I’m Trying, Dude.

Daniel Victor and Marcel Floruss

Welcome to I’m Trying, Dude—a podcast by two friends figuring out what it really means to be comfortable in our own skin. We’re exploring a new, more open definition of masculinity, drawing from the ups and downs of relationships—whether with ourselves, partners, family, or friends. Along the way, we’ve stumbled, grown, sought therapy, and learned from mistakes (plenty of them). This isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about sharing the process. If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling to keep it together, you’re not alone. We’re right there with you, figuring it out one day at a time.

  1. 06/06/2025

    Turns Out We Had Anger Issues

    In this episode of I'm Trying, Dude, Marcel and Dan dive into the real reason we struggle with consistency — especially when it comes to routines, working out, or picking up new habits. They explore how to shift from a mindset of “I should” to “I want to”, and why that simple change is the key to sustainable growth. Things get personal, too. Dan relives some wild high school fights (including the time someone punched themselves), Marcel shares the time he stole a cop-jumper’s girlfriend, and they both open up about how repressed anger has shown up in their lives. From anxiety and outbursts to healing and humor — it’s all here. Stick around to the end for a surprisingly deep take on nostalgia, living in the moment, and the mental photos we carry with us. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – The chaotic cold open00:40 – Connecting to divine energy before recording01:30 – HYROX weekend recap04:00 – Dan’s 7-minute penalty & Marcel’s Berlin HYROX plans06:15 – Nick’s struggle and friendship through shared goals08:00 – Marcel’s rooftop sickness & recovery reflection09:30 – Morning routine wins vs. video game temptation11:00 – Learning Italian & guitar as small daily wins13:45 – “I should” vs “I want to” — the mental shift that matters15:30 – Movement, motivation, and building sustainable habits19:00 – Yin yoga + the five-minute rule21:00 – Why it’s hard to keep up new habits22:15 – The piano example & gamifying consistency23:30 – Marcel’s thoughts on burnout, podcasting, and creative pressure25:00 – Have you ever been in a fight?28:00 – Dan’s wild high school fight story (First one's on me!)30:30 – Marcel gets hit in Spain — wrong guy32:00 – Dan almost gets roped into a brawl34:00 – Marcel dates the girlfriend of a guy who jumps cops35:00 – Rage, fights, and why anger builds up38:00 – How repressed emotions show up as anxiety41:00 – Learning to express anger safely43:00 – Comparing vs. competing44:00 – Nostalgia, memory, and trying to stay present47:00 – Capturing moments vs. being in them49:00 – Dan’s mental snapshots practice51:00 – How to consciously choose presence52:00 – The “Jim & Pam” mental photo54:00 – Wrap-up: being present, trying, and growing 🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠youtube.com/@ImTryingDude⁠⁠ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ImTryingDude⁠⁠⁠⁠ ❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying. Keep trying, dudes. — Marcel & Dan

    55 min
  2. 05/30/2025

    Hard Conversations Make Real Friends

    In this raw and real episode, Marcel and Dan unpack everything from Memorial Day weekend plans gone sideways to the value of hard conversations in male friendships. From unexpected tension and honest apologies to food meditations, kombucha love, and being haunted by an ice bath fail—this one is truly all over the place in the best way. Whether it's mindful eating, getting vulnerable in a sauna, or being called “daddy” at the grocery store, the guys navigate discomfort with humor and heart. Tune in for stories, self-awareness, and the unfiltered dynamic of two friends learning to show up better—for themselves and each other. 🎙️ Topics include: - Why Dan got grilled (literally and emotionally) - What Marcel should’ve said in the sauna - Why vulnerability can feel embarrassing—but is always worth it - A titanium-armed chef named Neil - The risks of wearing Knicks gear in public This episode is funny, messy, honest, and full of the stuff real friendships are made of. You in? ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Memorial Day Vibes 01:20 - Favorite Flavors & Fake Drink Reviews 03:35 - Family Visits and Emotional Flashbacks 06:45 - Aging, Injury, and Our Fathers 09:40 - Food, Mindfulness, and “The Best Bite” 14:00 - Stillness, Presence & Food Meditations 16:20 - BBQ Wins & Burger Brags 17:20 - Dan’s Disappearing Act 21:00 - Real Talk: Feeling Like a Backup 23:30 - Navigating Conflict in Male Friendships 27:00 - Emotional Triggers & Taking Ownership 30:20 - Knicks Sweatshirt & Sports Paranoia 33:00 - Wearing Teams You Don’t Watch 35:05 - The Old Lady Who Said “Thanks, Daddy” 37:30 - The Cold Plunge Shame Spiral 42:00 - Performing vs. Expressing Honestly 45:20 - Mindful Masculinity & Vulnerability 48:30 - Learning to Love the Real You 52:00 - Boredom, Stillness & Who You Really Are 53:50 - Final Reflections & Next Week’s Topic 54:45 - Marcel's Subway Origins 57:00 - Dan’s Titanium-Armed Chef Story 01:00:45 - Wrap Up & Neil Lives On Forever 🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠youtube.com/@ImTryingDude⁠ 📷 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@ImTryingDude⁠⁠⁠ ❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying. Keep trying, dudes. — Marcel & Dan

