Forging Forward Podcast
Forging Forward is a long-form podcast focused on growth, resilience, and honest conversations about what it means to build a meaningful life. Hosted by Adam Thorne and Andy Kemp, the show blends mental health, personal development, culture, and real-world experience—without clichés or therapy-speak. Each episode explores how people move forward through challenge: identity shifts, failure, discipline, masculinity, purpose, relationships, and mental health in the modern world. Some episodes feature thoughtful guest conversations, while others are grounded, reflective discussions that cut through noise and trend-chasing. Forging Forward is direct, practical, and human—designed for people who want to think clearly, take responsibility, and keep moving forward even when things get uncomfortable.
info_outline
Forging Forward: Gatekeeping
12/30/2025
Forging Forward: Gatekeeping
About the Hosts: Adam Thorne Psychology Today Profile: Andy Kemp Psychology Today Profile: If you’re feeling shut out, dismissed, or unsure whether your experiences “qualify,” reach out to Adam or Andy for personalized support. Both offer free consultations—book yours today and take the first step toward being heard without having to justify yourself. In this episode of Forging Forward, Adam Thorne and Andy Kemp take on gatekeeping—the often subtle but powerful behavior where someone decides who is allowed to speak, belong, struggle, or be taken seriously. Gatekeeping can show up in relationships, families, workplaces, therapy spaces, and even personal growth communities, quietly reinforcing the message that you don’t meet the standard. From being told your pain “isn’t bad enough,” to having your opinions minimized because of your background, identity, or experience level, gatekeeping undermines confidence and creates unnecessary hierarchy. Adam and Andy break down what gatekeeping actually looks like in real life, why people do it, and how it impacts self-worth, authenticity, and emotional safety. The conversation focuses on how to recognize gatekeeping when it’s happening, how to respond without getting pulled into power struggles, and how to reclaim your right to your own voice and experience. Drawing on their work as therapists here in Bozeman, Adam and Andy offer practical insights for setting boundaries, trusting your internal compass, and staying grounded when someone else tries to control the narrative. If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn the right to speak, belong, or be taken seriously, this episode is for you. Tune in and keep forging forward—without asking permission.
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/39561160
info_outline
Forging Forward: Gaslighting
12/24/2025
Forging Forward: Gaslighting
Gaslighting About the Hosts: Adam Thorne Psychology Today Profile: Andy Kemp Psychology Today Profile: If you're struggling with manipulation, emotional abuse, or any mental health concerns, reach out to Adam or Andy for personalized support. Both offer free consultations—book yours today and take the first step toward trusting yourself again. As relationships deepen and challenges arise here in Bozeman, many of us experience that unsettling doubt—questioning our own memories, feelings dismissed as "overreactions," or wondering if we're truly "too sensitive." If this sounds familiar, you're not alone: it's gaslighting, a form of emotional manipulation that erodes your trust in your own perception of reality. In this enlightening episode of Forging Forward, host Adam Thorne and co-host Andy Kemp—two experienced therapists based right here in Bozeman—dive deep into gaslighting. They break down what it really is (beyond just "playing mind games"), explore common signs like denial of events, trivializing your feelings, outright lying, or shifting blame, and share evidence-based strategies to fight back. From setting firm boundaries and journaling incidents to rebuilding self-trust through therapy techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and knowing when professional help or distance is needed, Adam and Andy offer practical, hopeful insights drawn from their years helping clients navigate manipulative dynamics in relationships, work, or family. Whether you're noticing these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, tune in and start forging forward toward brighter, more authentic days!
