The Meaning of Men

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, Dr. Krista Fischer, 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.

Reflections: Recognising Postnatal Depression in Men.

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Tom Bailey, who shared his experience of suffering postnatal depression after the birth of his son.

S1, Ep 9: The Meaning of Porn Addiction.

More men in the UK struggle with a porn addiction than a gambling addiction. But with such a heavy stigma attached, it remains a largely hidden and unspoken issue.
 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, leading sexual and relationship psychotherapist Dr Paula Hall dives into the impact of porn addiction on men’s mental health. She breaks down how compulsive porn use can become a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and even depression in men, often leading to secrecy, shame, and withdrawal from their partners. 
We explore the signs of male depression linked to porn addiction, including emotional numbness, loss of interest in real intimacy, and a diminished sense of pleasure. Dr. Hall also shares practical steps for those struggling and how loved ones can support and navigate difficult conversations.
 
Links to Dr Paula's work:
Pivotal Recovery website - https://www.pivotalrecovery.org/
Laurel Centre website - https://thelaurelcentre.co.uk/
Dr Paula's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Treating-Sex-Pornography-Addiction-dp-0815362285/dp/0815362285/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
 
 

Reflections: 'Believe in The Decency of Boys and Men'.

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Dr Judy Chu, an expert in boys and men.

S1, Ep 8: The Meaning of Grief.

Could understanding how men truly process grief change the way we approach mental health?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, therapist and author Tom Golden reveals how men process emotions differently—and why that often goes unrecognised. Tom shares his journey into grief therapy, where he discovered that traditional talk-based methods weren’t working for his male clients. Instead, men tend to heal through action—building, creating, or physically doing something that helps them process their emotions.
We discuss the signs of male depression, which often show up as anger, withdrawal, or overworking rather than visible sadness. Tom also highlights the pressures men face—from biological instincts to cultural expectations—that make opening up feel like a risk. He also offers practical advice on how to support grieving men: forget forcing conversations, and instead, meet them where they are—side by side, engaged in an activity that allows emotions to surface naturally.

Reflections: It’s Not a Competition – Your Feelings are Valid.

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Firefighter and former Royal Marine Kyle Martin. 
Kyle reminded me that whether you're facing something big or small, your emotions matter—and you don’t have to diminish them.