Episodes
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It was a day out with the family. Despite not knowing where they were going, Paul and his brother were extremely excited to be taken out by their relatives; they didn’t usually get taken out at all.
Like two “coiled springs” they leaped out of the car as soon as it pulled up. Soon after they were bundled into a Victorian, stone building. They marched up the steps, excited about what they would find once they reached the top. Eventually they emerged into a room where there was an abundance of individuals bustling around.
At first everything was unfamiliar but it was with great surprise that Paul would see a face that he recognised behind a wall of glass: the man who should’ve been his role model.
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, Paul. His open and stirring reflections on what it is like trying to be a good man without having a good role model are both affecting and inspiring. 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: Jan 23rd, 2024]
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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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He was lying in bed, restless, in a fever, struggling to catch his breath. He was shivering one moment and then attempting to kick off his duvet the next.
He saw a woman coming through the door. She switched on the light. It made him feel confused, anxious. The expression on her face was grave. She told him that what she saw in front of her was a pale, old, withered man. She was worried that he may not make it through the night. In response, all Ketan could say was “Don’t send me to hospital. Don’t send me to hospital”.
What had led Ketan to enter such a vulnerable state? And in what ways would experiencing this vulnerability change Ketan’s perspective going forward?
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, Ketan. His stark and harrowing description of experiencing illness and needing support are both unsettling and enlightening. 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: Jan 16th, 2024]
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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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Darren openly discusses the plethora of negative feelings that contributed to his emotional breakdown on his way to work. He was working in finance. It was an industry that had provided him with the good life. However, he knew that something deep down was not right. He had been drinking too much and struggling to sleep at night. All of this came to a head on one fateful morning.
“I physically stopped. I stopped and I looked at this big glass building and these big doors that I've walked in so many times. I couldn't. It was as if my legs had grown roots.”
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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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The air was so chillingly cold that he could feel it in his bones. The billowing and the roaring around him was so loud that he was unable to hear. As he stood there waiting for the inevitable, his nerves prevented him from being able to speak. He had travelled thousands of miles for this moment and there was no question of turning back now.
Isaac is a man who is used to taking on challenges. As someone with complex disabilities, he has spent his life overcoming obstacles and finding a way to achieve his ambitions. His contributions as a community advocate have seen him rewarded with an MBE for his efforts. But this was a challenge like no other he had yet faced.
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, Isaac. His story of determination and bravery is as remarkable as it 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: Jan 9th, 2024]
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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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For David, the dream was just beginning. He and his wife were in their early 20s and had just moved from Canada to Switzerland to start a new adventure.
At work, David was also having the time of his life. At the end of one of his first projects, he went to lunch with a client. The restaurant boasted breath-taking views and the client treated him to the finest wine he had ever tasted. He bounded home, eager to tell his wife about the amazing day he’d had. But when he entered the house and called her name, nobody answered.
He went into the bedroom to look for her and what he discovered forced him to completely re-evaluate the experience that he had believed both he and his wife were having.
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 reflective and self-critical observations on the importance of controlling one’s ego and becoming more empathetic are both enlightening and valuable. 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. [Originar air date: Jan 02nd, 2024]
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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 Cup Final day against the school’s most fierce rivals. Andy was 12 years old and nervously waiting to hear if he would be included in the team. He looked to his dad watching from the sidelines, hoping his name would be announced. Finally, the team was revealed and Andy would be playing in defence.
The game kicks off. In the first minute the opposition start to attack. Andy looks on as the rival striker comes rushing towards him. There’s an opportunity for Andy to get involved and stop his team from losing a goal. But, at the final second, he decides not to make a challenge.
The striker goes past him. He scores. Andy’s team is 1-0 down and it’s only the opening minute. How would his dad react? Why had Andy not reacted? And why is it that Andy has never been able to forget that moment ever since?
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, Andy. His unguarded and moving reflections on his fear of failure will resonate with many. 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: December 19th, 2023]
Referenced links: https://thinkunconventionall.com/
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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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When it comes to idyllic childhood’s one would be hard-pressed to think of a more harmonious one than James’. He was raised in Villefrance, a town in the Alps located along the French and Italian border. There he spent quality time with his father who taught him about the nurturing power of nature.
It was with a sense of horror and disbelief that one day James’ father would tell him that everything he had known would be coming to an end. That his once idyllic life would be replaced by a harsh, stifling, concrete environment, characterised by enforcing obedience and conformity.
But what would be the circumstances that would lead to this change? And how have James’ childhood experiences inspired him to help and engage young people today?
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 tender and heartfelt reflections on a childhood that was both cherished and lost are deeply moving and highly 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: December 12th, 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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Speeding along the motorway listening to music from his youth, Andy was reflecting on happier times. He was thinking about a holiday in Ibiza when he was 19 years old and hadn’t a care in the world. He’d been genuinely happy then.
