Dive into the transformative power of conscious masculinity in this powerful episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast. Host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes executive coach and founder of The Man Cave, Austin Walker, for a real conversation about how men—especially men of color—can reclaim their emotional health, leadership voice, and sense of purpose.
Episode Summary
In this enlightening dialogue, LaTonya and Austin explore how outdated societal expectations have impacted men’s well-being, relationships, and leadership effectiveness. Austin shares his journey from corporate consulting to coaching men of color and explains why spaces like The Man Cave are essential today. The conversation digs into topics like emotional regulation, stonewalling, unconscious beliefs around money and sex, and how redefining masculinity can transform not just men’s lives but our broader communities.
Key Insights:
- All people, regardless of gender, possess both masculine and feminine energy; understanding this dynamic is key to leadership and well-being.
- Emotional suppression—especially among Black men—has deep roots and real consequences in leadership and relationships.
- “Stonewalling” is a common emotional response for men, often misunderstood; awareness and breathwork can create breakthroughs.
- Men often link their self-worth to money, success, and sex—but these are societal stories that must be unlearned.
- The Man Cave provides a powerful community for men of color to be vulnerable, seen, and emotionally accountable.
If you’re passionate about coaching across gender and race, or curious about how masculinity is evolving in today’s world, this conversation goes far beneath the surface.
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More About Austin
My name is Richard Austin Walker and I am a man who shows the fuck up. I lead with truth and love. I empower responsibility and possibility.
My practice is a reflection of my commitment to self-actualization and serving my mission in raising the standard of masculinity for men of color. I support BIPOC men to own their truth, own the impact of their leadership, and choose the responsibility of owning all aspects of their lived experiences. I offer 1:1 coaching, men’s groups, a variety of leadership development workshops, and partner with select organizations to empower a culture of leadership. I value building relationships with other men who embody their truth and choose to be leaders.
I host a weekly men’s call for BIPOC leaders to be responsible for how they show up in the world. Each week we explore a monthly theme that is relevant for men of color. The Man Cave is a space for brotherhood, vulnerability, and authentic expression in service to being powerful models of grounded, open-hearted masculine leaders. If you want to drop into our conversation, please fill out our application
Interested in a BIPOC men’s community? Complete The Man Cave Interest form to engage. We meet Monday’s at 12 PM ET and Thursday’s at 6 PM ET. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRTGX85d500k_3uJQJNqWrWw2bOsvQHaC6ZRU6y34HalaB2w/viewform
BIPOC men’s retreat this Fall, October 23 – 26, 2025 in James Creek, PA. Learn more at the Leadership Intensive Retreat webpage. https://www.austinwalkercoaching.com/new-leadership-intensive-retreat
#RedefiningMasculinity #CoachingMenOfColor#InclusiveLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadingBelowTheSurface
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Podcast Summary Transcript:
00:00
LaTonya Wilkins introduces the episode and announces that registration for the Coaching Below the Surface program is open.
Keywords: Coaching Below the Surface, ICF approved, SHRM approved, leadership coaching, cohort
02:00
Austin Walker joins. LaTonya introduces his coaching work with men of color, focusing on masculinity, leadership, and emotional well-being.
Keywords: Austin Walker, coaching men of color, masculinity, toxic masculinity, emotional support
06:30
They discuss masculine and feminine energy, polarity, and the science behind energy work.
Keywords: masculine energy, feminine energy, energy work, polarity, emotional balance
12:45
Austin shares why emotional expression is often suppressed in men, particularly Black men, and how crying can be healing.
Keywords: emotional expression, crying, Black men, mental health, vulnerability
20:10
Austin explains his journey from corporate life to coaching and how therapy helped him find his purpose.
Keywords: career change, purpose, coaching journey, therapy, self-discovery
26:00
They explore the creation of The Man Cave, a coaching community for men of color focused on emotional intelligence and leadership.
Keywords: The Man Cave, emotional intelligence, safe space, Black men, leadership
35:40
Stonewalling, defensiveness, and emotional shutdown in relationships are discussed as common struggles for men.
Keywords: stonewalling, relationships, defensiveness, communication, emotional regulation
45:15
Austin addresses internalized beliefs around money, sex, and success, and how they affect men’s identity and relationships.
Keywords: masculinity, success, money, sex, performance pressure, dating
55:00
They close by discussing partnership, evolving gender roles, and how conscious masculinity can improve relationships and communities.
Keywords: gender roles, partnership, conscious masculinity, trust, relationship dynamics