Breaking Ice Collective

Our Mission

We bring together men over thirty

for real conversations and shared experiences,

so that they can build supportive networks,

understand themselves better, and

improve their ability to have important conversations in life.

Our Vision

Breaking Ice Collective envisions a community of men from around the world who help each other have healthy, and sometimes tough conversations that enhance their mental mindset and their ability to engage in meaningful conversations. We desire to give men the space they need to talk about what is going on inside their lives and minds. Our hope is to create experiences online and throughout the world that bring intentional movement in relationships through a curiosity to grow and learn together.

Contact Us

Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

What Are We About?

Giving you space to talk and move forward

We believe our community's greatest value is the collective of men and their shared stories and experiences. Breaking Ice Collective is a community built for men over 30 to simply talk. We bring together men like you for real conversations and shared experiences, so that they can build supportive networks, understand themselves better, and improve their ability to have important conversations in life.

We create space for you to take a break from all the pressure and expectations life can throw at you. Here, you can catch your breath for a second, talk about what's on your mind, and just be yourself without any extra weight.

We know your job, family, friends, and community are important, but they can also be stressful and full of expectations. We give you a healthy place to unwind, share your thoughts, and connect with others who get it.

No goals, no to-dos – just a chance to relax, listen, and be heard.

We also know, that if you are like us, starting conversations can be tough. It takes effort to open up and really listen. We think it's a skill that can be learned and practiced, but let's be honest, it doesn't always come naturally to us guys.

Talking about certain things can be frustrating or just plain tough sometimes.

That's why we take the time to practice these skills through regular conversations with each other. And it makes a real difference in the conversations we have with our families, friends, and others in our lives.

In a world where there's always pressure to be a certain way, it's important to have a space where you can just be yourself. That's what Breaking Ice Collective is all about—a community where men can come together, share their thoughts, and grow through meaningful conversations.

We're not about trying to change the world or telling you what you should be doing. We're about being curious about life, each other, and how we can grow as individuals.

We offer a neutral online space where you can figure out what works best for you. For some of us, it's about connecting with others who get it. For others, it's about becoming more comfortable in conversations that used to make us nervous.

And for some, it's just about sharing what's on our minds and getting support from a group of guys who understand. Whatever it is for you, we're here to provide a space where you can be yourself and find your own way.

cOMMONALITY OF MEMBERS

We all are there, or have been there. That's the great thing in Breaking Ice.

Life is good, but I wish I had more people to connect with.

I’m exhausted—mentally, emotionally, physically.

I’m tired of my job and wonder if it’s time for a change.

I’ve got habits (drinking, smoking, porn) I should talk about but don’t want a formal group.

My relationship is struggling, and I don’t know what to do.

I feel off—maybe I need to check myself.

I messed up and don’t know how to talk about it or who to trust.

Am I on the right path? I’m rethinking everything.

Life is changing, and it’s got me reflecting.

I feel disconnected—I don’t have close friendships right now.

I just can't let it go - not sure how to move forward.

The kids are growing up, and soon they’ll be gone—it’s hitting me.

I just wish I had someone to talk to about this stuff.

I’m worried about aging—how will I stay relevant?

I feel like I’m losing my identity—who am I outside of work and family?

I want to pursue my passions, but I’m not sure where to start.

I’m concerned about my health—how can I stay healthy as I age?

I’m feeling restless—I need a change, but I’m not sure what it is.

I need new friendships—I’m on the other side of it all now.

I want to be a better partner/father/friend, but I don’t know how.

I’m struggling with purpose—what’s my role in life now?

Historical Perspective

There was a time men engaged in conversation in a different sort of way...can we find that again...

Throughout history, conversation has been a cornerstone of human connection, evolving alongside society itself. In ancient times, men gathered around campfires to share stories, reflect on life’s challenges, and pass down wisdom. These early dialogues weren’t just about survival—they were about understanding the world and each other. As civilizations grew, these conversations moved into more structured spaces like public forums and round tables, where men honed their skills in dialogue and self-awareness through shared meals and discussions.

The Classical period brought a new dimension to conversation. Philosophers like Socrates used dialogue not just to share ideas but to challenge assumptions and seek deeper truths. The Socratic method turned questioning into an art form, encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection. Plato formalized this approach in his famous dialogues, which became foundational for exploring moral and philosophical questions.

Over time, however, the nature of conversation shifted. The rise of lecture halls in politics, religion, and education transformed dialogue into a one-way exchange—listening replaced participation. By the Industrial Revolution and beyond, conversation became more fragmented as society focused on productivity and efficiency.

In recent years, there’s been a return to the roots of meaningful dialogue. With the rise of digital communication, many of us now find ourselves in shallow online exchanges that often lack depth or connection. At Breaking Ice Collective, we believe it’s time to reclaim the ancient practice of authentic dialogue—a space where men can gather, share their stories, and build community through real conversations. It’s about bringing back the timeless value of talking together to gain insight, grow as individuals, and strengthen our connections with others.

Some Statistics

Loneliness Among Men Aged 30-60

Prevalence

Weekly Loneliness: 40% of men report feeling lonely at least once a week. Single men are three times more likely to experience loneliness than married men.

Divorce Impact: 30% of men report feeling lonely after a divorce, emphasizing the role of marital status in social isolation.

Generational Trends: Middle-aged Americans (ages 45-65) are lonelier than their European peers, with loneliness being endemic rather than episodic in this age group.

Health Risks

Physical Health: Loneliness increases the risk of stroke or coronary artery disease by 30% and cancer mortality by 10% among middle-aged men, especially those who are unmarried, widowed, or divorced.

Mental Health: Loneliness boosts the risk of depression by 50%, anxiety disorders by 26%, and substance abuse by 35%.

Social Factors

Friendship Decline: One in four men lack close friends, and 62% feel they cannot share their feelings with friends.

Cultural Differences: Middle-aged men in the U.S. struggle more with loneliness compared to their peers in Europe, although this trend is increasing globally.

So, How Do We Reduce These Impacts?

Research suggests that having frequent social interactions, good health, a spouse, or even a roommate can help mitigate loneliness across all age groups.

*Statistics sourced from perplexity.com AI search engine.

The Opportunities

What We Offer

Monthly and Weekly Topics: Engage in discussions that matter, from everyday life to deeper personal growth.

Community Support: Learn from others and grow through regular conversations, fostering healthier relationships in all areas of your life.

Personal Stories Podcast: A weekly podcast offered to members only. Listen to other guys stories about the journey of life and monthly themes.

Adventures and Events: Join us on an adventure to Alaska or Kenya with other members or attend one of our events held in various locations.

Breaking Ice Movement Cards: We have created a set of online animate emotion cards to help you key in on what you are thinking and experiencing.

Check them out here

Why Join Us

Personal Growth: Develop your conversation skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Relatable Stories: Share and hear stories that resonate with you, helping you feel less alone.

Meaningful Connections: Become part of a community that values open dialogue and mutual support.

Adventure Opportunities: Join us on a members only adventure retreat.