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The Manspace

The Manspace

By: Dr. Matt Brown
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 The Manspace
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ep. 225 Making Friends: Book Review--The Buddy System
    Jan 28 2026

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    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

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    50 mins
  • Ep. 224 What if Life Hasn't Worked Out Like I Thought?
    Jan 21 2026

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    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


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    58 mins
  • Ep. 223 Can I Change and Still Be Myself?
    Jan 14 2026

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    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


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    47 mins
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