The Meaning of Men

S4, Ep15: The Meaning of The Men's Health Gap | Rethinking how we reach men

Why do so many men wait until it’s too late to seek help?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by public health expert Dr Dominick Shattuck to explore the real reasons behind the men’s health gap. From lower life expectancy to higher rates of suicide, cardiovascular disease and late-stage diagnosis, men consistently experience worse health outcomes—but the causes go far beyond individual choices.
Together, we unpack how structural barriers, healthcare design, and masculine norms all influence the way men engage with preventative care. This conversation dives into why men often avoid doctors, how early life experiences shape long-term health behaviours, and what needs to change at a systems level to improve outcomes.
You’ll also hear why meeting men where they are—through workplaces, sports, and communities—could be key to driving earlier intervention and better engagement.
This is a powerful, evidence-based conversation about shifting the narrative from blame to understanding, and building a more effective approach to men’s health.
 
In this episode you will learn:
Why men are more likely to delay seeking medical care
The key drivers behind the men’s life expectancy gap
How adolescence shapes lifelong health behaviours
The impact of masculine norms on health decisions
What systemic changes could improve men’s health outcomes
 
Hear more from Dominick:
JHU Profile: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/4296/dominick-shattuck
*AIBM: https://aibm.org/who-we-are/dominick-shattuck/
Relational Ground, LLC: https://www.relationalgroundllc.com/ 
*Dominick’s Substack: Relational Ground: https://dominickmenshealth.substack.com/ 
* Building Bridges: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C0bPO0iemPpl0Fl3LLtZAJdHe_hDZag6/view - This is a document I led as part of the Male Engagement Task Force. It provides some solid literature review on adolescence, masculinity, and related behaviors. You’ll recognize names in the literature. 
Timestamps:
02:00: Why men’s health is more than individual choice04:45: Dominick Shattuck’s background in global men’s health09:20: The 5-year life expectancy gap explained12:15: Why men engage late with healthcare systems15:20: Root causes vs symptoms in men’s health18:45: Adolescence and the drop-off in preventative care23:15: Giving young men autonomy in health decisions27:00: What men want from healthcare providers30:00: Reframing health around performance & purpose33:30: Leveraging masculinity for positive health outcomes36:45: The power of humour and connection among men38:30: Key system changes needed to improve men’s health42:00: Meeting men where they are (work, sport, community)45:30: The role of “third spaces” in men’s wellbeing49:30: Final reflections & what needs to change
 

S4, Ep14: The Meaning of Evolutionary Psychology | Understanding men beyond the surface

What if everything we think we know about male behaviour is only scratching the surface?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Dr. Becci Owens, Head of Psychology at the University of Sunderland, to explore the deeper evolutionary forces shaping men, masculinity, and modern behaviour. From male competitiveness and risk-taking to status, relationships, and belonging, this conversation challenges mainstream narratives and invites a more nuanced understanding of what drives men today.
Drawing on evolutionary psychology, Dr Becci unpacks how unconscious biological and social mechanisms influence everything from adolescent behaviour to mate selection and fatherhood. Together, we explore why young men are drawn to risk, how status-seeking shows up in both destructive and prosocial ways, and why many boys today struggle with identity and belonging.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in male psychology, mental health, parenting boys, or understanding masculinity in a rapidly changing world. Expect thought-provoking insights, practical reflections, and a refreshing perspective that moves beyond surface-level explanations into the deeper “why” behind human behaviour.
 
In this episode you will learn:
How evolutionary psychology explains the deeper drivers of male behaviour
Why status, competition, and risk-taking are hardwired into men
How mating strategies shift across life stages and shape relationships
Why many boys and men struggle with belonging in modern society
How to channel masculine traits into positive, prosocial outcomes
 
Hear more from Dr Becci:
Instagram: @DrBecciO
University website: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about/academic-staff/rebecca-owens
 
Timestamps:
05:55: Becoming a Psychologist: A Personal Journey
10:25: The Lens of Evolutionary Psychology
16:48: Exploring Strategic Pluralism in Relationships
22:05: The Drive for Status in Men
29:19: Socializing Boys and Young Men
39:50: Bridging Gaps in Male Psychology Research
 

