The Meaning of Men

S3, E1: The Meaning of Fun | Why men neglect joy and play in life

When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to behavioural scientist and author Mike Rucker about why fun is essential for men’s mental health, wellbeing, and resilience. Drawing on scientific research and his book The Fun Habit, Mike explains how prioritising fun—like sleep or exercise—can improve mood, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
In this episode you will learn:
Why fun is not a luxury but a necessity for a meaningful, fulfilling life
How deliberately prioritising enjoyable activities supports mental health, presence, and resilience
Ways to create space for fun with children, friends, and partners
Practical strategies to make fun a repeatable habit, even with a busy schedule
How embracing joy can transform your perspective, energy, and relationships
This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in men’s wellbeing, emotional health, life balance, and personal growth, offering insights and actionable tools to make fun an intentional part of daily life.
 
Hear more from Mike:
The Fun Habit Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fun-Habit-Pursuit-Wonder-Change/dp/1529054303
Timestamps:
03:35: The Importance of Fun in Daily Life
06:30: Reflections on Life Goals and Happiness
08:35: The Concept of Fun Habits
11:25: Intentional Fun vs. Passive Fun
13:19: The Neuroscience of Fun and Its Impact
15:43: Fun as a Tool for Well-Being
27:07: The Power of Fun and Laughter
30:40: Finding Your Unique Path to Happiness
35:25: Building Connections Through Shared Experiences
40:55: Incorporating Fun into Busy Lives
45:34: Reframing Parenthood and Fulfilment
52:16: The Importance of Fun in Life

S2, Ep18: The Meaning of Meaning (ft Viktor Frankl's Grandson) | Finding purpose & fulfilment

What can Viktor Frankl teach us about finding meaning in life?
In the season finale of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Alex Vesely, filmmaker, psychotherapist, and grandson of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning. Alex has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing Frankl’s work, exploring how it can guide men today in building purpose, resilience, and fulfilment.
In this episode you will learn:
The fundamentals of logotherapy and how it helps individuals discover meaning
The three key paths to finding purpose in life, even during struggle
Why fulfilment often arises from challenge, suffering, and growth rather than comfort
The role of humour in healing and resilience
How Frankl’s philosophy remains relevant in modern life for personal development, mental health, and emotional wellbeing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, purpose, resilience, personal growth, and Viktor Frankl’s philosophy, offering practical insights on how to turn challenges into meaning and strength.
Hear more from Alex:https://viktorfranklamerica.com/https://logotherapy-online.com/
Timestamps:
00:00: The Legacy of Victor Frankl
04:15: Understanding Logotherapy and Its Origins
06:47: The Search for Meaning in Adversity
09:50: The Role of Meaning in Human Existence
11:59: Existential Vacuum and Its Implications
14:22: The Importance of Fulfilment and Meaning
17:12: The Distinction Between Happiness and Fulfillment
19:32: The Second Mountain: A Journey to Meaning
21:37: Finding Meaning in Everyday Life
22:55:The Objective Nature of Meaning
23:46: Finding Meaning in Life's Challenges
24:25: The Three Paths to Meaning
26:50: Responding to Unchangeable Suffering
29:13: The Power of Perspective in Grief
30:26: Universal Suffering and Personal Growth
35:03: The Timelessness of Meaning
39:10: The Role of Humour in Logotherapy
44:24: The Ongoing Search for Meaning

S2, Ep17: The Meaning of Fathers (ft Anna Machin) | How becoming a dad changes men biologically

What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to world renowned evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin about the powerful, often overlooked science of fatherhood. Drawing on over a decade of research and her book The Life of Dad, Anna reveals what really happens to men—biologically, emotionally, and neurologically—when they become fathers.
In this episode you will learn:
How fatherhood triggers radical hormonal, brain, and emotional changes that prepare men for parenting
Why dads play a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional regulation, resilience, mental health, and social skills
The importance of male role models, biological or otherwise, in children’s development
How postnatal depression affects men and the impact of traditional masculinity on new fathers
Why society often sidelines fathers at the moment they are most needed, and how this is changing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, fatherhood, parenting, masculinity, and child development, offering insight, research-backed guidance, and inspiration for dads, soon-to-be fathers, and anyone invested in healthy family life.
Hear more from Dr Anna:
Books:
The Life of Dad: https://shorturl.at/2hsHv
Why We Love: https://shorturl.at/nlaNh
Instagram: @dr_aMachin
Website: annamachin.comTimestamps:
06:34: The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
11:15: Evolutionary Insights into Fatherhood
15:49: Hormonal Changes in New Fathers
20:49: Bonding Through Skin-to-Skin Contact
25:47: The Role of Play in Father-Child Relationships
30:55: The Importance of Play in Fatherhood
33:19: Navigating Masculinity and Fatherhood
36:30: Understanding Postnatal Depression in Fathers
44:46: Co-Parenting: Building Bonds from Afar
52:30: The Role of Fathers in Teenagers' Lives

S2, Ep16: The Meaning of Loss | Male grief, trauma & emotional wellbeing

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Ben Blackman, therapist at Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions. Ben shares his personal journey after losing his father and the silence surrounding grief, particularly for men, which inspired him to support others through their experiences of loss.
In this episode you will learn:
The unique challenges men face in expressing grief and seeking support
What disenfranchised grief is and how societal expectations often invalidate men’s pain
How to create safe spaces to process death, loss, and emotional complexity
Practical insights for supporting yourself or others through bereavement and major life transitions
Why talking about grief is essential for mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, grief support, emotional wellbeing, and coping with loss, offering insight, guidance, and reassurance for navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences.
 
