Who Thought We'd Be Here?
"Who Thought We'd Be Here" is a podcast about changing your mind, redefining the stigma around mental health, and living a vulnerable and productive lifestyle.
Both seeking answers from the Universe as they turned 30, co-hosts and longtime pals Steven Aigner and John Pugh found themselves improving in ways their younger and much more wild selves could have never seen coming. They began conquering and healing their past selves with unfamiliar mindfulness tools like meditation, yoga, breath-work, journaling, reading transformative books, and experimenting with mind expanding remedies.
Ignited by a passion to help others struggling with complex problems of their own and a desire to create a new narrative surrounding men's mental health in today's modern society, they created their first collaborative podcast "Who Thought We'd Be Here?" This podcast is all about exploring the boundless potential within ourselves, and to inspire each and every one of us to be fearless in our own unique human experience.
Their goal is to make mindfulness more accessible for folks all around the world, and express the genuine benefits of redesigning your life in a more thoughtful way.
We'd love for you to join us on this spiritual journey, as we try to shine a little light into what it really and truly means to be a good human in this Universe.
NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!!!
A mental health podcast with two guys who never would have thought they'd be here podcasting. Hosted by Steven Aigner (@_itssteve__) & John Pugh (@jay_pugh).
Find all of our full length episodes and content here:
https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod
Episodes
91 episodes
Reshaping Society's Definition of Masculinity for the Modern Man
In this episode, we explore the evolving conversation around masculinity and the role men are trying to navigate in today’s culture. Rather than approaching the topic from extremes, this discussion looks at the tension many men feel between tra...
Think and Grow Better: A Simple Guide to Reaching Your Goals
This week’s conversation is inspired by the principles in Think and Grow Rich, but instead of reviewing the book, we explore what those ideas look like when applied to real life.We talk about the difference between wanting somethi...
Why Self-Doubt Shows Up When You’re Actually Growing
Self-doubt is something almost everyone experiences — but very few people know how to talk about honestly. In this episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, we explore what self-doubt actually is, where it comes from, and how it shows up w...
Renew, Reset, Release: A New Approach to Having the Best Year of Your Life
This episode of "Who Thought We'd Be Here?" introduces the Renew, Reset, Release framework, a three-pillar system designed to help you move beyond traditional New Year's resolutions and create lasting, meaningful change.The episode crit...
Who Thought We’d Be Here? A 2025 Reflection + Our 2026 Vision
In this episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, we take a thoughtful look at the podcast’s 2025 — the areas where the show grew, the conversations that resonated most, and what we learned about consistency, depth, and community.We...
From Childhood Grief to Running Marathons: How I Became the Man I Always Needed When I Was a Kid | EP079
In this deeply personal and motivating conversation, marathon runner Ryan Carney opens up about the experiences that shaped him — from getting cut from his childhood soccer team, to losing his father at just ten years old, to discovering runnin...
Brian Galligan Returns: Following Your Passion & Choosing Integrity over Clickbait | EP078
In this powerful episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, Brian Galligan is back again to talk about what it really means to rebuild yourself from the ground up. From battling insecurity and addiction to launching the Ikonical podcast and Top Dog ...
Steve’s First Marathon & JP’s New Chapter: Learning to Let Go of Expectations & Step into Growth | EP077
In this episode, the guys take a breath and reflect on two big turning points in their lives — Steve running his first marathon, and JP stepping into a new relationship. What starts as a casual catch-up unfolds into a deeper conversation about ...
Gratitude, Growth & Faith: The Self Improvement Episode | EP076
In this solo episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, JP and Steve step back from interviews to share an honest check-in on their own self-improvement journeys. The conversation centers on the practices and mindsets they’re working on rig...
Bring Peace to Your Mind & Harmony to Your Body with the Healing Power of Sound Therapy | EP075
Vinny Colandrea aka "The Reverb Yogi" joins JP & Steve to explain how he uses sound and vibration to guide people out of mental loops and back into present awareness. He defines his work as intentionally redirecting attention so people can ...
The Expertise Episode: What Are You Great At That You Don't See Within Yourself? | EP074
In this episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, JP and Steve take a step back from guests and topics to reflect on each other’s expertise — the qualities, habits, and skills that have shaped their friendship, creative work, and this podc...
