The Man and The Monkey Podcast

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 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 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.

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.