Infidelity isn’t just about broken vows, it’s about culture, psychology, and the messy ways we define love and commitment.

In this episode, we dive deep into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation about cheating. From Carlos’ childhood where infidelity was normalized, to the psychology of why men cheat, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most taboo relationship topics out there.

We explore:

• Is emotional cheating worse than physical cheating?
• How wealth, power, and machismo shape infidelity
• The hidden psychology of unmet needs and betrayal
• Insights from The State of Affairs by Esther Perel and Eight Dates by John Gottman
• The big question: is sex a “need”… or just a desire?

If you’ve ever questioned what counts as cheating, why it happens, or whether relationships can truly recover, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew about love and loyalty.

Watch Esther Perel’s full TED Talk on infidelity here: https://www.ted.com/talks/esther_perel_rethinking_infidelity_a_talk_for_anyone_who_has_ever_loved

Is divorce really the worst-case scenario—or is staying in the wrong relationship worse? 

In this episode, we explore the cultural, religious, and emotional weight of divorce. From “starter marriages” to the myth of staying together for the kids, we unpack why the shame surrounding divorce often does more harm than good. 

We also talk about the viral Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo “holding space” moment, the effects of calling it quits and why we need to stop pretending it's not a big deal.

For those curious about how childhood experiences shape our beliefs about relationships, we introduce the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences quiz) — a simple but powerful tool to better understand the long-term effects of trauma, including how we approach love, conflict, and letting go. 

Take the ACE quiz here: https://americanspcc.org/take-the-aces-quiz/

In episode 4, we dive into the world of modern intimacy — from awkward “birds and bees” talks to what school didn’t teach us.

We break down how pop culture and gendered expectations shape our ideas of desirability, with help from the documentary Miss Representation and Dr. Emily Nagoski's book Come Together.

Plus: navigating body counts, emotional intimacy, and queer perspectives on hookup culture. 

Whether you're figuring out your love language or wondering why men get praised for doing the bare minimum, this one's for you! 

In Part 1 of our 10-episode season on relationships, we explore how film, TV, and pop culture have shaped what men believe about masculinity and relationships.

From the frat-boy energy of American Pie and hyper-masculine bravado of Top Gun, to the emotional vulnerability in Moonlight and Love Island, we unpack how media continues to influence how men show up in relationships, often without even realizing it.

We also discuss the groundbreaking documentary Tough Guise by Jackson Katz, which explores the connection between media portrayals of men, toxic masculinity, and real-world violence.

Watch Tough Guise for free using a library or university login: (https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/tough-guise-0)

Before we get into relationships (starting next episode), we had to talk about the one you have with yourself. This episode, we cold plunge headfirst into the world of health & wellness. 

We break down our own wellness routines (the good, the weird, and the ugly crying) & put the internet's favorite trends to the test to decide: Wellness or Whack?

Whether you're deep in your healing era or just want your partner to stop telling you to "journal about it", this one's for you.

Follow us on IG @broingpains & let us know your favorite wellness routines by writing in to [email protected]

Editor’s Note: Our 10-episode deep dive on relationships kicks off in Episode 3—but this is where the story begins. Keep listening. 

What does it actually mean to be a man today, and who even gets to decide? In our first episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of masculinity and mental health, from unlearning outdated norms to making space for healing.

We open up about our own journeys to therapy, share why we started this podcast in the first place, and unpack the cultural shifts we’re seeing around men’s mental health. Plus: we throw down some eye-opening stats about how men are really doing, and why seeking support isn’t weak, it’s necessary.

This one’s for the bros who’ve been told to man up, shut up, or tough it out. Let’s start unlearning that noise—together.