The ManMade Podcast

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   In this episode, we're thrilled to have Shawn in town, so we're recording in person together—though, fair warning, he's once again pitching to rename the show, and we'll see if he wins this round. We're diving deep into mental health and what it means to be a man today, sidestepping the tired patriarchy debate to focus on why supporting men—whose suicide rates are nearly four times higher than women's, per CDC data—lifts up families, friends, and entire communities. Expect a sharp look at the stigma keeping guys quiet, practical steps to redefine strength, and real stories that hit home.   Some resources that may be useful: Jordan Peterson: Humanism & Carl Rogers   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. This weeks guest is Mike Beckingham https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5672421/

  On this episode of Manmade Podcast, I sit down with my lifelong friend, Mike Beckingham, to explore the profound impact of grief. Mike recently lost his father and is nearing the 10-year anniversary of his mother's passing. Together, we examine the emotional and psychological dimensions of these losses, unpacking the strategies he's found effective in navigating this dual bereavement. From resilience-building techniques to the role of memory in healing, this conversation offers an intimate, evidence-informed look at coping with grief over time. Join us for a poignant and practical discussion.   Contact us at getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com 

Welcome to Mind Matters This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. This week we are showcasing our first episode of Mind Matters a radio call-in advice show that airs in Knoxville TN. We hope you enjoy it.  Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   Creating harmonious relationships is like being part of an orchestra where everyone is playing different instruments. Imagine trying to play the violin while someone else is vigorously banging the drums right next to you – it's chaotic, loud, and you can barely hear yourself think, let alone create a symphony! This cacophony is much like the discord we face in our daily interactions when harmony is missing. Just like in music, where harmony adds depth and beauty, in life, harmonious relationships can be the difference between feeling like you're constantly in a solo battle with a cacophony of cymbals and experiencing the mental tranquility of a well-composed melody. So, for the sake of our mental health, let's strive to be maestros of our own emotional orchestras, ensuring that each relationship we have adds a note of peace, rather than a blast of chaos, to the symphony of our lives. This way, we can all enjoy the concert of existence, maybe even with a standing ovation from our serotonin and dopamine receptors.   Some resources that may be useful: Jordan Peterson Relationship advice   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   Alright, picture this: You're minding your own business, living your life, when suddenly, out of nowhere, life decides to throw a curveball at you. It's like, "Hey, here's a little surprise for ya!" And it's never a good surprise, right? It's always something ridiculous that makes you go, "Really? This is what we're doing now?" So, what do you do? You gotta deal with it, but here's the kicker—you deal with it like Bill Burr would. First, you gotta face it head-on, with that classic Burr skepticism. You look at the situation, shake your head, and say, "Oh, fantastic. What's next? Aliens landing in my backyard asking for directions to the nearest Starbucks?" Then, you gotta laugh at it. Not just a little chuckle, but that full-on, Bill Burr-style, sarcastic laugh that says, "I can't believe this is my life right now." It's all about finding the humor in the absurdity of it all. Because, let's face it, sometimes life's just a poorly written sitcom, and you're the main character dealing with the world's most absurd plot twists. And finally, talk about it. Rant to your friends, your family, or even to a bunch of strangers at a stand-up show if that's your thing. Turn your misfortune into a hilarious story. Because when you think about it, the best way to deal with life's unexpected punches is to punch back with a joke. And who knows? Maybe you'll end up with a bit that's so good, it'll have people rolling in the aisles, forgetting all about their own crazy life plot twists.   Some resources that may be useful: How to recover from a bad day   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   Awkward interactions are like uninvited guests at the party of life; they just show up, usually at the most inopportune times. Picture this: You're in an elevator, and your brain decides it's the perfect moment to forget every social norm. You blurt out to a stranger, "Nice weather inside, isn't it?" and immediately wish you could vanish into thin air. But fear not! The key to overcoming these cringe-worthy moments lies in embracing them with a hint of humor. Think of them as mental burpees - slightly uncomfortable but great for your social fitness. Next time you find yourself in the middle of an awkward tango, just smile and think, "Well, this will make a great story for my pet turtle!" Remember, everyone has these moments, and they're just tiny blips in the grand scheme of things. So, laugh it off, maybe share your awkward tale with a friend, and watch how a little chuckle can turn a face-palm moment into a fun anecdote. It's like giving your mental health a high-five!   