The Meaning of Men

What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to world renowned evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin about the powerful, often overlooked science of fatherhood. Drawing on over a decade of research and her book The Life of Dad, Anna reveals what really happens to men—biologically, emotionally, and neurologically—when they become fathers. In this episode you will learn: How fatherhood triggers radical hormonal, brain, and emotional changes that prepare men for parenting Why dads play a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional regulation, resilience, mental health, and social skills The importance of male role models, biological or otherwise, in children’s development How postnatal depression affects men and the impact of traditional masculinity on new fathers Why society often sidelines fathers at the moment they are most needed, and how this is changing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, fatherhood, parenting, masculinity, and child development, offering insight, research-backed guidance, and inspiration for dads, soon-to-be fathers, and anyone invested in healthy family life. Hear more from Dr Anna: Books: The Life of Dad: https://shorturl.at/2hsHv Why We Love: https://shorturl.at/nlaNh Instagram: @dr_aMachin Website: annamachin.com Timestamps: 06:34: The Importance of Fathers in Child Development 11:15: Evolutionary Insights into Fatherhood 15:49: Hormonal Changes in New Fathers 20:49: Bonding Through Skin-to-Skin Contact 25:47: The Role of Play in Father-Child Relationships 30:55: The Importance of Play in Fatherhood 33:19: Navigating Masculinity and Fatherhood 36:30: Understanding Postnatal Depression in Fathers 44:46: Co-Parenting: Building Bonds from Afar 52:30: The Role of Fathers in Teenagers' Lives

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Ben Blackman, therapist at Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions. Ben shares his personal journey after losing his father and the silence surrounding grief, particularly for men, which inspired him to support others through their experiences of loss. In this episode you will learn: The unique challenges men face in expressing grief and seeking support What disenfranchised grief is and how societal expectations often invalidate men’s pain How to create safe spaces to process death, loss, and emotional complexity Practical insights for supporting yourself or others through bereavement and major life transitions Why talking about grief is essential for mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, grief support, emotional wellbeing, and coping with loss, offering insight, guidance, and reassurance for navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences.   Hear more from Ben: www.adventuringloss.com @adventuringloss   Timestamps: 00.00: Understanding Grief: A Universal Experience 06:51: Ben's Journey: Personal Loss and Professional Growth 12:27: The Complexity of Grief: Individual Experiences 28:58: Understanding Grief: Anticipatory vs. Sudden Loss 35:49: The Importance of Open Conversations About Death 45:52: Supporting Others in Grief: The Power of Listening

What if anger wasn’t the problem, but the way we misunderstand it is? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the belief that anger is inherently destructive. Sam explains how, when understood and expressed properly, anger can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional growth, and healing. In this episode you will learn: The difference between anger and aggression and why misunderstanding it causes harm How suppressing anger can negatively affect men’s mental health, relationships, and work Practical ways for men to express anger in healthy, productive, and constructive ways How anger can reveal unmet needs, emotional wounds, and opportunities for personal growth Strategies to change the narrative around anger and use it as a tool rather than fear it This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, healthy masculinity, and personal development, offering insights into understanding and harnessing one of our most powerful emotions. Hear more from Sam: Good Anger book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Anger-Radical-Rethink-Misunderstood/dp/1399417851   Timestamps: 06:59: The Concept of Good Anger 12:47: Distinguishing Anger from Aggression 17:00: The Impact of Suppressed Anger 21:30: Healthy Expressions of Anger in Relationships 27:45: Understanding Anger: Boundaries and Unmet Needs 33:03: The Complexity of Anger in Relationships 35:05: Self-Compassion and Anger: A Deep Connection 38:20: Building Healthy Habits Around Anger 45:48: Navigating Anger in the Digital Age  

What does it really take to launch and run your own business?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Brennan, entrepreneur and founder, about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal resilience. Michael shares his experience building a successful business, facing burnout, and navigating the mental and emotional toll of stepping away from a venture you’ve invested everything in. He also discusses his latest project, Bob, a men’s personal care business born from adversity and now poised for success. In this episode you will learn: How to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and running your own business Strategies for resilience, mental wellbeing, and personal growth during challenging times Lessons on managing ego, setbacks, and rebuilding after failure How personal experiences can inspire innovative business ideas, like Michael’s men’s personal care venture Practical insights for anyone starting a business, pursuing ambitious goals, or facing personal and professional challenges This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in men’s personal development, entrepreneurship, business leadership, mental health, and resilience, offering honesty, insight, and inspiration for the entrepreneurial journey. Hear more from Michael: Website: https://welcometobob.com/ 15% discount code for Bob: MEANINGOFMEN15 Timestamps: 03:12: The Entrepreneurial Mindset 03:55: Inspiration Behind Entrepreneurship 06:24: Enjoying the Journey of Entrepreneurship 07:29: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 10:43: Setting Big Goals to Combat Fear 12:23: The Importance of Team and Collaboration 15:52: Balancing Business and Personal Life 20:14: The Impact of Stepping Back from Business 24:10: Mental Health and Identity Crisis 29:33: Finding Purpose and Service in Life 29:55: Ego and Entrepreneurship 39:12: Support Systems in Business 47:01: The Journey of Building Bob 53:13: Advice for New Adventures

Could avoiding discomfort be the very thing holding you back from true fulfilment?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Adam Fraser, high performance researcher and author, about the power of Strive, a mindset that transforms how we approach personal growth, resilience, performance, and fulfilment. Adam explains why struggle—not comfort—is the real driver of progress and why chasing constant happiness or simply completing goals can leave us unfulfilled. In this episode you will learn: How embracing challenge and discomfort leads to personal development, resilience, and purpose Why the pursuit of constant happiness can undermine fulfilment How the Strive mindset improves workplace performance, motivation, and life satisfaction Practical strategies for turning everyday struggles into opportunities for growth Why lasting joy is often found in the process of striving rather than the end goal This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, personal growth, resilience, high performance, and purpose, offering actionable insights for living a more fulfilling, meaningful life. Hear more from Adam: Strive book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Designed-Strive-Seeking-Important-Happiness/dp/0730337413 Timestamps: 03:38: Understanding the Strive State 07:14: The Role of Challenge in Growth 10:12: The Paradox of Comfort and Fulfillment 11:45: Happiness vs. Fulfillment 17:11: The Completion Myth and Its Implications 20:49: The Completion Myth and Its Impact 23:49: Men and Emotional Vulnerability 30:21: Parenting and Instilling a Strive Mindset 38:57: Creating Strive State Moments  

What do you do when the life you’ve built suddenly disappears?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Adam Clayton, former professional rugby player and founder of APEX Everest, about overcoming adversity, rebuilding identity, and finding purpose after life-altering setbacks. After his career ended at 24 due to injury, Adam battled steroid addiction, loss of identity, and the struggle to find direction, before turning his experience into a mission to help others. In this episode you will learn: How to navigate life-changing setbacks, identity loss, and personal crisis The role of community, shared experience, and mentorship in rebuilding purpose How physical challenges and endurance activities can support mental health, resilience, and personal growth Lessons from Adam’s journey from rock bottom to founding a transformative organisation Practical insights for anyone facing adversity, career change, or searching for meaning This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, overcoming adversity, and building purpose, offering inspiration and actionable insights for turning challenges into opportunities.   Timestamps: 03:21: From Rugby Dreams to Professional Reality 06:21: The Harsh Realities of Professional Sports 09:09: Injury and Identity Crisis 13:01: The Struggles of Post-Rugby Life 15:35: The Dark Side of Recovery: Steroid Use 19:45: Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Hope 22:55: Confronting the Past: A Conversation with My Younger Self 24:30: The Balance of Ambition and Contentment 26:52: The Birth of Apex: Building Community Through Challenge 32:15: Understanding Men's Struggles: Confidence, Purpose, and Loneliness 35:12: Transformational Journeys: Stories of Growth and Healing 37:27: Overcoming Fear: The Power of Belief and Community 40:53: Healing Through Helping: The Journey of Self-Discovery 44:53: A Message of Hope: Taking the First Step Forward

What does it really take to build a strong and healthy romantic relationship as a modern man?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kristal DeSantis, marriage and family therapist and author of Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man, about how men can navigate the challenges of emotional intimacy, connection, and modern masculinity in relationships. Kristal shares practical tools and strategies to help men build meaningful, lasting partnerships. In this episode you will learn: How men can overcome common barriers to emotional intimacy and vulnerability Practical strategies from Kristal’s STRONG model for communication, conflict management, and self-regulation How to develop relational skills for dating, long-term partnerships, or marriage Ways to create trust, connection, and mutual understanding in romantic relationships Why showing up fully as a partner contributes to relationship satisfaction, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, modern masculinity, relationship skills, emotional intelligence, and building strong partnerships, offering actionable insights and encouragement for navigating love and connection as a man today.   Hear more from Kristal: Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Relationship-Field-Guide-Modern/dp/1959099027 Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/kristal-desantis Speaker Website: www.strong.love Therapy Website: www.austinstrongrbc.com Instagram @atxtherapist  https://linktr.ee/atxtherapist   Timestamps: 04:28: Cultural Dynamics in Relationships 07:11: Men's Perspectives in Relationships 09:55: The Strong Model for Healthy Relationships 12:34: Redefining Masculinity in Modern Society 14:27: Self-Regulation and Emotional Intelligence 25:12: Self-Regulation in Conflict Resolution 28:16: Navigating Gender Roles in Relationships 31:37: The Shift from Function to Connection 33:24: Traits of Healthy Relationships 36:34: The Importance of Presence Over Performance 38:47: Challenges of Modern Dating 44:17: Emotional Vulnerability in Men 45:51: Celebrating Positive Male Contributions 47:01: Hope and Growth in Relationships