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/39530780
info_outline
Forging Forward: Beating the Winter Blues: Understanding and Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
12/14/2025
Forging Forward: Beating the Winter Blues: Understanding and Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As the days grow shorter and the Montana winters settle in here in Bozeman, many of us feel that familiar drag—low energy, persistent sadness, cravings for comfort foods, or just a sense that motivation has packed up and left for sunnier skies. If this sounds like you, you're not alone: it's Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a real form of depression that hits reliably with the changing seasons. In this enlightening episode of Forging Forward, host Adam Thorne and co-host Andy Kemp—two experienced therapists based right here in Bozeman—dive deep into SAD. They break down what it really is (beyond just the "winter blues"), explore common symptoms like oversleeping, social withdrawal, irritability, and carb cravings, and share evidence-based strategies to fight back. From the power of light therapy and circadian rhythm hacks to cognitive behavioral techniques, lifestyle tweaks, and when medication or professional support might make a difference, Adam and Andy offer practical, hopeful insights drawn from their years helping clients thrive through Montana's long winters. Whether you're noticing these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, this conversation will empower you with tools to reclaim your energy and mood—no matter how gray the sky gets. Tune in and start forging forward toward brighter days! About the Hosts: Adam Thorne : https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1441965 Andy Kemp : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/andrew-andy-kemp-bozeman-mt/879276 If you're struggling with seasonal changes or any mental health concerns, reach out to Adam or Andy for personalized support. Both offer free consultations—book yours today and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/39401705
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 51 Shawn's once again changing the name of the show
04/15/2025
Man Made Podcast ep. 51 Shawn's once again changing the name of the show
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Shawn in town, so we’re recording in person together—though, fair warning, he’s once again pitching to rename the show, and we’ll see if he wins this round. We’re diving deep into mental health and what it means to be a man today, sidestepping the tired patriarchy debate to focus on why supporting men—whose suicide rates are nearly four times higher than women’s, per CDC data—lifts up families, friends, and entire communities. Expect a sharp look at the stigma keeping guys quiet, practical steps to redefine strength, and real stories that hit home. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/36153085
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 50 Grief part 2
03/19/2025
Man Made Podcast ep. 50 Grief part 2
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. This weeks guest is Mike Beckingham
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/35780450
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 49 Grief
02/28/2025
Man Made Podcast ep. 49 Grief
On this episode of Manmade Podcast, I sit down with my lifelong friend, , to explore the profound impact of grief. Mike recently lost his father and is nearing the 10-year anniversary of his mother’s passing. Together, we examine the emotional and psychological dimensions of these losses, unpacking the strategies he’s found effective in navigating this dual bereavement. From resilience-building techniques to the role of memory in healing, this conversation offers an intimate, evidence-informed look at coping with grief over time. Join us for a poignant and practical discussion. Contact us at
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/35484760
info_outline
Mind Matters ep. 4
05/02/2024
Mind Matters ep. 4
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/31094773
info_outline
Mind Matters ep.3
04/12/2024
Mind Matters ep.3
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/30802733
info_outline
Mind Matters ep.2
04/04/2024
Mind Matters ep.2
Welcome to Mind Matters This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/30686448
info_outline
Mind Matters ep.1
03/25/2024
Mind Matters ep.1
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. This week we are showcasing our first episode of Mind Matters a radio call-in advice show that airs in Knoxville TN. We hope you enjoy it. Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/30536733
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 48 Creating Harmonious Relationships
03/01/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 48 Creating Harmonious Relationships
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Creating harmonious relationships is like being part of an orchestra where everyone is playing different instruments. Imagine trying to play the violin while someone else is vigorously banging the drums right next to you – it's chaotic, loud, and you can barely hear yourself think, let alone create a symphony! This cacophony is much like the discord we face in our daily interactions when harmony is missing. Just like in music, where harmony adds depth and beauty, in life, harmonious relationships can be the difference between feeling like you're constantly in a solo battle with a cacophony of cymbals and experiencing the mental tranquility of a well-composed melody. So, for the sake of our mental health, let's strive to be maestros of our own emotional orchestras, ensuring that each relationship we have adds a note of peace, rather than a blast of chaos, to the symphony of our lives. This way, we can all enjoy the concert of existence, maybe even with a standing ovation from our serotonin and dopamine receptors. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/30194903
