The Meaning of Men

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
 

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.