The Manspace
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.
Farewell, Spacemen. Godspeed.
Send us Fan Mail
Well spacemen, this is it. The last episode. Thank you for listening. This has meant a lot to Matt, Mike, and Rob. Thank you for coming along this journey with us. Keep moving forward. Keep improving. Keep being a Spaceman.
Keywords
community service, personal growth, church activities, shared experiences, self-confidence, therapy, mental health, relationships, leadership, personal development men's mental health, vulnerability, personal growth, authentic connection, community, mental wellness, relationships, self-improvement
Key Topics
The WoMANspace
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Matt and his wife, Lisa, share insights on marriage, gender dynamics, personal growth, and the importance of understanding each other's perspectives. They explore how vulnerability, communication, and support strengthen relationships and foster mutual respect.
marriage, gender dynamics, communication, personal growth, relationships, therapy, understanding, support, vulnerability
Key Topics
The importance of giving the benefit of the doubt in relationships
Understanding male and female perspectives and socialization
The impact of support, fun, and shared interests in marriage
The r...
Midlife. No Regerts.
Send us Fan Mail
You're midlife Spacemen. Own it.
Keywords
midlife, parenting, launching kids, reflection, life stages, personal growth
Key Topics
Takeaways
Gen Z Views on Men
Send us Fan Mail
Ever wonder why those teenagers are laughing at you? We find out why as we talk to Matt's kid and her friend about how their generation views men. And we're pretty sure they speak for their whole generation, so...listen in.
Keywords
masculinity, Gen Z, social media, relationships, friendship, youth perspectives, gender roles, parenting, future of men and women
Key topics
The ManSpace Heads to the Drink Store
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, today, we fulfill a manspace dream of recording in a gas station. At least, a little bit. Matt and Rob head to Milano TX to interview some employees of a small town gas station. Really, mostly to ride our bikes and hang out, but also interview gas station people. Get your drink and listen in.
Keywords
gas stations, road trip, small town, culture, nostalgia, travel stories, community, roadside, adventure, local businesses
Key Topics
How Do I Keep Changing?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, it's just Rob today. I had a few thoughts I thought were important before we sail off into the sunset. No thoughts you haven't heard before, but things I felt were essential to continual progression. So listen in. It will be so intimate.
Keywords
personal growth, roles, self-awareness, faith, masculinity, adaptation, therapy, relationships, integrity, self-improvement
Key topics
Manly Feud Revisited
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, we're feeling nostalgic. So today, you get to listen to Rob's favorite episode one more time. Listen in and enjoy with us. Memories, am I right?
Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!
How Do I Really Understand Someone?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, try really considering what your wife is feeling. And really trying to understand her.
Keywords
men love, emotional connection, curiosity, empathy, relationships, self-awareness, communication, therapy, love maps
Key topics
Sound bites
Chapters
00:00 In...
Does One Stupid Guy Give All Men a Bad Rep?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, you get the idea.
keywords
masculinity, emotional regulation, men's behavior, shame, dominance, vulnerability, mental health, societal change
key topics
Masculinity and societal expectations
Emotional regulation and vulnerability in men
The role of shame and dominance in men's behavior
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Masculinity and Societal Expectations
03:20 The Influence of Dan Harmon and Nickelodeon Shows
05:31 Transitioning to Dan Schneider's Controversies
06:51 The Impact of Male Dominance in Society
09:57 Understanding Male Violence and Relationships
13:55 Cult...
How Do I Stop Hiding?
Send us Fan Mail
That title too much for you spacemen? Well, don't worry--we're just as nonsensical in this episode as we are in every episode, with just a touch of meaningful thoughts. Listen in and be more vulnerable.
Keywords
men's emotional health, vulnerability, emotional hiding, mental health, communication, relationships, self-awareness, coping mechanisms
Key Topics
Why men hide their feelings
Patterns of emotional hiding in men
Practical strategies to stop hiding and foster vulnerability
sound bites
What We've Learned About Men
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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.
Keywords
men's mental health, vulnerability, loneliness, emotional expression, societal expectations, authentic connection
Key Topics
Chapters
08:10 Men and Loneliness: A Deep Dive
11:10 The Challenges of Content C...
Why Don't I Enjoy the Things I Used To?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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.
Keywords
mindfulness, medication, hobbies, humor, relationships, self-awareness, mental health, emotional regulation, personal growth
Key Topics
The Beginning of the End of The ManSpace
Send us Fan Mail
Well 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.
Keywords
masculinity, men's mental health, male friendships, relationships, personal growth, podcast finale, men's issues, emotional maturity
Key Topics
How Do I Learn From My Mistakes?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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.
Keywords
learning from mistakes, growth mindset, failure, self-improvement, resilience, mental models, personal development
Key Topics
Is It Okay To Correct My Friend's Parenting?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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.
Keywords
parenting, Star Wars, empathy, judgment, storytelling, therapy, parenting advice, pop culture, discussion, mental models
Key Topics
<...
How Can I Be More Mindful?
Send us Fan Mail
Namaste 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.
