The Meaning of Men

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
 
 

S2, Ep9: The Meaning of Schizophrenia | Living beyond stigma & isolation

What happens when society defines you by your illness, but you decide to define yourself? Living with mental illness is challenging, but reclaiming your identity and purpose is possible.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kody Green, mental health advocate and one of the most influential voices speaking out about schizophrenia and men’s mental health online. Diagnosed at 21, Kody shares his journey through hallucinations, delusions, addiction, incarceration, and stigma, and how he rebuilt his identity and self-worth.
In this episode you will learn:
The lived experience of schizophrenia and how it intersects with identity, masculinity, and stigma
Strategies for overcoming isolation and reclaiming purpose after a mental health diagnosis
How peer support, advocacy, and community can foster resilience, recovery, and personal growth
Lessons on challenging societal narratives and redefining yourself beyond labels
Insights for anyone supporting loved ones with mental health conditions or navigating their own journey
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, schizophrenia, resilience, recovery, masculinity, and advocacy, offering honest, inspiring guidance on living fully despite life-altering challenges.
Hear more from Kody:
https://www.kodygreen.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenichippie?lang=en
 
Timestamps:
 
04:31: Understanding Schizophrenia
07:32: Personal Journey with Schizophrenia
10:37: Misconceptions About Schizophrenia
11:57: Impact on Identity and Relationships
14:58: Resilience and Strength in Adversity
17:39: Becoming an Advocate
20:37: Mind Over Meetings: The Book
23:36: Workplace Accommodations for Mental Health
27:24: Reflections on the Journey
30:18: Final Thoughts and Takeaways
 

S2, Ep8: The Meaning of Somatic Healing | When the body leads men to recovery

What if healing isn’t just about fixing your mind, but learning to listen to your body as well? True mental health and personal growth often start with reconnecting to your body.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Brad Golphenee, trauma-informed somatic coach, about somatic healing, men’s mental health, and overcoming trauma. Brad shares nearly two decades of experience helping men move from emotional disconnection to embodied self-awareness, resilience, and purpose.
In this episode you will learn:
How unresolved trauma can live in the body for decades, influencing identity, relationships, and behaviour
The role of shame in men’s mental health and how acknowledging it can be transformative
Techniques for reconnecting with your body through somatic practices, retreats, and group work
How body-based approaches empower men to release stored trauma and access inner wisdom
Practical strategies for cultivating purpose, freedom, and emotional wellbeing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, somatic healing, emotional resilience, and personal growth, offering actionable insights to help men live with greater presence, authenticity, and empowerment.
 
Timestamps:
03:59: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
07:48: Exploring Somatic Practices
14:00: The Role of Movement and Breath
20:02: Navigating Shame and Emotional Awareness
26:38: Fatherhood and Emotional Modelling
32:27: Hope for Men's Mental Health
38:40: Getting Started with Somatic Practices

S2, Ep7: The Meaning of Poetry | How writing helps men process grief & anxiety

What if the first step toward healing isn’t talking, but writing? Creative expression can be a powerful tool for men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to poet and author Drew Horner about how writing, poetry, and creative outlets can help men navigate grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation. Drew shares his journey of using poetry as therapy during the pandemic and reflects on insights from his book My Life in Pieces.
In this episode you will learn:
How writing and creative expression support mental health, emotional processing, and self-awareness
The role of poetry in navigating grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation
Practical ways for men to begin expressing emotions safely, even when talking feels difficult
How creative outlets can foster resilience, healing, and personal growth
Why putting feelings into words contributes to mental health awareness and emotional wellbeing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, creative therapy, emotional expression, grief processing, and personal growth, offering inspiration and practical insight into using writing as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
Hear more from Drew:
My Life in Pieces: https://linktr.ee/TalesoftheNook?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#275948678
The Rage Whale movie podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FSLdhTwH9WNMqcePFW31x?si=i_D4fXQfQMySjgRAqKQNXA&nd=1&dlsi=4e32c5bce1fd4008 (also on Instagram: @ragewhale_podcast)
Timestamps:
03:39: The Power of Poetry as Emotional Expression
06:51: The Journey of Discovering Poetry
13:38: Life in Pieces: The Meaning Behind the Title
20:48: Resilience and Rebuilding Through Adversity
25:35: The Essence of Poetry and Self-Expression
31:38: The Power of Poetry in Public Spaces
35:34: Exploring the Depths of Emotion
38:29: Mental Health and Vulnerability
41:29: Finding Meaning Through Poetry
44:29: Getting Started with Writing
52:19: Legacy and Impact of Drew's Poetry
 

