The Man Rules
Welp. Here we are. The final episode of The Man Rules podcast. Dan and Andrea (the show’s producer) take the opportunity to reminisce, reflect, and ruminate on what might be next...
info_outline What Men Would Tell You... About Having All The AnswersThe Man Rules
Dan and Allen don't have all the answers, but they do have their own experiences in learning to let go of the need to know, and they share those with you in order to help you improve your relationships.
info_outline Childhood Heroes and Personal MythologiesThe Man Rules
All stories we relate to are based either on our wishes or on our fears. Sometimes--or maybe even often--both. That's what makes this week's episode with friend of the show Rick Belden such a powerful one. Rick leads Dan through a fascinating discussion about the ways in which we internalize our favorite childhood stories to develop personal mythologies and use them to guide the ways we show up in the world.
info_outline Coping with Changing Gender ExpectationsThe Man Rules
This week, friend of the show Dr. Michael Levittan is back to help us sort through the many changes in our expectations of men and women over the years, and how psychology and psychotherapy have played a role in helping shape and guide those changes.
info_outline All Good Things Must Come to an EndThe Man Rules
After more than two years of operation, we have made the difficult decision to end production of The Man Rules podcast. So, this week Dan's solo episode--his last solo episode--is about what it means to embrace change.
info_outline How to Stay Sober AFThe Man Rules
Thanks to Duke Rumely and his organization S.AF.E (Sober As F$@# Entertainment), people in recovery can safely attend events that otherwise may have triggered their addictions. The organization's goal is to create "sober safe zones" at sporting events, concerts, and other social gatherings. In this episode, he talks with Dan about the importance of staving off loneliness and boredom in maintaining sobriety and about the power of community.
info_outline What Men Would Tell You... About WinningThe Man Rules
In this episode, Dan and Allen talk about The Winning Rule, a chapter from their forthcoming book, What Men Would Tell You If They Weren't Too Busy Watching TV. They break down the ways in which the Winning Rule affects relationships, and show us how we can become more conscious of The Winning Rule and recognize when it's hijacked our reactions and behaviors.
info_outline Leggo my EgoThe Man Rules
Dr. Lou Cox has studied the ego for decades. He joins Dan to talk about his work and his new book, Ego: The Ghost in Your Machinery. He and Dan talk about the male ego and how men thrive and suffer as a result of their dances with the ego. Ultimately, Cox says, while we cannot overcome the ego we can step aside from it and move toward our native, and more authentic and vulnerable, self. The more awareness the more you can see those parts and make different decisions about who and how you want to be.
info_outline Support the PodcastThe Man Rules
his week, Dan's back with an update on our makeshift pledge drive. We hear from Noah, a longtime listener who has pledged his support, and Dan makes a case for you all to be like Noah. (If you can.)
info_outline Loving Like You Mean ItThe Man Rules
In this episode, Dr. Ron Frederick, psychologist and author of "Loving Like You Mean It" breaks down the four basic attachment styles, explains where they come from (childhood, of course), and how to use emotional mindfulness to build stronger, healthier and happier relationships. He also offers up a simple, four-step approach to help you break free from old habits, befriend your emotional experience, and develop new ways of relating.
info_outlineIn the mega-hit Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, there’s an entire song and dance number (“Turn it Off”) where a group of young men share their strategies for suppressing emotions with one another. One young man, who is struggling to accept his same-sex attractions, sings the following recommendation:
“Imagine that your brain is made of tiny boxes,
And find the box that’s gay and CRUSH IT,
Okay?”
Even if sexuality isn’t the specific issue they struggle with, most men can relate to the idea that there are many, many thoughts and feelings that they must pack in boxes and hide in the darkest corner of the mind’s dingy basement. Otherwise, they risk being shamed, bullied, or ostracized by the family and friends for failing to properly demonstrate male emotional toughness.
Mark Greene, Senior Editor at the Good Men Project, is on a mission to help men throw out all of those boxes, leaving space to store more Relational Intelligence. His latest book, Remaking Manhood and the social media outreach efforts around it are aimed at helping educate the public about the epidemic of male loneliness and emotional suppression, and to give men tips on how to find and express their authentic selves.
In this episode of the podcast, he and Dan talk about how men can form stronger friendships and more intimate marriages and relationships. They also talk about what it means to be a father and how men can help their children develop their own Relational Intelligence. Be sure to check out the videos Mark has made available on RemakingManhood.com and share them with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers.