The Meaning of Men

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with psychotherapist Aaron Balick who discussed how social media algorithms can impact our view of the world, our sense of identity and ultimately our mental health. 

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away? Losing your career or identity can be deeply unsettling, but it can also open the door to growth and purpose. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kojo Lewis, ex-professional MMA fighter, coach, and mentor, about men’s mental health, resilience, and life after sport. Kojo shares his journey from using martial arts to prove his worth, to facing retirement through injury, and ultimately finding meaning and purpose beyond the fight. In this episode you will learn: How the loss of identity or career can impact men’s mental health and self-esteem Strategies for developing resilience, self-worth, and purpose outside of professional achievement The role of discipline, mentorship, and community in supporting emotional wellbeing How to navigate self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty with confidence Practical insights for men seeking to embrace life beyond societal or personal expectations This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, identity, and life transitions, offering honest, inspiring guidance on finding balance and purpose after major life changes.

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Tom Bailey, who shared his experience of suffering postnatal depression after the birth of his son.

More men in the UK struggle with porn addiction than gambling, yet it remains a hidden and stigmatised issue. Understanding and addressing it is crucial for men’s mental health and relationships. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Paula Hall, leading sexual and relationship psychotherapist, about porn addiction, men’s mental health, and intimacy. Dr Hall explains how compulsive porn use can develop as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and depression, and the impact it has on men’s emotional wellbeing and relationships. In this episode you will learn: How porn addiction manifests in men and its effects on mental health and relationships The connection between compulsive porn use, emotional numbness, depression, and loss of intimacy Signs to watch for in yourself or loved ones struggling with porn-related issues Practical strategies for addressing porn addiction and seeking help How partners and loved ones can support men in navigating difficult conversations and recovery This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, sexual health, addiction, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing, offering guidance, insight, and practical steps for tackling a hidden and often stigmatised issue.   Links to Dr Paula's work: Pivotal Recovery website - https://www.pivotalrecovery.org/ Laurel Centre website - https://thelaurelcentre.co.uk/ Dr Paula's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Treating-Sex-Pornography-Addiction-dp-0815362285/dp/0815362285/ref=dp_ob_title_bk    

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Dr Judy Chu, an expert in boys and men.

Could understanding how men truly process grief change the way we approach mental health? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Tom Golden, therapist and author, about men’s grief, emotional processing, and mental health. Tom shares insights from his work in grief therapy, explaining why traditional talk-based approaches often don’t work for men, and how action-based healing can help them process emotions effectively. In this episode you will learn: How men process grief and emotions differently from women The subtle signs of male depression, including anger, withdrawal, and overworking How biological instincts and cultural expectations shape men’s emotional expression Practical strategies for supporting grieving men through activity-based engagement rather than forced conversation Insights into building resilience, emotional awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, grief therapy, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and supporting men through loss, offering actionable guidance for helping men process grief in meaningful and effective ways.

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Firefighter and former Royal Marine Kyle Martin.  Kyle reminded me that whether you're facing something big or small, your emotions matter—and you don’t have to diminish them.   

What does it take to face fear, push boundaries, and grow as a man? Extreme challenges can reveal a lot about resilience, mental health, and personal growth. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to extreme mountaineer Jost Kobusch the day before his latest attempt to climb Mt Everest. Jost shares his journey from a boy afraid of heights to one of the world’s most daring alpinists, reflecting on men’s mental health, vulnerability, and emotional resilience. In this episode you will learn: How facing physical and mental challenges can build resilience and self-awareness The impact of bottling up emotions and the stigma around fear for men Signs of male depression and practical ways to manage stress and emotional strain How to find balance between risk, challenge, and stability in everyday life The importance of support networks, vulnerability, and leaning on others for growth This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, adventure, and emotional wellbeing, offering inspiring insights from a man who literally climbs mountains to understand courage, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Geoff Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System. During our chat Geoff broke down the different types of male friendships he outlines in his book. This really got me thinking about my own circle of friends in a very different way.  

1 in 10 fathers will experience postnatal depression, yet it remains largely unrecognised. Fatherhood can be rewarding, but it can also challenge men’s mental health in ways few talk about. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Tom about his personal experience with postnatal depression, fatherhood, and men’s mental health. Tom shares the pressures he faced, the signs of male depression he initially ignored, and how opening up and seeking support transformed his journey as a dad. In this episode you will learn: How postnatal depression affects fathers and the impact on mental health Common signs of male depression during early fatherhood, including invasive thoughts, stress, and feelings of inadequacy Strategies for seeking help, leaning on partners, and building emotional resilience Why acknowledging struggles is a step toward growth, not failure Practical insights for supporting men through the challenges of fatherhood, parenting, and mental wellbeing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, postnatal depression, fatherhood, emotional wellbeing, and parenting support, offering honesty, insight, and reassurance for fathers navigating the complexities of early parenthood.