Are we obsessing over sleep in all the wrong ways? Sleep is essential for men’s mental health, but chasing perfection can sometimes do more harm than good. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Chris Winter, neurologist and sleep expert, about the crucial connection between sleep, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Winter challenges common myths about sleep and shares insights on how to cultivate restorative rest without stress or obsession. In this episode you will learn: How poor sleep contributes to anxiety, depression, and cognitive challenges Why falling asleep too quickly can be a warning sign rather than a mark of good sleep The importance of sleep consistency over simply achieving “perfect” rest How quiet, reflective moments before sleep support emotional processing and mental health Practical strategies to improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia, and reclaim energy and focus This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, sleep science, wellbeing, stress management, and emotional resilience, offering research-backed guidance and practical tools for transforming your relationship with rest. Hear more from Dr Chris: Instagram: @drchriswinter Webpage: www.wchriswinter.com Podcast: Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter   Timestamps: 05:14: The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health 09:37: Defining Sleep: What It Is and Why It Matters 14:29: The Gender Dynamics of Sleep Deprivation 16:25: Optimising Sleep: Quality, Quantity, and Consistency 26:53: Recognising Sleep-Related Warning Signs 34:05: Understanding Sleep Quality and Mental Health 35:31: The Mechanics of Sleep and Mental Processing 47:53: Creating a Pre-Sleep Routine for Better Mental Health    

What happens when society defines you by your illness, but you decide to define yourself? Living with mental illness is challenging, but reclaiming your identity and purpose is possible. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kody Green, mental health advocate and one of the most influential voices speaking out about schizophrenia and men’s mental health online. Diagnosed at 21, Kody shares his journey through hallucinations, delusions, addiction, incarceration, and stigma, and how he rebuilt his identity and self-worth. In this episode you will learn: The lived experience of schizophrenia and how it intersects with identity, masculinity, and stigma Strategies for overcoming isolation and reclaiming purpose after a mental health diagnosis How peer support, advocacy, and community can foster resilience, recovery, and personal growth Lessons on challenging societal narratives and redefining yourself beyond labels Insights for anyone supporting loved ones with mental health conditions or navigating their own journey This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, schizophrenia, resilience, recovery, masculinity, and advocacy, offering honest, inspiring guidance on living fully despite life-altering challenges. Hear more from Kody: https://www.kodygreen.com https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenichippie?lang=en   Timestamps:   04:31: Understanding Schizophrenia 07:32: Personal Journey with Schizophrenia 10:37: Misconceptions About Schizophrenia 11:57: Impact on Identity and Relationships 14:58: Resilience and Strength in Adversity 17:39: Becoming an Advocate 20:37: Mind Over Meetings: The Book 23:36: Workplace Accommodations for Mental Health 27:24: Reflections on the Journey 30:18: Final Thoughts and Takeaways  

What if healing isn’t just about fixing your mind, but learning to listen to your body as well? True mental health and personal growth often start with reconnecting to your body. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Brad Golphenee, trauma-informed somatic coach, about somatic healing, men’s mental health, and overcoming trauma. Brad shares nearly two decades of experience helping men move from emotional disconnection to embodied self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. In this episode you will learn: How unresolved trauma can live in the body for decades, influencing identity, relationships, and behaviour The role of shame in men’s mental health and how acknowledging it can be transformative Techniques for reconnecting with your body through somatic practices, retreats, and group work How body-based approaches empower men to release stored trauma and access inner wisdom Practical strategies for cultivating purpose, freedom, and emotional wellbeing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, somatic healing, emotional resilience, and personal growth, offering actionable insights to help men live with greater presence, authenticity, and empowerment.   Timestamps: 03:59: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact 07:48: Exploring Somatic Practices 14:00: The Role of Movement and Breath 20:02: Navigating Shame and Emotional Awareness 26:38: Fatherhood and Emotional Modelling 32:27: Hope for Men's Mental Health 38:40: Getting Started with Somatic Practices