Episodes
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It was a day as ordinary as any other. Luke was taking a leisurely stroll to the shops when he began to feel the strangest of sensations. He felt time beginning to slow down. He experienced a feeling of entering a parallel universe, a place where reality no longer existed. He was fighting a battle against his own sense of truth, a truth he had known for years.
The cause of these feelings was a car he had just witnessed of a very specific model. The colour was the same, as were the wheels and trim. Luke craned his neck in order to see the number plate. Would that be the same too? Could it be that the person he had thought he had lost forever had returned?
Today we focus on the powerful impact of grief, how it can affect us, and what men can do to process these intense feelings.
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Luke. His sensitive and thoughtful reflections on such a personal topic are deeply appreciated. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: August 29th, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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“The Waffle Shop”, a podcast started by James, had been doing particularly well when he decided to throw his first ever live event. Everything was in place; however, as the beginning of the event approached, James began to experience extreme anxiety back-stage.
He was sweating profusely. His fists were tightly clenched. He couldn’t help but think about the repercussions if this event were not to be a success. When he finally heard the MC announce his name, he mechanically made his way to the stage almost blacking out in the process.
How would James’ first live event go? And why is it that so many men struggle with extreme anxiety when doing public speaking?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, James. His reflections on performance and vulnerability demonstrate an openness that is profoundly valued. His story also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: August 22, 2023]
Referenced link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-waffle-shop/id1514646770
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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Episodes manquant?
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Matt was on his way to the fertility clinic in order to produce a sample for his wife’s IVF treatment. This would be the 7th time the couple had attempted the procedure and it would likely be the final time they would have the financial and emotional resources to do so.
At the clinic, Matt couldn’t help but notice how unconducive the environment was to achieving his goal. The wifi was dodgy and the only magazine available was Backdoor Boys, a gay publication. Despite such challenges, Matt succeeded in his mission, yet there would remain a much longer journey to be completed.
What was it that drove Matt and his wife to keep undertaking such a procedure? And how does it feel as a man to be so powerless during the IVF journey?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Matt. His frankness and humour in talking about such a difficult subject are greatly valued. His story also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: August 15th, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test
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It was a beautiful summer’s day and Kevin was enjoying a boat trip along a picturesque canal with his girlfriend and her parents. His in-laws had arranged the trip as a way to celebrate their daughter’s birthday and they were all appreciating the tranquil waters as their boat bobbed along.
As the trip was progressing, Kevin’s father-in-law asked him which sandwich he wanted. For some reason, Kevin found that he was unable to respond. In addition, he felt a pain in his chest. As he felt his body going into complete shutdown, he couldn’t help but feel embarrassment as he noticed that all of the attention was now on him. What had prompted Kevin to react in this way? And how would he feel after being the cause of “ruining” his girlfriend’s big day?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Kevin. His honesty and willingness to talk about his own vulnerabilities is deeply valued. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: 8th August, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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There was nothing that Arjun loved more than a wedding celebration. It was an opportunity for him to sing and dance and dress in elegant clothing, while also spending time with people he knew and loved.
On one particular occasion, however, Arjun was much less excited about celebrating as he discovered that the clothing he had worn at a previous wedding no longer fit. As a result, he needed to borrow wedding clothes from his father. The situation led to Arjun feeling both unconfident and depressed.
But what had led to Arjun’s weight gain? And why is it that putting on weight can so often have a significant impact on the way men feel and the way they view themselves?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Arjun. The way in which he confidently and openly reflects on a topic which often causes so much shame and difficulty for men is greatly admired and appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: August 1st, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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It was a beautiful autumnal morning and Andrew was thoroughly enjoying being at a Senior Golf Tour. During the event, a leaflet was handed to him concerning prostate cancer. He took it out of politeness and immediately shoved it into his pocket unread.
It wasn’t until many days later that Andrew chanced upon the leaflet again as he was about to take his dog out for a walk. This time, he decided to read it and what he read motivated him to get checked out; it would turn out that this would be one of the most important decisions he had ever made in his life.
But why is it that so many men refuse to see the doctor, even when they have symptoms? And what more can be done to avoid the 12,000 people a year becoming victim to one of the most prevalent cancers in men?
You can shape the future of the podcast. Jump on a call with Alex and give your feedback today - click here to book a slot.
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Andrew. The passionate and articulate way in which he shares his story and advocates for more men to learn from his experience is both inspiring and powerfully instructive. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: July 25th, 2023]
Website referenced in episode: www.prostatecanceruk.org
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test
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Kazeem had always had a strained relationship with his father. His dad abandoned him when he was a baby and Kazeem only ever had fleeting experiences of spending time with him as he was growing up. After his dad hit him across the face at the age of 12, Kazeem completely broke off relations with his father. But, aged 21 and now an adult, Kazeem decided to give his father one last chance.
