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div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow"> Men struggle with sexual confidence more than people might think. Body image issues can affect how men see themselves, how comfortable they feel during intimacy, and how they navigate relationships. In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores the impact of body-image anxiety on men's intimacy, relationships, and everyday life. Sexual anxiety is also part of the discussion. Through the story of a client named Ridge, Dr. John examines how concerns about physical appearance can extend far beyond the bedroom, affecting everything from mirrors and photographs to family gatherings, dating, and intimate relationships. The episode also explores practical strategies for managing body-image anxiety and building sexual confidence, including visualization, affirmations, behavioral changes, and the "As If" technique. Plus, Dr. John answers a listener question about recognizing when a long-term friendship may have run its course. 💙 Episode Sponsor: BetterHelp This episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get started: Visit BetterHelp 🎧 In This Episode • Male body image and appearance anxiety • Sexual confidence, performance anxiety, and intimacy • How shame and avoidance can affect relationships • Why body insecurity can spread into other areas of life • Using the "As If" technique to challenge anxious thinking • Realistic visualization and behavioral change • Recognizing when a friendship may need to change 📚 Recommended Reading The Adonis Complex by Harrison G. Pope Jr., Katharine A. Phillips, and Roberto Olivardia This book explores the psychological impact of male body-image concerns, including muscularity, appearance preoccupation, shame, and the pressure many men experience to look a certain way. It's a useful resource for understanding how body-image anxiety can influence self-esteem, relationships, and everyday behavior. Amazon: The Adonis Complex 🔗 Related Resources Hypnosis vs. Meditation — What's the Difference? Learn more about the differences between clinical hypnotherapy and meditation in this Psychology Today article by Dr. Ran Anbar. Article on Psychology Today on clinical hypnotherapy and meditation by Dr Ran Anbar 🔬 Research on Men and Body Image Men's Body Satisfaction — Chapman University Research involving more than 100,000 men examining satisfaction with physical appearance, body weight, muscle tone, and muscularity. Study Findings via ScienceDaily Body Image and Men — Mental Health Foundation Information and research examining how body-image concerns affect men, including anxiety, social comparison, appearance-related distress, and efforts to conceal perceived physical imperfections. Visit the Mental Health Foundation ⚠️ Disclaimer The Men's Self-Help Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling, please contact a qualified professional where you live. 📱 Follow on Social Media Facebook: Guy Counseling Instagram: Guy Counseling 🧠 Thought Court Worksheet — Free Listener Resource Want to challenge an unhelpful thought and examine it from a more balanced perspective? Dr. John created a free Thought Court worksheet designed to help you identify, question, and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. The accompanying Guy Counseling guide walks you through the exercise step by step. No signup, no email address, and no strings attached. Just download the worksheet and use it whenever you find it helpful. Download the Free Thought Court Worksheet + How-To Guide ☕ Support the Show If you've found value in this podcast and would like to support its independent production, you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee. Contributions help cover hosting, audio production, editing, and the development of future episodes of The Men's Self-Help Podcast. Support The Men's Self-Help Podcast ✉️ Contact the Show Have a question for Dr. John or a topic you'd like to hear discussed on a future episode? You can reach the podcast through the Guy Counseling website. Use the Contact Form Please keep in mind that the show receives a significant amount of email, and not every question can be featured. When writing, let us know whether you give permission for your question to be shared on the podcast. Identifying details may be changed to protect privacy. 🤝 Affiliate & Sponsor Disclosure This episode may include paid sponsorships or affiliate links. If you make a purchase, sign up for a service, or take another qualifying action through one of these links, The Men's Self-Help Podcast may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsors and recommended resources may vary by episode. 🎛️ Production Notes Written and produced by Dr. John Moore, with Joel Oliver (audio) and editorial contributors. Artwork by Adobe Firefly; sounds by Pixabay. Episodes may combine live recording and synthesized audio for listener questions, production efficiency, and contributor privacy.

