ManDown Podcast cover art

ManDown Podcast

ManDown Podcast

By: Ted Knutson
Listen for free

About this listen

 Producing thoughtful content on male friendships, dating, relationships, wellness and sex.Ted Knutson Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared To Start Therapy | Ep. 28

    Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared To Start Therapy | Ep. 28
    Jul 22 2025
    Therapy can be uncomfortable. But avoiding it costs way more. In this episode, Ted and Patrick break down what holds men back from starting therapy, how to get the most out of it, and what to expect once you’re in the room. Whether you’ve been thinking about going or still feel unsure, this is a good place to start. Follow us on our Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzsGH4hM9TxHC4hHPvgMJw X: https://x.com/ManDownPodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:lm4shifbvs6k63eb54k2gmho Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandownpodcast 🎧New episodes every Tuesday & Thursday - Subscribe & hit the bell so you never miss one. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Intro 00:09 Episode Intro 00:35 The Podcast as Therapy 01:08 Two Perspectives: The Therapist and the Newcomer 01:21 Starting the Conversation on Mental Health 01:47 Why People Resist Therapy 05:38 The Breakdown That Started the Healing 11:30 Men and Emotional Processing 15:30 The Importance of Therapy as a Diagnostic Tool 15:47 Signs You Might Need Therapy 21:08 Navigating Grief and Future Relationships 22:33 The Value of Professional Support 24:20 Communication and Understanding in Therapy 26:15 Understanding Trauma and it's Misuse 29:30 The Role of Therapy in Self-Discovery 30:16 The Therapist-Client Dynamic 35:25 Navigating Emotional Vulnerability 36:16 Self-Reflection and Future Goals 38:30 The Importance of Self-Discovery in Therapy 40:07 Recognising Personal Strengths 41:48 Embracing Emotional Experiences 45:42 The Challenge of Self-Identity 51:15 Building Trust and Repairing Relationships 52:55 The Importance of Hard Conversations 54:30 Therapy as a Tool for Self-Understanding 55:20 Worthy of Love: Rebuilding Self-Worth 58:40 Navigating Therapy: Finding the Right Fit 1:24 Outro
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Friend Zone, Dating Burnout, and Sexual Insecurity | Ep. 27

    The Friend Zone, Dating Burnout, and Sexual Insecurity | Ep. 27
    Jul 17 2025
    Are we just close friends — or something more? In this episode, Ted and Patrick dive into the grey areas of modern dating and masculinity, sparked by real questions from our listeners. We unpack what it means when emotional chemistry feels like more than friendship, how to deal with dating burnout, and the unspoken fears many men have around sexual inexperience and insecurity. Whether you're stuck in the friend zone, tired of being the only one putting in effort, or wrestling with body count anxiety — this one's for you. Show Notes Cera Gibson clip credit @ceradaddygibson https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3dFHa31qxQ8 Come as You Are - Book by Emily Nagoski Follow us on our Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzsGH4hM9TxHC4hHPvgMJwX: https://x.com/ManDownPodcastBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:lm4shifbvs6k63eb54k2gmhoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandownpodcast Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:04 Episode Intro 01:14 Reader comment #1 People-Pleasing 08:03 Is the Friend Zone Really a Problem? 01:47 Reader comment #2 Navigating Emotional Intimacy With Friendship 09:51 Reader comment #3 Taking Breaks from Romance and Focusing on Self 11:05 Comment Part 1: Dating Burnout 13:33 Comment Part 2: Dating Expectations vs Reality 16:39 How Ted Approaches Dating 17:50 Cheap Date Ideas 18:32 Don’t put some much pressure on yourself 19:50 Ted’s Two Low-Key Date Ideas 21:37 Rejection Feels Better When You’re True to Yourself 22:27 Reader comment #4 Body Count 24:00 Inexperienced Doesn’t Mean Inadequate 31:08 Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better 38:22 Reader comment #5 Friendship Fallout 41:03 Patrick’s Tips on How To Approach Repairing Broken Friendships 41:52 Ted Thoughts on Approaching Broken Friendships 47:31 Outro 48:31 Broll (Impressions, Accents and Nostalgia)
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • The Dating App Lie No One Talks About | Ep. 26

    The Dating App Lie No One Talks About | Ep. 26
    Jul 15 2025
    Why does dating feel so much harder for men today? In this episode, Ted and Patrick dive into the hidden struggles men face in the age of dating apps and swipe culture — from feeling invisible and overlooked, to battling confusing “rules” and social atrophy that’s making real connection almost impossible. They break down why dating apps, instead of helping, might actually be making us worse at connecting — and why so many men feel lost and unsure of who to be in modern dating. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by ghosting, “confirm the date” pressures, or just the overwhelming noise of digital romance, this episode is for you. Finally, they also explore how distorted ideas of masculinity are shaping men’s experiences — and what real, meaningful connection could look like in today’s world. Follow us on our Socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzsGH4hM9TxHC4hHPvgMJw X: https://x.com/ManDownPodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:lm4shifbvs6k63eb54k2gmho Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandownpodcast Show Notes: slutstack article referenced in the episode https://sluts.substack.com/p/play-stupid-games-win-stupid-prizesJohn Mulaney credit WIRED 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psbIKH5tqiM Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Intro 00:11 Episode Intro 01:06 Challenges of Real-Life Connection in the Dating World 03:07 The Decline of Dating Apps and Social Engagement 07:11 Why Everyone Feels Like an NPC 12:47 Social Media Controversies in Dating Culture 17:00 Navigating Compatibility and Blind Dates 18:38 The Role of Community in Dating 22:20 Masculinity and the Modern Man 26:00 Gentleness and Emotional Intelligence 30:00 Creating Opportunities for Connection 33:46 Respecting Boundaries and Self-Worth 35:40 The Human Connection in Online Dating 36:44 Tate, the Manosphere, and Faux Masculinity 38:40 Our Real Enemy: Simplistic, Misogynistic Thinking 40:00 What Is a Good Man Anymore? 40:53 Make Yourself the Product — Then Choose Wisely 41:03 Let People Fail You — Then Set Boundaries 42:11 Know Your Value, But Stay Humble 43:27 Do Men Mature Into Tenderness? 44:22 Personal Development and Relationships 46:40 Understanding Fatherhood and Self-Forgiveness 48:26 Finding Role Models and Intentional Living 51:05 Outro 51:38 Broll (Exploring Celebrity Crushes and Kinks, fun vs funny)
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr

What listeners say about ManDown Podcast

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.