ManDown Podcast

You can’t outthink anxiety — but you can learn to understand it.In this episode, Patrick and Ted unpack what anxiety really is, how it hijacks your body and thoughts, and why most of us make it worse by trying to “fix” it.

Patrick brings lessons from the therapy room; Ted brings the reality of battling self-sabotage. Together they unpack how awareness, breathing, and daily habits can help you regulate instead of shut down. This one’s about emotional clarity — not control.

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00:00 Intro

Ted and Patrick kick off with fatherhood, vasectomies, and the chaos of modern life before diving into social media radicalization and how to raise better men. They unpack how algorithms weaponize outrage, why politics feels broken, and what empathy and curiosity can still save. Then it’s on to Taylor Swift's new album, the burnout, and why joy might be her only way forward. Enjoy!

💬 Send us your questions in the comments or at [email protected]

Listen to us on Megaphone (or find our RSS Feed!): https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VI9326253269?selected=VI1151133526

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00:00 – Intro: Taylor Swift’s album and unexpected politics

00:36 – Patrick’s vasectomy waitlist story

01:10 – Ted’s “50% emissions” joke and pregnancy talk

02:17 – SlutCon, fertility, and age gaps in parenting

03:35 – Miscarriage, exhaustion, and parenting at 30+

05:21 – The mental load of fatherhood

06:20 – Patrick’s parenting stories and “Hungry Caterpillar” moment

07:20 – Simple explanations as a superpower

07:55 – Anxiety, media, and radicalization begins

09:10 – The YouTube funnel and algorithmic outrage

10:49 – How right-wing influencers hook young men

12:44 – Why creators drift toward divisive content

14:49 – Jordan Peterson and the pull of extremism

17:13 – Boris, Trump, and populism’s moral void

18:57 – Radicalization and real-world violence

19:53 – Why platforms won’t shut down hate speech

21:10 – The collapse of consequence and fake morality

22:16 – Raising boys in the algorithm era

23:16 – The endless scroll and “slop content” culture

24:13 – Creating positive role models

25:12 – Housing, inequality, and political drift

27:07 – Media narratives vs. real voter concerns

31:23 – Local government and reform myths

33:37 – Depression, vulnerability, and radicalization

35:11 – Escaping social media doom loops

36:08 – Touching grass and finding purpose offline

37:41 – Why the world isn’t as bad as it seems

39:41 – Community and connection

40:15 – Education, critical thinking, and curiosity

43:52 – Raising resilient boys and men

45:45 – Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, and modern fame

47:09 – Taylor’s new album: where’s the fun?

49:27 – Lyrical fatigue and self-parody

51:36 – When success kills creativity

53:10 – Sally Rooney and artistic stagnation

54:10 – What Taylor needs next

56:07 – Cowboy boots and Copenhagen fashion detour

57:28 – Outro: podcast reflections and upcoming break

59:03 – What Man Down meant to Ted and Patrick

1:01:06 – Final thanks, Patreon shoutouts, and goodbye

Dating can be stressful, arguing can be messy, and social media can mess with your head — Ted and Patrick cover all of it in this episode. Learn how to handle first-date nerves, recognise real chemistry, and decide if a second date is worth your time, all while keeping your dating anxiety in check. They also get into how to argue with your partner without hurting the relationship and why understanding each other’s perspective matters. On top of that, they talk about the impact of the content you consume on your mental well-being and habits that help you stay grounded. This episode is packed with advice to help you navigate dating, relationships, and life with more clarity and confidence.

💬 Send us your questions in the comments or at [email protected]

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome Intro

00:06 Episode Intro

00:54 Patrick’s Take on Copenhagen… and Hot Dogs

03:18 Ted Visiting Copenhagen

03:42 Guest Pitches, Mafia Dons, and Boy Bands

05:18 Listener Questions

05:33 #1 Navigating Arguments in Relationships

13:44 #2 Dating Anxiety and Connection

21:20 Preparing for a Date

24:15 #3 Long Distance Relationships

24:50 #4 The Impact of Social Media on Dating

27:39 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

28:50 The Upside of Dating Apps

29:20 Finding Balance: Managing Social Media Consumption

32:58 #5 Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being

33:06 Patrick’s Fitness and Mental Health Practices

37:08 Ted’s Fitness and Mental Health Practices

38:52 Curating Your Music and Media Experience

43:23 Ranking Segment First Date Activities: What Works Best?

47:46 Date Outfits

48:56 Patrick’s Clothing Tips and Thoughts for Men

53:39 Outro

Money is one of the biggest sources of stress in modern life—and it can make or break relationships. In this episode of Man Down, Ted and Patrick dive into how money shapes partnerships, why even fair-minded people often see it differently, and how past experiences and upbringing influence our views on contribution, fairness, and security.