Keywords
mindfulness, meditation, presence, daily life, Thich Nhat Hanh, mental health, simplicity, awareness, stress reduction, living in the moment
Key Topics
How Do I Communicate Directly?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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?
Keywords
direct communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, assertiveness, vulnerability, effective requests, communication tips
Key Topics
Sound Bites
"Make clear requests, not vague hints"
"Br...
Ten Controversial Opinions about Relationships
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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...
How Do I Deal with Sexual Rejection?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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 Items
Practice 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.<...How Can I Be More Honest?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, 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.
Keywords
honesty, lies, relationships, communication, vulnerability, trust, self-awareness, social science, honesty exercises
How Can I Feel Satisfied in Life?
Send us Fan Mail
Space-bits...see what I did there? It's spacemen mixed with hobbit--which actually seems like a cool movie idea. Like, maybe the SS Enterprise lands in Hobbiton. It's my idea. TM Manspace.
On today's episode, Matt, Mike, and Rob look at what really brings satisfaction and meaning in life. We've got a tri-tip of information that can help you create your own meaningful search. Grab your lembas and listen in.
keywords
podcast, personal growth, self-reflection, meaning, simplicity, materialism, identity, purpose, relationships, experiences
How Do I Meditate?
Send us Fan Mail
Namaste Spacemen. Today, we're talking about meditation. Specifically, how to make meditation a regular, achievable thing. We talk about Dan Harris's book, 10% Happier. It's a fantastic read that really helps to normalize meditation and mindfulness. And, we provide practical tips on how to meditate and a few resources to get started. So listen in and transcend space and time.
keywords
mindfulness, meditation, Dan Harris, 10% happier, therapy, mental health, self-improvement, awareness, emotional regulation, meditation apps
takeaways
How Can I Have Better Relationships with My Friends?
Send us Fan Mail
SpaceBuddies, let's get closer. On today's episode, Matt, Mike, and Rob talk about a recent documentary, Tracing the Divide. It's about two friends who ride the Continental Divide together. There's a lot of lessons to be learned about how much we can push ourselves, but also about how we can have better relationships with each other by going through hard things together. Listen in and let's get close.
Keywords
documentary, personal growth, adventure, relationships, change, cycling, mental health, community, self-discovery, male bonding
How Do I Talk to My Kids About Mental Health?
Send us Fan Mail
Spaceparents! On today's episode, we talk about how to talk to your kids about mental health. Spoiler, you should talk often and openly about what you and they are feeling. You don't have to label it--you can just talk about what's going on for them. But don't worry. We have more to say than that. Listen in.
Keywords
mental health, parenting, emergency room experiences, communication, anxiety, depression, family dynamics, youth mental health, emotional well-being, mental health awareness, anxiety, mental health, parenting, communication, emotional support, c...
How Can I Be Confident?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, you're something special. And you should tell yourself that. Not in a "My mom says I'm special," sort of way, but in a "I like myself" kind of way. Because it really matters that we speak and think good things about ourselves. We need to develop narratives that remind us that we are worth something. Come on, spacemen. You know you're beautiful.
Keywords
confidence, self-affirmation, personal growth, relationships, self-worth, beauty of places, Dr. Mario, life experiences, masculinity, mental health
T...
Making Friends: Book Review--The Buddy System
Send us Fan Mail
SpaceAmigos! On today's episode, we review the book, The Buddy System. It's got a bunch of helpful hints about how to make and maintain friends. Obviously, none of us spaceamigos need that, but in case you want a few tips to level up your game, listen in. And maybe even read The Buddy System.
Keywords
friendship, male relationships, buddy system, intentionality, humor, pop culture, actionable steps, self-help, mindfulness, communication
Takeaways
Ep. 224 What if Life Hasn't Worked Out Like I Thought?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, don't be upset, or too excited, but Rob's not on the episode. But hey, sometimes life doesn't work out like you thought. See what I did there? Today, Matt and Mike process how expectations don't always match reality. But don't worry. Finding a community of friends...and the Manspace?...can help you flow with the ups and downs of life. Listen in and find some hope.
Keywords
life expectations, emotional turmoil, social media impact, vulnerability, male friendships, self-discovery, mental health, community support, personal growth, letting...
Ep. 223 Can I Change and Still Be Myself?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacechangers, prepare to board the Ship of Theseus. On today's episode, we talk about change. Specifically, how much can you change and still be yourself. I'll be honest, it's a bit of a philosophical discussion and I LOVE IT. Listen in and start changing!
Keywords
identity, change, Ship of Theseus, personal growth, relationships, self-discovery, transformation, essence, self-reflection, emotional health
Takeaways
Ep. 222 Manspace Resolutions
Send us Fan Mail
New year, new spaceman! Today is our annual resolution episode. Matt, Mike, and Rod talk about what they want to work on this year. And we make some resolutions for the show. Listen in and hold us accountable.
Keywords
banter, humor, new year, health, wellness, therapy, addiction, relationships, resolutions, pie making
Takeaways
Ep. 221 UFOs and U! Can Aliens Make You a Better Man?
