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Jeremy Jackson, a facilitator of The Balanced Man Retreat, recently sat down with Brad Lea on the "Dropping Bombs" podcast for an in-depth conversation about his life, career, and his path to overcoming addiction. Jeremy, famously known for his role as Hobie on "Baywatch," opened up about his struggles with Hollywood's dark side, addiction, and his journey towards recovery and spiritual growth. Throughout the episode, Jeremy emphasized how these experiences have fueled his passion for helping others—particularly through his role as a facilitator at The Balanced Man Retreat.
The Balanced Man Retreat: A Path to Freedom Through Discipline
One of the most powerful moments of the podcast was when Jeremy discussed his work with The Balanced Man, a men's retreat focused on "Freedom through discipline." He described the importance of helping men become "stronger, more stoic, and capable," allowing them to return to their families as better versions of themselves. He shared how the retreat offers everything from morning practices, intuitive archery, surfing, and deep meditations, to powerful discussions on facing fears and embracing vulnerability. As Jeremy put it, the retreat is about planting seeds of personal growth or watering the seeds that are already there, creating a community of men who can become leaders in their families and communities.
Building Brotherhood and Purpose
Jeremy highlighted that the retreat gives men the tools to get out of their reactive states and into purposeful, aligned action—a practice that he found invaluable in his own journey of overcoming hardship and embracing his "true self." He described the transformation that happens when men are given the space to reconnect with themselves and with others, saying,
"The fastest way to renew, heal, or restore is to put someone in a pack of healthy dogs."
This powerful analogy speaks to the ethos of The Balanced Man: a supportive brotherhood where men help each other grow, pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves, both mentally and physically.
The conversation delved deeply into vulnerability, discipline, and the need for stoicism in today's world, as well as the power of connecting with nature and like-minded individuals. Jeremy shared how discipline is the key that unlocks freedom, allowing men to build resilience and emotional strength in the face of life's challenges. He talked about the transformative experience of spending time in nature, away from the distractions of modern life, where men can find clarity, purpose, and the motivation to make positive changes. The camaraderie that develops in these settings is something Jeremy described as irreplaceable—men coming together not just to bond but to inspire each other to be better, to hold each other accountable, and to lift each other up.
Breathwork: A Powerful Tool for Transformation
During the conversation, Brad and Jeremy also explored the importance of breathwork in the retreat. Jeremy explained how breathwork has been a game-changer for many of the men attending. His own experience with breathwork has allowed him to tap into a deeper state of relaxation and clarity. Jeremy highlighted that breathwork is a powerful tool for resetting the nervous system, releasing pent-up emotions, and gaining a sense of inner calm. He emphasized that these practices help men access parts of themselves they may have long suppressed, ultimately leading to profound breakthroughs in their personal growth. The discussion underscored how simple yet powerful breathwork can be in transforming one's state of mind, enabling participants to face challenges with renewed focus and energy.
Facing Fears and Embracing Vulnerability
Jeremy's authenticity and honesty in sharing his personal story remind us all of the transformative potential of facing our fears head-on. He spoke about how fear can paralyze us, keeping us stuck in destructive patterns, but also about how confronting those fears can be the catalyst for profound personal growth. The power of embracing vulnerability, Jeremy explained, lies in the ability to be honest with oneself and others, breaking down the walls that often isolate men from those around them. The retreat provides a container for this kind of deep, introspective work, encouraging men to face their shadows, let go of past traumas, and find strength in their shared experiences.
Spiritual Growth and Holistic Healing
The episode also touched on the spiritual aspect of Jeremy's journey, highlighting how spirituality has played a crucial role in his recovery and growth. He described how reconnecting with his spiritual side allowed him to see life from a different perspective, finding peace and meaning beyond the superficial allure of fame and success. The Balanced Man Retreat embodies this spiritual component, offering practices that help men tap into their deeper selves, whether through meditation, breathwork, or simply sitting in silence amidst nature. This holistic approach to healing and growth—addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life—is what makes the retreat truly impactful.
Returning as Better Versions of Ourselves
In closing, Jeremy emphasized that the work being done at The Balanced Man Retreat is about more than just individual transformation. It's about creating ripples that extend outward—men returning to their families, workplaces, and communities as more present, compassionate, and purposeful individuals. The strength of the retreat lies in its ability to foster genuine connection, to build a brotherhood that supports each man long after the retreat ends. Jeremy's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vulnerability, and the importance of finding one's true path in life, and his journey serves as an inspiration for anyone struggling to overcome their own obstacles. The conversation with Brad Lea was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we choose to face our challenges, lean on others for support, and commit to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Written By
Jeremy Jackson
