Better Man Health
The Better Man Podcast
Real conversations for men who want to grow — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Hosted by therapist and founder of BetterManHealth, Alex Malin sits down with entrepreneurs, athletes, and thought leaders to unpack the habits, mindset shifts, and internal work required to become a better man in every area of life.
No fluff. No fake motivation. Just real stories, honest conversations, and tools for becoming the kind of man you respect.
Better Man Health
Mark 'The Shark' Irwin on Bare Knuckle Boxing, Psychedelic Healing, & Overcoming Addiction
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Step into the raw and unfiltered world of Mark "The Shark" Irwin, a professional bare-knuckle boxer whose journey is unlike any other. In this episode, Mark takes us through his unexpected entry into combat sports, the intense physical and mental battles he’s faced, and his mission to support athletes struggling with traumatic brain injuries. From fighting in Mexico to exploring psychedelic therapies, Mark’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and healing.
00:09 - Introduction: Mark "The Shark" Irwin shares how he got into boxing later in life.
01:23 - The first amateur fight: What started as a joke led to a serious passion.
02:00 - Becoming a referee and judge: Gaining new perspectives on the sport.
03:16 - Professional debut during the pandemic: Fighting in Mexico’s underground scene.
04:56 - Discovering bare-knuckle boxing: Mark’s decision to dive into the most brutal form of combat sports.
06:10 - Surviving tryouts for BKFC: The grueling selection process.
07:12 - Injuries in bare-knuckle boxing: The physical toll and Mark’s infamous “second head” injury.
10:16 - Using psychedelics for healing: How psilocybin and ayahuasca have helped with brain injuries.
12:37 - Preparing for life after combat sports: Mark’s struggle with identity beyond the ring.
14:50 - Transitioning out of fighting: The psychological and emotional impact on athletes.
17:08 - Mark’s personal battle with addiction: How combat sports gave him purpose.
21:22 - Coping with loss: Losing his brother and a close friend to mental health struggles.
23:58 - Advice for young men: How to handle mental health challenges and find a sense of direction.
27:34 - The difference in support for young men and women: Discussing societal norms and their effects.
31:08 - Athletes Journey Home: The nonprofit's mission to help athletes with traumatic brain injuries.
35:14 - Handling defeat: Mark’s mindset on overcoming setbacks and staying resilient.
37:23 - Final message to young men: Why it’s crucial to keep pushing through tough times.
39:34 - Closing thoughts: Mark’s appreciation for the journey and his advocacy for mental health support.