The Meaning of Men

The Meaning of Men Annual Wrap 2025!

What an incredible year it has been!
In this special year-end wrap-up episode of The Meaning of Men, I reflect back on the first amazing 12 months of the podcast, revisiting the conversations that shaped a deeper, more honest exploration of modern masculinity.
Sixty episodes in, the defining question at the heart of the show feels more relevant than ever: what does it truly mean to be a man today?
Featuring highlights from some of the worlds leading thinkers, researchers, authors and clinicians, this episode explores the shifting role of men in a world of changing gender dynamics, the complexities of men’s mental health, and why simply “telling men to talk” isn’t enough. From the science of dopamine and rejection, to fatherhood, male friendships, anger, fun, sleep, and purpose, each segment reveals practical insights into how men can live with greater resilience, connection, and meaning.
Whether you’re new to The Meaning of Men or have listened since episode one, this episode is both a celebration and a call to keep asking better questions.
I'll see you again in the first week of January 2026 for Season 4!
Timestamps:
01:10: The Impact of Gender Roles on Men
04:32: The Challenge of Men's Mental Health Conversations
05:06: Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability
07:17: The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
07:31: Father Figures and Mental Health Outcomes
09:28: Understanding Dopamine: The Drive for More
11:54: The Cycle of Dissatisfaction and Happiness
13:57: Understanding Rejection: An Evolutionary Perspective
13:58: The Psychological Impact of Rejection
16:15: Reclaiming Fun in Our Lives
16:35: The Impact of a Fun-Starved Life
21:23: Understanding Anger: A Misunderstood Emotion
21:45: Harnessing Anger for Personal Growth
24:05: The Impact of Social Media on Masculinity
24:34: Mainstream Masculinity Influencers and Their Effects
29:23: Practical Strategies for Better Sleep
32:10: Navigating Stress and Presence
32:39: The Concept of the Third Space
35:38: The Search for Meaning in Men's Lives
35:56: Understanding Meaning Beyond Feelings
39:54: Celebrating a Year of Insights
40:24: Looking Ahead to Season Four

S3, Ep19: The Meaning of The Manosphere | What's really drawing boys in

What if masculinity influencers aren’t the real problem, but a symptom of something much deeper?
Across the world, boys and young men are being pulled into the Manosphere in huge numbers. But behind the clickbait headlines and media panic lies a more important question: why are so many boys going there in the first place?
In the Season 3 finale The Meaning of Men I speak with psychotherapist Will Adolphy, who brings a rare, first-hand perspective on the Manosphere having been drawn into these spaces himself as a young man. Will unpacks the emotional, cultural and psychological forces that make boys vulnerable to online influencers, and why simply blaming the internet misses the real issue.
 
In this episode you will learn:
What draws boys to the Manosphere, and why it’s often more about belonging, structure and identity than misogyny
Will’s own personal journey through the Manosphere and what helped him break free from it
Why banning influencers doesn’t work, and the deeper cultural issues that must be addressed
Practical tools for having healthier conversations with boys without shaming, silencing or creating resistance
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in boys’ development, men’s mental health, online influence and masculinity. It offers clarity, nuance and practical guidance for navigating one of the most misunderstood forces shaping young men today.
Hear more from Will:
Instagram - @psychwillWebsite - www.willadolphy.com
Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmXsSNOpZ44&t=20s
Timestamps:
03:03: The Role of Masculinity in Modern Society
07:14: Defining the Manosphere: Communities and Influences
11:04: The Impact of Online Spaces on Young Men
12:54: Personal Journeys: From Vulnerability to Empowerment
22:18: The Need for Empathy and Guidance in Masculinity
24:11: The Internalisation of Masculine Ideals
30:55: Turning Points: The Shift Towards Healing and Self-Discovery
36:21: Ingredients for Recovery: Building a New Path
43:57: Exploring Self-Discovery and Balance
48:14: The Importance of Vulnerability and Non-Judgmental Spaces
55:09: Engaging Boys and Men in Meaningful Conversations
58:51: Shifting Perspectives on Masculinity and Empathy
01:05:56: Creating Safe Spaces for Open Dialogue
01:11:03: The Future of Boys and Men: Hope and Empowerment

S3, Ep18: The Meaning of Suicide Prevention | What you need to know about male crisis support (ft James' Place)

