Grown Man Game

About Grown Man Game

Welcome to Grown Man Game. This ain’t just another podcast; it’s a kickback with your brothers Mike and Rod. We’re two Black fathers trading knowledge and wisdom on everything from navigating relationships to the music that shaped us. We’re talking money, mindset, and the unspoken truths of manhood. If you want to laugh, learn, and level up without the fluff—you’re in the right place. Let’s build.

Publisher

Rod and Big Mike

Category

kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

15 Jan 2026

Latest episode

9 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Can Men and Women Really Be Just Friends? | Grown Man Game

   Can a man be a genuine friend to a woman he finds attractive, or is he waiting for his opportunity? In this episode of Grown Man Game, Rod Richard and Big Mike respond to a post claiming that attraction makes a man’s friendship performative. That opens a direct conversation about the difference between recognizing that someone is attractive and actively wanting them, the boundaries that keep friendships honest, and the self-control expected from a grown man. Rod and Big Mike get into: Can men and women have real platonic friendships? The difference between attractive and attracted When kindness becomes a hidden investment Why attraction never creates entitlement What women deal with when a man refuses to take no for an answer How friendships with women can help men challenge bad relationship advice Why chasing someone else’s partner is a losing game The rules girl dads set when a male friend comes to the house How raising daughters can improve a man’s emotional intelligence Rod’s Washington trip to discuss social media safeguards for children Why AI misinformation is getting harder for parents and kids to spot Giving men their flowers while they can hear them The guys agree that attraction can complicate a friendship. They also agree on the adult standard: feelings may show up, but respect, boundaries, and behavior remain your responsibility. Pull up a seat. The game is always being played. Subscribe, share this with somebody who needs it, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. Connect with Grown Man Game Instagram: @thegrownmangamepod Email: thegrownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:thegrownmangamepodcast@gmail.com) Rod: @4fitfatherhood Big Mike: Maybe Nice Mike on Instagram

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   The Catch-Up: Travel, Marriage & What Men Need

   Season 2 of Grown Man Game starts with the catch-up Rod and Big Mike have been waiting to have. Rod shares stories from Qatar, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Greece, and Washington, DC. Mike recaps Singapore and Thailand. They compare cultures, talk about contentment, question America’s relationship with rules, and share a few vacation decisions they probably should not repeat. Then a viral marriage clip opens the real conversation: Are men actually simple, or have men been taught to stay quiet about what they need? Rod and Mike talk about encouragement, compliments, feeling wanted, communicating at home, therapy, and why fathers often feel overlooked. Mike also learns the hard way that cooking dinner does not guarantee anyone will save Dad a plate. What is one thing men need but rarely ask for? Let us know in the comments. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Season 2 starts with a missed alley-oop 01:13 Why the show took a break 02:28 Rod’s Qatar, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Greece recap 04:32 Poverty, comparison and joy in Zanzibar 06:25 “Why would I ever leave here?” 08:27 Life in 118-degree Qatar 11:42 Rod’s favorite stop and why he would not return 14:36 Mike’s Singapore and Thailand recap 16:04 Why Singapore stays so clean 17:57 Coming home to America 20:22 Trump, politics and voter regret 22:31 Washington, DC after July 4 25:59 Night safaris and questionable vacation choices 27:29 Cave swims, jellyfish and losing your Black card 29:53 Are men really simple? 31:10 Men need encouragement too 35:52 Communication is simple, but not easy 37:37 The shredded beef taco incident 40:56 Why nobody cares about Daddy 43:23 Giving men room to evolve 45:32 Therapy, masculinity and self-trust 48:23 The warm-up episode 49:46 Teacher Gang shoutout Content note: Adult language and political discussion. #GrownManGame #BlackPodcasts #MensMentalHealth #MarriageTalk #Fatherhood #RealConversations

3. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Drake, Kendrick, Black Business & the Line Between Culture and Ego

