The Man and The Monkey Podcast

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. www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-social-comparison-process-2795872. Psychology Today. (2026). Social comparison theory. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-comparison-theory

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, M., Zhang, Y., & Wang, X. (2023). Gratitude Reduces Regret: The Mediating Role of Temporal Focus. Journal of Happiness Studies, 24(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-022-00597-0 Warren, J. (2021). Regret: A Study in Ancient Moral Psychology. Oxford. https://doi-org.acu.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/oso/9780198840268.001.0001,

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, but the information needs to be put out.

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 psychology of sex, followed by sex with couples and societal expectations. 2026 is shaping up to be a great year as we dive deeper into sensitive topics. 

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. 

In this two-part series, Matthew and Jessica discuss navigating loss around the holiday season. This is not a deep dive but a conversation that covers anticipatory loss, helping children deal with loss, and how we handle the intense emotions of suddenly losing a loved one. Part 2 will be released a week after Part 1, and it will be the final episode of 2025. 

Who would ever think to do an episode on smiling? People frequently take the nuances of a smile for granted. After all, it's just a smile, and we all do it. This episode goes deeper into the significance of the smile and the benefits it has in our lives. Matthew and Kurt discuss the power of a smile and how it helps us live a longer and happier life. 

Matthew welcomes Jamie back to tackle control and explains why we feel the need to control everything. The guys discuss how much better we would feel if we just relinquished control and realized that our actual control is limited. With only three episodes left in this season, this is a must-hear for everyone.

We have a discussion in this episode about talking to ourselves and how we often feel crazy for doing it. Talking to yourself is usually a normal activity but join us for the discussion on when it is not.  

As we approach Thanksgiving this week, Jamie and Curt sit with Matthew to discuss gratitude and why we all need it in our lives. Whether things are going great or you need a small pick-me-up, discover what gratitude does for us and how to find it. 

Matthew and Jamie discuss judgment and why we all possess it. So many of us view others as if they are beneath us or not to our level. What does this mean for those who are judged and those doing the judging? This episode is a must for anyone who might find themselves feeling a little judgmental at times. 

This is the second part of the episode on work, but Jessica and Matthew dive into work ethic. Do you ever get mad when people don't have the same drive as you? Are you lacking that drive in your life? Hopefully, this episode provides comfort for you wherever you are in your life, and the two of them discuss the significance of having a strong work ethic. 

In this episode, we dive into the role of work in our lives. Join us as we explore the psychological benefits of engaging in meaningful work, how it provides us with a sense of purpose, and its impact on our overall well-being. If you're not satisfied with your current position at work, this episode explores ways to find fulfillment in your current role or through seeking a new one. We believe that there is something in this episode for everyone, and this is the first part of a two-part sit-down with Jessica Flores from First Responder Therapy Solutions (www.firstrts.org). 

As we go through our busy lives, we often take our relationships for granted. We deal with whatever we are dealing with, and we forget that a social system is available to us. We accept that things are going great and forget that we are all in different seasons of our lives. We assume that others are doing just as great as we are, but we never truly know unless we take the opportunity to check in. This episode covers that necessity and is a conversation about something we all can do easily. Relationship maintenance is essential, and we should ensure our relationships stay intact.    

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of habits and provide a brief look into the psychology behind them. The guys discuss habit formation, and this episode provides insight into what is needed to break bad habits, as well as the time that it takes to get it done. 

Matthew and Curt welcome Jessica back for a second episode to discuss the benefits of attending therapy. This episode is well worth listening to for anyone going through difficulties and looking for a solution.  Thank you to Jessica at First Responder Therapy Solutions in San Antonio for taking the time to answer questions about the benefits of attending therapy and what those seeking therapy should look for.    To reach Jessica via web: firstrts.org

Matthew feels bad about bashing Curt in the previous episode, and he decides to make amends. This episode runs longer than the previous ones, but it is jam-packed with what makes us apologize, why we apologize, and how to apologize properly. This episode could be a lifesaver for any relationship you're trying to maintain or salvage.

We all experience anger at times, and this episode covers why anger isn't always a bad thing. The guys bring in a special guest to discuss anger and its impact on us. Matthew gets angry at Curt, and the guest has to keep the guys on topic.

The first attempt at a conversation over the phone, but the information in this episode is needed. Many of us feel deeply divided, and the resulting angst is harming our country. The duo discusses what is driving the division, and Matthew provides research to support why things aren't as bad as we believe they are. In a time when it feels like the world is falling apart, this is a must-hear. If you're seeking content over the audio quality, this is the one to listen to.

