The Meaning of Men

S2, Ep12: The Meaning of Starting Again.

What do you do when the life you’ve built suddenly disappears?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Adam Clayton, a former professional rugby player whose career was cut short by injury at 24. In the years that followed, Adam struggled with steroid addiction, a loss of identity, and the search for purpose. But hitting rock bottom became the start of something special.
Adam now runs APEX Everest, a powerful community helping people conquer their own seemingly insurmountable challenges—through real conversation, shared experience, and physical endurance.
We joined Adam to record this episode in the stunning Quantok Hills of Somerset to get a first hand experience of the impact APEX is having in helping to turn people's lives around - just like it did for him.
 
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

S2, Ep11: The Meaning of Relationships.

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 we're joined by Kristal DeSantis, a marriage and family therapist and author of Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man. We talk about the unspoken pressures men face in relationships, why many feel unequipped for emotional intimacy, and how to start building new relational skills from the ground up.
Kristal unpacks her “STRONG” model—a practical tool that gives men a framework to communicate better, self-regulate in conflict, and create meaningful connection. Whether you’re single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, this episode offers real insight and encouragement for showing up more fully as a man and a partner.
 
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

S2, Ep10: The Meaning of Sleep.

Are we obsessing over sleep in all the wrong ways?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, renowned neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Chris Winter unpacks the powerful connection between sleep and mental health.
Dr. Winter challenges the myth that some people “just can’t sleep,” and reveals why our obsession with perfect rest may be doing more harm than good.
We explore why falling asleep too quickly might be a red flag, how poor sleep quietly fuels anxiety and depression, and why consistency often matters more than quantity. Dr. Winter also explains why that quiet time before sleep — when your mind finally has space to process — can be just as healing as sleep itself.
With practical tips and reassuring insights, this conversation is a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s ever lain awake worrying they’ll never fall asleep. Whether you’re struggling with insomnia, navigating disrupted sleep as a parent, or just tired of chasing perfection, this episode will help you reframe your relationship with rest — and reclaim your mental health in the process.
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: Optimizing Sleep: Quality, Quantity, and Consistency
26:53: Recognizing 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
 
 

S2, Ep9: The Meaning of Schizophrenia.

What happens when society defines you by your illness, but you decide to define yourself?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Kody Green, one of the most powerful voices speaking out about schizophrenia online today.
Diagnosed at 21, Kody’s story is one of profound struggle and remarkable transformation. He opens up about what it’s really like to live with schizophrenia—from hallucinations and delusions to the crushing isolation and stigma that so often come with it. 
We talk about the impact his diagnosis had on his identity as a man, his experience with addiction and incarceration, and the long road back to self-worth and stability.
Now an advocate with over a million followers, Kody shares how peer support and purpose gave him a second chance—and why no one should ever be made to feel like a burden for what they’re going through. This conversation goes far beyond a diagnosis. It’s about resilience, masculinity, and the power of rewriting the script society hands us.
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
 

S2, Ep8: The Meaning of Somatic Healing.

What if healing isn’t just about fixing your mind—but learning to listen to your body as well?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by trauma-informed somatic coach Brad Golphenee to unpack how men can reconnect with themselves through the body.
Brad has spent nearly two decades helping men move from emotional disconnection to embodied self-awareness through the power of somatic healing.  
He shares how unresolved trauma, however subtle or forgotten, can live in the body for decades, shaping everything from our identity to relationships. We unpack how shame, an all too common emotion for men, often hides beneath the surface and how speaking it aloud in a safe environment can be a transformative release.
Through men's retreats, body-based practices, and group work, Brad's approach to men's mental health empowers them to release stored trauma, access their inner wisdom, and live with more purpose and freedom.
 
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

S2, Ep7: The Meaning of Poetry.

What if the first step toward healing isn’t talking—but writing?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by poet and author Drew Horner to explore how creative outlets can be a lifeline for men struggling to open up.
Drew shares how poetry helped him navigate grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation during the pandemic—and how writing became a form of therapy when words felt too hard to speak aloud. Through personal stories, powerful spoken word, and reflections from his book My Life in Pieces, Drew offers a moving perspective on why emotional expression matters, especially for men's mental health.
This episode is a reminder that just putting your feelings into words in any capacity can be the first step toward healing and creating wider mental health awareness.
Hear more from Drew:
My Life in Pieces: https://linktr.ee/TalesoftheNook?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#275948678
The Rage Whale movie podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FSLdhTwH9WNMqcePFW31x?si=i_D4fXQfQMySjgRAqKQNXA&nd=1&dlsi=4e32c5bce1fd4008 (also on Instagram: @ragewhale_podcast)
Timestamps:
03:39: The Power of Poetry as Emotional Expression
06:51: The Journey of Discovering Poetry
13:38: Life in Pieces: The Meaning Behind the Title
20:48: Resilience and Rebuilding Through Adversity
25:35: The Essence of Poetry and Self-Expression
31:38: The Power of Poetry in Public Spaces
35:34: Exploring the Depths of Emotion
38:29: Mental Health and Vulnerability
41:29: Finding Meaning Through Poetry
44:29: Getting Started with Writing
52:19: Legacy and Impact of Drew's Poetry
 

S2, Ep6 (Movember Special): The Meaning of Young Men's Health in a Digital Age.