Reprogram Your Subconscious for Success & Transform Your Brain with Hypnotist & Mindset Coach Anthony Serino | EP073
In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Serino, hypnotist and mindset coach, for a powerful deep dive into how the subconscious mind shapes every aspect of our lives. Anthony opens up about his own struggles with anxiety, identity, and self-s...
The Healing Power of Nutrition on Your Mind, Body & Business w/ Chakra Bowls Founder Lauren Hoheusle | EP072
In this episode of WTWBH, Steve and JP sit down with Lauren Hoheusle, the owner of Chakra Bowls Cafe, to discuss the intersection of nutrition, mental health, and entrepreneurship. Lauren shares her personal journey, explaining how a tragic los...
Michael Chernow - An INSPIRING Story of Conquering Addiction & Lessons from 20+ Years of Sobriety | EP071
Michael Chernow — restaurateur, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and founder of Kreatures of Habit — joins us for a brutally honest conversation about addiction, recovery, discipline, and building a life worth living.From running ...
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Balancing Comedy with Anxiety and Doing Stand-Up in the Sauna with Comedian David Stickle | EP070
In this episode of Who Thought We’d Be Here?, stand-up comedian David Stickle gets honest about the messy, uncomfortable, and hilarious process of becoming a comic. He opens up about how terrifying his early sets were, what it’s like to bomb in...
How to Heal Beyond Sobriety & Embrace your Journey with Accountability (Back on the Deck) | EP069
In this stripped-back solo episode, your favorite co-hosts return to one of their original recording spots — but they’re not the same people they were when they started. It’s a full-circle moment, and what follows is an open, emotional conversa...
The MOST Masculine Thing You Can Do: OPEN Up Your Heart & STOP Hiding From Yourself w/ Federico Fridman | EP068
In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we sit down with Federico Fridman, co-founder of Cacao Lab, to explore how plants, fatherhood, and men’s work transformed his relationship with himself and the world around him.Federico share...
How to Shift Your Life from Survival Mode to Self Love w/ Trauma Informed Therapist & Reiki Healer Katie Parent | EP067
In this episode, we sit down with Katie Parent, a licensed therapist and holistic healer, to explore what healing really means—beyond talk therapy and into the body, the nervous system, and lived experience.Katie shares how she co...
From Rock Bottom to Running Marathons: How Running & Filmmaking Transformed My Life w/ Allen Wong | EP066
In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Allen Wong — filmmaker, distance runner, and former addict — to explore how endurance sports and creativity helped him rebuild his identity from the ground up.Allen opens up abou...
How to Heal Your Trauma, Elevate Your Energy & Vibrate Higher w/ Herbalist Jess Kravit | EP065
In this episode, we sit down with Jess Kravit, founder of Exalted Alchemy, to dive deep into the world of herbalism, natural wellness, entrepreneurship, and energetic healing. Jess breaks down what it really means to be a clinical herbalist in ...
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Nick Spencer - How Jui-Jitsu Saved My Life and Plant Medicine Killed my Ego | EP064
In Episode 064, we sit down with Nick Spencer, martial artist, business owner, and founder of Snake Hill Jiu-Jitsu, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about healing, identity, and building something real. From military polic...
Bryce Eckwall - How to Conquer Your Overthinking & Build a 6 Figure Creative Business | EP063
In this powerful and unfiltered episode, the hosts sit down with Bryce Eckwall, founder of Q29 Productions, for a deep conversation about the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, healing, and self-worth.The episode...
"Steve Strong: Rebuilding from Rock Bottom & Healing Reality Through Tabletop RPGs" | EP062
This week we sit down with Steve Strong of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast for a deeply honest conversation about personal transformation. Steve opens up about his experiences with trauma, mental health, and the emotional weight he c...
"Connor Bond: Acting, Improv, Existentialism & Laughing Through the Pain" | EP061
This week, we're joined by actor, improv teacher, and creative soul Connor Bond for a deep, hilarious, and honest conversation about what it really means to navigate life, creativity, and identity. We talk about Connor’s journey through differe...
"Overthinking Everything: Fitness, Fulfillment & Feeling Like a Fraud" | EP060
This episode is a vulnerable look into the tug-of-war between ambition and self-acceptance. Steve and JP explore the quiet, often overwhelming internal dialogue that comes with trying to grow—physically, mentally, emotionally—while constantly q...