Description
MenLiving Advance: Top Gun
A Transformative Weekend of Connection, Growth & Play
Join Jason Samatas and Mike Patterson for a powerful men’s weekend with a twist. The weekend will include the standard MenLiving fare on an Advance, including deep connection, time in nature, guided self-reflection, and movement. However, this Advance is going to spice it up a bit by making some content connections of men’s work to both Top Gun movies (1986’s and 2022’s) — two mostly universally liked movies (although it may provide great discussions for those who didn’t like the movies!). Jason, in particular, is a Top Gun enthusiast and his connection to aviation being an airline pilot also drives some intrigue for the weekend. The movie casts many interesting themes on masculinity, some healthy and some not-so-healthy, and we’ll be exploring some of the content of the movie, its characters, and how it ties that back into today’s culture and individual’s lifestyles.
The weekend will be a wonderful combination of deep work, connection, relaxation, and fun. And all in the confines of a beautiful Southwestern setting with perfect late-Fall weather to enjoy. Even if you hate the movie or have never seen it, the weekend promises to be fulfilling and powerful.
Check out this video for a preview of the MenLiving Advance experience.
The Foundation of a MenLiving Advance
- Connection – Deepen your connection with yourself, other men, and nature.
- Personal Growth – Identify what’s holding you back and make powerful shifts.
- Fun – Rediscover playfulness, adventure, and joy.
Pre & Post-Weekend Integration Meetings
To help you prepare for and integrate the experience, all participants are expected to attend:
📅 Pre-Weekend Meeting: Monday, November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM (Central) via Zoom
📅 Post-Weekend Integration Meeting: Monday, November 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM (Central) via Zoom
Registration Agreements
This weekend is not a therapy retreat, but a space to challenge your identity and step into something new. It’s deep, sometimes uncomfortable work that requires emotional stability. If you have unresolved trauma, this may not be the right environment for you.
Agreements
By registering, you agree to:
✔ If this is your first ML Advance, complete a brief interview to align expectations of the weekend.
✔ Take full responsibility for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being throughout weekend.
✔ Stay open to all feedback and personal challenges.
✔ Participate fully—arriving on time and staying through the end.
✔ Disconnect—this is a dry and unplugged event (no alcohol, drugs, or devices).
✔ Attend a 60 Minute Pre Weekend Meeting via Zoom on 11/3 @ 7 PM Central
✔ Attend a 60 Minute Post-Weekend Integration Meeting on 11/17 @ 7PM Central
✔ Share a room and bathroom with up to three other men.
Event Details
📍 Location: Samatas Home, Scottsdale, Arizona
📅 Dates: Thursday, Nov 6, 2025 (7:00 PM) – Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 (12:00 PM)
💰 Cost: $850 to $1150 (includes lodging, meals, and programming)
🔹 Deposit: $200 (non-refundable, required to reserve your spot)