   In this episode of Grown Man Game, Rod and Big Mike start off with jokes, health updates, family wins, and AI music before the conversation turns into a full debate about Drake, Kendrick Lamar, UMG, lawsuits, ego, and the business of hip-hop. What starts as a music conversation becomes something deeper. Is suing your label smart business or a sucker move? Can an artist lose a battle but still protect their money? Why does Black culture sometimes treat business moves like betrayal? And how do street culture, ownership, loyalty, and ego all get mixed together? Rod and Mike go back and forth on Drake’s lawsuit, Kendrick’s win, Black business support, crabs in a barrel, and the difference between handling things emotionally versus handling them strategically. This one feels like the barbershop, the group chat, and a business class all at once. Tap in, laugh with us, argue with us, and send this one to somebody who always has an opinion on Drake and Kendrick. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro and Big Mike’s almost-perfect alliteration 01:05 - Accountability, cancel words, and growing up with old slang 04:37 - Big Mike’s daughter uses a wild new phrase 07:41 - Words kids can’t say in the house 10:58 - Big Mike’s health update and cholesterol win 12:02 - AI music, fake singers, and creating songs with prompts 14:49 - AI art, water usage, and social media backlash 17:02 - Capitalism, social media, and online hypocrisy 18:50 - Rod’s daughters promote to middle school and high school 20:51 - Rod’s daughters rack up academic awards 21:50 - Drake, Kendrick, Kanye, and old vs. new music 24:54 - Rod’s take on Drake’s Iceman album 25:54 - Big Mike explains why Drake lost him 31:10 - Did Drake need to address the industry turning on him? 32:10 - Streaming, lawsuits, and Drake’s business situation 35:29 - Is suing the label business or a sucker move? 37:33 - The White Men Can’t Jump comparison 40:05 - Everyone who came at Drake during the beef 41:45 - Who benefits from people knowing Drake sued? 44:12 - Black culture vs. street culture 45:33 - Black business, discounts, and supporting your people 48:42 - UMG, money, and why devaluing an artist could be strategy 52:39 - Frank Ocean, relevance, and music impact 54:29 - Rod explains the business side with a car analogy 58:22 - Big Mike says ego is still part of the lawsuit 01:02:09 - Can Kendrick win and Drake still have a business case? 01:04:46 - Culture, progress, and why capital matters 01:07:25 - If I eat, we eat 01:09:18 - Crabs in a barrel and the fight for control 01:10:54 - Why this debate turned into real Grown Man Game 01:13:21 - Drake’s future deal and what it could mean for artists 01:17:40 - Outro, social handles, and podcast shoutouts

4. 

   15 May 2026

   The Internet Got Mad… But This Is the Real Grown Man Game

   The internet lost its mind over a conversation about men keeping their phones in their back pocket… but the real conversation went way deeper than that. In this episode, Rod and Big Mike break down the viral reaction, social media culture, emotional discipline, masculinity, growth, fatherhood, and why community matters now more than ever. They also discuss Dr. Umar’s comments about broken homes, masculine women, absent fathers, and what men can do to help rebuild stronger communities. If you’re trying to become a better man, better father, better husband, or just a more grounded human being, this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:39 – The viral phone pocket debate 02:14 – “This is just how men talk” 04:11 – Social media removed accountability 06:25 – Why online arguments get so personal 08:12 – Mike reflects on changing his mindset 10:45 – Rod’s biggest takeaway from the backlash 12:52 – Emotional discipline and self-confidence 14:01 – Knowing who you are as a man 16:09 – Rod talks ADHD, ideas, and writing a book 18:01 – The idea behind “Built For This” 21:24 – Mike on flexibility, growth, and health 24:57 – Why growth requires pruning old beliefs 28:30 – Group Chat segment begins 31:10 – Dr. Umar clip reaction 33:38 – Masculinity, survival, and broken homes 38:23 – Teaching daughters independence 40:48 – The role of community and mentorship 42:15 – Mike shares how childhood trauma shaped him 46:17 – Why men must step up for their communities 50:07 – Small actions build stronger neighborhoods 53:29 – Saluting fathers in public matters 56:22 – Why affirmation matters for men 57:40 – Final Grown Man Game message 59:55 – How listeners can support the podcast 🎙️ Grown Man Game Podcast Follow the podcast: Instagram: Grown Man Game Podcast Instagram Follow Rod: Instagram: 4 Fit Fatherhood Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/4fitfatherhood?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Website: You Can Call Me Coach (https://youcancallmecoach.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Listen to the podcast: 4 Fit Fatherhood Podcast Website (https://www.4fitfatherhood.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

5. 

