The Man and The Monkey Podcast

I sit down to talk with the former spouse of a law enforcement officer who struggled with addiction before ultimately taking his own life. This episode discusses the trauma experienced, family violence, and the raw experiences which were faced. Leslie's story is powerful for any family member who is dealing with addiction in their home.  

In this episode, Matthew discusses trauma with a retired green beret.   

This episode finishes the short series on the importance for us to recognize the connection between our mental, physical, and spiritual health. 

This episode is the second of a series discussing the mental, spiritual, and physical pillar. Guest: Pastor George Barrera References used for this episode: Rhodes, A. C. (2018). Balancing the human energy field through pranic healing. Beginnings, 38(5), 6–23. Schoo, A. (2005). Reality therapy and the human energy field: Working with needs that influence mind and body. International Journal of Rea...

This episode looks at why we can't return to moments in our past. Whether it's the literal return to your hometown, a past relationship, or reliving childhood memories with your children, this episode explores why that can't happen.

This episode continues from the last and looks at motivation vs. discipline. Motivation will only get you so far, but you're going to need discipline to achieve your goals.

This episode discusses the barriers that are in our way and why it is that we are standing by idly, watching life pass us by. This episode is for you if you need that little push to get you moving into the direction you know you should be heading.

This episode views what happens when we compare our lives to other people. We dive into the psychology and spiritual aspects of what the comparisons do to us, and there are also some strategies to eliminate the comparisons.    References for this episode: Butts, R. (2026). Social comparison theory. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Cherry, K. (2024). Social comparison theory in psychology. Verywell Mind....

This episode explores the seasons of the soul and those inevitable cycles of life that include both joy and profound struggle. This episode speaks directly to anyone currently experiencing a difficult season and provides a few ways to help move you a little faster through the difficult time.

We encounter people daily, but we ignore the reasons they have been brought before us. Everyone who crosses your path does so for a reason. This episode looks at relationships and how we are affected, seasonally and long-term, by those who cross our paths. 

This episode discusses why the ego isn't always bad and how the unhealthy ego can weigh us down. Learn how to lighten your daily load and rid yourself of the unhealthy ego. 

This episode dives into issues for those of us who can't slow down and for those who feel they deserve more in their lives. 

We all have regrets, and they seem to be absolutely terrible. However, regrets are valuable to us in our lives, and this episode covers them, how we should look at them, and some suggestions for overcoming the nasty ones we get stuck on.    Research from this episode comes from: Beazley, H. (2004). No Regrets : A Ten-Step Program for Living in the Present and Leaving the Past Behind. Wiley. Luan,...

Matthew and Jamie take a look at the sense of entitlement and the damage that it does to our mindset. 

In this final solo episode, Matthew tackles negativity and the reasons why we fall so easily into negativity traps. He discusses the biology behind human negativity, negative loops and cycles, rumination, and how to cultivate a more positive outlook. He also provides a researched secret for living a longer life.

Matthew dives into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and provides you with a brief history before discussing the pros and cons of using TRT. This episode is packed with information and research on the topic for anyone interested in using it or gaining a better understanding of what they are using.

This episode looks at why it is important to know what it is that drives us daily and even more so during our tougher times. Matthew hosts another solo episode as he faces a tough decision, discussing how knowing his "why" makes the process easier.  

Matthew goes solo to discuss depression and its impact on our lives. This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever experienced the feelings associated with depression and is intended to be passed along to someone who might need to hear it. Depression sucks, but this episode talks about the causes and different types of depression we might experience. Like the other episodes, it's not for everyone,...

Matthew and Jessica discuss talking to our children about sex, the medicalization of sex, and infidelity. They also discuss whether monogamy or polygamy is the way to go in relationships and how our sexual norms have changed over time.  

Matthew and Jessica discuss relationships, emotional needs, affairs, and briefly touch on having multiple partners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who feels they aren't getting enough sex in their relationship or feels as though they are providing sex while having their needs go unmet.

This episode kicks off the new year and what we are calling season 2 of the podcast. Matthew brings Jessica Flores in from First Responder Therapy Solutions to discuss thirsty women, size queens, fetishes, fantasies, and pornography. This is the first of four episodes on sex, and it offers a view from both sexes. We are considering this episode as foreplay before discussing the biology and psychol...

This is the final episode of the season, and it's a must-listen for anyone who has lost a loved one. We end the year with Matthew and Jessica wrapping up their discussion on loss around the holidays. The pair discusses traditions, shares stories, and sheds light on coping with loss as the holidays approach.