What happens when men in suicidal crisis finally get the right kind of help, fast? Across the UK, thousands of men are reaching breaking point, yet most don’t know where to turn.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Andrew Noon, Head of Centre at James' Place, a pioneering charity delivering life-saving therapy to men in suicidal crisis. Andrew reveals why suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, why so many men feel trapped by life events rather than mental illness, and how rapid-access support can stop a crisis becoming fatal.
In this episode you will learn:
Why suicide in men is at the highest rate since 1999, and why young men are increasingly at risk
How life events like relationship breakdown, financial stress, bereavement and work pressure often trigger suicidal crisis
How James’s Place offers free, immediate, professional therapy within days (sometimes hours)
The early signs of suicidal crisis and how to spot them through behaviour, mood, withdrawal, or subtle “breadcrumbs”
How friends, partners, colleagues and family can support a man in crisis without causing shutdown
Why men do talk - when we create the right context for them to open up
This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing, and early intervention. It highlights how the right support, offered quickly, compassionately, and without judgement, can save lives.
 
Timestamps:
00:00: The Mission of James's Place
03:04: James's Legacy and the Impact of Suicide
05:57: Understanding the Crisis: Trends in Male Suicide
09:06: The Pathway to Support: How Men Access Help
11:56: The Unique Intervention: Lay Your Cards on the Table
17:09: Common Struggles: What Men Face in Crisis
23:18: Recognising Signs: How to Support Men in Crisis
29:05: Lessons Learned: Insights from Working with Men
38:05: A Message of Hope: Recovery is Possible

S3, Ep 17: The Meaning of Misdiagnosis | The hidden crisis in mental health care

What if the doctor you finally opened up to about your mental health had no training to actually help you?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Dr. Bob Smith, physician, researcher, and author of Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, to uncover a shocking truth about modern healthcare: most primary care doctors receive almost no formal training in mental health. For men, who are already less likely to seek support and more likely to be misunderstood, the consequences can be profound.
 
In this episode, you will learn:
Why most GPs lack proper mental health training
How men’s symptoms get misread due to gender bias in healthcare
The reasons depression in men often shows up as anger, withdrawal, or substance use
What to do if your doctor doesn’t fully understand your mental health concerns
Practical strategies for getting the help you need, even in a system that isn’t built for men
A must-listen for anyone passionate about improving men’s mental health, raising awareness, and changing a system that too often leaves men behind.Here more from Dr Robert:
Website: https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/
X: https://x.com/RobertCSmithMD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCSmithMD
Bob's Blog: https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/psychology-today-blog/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcsmithmd/
Timestamps:
03:26: Personal Journey and Catalyst for Change
09:15: The Historical Context of Mental Health in Medicine
14:50: The Crisis of Mental Health Care
20:22: Cultural Attitudes Towards Mental Health
24:46: The Societal Impact of Misdiagnosis
27:00: Navigating Conversations with Health Professionals
31:47: Advocating for Systemic Change in Medical Training
39:10: Hope for the Future of Mental Health Care
 

Special Edition: England launches its first Men's Health Strategy!

In this special episode of The Meaning of Men, host Simeon Atkins reacts to a landmark moment: England’s first-ever national Men’s Health Strategy. After years of conversation and awareness-raising, this strategy signals a major shift toward systemic, long-term action to improve the health and wellbeing of boys and men.
We break down the key themes from the newly released report, which openly acknowledges the unique challenges men face, without caveats or defensiveness. The strategy centres on a simple question: How do we help men live healthier, longer and happier lives? To answer that, it outlines three core aims: making healthcare easier to access, supporting healthier choices, and creating environments that help men thrive.
We explore the six pillars underpinning the plan and highlight the broader significance of this moment, the potential impact on future generations, and the big questions that still need answering.
 
Link to the full Men's Health Strategy Report:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691c8a7b5a253e2c40d706ee/mens-health-a-strategic-vision-for-england.pdf

S3, Ep16: The Meaning of Missing Men | Why men are disappearing from society

Are young men in Britain facing a silent crisis? Education dropout rates, workforce withdrawal, and worsening men's mental health suggest something deeper is going on.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by Mark Brooks OBE, Director of Policy & Communications at the Centre for Policy Research on Boys and Men and co-author of The Missing Men report; one of the most comprehensive studies on the state of men and boys in the UK.
In this episode you will learn:
Why so many boys are falling behind in education
What’s driving men’s withdrawal from the workforce
The urgent need for a dedicated men’s health strategy
How post-pandemic shifts continue to shape men’s lives
The “green shoots” of progress—community action, culture change, and reasons for hope
 
Hear more from Mark:
Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys: www.menandboys.org.uk
LinkedIn: centre-policy-research-menboys
Association of Male Health and Wellbeing:www.amhw.org.uk
Mark Brooks: www.mark-brooks.co.uk
LinkedIn: mark-brooks-obe
 
Timestamps:
06:11: International Men's Day: Significance and Impact
11:58: The Missing Men Report: Understanding NEETs
15:42: The Impact of Unemployment on Young Men
21:24: The Gender Gap in Education
25:51: Employment Challenges and Economic Factors
34:07: Understanding the Prison Population

S3, Ep 15: The Meaning of Self Acceptance | How men can embrace who they are

What does it really mean for a man to feel enough? Many men struggle with identity, purpose and self acceptance, often tying their worth to performance, achievement and strength.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Jim Galvin, former Royal Marine and international athlete, about his lifelong search for belonging and meaning. Jim brings a rare perspective on masculinity, resilience and personal growth shaped by both military life and elite sport.
The brotherhood, structure, and identity formed through the Royal Marines
How elite athletic training shaped Jim’s understanding of discipline and self-worth
The impact of losing his best friend to suicide and the role of grief in men’s mental health
Why physical challenge can be a tool for healing, recovery, and emotional clarity
How to practise self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and allow joy even in chaos
Why many men connect their value to performance and how to build confidence from who you are, not just what you do
This conversation is for anyone interested in men’s mental health, masculinity, resilience, and the deeper question of what it means to live a meaningful and grounded life.
 
Hear more from Jim:
https://www.youtube.com/@jimgalvin2191
 
Timestamps:
02:24: Understanding Early Influences
05:16: The Journey into the Royal Marines
09:06: Finding Purpose in Military Life
11:48: Transitioning to International Sport
14:48: Redefining Identity Beyond Physicality
16:36: Evolving Perspectives on Masculinity
18:42: Reflections on War and Peace
22:14: The Struggles of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
23:13: Navigating the First Year After Leaving the Marines
25:54: Coping with Loss: The Impact of Suicide on Veterans
28:41: Honouring a Friend: The Weight of Grief and Memory
35:21: Finding Happiness Amidst Chaos
42:58: Building a Community: The Joy of Fitness Coaching
 

S3, Ep14: The Meaning of The Intimacy Gap | Breaking the stigma on premature ejaculation

What happens when science takes on one of men’s most taboo topics?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with John Boghossian, co founder of Kadence Bio, the biotech company developing what could become the first FDA approved treatment for premature ejaculation (PE). John discusses his mission to close what he calls the intimacy gap, the three to one difference in average climax time between men and women, and why solving this issue could positively impact men’s sexual health, confidence, mental wellbeing and relationships.
In this episode you will learn:
What premature ejaculation actually is and why it is far more common than most people realise
How shame, silence and stigma prevent men from seeking support
The science behind Kadence Bio’s on demand treatment and why it represents a breakthrough in sexual health innovation
How improving sexual function can influence mental health, relationship satisfaction and overall quality of life
Why changing cultural narratives around men’s sexual health matters just as much as medical progress
This conversation is about vulnerability, evidence based science and the courage to challenge long standing taboos. It is an essential listen for men and for partners who want a deeper understanding of sexual wellbeing and intimate connection.
Hear more from John:
Website: kadencebio.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/kadence-bio
X https://x.com/KadenceBio
LinkedIn (personal) linkedin.com/in/johnboghossian
 
Timestamps:
05:22: Understanding Premature Ejaculation
10:16: The Impact of PE on Mental Health and Relationships
12:26: Distinguishing PE from Erectile Dysfunction
15:06: Overcoming Shame and Seeking Help
16:27: Current Treatment Options for PE
19:02: Supporting Partners in Addressing PE
22:51: The Science Behind New Treatments
28:27: Final Thoughts on PE and Seeking Help

S3, Ep13: The Meaning of Masks | How men hide their true selves

What’s the mask you wear, and what might be hiding underneath it?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Ashanti Branch, founder of The Ever Forward Club and creator of the Million Mask Movement. We explore the emotional lives of boys and men, the feelings we hide, the stories we learn to tell ourselves, and what it truly takes to live with authenticity, purpose and emotional honesty.
Ashanti shares his journey from growing up in Oakland, California without a father to becoming a teacher who began noticing the same patterns he lived through in his own students. Many young men were hiding behind masks of toughness, humour and indifference, while struggling silently with fear, pressure and self doubt.
This insight inspired him to start The Ever Forward Club, a space that encourages boys to talk openly about what is happening beneath the surface. What began as a small lunch group has since grown into a global movement that invites men everywhere to remove the masks that limit them and reconnect with who they really are.
In this episode you will learn:
Why so many boys and men feel pressure to appear strong and emotionless
How masks of toughness, humour or indifference form and how they affect mental health
The influence of online role models and cultural expectations on young men
The deep need for safety, belonging and meaningful connection
How vulnerability and strength can work together rather than compete
Practical ways to create spaces where honesty, compassion and emotional expression can thrive
This conversation offers insight for anyone interested in men’s mental health, masculinity, emotional wellbeing and the lifelong process of becoming your true self.
 
Hear more from Ashanti:
Website & Socials:EFC Website: https://everforwardclub.org/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-ever-forward-clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everforwardclubYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@everforwardclubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everforwardclub/BookDiary of a Confused EducatorUpcoming EventsGlobal Young Men's Conference, Nov 8th: https://everforwardclub.org/global-young-mens-conference-2025 
 
Timestamps:
05:15: The Ever Forward Program and Its Impact
08:10: Understanding the Masks We Wear
12:56: Emotional Struggles of Young Men
23:41: Navigating Expectations and Authenticity
24:35: The Influence of Online Figures on Young Men
29:17: The Power and Danger of Sound Bites
32:58: Understanding Addiction and Emotional Health
37:08: Messages of Hope and Finding Authentic Connections

S3, Ep12: The Meaning of Boy to Man | Navigating the journey to manhood

When, and how, does a boy truly become a man?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Ewan Corlett, a men’s guide and therapist who specialises in masculinity, rites of passage and the transition from boyhood to manhood. We explore one of the most overlooked and misunderstood stages in modern life: how a boy develops the emotional maturity, self leadership and grounded identity required to live as a healthy, integrated man.
Drawing from his own story of addiction, recovery and self discovery, Ewan explains what it means to become a self led man who moves through the world with integrity, emotional awareness and purpose. He shares insights from both ancient initiation practices and modern therapeutic work, offering a practical understanding of how men grow, heal and develop inner strength.
In this episode you will learn:
The difference between becoming an adult and becoming a man
Why modern society lacks clear initiation and what this means for male identity
How addiction, numbing and unhealthy coping behaviours often emerge from an unfulfilled need for guidance, belonging and purpose
The impact of absent male role models and the confusion surrounding masculinity today
How reconnecting with primal, grounded energy supports confidence, emotional regulation and personal responsibility
What healthy masculinity can look like in relationships, fatherhood, leadership and community
This conversation offers depth and clarity for anyone interested in men’s mental health, masculinity, personal development and rites of passage. It invites you to reflect on your own transition from boyhood to manhood, to recognise the parts of yourself that are still waiting to grow, and to redefine what mature, grounded masculinity can mean for your life and the people you love.
 
Hear more from Ewan:
www.ewancorlett.com
@ewan.corlett
info@ewancorlett.com
Timestamps:
03:41: Ewan's Journey to Self-Discovery
06:29: The Transition from Boy to Man
09:32: Rites of Passage and Male Initiation
11:23: Emotional Regulation and Safety
14:16: Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset
14:32: The Role of Initiation in Society
15:40: Connecting with the Wild Man
18:29: Integrating Strength and Wisdom
21:44: Embracing Adversity and Ego
26:30: The Role of Fathers and Male Initiation
30:19: Creating Safe Spaces for Boys
31:23: Understanding Masculinity and Toxicity
36:38: Modern Day Initiation and Self-Discovery