S4, Ep13: The Meaning of Sobriety | Breaking the cycle of addiction

What does addiction actually feel like from the inside?
This week on The Meaning of Men I sit down with influencer and mentor Gary Mairs to explore addiction, sobriety, and the deeper emotional work required for lasting transformation. From a seemingly “normal” upbringing to years of alcohol dependency, Gary shares his raw and honest journey into addiction—and the pivotal moment that changed everything.
This episode goes beyond surface-level discussions of alcohol misuse. It dives into the psychology of addiction, the neurological grip of alcohol, and the cultural pressures that keep men trapped in destructive cycles. Gary unpacks how purpose, connection, and accountability became the foundations of his recovery, and why sobriety is about far more than simply “quitting drinking.”
Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking greater meaning and personal growth, this conversation offers profound insights into resilience, masculinity, and healing.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode will challenge your thinking—and show you what’s possible on the other side of change.
In This Episode You Will Learn
Why addiction is both a psychological and neurological cycle
The difference between stopping drinking and true sobriety
How connection and support accelerate recovery
The hidden cultural pressures that keep men stuck
Practical strategies to manage cravings and rebuild your life
Hear more from Gary:
https://www.instagram.com/sobernsound?igsh=b3diOTVrdzFyYXln&utm_source=qr
https://www.patreon.com/cw/SoberNSound
Timestamps:
06:01: The Vicious Cycle of Alcoholism
12:25: The Turning Point
24:00: The Importance of Understanding and Connection
29:16: Common Pitfalls in Recovery
34:46: Supporting Those Struggling with Alcohol
42:43: Final Messages of Hope and Inspiration

S4, Ep12: The Meaning of Male Suicide | What actually helps men heal (ft Dr Susie Bennett)

Why are men still dying by suicide at such alarming rates?
This week on The Meaning of Men we unpack the male suicide crisis and what’s really driving it with Dr Susie Bennett, one of the UK's leading researchers in this space. We explore the complex intersection of masculinity, mental health, loneliness, and emotional suppression—and why so many men feel unable to ask for help.
Drawing on cutting-edge research and lived experience, this conversation goes beyond statistics to reveal the deeper psychological and cultural factors behind male suicide. From the “empathy gap” to the pressure to be strong, successful, and self-reliant, we examine how societal expectations can leave men feeling isolated, ashamed, and disconnected.
Crucially, this episode also focuses on solutions. You’ll hear why connection, community, and redefining what it means to be a man are essential to preventing male suicide—and how we can all play a role in supporting the men in our lives.
In this episode you will learn:
What’s really driving male suicide rates
The impact of loneliness and social disconnection
How masculinity norms affect men’s mental health
Why men struggle to open up and seek support
Practical ways to better support the men in your life
Hear more from Dr Susie:
Website:malesuicideresearch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/
Timestamps:
07:22: The State of Male Suicide: Trends and Concerns
12:43: The Empathy Gap: Societal Perceptions of Men
18:54: Cultural Factors Influencing Male Suicide
29:46: The Psychological Impact of Masculinity on Men
33:08: The Tenderness of Providing
35:19: Redefining the Role of Provider
37:33: The Crisis of Male Loneliness
41:01: Building Connections Among Men
45:03: Diverse Interventions for Male Mental Health
52:04: Recognizing Warning Signs of Distress
01:04: 16Hope for the Future of Boys and Men
 

S4, Ep11: The Meaning of Brain Mapping | Understanding your mind at a deeper level

Could your brain be holding answers you’ve never accessed?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by clinical and sports psychologist Santiago Brand to explore brain mapping, neuroscience, and personalised mental health.
We dive into how brain mapping (qEEG) reveals the root causes of anxiety, depression, burnout, and focus issues—moving beyond guesswork toward precision mental health. Santiago explains how understanding your brain activity can help tailor therapy, medication, and performance strategies to the individual.
This conversation also explores proactive mental health, showing why men often wait until crisis point—and how tools like neurofeedback, breathwork, and lifestyle changes can improve brain function, emotional regulation, and resilience.
If you’re looking to optimise performance, better understand your mental health, or reduce overwhelm, this episode offers practical insights grounded in neuroscience.
In this episode you will learn:
What brain mapping is and how it works
How it identifies root causes of mental health challenges
Why personalised treatment improves outcomes
The role of neurofeedback and brain training
Practical ways to support brain health daily
 
Hear more from Santiago:
Website: https://www.santiagobrand.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-brand-a985905/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosantiago/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Santiago-Brand-61555834522930/
 
Timestamps:
 
04:39: The Journey into Brain Science and Neurofeedback
08:42: The Importance of Brain Mapping in Mental Health
12:48: Preventative Measures and Early Interventions
20:35: Empowerment Through Understanding Brain Function
24:10: Holistic Approaches to Brain Health
30:23: Training the Brain for Better Performance
36:19: Precision in Mental Health Interventions
 
 
 