Now he felt angry, destructive. He saw nothing ahead of him except struggle and pain. He put his foot on the accelerator and saw the speedometer rise to 90 miles per hour. He bobbed and weaved his way through the cars. He took his hands off the steering wheel. He closed his eyes, he started to count. Within the deep blackness Andy was being hurtled, he was taking the ultimate gamble.
What had led Andy to this point? And what tools are available to help men like Andy in society today?
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, Andy. His moving and brave recollections of the challenges he has faced are both enlightening and highly 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: May 12th, 2023]
Referenced website: epicriskmanagement.com
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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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You’re a soldier driving through a warzone. You pass through a deserted village. Later you see a lonely crucifix in a field. You find out what it symbolises: one night all of the people in the village were dragged outside of their homes and executed. How do you react? Do you dare to show emotion? Do you dare to show compassion?
Jed Irving was a man’s man. He had been trained to keep his emotions in check. He didn’t react to finding out about the village massacre. He suppressed his feelings. But, years later, that memory from the past was triggered. This time he felt a depth of compassion he had not been able to access before. But would Jed finally allow himself to express the emotions he had previously denied?
Today we discover how Jed dealt with being confronted by the past. And ask, has Jed’s perception of masculinity changed as he has grown older? And what does it truly mean to be a “tough guy” in the 21st century?
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, Jed Irving. His vulnerability, openness and sincerity in talking about bearing witness to such a tragic scene shows inspirational courage. It also provides meaningful reflection 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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It was his first summer holiday with the boys in Spain. Alan and his mates were bragging about all the money they’d brought with them for their two weeks in the sun. Yet, while his mates all seemed to be expressing genuine excitement, Alan felt anxious about the days to come.
After the first night out, all of the lads returned in a drunken state. They left their clothes strewn across the apartment as they collapsed into sleep. Only Alan remained awake. He couldn’t stop thinking about a lie he’d told earlier. He couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that he had come on a two-week holiday with his mates without bringing any money with him at all.
How would Alan get through the next two weeks of his holiday? And what had got him into such a precarious situation to begin with?
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, Alan. His frank and unflinching discussion of some truly difficult topics are 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.
Referenced links: epicriskmanagement.com
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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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After the previously independent company that he’d worked for had been bought up by a much larger one, Anuj had begun to lose his passion for his job. The one benefit that had remained was his team, who he thoroughly enjoyed working with. But even that would come under threat as Anuj was told that he needed to make two of them redundant.
Anuj decided that it was time for him to formulate a plan. Once he had it clearly formulated, he steeled himself to tell his boss about it before the scheduled redundancy meeting would take place. With trepidation in his heart, he would prepare to tell his boss what he felt needed to be said.
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, Anuj. His thoughtful and open reflections on the workplace and the pressures of being a breadwinner 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: November 14th, 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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Jonathan was daydreaming while his chemistry professor was putting chalk to blackboard. He’d snuck his NME magazine into the lecture theatre and was reading about an upcoming gig: Alice in Chains, a world-famous band, were coming to perform in his city!
The news got even more exciting; the band’s bassist would soon be leaving. This gave Jonathan a wild idea: why not apply to be the band’s bassist himself? He knew all of their songs and was certain to be attending the gig anyway. Resolved on this idea, he began writing an application letter to the venue at which the band would be playing.
But what gave Jonathan the confidence to make such an application? And what would the band’s response to it be? Welcome to the mind of the unreasonable man.
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, Jonathan. His energetic and optimistic perspective on life and the opportunities it can present is highly 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: November 7th, 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 cup final day and Sumit and his brothers were dreaming of victory. They had all travelled to Kiev to watch Liverpool play the final match in Europe’s premier competition. All the brothers had to do was navigate their way past the burly, gun-toting security guards and find their seats.
Once the brothers had entered the stadium, they were dismayed to discover that their seats were a long distance from the pitch. They also only provided a view of half of the action as a cinder block significantly obscured their view. The brothers would have to work together in order to save their big day. Would there be something one of them could say or do to get the seats they had dreamed of?
Today we reflect on the joy of spending special time with special people and we reflect on the unique bonds that only brothers can share.
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, Sumit. His thoughtful and open approach to discussing family and community are extremely valuable and 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: October 31st, 2023]
Websites referenced: https://storiesofmenpodcast.com/ (The Man Test)
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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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*Content warning: This episode contains graphic details of suicide*
George had been struggling with anxiety and depression for a while and he was beginning to lose hope that he would ever feel better again. He was living with his parents and had sworn both of them to secrecy about his current state of mind. But one evening his secret was revealed.