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 47
02/21/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 47
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/30057383
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 46 Unexpected Events
02/14/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 46 Unexpected Events
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Alright, picture this: You're minding your own business, living your life, when suddenly, out of nowhere, life decides to throw a curveball at you. It's like, "Hey, here's a little surprise for ya!" And it's never a good surprise, right? It's always something ridiculous that makes you go, "Really? This is what we're doing now?" So, what do you do? You gotta deal with it, but here's the kicker—you deal with it like Bill Burr would. First, you gotta face it head-on, with that classic Burr skepticism. You look at the situation, shake your head, and say, "Oh, fantastic. What's next? Aliens landing in my backyard asking for directions to the nearest Starbucks?" Then, you gotta laugh at it. Not just a little chuckle, but that full-on, Bill Burr-style, sarcastic laugh that says, "I can't believe this is my life right now." It's all about finding the humor in the absurdity of it all. Because, let's face it, sometimes life's just a poorly written sitcom, and you're the main character dealing with the world's most absurd plot twists. And finally, talk about it. Rant to your friends, your family, or even to a bunch of strangers at a stand-up show if that's your thing. Turn your misfortune into a hilarious story. Because when you think about it, the best way to deal with life's unexpected punches is to punch back with a joke. And who knows? Maybe you'll end up with a bit that's so good, it'll have people rolling in the aisles, forgetting all about their own crazy life plot twists. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/29959768
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 45 Awkward Interactions
01/25/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 45 Awkward Interactions
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Awkward interactions are like uninvited guests at the party of life; they just show up, usually at the most inopportune times. Picture this: You're in an elevator, and your brain decides it's the perfect moment to forget every social norm. You blurt out to a stranger, “Nice weather inside, isn’t it?” and immediately wish you could vanish into thin air. But fear not! The key to overcoming these cringe-worthy moments lies in embracing them with a hint of humor. Think of them as mental burpees - slightly uncomfortable but great for your social fitness. Next time you find yourself in the middle of an awkward tango, just smile and think, “Well, this will make a great story for my pet turtle!” Remember, everyone has these moments, and they’re just tiny blips in the grand scheme of things. So, laugh it off, maybe share your awkward tale with a friend, and watch how a little chuckle can turn a face-palm moment into a fun anecdote. It’s like giving your mental health a high-five! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/29645418
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 44 Shallow Self Discipline
01/16/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 44 Shallow Self Discipline
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Shallow self-discipline, as practiced by some life coaches, can often resemble a motivational poster that's lost its way – all flash and no substance. Imagine a life coach, armed with an arsenal of clichés, eagerly dispensing advice like a vending machine stuck on the 'inspirational quotes' setting. They often miss the mark, offering cookie-cutter solutions to deep-rooted issues. The irony is that their messages, intended to spark discipline, often lack the very depth and discipline they're preaching about. True discipline is more than just a catchy hashtag or a well-timed pep talk; it requires empathy, compassion, and understanding. It's about guiding someone through their journey with the gentleness of a friend and the wisdom of a sage. Think of it as trying to teach someone to swim by throwing them a pool noodle instead of jumping in the water with them. The best coaches dive in, ready to demonstrate each stroke with a blend of kindness and expertise, turning the daunting task of learning into an enjoyable swim in the ocean of self-improvement. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/29515058
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 43 Creating close relationships
01/11/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 43 Creating close relationships
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Creating close relationships is essential for maintaining good mental health, and let's be real, who doesn't want a support squad for life's craziness? Step one: throw away your "stranger danger" caution – within reason, of course. You won't make pals with a potted plant. Step two: embrace awkward moments. They're like the glue that holds friendships together. Remember that cringeworthy joke you cracked? It's now a cherished inside joke. Step three: be an exceptional listener. People will flock to you like moths to a flame if they know you're willing to hear their drama. And lastly, make time for face-to-face interactions – emojis can only convey so much. So, let's go out there, embrace the social circus, and collect friends like they're Pokémon. Your mental health will thank you, and who knows, maybe you'll even find someone who laughs at your puns. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/29444313
