This week, we’re diving into a topic we’ve both wrestled with — body image. Dan opens up about his long history with body insecurities, unhealthy dieting, and how a childhood comment stuck with him for years. Marcel reflects on his own struggles with feeling too skinny and how the desire for external validation shaped his early fitness habits. We unpack how body image affects not just how we look, but how we feel, and why doing things for yourself is the key to healing.Whether you've felt too small, too big, or just “not enough,” this episode is for you.In this episode:Why face yoga might (or might not) be worth your moneyChildhood memories that shape adult insecuritiesThe hidden reasons behind extreme dieting and over-exercisingHow male body image issues often go unspokenWhy working out for yourself is the real game changerBuilding a body-positive mindset through self-compassionDisclaimer:This podcast reflects personal experiences and opinions and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you're struggling, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor.

🕐 Timestamps:
00:00 Intro – Face yoga + body image preview02:50 Why Dan wanted to tackle this topic06:00 Marcel’s new morning routine shift09:40 Why men rarely discuss body image18:00 Dan’s pool party memory that changed everything22:00 Marcel’s “too skinny” story and validation trap26:50 Psychoanalyzing our younger selves31:30 Why trauma lingers silently35:00 Are you working out for yourself or others?37:10 The trap of turning insecurities into motivation39:00 Food, comfort, and the emotional side of body image45:00 Why quiet moments reveal hidden stressors47:20 Beauty standards, self-acceptance, and final takeaways

🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@ImTryingDude
📷 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@ImTryingDude⁠⁠

❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying.
Keep trying, dudes.
— Marcel & Dan

This week on I'm Trying, Dude, Marcel and Daniel dive into the moments that tested their moral compass — from small things they got away with as kids to the deeper question: are we actually good people? They swap stories about books that shifted their perspective, movement and recovery journeys, and share a hilarious moment involving running, falling, and friendship.
Tune in for laughs, reflections, and the kind of honest conversations that leave you thinking long after the episode ends.

🕐 Timestamps:

00:00Intro – Literature, Moral Compass, and Lunatic Energy

02:00Marcel’s Discovery: The Need for Fuel & Recovery

03:30Reading a Book in a Day – Veronika Decides to Die

07:00Reflection on Life, Death, and Madness

08:30Dan’s Reading Struggles and Audiobook Adventures

12:30The Fantasy Audiobook Mishap (Spicy Audiobooks in Public)

15:00Dan’s Running Fall and the Art of Laughing at Yourself

17:00Lessons from Embarrassment and Friendship

19:00Moral Compass Check – Subway Jumping & Chipotle Hot Sauce

23:30Dan’s Wild Story: Paintball Drive-By (Christmas Chaos)

30:00Marcel’s Reflection on Cheating and Weakness in Relationships

37:00Wrap Up – Growth, Understanding, and Owning Your Actions

🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@ImTryingDude📷 Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@ImTryingDude⁠

❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying.

Keep trying, dudes.— Marcel & Dan

We're back! Season 3 of I’m Trying, Dude kicks off with a deep dive into courage—what it means to show up, to try something new, to speak up, or to just sit with someone who's hurting.

From running marathons to asking for tea on a flight (yes, really), Marcel and Dan unpack why even the smallest decisions can take courage. We also talk about burnout, acting class breakthroughs, creative doubts, emotional expression, and our eternal quest for purpose.

If you're feeling stuck, inspired, lost, or just trying your best—this one’s for you.

💭 Topics in this episode:
– Courage in the mundane and extraordinary– Marcel’s marathon and injury aftermath– Dan’s acting class and emotional unlearning– Creative doubt vs. creative purpose– Being seen, asking for help, and saying no– Breathwork, Bashar, and bedtime intuition

🕐 Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome back!

3:12 – Marcel's marathon moment

8:40 – Dan’s acting breakthrough

12:55 – Creative work vs real impact

21:00 – The “AI therapy” idea

26:10 – Big dreams & new paths

39:15 – Ask for what you need

46:45 – Courage in small decisions

🎥 Watch the episode on YouTube: youtube.com/@ImTryingDude
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ImTryingDude

❤️ Like the episode? Share it, rate it, or send it to a friend who’s also trying.

Keep trying, dudes.
— Marcel & Dan