S4, Ep10: The Meaning of Introvert | How to build confidence one small step at a time

What if being an introvert isn’t a limitation—but simply a label you’ve learned to live with?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I down with Nick Shelton, author of An Introvert's Guide to World Domination, to explore confidence, introversion, and the powerful role identity plays in shaping our lives.
Nick shares his story of growing up shy and socially awkward, often feeling misunderstood at school and unsure how to navigate social situations. Instead of accepting those labels, he began observing confident people and breaking down their behaviours into simple, learnable steps.
Drawing on lessons from his time in the Air Force, Nick explains how complex personal challenges—like social anxiety or low confidence—can be tackled through small, deliberate actions.
This conversation explores how many men become defined by personality labels such as “introvert,” and how questioning those assumptions can unlock new possibilities for personal growth, connection, and resilience.
If you’ve ever felt held back by shyness, social anxiety, or the belief that confidence simply isn’t “who you are,” this episode offers a refreshing perspective—and practical tools to start changing the story.
In this episode you will learn:
Why personality labels like “introvert” can limit personal growth
How to build confidence through small, practical steps
The power of observing and modelling confident behaviour
Lessons from military training that apply to everyday life
How to challenge the identity stories holding you back
Hear more from Nick:
Book: An Introvert's Guide to World Domination: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Introverts-Guide-World-Domination-Networker-ebook/dp/B08GDV7B4B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KMAPPT6T12V0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IlGRyZIC2be9dgzVPV9i0c8Ph78cAJlcQa9JkLyjJr8._vDJArjgc68QswSwwL8Ri0GUx5BKVLM2RJ4a3wREFuw&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+introverts+guide+to+world+domination&qid=1773248876&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+introverts+guide+to+world+dominatio%2Cdigital-text%2C222&sr=1-1
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/
 
https://nicksheltonspeaks.com/
 
Timestamps:
04:07: Understanding Introversion: A New Perspective
05:50: The Power of Observation
10:08: Building Authentic Connections
10:57: An Introvert's Guide to World Domination
14:43: Leveraging Strengths for Success
15:12: Navigating High-End Events
17:27: Networking as a Skill
19:34: Building Networking Muscles
24:46: Overcoming Introversion in Social Settings
29:35: The Power of Public Speaking
34:45: Daily Habits for Relationship Building
40:38: Empowering Introverts in Early Life

S4, Ep9: The Meaning of Wearable Depression Devices | Groundbreaking innovation in men’s mental health

What if starting to treat depression was as simple as putting on a headset at home?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're exploring the groundbreaking wearable technology backed by the NHS that’s transforming depression treatment.
Joining me is Kultar Garcha, a GP and chief medical officer at Flow Neuroscience, the team behind a wearable headset designed to treat depression safely from home. We unpack the science behind its success, where this fits alongside therapy and medication, and why it’s especially appealing for men tackling depression.
If you're searching for alternatives to antidepressants, innovative depression treatments, or ways to support men’s mental health, this conversation is essential listening.
In this episode you will learn:
How Flow headset uses brain stimulation to help treat depression at home
Why the headset is especially appealing to men battling depression
How it works to support therapy and other interventions for depression
Hear more from Flow Neuroscience:
https://www.flowneuroscience.com/
 
Timestamps:
02:08: Understanding Flow Neuroscience
03:40: The Technology of the Headset
06:08: Neuromodulation and Neuroplasticity Explained
08:38: Men's Mental Health and the Appeal of Tech
12:47: Flow in Relation to Traditional Treatments
16:49: Scientific Evidence and Effectiveness of Flow
20:13: User Experience and Feedback
24:12: Meeting People Where They Are
27:33: Future Directions for Flow Neuroscience
 

S4,Ep8: The Meaning of Men's Therapy | Building resilience, clarity & confidence

How can men start getting the most from therapy?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Chris Hemmings. Chris is a former BBC journalist whose own struggles with grief, addiction and depression led him to retrain as a psychotherapist and build Men’s Therapy Hub — a platform connecting men with male therapists across the UK.
Chris explains that many men aren’t avoiding therapy because they don’t care — but because they fear judgment, being seem as weak, or being told they need to become someone they’re not. Together we start to explore some of these myths, what men really need from their therapists and how they can best show up to get the most from therapy. 
In this episode you will learn:
Why men often avoid therapy and how to overcome the stigma
The biggest misconceptions about counselling for men
How masculinity and emotional strength can work together
What to look for when choosing the right therapist
Why seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness
Hear more from Chris:
Men's Therapy Hub: www.menstherapyhub.co.uk
 