info_outline
Man Made Podcast ep. 42 Supporting family or friend with mental health struggles
01/04/2024
Man Made Podcast ep. 42 Supporting family or friend with mental health struggles
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Supporting a friend or family member with mental health struggles can sometimes feel like trying to assemble a piece of IKEA furniture without the instructions - you’ve got all these tools and good intentions, but you’re not quite sure where that weird-looking screw is supposed to go. The key? Patience, a sense of humor, and the understanding that you’re not expected to be a licensed therapist – unless, of course, you really are one, in which case, kudos! Think of it as being a cheerleader, but instead of pom-poms, you're armed with an empathetic ear and the willingness to ride the rollercoaster of emotions with them – and let's face it, who doesn't love a good rollercoaster? The ups, the downs, the slightly queasy feeling afterwards – it's all part of the journey. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels okay not being okay all the time, because let's be honest, pretending to be a Zen master 24/7 is more exhausting than trying to say "phenomenal psychological facilitator" five times fast. So, let’s champion positive mental health for all – with a smile, a listening ear, and maybe a comforting cup of tea. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/29349058
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 41. Who you are will change
12/19/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 41. Who you are will change
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. As we journey through life, it's almost as if we're participating in an endless series of wardrobe changes in a cosmic play, where the roles we adopt and the scripts we follow evolve with each passing scene. From the obstinate toddler with a penchant for emphatic "No's," to the rebellious teenager who knows everything (just ask them!), and eventually to the wise elder who realizes they know very little, our identities are constantly in a state of playful flux. However, the irony is that most people view life with the rigidity of a statue, believing that who they are today is a permanent fixture, like an unchangeable tattoo on the soul. This fixed mindset overlooks the beautiful and sometimes hilariously unpredictable nature of personal growth. As we age, our experiences, relationships, and introspections mold us into continually evolving versions of ourselves. Embracing this change requires the patience of a saint and the openness of a child at a magic show. From a mental health perspective, recognizing and laughing at this ever-changing nature of self can be liberating. It reminds us to take ourselves a bit less seriously and to be curious and open to the myriad of possibilities that each new version of 'us' might bring. So next time you find yourself puzzled by your own transformation, remember, it's just another costume change in the grand performance of life! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/29155368
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 40. Role Models
11/30/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 40. Role Models
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Imagine a role model as a multifunctional gadget for the psyche - part can-opener for unleashing pent-up emotions, part screwdriver for tightening those wobbly thoughts, and a surprising toothpick for poking at persistent, pesky habits. In today’s episode, we uncover how the right mentor doesn't just guide us on our journey; they also bring a much-needed dose of laughter to the table. It turns out that the best kind of mental health booster might just be finding that one person whose life is as delightfully odd as your own. So, get ready to chuckle your way to better mental wellbeing with the help of a role model who knows how to turn life's lemons into a comedy routine! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28872318
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 39. Getting Better Sleep
11/02/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 39. Getting Better Sleep
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Good sleep is the secret handshake into the elite club of sanity. Think of it as the brain's nightly retreat to a five-star resort where every neuron is pampered and prepped to take on tomorrow's emotional rollercoasters. Shortchange your slumber, and your mind turns into a clumsy juggler of moods, dropping balls left and right. To win the pillow's favor, one must master the bedtime ballet. Slip into your most embarrassingly old PJs, and practice the sacred ritual of the screen ban, dodging the blue light demon like it's last year's meme. Counting sheep may be out, but a steadfast “lights out” policy remains a golden oldie. Embrace these snooze-inducing spells, and your mental health will thank you—with less of the drama and more of the dreamland! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28497266
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 38. Resistance
10/27/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 38. Resistance
