The Meaning of Men

S2, Ep4: The Meaning of Better Boys, Better Men | Raising emotionally healthy boys

What does it really take to raise boys into good men in today’s world? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Andrew Reiner, author of Better Boys, Better Men, about the evolving landscape of masculinity, boys’ mental health, and emotional development. Andrew shares insights into the challenges boys face today and how cultural expectations shape their behaviour and wellbeing.
In this episode you will learn:
Why many boys are struggling emotionally, socially, and academically
What the “boy code” is and how it teaches boys to suppress vulnerability and avoid asking for help
How fatherhood, mentorship, and role models can support emotional resilience and healthy masculinity
Strategies to break the cycle of depression, emotional suppression, and disconnection in boys and young men
How to cultivate healthy vulnerability and prepare boys for meaningful, fulfilled adulthood
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, raising boys, emotional intelligence, masculinity, and personal growth, offering actionable insights for parents, educators, mentors, and anyone invested in supporting the next generation of men.
 
Timestamps:
06:14: Inspiration Behind 'Better Boys, Better Men'
18:10: The Boy Code and Its Impact on Mental Health
22:32: The Impact of Testosterone on Male Brain Development
28:33: Challenges for Single Mothers Raising Boys
34:03: Unlearning Damaging Behaviours in Men
41:17: The Importance of Emotional Resiliency in Boys

S2, Ep3: The Meaning of Rejection | Why it hits men harder than they admit

Why does rejection affect us so deeply, and what can we do about it? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Professor of Psychology Mark Leary about the science of rejection, social belonging, and men’s mental health. Drawing on decades of research, Mark explains why our sensitivity to rejection is evolutionarily hardwired and how it continues to influence our self-esteem, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.
In this episode you will learn:
Why humans, especially men, are deeply affected by rejection and social exclusion
How rejection impacts self-esteem, mental health, and interpersonal relationships
The role of societal expectations in discouraging men from expressing vulnerability or emotional pain
Strategies for responding to rejection in healthier, more resilient ways
Practical insights for building emotional resilience, confidence, and self-awareness
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, emotional intelligence, resilience, social psychology, and relationships, offering research-backed guidance for understanding and coping with the impact of rejection.
 
Hear more from Mark:
Interpersonal Rejection Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interpersonal-Rejection-Mark-R-Leary/dp/0195130146
Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toward-less-egoic-world
Timestamps:
04:46: The Impact of Rejection
11:42: The Evolutionary Roots of Acceptance
15:11: Friendship Dynamics and Acceptance
18:57: Types of Rejection and Their Impact
26:00: Rejection Sensitivity: Genetic and Experiential Factors
31:14: Perception of Rejection: Overestimating and Underestimating
33:06: Understanding Sensitivity to Rejection
35:19: The Balance of Acceptance and Rejection
37:44: Reframing Rejection: A Positive Perspective
41:55: Navigating Romantic Rejection
46:09: The Complexity of Self-Worth and Rejection
49:11: Hurt Feelings: The Core of Rejection
51:25: Moving Forward After Rejection
 

S2, Ep2: The Meaning of Humour | How laughter boosts mental health & resilience

We all love to laugh! But have you ever stopped to think how humour can be used more consciously to help build mental resilience, cope with stress, and improve your relationships? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to comedian, author, and humour strategist Paul Osincup about how humour, laughter, and playfulness can improve men’s mental health, resilience, and relationships. Paul explains how humour can be used as deliberately as practices like yoga or meditation to support overall wellbeing.
In this episode you will learn:
The science and psychology behind humour, laughter, and mental health
How to use humour intentionally to manage stress, difficult emotions, and life challenges
Ways humour can improve communication, connection, and relationship satisfaction
Practical strategies for creating daily humour habits to boost joy and resilience
How laughter can break down stigma around men’s mental health
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth, offering actionable insights on using humour as a deliberate tool for a happier, healthier life.
 
Learn more about Paul
The Humor Habit Book: https://www.thehumorhabit.com/
 
Paul's website: paulosincup.com 
 
Timestamps:
00:00: The Power of Humour in Mental Health
06:37: Paul's Journey: From Educator to Humour Advocate
11:12: Understanding the Humour Habit
16:11: The Science Behind Laughter
21:00: Types of Humour and Their Impact
25:56: Reframing Failure and Rejection with Humour
29:11: Navigating Embarrassment and Finding Humour
33:46: The Power of Reframing and Humour in Difficult Times
36:22: Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Laughter
41:35: Humour in Relationships: Building Emotional Intimacy
46:21: Creating Humour Habits for a Happier Life
55:50: The Balance of Humour and Mental Health

S2, Ep 1: The Meaning of Dopamine | How it drives men’s motivation & wellbeing

Dopamine shapes our motivation, mood, and behaviour—so how can we understand it better? 
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Long, author, speechwriter, and human behaviour expert, about dopamine, motivation, and men’s mental health. Michael explains how dopamine drives our actions, the risks of chasing constant stimulation, and strategies for taking control of our behaviour rather than being controlled by it.
In this episode you will learn:
What dopamine really is and how it affects motivation, mood, and decision-making
How everyday behaviours like social media use and goal-chasing impact your brain chemistry and mental health
When dopamine helps us thrive and when it can become harmful
Practical strategies to manage dopamine for emotional wellbeing, focus, and self-control
Why understanding dopamine is crucial for men’s mental health awareness and personal growth
This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, neuroscience, motivation, behavioural science, and personal development, offering actionable insights into how to harness dopamine for a healthier, more balanced life.
Be sure to check out Michael's new book: https://TamingTheMolecule.com to learn more!
 

Season 1 Wrap - See You in 2 Weeks!

We'll be launching Season 2 on Tuesday 25th March. Stay tuned!

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.