The Meaning of Men

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
 

S2, Ep2: The Meaning of Humour.

We all love to laugh! But have you ever stopped to think how humour can be used more consciously to help build resilience, cope with stress, and improve your relationships? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, comedian, author and humour strategist Paul Osincup explains how humour can be used as deliberately as things like yoga and meditation to improve our physical and mental health.
We explore the science and psychology behind humour and how you can start creating simple humour habits to bring more laughter and joy into your lives. Paul shares insights on using laughter intentionally to navigate tough emotions, communicate more openly, and break down the stigma around men’s mental health.
 
Learn more about Paul
The Humor Habit Book: https://www.thehumorhabit.com/
 
Paul's website: paulosincup.com 
 
Timestamps:
00:00: The Power of Humour in Mental Health
06:37: Paul's Journey: From Educator to Humour Advocate
11:12: Understanding the Humour Habit
16:11: The Science Behind Laughter
21:00: Types of Humour and Their Impact
25:56: Reframing Failure and Rejection with Humour
29:11: Navigating Embarrassment and Finding Humour
33:46: The Power of Reframing and Humour in Difficult Times
36:22: Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Laughter
41:35: Humour in Relationships: Building Emotional Intimacy
46:21: Creating Humour Habits for a Happier Life
55:50: The Balance of Humour and Mental Health

S2, Ep 1: The Meaning of Dopamine.

For the first episode of Season 2 of The Meaning of Men, we’re tackling a topic that’s shaping our lives in ways we don’t even realise—dopamine.
Dopamine plays a crucial role in how we think, feel, and behave. You’ve probably heard people talk about “dopamine hits” when scrolling through social media or chasing that next big achievement. But what is dopamine really? And how does it influence everything from our motivation to our mental health?
To help us break it all down, we're joined by Michael Long— author, speechwriter, and expert in human behaviour. We explore how dopamine drives us, when it helps, when it hurts, and most importantly, how we can take control of it rather than letting it control us. What's clear from this discussion is that better understanding dopamine is key to better mental health awareness.
Be sure to check out Michael's new book: https://TamingTheMolecule.com to learn more!
 

Season 1 Wrap - See You in 2 Weeks!

We'll be launching Season 2 on Tuesday 25th March. Stay tuned!

S1, Ep12: The Meaning of Resilience.

In the Season 1 Finale of The Meaning of Men, Rachel Duncan shares the harrowing story of her nephew, James Bascoe Smith, who survived a brutal knife attack in Brixton in 2021. Once a talented gymnast and aspiring music producer, James was left with life-altering injuries after being stabbed multiple times in a case of mistaken identity. Rachel details the emotional trauma, the court case that followed, and the ongoing struggle of living with a disability. She highlights the often-overlooked grief of survivors and their families, emphasising the long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face. The conversation explores broader societal issues, including gang violence, parenting, and the role of communities in supporting young people. Ultimately, she hopes James’s story will inspire us all to work towards a safer, more supportive future for boys and young men.

S1, Ep11: The Meaning of Anxiety (ft Movember).

Is anxiety in men being fundamentally misunderstood? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Krista Fisher research fellow at Movember, unpacks how anxiety shows up differently in men—and why that often leads to it being overlooked.
Dr Krista shares groundbreaking insights from her research, revealing that men often express anxiety through physical symptoms rather than emotional distress. We also discuss how deeply ingrained ideas about masculinity can stop men from recognising when they need help, and in turn increase their symptoms.
So how do you know when it’s time to take action? And what can you do about it? This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone invested in men’s mental well-being.
 

Reflections: The Impact of Social Media Algorithms.

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. 

S1, Ep10: The Meaning of Martial Arts.

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, ex professional MMA fighter Kojo Lewis shares the untold side of combat sports—the fear, the self-doubt, and the struggle to find purpose beyond the fight. From a chaotic upbringing to the highs of professional competition, Kojo used martial arts as a way to prove his worth. But when injuries forced him to retire, he was left questioning everything.
Now a coach and mentor, he’s passionate about mental health awareness and helping others develop resilience—without needing to fight to prove themselves.
This is an honest conversation about men’s mental health, discipline, and learning to be comfortable in your own skin.