   9 May 2026

   AI, Street Culture & Fatherhood Discussion | Grown Man Game Podcast Ep. 15

   AI is changing careers faster than schools can adapt. In this episode of the Grown Man Game Podcast, Rod and Big Mike talk about AI, street culture, celebrity obsession, fatherhood, and the future men are trying to prepare their families for. The conversation moves from funny stories and internet culture into serious discussions about survival, responsibility, masculinity, and what it means to build a better future for the next generation. They also break down: Why AI is changing careers faster than schools can adapt The danger of glorifying street culture Why celebrity drama dominates timelines The difference between black culture and street culture Why the people around you matter as a grown man Real stories about road rage, reckless behavior, and maturity Parenting daughters in a changing world This episode is honest, funny, uncomfortable at times, and full of grown man game. If this conversation hit home, share it with another man who needs it. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Rod forgets his podcast uniform 02:00 – Joking about moving to Thailand 03:00 – Living cheap in Panama discussion 05:00 – Fear about the future for young adults 06:10 – AI replacing careers and degrees becoming outdated 08:00 – Their daughters’ future careers and AI 09:30 – AI in healthcare and doctor visits 10:45 – AI hallucinations and mistakes 12:00 – AI learning from humans in real time 14:00 – Terminator, Matrix and future fears 19:00 – Celebrity culture and internet obsession 20:00 – Gucci Mane, snitching and street culture discussion 22:00 – Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion breakup talk 24:00 – Why people worship celebrities 25:00 – Growing up between suburbs and the hood 27:00 – Parents sacrificing for a better life 29:00 – Respecting real struggle without glorifying it 31:00 – Gang culture becoming entertainment online 33:00 – “You don’t want your kids growing up like that” 34:30 – Exploiting trauma and gang culture for content 36:00 – “Street culture and black culture are not the same” 38:00 – What real snitching actually is 41:00 – Why who you ride with matters 43:00 – The danger of being around reckless people 45:00 – Why grown men must protect their peace 47:00 – Road rage stories and survival mindset 49:00 – Final thoughts on culture and responsibility 50:15 – “Be careful who you surround yourself with” 50:45 – Outro #GrownManGame #Fatherhood #AI #BlackCulture #Masculinity #Podcast #Men #StreetCulture #SelfImprovement #FatherhoodPodcast #MentalHealth #Relationships #LifeAdvice #CurrentEvents

6. 

   1 May 2026

   Why Men Joke Through Pain + Akon’s Fatherhood Take Is Off

   This episode of the Grown Man Game Podcast hits real conversations men don’t always say out loud. We break down why men joke through everything… even pain, even loss. From roasting your boys at a funeral to turning serious moments into laughs, we unpack what’s really going on under the surface. Then we get into Akon’s take on fatherhood and why it doesn’t sit right. Is providing money enough? Or does presence matter more than we admit? We also touch on: Getting older and losing your memory (it’s happening 😅) The reality of rising costs and financial pressure Learning how to invest and make your money work Why you can’t take life advice from every celebrity This one is honest, funny, and real. Just two men figuring it out in real time. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro + getting the episode started 01:00 – HOA story + saving money the hard way 06:30 – Life getting expensive + real pressure on men 11:30 – Investing, options, and learning how money really works 15:45 – Forgetting everything… is this just getting older? 19:30 – Why men joke about EVERYTHING (even at funerals) 24:30 – Humor vs emotional intelligence in men 29:00 – Judging men (phone in the back pocket debate 😂) 36:15 – Akon’s take on fatherhood 42:00 – Providing vs being present as a father 45:00 – Why you can’t take advice from every celebrity 49:45 – Outro + where to find us 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS Men use humor as a coping tool, not just entertainment Presence matters just as much as provision in fatherhood Not every successful person is someone you should take life advice from Money problems are real, but so is the opportunity to learn how it works Getting older is undefeated… memory included 📲 CONNECT WITH US 🎙 Podcast: Grown Man Game Podcast 📧 Email: grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com) 👤 Rod (Host): Instagram: @4fitfatherhood (www.instagram.com/4fitfatherhood) 👤 Big Mike (Co-Host): Instagram: @maybenicemike (www.instagram.com/maybenicemike) 📺 Watch & Subscribe: YouTube: @grownmangamepod (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCanXYYE6hb1mOALfOZbc5Q) 📢 STAY LOCKED IN If this episode hit, make sure you: ✔ Like the video ✔ Drop a comment ✔ Subscribe to the channel ✔ Share this with another man who needs it

7. 