S2, Ep6 The Meaning of Young Men's Health in a Digital Age (ft Movember) | How online culture shapes boys

With nearly two-thirds of young men following masculinity influencers, isn’t it time we asked why? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Krista Fisher from Movember about their latest research, Young Men’s Health in a Digital Age, exploring how digital content and masculinity influencers impact men’s mental health, identity, and relationships. We discuss the rise of these online voices, why young men are drawn to them, and the complex mix of hope and harm they can create.
In this episode you will learn:
How online spaces and social media influence young men’s mental health, identity, and behaviour
Why masculinity influencers attract millions of followers and the messages they convey
The potential risks and benefits of consuming online content focused on masculinity
Insights from Movember’s research on supporting young men’s health, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth
Practical ideas for parents, educators, and mentors to help young men navigate digital pressures
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, youth wellbeing, masculinity, digital culture, and online influence, offering research-backed insight into the challenges and opportunities facing young men today.
 
Link to the full report:
https://uk.movember.com/movember-institute/masculinities-report
 
Timestamps:
00:00: Introduction to Young Men's Health Research
07:15: Understanding Online Influences on Young Men's Health
12:55: The Impact of Media on Young Men's Perception
17:30: Engaging Young Men in Conversations
21:48: The Role of Masculinity Influencers
27:09: Decoupling Toxicity from Masculinity
34:17: Contradictions in Young Men's Mental Health
39:27: Case Study: Will's Journey with Influencers
42:16: The Search for Masculinity
43:40: Understanding Influences on Young Men
46:03: The Impact of Loneliness
49:03: Social Media: Connection or Isolation?
50:31: Contradictions in Relationships
55:17: Frustrations with Dating
01:03:05: A Healthier World for All
01:08:28: Future Directions for Young Men's Health

S2, Ep5: The Meaning of Equal Partners | How sharing roles improves men’s wellbeing

What does true gender equality in the home really look like, and how does it impact men’s mental health? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners, about the crucial link between household equality, men’s mental health, and emotional resilience. Kate shares research and stories of men worldwide who have embraced equal partnership in their relationships, highlighting the benefits for both partners’ health and happiness.
In this episode you will learn:
How traditional gender roles and expectations affect men’s emotional health, stress, and resilience
The impact of being the “breadwinner,” problem-solver, or “strong, silent type” on men’s mental wellbeing
How equal partnership in domestic roles supports mental health, relationship satisfaction, and personal fulfilment
Insights from real men who have experienced the benefits of sharing responsibilities at home
Practical strategies for creating balanced, healthy, and emotionally fulfilling family dynamics
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, gender equality, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and family life, offering actionable guidance for building more balanced and fulfilling lives for men and their families.
Hear more from Kate:
Website: https://www.katemangino.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemangino/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manginokate22/
 
Timestamps:
07:10: Defining Gender Equality in the Household
10:14: The Importance of Communication in Partnerships
13:07: The Inspiration Behind 'Equal Partners'
15:55: Challenging Misconceptions About Gender Roles
17:32: The Impact of Gender Equality on Mental Health
25:28: The Perception of Fathers and Their Roles
27:24: The Need for Support Networks for Men
30:01: Gatekeeping in Parenting
32:24: Shaping Gender Equality in the Household
34:38: Challenging Traditional Gender Roles
37:50: The Impact of Gender Equality on Mental Health
41:12: The Importance of Emotional Openness
43:07: Concluding Thoughts on Gender Equality and Self-Care