The Meaning of Men

S3, Ep11: The Meaning of Micro-Transitions | Finding calm between life’s demands

Do you ever feel like you are constantly rushing from one thing to the next without ever catching your breath?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Adam Fraser, researcher, keynote speaker and author of The Third Space, to explore one of the most overlooked skills in modern life: how we transition between the different spaces and roles of our day. Adam’s work has transformed how leaders, teams and families understand stress, recovery and presence.
His research shows that the simple ability to pause, reflect and reset between moments can significantly improve mood, performance, emotional connection and overall wellbeing. We explore why so many men carry stress from one role into the next, how this affects relationships and mental health, and what it looks like to use small micro transitions to show up with more intention and clarity.
In this episode you will learn:
What the Third Space is and why it is crucial for mental health and emotional regulation
How micro transitions can reduce stress, improve focus and support healthier relationships
Why men often struggle to switch off or shift gears throughout the day
Practical tools to help you reset between work, home, parenting and personal time
How presence, reflection and even brief pauses can transform how you lead, communicate and connect
Whether you are a father, partner, leader, athlete or friend, this conversation offers practical, research backed strategies to help you move through life with greater presence, calm and purpose.
 
Hear more from Dr Adam:
The Third Space Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Third-Space-Transitions-Balance-Happiness/dp/1459642708
 
Timestamps:
02:26: Understanding the Third Space
05:54: The Importance of Transitioning
12:12: The Three Phases: Reflect, Rest, Reset
17:35: Practical Applications of the Third Space
20:55: Emotional Availability and Relationships
28:10: The Fleeting Nature of Moments
30:06: The Importance of Being Present
32:17: Transitioning from Work to Home
35:27: Adapting to Remote Work
38:28: The Role of Rituals in Relationships
39:21: Nurturing Friendships
41:09: The Power of Communication
45:14: The Transformative Impact of the Third Space

S3, Ep10: The Meaning of Midlife | Turning crises into breakthroughs for men

What if your midlife crisis is not a breakdown but a breakthrough?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Olly Hermon-Taylor, a men’s coach and mentor who helps men navigate midlife transitions, rediscover purpose, and live with authenticity and direction. Olly shares his own story of building a seven-figure business, losing everything, and rebuilding from within, offering lessons that resonate with men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who feel stuck, disconnected or unsure of their next step.
In this episode you will learn:
Why midlife is often a turning point rather than a crisis
The four masculine archetypes — King, Warrior, Magician and Lover — and how balancing them can bring clarity and wholeness
How to reconnect with core values, mission and purpose before life forces change
Practical strategies for reflection, decision making, and embracing transformation
Why rediscovering meaning in midlife can improve confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing
This conversation is a grounded, honest, and hopeful guide for men seeking to understand midlife transitions, masculinity, personal growth and how to turn challenging periods into opportunities for transformation.
 
Hear more from Olly:
https://www.instagram.com/ollyht
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-hermon-taylor/
 
Timestamps:
00:00: The Struggles of Midlife Men
07:42: Olly's Journey to Self-Discovery
09:48: Understanding Midlife Crisis
17:04: Exploring Archetypes in Men's Lives
20:41: The Balance of Archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
25:18: The Importance of Service in Masculinity
25:39: Understanding Purpose vs. Meaning
30:32: Core Values and Boundary Setting
35:51: Preparing for Life's Transitions
40:05: Embracing Your Unique Journey
 
 

S3, Ep9: The Meaning of Social Prescribing | Reducing male loneliness through community

Could connection be the missing prescription in men’s health?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Henry Aughterson, junior doctor, researcher, and advocate for community-based healthcare. We explore the concept of social prescribing, a growing movement that connects people with local activities to improve wellbeing and address the root causes of mental distress.
Dr. Henry explains why men often find it easier to connect shoulder to shoulder through shared activities. From football clubs and gardening groups to choirs, these spaces reduce loneliness, foster purpose, and help men feel part of something bigger. His research highlights real stories of men who describe these social groups as the single most important step in their mental health journey.
In this episode you will learn:
How social prescribing can improve men’s mental health, reduce isolation and build community
Why shared activities are a powerful way for men to form meaningful connections
The role of vulnerability and self-care in men's emotional wellbeing
How community, purpose and belonging support resilience and life satisfaction
Practical ways to find or create spaces that strengthen mental health and connection
This conversation is a guide for anyone interested in men’s health, loneliness, emotional wellbeing, and how connection, community and meaningful activity can transform lives.
 