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. In the grand obstacle course of therapy, 'resistance' is that cheeky monkey wrench your brain throws into the machinery. Imagine it: there you are, jogging along the therapeutic path, leaping over childhood traumas, sidestepping anxiety banana peels, and high-fiving your inner child, when this sly nemesis pops up. It convinces you that those emotional potholes are just "fine" the way they are, thank you very much. But here's the fun twist: overcoming resistance is like finding a secret warp tunnel that propels you forward, Mario Kart-style. By confronting this crafty adversary, you don't just continue the race; you turbo-boost with star power! You pivot around mental roadblocks, discovering that they were actually made of squishy stress-marshmallows. Resistance may try to spoil the party, but once you push past it, you realize you've gained XP in emotional resilience, unlocked the "Self-Compassion" achievement, and can now sport sparkling, new self-awareness sneakers for the rest of your run. So, let's thank our pesky pal, resistance; without it, we'd never know how satisfying it is to say, "Ha! Outran ya!" as we blaze a trail toward mental victory. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28446059
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 37. Navigating Worry
10/19/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 37. Navigating Worry
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Navigating the convoluted realm of worry is akin to being a bartender at a cognitive cocktail party where 'Anxiety Ale' and 'Dread Draught' are the drinks du jour. A therapist, in this scenario, dons the hat of a seasoned mixologist, concocting a blend of mindfulness mimosas to help their client sober up from a hangover of hysteria. Amidst the cacophony of crippling concerns and fears that frolic around like unruly patrons at last call, our therapist employs a dash of dark humor as a makeshift bouncer to show these tormenting thoughts the exit. With a serving of sassy repartees and a garnish of gutsy giggles, they venture through the tavern of trepidation, showing that sometimes the best way to tackle worry is to roast it with a toast, chortle at the chaos, and perhaps engage in a metaphorical pub-crawl through the psyche, discovering that the path to emotional sobriety is paved with laughter, a shot of courage, and a chaser of cheer. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28370903
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 36. Prioritizing your time - Embrace downtime
10/10/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 36. Prioritizing your time - Embrace downtime
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. In the grand circus of life, where juggling responsibilities can sometimes feel like trying to balance a watermelon on your nose while riding a unicycle (uphill, of course!), it's easy to forget that sometimes, the best thing to do is… absolutely nothing. That’s right, zilch, nada! Embracing downtime isn't just the exclusive domain of lazy cats or sloths on vacation. It's essential brain TLC! Our noggin, much like that overstuffed closet you've been avoiding, needs a good declutter every now and then. So, the next time you feel the urge to cram one more task into your day, consider the profound wisdom of couch potatoes everywhere and take a well-deserved siesta. Your mind will thank you. Probably with dreams of watermelons and unicycles. But hey, that's therapy for another day! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28282355
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 35. Feedback
10/03/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 35. Feedback
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Feedback is like the yin and yang of mental health – a wild rollercoaster ride through the amusement park of life. Some feedback is as sweet as grandma's apple pie, making you feel like you could conquer the world with a toothpick. But then, there's the not-so-good feedback that stings like a bee at a picnic. Yet, being open and impartial when you receive feedback is like having a secret weapon in your mental health arsenal. It's like wearing a Teflon suit that lets the good stuff stick and the bad stuff slide right off. Embrace the good, and treat the not-so-good like the eccentric relative at Thanksgiving dinner – listen politely, but don't take it too seriously. In the end, feedback is the compass that helps navigate the labyrinth of self-improvement, and sometimes, it's just the comedic plot twist you need in your life sitcom! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28211777
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 34. Unflappable – Journal Entry Series
09/26/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 34. Unflappable – Journal Entry Series
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Ah, the art of being unflappable—a skill often acquired after decades of spilling coffee on white shirts, navigating the chaotic aisles of toy stores during holiday sales, or enduring blind dates set up by overly enthusiastic relatives. As we embark on the roller coaster called life, we realize it isn't just about holding on tight, but mastering the poker face while you're being tossed upside down. Many claim they've discovered the secret to emotional mastery, only to be foiled by a Wi-Fi outage during their favorite show's climax. But over time, through the treacherous valleys of unexpected plot twists and the peaks of "Why is this happening to me?" moments, one learns to take a deep breath, muster a smile, and remember that even if today's turmoil is like a squirrel in your pants (Shawn does not care for squirrel’s) , tomorrow promises the serenity of a sleeping cat on your lap. Remember: life’s too short to lose your cool, but just long enough to learn how not to. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28149995
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 33 Seeing through the present moment.
09/12/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 33 Seeing through the present moment.
