The Manspace

Dr. Matt Brown
  • 5.0 (39)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 227 How Do I Talk to My Kids About Mental Health?

    Send a text 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, children, diagnosis, trust, relationships, normalization Takeaways It's important to communicate openly about mental health with children.Parents should be aware of their own mental health issues and how they affect their kids.Labeling every emotional experience as a diagnosis can be counterproductive.Conversations about mental health should be age-appropriate and balanced.Emergency room experiences can often be less dramatic than portrayed in media.Parents should guide their children in understanding normal emotional fluctuations.Discussing mental health alongside other topics like sex and drugs can be effective.It's crucial to differentiate between normal anxiety and clinical anxiety.Children often mirror their parents' emotional responses and anxieties.Creating a supportive environment for discussing feelings is essential. Control is often linked with anxiety, creating a cycle of stress.It's essential to normalize conversations about mental health with children.Understanding that mental health issues can manifest differently for each child is crucial.Parents should focus on being present and supportive rather than seeking immediate solutions.Labeling mental health issues can sometimes oversimplify complex emotions.Building trust with children requires consistent communication and openness.Parents should avoid jumping to conclusions when children express their feelings.Creating a safe space for children to share their thoughts is vital for their emotional well-being.Engaging with children about their interests fosters connection and understanding.It's important to remember that love and support are the most significant factors in a child's mental health journey. Sound bites "You probably don't have either." "Just show up and love your kid." "You blew it!" Chapters 00:00 Mental Health and Parenting Dynamics 00:39 Television Shows: Cheers and Frasier Discussions 03:28 Emergency Room Experiences and Healthcare Realities 09:36 Understanding Health Concerns and ER Experiences 12:21 Navigating Parenthood and Mental Health 16:23 Talking to Kids About Mental Health 21:46 The Intersection of Mental Health and Parenting 26:38 Normalizing Mental Health Conversations 30:59 Understanding Mental Health Conversations with Kids 32:15 Normalizing Emotions in Children 34:04 The Importance of Language in Mental Health 36:43 Navigating Diagnoses and Labels 38:53 Helping Kids Understand Their Emotions 39:59 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 41:23 The Role of Parents in Mental Health Discussions 44:06 Building Trust and Communication with Kids 48:54 The Journey of Parenting Through Mental Health 52:25 The Foundation of Love in Parenting 56:48 Integrating Mental Health into Daily Life 59:14 IntroSHORT.mp4 Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    59 min

  2. FEB 4

    Ep. 226 How Can I Be Confident?

    Send us a text 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 Takeaways Confidence can be situational and is built over time.Self-affirmation is crucial for mental well-being.It's important to recognize and celebrate small victories.Comparing ourselves to others can undermine our self-worth.Building a positive narrative about oneself is essential.Embracing life experiences leads to greater happiness.Self-kindness should be a daily practice.Recognizing beauty in our surroundings can shift our perspective.Engaging in friendly competition can be fun but shouldn't define us.It's okay to not be the best at everything; focus on personal growth. Sound bites "How do I build confidence in myself?" "I need to be nicer to myself than I am." Chapters 05:07 Building Confidence and Self-Perception 11:48 The Nature of Confidence 14:39 Self-Perception and Personal Growth 17:37 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk 24:22 Confidence as a Situational Trait 31:36 Comparative Mindsets and Self-Worth 39:39 Building a Positive Narrative Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    42 min

  3. JAN 28

    Ep. 225 Making Friends: Book Review--The Buddy System

    Send us a text 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 Be intentional about maintaining relationships with other dudes.Initiate friendships without worrying about the other person's interest.Recognize that most people feel awkward in social situations.Scheduled interactions can enhance friendships.It's okay to have structured conversations to deepen relationships.Don't assume others don't want to hang out with you.Be the friend you want to have.Understand that everyone has similar feelings of loneliness.Use humor and pop culture references to connect with others.Mind tricks can help you engage socially. Sound bites "Be the friend you want to have." "Friendship requires work." "Be open to the random." Chapters 00:46 Book Discussion: The Buddy System 04:31 Exploring Unusual Illustrations and Metal Music 07:46 The Importance of Intentional Friendships 11:46 Insights from the Book on Male Loneliness 15:41 Actionable Steps for Building Friendships 18:42 Challenging Assumptions in Friendships 24:43 Humor and Authenticity in Conversations 26:00 Exploring Relationships in Self-Help Literature 28:51 The Importance of Intentionality in Friendships 31:56 Navigating Male Friendships and Emotional Connections 34:37 The Role of Planning in Maintaining Relationships 37:45 Challenging Societal Norms Around Male Friendships 40:48 Embracing Spontaneity and Connection in Daily Life 45:48 Concluding Thoughts on Friendship and Mindfulness Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    50 min

  4. JAN 21

    Ep. 224 What if Life Hasn't Worked Out Like I Thought?

    Send us a text 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 go Takeaways Life doesn't always go as planned.It's normal to feel discouraged when comparing ourselves to others.Finding a supportive community is crucial for emotional well-being.Letting go of societal expectations can lead to personal freedom.Embracing both highs and lows is part of the human experience. Sound bites "Life doesn't always go as planned." "Why do I feel so bad about myself?" "It was how others perceived me." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Life's Challenges 02:38 The Impact of Collective Illusions 04:41 Family Connections and Personal Discoveries 09:33 Exploring the Intersection of Therapy and Spirituality 19:27 Navigating Life Expectations and Social Media Influence 24:38 Reflections on Life's Expectations 28:44 Navigating Life's Uncertainties 32:20 The Importance of Open Conversations 36:14 Understanding Non-Permanence 41:06 Embracing the Journey of Life 50:38 Letting Go of Expectations Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    58 min

  5. JAN 14

    Ep. 223 Can I Change and Still Be Myself?