Timestamps:
01:50: Journey to Medicine
04:44: Life as an NHS Doctor
04:50: Mental Health Challenges
11:39: Understanding Social Prescribing
22:29: The Role of Social Prescribing for Men
28:49: Addressing the Needs of Young Men
38:04: The Importance of Meaning in Healthcare

S3, Ep8: The Meaning of Building Up Boys | Teaching boys to trust their emotions

What if the key to raising healthier men starts with teaching boys to trust their emotions?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Kimmi Berlin, founder of Build Up Boys, an organisation dedicated to helping young boys retain and develop their innate emotional intelligence. We explore how boys, sometimes as young as five, begin trading pieces of their emotional wholeness for social acceptance and the long-term effects this has on mental health, relationships, and identity.
Kimmi shares practical strategies for parents, educators, and mentors, including how to replace phrases like “you’re okay” with curiosity, teach body autonomy, foster empathy, and build conflict resolution skills through play. These early interventions can help boys grow into men who are confident, emotionally aware, and capable of forming deeper connections.
In this episode you will learn:
Why supporting boys’ emotional intelligence is critical for long-term mental health
How societal pressures encourage emotional suppression and what parents can do to counter it
Tools and exercises to help boys develop empathy, self-awareness, and resilience
How early emotional education leads to healthier friendships, stronger families, and more connected men
The impact of nurturing vulnerability and emotional honesty on boys’ future wellbeing
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in raising emotionally healthy boys, men’s mental health, and creating a generation of men who can connect authentically with themselves and others.
 
Hear more from Kimmi:
www.buildupboys.com
 
https://youtube.com/@buildupboys7351?si=Wi9ObA8jXFE5z0tO
 
https://motherwellmag.com/2025/04/09/adolescence-call-to-action-build-up-boys/amp/
 
https://www.popsugar.com/family/promising-young-woman-illustrates-need-to-teach-consent-48213626
 
Timestamps:
 
07:04: The Importance of Early Emotional Education
13:09: Navigating Emotions: Anger and Beyond
21:17: Consequences of Emotional Suppression in Adulthood
25:13: Building Emotional Awareness in Boys
30:22: Fostering Emotional Intelligence at Home
32:55: Small Changes for Big Impacts
37:25: Positive Changes Observed in Boys
42:26: The Power of Kindness in Raising Boys
 
 

S3, Ep7: The Meaning of Masculinity | Redefining manhood beyond stereotypes

How can we redefine masculinity in a way that empowers men and boys?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman, researcher, educator, and consultant, about one of the most complex and debated topics in modern life: masculinity. Brendan’s work is driven by personal experience, including the tragic loss of a student to suicide, which inspired him to explore how boys’ struggles are shaped by both biology and social pressures.
We discuss why terms like toxic masculinity often create division, and why men and boys need guidance on embracing masculinity positively instead of simply being told what not to do. Brendan shares how reframing masculinity around safety, authenticity, emotional awareness, and self alignment can help men lead healthier lives and build stronger communities.
In this episode you will learn:
How societal expectations influence boys and men from an early age
The difference between restrictive and empowering forms of masculinity
Strategies for educators, parents, and communities to support positive male development
How embracing authenticity, responsibility, and emotional literacy fosters resilience and wellbeing
Why curiosity and nuance are essential when talking about masculinity today
This conversation offers insight for anyone interested in men’s mental health, positive masculinity, emotional wellbeing, and creating environments where boys and men can thrive.
 
Hear more from Brendan:
www.remasculine.com
 
Timestamps:
02:01: Brendan's Journey: From Teacher to Masculinity Advocate
03:50: Defining Masculinity: Beliefs, Behaviors, and Roles
06:32: The Demonization of Masculinity: Impact on Society
10:03: Toxic Masculinity: A Misunderstood Concept
11:58: Restrictive Masculinity: Harmful Beliefs and Behaviors
15:45: Reframing Masculinity: A Personal Evolution
19:18: The Fluidity of Masculinity: Personal Experiences
23:48: Authenticity in Masculinity: Finding Inner Confidence
25:58: The Balance of Masculinity
27:53: Navigating the Gray Areas of Masculinity
32:49: Understanding Rites of Passage
38:37: Breaking the Trauma Triangle
46:11: The Epidemic of Male Lonelines