Ever notice how your brain can take something that might happen and somehow convince you it's probably going to happen? In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John explores anticipatory anxiety through one of the galaxy's greatest worriers: C-3PO. Whether you're waiting for a text, worrying about a conversation with your boss, preparing for holiday travel, or waiting on medical test results, uncertainty can send the mind racing into futures that haven't happened yet. Before long, possibility starts feeling like probability—and your body may begin reacting as though the feared event is already underway. You'll learn a simple approach for interrupting the spiral: Possible. Probable. Response. You'll also discover why sometimes the first step isn't challenging an anxious thought at all. Sometimes you need to soothe your inner Threepio, ground yourself in the present, and work with what you actually know. Dr. John also responds to a listener who is struggling with anxiety while waiting for medical test results—a reminder that anticipatory anxiety isn't always attached to unrealistic fears. Sometimes the uncertainty is real. The challenge becomes learning how to live inside the not knowing without forcing yourself to experience every possible outcome in advance. In This Episode What anticipatory anxiety looks and feels like How possibility quietly turns into probability Why anxiety can disguise itself as planning and preparation How to soothe your inner C-3PO when your thoughts start spiraling A simple grounding exercise for getting back into the present The Possible → Probable → Response technique Why uncertainty doesn't always have an immediate answer Health anxiety and the temptation to diagnose yourself online How to respond when there really is something worth worrying about Episode Sponsor: BetterHelp This episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get started: Visit Better Help Recommended Reading Health Anxiety Mastery — Dr. Artem Kudelia A resource for people who struggle with health-related worry and anxiety. https://amzn.to/3U3cBHD Some resource links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, the show may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. A Special Thank You The Men's Self-Help Podcast has now surpassed 1.7 million downloads. Whether you've been listening for years or you've only recently discovered the show, thank you for being part of this community. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe and consider leaving a rating or review wherever you listen. It helps other people discover the show. Affiliate & Sponsor Disclosure This episode may include paid sponsorships or affiliate links. If you make a purchase, sign up for a service, or take another qualifying action through one of these links, The Men's Self-Help Podcast may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsors and recommended resources may vary by episode. Holiday Gifts for Men ❄️ Visit the Guy Counseling Holiday Gifts for Men page that was mentioned in the podcast. Contact the Show If you would like to contact the show with a question or submit a listener email, you can visit Guy Counseling. 👉 Use this link for the contact form Keep in mind that we receive a lot of email and not all questions will be featured on the podcast. When you write, please let us know if we have your permission to feature your question. Identifying information may be changed to protect privacy. Follow on Social Media 👉 Facebook — Guy Counseling 👉 Instagram — Guy Counseling Support the Show ☕ If you've found value in this podcast and would like to help support its independent production, you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps cover production costs, hosting, editing, and future episodes of The Men's Self-Help Podcast. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/mensselfhelp Disclaimer The Men's Self-Help Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling, please contact a qualified professional where you live. Production Notes Written and produced by Dr. John Moore, with Joel Oliver (audio) and editorial contributors. Artwork by Adobe Firefly; sounds by Pixabay. Episodes may combine live recording with synthesized audio for listener questions, production efficiency, and contributor privacy.