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counselling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. In the grand theater of life, the present moment is the star diva, crooning under the spotlight, demanding all of our attention with its tantalizing presence. Yet, within the therapeutic realm, it's often essential to not just be enraptured by the high notes of now but to be able to discern the subtle undertones of the background score that runs beneath it — the undercurrents of past experiences, the distant drumbeats of future apprehensions. A therapeutic approach to mental health encourages individuals to occasionally swap the star-studded glasses of immediacy for a more kaleidoscopic lens that dances between the then, the now, and the yet to be. It's a little like being a delightful detective in the mystery movie of one's own life, constantly peeling back layers, and often finding that the plot twists involve unexpected bouts of laughter, the sudden appearance of a rubber chicken, or perhaps, discovering that the key to resolving the grand enigma is simply learning to not sweat the small stuff. So, while the present is indeed a diva deserving of applause, sometimes it is through seeing beyond its dazzling performance that we find the true depth of the show, including the whimsical, therapeutic punchlines hidden in the script of our lives. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/28009407
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 32 Meta Communication
09/05/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 32 Meta Communication
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counselling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Meta communication in the realm of mental health is like having a chat about having a chat, which sounds like a lot of talking about talking, but trust me, it's worth it! Picture this: you're in a heated argument with your inner critic, and instead of getting caught up in the drama of self-doubt, you pause and say, "Hey, inner critic, why are we even having this argument?" It's like catching a plot hole in a bad movie – you're breaking the fourth wall of your own mind! This meta-level conversation can be a game-changer because it helps you step back from the emotional rollercoaster and see the bigger picture. So, remember, next time your inner critic starts ranting, tell it, "Hold up, we need to talk about how we're talking about this!" It's like therapy for your thoughts. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/27948102
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 31 Chaos
08/29/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 31 Chaos
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counselling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Imagine Chaos walking into a room – it's like a tornado with commitment issues. Chaos can't find its socks, let alone its life's direction. It's like trying to follow a map drawn by a caffeinated squirrel. You're looking for your keys in the fridge and wondering how socks ended up in your cereal box. Living in chaos is like participating in a reality show where the rules change every minute. Making impulsive decisions in this chaos is like trying to catch a greased pig – exhausting and destined for laughs (or maybe just faceplants). Escaping chaos by binge-watching reality TV might feel like a master plan, but it's more like running from a bear with a "Free Hugs" sign – disaster awaits. Instead, let's talk about organizing. Yes, it's scarier than a horror movie for your clutter, but it's like giving chaos an eviction notice. Take an inventory of yourself, but be prepared to find oddities like that lost sock from earlier. And when the chaos subsides (just like the sugar rush after a candy binge), set some goals. Not like "Find Atlantis" goals, but realistic ones. It's like treating your life like a well-organized closet – still a mystery, but at least you're not buried under an avalanche of unmatched socks. Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/27818289
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 30 Scarcity and Abundance Mindset
08/22/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 30 Scarcity and Abundance Mindset
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counselling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. The Abundance Mindset and the Scarcity Mindset walk into a bar. Abundance struts in, high-fiving everyone and ordering the most extravagant drink on the menu. Scarcity, on the other hand, sidles up to the counter, scrutinizing the prices and contemplating if tap water is a viable option. Abundance is all about believing there's enough dessert for everyone at the buffet of life, while Scarcity acts like the last slice of pizza is about to be snatched away by a pizza-eating ninja. Now, why should you cozy up with the Abundance Mindset? Well, it's like having a mental spa day for your brain. When you embrace abundance, you're waving goodbye to stress and inviting in gratitude. It's like turning your mind into a VIP lounge where positivity parties all day long. Who wouldn't want to RSVP to that? Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/27818259
info_outline
The Man Made Podcast ep. 29 Making Space in your Mind.
08/15/2023
The Man Made Podcast ep. 29 Making Space in your Mind.
Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counselling. They’ve known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Let's talk about the magical art of creating space in your mind to tackle those pesky stress storms head-on. Imagine your mind as a cluttered closet overflowing with thoughts, anxieties, and a few dusty old memories you thought you'd forgotten. Now, take a deep breath and start decluttering! Picture yourself tossing out those crumpled worries and sweeping away the cobwebs of doubt. By making room in your mental abode, you're giving yourself a VIP seat to the Stress Olympics, where you'll be the reigning champion of calm. So, next time stress knocks at your door, greet it with a confident grin and a "Hey there, Stress! Mind if I make some room for you?" And remember, folks, creating space isn't just for yoga studios and minimalist homes – it's your golden ticket to a calmer, more collected you. Keep practicing! Some resources that may be useful: Contact us at:
/episode/index/show/centered1/id/27748101