   23 Apr 2026

   Black Identity, Code Switching & The Pressure Black Men Face | Grown Man Game Podcast Ep. 13

   What does it mean to be Black in America… and feel like you’re carrying the weight of representing an entire culture? In this episode of the Grown Man Game Podcast, Rod and Big Mike have a real conversation about Black identity, stereotypes, code-switching, racism, and the pressure Black men often feel in different spaces. The conversation starts with viral social media creator “Big Groove” and the debate around entertainment vs harmful stereotypes. From there, Rod and Mike dive into personal experiences growing up Black in white spaces, attending predominantly white schools, navigating comments like “you talk white,” and learning to embrace who they truly are. They also discuss HBCUs vs PWIs, the importance of representation, raising Black daughters with confidence, and why social media shapes how the world sees Black culture. This episode is funny, deep, honest, and necessary. If you’ve ever felt too Black in one room… and not Black enough in another… this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this conversation. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Have you ever felt pressure to represent more than just yourself? #GrownManGame #BlackCulture #CodeSwitching #BlackMen #Podcast #Fatherhood #Culture #Identity #Manhood #RaceInAmerica TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro / Fried chicken, watermelon jokes & setting the tone 00:50 Big Groove conversation begins 03:40 Black caricatures and stereotypes discussion 08:10 Responsibility to the culture 11:00 Tyler Perry / Madea conversation 15:15 Social media comments and criticism 18:00 Boys vs girls viral video comments 22:20 Male leadership and boys discussion 27:50 Black spaces / BSU / HBCU conversation 31:00 Racism experiences in white spaces 36:00 Raising daughters with confidence and culture 40:00 Social media shaping perception of Black people 43:00 Feeling pressure to represent the culture 46:00 Code-switching and “talking white” 52:50 Grown Man Game lesson of the episode Follow / Listen / Subscribe: 📺 YouTube: Grown Man Game Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCanXYYE6hb1mOALfOZbc5Q) 🎙 Spotify: Grown Man Game Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/6x0rPIkRMdx6t7JW1VqrZv?si=589a210c09ea41e4) 📸 Instagram: @grownmangamepod (https://www.instagram.com/grownmangamepod) 📩 Email: grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com)

8. 

   17 Apr 2026

   Why Most Men Are Overwhelmed (And What Actually Works)

   What’s better… structure or freedom? In this episode of the Grown Man Game Podcast, Rod and Mike break down the real reason men feel overwhelmed. It starts with a conversation about schedules but quickly turns into something deeper—pressure, responsibility, fatherhood, and how men are trying to do too much. They talk through: Why schedules work for some men and not others The difference between being busy and being effective How society conditions men to overload their lives What real balance actually looks like A powerful moment about injury, humility, and leaning on family And a question that will make you think… would you live differently if you knew when you’d die? This one is real, unfiltered, and relatable. 👇 Tap in, share with another man, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode. Follow the Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownmangamepod (https://www.instagram.com/grownmangamepod) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com (https://www.youtube.com) Contact: grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com) ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro + podcast banter 01:18 – Social media growth vs losing followers 04:04 – Mike talks work, podcast return, and life updates 06:43 – Do schedules actually help or hurt? 07:20 – “Schedules are like crutches” analogy 09:27 – Rod’s perspective: structure creates presence 12:21 – Are we doing too much as men and families? 13:30 – Finding balance vs extremes 16:54 – “You’ll do what you really want to do” 19:26 – Boundaries, family, and respecting your time 23:16 – Cruise recap + family vacation dynamics 28:59 – Men vs women behavior differences (kids example) 31:20 – Nature vs nurture conversation 34:43 – Middle school vs adult behavior shift 35:37 – Men vs women survival experiment breakdown 38:41 – Society vs survival skills 39:42 – Apocalypse scenario + real talk 43:42 – When survival turns into ego (Lord of the Flies idea) 47:29 – Would you rather know HOW or WHEN you die? 50:09 – Living differently if you knew your timeline 55:05 – “What’s stopping you from living like that now?” 1:00:17 – Congratulations segment starts 1:01:33 – Building a life you actually want 1:03:10 – Mike opens up about injury + family support 1:07:17 – Reflection on relationships and support 1:10:17 – Outro + where to find the podcast

9. 