Send us Fan Mail
ET Phone Spaceman. Sup spacemen. Today, we explore an interest of Matts; UFOs. Or, as they are not more accurately called, UAPs. Despite what you may be thinking, this episode is not full of conspiracy theories. But it IS focused on how looking at things a little differently and being open to a differently way of thinking can make you a better man. Tune in and find out.
Keywords
UFOs, UAPs, Roswell, gas station food, documentaries, quantum physics, relationships, time, cultural perspectives, memory
Ep. 220 Tipping a Toe into The Tipping Point...see what I did there?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacebookers, Gather! Today, we talk about The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. If you haven't read it, shame on you. Now get over your shame and go read it. You'll thank me.
Keywords
Malcolm Gladwell, Tipping Point, Connectors, Mavens, Salesmen, Stickiness Factor, Learning, Hopeful Literature, Nonverbal Communication, Patterns in Life
Takeaways
Ep. 219 How Honest Should I Be?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, get ready for some honesty. Today, Matt, Mike, and Rob...but mostly Matt and Mike, because Rob keeps dropping out, talk about how much honesty is good in a relationship. Turns out, you don't have to say everything. But honesty still matters. Listen in and find out how much.
Keywords
honesty, relationships, vulnerability, intimacy, communication, feedback, personal growth, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, interpersonal dynamics
Takeaways
Honesty is crucial in relationships, but it must be balanced with politeness.N...Ep. 218 Can Hanging Out With My Friends Make Me A Better Man?
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, welcome to Kansas City. Well, sort of. On today's episode, we're talking about our trip and what we gained from it. And really, how important it is to spend time with your buddies. So grab a friend, and listen in.
Keywords
travel, masculinity, friendship, aging, humor, experiences, relationships, stories, laughter, life lessons
Takeaways
Ep. 217 Can Gratitude Save My Relationship
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, clickbait!! Just kidding. It's not. But today, we are talking about gratitude and how important it is. Can it save your relationship? No. But it won't NOT save your relationship. And you'll feel better doing it. We talk about a few ways you can practice it without feeling like you're blowing smoke. So listen in and be grateful you did.
Keywords
humor, gratitude, relationships, emotions, commitment, love, everyday life, parenting, communication, therapy, gratitude, relationships, positivity, mindset, communication, appreciation, emotional health, personal growth, problem-solving, t...
Ep. 216 What Does It Mean To Be Vulnerable
Send us Fan Mail
Listen up Spacemen. We've been getting some mixed messages lately about what it means to be a man and be vulnerable. Like, be soft, but not TOO soft. Be manly, but not too aggressive. I mean, what's a guy to do? Well, listen in and we'll tell you.
Keywords
strength, vulnerability, confidence, human experience, emotional depth, personal growth, resilience, self-assuredness, scars, healing
Takeaways
Ep. 215 How to Be Confident and Humble
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, be confident. That is all.
Not really. Today, we talk about how to manage being confident and humble--not letting your ego overtake your interactions or let your insecurities dominate your behavior. I know what you're thinking, "You can't even do that, Rob." Well, you're not wrong. But I can try. Listen in and see how I do.
Keywords
humility, vulnerability, self-discovery, confidence, personal growth
Takeaways
Ep 214. Is AI Ruining My Relationship, Pt. 2!
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, in an act of defiance, I am not using AI to write this. Believe it or not, I never do. On today's episode, we explore the dark side of AI and how relying on it can create confirmation bias and really mess up relationships. Stop asking chat about your spouse. You're putting in biased information, so you'll get biased feedback. No bueno. Instead, listen to The Manspace Podcast.
Keywords
AI, relationships, communication, emotional distance, validation, therapy, technology, intimacy, marriage, divorce
Ep. 213 Can History Make You a Better Man? Destiny of the Republic Book Review
Send us Fan Mail
Storytime, spacemen. Gather as we discuss the book Destiny of the Republic. If you haven't read it, shame on you. I won't spoil it, but I will spoil the episode. Today we talk about how you can find principles that will move you toward being a better man everywhere you look. So look around. And listen in. And go read the book. Sheesh.
Keywords
games, book discussion, history, assassination, medical misunderstandings, delusion, lessons, relationships, open-mindedness, Garfield
Takeaways
Ep. 212 Are School Cell Phone Bans Helping? Interview with Dr. Tyler Howe
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, get off your phone. And get intentional! On today's episode, we interview Dr. Tyler Howe, a district Assistant Superintendent and former high school principal, about his experience implementing a school-wide phone ban. Turns out, there were a number of positive effects, not unlike other schools are reporting. We discuss how to approach this idea with your kids. Cause we always provide. Don't we?
Keywords
cell phone policy, school environment, education, student engagement, phone-free learning, parental feedback, school safety, educational outcomes, student behavior, community r...
Ep. 211 Healthy Male Competition
Send us Fan Mail
Spacemen, prepare yourself for a rare audio treat. At the end of the episode, you get to hear the song Rob is most embarrassed by. The rest of the episode with pale in comparison. That's what it's about---comparison. Well, more competition, but the good kind. Listen in and love it.
Keywords
competition, self-worth, comparison, healthy competition, personal growth, motivation, sports, mental health, relationships, podcast
Takeaways
