
Hosted by Dr. Matt Brown · EN
A podcast for men who want to understand and improve themselves and their relationships, hosted by Dr. Matt Brown and Dr. Rob Porter and clinical therapist Mike Porter.

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, even we, the admirals of The ManSpace can learn things about men. Today, we reflect on what we've learned. And you're here to benefit. Good for you. I'm so proud of you right now. Keywordsmen's mental health, vulnerability, loneliness, emotional expression, societal expectations, authentic connectionKey TopicsMen's emotional vulnerability and lonelinessSocietal expectations and false self-protectionThe importance of authentic communication and connectionChapters08:10 Men and Loneliness: A Deep Dive11:10 The Challenges of Content Creation14:16 Materialism vs. Minimalism in Men's Lives17:01 The Pressure of Societal Expectations20:04 The Yearning for Authenticity25:13 The Complexity of Male Vulnerability28:59 Shifting Perspectives on RelationshipsSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, have you ever lost interest in some of your favorite things? Ever wonder why? Is it boredom? Maybe you've become boring? Maybe it's the meds you're taking? I don't know. Geez. We barely even know each other. But we'll still try to help you figure it out. Keywordsmindfulness, medication, hobbies, humor, relationships, self-awareness, mental health, emotional regulation, personal growth Key TopicsThe effect of mindfulness and medication on hobbies and interestsHow humor and social interactions are influenced by mental statesThe role of mindfulness in relationships and emotional expressionChapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview02:41 Reflections on Relationships and Past Experiences05:44 The Impact of Fame and Wealth on Actors08:38 Selling Out: The Ethics of Compromise11:39 Mindfulness and Changing Interests16:04 Mindfulness vs. Medication: A Deep Dive18:41 The Role of Humor in Coping Strategies21:30 Exploring the Impact of Mindfulness on Desires24:29 Letting Go: The Transformative Power of Meditation27:47 Reevaluating Relationships: Purpose and Values30:45 Building Meaningful Connections: Humor, Sex, and Soda41:59 IntroSHORT.mp4ResourcesThe Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1577314808Mindfulness Meditation Resources - https://www.mindful.org/Understanding Medication and Mental Health - https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/medicationSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailWell spacemen, we've almost reached the end of this iteration of The ManSpace. So, today, we ask for your input--what do you want us to cover in the last 10 episodes? Text us and tell us 512-766-5154. Keywordsmasculinity, men's mental health, male friendships, relationships, personal growth, podcast finale, men's issues, emotional maturity Key TopicsThe evolution of the Man Space podcast over 5 yearsThe importance of male friendships and emotional connectionTopics of masculinity, mental health, and personal growthListener engagement and future content ideasSound Bites"The man space is dying.""This will call this the Chrysalis episode."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context01:33 The Announcement of Change04:36 Exploring the Landscape of Masculinity07:29 Top Topics in Men's Mental Health10:42 Reflections on Male Relationships13:03 The Interplay of Relationships and Mental Health16:58 The Importance of Male Friendships19:29 Analyzing Male Friendships vs. Romantic Relationships24:33 The Value of Emotional Expression Among MenSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, let's be honest. Sometimes we make mistakes. I mean, I don't, but most people do. And it's hard to learn from them and make a difference in the future. But we have the tips to help you do it. Listen in. Keywordslearning from mistakes, growth mindset, failure, self-improvement, resilience, mental models, personal developmentKey TopicsHow to reframe failure as a learning opportunityQuestions to ask after a mistake: what, how, and what nextThe importance of separating self-worth from performanceUsing scientific principles to normalize failureDeveloping a narrative to handle setbacks confidentlySound Bites"You blew it! Welcome to Space Men.""I blew that one.""Focus on process, not just outcome."Chapters00:00 Learning from Mistakes: A Personal Journey07:02 Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities08:51 The Importance of Self-Reflection12:00 Separating Self-Worth from Performance15:01 Crafting a Positive Narrative Around Failure22:57 Focusing on Process Over Outcome29:33 IntroSHORT.mp4 resourcesThe Fearless Mind by Dr. Craig Manning - https://www.amazon.com/Fearless-Mind-Embracing-Your-Potential/dp/XXXXXXSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, this is sort of a will-they / won't they episode. Except, should I / shouldn't I. Should you correct your friend's parenting? No. Don't be rude. Maybe see how hard they want to be good parents. And stop thinking you're so good at it.Keywordsparenting, Star Wars, empathy, judgment, storytelling, therapy, parenting advice, pop culture, discussion, mental modelsKey TopicsParenting styles and their outcomesThe influence of childhood experiences on adult opinionsWhen and how to give helpful advice without judgmentSound Bites"Reframing