How to Protect Your Mindset From Negative People Have you ever shared a goal, dream, or idea with someone only to have them immediately tell you why it won't work? Maybe you've been told you're not smart enough, talented enough, experienced enough, attractive enough, or capable enough. Or maybe you have someone in your life who seems to find something negative to say about almost everything you're trying to accomplish. In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores how other people's negativity can slowly become part of your own internal dialogue — and what you can do to stop that from happening. Using personal stories, psychology, humor, and practical examples, John shares five principles for protecting your mindset without falling into the trap of simply ignoring every person who disagrees with you. You'll learn why it's important to ask whether negative feedback is actually true, how to separate useful criticism from somebody else's crap, and why another person's cynicism may sometimes say more about their experiences than your potential. You'll also discover why negativity can become contagious, why new goals sometimes need protection before they need publicity, and how to stop internalizing messages that were never yours to begin with. 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Explore: • How to ask yourself whether negative feedback is actually true • The difference between constructive feedback and destructive criticism • Why some people respond negatively when someone around them begins changing • How chronic negativity can influence your own thinking • Why you should be careful who gets access to a dream while it's still developing • The idea of "build before you broadcast" • How social media can keep us so busy being influenced that we forget to influence ourselves • Why you don't have to internalize somebody else's bitterness, cynicism, or regret • Freud's psychosexual stages and the concept of an anal-expulsive personality • A listener question about social anxiety, self-consciousness, and replaying conversations afterward • Why using alcohol as "liquid courage" in social situations can become problematic • Practical ways to move attention away from yourself during socially anxious moments • Why feeling awkward doesn't necessarily mean you looked awkward 📚 Recommended Reading The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook by Martin M. Antony and Richard P. Swinson A practical workbook using cognitive-behavioral strategies to help people better understand and work through shyness and social anxiety. See Amazon for price 🔗 Resources Mentioned Freud's Psychosexual Stages of Development Simply Psychology https://www.simplypsychology.org/psychosexual.html Quick Overview of Chicago's Metropolitan Correctional Center A short YouTube video offering a quick overview of the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rThWng-X6c8 🎧 Related Episode The Power of No: How to Say No Without Guilt Learn why saying no can feel so difficult and how clearer boundaries can help you stop organizing your life around other people's expectations. https://guycounseling.com/say-no-without-guilt/ 🔔 Man-Firm-Ation I decide which voices I allow to shape my life. Someone else's negativity does not have to become my reality. I protect my dreams, my hopes and my light. Remember: somebody else gets to have an opinion about you. You get to decide whether you make that opinion your reality. Don't let somebody else's negativity infect your positivity. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health counseling. 📢 Affiliate & Sponsor Disclosure This episode may include paid sponsorships or affiliate links. If you make a purchase, sign up for a service, or take another qualifying action through one of these links, The Men's Self-Help Podcast may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Sponsors and recommended resources may vary by episode. 💙 Episode Sponsor: BetterHelp This episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get started: Visit Better Help 📱 Follow on Social Media 👉 Facebook Guy Counseling 👉 Instagram Guy Counseling 📝 Thought Court Worksheet — Free Listener Resource Want to challenge an unhelpful thought and look at it from a more balanced perspective? Dr. John created a free Thought Court worksheet you can download and use on your own. The accompanying Guy Counseling guide walks you through the exercise step by step. No signup. No email address. No strings attached. Just grab it and use it if it's helpful. Download the Free Thought Court Worksheet + How-To Guide ☕ Support the Show If you've found value in this podcast and would like to help support its independent production, you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps cover production costs, hosting, editing, and future episodes of The Men's Self-Help Podcast. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/mensselfhelp 🎙️ Production Notes Written and produced by Dr. John Moore, with Joel Oliver (audio) and editorial contributors. Artwork by Adobe Firefly; sounds by Pixabay. Episodes may combine live recording with synthesized audio for listener questions, production efficiency, and contributor privacy.

Stop Being a Nice Guy and People Pleaser Are you tired of being a nice guy and people and people pleaser? Sick of feeling like you're being taken advantage of? In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores the hidden cost of chronic people-pleasing and why it often goes unnoticed in men. What looks like being dependable, hardworking, loyal, or simply being a good guy may actually be a learned strategy for avoiding guilt, conflict, disappointment, or the fear of letting someone down. You'll discover six practical steps for recognizing the pattern, creating a pause before automatically agreeing, setting clearer boundaries, and tolerating the discomfort that can follow when you begin using the word no. Dr. John also responds to a listener named Chris, who worries that declining invitations from his friends could eventually cause him to lose his place in the group. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. In This Episode • Why being a nice guy comes at a cost • How people-pleasing can show up differently in men • The connection between approval, identity, and automatic agreement • How early experiences can shape the need to keep others happy • Why cognitive rehearsal can make saying no easier • How to pause before committing to something • How to say no without overexplaining or apologizing • Why another person's disappointment does not automatically mean you did something wrong • How distress tolerance can help you maintain a healthy boundary • Why asking "What do I want?" can become an important ongoing practice Resources Mentioned Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Guy Counseling may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping support the independent production of this podcast. The Assertiveness Workbook by Randy J. Paterson, PhD Dr. John discusses cognitive rehearsal and the value of practicing assertive responses before you need them in real life. The Assertiveness Workbook offers practical exercises for developing clearer communication, setting boundaries, and becoming more comfortable with assertiveness. Amazon: https://amzn.to/4crv5aR When I Say No, I Feel Guilty by Manuel J. Smith Dr. John recommends this classic assertiveness book while responding to listener Chris, who struggles with saying no without feeling guilty or worrying about disappointing others. When I Say No, I Feel Guilty offers practical strategies for communicating more assertively, setting limits, and handling the guilt or pressure that can come when you stop automatically saying yes. Amazon: https://amzn.to/4zou1OM Have a Question for a Future Listener Email? Do you have a question you would like Dr. John to consider for a future listener-email segment? Submit it through the contact form below. Dr. John reads every message that comes through, although not every question can be featured on the podcast. https://guycounseling.com/contact-us/ Listener messages featured on the podcast are shared with permission. Names and identifying details may be changed to protect privacy, and messages may be edited for length and clarity. A synthesized voice may also be used when reading an email. Support the Show If you've found value in this podcast and would like to help support its independent production, you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps cover production costs, hosting, editing, and future episodes of The Men's Self-Help Podcast. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/mensselfhelp Disclaimer The Men's Self-Help Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling, please contact a qualified professional where you live. Follow on Social Media 👉 Facebook Guy Counseling 👉 Instagram Guy Counseling Free Thought Court Worksheet Want to challenge an unhelpful thought and look at it from a more balanced perspective? Dr. John created a free Thought Court worksheet you can download and use on your own. The accompanying Guy Counseling guide walks you through the exercise step by step. No signup. No email address. No strings attached. Just grab it and use it if it's helpful. Download the Free Thought Court Worksheet + How-To Guide Production Notes Produced by Dr. John Moore with Joel Oliver (audio) and editorial contributors. Artwork by Adobe Firefly; sounds by Pixabay. Episodes may combine live recording and synthesized audio for listener questions, production efficiency, and contributor privacy.

