Man Therapy

Dan Johnson, Kyle Votroubek
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Man Therapy Podcast explores what it is like to be a man in today’s society and how we deal with the real-world problems we all face, as men. This laidback and humorous podcast is for fathers, husbands, brothers, and all men who may not necessarily need therapy, but are quietly struggling in one or more aspects of their life. With a little bit of laughter and input from a professional counselor, our goal is to give you insight through stories and experiences that will help you find better ways to communicate and find the best version of yourself for the people you love.

  1. 1d ago

    Stop Complaining and Start Living

    A raw 9/11 conversation turns into something bigger: perspective, grit, and the uncomfortable question of what we owe our kids, our country, and each other. Dan Johnson and Kyle start with family, wrestling, and the pressure of young athletes proving themselves, then pivot into a powerful reflection on how tragedy changes the way we see failure, sacrifice, and what really matters. Dan shares what it means to prepare his daughter for a brutal wrestle-off, not just physically, but emotionally—including how to lose with grace when the outcome matters most. Kyle adds the therapist’s lens, the athlete’s mindset, and the reality of trying to motivate kids without turning into the “dad voice” that makes them tune out. Together, they wrestle with how much to push, how to teach resilience, and why sports can reveal who someone really is. Then the episode takes a hard turn into September 11th. Dan recounts exactly where he was when the towers were hit, how his response has evolved from rage to compassion over the years, and why the day still forces him to check his own priorities. Kyle shares his own vivid memories of watching the attacks unfold in real time from a college dorm, along with the lasting impact of seeing the country stunned, scared, and briefly united. They talk through the national mood, the rise of distrust, and why so many people now question the government and the media. You’ll also hear them break down several of the most talked-about 9/11 conspiracy theories, including the World Trade Center 7 collapse, the missing trillions, and claims of advance warning. Rather than stopping at outrage, they dig into the tension between incompetence, corruption, propaganda, and the human need to make sense of chaos. This episode hits on loss, responsibility, conspiracy, patriotism, and the way ordinary people keep showing up for family when the world feels unsteady. Essential listening if you want honesty, strong opinions, and a reminder to hug your people a little longer today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Stop Complaining and Start Living

  2. Sep 7

    Mental Breakdowns & The Clancy Case

    A child murder case, a psychotic break, and a question nobody wants to answer: when does a broken mind become a crime that can never be forgiven? Dan and Kyle get into the Lindsay Clancy trial and the uncomfortable line between mental illness, accountability, and public outrage. What starts as a conversation about a headline-grabbing case quickly turns into something bigger - postpartum depression, psychosis, medication, the limits of the justice system, and how far a person can fall before anyone notices. You'll hear Dan and Kyle unpack the details of the case, the role of postpartum mental health, and why so many people are reacting so strongly. They break down how psychotic episodes can distort reality, why suicidal and homicidal crises are so hard to assess, and what makes one person’s breaking point different from another’s. Kyle shares firsthand experience as a psychotherapist, including what it looks like when someone is truly detached from reality and why getting help is often more complicated than it sounds. We also get into the hardest questions in the episode: how the system handles people in crisis, why some warning signs are missed, and what happens when a story like this becomes a public rallying point. Dan pushes on the moral side of the case, while Kyle explains the clinical side, including risk assessment, psychosis, and the reality of involuntary commitment.If you’re drawn to true-crime cases, psychology, or the messy space where law, medicine, and human behavior collide, this is a sharp, unsettling conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Mental Breakdowns & The Clancy Case

  3. Aug 31

    Back In The Day

    Clean comedy, childhood chaos, and a brutally honest conversation about what actually shapes us. Dan Johnson and MCKV start with a laugh about Wayne's World, blooper reels, and the kind of humor that still works without swearing, but the episode quickly turns into something far more revealing: a raw, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful look at growing up, sibling battles, and the long shadow of childhood. You’ll hear Dan and MCKV swap stories about: sibling sabotage, unplugged Sega Genesis games, and the psychology of being the older or younger brother what it was like growing up on farms, with acres of freedom, beaver dams, creek stomping, barefoot gravel, and zero supervision why kids used to create their own games for hours, and whether today’s comfort makes everyone softer the difference between real hardship and modern inconvenience, from one bathroom houses to kids arguing over favorite showers how shame, embarrassment, and being made fun of as a kid can shape the way you handle money, clothes, and confidence as an adult Dan opens up about a painful childhood moment involving divorce, stepfamily tension, and getting mocked for wearing Walmart shoes instead of Nikes, and explains how that experience helped form the thick skin and calm-under-pressure mindset he carries today. MCKV pushes the conversation deeper, asking how temperament, environment, and insecurity collide to shape the adults we become. This is the kind of episode that hits because it’s funny before it gets honest, and honest before it gets profound. If you grew up rough, grew up privileged, or are raising kids somewhere in between, you’ll recognize a lot of yourself here.Perfect for anyone who loves real talk about parenting, resilience, brotherhood, and the weird ways childhood never really leaves us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Back In The Day

