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The Manspace

The Manspace

By: Dr. Matt Brown
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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. 234 How Do I Communicate Directly?
    Apr 8 2026

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    Spacemen, we need to be better communicators. So, on today's episode, we tell you have to be more direct in your communication. Listen in and learn. How's that for direct?


    Keywords
    direct communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, assertiveness, vulnerability, effective requests, communication tips


    Key Topics

    • Barriers to direct communication
    • The difference between blunt and direct
    • Vulnerabilities and emotional signals
    • Making clear requests and setting boundaries
    • Handling rejection and disagreement


    Sound Bites
    "Make clear requests, not vague hints"
    "Break the cycle of defensiveness"
    "Ask yourself, what am I afraid of?"


    Chapters
    00:00 The Importance of Clarity in Communication
    00:30 Navigating Door-to-Door Sales Experiences
    03:19 The Challenges of Direct Communication
    07:25 Understanding Vulnerability in Communication
    11:03 Confrontation vs. Directness
    15:20 The Importance of Acknowledging Vulnerabilities
    24:46 The Process of Direct Communication
    26:31 Making Clear Requests
    30:53 Tips for Effective Direct Communication


    Resources
    Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg - https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Connect-Heart/dp/1892005034
    Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan - https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328
    The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319
    Vulnerability Cycle Concept - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-youth/201911/the-vulnerability-cycle
    Effective Requests Tips - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201911/how-make-effective-requests


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    42 mins
  • Ep. 233 Ten Controversial Opinions about Relationships
    Apr 1 2026

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    Spacemen, prepare to get controverted. Well, not really. In fact, I'm not even sure that's a word--or at least a word that can be used in this context. It didn't show up as misspelled, which seems to imply it's a word. Anyway, on today's show, we talk about 10 opinions from Mark Manson. To be honest, I don't find them that controversial, but I can see how they might be to some. I guess you'll have to listen in and see if you agree. And make sure you listen for our Tri-Tip at the end. It was almost a fork.


    Keywords
    relationships, love, marriage, relationship advice, controversial truths, long-term love, relationship myths, communication, personal growth


    Key topics
    Controversial relationship truths
    Misconceptions about love and marriage
    Managing unresolved issues in long-term relationships



    Sound bites
    "Healthy love feels boring, but that's okay."
    "Look for principles, not exact words."
    "Focus on understanding, not just fixing."


    Chapters
    00:00 Nostalgia for Comedy
    01:14 Cinematic Discussions
    03:43 Humor in Therapy
    05:23 The Reality of Relationships
    07:36 Controversial Truths in Love
    15:28 Attraction and Relationship Dynamics
    17:03 The Nature of Healthy Love
    21:52 Judging Partner Behavior
    24:24 The Common Denominator in Relationships
    28:43 Self-Reflection in Relationships
    32:02 Challenging Cultural Norms
    38:37 Engaging in Relationship Conversations

    Resources
    Mark Manson - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7Q0K7Q


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    43 mins
  • Ep. 232 How Do I Deal with Sexual Rejection?
    Mar 25 2026

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    Spacemen, we're getting intimate on this one. On today's episode, we're talking about how to deal with sexual rejection. We talk about things like putting the other in context and learning how to manage and control our own sexual desires. Listen in and get rejected!

    Action Items

    • Practice open and honest communication about feelings and boundaries.
    • Reframe rejection as a temporary moment rather than a personal failure.
    • Increase emotional awareness by naming feelings and understanding their origins.
    • Hold desire loosely to reduce fear and increase confidence in intimacy.


    Keywords
    rejection, desire, relationships, communication, sex, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, masculinity, intimacy, mental health


    Key Topics

    • Different types of rejection in relationships
    • The role of context in interpreting rejection
    • How men and women experience and perceive rejection
    • Strategies for healthy communication about desire
    • The emotional complexity of rejection and intimacy



    Takeaways

    • Rejection is a complex, active experience, not just a passive feeling.
    • Context is crucial in understanding whether something is rejection or a momentary boundary.
    • Men often interpret rejection as a personal failure, which can lead to insecurity.
    • Open communication and understanding of emotional states can reduce misunderstandings.
    • Holding desire loosely can increase confidence and reduce fear of rejection.


    Chapters
    00:00 The Complexity of Emotional Responses
    00:54 The Role of Communication in Relationships
    04:01 Finding Value in Unexpected Places
    10:40 Understanding Motivation Beyond Sex
    14:00 Defining Rejection in Relationships
    17:37 The Complexity of Rejection and Desire
    20:22 Navigating Emotional Responses to Rejection
    25:41 The Role of Control in Sexual Dynamics
    30:52 Reframing Rejection and Insecurity
    36:31 Managing Sexual Desire and Expectations


    Resources

    • The Psychology of Rejection - Book - https://www.amazon.com/psychology-rejection
    • Emotional Intelligence in Relationships - Article - https://www.relationships.com/emotional-intelligence


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    45 mins
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Most relevant
Appreciated the discussion on spiritual beliefs forming a support system, submission to something outside of yourself, choosing to do things as opposed to being pulled into things. choosing to have a good day.

Nicely done

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