Trying to build confidence? How Do You Actually Get Your Life Together as a Man?  In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores 10 habits of men who have their sh*t together and what getting your life together actually looks like in the real world. Drawing on more than two decades of clinical experience in men's work, Dr. John breaks down practical habits for men focused on self-improvement, personal growth, stronger relationships, better sleep, and creating a life that feels more grounded. This isn't the Instagram version of having your life together. It's about defining success on your own terms, keeping promises to yourself, protecting your sleep, maintaining friendships, taking responsibility for your choices, and knowing when to ask for help. Whether you're already practicing some of these habits or feel like you're starting from scratch, this episode offers a practical roadmap you can begin using this week. In This Episode What it really means to have your life together Why defining success on your own terms matters The importance of keeping promises to yourself Why protecting your sleep is part of getting your life together How grounded men build habits that hold up under pressure Why maintaining friendships and important relationships matters The role of personal responsibility in self-improvement Why asking for help can be a sign of strength How small, consistent choices can shape the direction of your life Practical ways to start getting your life together this week Sponsor The Men's Self-Help Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Head to https://betterhelp.com/guycounseling to get 10% off your first month of therapy. Resources Mentioned Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Guy Counseling may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping support the independent production of this podcast. Contact (1997) — Trailer Referenced in the discussion of Habit 2, keeping promises to yourself. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jodie Foster. Watch the trailer on YouTube The Insomnia Breakthrough by Katherine Coleman Recommended in the discussion of Habit 4, protecting your sleep. Dr. John has recommended this book to clients over the years with strong results. Find it on Amazon The Harvard Study of Adult Development Referenced in the discussion of Habit 7, maintaining relationships. This long-running study has followed participants across decades and has highlighted the importance of strong relationships for long-term health and well-being. Learn more about the Harvard Study of Adult Development Have a Question for the Podcast? Have a question you'd like Dr. John to answer on a future episode? Send it through the Guy Counseling contact form: https://guycounseling.com/contact-us/ If your question is selected, identifying details may be changed to protect your privacy, and it may be read using a synthesized voice. Support the Show If you're enjoying The Men's Self-Help Podcast and would like to help support its independent production, you can buy Dr. John a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/mensselfhelp Follow on Social Media 👉 Facebook Guy Counseling 👉 Instagram Guy Counseling Free Thought Court Worksheet Want to challenge an unhelpful thought and look at it from a more balanced perspective? Dr. John created a free Thought Court worksheet you can download and use on your own. The accompanying Guy Counseling guide walks you through the exercise step by step. No signup. No email address. No strings attached. Just grab it and use it if it's helpful. Download the Free Thought Court Worksheet + How-To Guide Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional for individualized support. Production Notes Produced by Dr. John Moore with Joel Oliver (audio) and editorial contributors. Artwork by Adobe Firefly; sounds by Pixabay. Episodes may combine live recording and synthesized audio for listener questions, production efficiency, and contributor privacy.

