Season 7 is HERE — and we're coming in with a major announcement. After a year of late nights and quiet sacrifice, host Russ drops a bombshell that's been years in the making: the Russ and Less: Freshman Year novel is officially on the way. This premiere episode is part celebration, part real talk, and all Man Space.

📖 Russ and Less: Freshman Year is coming — a YA novel built from real friendship and real stories

What happens when society decides you're expendable the moment you turn 22? Author T.A. Thompson joins the Man Space Podcast to unpack The Mark, his gripping dystopian thriller that imagines a world where no one is expected to survive past their youth. From the biology course that sparked the idea to building an anti-hero readers can't help but root for, T.A. breaks down his unconventional writing process, his love of horror movies (with one very memorable exception), and how his day job in commercial insurance quietly fuels his darkest ideas.

This episode digs into world-building without elders or institutions, writing a flawed female protagonist, and why some stories are better left for adults. Plus, a Lightning Round full of quick, honest answers and a heartfelt Last Word on believing in yourself enough to finally put your ideas into the world.

Key Takeaways:

 Grab The Mark on Amazon today and follow T.A. Thompson at tathompsonwriter.com. Subscribe to the Man Space Podcast for more author interviews, laughs, and real talk — new episodes drop every week.

Veteran entrepreneur and podcaster Jim Tracy sits down with the Manspace hosts to recount his rise from garage startup to building and selling multimillion-dollar infrastructure companies, with stories from aviation, tower work, and family life.

They explore mentorship and manhood, leadership and company culture, embracing uncertainty, and ‘management by cliché’—practical proverbs and small actions (like handwritten birthday notes) that shape teams and character.

Listeners will hear personal anecdotes, insights behind his book Building Men, and clear, usable advice for fathers, leaders, and anyone who wants to build people and businesses with gratitude and care.

From Trauma to Transformation: Justin Shaw on PTSD, Addiction Recovery & Healing

What happens when childhood trauma, addiction, loss, and PTSD collide, and how do you find your way back to healing? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, author, speaker, and former comedian Justin Shaw shares the raw truth about overcoming trauma, navigating addiction recovery, and rebuilding a life filled with purpose.

Justin opens up about growing up in an emotionally distant household, struggling with substance abuse, pursuing comedy in Los Angeles, and facing a series of devastating life events that led to compounded PTSD. Through honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, he reveals how mindfulness, self-awareness, therapy, and personal growth helped him break free from destructive patterns and begin healing emotional wounds.

Whether you're dealing with trauma, supporting a loved one through recovery, or simply seeking inspiration to overcome life's challenges, this episode offers valuable insights into resilience, mental health, and transformation.

Key Takeaways:

If this conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need encouragement on their healing journey. Your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations that inspire growth, recovery, and transformation.

What happens when sports rivalries turn into lifelong grudges, movie nostalgia meets modern remakes, and a simple mindset shift changes the way you see the world? In this episode of the Man Space Podcast, Russ and Les dive into everything from NBA Finals predictions and sports superstitions to binge-worthy TV shows, classic pop culture, and the power of perception.

The conversation explores the hilarious concept of "sports hate," how fandom shapes personal identity, and why some teams remain impossible to root for. Along the way, the hosts share thoughts on He-Man, Spider-Man Noir, streaming series recommendations, women's sports growth, comedy roasts, and the ever-changing entertainment landscape.

The episode wraps with an inspiring discussion on perception, perspective, and how the way we view challenges can completely transform our experiences and outcomes.

• How sports fandom can create lasting rivalries and emotional connections

What if the key to losing weight, boosting energy, and avoiding chronic disease was simpler than you've been told? In this episode, Russ sits down with health and nutrition coach Graham Hawley to cut through the noise and get back to basics.

Graham breaks down his Five Pillars of Health — nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and alcohol — and explains why ignoring even one of them can silently sabotage your health for years, even decades. From blood sugar hacks to intermittent fasting, morning routines to GLP-1 medications, this conversation is packed with practical, no-fluff advice you can start using today.

Key Takeaways:

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to take control of their health. Visit simplyhealthconscious.com for Graham's book, nutritional guide, and free recipes.

What does a West Point Army grad, college football analytics consultant, and data entrepreneur have in common with every man trying to build something from nothing? The process. In this episode, Russ sits down with Danny Davis,  founder of Recon Sports, data consultant to top college football programs, and former field artillery captain, for a raw, motivating conversation about discipline, entrepreneurship, and becoming the man you're meant to be.

Every "no" is data track it, learn from it, and use it to improve your pitch

Ready to level up? Subscribe to the Man Space Podcast, catch new episodes Wednesdays, and tune in for the Season 7 premiere on July 8th 

What happens when kids stop feeling safe enough to talk to their parents? In this powerful episode of the Man Space Podcast, Russ and Big Less sit down with family psychologist David Marcus to unpack the real impact of emotional communication, parenting styles, and family stress on children.

With over 40 years of experience working with families, David breaks down why many parents unknowingly repeat toxic communication patterns, how emotional language shapes child development, and why being a “soothing presence” matters more than simply disciplining behavior. The conversation dives into parenting under pressure, co-parenting challenges, parent alienation, emotional intelligence, and practical ways fathers can build stronger connections with their children.

Whether you’re raising toddlers, navigating the teenage years, or managing a blended family, this episode delivers actionable parenting advice and eye-opening insights that can improve family relationships and communication at home.

What if the simplest tool to handle stress has been with you all along, your breath? In this episode of The Man Space Podcast, Russ sits down with international instructor Shalin Desai to unpack how intentional breathing can transform anxiety, focus, and overall well-being.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience with the Art of Living Foundation, Shalin explains the powerful link between breath and emotions, and why modern life, despite all its conveniences, leaves us more stressed than ever. From practical techniques like SKY breathing to real-life success stories, including improved mental health, better relationships, and even weight loss, this conversation delivers actionable insights you can start using today.

Whether you are battling anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, or simply looking to perform at a higher level, this episode offers a grounded, science-backed approach to finding calm and clarity.

Key Takeaways

Breath directly influences emotions and can be used to manage stress and anxiety

Call to Action

Can erections predict heart health? Discover the science behind erectile fitness, smart sex tech, and men’s wellness innovation.

This episode dives into one of the most unexpected intersections in modern health tech, sexual wellness, cardiovascular health, and wearable technology. The conversation explores how nocturnal erections may serve as an early warning system for heart disease, performance issues, and overall men’s health, while challenging long-held assumptions about erectile dysfunction and aging.

From biohacking and testosterone optimization to smart devices designed to track erection quality and sleep-related sexual health metrics, this episode blends science, humor, and controversial insights into a fascinating discussion about the future of personalized healthcare. Whether you’re curious about erectile dysfunction, men’s performance, sexual confidence, or preventative health monitoring, this episode delivers a thought-provoking look at how data-driven wellness could reshape men’s healthcare.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone interested in men’s health, biohacking, and the future of personalized wellness technology.