With nearly two-thirds of young men following masculinity influencers, isn’t it time we asked why?
In this episode, we welcome back to the show Dr. Krista Fisher from Movember. We unpack Movember's latest research into how digital spaces are shaping the health, relationships, and identity of young men.
The report, Young Men's Health in a Digital Age, explores the influence of online content creators — particularly those focused on masculinity. We talk about their rise into the mainstream, the reasons boys are drawn to them, and the complex contradictions of how these influencers can offer both short-term hope and long-term harm.
This hugely important conversation gets to the heart of what it means to grow up as a young man today — and how we can better support them in a world that’s becoming more divided, more digital, and more confusing than ever.
 
Link to the full report:
https://uk.movember.com/movember-institute/masculinities-report
 
Timestamps:
00:00: Introduction to Young Men's Health Research
07:15: Understanding Online Influences on Young Men's Health
12:55: The Impact of Media on Young Men's Perception
17:30: Engaging Young Men in Conversations
21:48: The Role of Masculinity Influencers
27:09: Decoupling Toxicity from Masculinity
34:17: Contradictions in Young Men's Mental Health
39:27: Case Study: Will's Journey with Influencers
42:16: The Search for Masculinity
43:40: Understanding Influences on Young Men
46:03: The Impact of Loneliness
49:03: Social Media: Connection or Isolation?
50:31: Contradictions in Relationships
55:17: Frustrations with Dating
01:03:05: A Healthier World for All
01:08:28: Future Directions for Young Men's Health

S2, Ep5: The Meaning of Equal Partners.

What does true gender equality in the home really look like—and how does it impact men's mental health?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners, discusses the crucial link between domestic roles and men's health.
We explore how traditional expectations - like being the breadwinner, the problem-solver, or the “strong, silent type” - can silently chip away at men’s emotional resilience, leading to burnout, isolation, and even depression. Kate shares stories from her research with men across the world who have embraced equal partnership in their relationships—not just to support their partners, but because it’s better for their own health and happiness.
From the quiet pressures of being the ‘strong one’ in the house to the emotional toll of feeling like a ‘second-class parent’, this episode is a vital piece of the puzzle in advancing mental health awareness and creating more balanced, fulfilling lives for men and their families.
Hear more from Kate:
Website: https://www.katemangino.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemangino/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manginokate22/
 
Timestamps:
07:10: Defining Gender Equality in the Household
10:14: The Importance of Communication in Partnerships
13:07: The Inspiration Behind 'Equal Partners'
15:55: Challenging Misconceptions About Gender Roles
17:32: The Impact of Gender Equality on Mental Health
25:28: The Perception of Fathers and Their Roles
27:24: The Need for Support Networks for Men
30:01: Gatekeeping in Parenting
32:24: Shaping Gender Equality in the Household
34:38: Challenging Traditional Gender Roles
37:50: The Impact of Gender Equality on Mental Health
41:12: The Importance of Emotional Openness
43:07: Concluding Thoughts on Gender Equality and Self-Care

S2, Ep4: The Meaning of Better Boys, Better Men.

What does it really take to raise boys into good men in today’s world?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men Andrew Reiner—author of Better Boys, Better Men, discusses the evolving landscape of masculinity and what young men are up against today.
We dive into why so many boys are struggling in school, withdrawing emotionally, and falling behind—not just academically, but socially and mentally. Andrew shares powerful insights on “the boy code”—a set of unspoken rules that teach boys to suppress vulnerability, avoid asking for help, and always appear in control. 
We talk about everything from fatherhood to men's mental health, from emotional resilience to the long-term impact of those “man up” messages we throw around so casually. Andrew also reflects on how his own journey—and becoming a father—led him to challenge old beliefs and rewrite the script on masculinity.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Why do boys shut down emotionally?
What does healthy vulnerability look like for men?
How do we break the cycle of depression in men and build a better path forward?
…this episode is for you.
 
Timestamps:
06:14: Inspiration Behind 'Better Boys, Better Men'
18:10: The Boy Code and Its Impact on Mental Health
22:32: The Impact of Testosterone on Male Brain Development
28:33: Challenges for Single Mothers Raising Boys
34:03: Unlearning Damaging Behaviours in Men
41:17: The Importance of Emotional Resiliency in Boys

S2, Ep3: The Meaning of Rejection.

Why does rejection affect us so deeply—and what can we do about it?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, professor of psychology Mark Leary uncovers the powerful role rejection plays in our lives. Drawing from decades of research, Mark explains how our sensitivity to rejection is deeply rooted in our evolutionary need to belong—and why that need still shapes our behaviour today.
We explore how rejection impacts self-esteem, relationships, and mental health, particularly for men, who are often discouraged from expressing vulnerability or acknowledging emotional pain. Mark offers valuable insight into how we can better understand our reactions to rejection, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop a more resilient sense of self.
 
Hear more from Mark:
Interpersonal Rejection Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interpersonal-Rejection-Mark-R-Leary/dp/0195130146
Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toward-less-egoic-world
Timestamps:
04:46: The Impact of Rejection
11:42: The Evolutionary Roots of Acceptance
15:11: Friendship Dynamics and Acceptance
18:57: Types of Rejection and Their Impact
26:00: Rejection Sensitivity: Genetic and Experiential Factors
31:14: Perception of Rejection: Overestimating and Underestimating
33:06: Understanding Sensitivity to Rejection
35:19: The Balance of Acceptance and Rejection
37:44: Reframing Rejection: A Positive Perspective
41:55: Navigating Romantic Rejection
46:09: The Complexity of Self-Worth and Rejection
49:11: Hurt Feelings: The Core of Rejection
51:25: Moving Forward After Rejection