The Meaning of Men

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

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