We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Terranova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It’s actually a funny story. The inception of The Alchemy of Men came from a place of frustration. As a professional business and leadership coach for almost a decade, I largely ignored men’s work until 2022. I found it either overly aggressive, showcasing extreme masculinity, or excessively emotional, leaning towards a wacky version of extreme femininity. None of it felt like authentic masculine or feminine empowerment to me.

While mocking what I saw in men’s work one weekend, my wife and a friend challenged me. They said, “If you don’t see a version you like, why don’t you create something?” That challenge hit me hard. Initially, I was thrown off and questioned who I was to create something new. But then it struck me – I was a leader, and leaders create; I was precisely the right person to bring about this change.

The Alchemy of Men was born with the support of a profoundly influential Ayahuasca Journey and my friend and fellow coach, Bob Conlin, who shared my vision and enthusiasm. Our mission is to redefine masculinity, offering a space where men can express their true selves without feeling judged or alone. We support men as they navigate their struggles, relationships, and work.

The Alchemy of Men is about creating a community that inspires hope and supports personal growth. We believe masculinity is multifaceted, dynamic, and ever-evolving. It’s up to each man to define and commit to the vision and legacy he aspires to create.

At The Alchemy of Men, we emphasize that personal growth is a never-ending journey. To thrive, men must master their minds and hearts, connect with their soul, and live with integrity. Leadership is key – you can’t hide from yourself. Men must be the captains of their lives, steering their ships regardless of the weather.

It’s time for men to make new, powerful decisions and clearly define what being a man means to them. It’s time to choose and create the life, health, wealth, and relationships they are committed to. Our community promises support, accountability, and unconditional love. We’re dedicated to walking this path with men every step of the way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Recently, a man who went on an Alchemy of Men Retreat shared with us that he went on his first date in 5 years, went from drinking daily to not having a drink in 30 days, and decided to start going to therapy.

Like whoa! This is what it’s all about-men elevating themselves, growing, and discovering more deeply who they are.

Because of this work, another man left the city he lived in, a job he didn’t love, and moved across the world to embrace a dream and buy a new business in which he had no experience.

Another man left a retreat with big commitments related to his work, health, and relationship goals; a month later, he’s exceeding them. I’m so proud of him.

Our work is powerful and special because it doesn’t dictate choices, but empowers individuals to make powerful decisions for themselves. The Retreat is just the beginning, and the real work starts when you get home. But the potential for change is immense, offering a community, friendships, and a beacon of hope and optimism for personal growth and improvement.

Another man recently shared how, for the first time ever, he wrote down his vision for the kind of woman and relationship he wants. He’d never done anything like this regarding relationships. He is very clear about his business goals and his health. And when it comes to his relationships, he has yet to be as intentional or direct because it’s pretty scary to do so. But after he did this exercise, he shared it with his current partner, and the best part is she is totally on board, bringing them closer together.

How incredibly brave and inspiring! Their courage to take the first step and speak their truth is truly commendable and serves as a beacon of inspiration for all of us.

Recently, I received a heartfelt text from another man’s wife expressing her gratitude and the positive changes she’d noticed in her husband. He’s been more assertive and direct in his communication. This man, who in the past has always been a ‘nice guy,’ now comes home with a voice and a grounded sense of who he is and what he wants, which creates more peace, intimacy, and connection at home with his partner and within himself.

That’s what I love about this work—being there for men, mostly because men feel alone, stressed out, and enormously pressured. Most don’t have a place to unburden themselves, get supported, vent, and get back into clear and intentional actions. For many men, this is a place to connect, be heard, seen, understood, and cultivate friendships. This is all about supporting men to improve their families, relationships, communication, leadership, and businesses. To lead thriving lives that they love living.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the beach; the dog beach at Del Mar is the best, especially when it’s low tide, and you can walk alongside the cliffside. I love walking around and grabbing coffee in downtown Encinitas or the Carlsbad Village. My favorite coffee shops are Fourtillfour Cafe and Revolution Roasters. For food, I love grabbing The Cookie at Lazy Aches. It’s epic; you can always get a great, healthiest meal at Nectarine Grove. If you’re in Encinitas, I would also check out the Self Realization Meditation Gardens. If you like Yoga, Astaya is the best. And the Best Gym, Bigger Picture Fitness.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, there have been so many incredible people who have helped us bring The Alchemy of Men to life. First and foremost, my wife, Evin Rose, has been an unwavering support structure. She consistently reflects back to me what I’m capable of, especially when I’m hard on myself or feeling down.

Bob Conlin, Mark Hunter, Christopher McAuliffe, my parents, Brittany Cotton, Chelsea Cotton, Melanie Paez, Shona (Bob’s Wife), Christina Rowland, and Christina Stathopoulos have all played vital roles in this journey. The men from The Alchemy of Men community-like Abraham, Mike, Sherm, Jay, Jeff, Ben, Emmanuel, and DJ—have been instrumental in shaping what we’ve created.

I also can’t forget Accomplishment Coaching, where it all began for Bob and me, and where we first met. Without the love, support, and community of all these amazing individuals, The Alchemy of Men wouldn’t be what it is today.

Website: https://www.AlchemyofMenRetreat.com

Instagram: @thealchemyofmen

Image Credits
DJ Fellows – Our Company Photographer – Leader of Visual Values

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