The Meaning of Men

S1, Ep12: The Meaning of Resilience | Male Survivors, Youth Violence & Overcoming Trauma

What does it take to survive trauma and rebuild life after a violent attack? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Rachel Duncan about her nephew, James Bascoe Smith, who survived a brutal knife attack in Brixton in 2021. Rachel shares their journey through trauma, recovery, and the legal system, highlighting the often-overlooked experiences of survivors and the impact on their families.
In this episode you will learn:
The physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by survivors of violent attacks
How trauma affects both victims and their families, including grief, resilience, and mental health
The societal issues surrounding gang violence, youth safety, and community support
The importance of community, family, and advocacy in helping young men recover and thrive
Lessons on resilience, hope, and the long-term journey of rebuilding life after tragedy
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, youth violence, resilience, and community support, offering insight, empathy, and actionable lessons for creating safer, more supportive environments for young men.

S1, Ep11: The Meaning of Anxiety (ft Movember) | Male Anxiety, Masculinity Pressure & Mental Wellbeing

Is anxiety in men being fundamentally misunderstood? Men often experience anxiety differently, and this can make it harder to recognise and address.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Krista Fisher, research fellow at Movember, about men’s mental health, anxiety, and masculinity. Krista shares insights from her research showing that men frequently express anxiety through physical symptoms, behaviour changes, and stress responses rather than emotional cues, and how societal expectations about masculinity can prevent men from seeking help.
In this episode you will learn:
How anxiety manifests differently in men compared with women
Why cultural and societal pressures can make men reluctant to seek help
The physical, emotional, and behavioural signs of male anxiety
Practical strategies for recognising anxiety early and taking proactive steps
How to support men in developing resilience, emotional awareness, and mental wellbeing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, anxiety, emotional resilience, masculinity, and wellbeing, offering research-backed insights and actionable guidance for understanding and managing anxiety in men.
 

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 | Leaving MMA, Finding Purpose & Fighting Male Depression

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away? Losing your career or identity can be deeply unsettling, but it can also open the door to growth and purpose.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kojo Lewis, ex-professional MMA fighter, coach, and mentor, about men’s mental health, resilience, and life after sport. Kojo shares his journey from using martial arts to prove his worth, to facing retirement through injury, and ultimately finding meaning and purpose beyond the fight.
In this episode you will learn:
How the loss of identity or career can impact men’s mental health and self-esteem
Strategies for developing resilience, self-worth, and purpose outside of professional achievement
The role of discipline, mentorship, and community in supporting emotional wellbeing
How to navigate self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty with confidence
Practical insights for men seeking to embrace life beyond societal or personal expectations
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, identity, and life transitions, offering honest, inspiring guidance on finding balance and purpose after major life changes.

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 | How Porn Dependency Fuels Depression, Anxiety & Isolation

More men in the UK struggle with porn addiction than gambling, yet it remains a hidden and stigmatised issue. Understanding and addressing it is crucial for men’s mental health and relationships.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Paula Hall, leading sexual and relationship psychotherapist, about porn addiction, men’s mental health, and intimacy. Dr Hall explains how compulsive porn use can develop as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and depression, and the impact it has on men’s emotional wellbeing and relationships.
In this episode you will learn:
How porn addiction manifests in men and its effects on mental health and relationships
The connection between compulsive porn use, emotional numbness, depression, and loss of intimacy
Signs to watch for in yourself or loved ones struggling with porn-related issues
Practical strategies for addressing porn addiction and seeking help
How partners and loved ones can support men in navigating difficult conversations and recovery
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, sexual health, addiction, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing, offering guidance, insight, and practical steps for tackling a hidden and often stigmatised issue.
 
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 | Why Men Grieve Differently & What They Need to Heal

Could understanding how men truly process grief change the way we approach mental health?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Tom Golden, therapist and author, about men’s grief, emotional processing, and mental health. Tom shares insights from his work in grief therapy, explaining why traditional talk-based approaches often don’t work for men, and how action-based healing can help them process emotions effectively.
In this episode you will learn:
How men process grief and emotions differently from women
The subtle signs of male depression, including anger, withdrawal, and overworking
How biological instincts and cultural expectations shape men’s emotional expression
Practical strategies for supporting grieving men through activity-based engagement rather than forced conversation
Insights into building resilience, emotional awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, grief therapy, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and supporting men through loss, offering actionable guidance for helping men process grief in meaningful and effective ways.

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. 
 

S1, Ep 7: The Meaning of Extreme Sports (from 5k feet above sea level!)

What does it take to face fear, push boundaries, and grow as a man? Extreme challenges can reveal a lot about resilience, mental health, and personal growth.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to extreme mountaineer Jost Kobusch the day before his latest attempt to climb Mt Everest. Jost shares his journey from a boy afraid of heights to one of the world’s most daring alpinists, reflecting on men’s mental health, vulnerability, and emotional resilience.
In this episode you will learn:
How facing physical and mental challenges can build resilience and self-awareness
The impact of bottling up emotions and the stigma around fear for men
Signs of male depression and practical ways to manage stress and emotional strain
How to find balance between risk, challenge, and stability in everyday life
The importance of support networks, vulnerability, and leaning on others for growth
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, adventure, and emotional wellbeing, offering inspiring insights from a man who literally climbs mountains to understand courage, vulnerability, and self-discovery.