   27 Mar 2026

   Masculinity, Vulnerability, and Brotherhood | Grown Man Game Ep. 11

   What does masculinity really look like today? In this episode of Grown Man Game, Rod and Big Mike unpack the made-up rules men are expected to follow and why so many of those rules fall apart under real life. From funny examples about headphones in the gym, massages, and manicures to deeper conversations around vulnerability, emotional safety, and brotherhood, this episode covers a lot. Big Mike shares a personal moment about going through a hard family situation and what it meant to have someone he could trust enough to open up to. Rod talks about why so many men struggle to be vulnerable, why brotherhood matters, and why men need spaces where they can be honest without feeling judged. Rod also shares a major announcement about Baseline Performance, his new supplement brand built for fathers who want to train with purpose, stay consistent, and get back to their baseline. This episode is funny, honest, and real. If you are a man trying to lead well, grow, and stay grounded, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with somebody who needs it, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. Follow Grown Man Game Instagram: @thegrownmangamepod Email: thegrownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:thegrownmangamepodcast@gmail.com) Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:03 Masculinity and the made-up rules men follow 5:55 What men call “soft” and why that mindset is broken 12:28 Loneliness, disconnection, and the need to belong 18:05 Would you go back to being 12 with what you know now? 26:20 Would you go 10 years into the future? 29:07 Congratulations, Brother 29:20 Mike opens up about a hard family situation 31:58 Why vulnerability is hard for men 34:51 Rod shares his big win 37:05 Baseline Performance revealed 37:50 “I had to get back to my baseline” 42:40 Ideas are cool, but action changes things 47:53 Outro

10. 

    19 Mar 2026

    Why Grown Men Need Checkups and Better Birthday Gifts | Grown Man Game Ep. 10

    In this one, Mike and Rod talk about what it looks like to get older as men and actually take your health seriously. They get into doctor visits, bloodwork, hydration, stretching, recovery, and why too many men wait too long to handle their health. They also get into a funny but real debate about relationships and gifts, including why sex should not be the only birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Father’s Day gift. The conversation turns into a bigger talk about effort, thoughtfulness, helping at home, and what men actually want when it comes to feeling appreciated. They wrap up with talk about consistency, content creation, better daily habits, and giving your family a broader experience through travel. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 2:28 Doctor visit and bloodwork 10:44 Why men need regular checkups 12:34 Prostate concerns and staying ahead 14:26 Aging, soreness, and recovery 17:22 Young habits and old-school knowledge 23:08 Maturity gaps in dating 29:20 Sex as a gift debate 40:52 What thoughtful gifts for men can look like 44:08 How helping at home changes relationships 46:22 Congratulations Brother 48:05 Mike on taking health seriously 49:04 Small changes matter 50:49 Family trips and perspective Instagram: @grownmangamepod Rod: @4fitfatherhood Mike: @maybenicemike Email: thegrownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:thegrownmangamepodcast@gmail.com)

11. 

    12 Mar 2026

    From Jive Turkey to No Cap: How Language, Love, and Manhood Changed

    Language always changes. Slang comes and goes. Some words die fast. Some stick around for decades. In this episode, Rod and Mike talk about the evolution of slang, regional language, Black culture’s impact on the way people talk, and why certain phrases last while others disappear. But the conversation does not stop there. What starts with “jive turkey,” “off the heezy,” and “no cap” turns into a deeper talk about generations, race, relationships, emotional intelligence, and how men communicate when life gets heavy. From Bay Area slang to hard conversations about love, accountability, and what men bring home to their families, this episode covers a lot in a real way. If you enjoy honest conversations about culture, manhood, relationships, and the way we live, this one is for you. Follow Grown Man Game Instagram: @grownmangamepod Email: grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com) Support the show If you’re enjoying the podcast, leave a 5-star rating and a review. Send us a DM or email with topics you want us to cover next. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:33 The evolution of slang 07:33 Regional slang and culture 11:22 Religion, identity, and perspective 15:00 Group chat topics 15:35 Podcast consistency and congratulations 18:04 Clifton Powell and generational love 25:51 Jim Crow and emotional development 32:08 Race and understanding other perspectives 39:46 Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, and relationships 42:04 Why men bring the worst home 46:27 Parenting daughters and safe spaces 49:28 Emotional processing and communication 53:35 Self-development and final thoughts

12. 

