The Meaning of Men

S2, Ep15: The Meaning of Good Anger.

What if anger wasn’t the problem—but the way we misunderstand it is?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're joined by journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the idea that anger is inherently destructive. Instead, he shows how—when understood properly—anger can be one of our most powerful tools for self-awareness, connection, and even healing.
We explore the difference between anger and aggression, the damage caused by suppressing anger, and how men in particular can start expressing it in healthy, productive ways. Whether it's in our relationships, our work, or even our mental health, anger holds clues to our unmet needs and deeper wounds—if we’re brave enough to pay attention.
This conversation is all about changing the narrative around anger—and learning how to use it, not fear it.
Hear more from Sam:
Good Anger book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Anger-Radical-Rethink-Misunderstood/dp/1399417851
 
Timestamps:
06:59: The Concept of Good Anger
12:47: Distinguishing Anger from Aggression
17:00: The Impact of Suppressed Anger
21:30: Healthy Expressions of Anger in Relationships
27:45: Understanding Anger: Boundaries and Unmet Needs
33:03: The Complexity of Anger in Relationships
35:05: Self-Compassion and Anger: A Deep Connection
38:20: Building Healthy Habits Around Anger
45:48: Navigating Anger in the Digital Age
 

S2, Ep14: The Meaning of Entrepreneurship.

What does it really take to launch and run your own business?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're diving into the world of entrepreneurship with Michael Brennan—an ordinary man with extraordinary ambition.
Michael shares his journey of building a successful business, hitting burnout, and navigating the emotional and mental toll of stepping away from something you’ve poured your heart into. He shares the lessons he’s learned about resilience, ego, and the power of rebuilding from rock bottom. We also get into Michael’s latest venture, Bob—a business born during one of his lowest moments, now set to shake up the men's personal care space.
Whether you're starting a business, facing a personal challenge, or just searching for your next big move, this episode is packed with honesty, insight, and inspiration.
Hear more from Michael:
Website: https://welcometobob.com/15% discount code for Bob: MEANINGOFMEN15
Timestamps:
03:12: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
03:55: Inspiration Behind Entrepreneurship
06:24: Enjoying the Journey of Entrepreneurship
07:29: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
10:43: Setting Big Goals to Combat Fear
12:23: The Importance of Team and Collaboration
15:52: Balancing Business and Personal Life
20:14: The Impact of Stepping Back from Business
24:10: Mental Health and Identity Crisis
29:33: Finding Purpose and Service in Life
29:55: Ego and Entrepreneurship
39:12: Support Systems in Business
47:01: The Journey of Building Bob
53:13: Advice for New Adventures

S2, Ep13: The Meaning of Strive State.

Could avoiding discomfort be the very thing holding you back from true fulfilment?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we’re exploring the power of Strive—a mindset that redefines how we grow, perform, and find lasting fulfilment.
My guest is renowned high performance researcher and author Dr. Adam Fraser, who reveals why struggle—not comfort—is the real catalyst for growth. We unpack the dangers of relentlessly chasing happiness, the myth of goal completion, and why fulfilment often comes from the challenges we’d rather avoid. 
Whether you're looking to boost workplace productivity, or just need the motivation to go about your daily life, this episode explores the little-known truths about happiness and purpose, and how the joy is often in the striving―not the destination.
Hear more from Adam:
Strive book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Designed-Strive-Seeking-Important-Happiness/dp/0730337413
Timestamps:
03:38: Understanding the Strive State
07:14: The Role of Challenge in Growth
10:12: The Paradox of Comfort and Fulfillment
11:45: Happiness vs. Fulfillment
17:11: The Completion Myth and Its Implications
20:49: The Completion Myth and Its Impact
23:49: Men and Emotional Vulnerability
30:21: Parenting and Instilling a Strive Mindset
38:57: Creating Strive State Moments
 

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