On Kazeem’s 27th birthday, he received no message from his dad. It wasn’t until 4 days later that the belated birthday wishes arrived. Kazeem decided that he had had enough of his father’s lack of commitment and set out to break off relations with him once and for all. But, at a family function, they would find themselves unwillingly brought face-to-face once more. How would Kazeem react to seeing the man who had so constantly proved to be a disappointment? And how would Kazeem’s father react to being rejected by his son?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Kazeem. His thoughtful, open and considered reflections on a subject which so many will be able to relate to are immensely important and appreciated. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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As a queer man, Matt had always found the barbershop to be a particularly hyper-masculine space. He’d got on with everyone there, particularly the owner, but he had never felt comfortable enough to truly open up and be himself.
It was to his great surprise, then, that when entering the barbershop one day he was introduced to a new employee: a flamboyant Brazilian, who seemed to embrace all of the aspects of his personality that Matt had striven so hard not to reveal.
Had Matt misjudged his need to keep his authentic self hidden? And why had Matt originally found it necessary to mask his own form of masculinity in order to fit into this space?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Matt. His openness in discussing the challenges he and many in his community face is both enlightening and poignant. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: July 11th, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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David was exploring the world while scaling the heady heights of multi-sports journalism. In only his second “proper job” post-university, he found himself unexpectedly appointed editor of a new magazine specialising in all-terrain vehicles. As this was the only magazine of its kind, David received invites from manufacturers the world over in order to assess and review their products.
It was as a result of such an invitation that David found himself speeding through a vast expanse of heathland in Quebec on a brand new quad bike. The problem was, however, that he was feeling highly uncomfortable. He couldn’t see the terrain well enough to feel safe and, the longer the ride continued, the more vulnerable he began to feel.
What was it that underlay the vision problems that David was experiencing? And would he be able to extricate himself from such a perilous situation without experiencing serious harm?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, David. His humility, bravery and frankness while telling his story make for a powerful experience. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test
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Mark had spent many years working as a traffic police officer. During this time, he had experienced countless tragic sights. His response to these had been to bottle up his feelings. This had led to him becoming desensitised and uncaring. Dedicated counselling had been required to help Mark remove the barriers that had prevented him from dealing with the pain that had built inside.
When experiencing inflammatory arthritis then, Mark became devastated when he realised that the same pattern of erected barriers had become repeated, this time via an addiction to opioids.
What had led Mark to walking down the very path he had been determined not to retread? And what could our health care system do differently to support people like Mark more effectively in the future?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Mark. His frank and eye-opening reflections on the challenges he has faced are shared with both bravery and wisdom. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 27th, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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Dale Pollitt was 17 years old and appeared to be going nowhere. He’d just dropped out of school and was working at KFC. Like so many teenagers on the estate in which he lived, he spent most of his spare hours smoking weed and playing computer games. But one day he would receive some tragic news that would change his entire outlook on life.
He received a phone call from his mum telling him that he needed to come over to the house. He was panicked and sweating as he drove frantically to join her. When he arrived, he saw his mother, his father, his sister and a police officer waiting to receive him.
What would Dale discover that would lead to a complete evolution in his view of life? And what would Dale learn about becoming a man in the process?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Dale. His bravery and generosity in talking about such a tragic and transformative moment in his life is both inspiring and profoundly appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 20th, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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Steve seemed to have a charmed life. After graduating from university, he began travelling around Europe. He then found himself settling at a holiday resort and, in a few short years, went from being the cleaner to becoming the Area Manager. He was living the dream and making the most of what life had to offer. But one day everything would change for good.
He was visiting a friend in Germany as part of a birthday surprise. On the way, however, he tripped and fell over the balcony railing. He landed awkwardly and soon realised that he couldn’t move.
Steve would later discover that he would no longer be able to walk. But, instead of this being the end of Steve’s journey, it proved to be a new beginning. He would go on to discover a new sport, a new vocation and a new level of achievement.
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Steve. His courage and determination and his ability to adapt to the circumstances he has faced in the best possible way is nothing short of inspirational. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 13th, 2023]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test
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Sam was 27 years old and in the midst of embarking upon his American adventure. He had just arrived in New York and was meeting up with some friends he’d made online to help him stay awake and beat the jet-lag. After a meet-up involving the consumption of copious amounts of hotdogs and beer, Sam began to feel very queasy. He went to the bathroom but the feelings of pain would not subside.
Four years later, Sam’s condition had worsened. His weight had fallen to around 7 stone. He was in constant pain and found it difficult to get out of bed. Finally, he decided he had no option but to seek medical help. On arrival at the hospital, he discovered just how risky his delay to see the doctor had been. But why did he feel the need to wait until a crisis had occurred before seeing the doctor? And why are so many men reluctant to seek medical attention when they need it?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Sam. His frankness and willingness to discuss a phobia so many men can relate to is deeply appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 6th, 2023]
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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After spending some time as a couple, Rob and Jodie had been friends for over ten years. He had seen her go through health challenges in the past and always re-emerge to be there by his side. It was with great shock then that Rob received a call from Jodie’s sister on his 40th birthday telling him that Jodie had suddenly passed away.
Rob went to Jodie’s funeral and found himself breaking down in paroxysms of grief. As he went to pay Jodie his last respects, he wracked his mind to think of the right words.