    4 Mar 2026

    Code Switching, Commitment, and Black Culture | Grown Man Game Ep. 8

    In Episode 8 of Grown Man Game, Rod and Big Mike get into current events, Black culture, parenting, aging, health, and what commitment really looks like in a relationship. They open with the Kane Velasquez case and the emotional weight behind it, then move into Kevin Gates, trauma, code switching, and how Black men often have to adjust depending on the room they are in. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to health, getting older, colonoscopies, Black culture, and a real discussion about attraction and boundaries in marriage. This one is honest, funny, and full of the kind of conversation men need more of. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back / current events 00:22 Kane Velasquez and why Rod says “free Kane” 03:01 Kevin Gates, trauma, and protecting children 08:54 Code switching and moving between worlds 11:57 Job interviews, names, and being taken seriously 15:31 White privilege, stress, and never having to switch 17:02 Parenting, language, and generational differences 27:14 Congratulations Brother 27:27 Rod on turning 43 and feeling good 29:50 Big Mike on health and getting a colonoscopy 35:55 Black culture, double dutch, and what gets left behind 40:20 Group chat: how married men handle attraction 56:26 Closing thoughts and the grown man game takeaway Follow the show on Instagram: @grownmangamepod Follow Rod: @4fitfatherhood Follow Big Mike: @maybe_nice_mike Share this episode with a man who needs this conversation.

13. 

    26 Feb 2026

    Brotherhood Is Collapsing and It’s Killing Men | Grown Man Game Ep. 7

    The Grown Man Game Podcast talks about the quiet collapse of brotherhood and what it’s doing to men. We all have “friends” in the group chat, people we follow, coworkers we dap up… but most men don’t have real brothers who can check blind spots, hold you to your word, and push you to lead at home and in life. We get into the lone wolf mindset, surface-level connection on social media, mentorship, accountability, and why asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart. If this hits, share it with a brother who needs it. Follow + Contact IG: @thegrownmangamepod Email: thegrownmangamepod@gmail.com (mailto:thegrownmangamepod@gmail.com) Chapters / timestamps 0:00 Intro: “We get better together” 2:01 Brotherhood collapsing + group chat isn’t real connection 4:14 No one checks your blind spots (accountability + integrity) 6:42 Mentorship makes you a better husband and man 9:56 Loneliness, spirals, and why men “take themselves out the game” 11:16 Red pill talk + “step your game up” 12:51 Men need men + “iron sharpens iron” 18:59 “Infantilization” of men and responsibility 22:53 Trauma response, single-parent homes, and cycles 30:01 Gym spot story: “You need a spot because you’re strong” 33:38 Batman, Robin, Alfred, and support systems 37:21 Phoenix idea: brotherhood dies, comes back stronger 41:17 Call your people. Don’t text. Build the habit 42:01 Suited brotherhood walk + rebuilding the culture 43:18 Where to find the show

14. 

    19 Feb 2026

    Men Don’t Know What Happiness Is (But We Know Peace) | Grown Man Game Ep. 6

    Grown Man Game Episode 6 is a real convo on what happiness looks like for men, why peace feels like the real goal, and how we’ve been conditioned to avoid certain emotions. We also get into travel sports parenting fees, learning emotional discipline in front of your kids, and why men need to stop playing games with their health. Chapters 0:00 Intro, travel sports parenting reality check 1:22 The “pay to play” tournament money machine 7:01 Your kids watch your emotions for cues 9:11 Rod’s new merch idea: “Rooted” and “Grow Down” 13:09 Big Mike’s cyst surgery, blood pressure, and finally going in 17:20 White coat syndrome and why the doctor spikes your numbers 22:47 Main topic: What is happiness for a man? 24:13 Peace vs happiness and why men stop asking what they want 30:16 Why rich people can still suffer 33:36 Receiving compliments and letting yourself feel joy 41:37 How men hide fear with jokes 46:38 Men “compensate” emotionally (fear/sadness turns into anger) 49:02 Final thoughts and where to find the show Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast app. Follow the show on IG: Grown Man Game Podcast (www.instagram.com/grownmangamepod) Email: grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com)

15. 