    1h 1m
  3. 05/09/2025

    Body Image: Looking Good vs. Feeling Good

    This week, we’re diving into a topic we’ve both wrestled with — body image. Dan opens up about his long history with body insecurities, unhealthy dieting, and how a childhood comment stuck with him for years. Marcel reflects on his own struggles with feeling too skinny and how the desire for external validation shaped his early fitness habits. We unpack how body image affects not just how we look, but how we feel, and why doing things for yourself is the key to healing.Whether you've felt too small, too big, or just “not enough,” this episode is for you.In this episode:Why face yoga might (or might not) be worth your moneyChildhood memories that shape adult insecuritiesThe hidden reasons behind extreme dieting and over-exercisingHow male body image issues often go unspokenWhy working out for yourself is the real game changerBuilding a body-positive mindset through self-compassionDisclaimer:This podcast reflects personal experiences and opinions and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you're struggling, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor. 🕐 Timestamps:00:00 Intro – Face yoga + body image preview02:50 Why Dan wanted to tackle this topic06:00 Marcel’s new morning routine shift09:40 Why men rarely discuss body image18:00 Dan’s pool party memory that changed everything22:00 Marcel’s “too skinny” story and validation trap26:50 Psychoanalyzing our younger selves31:30 Why trauma lingers silently35:00 Are you working out for yourself or others?37:10 The trap of turning insecurities into motivation39:00 Food, comfort, and the emotional side of body image45:00 Why quiet moments reveal hidden stressors47:20 Beauty standards, self-acceptance, and final takeaways 🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@ImTryingDude📷 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@ImTryingDude⁠⁠ ❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying.Keep trying, dudes.— Marcel & Dan

    52 min
  4. 05/02/2025

    The Things We Got Away With — and What They Taught Us

    This week on I'm Trying, Dude, Marcel and Daniel dive into the moments that tested their moral compass — from small things they got away with as kids to the deeper question: are we actually good people? They swap stories about books that shifted their perspective, movement and recovery journeys, and share a hilarious moment involving running, falling, and friendship.Tune in for laughs, reflections, and the kind of honest conversations that leave you thinking long after the episode ends. 🕐 Timestamps: 00:00Intro – Literature, Moral Compass, and Lunatic Energy 02:00Marcel’s Discovery: The Need for Fuel & Recovery 03:30Reading a Book in a Day – Veronika Decides to Die 07:00Reflection on Life, Death, and Madness 08:30Dan’s Reading Struggles and Audiobook Adventures 12:30The Fantasy Audiobook Mishap (Spicy Audiobooks in Public) 15:00Dan’s Running Fall and the Art of Laughing at Yourself 17:00Lessons from Embarrassment and Friendship 19:00Moral Compass Check – Subway Jumping & Chipotle Hot Sauce 23:30Dan’s Wild Story: Paintball Drive-By (Christmas Chaos) 30:00Marcel’s Reflection on Cheating and Weakness in Relationships 37:00Wrap Up – Growth, Understanding, and Owning Your Actions 🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@ImTryingDude📷 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@ImTryingDude⁠ ❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying. Keep trying, dudes.— Marcel & Dan

    46 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to I’m Trying, Dude—a podcast by two friends figuring out what it really means to be comfortable in our own skin. We’re exploring a new, more open definition of masculinity, drawing from the ups and downs of relationships—whether with ourselves, partners, family, or friends. Along the way, we’ve stumbled, grown, sought therapy, and learned from mistakes (plenty of them). This isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about sharing the process. If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling to keep it together, you’re not alone. We’re right there with you, figuring it out one day at a time.