What could Rob say that would encapsulate everything that he had felt for her over the years he had known her? And how would he be able to come to terms with his grief following her passing?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Rob. His openness in acknowledging how he was able to express such profound grief as a man is highly appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: May 23rd, 2023]
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Rob also has a podcast named "Sketchplanations".
His podcast is a series to accompany the collection of sketches at Sketchplanations.com; that explain stuff simply from the world around us.
Each week they select a different sketch and discuss how it applies in our lives and to society at large - with a little bit of silliness thrown in.
With friends for 25 years; Engineer & Broadcaster Rob Bell, Sketchplanations creator Jono Hey, and The Apprentice winner 2011 Tom Pellereau.
Listen here: https://tr.ee/U9BRt3bjcy
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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Nick Danziger is an award-winning photographer. He is also a filmmaker and travel writer. His adventures abroad began at a very young age.
Nick was 13 and living in Switzerland when he told his parents that he was going to travel to Paris. Nick’s parents did not take their son particularly seriously but little did they know that he had a plan in mind. He had packed some basic food provisions and the little bit of money he had access to. He also took a sketch pad, which would turn out to be the item that would earn him money on his travels.
After sneaking onto and off the train, Nick did in fact arrive in Paris. But while a world of potential adventure opened up to him, so did a world of potential danger. How would a young Nick navigate this danger? And what would he learn on his travels that would influence him throughout his life?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Nick. His reflective and profound observations on travel and the privileges he has experienced as a white, western male are illuminating and wise. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
[Original air date: May 30th, 2023]
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test
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Tim was a social worker and started to work with a young boy who had no experience of being told what to do. He committed a crime and he was about to go face-to-face with a magistrate, so Tim felt he had some responsibility to help the boy and do whatever he could.
All his efforts didn’t make any difference, and after being reprimanded, the young boy boldly threw a pencil at the magistrate’s face. This was now his final chance.
Tim’s training didn’t prepare him for that. What did he say to finally get through to the boy? Could it be that the experience of being a man might be the very connection he needed to use to help this boy to change?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Tim. His eloquence and thoughtful reflection on the meaning and importance of connection is both refreshingly honest and insightful. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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Anthony was 29 years old when he received the news that his best friend, David, was severely ill.The news left him in shock and it proved to be a life changing moment for him.
Anthony and David had known each other since they were both 8 years old. They’d played together at school and they would relive the energy and innocence of those days every time they met. Yet, at the tender age of just 29, David was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Anthony wasn’t ready to face that situation with one of the most important people in his life. But who ever is ready for something like that?
Today we discover how Anthony came to terms with this loss,while asking, what is it that a man goes through when he loses his best friend? And how can we be more appreciative of the male friendships in our lives?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Anthony. His energy, generosity, and courageousness in talking about such a tragic experience is inspirational. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.
[Original air date: December 6th, 2022]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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Luke was at a party with his girlfriend surrounded by his closest friends. He was smiling and laughing and appeared to be having a great time. But, after this moment of celebration, it was his intention to say goodbye. Nobody else knew it but he wanted to take his life that same night.
Before taking his life, Luke is driven to make a phone call to a man who he hadn’t spoken to in a long time. He is also being watched by a kind stranger who can see that something isn’t right.
How will the kindness of an old friend and a perfect stranger unite to save Luke’s life? And will Luke eventually be able to appreciate how much he has to live for?
Today we will discover the importance of kindness. We will also see how necessary it is for men to speak out when they are at their most desperate.
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Luke Scott. His frankness, courage and generosity in sharing such a painful story is an inspiration to behold. It also provides a vital insight into how pivotal kindness can be as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: November 1st, 2022]
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test
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Daniel Collins was a slight 18-year-old boy who was travelling around the country clamping cars. He hated the job but his father seemed to relish it. One day, they clamped the car of a man that showed up with confrontation in his mind. The man was with 14 of his friends and started to scream and shout. In a split second, the whole situation turned violent and Daniel made a mistake that put his dad on the edge of dying.
How did things move so fast? And would Daniel ever be able to go back to his job after what had happened?
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Daniel Collins. His honesty, resolve and courage in reliving such a horrific and terrifying moment is a sign of genuine strength and is profoundly appreciated. It also provides a vital insight as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: October 25th, 2022]
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som
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Ross was the life and soul of the party. Working as a national radio presenter, he was able to hang out with the rich and famous at awards ceremonies and red carpet events. But he was hiding a secret: his struggle with social anxiety.
For years Ross had attempted to deal with his anxiety by masking it with alcohol, but he knew that this was only going to cause him deeper problems in the end. This realisation became crystal clear when he found himself waking up stinking of spirits and cigarettes and suffering with a splitting headache. He turned on his phone and it immediately erupted with countless notifications.
At first his memory was hazy but then it began to dawn on him exactly what he had been up to the previous night.
Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.
We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Ross. His thoughtful and honest reflections on what led to his dependence on alcohol are eye-opening and will be highly relatable to all men who struggle with fitting in. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.
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Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this story
We're also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A Fascinate Production
Mentioned in this episode:
Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test
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