creates space for helpfulness.""Judgment rarely leads to helpfulness.""Keep your advice brief and context-aware."Chapters00:00 Star Wars: A Generational Perspective04:49 The Canon Debate: Understanding Star Wars Lore05:50 Critiquing Star Wars: Bad Writing or Nostalgic Enjoyment?07:31 The Influence of Joseph Campbell on Star Wars09:31 Directing Styles: One Take vs. Multiple Takes13:36 Star Wars: A Love-Hate Relationship13:45 Listener Engagement and Podcast Dynamics20:18 The Right Way to Parent?24:21 Judgment in Parenting27:56 Context Matters in Parenting33:27 Understanding Parental Stress37:50 Empathy in Parenting DiscussionsResourcesStar Wars Movies - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_seriesJoseph Campbell's Hero with a Thousand Faces - https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Thousand-Faces-Joseph-Campbell/dp/1577315936The Mandalorian (Disney+) - https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-mandalorian/3jLIGMDYINqDAndor (Disney+) - https://www.disneyplus.com/series/andor/3jLIGMDYINqDThe Day of Disclosure Documentary - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234567/Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailNamaste again, spacemen. Come center yourself in the lotus position and mindfully take in all that The ManSpace has to offer. Actually, don't do that. Mindfulness isn't only about sitting lotus and chanting. It's about learning to be present and being intentional about what you're doing. Maybe intentionally listen to this episode and then intentionally share it with your friends. Keywordsmindfulness, meditation, presence, daily life, Thich Nhat Hanh, mental health, simplicity, awareness, stress reduction, living in the momentKey TopicsThe essence of mindfulness and its impact on lifePractical tips for practicing mindfulness dailyThe role of awareness and non-judgment in mindfulnessTakeawaysMindfulness is surprisingly simple but powerful.Slowing down enhances appreciation and reduces stress.Being present in mundane tasks increases life satisfaction.Sound Bites"When you burn them, they scream.""You're my time.""Pick a task and do it half speed."Chapters00:00 Mindfulness and Awareness in Podcasting01:18 Nature Observations: Spiders and Love Bugs04:04 Cockroach Chronicles: A Personal Experience06:18 TV Show Recommendations: Humor in Norseman07:43 Exploring Book Choices: Shifting from Formality09:58 Self-Help Books: A Critical Perspective13:35 The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction13:42 The Simplicity of Mindfulness15:08 Experiencing Life Fully18:15 The Philosophy of Mindfulness20:14 Finding Value in the Present Moment22:36 The Miracle of Being Present24:16 Mindfulness in Everyday Tasks27:03 Slowing Down to Experience Life31:18 Engaging Fully in Conversations34:11 Making Every Moment Meaningful40:32 Recognizing Choices in Time Management41:48 Slowing Down for Clarity45:08 Awareness Without Judgment ResourcesThe Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh - https://www.amazon.com/dp/080701239410% Happier App - https://www.tenpercent.com/Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, we need to be better communicators. So, on today's episode, we tell you have to be more direct in your communication. Listen in and learn. How's that for direct? Keywordsdirect communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, assertiveness, vulnerability, effective requests, communication tipsKey TopicsBarriers to direct communicationThe difference between blunt and directVulnerabilities and emotional signalsMaking clear requests and setting boundariesHandling rejection and disagreementSound Bites"Make clear requests, not vague hints""Break the cycle of defensiveness""Ask yourself, what am I afraid of?"Chapters00:00 The Importance of Clarity in Communication00:30 Navigating Door-to-Door Sales Experiences03:19 The Challenges of Direct Communication07:25 Understanding Vulnerability in Communication11:03 Confrontation vs. Directness15:20 The Importance of Acknowledging Vulnerabilities24:46 The Process of Direct Communication26:31 Making Clear Requests30:53 Tips for Effective Direct Communication ResourcesNonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg - https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Connect-Heart/dp/1892005034Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan - https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319Vulnerability Cycle Concept - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-youth/201911/the-vulnerability-cycleEffective Requests Tips - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201911/how-make-effective-requestsSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, prepare to get controverted. Well, not really. In fact, I'm not even sure that's a word--or at least a word that can be used in this context. It didn't show up as misspelled, which seems to imply it's a word. Anyway, on today's show, we talk about 10 opinions from Mark Manson. To be honest, I don't find them that controversial, but I can see how they might be to some. I guess you'll have to listen in and see if you agree. And make sure you listen for our Tri-Tip at the end. It was almost a fork. Keywordsrelationships, love, marriage, relationship advice, controversial truths, long-term love, relationship myths, communication, personal