    Send us a text 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 Change is a constant in life, and we often resist it.The Ship of Theseus raises questions about identity and continuity.Our relationships with ourselves and others evolve over time.Personal growth can be both conscious and subconscious.We often don't recognize our own growth until we reflect on it.The essence of who we are can remain the same despite changes.Understanding our past selves can help us navigate our present.External influences shape our identity and experiences.It's important to embrace change without losing our core essence.Reflection on our journey can provide insights into our growth. Sound bites "Sound is the most fascinating thing.""I cut myself 10 times.""I can't take it." Chapters 00:00 The Man-Space: Philosophical Discussions and Listener Engagement 02:28 Shaving Struggles and Grooming Techniques 05:57 The Art of Shaving: Tools and Techniques 09:53 Exploring Identity Through AI and Hair 11:32 The Ship of Theseus: Identity and Change 20:36 Exploring Identity and Change 27:02 The Essence of Self and Relationships 34:11 The Fluidity of Personal Growth 40:57 Embracing Change and Self-Reflection Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    47 min

  6. JAN 7

    Ep. 222 Manspace Resolutions

    Send us a text 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 Banter can enhance conversations and make them more enjoyable.The new year is a time for reflection and setting intentions.Health and wellness discussions can lead to valuable insights.Experiences in therapy can shape our understanding of addiction.Navigating relationships requires vulnerability and openness.Resolutions can be a journey of self-discovery and growth.Developing practical skills, like pie making, can boost confidence.Meaningful connections with others are essential for personal fulfillment.Ego can often protect us but also hinder our growth.Podcast resolutions can guide future content and engagement.  Sound bites "It's now the new year." "I love that stuff." "It's the year of the spaceman." Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Guest Interviews 00:41 New Year Reflections and Resolutions 03:49 Health Remedies and Personal Experiences 06:43 Experiences in Therapy and Counseling 09:40 The Challenges of Working in Mental Health 12:47 Humorous Anecdotes from Therapy Sessions 16:36 Indulgent Treats and Sweet Discoveries 18:07 Culinary Creations and Personal Recipes 20:49 Reflections on Personal Growth and Resolutions 25:49 Navigating Relationships and Emotional Awareness 36:51 Ego, Vulnerability, and Meaningful Connections 47:46 Podcast Resolutions and Future Directions Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    50 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 221 UFOs and U! Can Aliens Make You a Better Man?

    Send us a text 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 Takeaways The conversation begins with humorous anecdotes and segues into deeper topics.Roswell is portrayed as a tourist trap with disappointing attractions.Gas station food is explored as a unique cultural experience.The term UFO has evolved into UAP, reflecting a shift in societal understanding.Documentaries like 'The Age of Disclosure' provide insights into UAPs.Quantum physics is discussed in relation to UAP sightings and technology.The importance of perspective in relationships is emphasized.Time is presented as a construct that varies across cultures.Openness to different experiences can enhance personal growth.Memory is fallible and should be approached with caution in relationships. Sound bites "Roswell is a real disappointment." "I dropped down seven feet on the roof." "We must be open to new experiences." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Man Space Podcast 03:01 Exploring Roswell and Alien Culture 06:00 Gas Station Food Adventures 08:57 The Shift from UFOs to UAPs 12:08 Documentaries and the Age of Disclosure 15:02 The Science Behind UAPs 17:47 Interpersonal Relationships and Perspectives 20:57 Challenging Certainty in Relationships 22:31 The Nature of Time and Its Constructs 25:08 Experiencing Awe and Insignificance 27:03 The Value of Openness in Conversations 30:05 Understanding Different Perspectives 32:18 Exploring the Concept of Time 35:43 Integrating Different Types of Time 38:33 The Impact of Time on Mental Health 40:51 Cultural Perspectives on Time and Life 46:14 Finding Balance in Daily Life Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    49 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Ep. 220 Tipping a Toe into The Tipping Point...see what I did there?

    Send us a text 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 The Tipping Point discusses how small actions can lead to significant changes.Malcolm Gladwell's work often challenges conventional thinking.Nonverbal cues can significantly influence decision-making.Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen play crucial roles in social dynamics.Repetition is key to learning and retention of information.Understanding patterns in literature can enhance personal growth.Hopeful literature can provide a positive perspective on society.The stickiness factor refers to how memorable ideas are communicated.Personal connections can be fostered through intentional networking.Listening to audiobooks can enhance understanding of complex ideas. Sound bites "Nonverbal cues can significantly influence decision-making." "Repetition is key to learning and retention of information." "The power of repetition in learning is essential." Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Malcolm Gladwell 00:00 Adaptations of A Christmas Carol 03:18 The Power of Perception and Expectation 06:13 Insights from The Tipping Point 12:24 Cultural Impact of Malcolm Gladwell's Works 13:24 Understanding Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen 14:58 The Role of Connectors in Our Lives 15:39 Exploring the Depth of Connections 17:49 The Concept of Social Connections and Networks 19:08 Personal Growth Through Reflection 22:14 The Epitome of Connectors and Mavens 24:33 Patterns in Relationships and Community Dynamics 27:58 The Stickiness Factor in Learning 32:00 Repetition and Deep Learning 35:10 Conclusion and Future Reading Recommendations Spread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

    42 min
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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Matt Brown
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    230
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Manspace
  • Show Website
    The Manspace