight.monumental.global/wheeloflife
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E29 - Nick Duffell - Understanding Ex-Boarding School Men's Marriages
In this powerful episode, Pete Hunt sits down with Nick Duffell, psychotherapist, author, and pioneer of work around boarding school trauma. They explore why so many high-achieving men with these privileged backgrounds feel emotionally stuck, the hidden impact of early survival strategies, and how intimacy becomes one of life’s greatest challenges. A raw and essential listen for men navigating midlife, relationships, and identity.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:29 – Why relationships are so hard for men 04:46 – Boarding school and emotional shutdown 07:52 – The missing emotional training 11:15 – Listening as a lost skill 15:08 – Survivor roles and disconnection 22:04 – The gift of emotional energy 24:06 – The mother wound 32:00 – The child self in adult relationships 36:10 – Institutional life vs. intimacy 43:00 – The missing father figure 47:02 – Mentorship and male role models 50:00 – The impact of porn and overstimulation 53:40 – Power through vulnerabilityTo find out more about the private network that Pete founded for growth focused leaders, visit www.monumental.global
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E28 - The Monumental Men - What Happens Inside Monumental...
In a special departure from the usual one-on-one format, host Pete Hunt, Founder of "Monumental", welcomes George, Mike, Oli, Sam, and Ben, a group of Monumental members, for a candid conversation about what really goes on inside Monumental. Together, they discuss how meaningful support, honest dialogue, and putting down the “mask” can transform men’s relationships, careers, and overall sense of fulfilment.For more information, please click on this link. https://monumental.global/To understand your Wheel of Life (in just 90 seconds) click on this link. https://insight.monumental.global/wheeloflife
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E27 - Robin Dunbar – The Science of Male Friendship & Why Men Need a Tribe
Why do so many men lose friendships in midlife? And what does science say about the impact of social isolation on male health and well-being?In this episode Pete Hunt sits down with renowned evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar to explore the biological and social foundations of male friendship. Dunbar, a leading expert in human relationships, explains why men are wired for structured social networks—and why losing them can have serious consequences.In this episode, Pete and Robin discuss:The Male Friendship Crisis – Why friendships decline for men in their 40s and 50s, and how work and family pressures play a role.The Social Brain Hypothesis – How our brains evolved to manage complex social groups, and why maintaining friendships is essential for survival.Male vs. Female Friendships – Why men bond through activities rather than emotional sharing, and how this affects the longevity of their relationships.The Midlife Danger Zone – How loneliness impacts men’s mental and physical health, and why social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.The Power of Tribe – How structured networks like Monumental can help men rebuild friendships, strengthen social ties, and rediscover a sense of belonging.Redesigning Male Friendships – What the future of male community looks like and how men can take action to strengthen their relationships.Robin Dunbar’s research sheds light on one of the biggest but least talked-about issues facing modern men: the quiet disappearance of close friendships. In this conversation, he shares powerful insights into how men can reconnect, why tribal bonds matter, and what every man needs to know about maintaining deep, meaningful relationships.MonumentalThe Monumental Network - The Private Network For Growth Focused LeadersMonumental is a private network for leaders ready to challenge their status quo and grow with purpose that was Founded by Pete Hunt.Through weekly confidential pod meetings and monthly in-person events, Monumental creates a space where men connect authentically and hold each other accountable.Here, leaders are free to drop the mask, speak openly, and move beyond isolation.The Network empowers men to uncover their true potential, cultivate purpose, and leave meaningful legacies.And we have a lot of fun doing it.For more information, please click on this link. https://monumental.global/
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E26 - Kenton Cool – Mastering the Death Zone – 18 Everest Summits and Counting
Join host Pete Hunt as he sits down with seasoned Everest guide Kenton Cool, whose record of 18 summits and elite experience in the death zone speaks for itself, for a candid conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and the hard-won lessons from life at extreme altitude.In this episode, Pete and Kenton discuss:Navigating the Death Zone: Leading clients in Everest's death zone requires unwavering confidence, rigorous prep, and full accountability.Building and Sustaining Confidence: Kenton shows how facing repeated challenges—from early setbacks to high-altitude feats—builds real confidence.From “I” to “We”: Transitioning from a solo, thrill-seeking lifestyle to embracing collective responsibility for team and family.Leadership: Power vs. Presence: Exploring decision-making on Everest, from collaborative planning to assertive, genuine leadership.Confronting Mortality on the Mountain: Reflecting on Everest's harsh realities, the emotional impact of fallen climbers, and human vulnerability.Balancing Extremes and Vulnerability: Discussing how extreme challenges and social media spark an inner dialogue on self-worth and the need for safe spaces.Kenton Cool shatters limits with 18 Everest summits and 45+ expeditions, including the first British ski descent of an 8,000-m peak and the Everest Triple Crown. Overcoming a near-fatal injury, his guiding career embodies raw resilience and calculated risk. Join Pete as he uncovers the hard-won wisdom of extreme adventure.MonumentalThe Monumental Network - The Private Network For Growth Focused LeadersMonumental is a private network for leaders ready to challenge their status quo and grow with purpose that was Founded by Pete Hunt. Through weekly confidential pod meetings and monthly in-person events, Monumental creates a space where men connect authentically and hold each other accountable.Here, leaders are free to drop the mask, speak openly, and move beyond isolation.The Network empowers men to uncover their true potential, cultivate purpose, and leave meaningful legacies.And we have a lot of fun doing it.For more information, please click on this link. https://monumental.global/
Welcome to the Monumental Podcast where high performance meets huMAN truth.
Hosted by Pete Hunt, founder of Monumental, this is where thought leaders visionaries and world class performers open up about what really drives them beyond success status and spreadsheets.
Guests include global entrepreneurs like Daniel Priestley and Simon Squibb, clinical thinkers such as Erica Komisar and Richard Reeves, sporting legends Tim Henman, Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Steve Redgrave, and political voices including former Chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt MP and Reform Deputy Leader, Richard Tice MP.
These are not the usual polished soundbites. They are honest conversations that explore identity, purpose, emotional resilience and the realities of leadership in a changing world.
Behind every remarkable man is a very human story and those stories deserve to be heard.
For more visit the Monumental website: https://monumental.global/
South Africa