growthKey topicsControversial relationship truthsMisconceptions about love and marriageManaging unresolved issues in long-term relationshipsSound bites"Healthy love feels boring, but that's okay.""Look for principles, not exact words.""Focus on understanding, not just fixing."Chapters00:00 Nostalgia for Comedy01:14 Cinematic Discussions03:43 Humor in Therapy05:23 The Reality of Relationships07:36 Controversial Truths in Love15:28 Attraction and Relationship Dynamics17:03 The Nature of Healthy Love21:52 Judging Partner Behavior24:24 The Common Denominator in Relationships28:43 Self-Reflection in Relationships32:02 Challenging Cultural Norms38:37 Engaging in Relationship Conversations ResourcesMark Manson - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7Q0K7QSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, we're getting intimate on this one. On today's episode, we're talking about how to deal with sexual rejection. We talk about things like putting the other in context and learning how to manage and control our own sexual desires. Listen in and get rejected!Action ItemsPractice open and honest communication about feelings and boundaries.Reframe rejection as a temporary moment rather than a personal failure.Increase emotional awareness by naming feelings and understanding their origins.Hold desire loosely to reduce fear and increase confidence in intimacy. Keywordsrejection, desire, relationships, communication, sex, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, masculinity, intimacy, mental healthKey TopicsDifferent types of rejection in relationshipsThe role of context in interpreting rejectionHow men and women experience and perceive rejectionStrategies for healthy communication about desireThe emotional complexity of rejection and intimacyTakeawaysRejection is a complex, active experience, not just a passive feeling.Context is crucial in understanding whether something is rejection or a momentary boundary.Men often interpret rejection as a personal failure, which can lead to insecurity.Open communication and understanding of emotional states can reduce misunderstandings.Holding desire loosely can increase confidence and reduce fear of rejection.Chapters00:00 The Complexity of Emotional Responses00:54 The Role of Communication in Relationships04:01 Finding Value in Unexpected Places10:40 Understanding Motivation Beyond Sex14:00 Defining Rejection in Relationships17:37 The Complexity of Rejection and Desire20:22 Navigating Emotional Responses to Rejection25:41 The Role of Control in Sexual Dynamics30:52 Reframing Rejection and Insecurity36:31 Managing Sexual Desire and Expectations ResourcesThe Psychology of Rejection - Book - https://www.amazon.com/psychology-rejectionEmotional Intelligence in Relationships - Article - https://www.relationships.com/emotional-intelligenceSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Send us Fan MailSpacemen, speak truth. On today's episode, we go a little deeper into a previously explored topic--honesty. We've been working with more men lately who may struggle to be honest, fearing the repercussions, or just feeling stuck in the habit of white lies or omission. So, we diagnose your problem and give you the familiar Manspace Tri-Tip to help you be more honest. You can't wait. Admit it. Keywordshonesty, lies, relationships, communication, vulnerability, trust, self-awareness, social science, honesty exercisesKey TopicsTypes of lies: black, white, ParetoReasons behind dishonesty in relationshipsImpact of honesty and deception on trustExercises to promote honesty and vulnerabilitySound Bites"The drummer's stamina in live shows is incredible.""Normalize honesty to build trust and intimacy.""Share small vulnerabilities to build connection."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Honesty and Lies01:11 Discussion of the song 'White Lies' and band RxBandits02:02 The significance of the album 'And the Battle Begun'03:10 Band preferences and musical insights04:11 The drummer's incredible stamina and live performance05:01 Children, honesty, and self-protection06:19 Innovative guitar techniques and slide guitar07:22 The emotional impact of slide guitar and harmonica08:30 Review of the series 'Scrubs' and its seasons09:59 Honesty in relationships and the importance of vulnerability11:54 Types of lies: black, white, Pareto white lies14:10 Why people lie and the motivations behind dishonesty16:23 Gender differences in lying and honesty18:28 Studies on lying: social science insights22:17 The role of masking and social performance24:34 The importance of honesty for connection and trust28:28 Practical exercises to foster honesty in relationships36:41 Addressing shame, self-deception, and honesty barriers43:58 Normalizing honesty and emotional expression52:24 Building a culture of honesty and repair55:58 The importance of owning feelings and reactions01:00:18 Sharing vulnerabilities and small honest acts01:02:51 Conclusion and encouragement to practice honesty ResourcesRxBandits - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RxBanditsScrubs Series - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrubs_(TV_series)Honesty and Vulnerability Exercises - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-youth/201911/the-power-honesty-in-relationshipsSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!