George’s parents had been out with friends and one of the friends had asked how George was doing. In response, she’d tearfully broken down and talked about how concerned she was about her son. Quite unexpectedly, her male friend offered to talk to him.
But how would George react to his secret being revealed? And how could talking to his mother’s friend be in any way beneficial?
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, George. His reflective and open discussion of his own psychological challenges and vulnerability shows great bravery and 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: October 24th, 2023]
Suicide support: The Samaritans hotline 116 123
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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 as ordinary a situation as you could imagine: Steve and his girlfriend were in Subway purchasing a sandwich. Steve had decided to go for the healthiest option available: a sandwich which was under 3g in fat. He’d chosen roast chicken, no sauces, no cookies and a diet coke.
But as Steve was eating the food in front of him, he began to get nervous. A voice in his head was telling him: “What you’re doing isn’t right, you’re going to get fat.” As soon as Steve and his girlfriend got home, he made his excuses and went straight to the bathroom. He aimed to ensure that the food did not remain in his system before the night was through.
What had led to Steve developing such an unhealthy relationship with food? And how did he manage to go from fearing food to becoming a chef?
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 honesty and bravery in talking about such a debilitating disease is 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: October 17th, 2023]
Eating disorder helpline: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/
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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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Adam is driving his teenage daughter to Oxford. During the 1-hour journey, a few meaningful looks are exchanged. He is trying to be strong, but he feels nervous about the future, nervous about the prospect of relinquishing control.
Eventually they arrive in a leafy suburb and are directly outside of a large building. Adam knows that this is the place where he must leave her. He goes to help her with her luggage but he’s told that he can not enter the premises. He has to let go now, he has to trust others to take care of her.
But how would letting go of control make Adam feel as a father? And would it be possible for others to help his daughter in ways that Adam couldn’t?
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, Adam. His empathetic and insightful reflections on a period of his life which was so challenging are truly 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.
Episode references:
https://theleadershipenigma.buzzsprout.com/
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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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Mark was outside the door, his brother was locked in. The student apartment they were in was rat-infested and in complete disarray. All Mark’s brother had access to was 20 sausage rolls, a bottle of ketchup and a bucket. It was Mark who had access to the keys.
His brother began by pleading with Mark to open the door. Then he started to threaten and scream. It was when his brother seemed to be losing his mind that Mark’s resolve began to soften. Should he let his brother out? Wasn’t literally holding him captive going too far? Despite his doubts, what began to happen within the 72 hours of captivity would change both the brother’s lives forever.
But why was it necessary for Mark to go to such extreme lengths? And what did this experience teach Mark about being both a man and a brother?
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 impassioned and unique perspective on what makes life worth living is both fascinating and stimulating. 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/som_the_man_test
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It was March 2020 and Brad had just received confirmation that his current business model had become unworkable. A lockdown had been ordered following the pandemic, and the vast quantities of money that had been flowing through Brad’s account were set to disappear overnight.
Brad’s wife was in tears as she learned the news. But Brad knew that tears were not going to help him: this was a moment for action. He stormed into his office and, in a creative frenzy, put together a plan which might just be crazy enough to work. He then picked up the phone to call an old mentor. It was make or break time and Brad was more than up for the challenge.
What ideas would Brad put together to save his family’s livelihood? And what can we learn as men about taking action during challenging times?
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, Brad. His unique and powerful story is both motivating and deeply 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.
Episode references:
https://www.bradburton.biz/
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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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Jimmy was sitting in the waiting room thinking carefully about the decision he was about to announce. He had risen to a point of great success in his career, he was literally operating in the corridors of power.
He sat there thinking carefully about each word he was going to utter. Up to now, nothing had been announced, he could go back on his plan. Was he really making the right decision? Could he really be about to walk away from such a high-powered position to become a stay-at-home dad?
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, Jimmy. His unique and considered reflections on life experienced at the heart of government and his decision to walk away from it all are both fascinating and revealing. 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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*Content warning: This episode contains graphic details of suicide*
It was a perfect storm of events and emotions. Dan had recently lost his mother. He’d had a number of business ventures which had not worked out. He was also struggling with his mental health. As a result, he decided to take a walk along the quiet streets at night, hoping that no-one would see him. He had a length of rope wrapped around his arm, carefully concealed from view.
He was searching for the perfect tree which he could attach his rope to. As he visualised his plans for the future, he was the calmest he had been in a long time. But what Dan did not realise was that this night would end up going very differently to the night that he had planned.
But what is it that pushes men to contemplate suicide? And what can be done to help those who are seriously struggling with their mental health?
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, Dan. His frank and authentic recounting of such a difficult story shows remarkable courage and is 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.
Episode references:
The Samaritans hotline: 116 123
Middle Finger Club
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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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