  4. Aug 24

    Back To School

    School stress, college pressure, and the weird little moments that shape who your kids become - this conversation gets real fast. Dan Johnson and Kyle unpack the back-to-school season from both sides of the parent-child divide, with an honest take on homesickness, independence, and why some kids need more support than others. They start with a surprisingly deep detour through Karate Kid, Rocky, and House of the Dragon before landing on what really matters: how kids handle pressure, identity, and growing up. From there, Dan and MCKV get into the emotional reality of back-to-school season, including what it feels like when a child dreads going back, how support systems affect college students, and why “coming home every weekend” can sometimes make the transition harder instead of easier.You'll discover: Why college can be brutally hard for kids who are used to a tight friend group and a strong home base Why homesickness often shows up as something deeper than missing home How parents can help without rescuing their kids too soon The difference between choosing college for a career path versus going because it feels expected Why trades, entrepreneurship, and apprenticeship paths deserve more respect than they usually get MCKV shares hard-won perspective from working with younger people and watching firsthand how many students struggle when they lose structure, while Dan brings the dad perspective, thinking through the pressure of raising kids who may need very different paths. They also get candid about the realities of college debt, the value of practical skills, and the freedom that comes from building a life on your own terms. This episode also takes on the modern parenting challenge nobody got handed a manual for - social media, screenshots, online misunderstandings, and teaching kids how to navigate relationships before the internet or other kids teach them the wrong lessons. If you're a parent, mentor, or just someone figuring out how to prepare kids for real life, this one hits close to home.Perfect for dads, parents of teens, college-bound families, and anyone who wants a raw, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about growing up, letting go, and setting your kids up to win. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Back To School

  5. Aug 17

    Choose Contentment

    Most of what feels like "family chaos" is really chronic stress, comparison, and a brain trained to chase the next thing. Dan Johnson and MCKV break down why so many parents and couples stay stuck in frustration - and what it actually takes to become calmer, more grateful, and harder to push off center. Dan opens up about a nonstop stretch of travel, parenting, wrestling tournaments, and a hospital scare that put everything back into perspective. From a rushed family trip to Branson and the pressure of always being "on" as a dad, to seeing kids in the children's hospital facing far bigger battles, this conversation keeps returning to one big question: why do we let small discomforts hijack our entire mood? You'll discover: Why vacation with kids often feels more like a survival mission than a break The difference between being externally anchored and internally anchored How chronic stress quietly becomes your new normal Why gratitude is a practice, not a personality trait How volunteering, perspective, and service can retrain your mindset What to do when your spouse, kids, or household triggers your fuse MCKV brings the therapist's lens to the whole thing, explaining how people get pulled into resentment, how negative thinking becomes a habit, and why changing yourself first is the only real way to change the room you're in. He also shares practical ways to think about contentment, emotional boundaries, and the kind of daily choices that lower stress before it turns into blowups. This episode matters because the cost of staying in chronic stress is bigger than a bad mood. It affects your marriage, your parenting, your patience, and the way your whole family experiences home. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, annoyed, ungrateful, or one little thing away from snapping, this conversation will hit close to home.Perfect for parents, husbands, wives, and anyone who knows they need to reset their mindset before life gets any louder. Start here if you're ready to stop reacting to everything and start building a calmer life from the inside out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Choose Contentment