How to Stop "Shoulding" on Yourself Do you constantly tell yourself you should be doing better, that you must have everything figured out, or that life ought to be different? In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores the psychology of musterbation — the rigid musts, shoulds, and oughts that can put enormous pressure on us and make it harder to deal with everyday life. The concept comes from psychologist Albert Ellis and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). You'll discover how this kind of rigid self-talk can quietly fuel anxiety, guilt, anger, shame, perfectionism, and emotional exhaustion. Dr. John walks through a practical three-step approach for challenging these destructive internal rules and replacing them with more flexible ways of thinking. You'll also hear from Matt, a listener who isn't sure he's ready to marry the woman he's been dating. Dr. John discusses the difference between outside pressure and genuine readiness, why unresolved conflict deserves attention, and how premarital counseling can help couples approach one of life's biggest decisions with greater clarity. Whether you're struggling with perfectionism, relationships, negative self-talk, or impossible expectations, this episode offers practical psychological tools you can begin using today. In This Episode What psychologist Albert Ellis meant by "musterbation" How musts, shoulds, and oughts can create unnecessary emotional pressure The basics of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) How rigid thinking can contribute to anxiety, guilt, anger, and shame Why perfectionism often involves unrealistic internal rules How to identify the musts and shoulds hiding in your self-talk A practical three-step approach for challenging rigid beliefs How to replace demands with more flexible thinking The difference between relationship pressure and genuine readiness for marriage How premarital counseling can help couples make more informed decisions Sponsor Today's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Head to https://betterhelp.com/guycounseling to get 10% off your first month with our sponsor, BetterHelp. Therapy can be a meaningful space to reflect, grow, and create positive change in your life. Resources Mentioned Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Guy Counseling may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping support the independent production of this podcast. ABC Model for REBT Worksheet — Therapist Aid Use this worksheet to explore the ABC model commonly associated with REBT and examine the connection between beliefs and emotional or behavioral consequences. ABC Model for REBT Worksheet Example Premarital Counseling Program Learn what couples typically discuss during a structured premarital counseling program, including communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, family expectations, and future planning. Chicago Premarital Counseling Program Before You Say "I Do" by H. Norman Wright and Wes Roberts A resource for couples considering marriage and thinking through important questions before making a lifelong commitment. Find it on Amazon Have a Question for the Podcast? Have a question you'd like Dr. John to answer on a future episode? Send it through the Guy Counseling contact form: https://guycounseling.com/contact-us/ If your question is selected, identifying details may be changed to protect your privacy, and it may be read using a synthesized voice. Support the Show If you're enjoying The Men's Self-Help Podcast and would like to help support its independent production, you can buy Dr. John a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/mensselfhelp Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional for individualized support. Production Notes Written and produced by Dr. John Moore, with Joel Oliver (audio) and editorial contributors. Artwork by Adobe Firefly; sounds by Pixabay.

Have you ever finally gotten a chance to relax—only to discover that you can't handle the quiet? In Episode 47 of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores why stillness can feel strangely uncomfortable in a world filled with notifications, headlines, endless scrolling, and constant demands for our attention. Drawing from a personal experience in Puerto Rico, Dr. John explains how repeated stimulation can leave the nervous system stuck on alert. Even when nothing is wrong, the brain may interpret quiet as unfamiliar—and therefore suspicious. You'll learn why the amygdala acts like a smoke alarm that sometimes struggles to distinguish a real emergency from everyday "burnt toast." You'll also hear about the brain's default mode network and the important work that may occur when you stop actively doing and allow your mind to settle. The episode also explores what contemplative traditions have understood for centuries: stillness is not empty. It can create room for memories to organize, emotions to surface, ideas to connect, and clarity to emerge. Dr. John concludes with one simple challenge: place your phone in another room and spend five minutes sitting in the nothing. When the restlessness appears, don't treat it as failure. Treat it as the repetition that helps teach your nervous system that quiet can be safe. Today's sponsor This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp offers online access to licensed therapists with experience in areas such as anxiety, depression, relationships, career concerns, and other challenges. Learn more and get started at: https://www.betterhelp.com/guycounseling This is an affiliate link. The Men's Self-Help Podcast may receive compensation when listeners use it. Recommended book Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris As an Amazon Associate, Guy Counseling may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Related Reading When nothing clearly dangerous is happening, anxiety can still make uncertainty feel like a threat. Calm Anxiety explains why anxiety can make safe situations feel dangerous and how avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and threat prediction can reinforce that response. From Calm Anxiety Clinic.  Want to help support the show? Buy Me a coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/mensselfhelp Important disclaimer The Men's Self-Help Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. John Moore is not acting as your personal therapist through this podcast. Please speak with a licensed healthcare professional if you are experiencing concerns about your mental or physical health. Production note: Audio production assistance provided by Joel Oliver. Episode artwork generated with Adobe Firefly. Transition sounds provided royalty-free by Pixabay. This episode blends live-recorded audio with Dr. John Moore's own authorized voice model.

