Learning State

In this deeply honest and often funny conversation, Danny and Tyler dive into the idea of the “learning state” — that mental posture of curiosity and humility that keeps us growing as men. They explore how and why many men shut it off, the role ego plays in stunting our growth, and what it actually looks like to turn it back on.

Through personal stories ranging from terrifying tarantula encounters to spreadsheets and pivot tables, they unpack the unexpected lessons that come from unexpected places. Tyler opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of chemo treatment and how certain medications can cloud mood, judgment, and relationships. Danny shares the surprising parallels between learning financial tools, training jiu-jitsu, and maintaining healthy male friendships.

Together, they break down:

• Why staying in a learning mindset is critical for relationships, work, and personal growth
• The difference between boundaries that build connection and boundaries that build walls
• How escalation works in arguments — and why “rules of engagement” matter
• Why asking better questions often matters more than having better answers
• The dangerous habit of giving too many passes and how it builds resentment
• How to navigate friendship and marriage when each person plays by different “rules”

This is a candid conversation that blends real-life struggle, practical takeaways, and a few moments of humor that could only happen between two friends who’ve been through a lot together.