“You can’t build something healthy while avoiding the work within yourself.”

Healthy relationships don’t start with finding the right person.

They start with becoming the right person.

In this episode, Hamza Idris is joined by John Kenny to explore what actually makes relationships work and why many break down long before they need to.

John brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey as an athlete, firefighter, therapist, and coach, offering grounded insight into emotional responsibility, communication, and personal growth.

This is not a conversation about perfection or having it all figured out.

It’s about awareness.

Communication.

Emotional responsibility.

And learning how to show up well for others without losing yourself.

This episode is for anyone reflecting on their friendships, romantic relationships, family dynamics, or their own patterns in connection.

🔑 What you’ll take from this episode:

• Why healthy relationships are built, not found

• How unmet expectations quietly damage connection

• The difference between communication and emotional dumping

• Why self-work is relational work

• How to take responsibility without self-blame

• What it means to love others from a place of wholeness

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 A holistic view of self and relationships

00:44 Welcome & introducing John Kenny

03:47 John’s journey: athlete, firefighter, therapist, coach

07:54 Attraction, trauma, and unhealthy patterns

12:00 Understanding desire, self-worth, and what we attract

14:06 First dates, authenticity, and being yourself

21:23 Friendships, intimacy, and not making one person everything

27:30 Boundaries, balance, and respect in relationships

30:26 Long-distance relationships and emotional availability

32:33 Healthy friendships, values, and cutting ties when needed

35:09 Conflict resolution, communication, and emotional intelligence

39:07 Knowing when to walk away

39:44 Holistic wellbeing: mind, body, and identity

43:11 Fitness, habits, and sustainable health

49:55 Confidence, self-acceptance, and realistic expectations

52:40 What John wishes he knew earlier

55:24 Final advice to the modern man

56:26 Closing remarks

#modernmanpodcast #healthyrelationships #emotionalmaturity #menandrelationships #communicationinskills#selfawareness #personalgrowth #modernmasculinity #emotionalhealth #faithandlife

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