The Wisdom Circle

San Francisco

A 6-month Training for the Modern Man

Step into a transformative space

 where modern masculinity is reimagined and goes beyond the confines of the “nice guy” or “bad boy” scripts.

The Wisdom Circle -SF is a 6-month program designed for men who crave deeper connections, boundless vitality, laser-focused purpose, and truly intimate relationships.

Grounded in nervous-system training and integrity building, TWC-SF invites you to:

• Reclaim Your Authenticity: Dive deep into embodied practices that awaken your innate healthy masculine energy and help you shed the layers of societal conditioning.
 

• Connect on a Deeper Level: Engage in raw, honest conversations with like-minded men, creating bonds that nourish your emotional and relational well-being.
 

• Ignite Your Vitality: Experience dynamic practices that revitalize your body and spirit, empowering you to live with greater energy and clarity.

 • Cultivate Focused Purpose: Gain practical insights and tools to clarify your life’s direction, so you can pursue your passions and relationships with intent.

This path isn’t about abandoning who you are. Rather, it’s about unmasking and strengthening the real you. It’s about evolving into a version of yourself that’s unafraid of vulnerability and driven by purpose.

If you're ready to step beyond surface-level interactions and embrace a life rich in authenticity and connection, The Wisdom Circle SF is your invitation to transform from the inside out.

Join us and redefine what it means to be a man in today’s world.

June-November 2025

The Wisdom Circle emphasizes integrity, nourishment, and consciousness.

It is drawn from the systems of embodiment, breathwork, and Mussar, and informed by the teachings of such ground breaking men's work leaders as John Wineland, Robert Glover, and David Deida.

Here’s what’s included:

1. Monthly in-person circles in San Francisco at Alchemy Springs

Sundays: 9am-12pm PT (June 1, July 13, August 3, September 7, October 5 ,November 2)

Alchemy Springs, located in the heart of San Francisco, offers a Sauna Garden with sauna, cold plunges and more. Entrance to the Sauna Garden and other facilities will be available after TWC sessions for an additional discounted fee.

2. Monthly online circles over Zoom

Thursdays: 12-1:30pm PT (June 12, July 24, August 14, September 18, October 16)

3. Access to a dedicated Signal space

For ongoing support and connection with Ted

A note on
“Men’s Groups”

Ted didn’t think he needed a “men’s group” until his life took an unexpected and painful turn. When it did, he found that programs for men typically offered one of two distinct paths:

 • Alpha Practice: Cultivating depth, consciousness, and stillness; encouraging achievement, competition, stoicism and rugged individualism.
 • Omega Practice: Embracing emotion, feelings, and flow; building bonds, collaboration, creativity and community.

Both of these approaches are deeply needed and nourishing for today’s man. And yet, taught as extremes, often miss the full spectrum of life that lies between the letters. Through years of training with such leading teachers as John Wineland and Robert Glover, Ted found a lineage that weaves together both the alpha and omega energies, leaving space to explore the fullest expression of life both in relationship to self and others. 

$1,500 USD

Early Bird Prices (Until May 1st)

$1,500 Training Only

With 2hr Sauna Garden 12-2pm ($1,800)

Investment

$1,770 USD

Standard Prices (Starting May 2nd)

$1,770 Training Only

With 2hr Sauna Garden 12-2pm ($2,070)

*Application & interview are required for participation.

Our Location

The Wisdom Circle-SF meets at the beautiful Alchemy Springs in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood.

Sunday morning group sessions are held in one of Alchemy Springs’ private practice spaces, 9am-12pm.

If you would like to stay for an additional Sauna Garden experience, 12-2pm, you can add the full 6-month option at the time of registration.

Alchemy Springs' Sauna garden is an outdoor oasis, featuring a large 40-person outdoor communal sauna with immersive sound and lights, cold plunges, fire pit, thermal benches and outdoor shower wall - designed by award winning architect, Olle Lundberg.

* As Alchemy Springs is still in development, there are temporary changing rooms and lockers, and outdoor open-air showers only.

* Please bring your own towels, robe and sandals for this experience. There are a limited quantity for rent upon check in - subject to availability.

* Please note that Alchemy Springs enforces a clothing-required policy. All guests are kindly requested to wear appropriate swimsuits throughout their visit.

The Wisdom Circle is an incredible way to raise your bar and be held accountable for living an incredible life, surrounded by high quality men with world-class facilitation.

—David Clavens, Magician & Consultant

I now look for opportunities to use the tools I've learned to communicate with more intention to heal broken relationships, empathize with others and approach everything from a place of understanding and love. It also taught me to put more stock in myself, value myself more and believe that I can work to change things about myself that I don't like.

—A., Tech Executive

About Your Facilitator Ted Riter

Ted Riter is a seasoned men's work facilitator dedicated to helping modern men embrace their full potential. Currently leading the 5th cohort of The Wisdom Circle on the SF Peninsula, Ted brings decades of experience guiding men through transformative journeys. As the longtime Lead Trainer for John Wineland’s Embodied Men’s Leadership Training and his new Men’s Group Leadership Training Certification, he has been instrumental in developing a dynamic approach that challenges conventional scripts, inspiring men to forge deeper connections, unlock boundless vitality, and step confidently into a life of purpose and authenticity.


FAQs

  • The Wisdom Circle is for any man who feels there is something more waiting to be explored in his life. Whether you’re new to men’s work, an experienced leader, or simply someone who’s never felt at ease in a group of men, you’re welcome here. This space is for men who are ready to step into deeper layers of themselves and their relationships.

  • The most important requirements are:

    A willingness to be vulnerable — to share your truths — the things that keep you up at night, the things that carry shame, the things that you want no one else to know.

    And, a generosity of practice — being a nonjudgmental YES to whatever your brothers bring into the Circle

  • Confidentiality is foundational in The Wisdom Circle. We set clear agreements around trust and respect from the start. By establishing boundaries and modeling vulnerability, I work to ensure each man feels secure in sharing his truth. It’s this atmosphere of trust that makes deep, meaningful work possible.

  • Our first four cohorts have been an inspiring reflection of diversity. Men from a wide range of backgrounds join the circle, spanning different ages (20s-60s), ethnicities, countries of origin, professions, income levels, relationship structures and dynamics, sexual identities, religious traditions, and physical abilities. The group thrives on this diversity, as it enriches the experience for everyone.

  • By being part of The Wisdom Circle, you’ll deepen your connection to your core purpose and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. You can expect to feel more grounded, present, and in tune with your desires. Many men find they walk away with a clearer sense of who they are and how they want to show up for their loved ones and their communities.

  • Embodiment and breathwork help you become more aware of your body and emotions, allowing you to respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and presence. Mussar brings in the ethical and spiritual dimension, guiding you in cultivating virtues like power, compassion, patience, courage, and humility. Together, these practices create a well-rounded system that supports growth on all levels—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

  • You may face some discomfort as you let go of old habits and step into a more authentic version of yourself. This could mean confronting beliefs that have held you back or trying new ways of relating that might feel awkward at first. But with challenge comes growth, and the group is here to support you as you push beyond your comfort zone.

  • Outside of the bi-monthly Circles, I encourage you to stay engaged with practices like breathwork or journaling to support your growth. Our Signal thread offers ongoing connection, and checking in regularly can help deepen your experience. The extra time commitment depends on how much you want to invest, but the more effort you put in, the more rewarding the process will be.

  • Life happens and missing a session can occur. While we may record the teaching portions, the deeper, personal work will not be recorded to protect confidentiality. Missing a session means missing that particular experience, but you will still have the support of the group and the chance to continue your journey in future sessions.