Ever notice how some mornings seem to set the tone for your entire day? In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores what makes a healthy morning routine actually work—and why you don't need an elaborate, social media-worthy ritual to start your day on the right foot. You'll learn why your morning routine should focus on four essential goals: waking up your body, settling your nervous system, activating your mind, and directing your attention. Along the way, John shares practical ideas you can begin using immediately, whether you have an hour, thirty minutes, or just fifteen. You'll also hear why perfection isn't the goal, how to create a routine you'll actually stick with, and what to do when life inevitably throws your schedule off track. If you've been looking for a simple, realistic approach to building better mornings, this episode offers practical strategies grounded in psychology—not hype. In this episode you'll learn: Why most morning routines fail The four jobs every healthy morning routine should accomplish How to calm your nervous system before the day begins The difference between productive habits and performative routines How to create a morning routine you can actually maintain If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who could use a better start to their day. Resources Mentioned Looking for a signature scent? Check out Dr. Moore's guide to Best Colognes for Men: 25 Popular Fragrances Worth Wearing. Looking for Mental Health Counseling? Check out Better Help Affiliate disclosure: The BetterHelp link above is an affiliate link. If you sign up through it, Guy Counseling may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Production note: Audio production assistance provided by Joel Oliver. Episode artwork generated with Adobe Firefly. Transition sounds provided royalty-free by Pixabay. This episode blends live-recorded audio with Dr. John Moore's own voice model.

After a long break, The Men's Self-Help Podcast is coming back. In this brief return message, Dr. John shares why he stepped away, why he decided to return, and what listeners can expect going forward. New episodes will focus on men's mental health, relationships, emotional wellness, and practical tools you can actually use. The first full episode returns next week with a conversation about what to do when you feel yourself spiraling.

This encore presentation explores the five signs you may need to take a break from social media.  Visit this link for show notes on the Guy Counseling blog.

Do you struggle with people getting under your skin? Are you easily triggered by certain comments or topics? Hoping to create positive change? In this episode sponsored by Better Help, Dr. John explores how to stop letting people get under your skin. You'll hear about the story of Austin, a young man who lost his temper on a train. Discover approaches to counseling including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (parts therapy) as part of healing past wounds. Do you have an internal protector, deep inside, trying to keep you from the source of your hurts? If trauma and pain are part of your past, you'll want to listen to this episode. Important Links Use this link to get a special offer for listeners of the podcast with Better Help. Visit Good Therapy to learn about EMDR Link to episode 38 on how Karma wants your dreams to come true. Learn about Internal Family Systems (parts therapy). Helpful articles from one of the best anxiety therapist websites. Follow Dr. John on Social Media Guy Counseling on Instagram Guy Counseling on Facebook John's website and newsletter sign up