    12 Feb 2026

    Partner + Provider: How Grown Men Show Up at Home | Grown Man Game Ep. 5

    Episode 5 of the Grown Man Game Podcast is a real talk on being a partner and a provider. Rod and Big Mike break down what it looks like to support your woman’s goals, communicate like an adult, handle conflict without trying to “win,” and why you’ve got to celebrate the small wins. They also get into men’s health, doctor visits, and how stress shows up in your body. Tap in and share this with a brother who’s trying to lead better. Timestamps 0:00 Intro, catching up, weekend recap 3:16 Rod’s foot issue, doctor visit, possible gout 6:19 Big Mike on tribe, family support, community 11:04 Topic starts: how to be a better partner 13:34 Supporting her goals and learning to listen 16:47 Emotional intelligence and “solutions vs ears” 19:38 Talk “war” during peace, fight language 22:13 “Do you want to be right or happily married?” 26:35 Provider vs partner, what providing really means 33:37 Small things that hurt your woman’s feelings (shoes) 35:33 Shaq clip, carrying everyone, men cracking under load 45:28 Celebrate your wins, even the expected ones 54:41 Congratulations segment, health check and wins 56:54 Go see the doctor, stop waiting until it’s late 58:03 Congrats to Rod on building the gym and growth 1:07:26 Final takeaways 1:08:36 Where to find the show, subscribe and share Links IG: @grownmangamepodcast YouTube: Grown Man Game Pod Email: grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com (mailto:grownmangamepodcast@gmail.com)

16. 

    4 Feb 2026

    Modern Masculinity in 2025

    Masculinity feels harder to define than ever. In Episode 4 of Grown Man Game, Rod and Big Mike talk through what modern masculinity actually looks like in 2025. They get into leadership without chest beating, money pressure without panic, dating expectations, insecurity disguised as toughness, and why real strength usually shows up quietly. This isn’t a debate episode. It’s two men thinking out loud about responsibility, courage, self-sufficiency, and how men can lead without losing themselves in the noise. If you’ve ever felt caught between old-school expectations and modern realities, this one will hit.

17. 

    29 Jan 2026

    Men Want Validation Too (And It’s Killing Relationships)

    In Episode 3 of the Grown Man Game podcast, Rod and Mike talk about why so many male friendships stay surface-level, and how that bleeds into marriage and relationships. They get into validation, desire, and the quiet question a lot of men carry: “Am I enough?” The conversation moves through infidelity, the difference between being “nice” and being assertive, and how men lose their relationship by stopping the pursuit. They close with a real take on masculinity: strength and nurturing can live in the same man, and insecurity often hides behind loud “alpha” talk.

18. 

    22 Jan 2026

    The Weight Men Carry: Friendship, Marriage, and Letting It Out

    Rod and Big Mike get real about why so many men feel isolated, why it’s hard to be vulnerable, and what happens when you keep stacking stress without talking to anyone. They talk about the decline in close male friendships and how that shows up in marriage, fatherhood, and mental health. Rod shares what it looked like to hit a breaking point, break down, and finally admit he needed therapy again. Mike shares how grief surfaced in unexpected ways, and how holding emotions in can spill over into how you show up with your kids. They also talk about the tension men feel when they want to protect their wives’ image while still needing someone to talk to. The episode closes with a “grown man game” message: share what you know, help the next generation start further ahead, and teach them the process, not just the outcome. Subscribe, share with a dad, and leave a quick review. Key takeaways Most men have very few real friends they can call when life hits. You can love your wife and still need a safe place to talk things out. Stress stacks up quietly until it spills over. Crying can be a release, not a weakness. “I’ll just power through it” works until it doesn’t. Kids don’t automatically value what you used to dream of having. Progress creates different problems for your kids than the ones you had. Teach your kids how you built the life they live in. Timestamps 00:39 Welcome back + why this show is “fly on the wall” talk 01:07 Men losing friendships and getting isolated 04:29 Needing a brother to talk to when marriage gets hard 08:53 “Congratulations, brother” + going back to therapy 21:25 Rod’s emotional breaking point at practice 29:50 “Life is averages” and how Mike thinks about highs/lows 51:54 Unprocessed grief showing up years later 1:06:06 Losing patience with your kid when you’re holding grief 1:15:26 Forever 21 story: are we giving kids too much? 1:31:50 Closing “Grown Man Game” message: teach the process

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    15 Jan 2026

    Nice Guys & Neighborhood Codes: Lessons from Two Fathers

    In this raw, unfiltered premiere episode of Grown Man Game, hosts Rod and Mike introduce themselves by sharing their contrasting childhood experiences - from family compounds to crack houses, suburban racism to urban survival. Their authentic conversation reveals how these formative experiences shaped their approach to fatherhood today. The hosts explore how their different upbringings in the Bay Area and Southern California during the crack epidemic and racial tensions of the 80s and 90s gave them unique perspectives on parenting. They discuss why today's kids don't play outside like they did, how they navigate school choices for their children, and the delicate balance between protecting kids and building resilience. This episode establishes the foundation for future discussions on manhood, fatherhood, and giving listeners some genuine "grown man game" - wisdom earned through real-life experiences that can only come from men who've lived through both challenges and triumphs.

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