No Man's an Island podcast: Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXF
Apple:
https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/no-mans-an-island/id1849171262?i=1000745844084
 
My website: www.chrishemmings.co.uk
 
Timestamps:
09:27: Misconceptions About Therapy
18:36: Finding the Right Therapist
23:47: The Importance of Gut Feel in Therapy
24:40: Investment Mindset in Therapy
25:45: Shifting from 'Should' to 'Could' in Therapy
28:45: Normalizing Emotions and Removing Shame
31:37: The Role of Humor in Therapy
36:07: Understanding Worthiness in Therapy
40:49: Approaching Therapy with Courage
45:58: Demystifying Therapy for Men
 

S4, Ep7: The Meaning of Raising Boys | Helping sons thrive today

What do boys and young men actually need from us right now?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Lorraine Candy — journalist, editor and bestselling author — to explore what boys really need in today’s digital, headline-driven culture.
From emotional regulation and developmental vulnerability to social media, gaming and the “toxic masculinity” narrative, this conversation cuts through the panic and brings clarity to modern parenting. Lorraine explains why boys often lag behind girls emotionally, how media messaging distorts expectations, and why blanket bans on technology rarely solve the real problem.
We explore practical tools for raising emotionally healthy boys: setting boundaries with clear consequences, building connection through rituals, repairing ruptures after conflict, and meeting boys where they are — not where we think they should be.
If you’re parenting a son — whether he’s five or fifteen — and wondering if you’re getting it right, this episode offers grounded insight, reassurance and practical strategies to help boys grow into confident, compassionate and resilient men.
In this episode you will learn:
Why boys develop differently — and what that means for parenting
How media narratives shape fear around masculinity
Why connection beats control when setting boundaries
How to talk to boys about technology and influencers
The power of repair in strengthening your relationship
Disclaimer: Lorraine's advice is not specifically for anyone parenting neurodivergent teens or children with SEN. 
Hear more from Lorraine: 
Substack parenting newsletter: https://open.substack.com/pub/lorrainecandy
Lorraine's book: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/mum-whats-wrong-with-you-101-things-only-mothers-of-teenage-girls-know-lorraine-candy
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqkuOJeI01m/?igsh=MXB5N3d1ZzV5ZnFieg==
 
Timestamps:
04:05: Understanding Boys: Vulnerability and Development
06:42: The Impact of Media on Parenting Expectations
09:54: Emotional Development and Communication with Boys
12:46: The Role of Technology in Boys' Lives
15:54: Recognizing Behavioral Changes in Adolescents
18:36: Building Connections Through Rituals
21:45: Critical Thinking in Parenting: Media Influence
24:35: The Importance of Open Conversations About Emotions
33:06: Navigating the Impact of Social Media on Boys
34:45: Setting Healthy Boundaries for Teenage Boys
39:02: The Importance of Communication and Connection
41:58: Understanding Emotional Regulation in Boys
45:35: Maintaining Connections During Adolescence
50:04: Redefining Masculinity and Role Models
53:49: Reassurance for Parents Raising Boy

S4, Ep6: The Meaning of Black Men’s Health | Race, identity and early mortality

Why are Black men in America living 13 years less than their healthiest counterparts?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Professor Derek M. Griffith, leading public health researcher and global expert on Black men’s health, to unpack the crisis hiding in plain sight.
From life expectancy gaps and suicide rates to structural racism, economic inequality and the commercial determinants of health, this conversation explores why Black men’s health outcomes remain among the worst in the United States — and what can be done about it.
Professor Griffith explains why he prefers the term manhood over masculinity, how identity and societal expectations shape behaviour, and why men’s health is too often framed as an individual failure rather than a policy priority.
If you care about men’s mental health, health equity, masculinity, fatherhood, purpose, resilience, and social justice — this episode is essential listening.
In this episode you will learn:
Why the 13-year life expectancy gap for Black men exists
How structural racism impacts physical and mental health
The difference between masculinity and manhood — and why it matters
Why men’s health is overlooked in public policy
Practical policy shifts that could transform outcomes for Black men
Hear more from Derek:
https://prmh.nursing.upenn.edu/
Timestamps:
03:11: The Journey to Addressing Men's Health
05:45: The State of Black Men's Health
10:49: Historical Context of Manhood and Masculinity
16:01: The Role of Provider in Black Communities
20:59: Defining Manhood vs. Masculinity
25:56: The Visibility of Men's Health Issues
30:58: Policy Changes for Men's Health
36:04: Hope for the Future of Men's Health