Are you trying to change an unhealthy behavior? Do you drink too much, eat too much or smoke too much? Is there a part of you who has come to realize your relationship with gambling, porn or shopping is toxic? In this episode of the Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John explores the process of change and how using the REST technique may be helpful. REST is the acronym for RELAX, EXAMINE, SET YOUR INTENTION, and TAKE ACTION and it comes from the world of DBT or Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Learn how using REST may offer a powerful brain hack by allowing you to ease into creating change in your brain's pleasure center. Important Links Better Help – Show Sponsor To learn about the special offer for listeners of the Men's Self-Help Podcast, use this link Learn about DBT and a technique to help control anger. Listen to episode 33 to learn more about DBT. Help Guide on Addiction: A Harvard Health Article with a discussion about the brain's pleasure center and information about the nucleus accumbens as mentioned in the podcast. Click here to read the article Learn about positive psychology and how it can be used as part of counseling and coaching to help a person create change. Visit the Positive Psychology podcast. DBT Skills Workbook This workbook was mentioned in the pod. Visiting this link will brink you to Amazon. If you buy this book with this link, the podcast receives an affiliate commission. Click to go to Amazon. Follow Us on Social Media Click here to follow on Facebook Click here to follow on Instagram Click here to follow on Twitter

Trying to discover your life purpose? Does it feel like your life lacks meaning? In this episode, Dr. John goes over five specific strategies to help you find yourself and your life purpose. Using a combination of story telling with insights from Carl Jung, you can find out new things about yourself and train your brain to stimulate your Reticular Activating System, the part of the brain that is concerned with awareness.  As part of the show, you'll also learn about a men's resource for generating inner-happiness and awareness around your purpose.  Finally, learn about the special guide Dr. John has put together as part of your self-care routine - for guys.   Important Links Click here for a special skin care guide for men, created by Dr. John Top 7 reasons men seek out therapy - Episode 37 Free personality assessment from 16 personalities. The Reticular Activating System from University of Minnesota The Daily Gratitude Journal for Men (Click here for Amazon) Other Links Guy Counseling on Instagram Guy Counseling on Facebook Dr. John's website and newsletter sign up

Do you feel your mind is wired for anxiety? Do you constantly worry about failing? Are you looking for concrete ways to create positive change? In this episode, Dr. John explores the relationship between your thoughts, your brain and anxiety. Discover why fight, flight or freeze can be so powerful. Learn several easy-to-use coping techniques for creating calm as part of reprograming your anxious mind. Resources Mentioned in Podcast Health Line Article on how some form of anxiety can be traced to a chemical imbalance.  Link To Episode 31: Comat Negative Self-Talk Link To Episode 35: How To Quickly Get Out of a Funk Link to Medical News Daily: Four Squared Breathing Book Suggestion Re-Wire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic and Worry. Visit Amazon Important Links: Panic Attack Treatment and Information from The Calm Anxiety CBT Therapy Clinic Show Notes – Guy Counseling Blog: www.guycounseling.com Sponsor: - Better Help: www.betterhelp.com/guycounseling Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guycounseling1

What Is Pronoia? Could Life Be Working in Your Favor? What if instead of believing the world was working against you, you experimented with the possibility that things might actually be working in your favor? In this episode of The Men's Self-Help Podcast, Dr. John Moore explores pronoia, a concept often described as the opposite of paranoia. With paranoia, we may interpret events as evidence that people or circumstances are working against us. Pronoia invites us to play with a radically different idea: What if the universe was conspiring to help you rather than hurt you? Originally titled Karma Wants to Make Your Dreams Come True, this episode isn't about pretending that bad things don't happen or that positive thinking magically changes reality. Instead, Dr. John asks you to experiment with a different way of looking at your experiences, opportunities, setbacks, and future. What might change if you became more open to the possibility that something good could be waiting around the corner? In This Episode What pronoia means Why pronoia is sometimes described as the opposite of paranoia How expectations can influence the way we interpret experiences What happens when you begin looking for possibilities instead of threats Why optimism doesn't require pretending everything is perfect How changing your perspective can change what you notice The difference between hopeful thinking and denying reality Why uncertainty doesn't always have to mean something bad is coming How to become more open to positive possibilities A simple thought experiment for looking at your life differently Anxiety Therapy in Chicago If anxiety, worry, or constantly expecting something to go wrong is making everyday life difficult, professional support may help. The Calm Anxiety Clinic offers Anxiety Therapy in Chicago using evidence-based approaches for anxiety and related concerns. Important Links Guy Counseling www.guycounseling.com BetterHelp www.betterhelp.com/guycounseling Follow on Social Media 👉 Instagram Guy Counseling Disclaimer The Men's Self-Help Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or professional mental health treatment. If you are struggling, please contact a qualified professional where you live.