S3, Ep6: The Meaning of Men in Therapy (ft Movember) | How to make therapy work for men

What do men really want and need from therapy?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Zac Seidler, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Research at Movember, about why therapy often fails men and how it can be improved. Drawing on groundbreaking research, Zac explains that 44% of men drop out of therapy early, not because of cost or inconvenience, but because they do not feel a genuine connection with their therapist.
We explore the unique challenges men face in seeking help, including cultural expectations, societal pressure, and therapeutic approaches that do not reflect men’s lived experiences. Zac shares practical strategies for therapists, including being direct, goal-focused, and culturally aware of masculinity, to better engage male clients.
We also discuss Movember’s Men in Mind programme, which trains therapists to understand men’s mental health, improve connection, and reduce dropout rates.
In this episode you will learn:
Why men are less likely to seek therapy and the barriers that prevent engagement
How traditional therapy models can fail to meet men’s needs
Practical approaches for therapists to create a safe, effective space for male clients
The role of masculinity and cultural norms in shaping men’s mental health experiences
How programs like Men in Mind are improving outcomes for men
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, therapy for men, reducing stigma, and creating supportive environments where men can access the help they need.
 
Hear more from Dr Zac:
Men in Mind programme: https://meninmind.movember.com/  
More research and articles from Movember: https://movember.substack.com/
 
Timestamps:
13:24: Understanding Therapy: Men’s Experiences and Expectations
22:50: Creating Safe Spaces: The Importance of Connection in Therapy
24:58: The Call for Help in Men's Mental Health
27:31: Understanding Vulnerability and Communication
29:53: Navigating Traditional and Contemporary Masculinity
30:34: Stereotypes and Therapy: The Masculinity Barrier
33:28: Personal Connection in Therapy
36:30: Redefining Therapy: A Strength-Based Approach
41:46: Movember's Initiatives for Men's Mental Health Awareness
 

S3, Ep5: The Meaning of Boys & Men (ft Richard Reeves) | Reconnecting men with purpose and identity

What truly defines being a man today?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men. Richard is one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today, offering insights into how society can better support male development, wellbeing, and purpose.
In this episode you will learn:
Why this moment represents a turning point in how masculinity is understood and discussed
How solutions are being built to tackle education gaps, male mental health, and systems that support fathers
Why progress for men does not have to come at the expense of women
The importance of positive role models and countering negative online influences on boys and men
How work, family, and community can help men reconnect with purpose
Why fatherhood is transformative not only for children but for men themselves
This conversation offers insight into men’s wellbeing, masculinity, fatherhood, and creating cultural solutions that empower the next generation. It is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it means to be a man today.
 
Hear more from Richard Reeves:Book - Of Boys & Men: https://www.brookings.edu/books/of-boys-and-men/
Organisation - The American Institute for Boys & Men: https://aibm.org/Timestamps:
03:43: The Evolving Conversation on Boys and Men
06:35: The Thermometer of Societal Conversations
09:45Z: ero Sum Game: A New Perspective
12:30: Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Men
15:31: The Need for New Masculine Scripts
18:27: Agency and Confidence in Modern Masculinity
21:39: Mental Health Challenges Facing Men
33:37: The Cumulative Impact of Male Suicide Rates
39:52: The Gender Gap in Education
45:24: Addressing Developmental Differences in Boys
47:22: The NEET Crisis: Young Men Disconnected
52:35: The Importance of Fatherhood
01:01:26: Advocating for Boys and Men: Policy Changes
 
 
 

