The Meaning of Men

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.

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