Hear more from Ben:
www.adventuringloss.com
@adventuringloss
 
Timestamps:
00.00: Understanding Grief: A Universal Experience
06:51: Ben's Journey: Personal Loss and Professional Growth
12:27: The Complexity of Grief: Individual Experiences
28:58: Understanding Grief: Anticipatory vs. Sudden Loss
35:49: The Importance of Open Conversations About Death
45:52: Supporting Others in Grief: The Power of Listening
 
 

S2, Ep15: The Meaning of Good Anger | Why men fear expressing healthy anger

What if anger wasn’t the problem, but the way we misunderstand it is?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the belief that anger is inherently destructive. Sam explains how, when understood and expressed properly, anger can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional growth, and healing.
In this episode you will learn:
The difference between anger and aggression and why misunderstanding it causes harm
How suppressing anger can negatively affect men’s mental health, relationships, and work
Practical ways for men to express anger in healthy, productive, and constructive ways
How anger can reveal unmet needs, emotional wounds, and opportunities for personal growth
Strategies to change the narrative around anger and use it as a tool rather than fear it
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, healthy masculinity, and personal development, offering insights into understanding and harnessing one of our most powerful emotions.
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 | Men, business & mental health

What does it really take to launch and run your own business? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Brennan, entrepreneur and founder, about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal resilience. Michael shares his experience building a successful business, facing burnout, and navigating the mental and emotional toll of stepping away from a venture you’ve invested everything in. He also discusses his latest project, Bob, a men’s personal care business born from adversity and now poised for success.
In this episode you will learn:
How to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and running your own business
Strategies for resilience, mental wellbeing, and personal growth during challenging times
Lessons on managing ego, setbacks, and rebuilding after failure
How personal experiences can inspire innovative business ideas, like Michael’s men’s personal care venture
Practical insights for anyone starting a business, pursuing ambitious goals, or facing personal and professional challenges
This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in men’s personal development, entrepreneurship, business leadership, mental health, and resilience, offering honesty, insight, and inspiration for the entrepreneurial journey.
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 | Why discomfort drives men’s growth

Could avoiding discomfort be the very thing holding you back from true fulfilment? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Adam Fraser, high performance researcher and author, about the power of Strive, a mindset that transforms how we approach personal growth, resilience, performance, and fulfilment. Adam explains why struggle—not comfort—is the real driver of progress and why chasing constant happiness or simply completing goals can leave us unfulfilled.
In this episode you will learn:
How embracing challenge and discomfort leads to personal development, resilience, and purpose
Why the pursuit of constant happiness can undermine fulfilment
How the Strive mindset improves workplace performance, motivation, and life satisfaction
Practical strategies for turning everyday struggles into opportunities for growth
Why lasting joy is often found in the process of striving rather than the end goal
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, personal growth, resilience, high performance, and purpose, offering actionable insights for living a more fulfilling, meaningful life.
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 | Recovery, resilience & finding new purpose

What do you do when the life you’ve built suddenly disappears? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Adam Clayton, former professional rugby player and founder of APEX Everest, about overcoming adversity, rebuilding identity, and finding purpose after life-altering setbacks. After his career ended at 24 due to injury, Adam battled steroid addiction, loss of identity, and the struggle to find direction, before turning his experience into a mission to help others.
In this episode you will learn:
How to navigate life-changing setbacks, identity loss, and personal crisis
The role of community, shared experience, and mentorship in rebuilding purpose
How physical challenges and endurance activities can support mental health, resilience, and personal growth
Lessons from Adam’s journey from rock bottom to founding a transformative organisation
Practical insights for anyone facing adversity, career change, or searching for meaning
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, overcoming adversity, and building purpose, offering inspiration and actionable insights for turning challenges into opportunities.
 
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 | Intimacy skills & healthy partnerships

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, I speak to Kristal DeSantis, marriage and family therapist and author of Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man, about how men can navigate the challenges of emotional intimacy, connection, and modern masculinity in relationships. Kristal shares practical tools and strategies to help men build meaningful, lasting partnerships.
In this episode you will learn:
How men can overcome common barriers to emotional intimacy and vulnerability
Practical strategies from Kristal’s STRONG model for communication, conflict management, and self-regulation
How to develop relational skills for dating, long-term partnerships, or marriage
Ways to create trust, connection, and mutual understanding in romantic relationships
Why showing up fully as a partner contributes to relationship satisfaction, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, modern masculinity, relationship skills, emotional intelligence, and building strong partnerships, offering actionable insights and encouragement for navigating love and connection as a man today.
 
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 | How poor rest fuels male anxiety & depression

Are we obsessing over sleep in all the wrong ways? Sleep is essential for men’s mental health, but chasing perfection can sometimes do more harm than good.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Chris Winter, neurologist and sleep expert, about the crucial connection between sleep, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Winter challenges common myths about sleep and shares insights on how to cultivate restorative rest without stress or obsession.
In this episode you will learn:
How poor sleep contributes to anxiety, depression, and cognitive challenges
Why falling asleep too quickly can be a warning sign rather than a mark of good sleep
The importance of sleep consistency over simply achieving “perfect” rest
How quiet, reflective moments before sleep support emotional processing and mental health
Practical strategies to improve sleep quality, reduce insomnia, and reclaim energy and focus
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, sleep science, wellbeing, stress management, and emotional resilience, offering research-backed guidance and practical tools for transforming your relationship with rest.
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: Optimising Sleep: Quality, Quantity, and Consistency
26:53: Recognising 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