S3, Ep4: The Meaning of EMDR Therapy | How hidden trauma shapes men’s lives

What if the struggles you face are really symptoms of hidden trauma?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Michael Baldwin, author and survivor, about EMDR therapy and its transformational impact on healing trauma. Michael shares his personal journey of living with the unresolved effects of childhood abuse, including anxiety, phobias, nightmares, and a relentless drive for achievement that never filled the emotional void—until he discovered EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that helped him finally process and release trauma.
In this episode you will learn:
How “hidden trauma” from experiences like bullying, neglect, or parental divorce can affect identity, relationships, and self-worth
The science behind EMDR therapy and why it is recognised by leading health organisations
How trauma symptoms often show up in everyday life without being recognised as trauma
Practical insights into how processing trauma can improve emotional wellbeing, relationships, and personal growth
Michael’s story of transformation and how healing trauma can repair important relationships and foster resilience
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, EMDR therapy, and understanding how early experiences continue to shape our lives.
Hear more from Michael: 
https://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com
Timestamps:
03:15: The Journey of Healing: Personal Experiences with Trauma
05:38: The Impact of EMDR Therapy: A New Approach
08:37: The Book: Every Memory Deserves Respect
08:40: Defining EMDR Therapy: A Simplified Explanation
11:07: The Structure of an EMDR Session
13:47: Recognising Unresolved Trauma: Signs and Symptoms
16:22: The Path to EMDR: A Personal Journey
18:59: Common Patterns of Unresolved Trauma in Men
22:51: The Journey Through Therapy
25:53: Understanding Trauma and Identity
30:42: Shame, Self-Compassion, and EMDR
36:19: Healing Relationships Through EMDR
 

S3, Ep3: The Meaning of Queer | Challenging stereotypes and male identity

What does it really mean to be yourself when the world tries to define you?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with award-winning poet and author Dean Atta about identity, masculinity, and living authentically. Dean shares his personal journey growing up in a mixed-race, single-parent family, how writing helped him process emotions and claim his identity, and his experience coming out as gay while navigating stigma and societal expectations.
In this episode you will learn:
How personal identity is shaped by family, culture, and society
The role of creative expression and writing in processing emotions and building self-confidence
Why traditional stereotypes of masculinity can be limiting and harmful
How vulnerability, authenticity, and creativity are forms of strength for men
Ways to embrace openness, self-acceptance, and resilience in everyday life
This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of masculinity, mental health, and authentic self-expression, offering insight and inspiration for anyone interested in identity, personal growth, and rethinking what it means to be a man today.
 
 
 
Hear more from Dean:
www.deanatta.com
Confetti: A colourful celebration of love and life
https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/confetti/9781408362082/
I Can't Even Think Straight: A queer coming of age story
https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/i-cant-even-think-straight/9781444960969/
Person Unlimited: An Ode to My Black Queer Body
https://buythebook.online/person-unlimited-dean-atta
 
Timestamps:
03:09: Identity and Background Exploration
04:57: The Journey of Coming Out
12:02: Support Systems and Chosen Family
15:10: Redefining Masculinity and Queerness
16:54: Navigating Identity and Safety
18:53: Redefining Masculinity
23:50: Exploring Strength and Vulnerability
26:21: The Role of Poetry in Identity
33:18: Acceptance and Healing Through Writing
 

S3, Ep2: The Meaning of Paternity Leave | Why UK dads struggle from day one

Are UK dads being set up to fail before they even start?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, about the urgent need for better paternity leave in the UK. Alex highlights how our outdated system affects fathers, mothers, families, and society, and explores the benefits of reforms already proven in other countries.
In this episode you will learn:
How limited paternity leave impacts men’s mental health, family bonding, and gender equality
The positive effects of early father involvement on children’s emotional and cognitive development
How countries with generous, well-paid paternity leave create stronger families and healthier societies
Why reforming the first weeks of parenthood can transform relationships, parenting, and even the economy
Practical steps for fathers, partners, and employers to advocate for meaningful change
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in fatherhood, men’s wellbeing, gender equality, and family policy, offering insight into how supporting dads from the start benefits everyone.
 
Hear more from The Dad Shift:
https://action.dadshift.org.uk/a/back-better-paternity-leave??utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=12-08-25-podcast-MoM
 
Timestamps
03:06: The Birth of The Dad Shift
06:15: Paternity Leave: A Comparative Analysis
09:39: Success Stories from Abroad
10:32: The Ripple Effects of Paternity Leave
14:24: Facing Resistance to Change
17:59: The Importance of Fathers
20:20: Benefits of Paternity Leave
23:15: The Evolving Role of Fathers
24:37: The Importance of Bonding and Relationships
26:41: Postnatal Depression and Its Impact on Fathers
29:31: The Pressure of Returning to Work
31:53: Presence vs. Attendance in Parenting
34:52: Workplace Support for Paternity Leave
38:20: The Dad Shift Campaign and Future Goals