This episode tackles that sneaky saboteur known as self-doubt. The guys explore the origins of self-doubt, childhood, parenting, and how to silence the inner gripes that cause self-doubt in our lives. Whether you're battling perfectionism, imposter syndrome, second-guessing your goals, or just need a pep talk, this episode delivers truth, tools, and the same playful banter between the duo.  

Matthew and Curt have a conversation on the search for perfectionism and why we will never attain it. 

This is the first of many covering the topic of overcoming addiction, and we hope that there is something in the episode for everyone. Whether you are taking things in your daily life for granted or you or someone you love is struggling with addiction. This episode covers addiction and pushing through into living a better life through recovery. Curt sits this one out, and Jamie comes in to help Matthew have the discussion. 

We all have the opportunity to be leaders in some capacity. In this bonus episode, Matthew takes to his soapbox to discuss the administration of the San Antonio Police Department. He discusses the effects of good and bad leadership, and that is followed up by a discussion on helicopter parents and the harm they are doing to their children. 

Traffic continues to be a hot-button issue, and the duo discusses traffic in the city and how to overcome the stress during your commute. Curt discusses how he likes to incite road rage, and Matthew discusses ways to help reduce the stress and anxiety caused by traffic issues.

Do you ever reach out to your friends only to feel like you've been ghosted? Do you feel like you are pouring your all into your friendships, but you don't feel like you are getting the same in return? These seem to be typical concerns, and we discuss what makes friendships good, bad, and toxic. Curt tries to befriend Matthew, and the two of them discuss their differing definitions of friendship. Although research tells us that friendship comes in varying levels, some of us hold friends to a high standard. We might have people that we consider associates but very few people we consider friends. Ultimately, it was a topic that we felt needed to be covered. Friendship is free and one of the most significant rewards in life, but it should never be a constant source of stress in our lives.

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? You've been faking it this whole time, hoping that nobody sees that nobody sees that you're a fraud. We cover imposter syndrome in this episode and why you should give yourself more credit. We also go through ways to help you combat this issue so that you can recognize that you do belong. 

This is the first one on the topic, and more will follow, given the complexities of social media. The guys talk about the trouble with death scrolls and the mental health impact that social media has on our everyday lives. The benefits and problems with social media are discussed in this week's episode. 

Matthew and Curt discuss how the small things in our lives can have a greater impact on our positivity and well-being. Our goals are achieved by taking small steps to reach them. Our emotions throughout the day determine whether we have a good day. Everything starts small and builds to get bigger, and the episode this week looks to help you celebrate your small victories, build a positive loop, resiliency, and motivate you to be better overall.

The limits in life we experience are often self-imposed, and the duo discusses why we place these limits on ourselves, as well as how to get out of the box that we put ourselves into. Matthew's wife makes Curt a sandwich, and Curt turns complimentary when he's not hungry.  

Do you often feel like a failure? Nothing seems to be going right, and you can't seem to get your life together. Curt and Matthew explore what failure means and how we can turn it into a positive transformation, becoming a better version of ourselves. Learn why you should not let your failures define you. This episode is for anyone looking to build a better version of themselves.

Matthew and Curt discuss why stepping out of your comfort zone is beneficial and how embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a richer life experience.    

Curt and Matthew discuss procrastination and the tendency to sit around during the work week. It's an episode discussing why we should stay off the couch after work and remain active. Curt also helps Matthew rediscover his inner Southern drawl, which hasn't been heard in more than two decades. Between the banter, the pair discusses the significance of relationships, and Curt takes a stroll down memory lane with a romantic story involving an ex-partner in Cuba. 

Most of us have heard the term "tribe," which conjures up images of a bygone era. However, having a tribe is just as important today as it was for early civilizations. In this episode, the guys keep things light, lively, and a bit humorous as they unravel what exactly a “tribe” means in today’s world. This isn’t a deep, existential plunge into the meaning of community, but rather an explanation of why we all could use a good tribe in our lives.

Matt and Curt dive into the transformative power of positive thinking. They explore how cultivating a positive mindset can influence your personal well-being and overall happiness. Through all the trash-talking, the duo brings some strategies to shift your negative thought patterns. Join the conversation as they inspire listeners to take control of their mindset and unlock what happens when you approach life with a positive perspective. Whether you're looking to boost your motivation or simply want to get more out of your daily life, this episode provides valuable insights and encouragement. Tune in to discover how positive thinking can change your life.