  6. Jul 21

    Finding Calm

    Most communities shine brightest during times of crisis—and it's the everyday acts of kindness that reveal true character. When a well goes out and water is scarce, Kyle's neighbor volunteers midnight repairs, and a shared hardship quickly turns strangers into allies. What if we saw every challenge as an opportunity to build real community rather than just complain about the flaws? That simple shift could change everything. In this episode, you'll discover how small acts of volunteerism and neighborly care create resilient communities—proof that humanity isn't as nasty or uncaring as it sometimes appears. We break down stories from Kyle's neighborhood, highlighting how quick responses, selfless giving, and owning your part can transform a mundane inconvenience into a moment of unity. Plus, you'll learn practical insights into managing anger, conflict, and expectations—whether in parenting, sports, or community life—so you can respond with calm and clarity instead of impulsive reactions. We also explore the hidden lessons behind youth sports, leadership, and personal boundaries. Why do some coaches or parents grow toxic, and how can education and self-awareness prevent burnout and frustration? You’ll hear honest strategies for setting healthy boundaries, dealing with criticism, and choosing whether to lead or step back—empowering you to create and nurture better environments for your loved ones and yourself. This episode is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s chaos but craving meaningful connections and practical wisdom. Whether you're a parent, coach, or neighbor, you’ll get tangible tools to handle conflict with patience, foster genuine community, and live with a heart engaged rather than disengaged. Because ultimately, it's not about avoiding problems—it’s about how we respond, connect, and grow stronger together. Dan Johnson, a community-focused coach and father, shares insights rooted in real-world parenting, sports, and leadership experience. With genuine humor and depth, he explores the power of everyday kindness and how owning our reactions builds stronger bonds. Ready to see your community—and yourself—in a new light? Hit play now and start making your world better, one act at a time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Finding Calm

  7. Jul 15

    The Hidden Power of Parenting Through Expectations and Encouragement

    Most parents wrestle with how hard to push their kids—what’s healthy, what’s too much, and when to step back. Kyle and Dan dive into authentic conversations about parenting, discipline, and cultivating resilience, revealing how even the toughest challenges can shape stronger, braver kids.Imagine guiding your child not just to win, but to develop the grit, perseverance, and mindset that truly prepares them for life’s obstacles. This episode explores the delicate art of knowing when to push and when to let go, with real-world stories about sports, confidence, and the unspoken legacy between generations. You’ll discover: the importance of teaching kids to see failure as growth, how to foster intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards, and the subtle cues that indicate when a push becomes counterproductive. Kyle shares how he’s coaching his daughter through a pivotal wrestling opportunity—how to communicate its significance without overwhelming her, and how to help her see her potential.We break down the critical role of parental influence on mental toughness, the value of role models and mentors, and the philosophy of instilling lifelong values over short-term victories. Whether you're a parent, coach, or mentor, understanding these principles can transform not only how you guide others but how you see your own impact on future generations. Why does it matter? Because the way you challenge and support your kids today directly impacts the adults they become tomorrow. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to raising strong, independent, resilient children—ready to face the world with confidence and grit.If you believe in raising not just champions, but courageous, resilient humans, hit play now. Your next step in parenting mastery starts here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Hidden Power of Parenting Through Expectations and Encouragement

  8. Jul 6

    Walking On Eggshells

    Most of us instinctively walk on eggshells in certain relationships, but what if that behavior isn’t just about respect—what if it’s a sign that things are dangerously unbalanced? In this episode of the Man Therapy Podcast, Dan Johnson and Kyle dive deep into the often-overlooked dynamics of walking on eggshells — a subtle warning sign of emotional imbalance, toxicity, and even abuse. Whether it’s a volatile partner, unpredictable family member, or a stressful environment, they explore how these behaviors develop, what they reveal about underlying issues, and most importantly, how to break free from the cycle. You’ll discover: how walking on eggshells is more about fear and control than respect, and why it signals a need for change. Dan and Kyle break down the reasons behind this behavior — from power imbalances to past trauma — and share practical strategies to recognize it early, address it safely, and reclaim your peace. They also discuss the crucial difference between genuine respect and fear-driven compliance, showing how healthier relationships thrive when honesty, boundaries, and self-awareness are prioritized. This isn’t just about identifying the problem — it’s about understanding the stakes. If left unchecked, walking on eggshells can erode your mental health, damage your relationships, and suppress your true self. But if you learn to spot the signs and take deliberate action, you stand to unlock a new level of resilience, authenticity, and connection. Whether you’re in a stressful relationship or simply want to nurture healthier dynamics, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and transforming the often-unseen patterns that shape our lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Walking On Eggshells
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Man Therapy Podcast explores what it is like to be a man in today’s society and how we deal with the real-world problems we all face, as men. This laidback and humorous podcast is for fathers, husbands, brothers, and all men who may not necessarily need therapy, but are quietly struggling in one or more aspects of their life. With a little bit of laughter and input from a professional counselor, our goal is to give you insight through stories and experiences that will help you find better ways to communicate and find the best version of yourself for the people you love.

Information

  • Creator
    Dan Johnson, Kyle Votroubek
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Man Therapy
  • Show Website
    Man Therapy

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