They explore why financial stress feels heavier today than ever before, the role social media plays in fueling comparison and “money dysmorphia,” and how couples can start having honest, constructive conversations about money without resentment or conflict. Along the way, Ted and Patrick share their own stories, lessons, and mistakes around money, offering insights that will resonate with anyone navigating finances, relationships, and modern pressures.

💬 Send us your questions in the comments or at [email protected]

Listen to us on Megaphone (or find our RSS Feed!): https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VI9326253269?selected=VI1151133526

Follow us on our Socials:

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Timestamps:

In this listener-powered episode, Ted and Patrick tackle the struggles and questions you’ve been sending in. They explore what it’s like to feel unfulfilled even after achieving your dreams, navigate burnout, and figure out the next steps in your career. Patrick shares his thoughts on ADHD in men, including life-changing diagnoses later in adulthood. They dive into the realities of parenting, sleepless nights with a second child, and how to cope when life throws your schedule off balance. The conversation also covers semi-pro and amateur athletes juggling full-time jobs, late nights, and recovery challenges, while Ted reflects on his journey into football versus American football. Packed with vulnerability, insight, and practical advice, this episode examines ambition, identity, and the modern pressures men face today.

💬 Send us your questions in the comments or at [email protected]

Cheating isn’t inevitable — but understanding why it happens is crucial. In this episode, Ted and Patrick break down the biology, psychology, and relationship dynamics behind infidelity, and explore practical ways couples can build trust, manage jealousy, and stay connected in today’s modern world.

Topics covered

- Common emotional causes of cheating

- The role of biology vs. excuses

- Why some men cheat and others don’t

- Polyamory, ENM, and modern relationship experiments

- How to strengthen commitment and satisfaction in your relationship

💬 Send us your questions in the comments or at [email protected]

Follow us on our Socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzsGH4hM9TxHC4hHPvgMJw

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandownpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome Intro

00:07 Episode Intro

00:42 Understanding Cheating: Biological vs Emotional Factors

01:32 Are Men Wired to Cheat?

02:02 Possible Reasons for Cheating

04:34 Are Men Wired to Cheat? Patrick’s Take

06:35 Infidelity: Men vs Women

06:40 The Role of Communication in Relationships

09:42 The Impact of Technology on Cheating

11:00 How Tech & Sexual Diversity Redefine Cheating

12:45 The Hard Work Behind Open Relationships

14:13 Understanding Infidelity and Crisis Points

17:22 The Dynamic of Ethical Non-Monogamy

19:14 Polyamory: Surviving Cheating & Crisis Points

24:25 The Future of Monogamy and Relationship Structures

25:50 Exploring Attraction & Keeping the Spark Alive in Relationships

28:50 When Kids Repeat What They Hear…Hilarious Consequences

30:32 Most Couples Resist Non-Monogamy

31:09 Exploring Flirtation in Relationships

35:40 Outro/Wrap Up

41:02 (Broll - The Rise of Therapy Speak and its Implications, Communication in Academia, The Complexity of Writing Styles)

Breakups are never easy. But they don’t have to define you. In this episode, Ted and Patrick talk about how to know when it’s time to end a relationship, what to expect emotionally after a breakup, and how to process heartbreak without losing yourself. If you’re struggling with heartbreak—or trying to make sense of the end of a relationship—this episode is your roadmap to healing and growth.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/

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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome Intro

00:03 Episode Intro

00:38 Listener Question

00:55 Ted’s Personal Experience and Insights

01:41 Understanding Relationship Dynamics

02:07 John Gottman’s The Four Horsemen

06:30 Recognising When to End a Relationship

08:48 Practicalities of Ending a Relationship

11:11 Reflecting on Past Decisions and Regrets

15:40 Managing Complicated Feelings Post-Breakup16:51 Self-Forgiveness and Moving Forward

27:10 Practical Tips for Moving Forward After Breakup

27:48 Navigating Grief and Loss

29:40 Understanding Mourning Frameworks

30:32 Reclaiming Identity Post-Breakup

36:30 Self-Discovery After a Relationship

37:36 The Journey of Personal Growth

40:39 Practical Steps for Healing

46:29 Seeking Professional Help

47:34 New Podcast Segment

48:13 Choice Ranking Round 1

58:10 Choice Ranking Round 2

1:10:21 Outro

On this episode, Patrick and Ted discuss porn, technology, and the future of intimacy. They dive into how you can tell if you have a problem with porn, the future of technology and how it will change our porn consumption, and the impacts porn may have on relationships and dating in the future. The episode ends with the guys sharing some new discoveries they have made. Enjoy!

Porn Consumption Scale: https://bpbcounseling.com/blog/problematic-pornography-consumption-scale

💬 Send us your questions in the comments or at [email protected]

Listen to us on Megaphone (or find our RSS Feed!): https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/VI9326253269?selected=VI1151133526

Follow us on our Socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzsGH4hM9TxHC4hHPvgMJw

X: https://x.com/ManDownPodcast

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandownpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

04:20- Patrick's Holiday + the Danes are normal sized

05:38 - Ted's Holday

07:35 - Guiding your children's music taste

10:05 - Demon Hunters

12:53 - Porn, VR, AI, Sex Dolls

14:56 - Sex Toys

17:32 - Partners see Porn as Infidelity?