Some resources that may be useful: Key & Peele Friend Who Makes Everything Awkward https://psychcentral.com/health/socially-awkward#_noHeaderPrefixedContent   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   Shallow self-discipline, as practiced by some life coaches, can often resemble a motivational poster that's lost its way – all flash and no substance. Imagine a life coach, armed with an arsenal of clichés, eagerly dispensing advice like a vending machine stuck on the 'inspirational quotes' setting. They often miss the mark, offering cookie-cutter solutions to deep-rooted issues. The irony is that their messages, intended to spark discipline, often lack the very depth and discipline they're preaching about. True discipline is more than just a catchy hashtag or a well-timed pep talk; it requires empathy, compassion, and understanding. It's about guiding someone through their journey with the gentleness of a friend and the wisdom of a sage. Think of it as trying to teach someone to swim by throwing them a pool noodle instead of jumping in the water with them. The best coaches dive in, ready to demonstrate each stroke with a blend of kindness and expertise, turning the daunting task of learning into an enjoyable swim in the ocean of self-improvement.   Some resources that may be useful: Motivational Speakers   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   Creating close relationships is essential for maintaining good mental health, and let's be real, who doesn't want a support squad for life's craziness? Step one: throw away your "stranger danger" caution – within reason, of course. You won't make pals with a potted plant. Step two: embrace awkward moments. They're like the glue that holds friendships together. Remember that cringeworthy joke you cracked? It's now a cherished inside joke. Step three: be an exceptional listener. People will flock to you like moths to a flame if they know you're willing to hear their drama. And lastly, make time for face-to-face interactions – emojis can only convey so much. So, let's go out there, embrace the social circus, and collect friends like they're Pokémon. Your mental health will thank you, and who knows, maybe you'll even find someone who laughs at your puns.   Some resources that may be useful: Peterson close relationships   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Supporting a friend or family member with mental health struggles can sometimes feel like trying to assemble a piece of IKEA furniture without the instructions - you've got all these tools and good intentions, but you're not quite sure where that weird-looking screw is supposed to go. The key? Patience, a sense of humor, and the understanding that you're not expected to be a licensed therapist – unless, of course, you really are one, in which case, kudos! Think of it as being a cheerleader, but instead of pom-poms, you're armed with an empathetic ear and the willingness to ride the rollercoaster of emotions with them – and let's face it, who doesn't love a good rollercoaster? The ups, the downs, the slightly queasy feeling afterwards – it's all part of the journey. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels okay not being okay all the time, because let's be honest, pretending to be a Zen master 24/7 is more exhausting than trying to say "phenomenal psychological facilitator" five times fast. So, let's champion positive mental health for all – with a smile, a listening ear, and maybe a comforting cup of tea.   Some resources that may be useful: Psych2Go Video  Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   As we journey through life, it's almost as if we're participating in an endless series of wardrobe changes in a cosmic play, where the roles we adopt and the scripts we follow evolve with each passing scene. From the obstinate toddler with a penchant for emphatic "No's," to the rebellious teenager who knows everything (just ask them!), and eventually to the wise elder who realizes they know very little, our identities are constantly in a state of playful flux. However, the irony is that most people view life with the rigidity of a statue, believing that who they are today is a permanent fixture, like an unchangeable tattoo on the soul. This fixed mindset overlooks the beautiful and sometimes hilariously unpredictable nature of personal growth. As we age, our experiences, relationships, and introspections mold us into continually evolving versions of ourselves. Embracing this change requires the patience of a saint and the openness of a child at a magic show. From a mental health perspective, recognizing and laughing at this ever-changing nature of self can be liberating. It reminds us to take ourselves a bit less seriously and to be curious and open to the myriad of possibilities that each new version of 'us' might bring. So next time you find yourself puzzled by your own transformation, remember, it's just another costume change in the grand performance of life!   