The Meaning of Men

Reflections: The 4 Types of Male Friendships.

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Geoff Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System.
During our chat Geoff broke down the different types of male friendships he outlines in his book. This really got me thinking about my own circle of friends in a very different way.
 

S1, Ep 6: The Meaning of Postnatal Depression | Fatherhood, Anxiety & How to Get Help

1 in 10 fathers will experience postnatal depression, yet it remains largely unrecognised. Fatherhood can be rewarding, but it can also challenge men’s mental health in ways few talk about.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Tom about his personal experience with postnatal depression, fatherhood, and men’s mental health. Tom shares the pressures he faced, the signs of male depression he initially ignored, and how opening up and seeking support transformed his journey as a dad.
In this episode you will learn:
How postnatal depression affects fathers and the impact on mental health
Common signs of male depression during early fatherhood, including invasive thoughts, stress, and feelings of inadequacy
Strategies for seeking help, leaning on partners, and building emotional resilience
Why acknowledging struggles is a step toward growth, not failure
Practical insights for supporting men through the challenges of fatherhood, parenting, and mental wellbeing
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, postnatal depression, fatherhood, emotional wellbeing, and parenting support, offering honesty, insight, and reassurance for fathers navigating the complexities of early parenthood.

Reflections: The Power of Perseverance (ft Chuckie Online).

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Radio 1 Xtra presenter and media personality Chuckie Online. During our interview, I asked Chuckie what he wanted his legacy to be. His answer was both unexpected and incredibly inspiring. I'll share why this stuck with me and how it's already helped me in aspects of my life. 

S1, Ep 5: The Meaning of Social Media | How Doomscrolling Fuels Anxiety, Disconnection & Depression in Men

How much of your day is spent scrolling, and is it doing more harm than good? Our digital habits have a profound effect on mental health, especially for men.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to psychotherapist Aaron Balick about social media, men’s mental health, and digital wellbeing. Aaron explains how platforms can raise awareness but also fuel anxiety, depression, and body image issues, and why algorithms and dopamine-driven design keep us hooked.
In this episode you will learn:
How social media impacts men’s mental health, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing
The signs that social media use may be harming you or someone you know
Why algorithms and dopamine hits make platforms so addictive
Practical strategies for building a healthier, balanced relationship with technology
The importance of real-life connection and offline relationships for emotional resilience
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, social media impact, digital wellbeing, anxiety, depression, and resilience, offering research-backed insights and practical tools to navigate the digital world more mindfully.

S1, Ep4: The Meaning of Service | Military Life, Male Depression & Finding Purpose Again

What if the toughest guys in the room are the ones struggling the most? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kyle, firefighter and former Royal Marine Commando, about men’s mental health, depression, and resilience. Kyle shares his journey through the highs and lows of demanding careers, relocation across continents, and the challenges of fatherhood, highlighting how male depression often remains hidden behind a tough exterior.
In this episode you will learn:
How depression manifests differently in men and the signs often overlooked
The pressures faced by men in high-stress careers like the military and firefighting
How isolation, relocation, and life transitions can impact mental wellbeing
Practical strategies for recognising, addressing, and supporting men with depression and emotional challenges
The role of purpose, family, and community in building resilience and emotional health
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, depression, emotional resilience, high-pressure careers, and wellbeing, offering insight, inspiration, and guidance for supporting men through life’s toughest challenges.
 
Please note: This episode contains references to suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised.
 
1.36: Introductions
 
3.40: Childhood and early influencers
 
6.33: The path to the Royal Marines
 
10.03: Masculinity and identity in the Military
 
15.34: Moving to the U.S.
 
23.24: Identity crisis
 
33.02: Learning to open up in the fire brigade
 
36.43: The importance of vulnerability and communication
 
43.48: Fatherhood and mental health awareness

S1, Ep3: The Meaning of Boys | Breaking the Man Box & Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys

Ever wonder how the way we talk to boys shapes the men they become? Early messages about masculinity can have a lasting impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Judy Chu about boys’ emotional development, men’s mental health, and parenting strategies. Dr Chu explains how societal pressures, like being told to “man up,” can contribute to depression in men, and why cultivating emotional awareness from a young age is crucial.
In this episode you will learn:
How early messages about masculinity affect boys’ emotional development and long-term mental health
The signs of male depression in boys and men, including emotional withdrawal, acting out, and shutting down
Practical strategies for parents, teachers, and caregivers to support boys in expressing feelings
How to break free from the “man box” and encourage vulnerability, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience
The importance of early interventions for mental health awareness and healthy masculinity
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, boys’ development, parenting, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, offering practical insights for raising emotionally healthy, confident boys.
 
1.38: Introductions
13.38: Raising emotionally aware boys
15.58: The impact of the language we use with boys
21.11: Creating safe spaces for boys to thrive
26.27: Early warning signs of struggles with boys
39.33: Unlearning harmful masculinity
44.42: How partners and friends can create safe spaces for men to talk
 
Resources from Dr Judy:
When Boys Become Boys 
Website: https://judyychu.wordpress.com

S1, Ep2: The Meaning of Loss (ft Chuckie Online) | Grief, Bereavement & Resilience

How do men navigate grief, financial pressure, and the highs and lows of a demanding career? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Chuckie Online, Radio 1 Xtra presenter and media personality, about men’s mental health, grief, resilience, and coping strategies. Chuckie shares his journey through the loss of his ‘bonus dad’, financial struggles, and the pressures of the music industry, highlighting how meaningful conversations and support networks helped him stay resilient.
In this episode you will learn:
How grief and loss can impact men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
The signs of male depression and the pressures men face to “keep it together”
Strategies for coping with high-pressure careers, financial stress, and personal setbacks
The importance of seeking help, opening up, and building supportive networks
Insights into resilience, self-care, and maintaining mental wellbeing in challenging times
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, coping with grief, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth, offering honest, practical guidance and inspiration for navigating life’s toughest moments.
 
1.21: Introductions
5.03: Growing up
10.19: Breaking into the music industry
16.05: Overcoming adversity
27.26: Dealing with scrutiny
32.53: Bonus Dad
43.55: Balancing work and personal life
47.02: Losing Peter
53.20: Opening up to friends
56.20 Reflecting on mortality
01.01.40: Identity and community

S1, Ep1: The Meaning of Friendships | Why men struggle to form real connections

What does it really take for men to build meaningful connections? Strong friendships are essential for mental health, yet many men struggle to maintain them.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Geoffrey Greif, distinguished professor and author of Buddy System, about male friendships, social connection, and men’s mental health. Geoffrey shares his insights into the ups and downs of male friendships and explains why having the right support network can be crucial in preventing depression and supporting emotional wellbeing.
In this episode you will learn:
The four types of friends—must, trust, rust, and just—and why each matters
How male friendships impact mental health, resilience, and emotional wellbeing
Signs of depression to watch for in your friends and how to offer support
Practical strategies for maintaining and deepening friendships, even with busy schedules
How partners and loved ones can help men build stronger social connections
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, male friendships, social support, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, offering research-backed insights and practical advice for cultivating meaningful relationships.
1.16: Introductions4.35: The state of male friendships8.02: The 4 types of male friendships16.11: The key characteristics of a strong male friendship18.11: The importance of trust20.19: Why men can struggle to build and maintain friendships22.38: Misconceptions around male friendships26.35: How partners can help men build friendships29.10: How to reconnect with old friends 33.17: How to initiate new friendships if I'm not socially confident

The Meaning of Men - Trailer

Launching our first episodes on Monday 6th January 2025.