18:59 - So is smut cheating also?

21:27 - There is a threshold at which you take away from your partner

22:27 - Self-described porn addiction and the negative effects that come with it

23:26 - Most of you are probably fine!

26:06 - Taking the survey will help you realize you're probably ok

27:25 - Positive cases for porn and masturbation

28:55 - Porn in a healthy relationship perspective

30:53 - Porn = Cheating is a misunderstanding and an insecurity

33:15 - Anti-porn movement from men (No fap/semen retention)

36:52 - The world needs more Dom's and the undiscussed labor cost of them

38:30 - Open relationship does NOT equal not thinking about other people

39:43 - Downsides of porn even of use that isn't addiction levels

41:30 - Ted's recent dating experience

42:48 - We get skewed perspectives, but that might be about yourself and not your partner

44:16 - For some people the only women they've seen close up are women in porn

44:36 - Concerns with advances in porn technology

45:20 - Robots in film

47:00 - VR and augmented reality porn

48:12 - Deep fakes and the dangers of this technology

49:44 - Could this end up making people scared of the dating market?

50:20 - Connection greatly enhances an experience

51:55 - Paying for porn helps ensure nobody is being exploited

53:00 - Sex is front and center and NORMAL throughout human history

53:55 - The Roman's had porn

54:20 - New discoveries Ted has made recently

54:38 - Forgiving yourself for taking time off working out on vacation

55:44 - Renting different brands of cars can be a difficult learning curve

57:30 - Different locations of buttons and tools in new cars

59:34 - Patrick is the 3rd most famous Patrick that is a Leo

1:00:15 - Patrick's discovery - The Runner app

1:03:25 - Lord of the Rings walking to Mount Doom for Medals

In this episode Ted and Patrick dive into real-life listener questions, tackling topics like staying present with your partner and kids while managing a demanding career, navigating dating when someone isn’t your “type” but has a strong emotional connection, and finding self-forgiveness while making peace with past mistakes.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome Intro

00:07 Episode Intro

00:42 Why Hiring a Cleaner Isn’t as Simple as You Think

04:38 Reader Questions

05:04 #1 Navigating Physical and Emotional Attraction

14:17 #2 Balancing Work and Family Life

25:45 #3 Finding Self-Forgiveness and Peace

43:55 #4 Rewiring Your Brain for Better Habits

50:00#5 What Scene in Lost in Translation Made Patrick Cry?

52:08 Art Doesn’t Always Need to Make Sense

54:00 Outro (Subscribe and Send Us Your Questions)

Why do we keep getting in our own way — even when we want something badly?

In this episode, Ted and Patrick dig into the deeper psychology of self-sabotage: what it really is, why it happens, and how to break the cycle for good.

We’ll unpack:

- Why “self-sabotage” isn’t a diagnosis — and what it’s really a symptom of

- How fragile self-worth and old beliefs quietly shape destructive patterns

- The many ways self-sabotage shows up in your career, creative work, and relationships

- Why some of these behaviours feel protective — even when they hurt you

- The traps that keep you stuck on repeat (and how to see them before they happen)

- Practical ways to break the cycle and move forward with confidence

Follow us on our Socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLzsGH4hM9TxHC4hHPvgMJw

X: https://x.com/ManDownPodcast

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandown.podcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mandownpodcast

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome Intro

00:07 Episode Intro

00:49 Ted’s Trip to Santa Barbara

02:29 When It’s Time to Stop Wallowing

02:49 Holding Space Without Holding On

03:13 How We Torture Ourselves With Old Pain

03:55 The Power of Putting It Away

04:14 Patrick’s Life Updates & Milestones

05:19 The Third Child Nightmare

06:47 When Your Partner’s Dream Turns Into Your Problem

08:24 Seeing Self-Sabotage Across Life

09:39 Understanding Self-Sabotage

10:21 Patterns of Behaviour and Fear of Failure

10:55 Self-Sabotage as a Symptom

12:35 The Inertia Behind Self-Sabotage

16:03 Embracing Failure and Taking Risks

20:01 The Fragile Sense of Self and External Validation

22:47 Embracing Failure in the Creative Process

23:42 The Cycle Of Learning and Self-Improvement

26:57 Understanding Procrastination and its Roots

27:51 Finding Limits and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

30:16 Creating for Yourself vs. Seeking External Validation

33:06 The Impact of Procrastination on Life Choices

37:31 Self-Sabotage in Relationships

48:34 Avoidant Behaviour and its Consequences

53:11 Summary & Final Thoughts on Self-Sabotage

54:29 The Value of Vulnerability and Effort

57:49 Outro