Some resources that may be useful: Chage your life  Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Imagine a role model as a multifunctional gadget for the psyche - part can-opener for unleashing pent-up emotions, part screwdriver for tightening those wobbly thoughts, and a surprising toothpick for poking at persistent, pesky habits. In today's episode, we uncover how the right mentor doesn't just guide us on our journey; they also bring a much-needed dose of laughter to the table. It turns out that the best kind of mental health booster might just be finding that one person whose life is as delightfully odd as your own. So, get ready to chuckle your way to better mental wellbeing with the help of a role model who knows how to turn life's lemons into a comedy routine!   Some resources that may be useful: Role Models  Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Good sleep is the secret handshake into the elite club of sanity. Think of it as the brain's nightly retreat to a five-star resort where every neuron is pampered and prepped to take on tomorrow's emotional rollercoasters. Shortchange your slumber, and your mind turns into a clumsy juggler of moods, dropping balls left and right. To win the pillow's favor, one must master the bedtime ballet. Slip into your most embarrassingly old PJs, and practice the sacred ritual of the screen ban, dodging the blue light demon like it's last year's meme. Counting sheep may be out, but a steadfast "lights out" policy remains a golden oldie. Embrace these snooze-inducing spells, and your mental health will thank you—with less of the drama and more of the dreamland! Some resources that may be useful: 5 Tips to Improve Your Sleep   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life.   In the grand obstacle course of therapy, 'resistance' is that cheeky monkey wrench your brain throws into the machinery. Imagine it: there you are, jogging along the therapeutic path, leaping over childhood traumas, sidestepping anxiety banana peels, and high-fiving your inner child, when this sly nemesis pops up. It convinces you that those emotional potholes are just "fine" the way they are, thank you very much. But here's the fun twist: overcoming resistance is like finding a secret warp tunnel that propels you forward, Mario Kart-style. By confronting this crafty adversary, you don't just continue the race; you turbo-boost with star power! You pivot around mental roadblocks, discovering that they were actually made of squishy stress-marshmallows. Resistance may try to spoil the party, but once you push past it, you realize you've gained XP in emotional resilience, unlocked the "Self-Compassion" achievement, and can now sport sparkling, new self-awareness sneakers for the rest of your run. So, let's thank our pesky pal, resistance; without it, we'd never know how satisfying it is to say, "Ha! Outran ya!" as we blaze a trail toward mental victory.   Some resources that may be useful: Steven Pressfield   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. Navigating the convoluted realm of worry is akin to being a bartender at a cognitive cocktail party where 'Anxiety Ale' and 'Dread Draught' are the drinks du jour. A therapist, in this scenario, dons the hat of a seasoned mixologist, concocting a blend of mindfulness mimosas to help their client sober up from a hangover of hysteria. Amidst the cacophony of crippling concerns and fears that frolic around like unruly patrons at last call, our therapist employs a dash of dark humor as a makeshift bouncer to show these tormenting thoughts the exit. With a serving of sassy repartees and a garnish of gutsy giggles, they venture through the tavern of trepidation, showing that sometimes the best way to tackle worry is to roast it with a toast, chortle at the chaos, and perhaps engage in a metaphorical pub-crawl through the psyche, discovering that the path to emotional sobriety is paved with laughter, a shot of courage, and a chaser of cheer.   Some resources that may be useful: Living with Anxiety  Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to the ManMade Podcast This Podcast is with Shawn Helvey and Adam Thorne. Shawn is a licensed behavioral health counselor and Adam is a graduate student in behavioral health counseling. They've known each other for over 25 years and talk every week about the trials and tribulations of life. In the grand circus of life, where juggling responsibilities can sometimes feel like trying to balance a watermelon on your nose while riding a unicycle (uphill, of course!), it's easy to forget that sometimes, the best thing to do is… absolutely nothing. That's right, zilch, nada! Embracing downtime isn't just the exclusive domain of lazy cats or sloths on vacation. It's essential brain TLC! Our noggin, much like that overstuffed closet you've been avoiding, needs a good declutter every now and then. So, the next time you feel the urge to cram one more task into your day, consider the profound wisdom of couch potatoes everywhere and take a well-deserved siesta. Your mind will thank you. Probably with dreams of watermelons and unicycles. But hey, that's therapy for another day! Some resources that may be useful: How to prioritze your time   Contact us at: getmanmadepodcast@gmail.com