Founder of Mavi Fitness and author Maxime Sigouin reveals his "Forever Fit" blueprint for mastering body recomposition, debunking the myth that men over 40 need animal protein to build elite muscle and achieve peak longevity.
In this episode of the Real Men Eat Plants podcast, host Justin Garfield and co-host Bruce Da Silva welcome Jon Symes, a coach and author dedicated to personal development and narrative liberation. John shares his journey from the UK to California, his insights on the power of stories in shaping our lives, and the importance of recognizing and deconstructing limiting beliefs. The conversation explores the intersection of masculinity and veganism, the societal pressures men face, and the need for mentorship and rites of passage for young men. John emphasizes the importance of reciprocity in life and the role of men in protecting life, while also challenging traditional masculine narratives. The episode concludes with a call to create a new narrative that honors both masculine and feminine contributions to society.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jon Symes and His Journey
03:01 The Power of Stories and Narrative Liberation
05:51 Understanding the Man Box and Its Impact
08:45 The Importance of Reciprocity in Life
11:52 Mentoring Young Men and Rites of Passage
14:56 The Role of Men's Groups in Personal Development
17:58 Exploring Limiting Stories and Their Consequences
21:08 Veganism, Masculinity, and Cultural Narratives
29:34 Masculinity and Cooking: Cultural Reflections
32:26 Evolutionary Psychology and Gender Roles
34:39 Revisiting Hunter-Gatherer Roles
37:27 The Role of Men: Protection and Life
39:47 Modern Masculinity and Parenting Dynamics
41:35 Cultural Narratives and Gender Expectations
43:10 Meeting the Moment: Environmental Responsibility
44:41 Imagining a New Narrative for Humanity
48:15 Honoring Both Masculine and Feminine Wisdom
52:50 The Importance of Acknowledging Ignorance
💬 Join the conversation—whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just seeking fresh perspective on health, ethics, and living with purpose.
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Bryan Dennstedt, an IT expert with over 20 years in the field, has worked with notable companies like IBM and Xerox. Beyond his technical career, Bryan is passionate about veganism, inspired by the film "Forks Over Knives." This led him to adopt a whole food plant-based diet and establish "Real Men Eat Plants." As the founder, he actively promotes veganism through blogging and hosting podcasts, sharing his journey and insights into a plant-based lifestyle.
Bryan Dennstedt, an IT expert with over 20 years in the field, has worked with notable companies like IBM and Xerox. Beyond his technical career, Bryan is passionate about veganism, inspired by the film "Forks Over Knives." This led him to adopt a whole food plant-based diet and establish "Real Men Eat Plants." As the founder, he actively promotes veganism through blogging and hosting podcasts, sharing his journey and insights into a plant-based lifestyle.
Bryan Dennstedt
Bryan Dennstedt
Justin Garfield is a podcaster, musician, comedian and aspiring media personality. Justin’s been vegan for 12 years and loves cooking plant based meals, and finding ways to help save the animals.
Justin Garfield is a podcaster, musician, comedian and aspiring media personality. Justin’s been vegan for 12 years and loves cooking plant based meals, and finding ways to help save the animals.
Justin Garfield
Justin Garfield
Bruce Da Silva
Bruce Da Silva
Bruce Da Silva is a Brazilian-American thinker, entrepreneur, and coach based in Los Angeles. Obsessed with psychology, philosophy, history, and evolutionary dynamics, he helps ambitious men develop clarity, confidence, character, and competence. Drawing from extensive personal experience, rigorous intellectual study, and a global perspective—including time in the Peace Corps, Tel Aviv, and Washington DC—Bruce blends sharp insight with practical guidance.
Inspired by thinkers like Tony Robbins, Robert Greene, Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, and Jesus, Bruce embodies a mix of discipline, critical thinking, and strategic living—positioning himself as a modern philosopher-king committed to self-mastery and real-world results.
Bruce Da Silva is a Brazilian-American thinker, entrepreneur, and coach based in Los Angeles. Obsessed with psychology, philosophy, history, and evolutionary dynamics, he helps ambitious men develop clarity, confidence, character, and competence. Drawing from extensive personal experience, rigorous intellectual study, and a global perspective—including time in the Peace Corps, Tel Aviv, and Washington DC—Bruce blends sharp insight with practical guidance.
Inspired by thinkers like Tony Robbins, Robert Greene, Socrates, Marcus Aurelius, and Jesus, Bruce embodies a mix of discipline, critical thinking, and strategic living—positioning himself as a modern philosopher-king committed to self-mastery and real-world results.