Episodi
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Could understanding how men truly process grief change the way we approach mental health?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, therapist and author Tom Golden reveals how men process emotions differentlyâand why that often goes unrecognised. Tom shares his journey into grief therapy, where he discovered that traditional talk-based methods werenât working for his male clients. Instead, men tend to heal through actionâbuilding, creating, or physically doing something that helps them process their emotions.
We discuss the signs of male depression, which often show up as anger, withdrawal, or overworking rather than visible sadness. Tom also highlights the pressures men faceâfrom biological instincts to cultural expectationsâthat make opening up feel like a risk. He also offers practical advice on how to support grieving men: forget forcing conversations, and instead, meet them where they areâside by side, engaged in an activity that allows emotions to surface naturally.
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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 matterâand you donât have to diminish them.
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Episodi mancanti?
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The Meaning of Men is scaling new heights! In this episode we talk to extreme mountaineer Jost Kobusch, the day before his latest attempt to climb Mt Everest! Jost shares his awe-inspiring journey from a boy afraid of heights to one of the worldâs most daring alpinists.
The conversation explores menâs mental health, the dangers of bottling up emotions, and the stigma around fear and vulnerability. Jostâs insights into recognising the signs of male depression and finding balance between challenges and stability speak directly to men navigating everyday pressures. His message is clear: growth comes from facing discomfort, asking tough questions, and leaning on support networks when needed.
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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.
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1 in 10 fathers will suffer from postnatal depression. Yet most people still don't realise it's something that men suffer from. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I chat with Tom about his own experience of postnatal depression and the impact on his mental health. Tom talks openly about the pressures of fatherhood, the signs of male depression he ignored, and how he eventually realised he needed help.
He shared his struggles of invasive thoughts, trying to shoulder all the responsibilities and the nagging feeling of not being âgood enough.â Despite the challenges, Tom reflects on how leaning on his wife, Sarah, and being honest about his feelings helped him move forward. This episode is a reminder that mental health awareness is crucial, especially for dads, and that itâs okay to admit youâre struggling. Tomâs key takeaway? âYouâre not failing, youâre learning.â A must-listen for anyone navigating the often messy but ultimately rewarding reality of fatherhood.
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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.
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How much of your day is spent scrollingâand is it doing more harm than good?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, psychotherapist Aaron Balick discusses how our online lives impact menâs mental health. He dives into the good and the bad of social mediaâhow it spreads mental health awareness but can also fuel anxiety, depression, and body image struggles. Aaron explains why platforms are so addictive (hint: itâs all about those dopamine hits) and how algorithms keep pulling us into echo chambers.
Aaron also talks about the signs of male depression, how to spot when social media might be harming you or someone you know, and ways to have a healthier, happier relationship with these platforms. Aaron shares why real-life relationships are key to mental well-being, offering tips on how to reconnect with the world outside your screen. A must-listen for anyone navigating todayâs digital minefield!
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What if the toughest guys in the room are the ones struggling the most? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Kyleâ a firefighter and former Royal Marine Commandoâshares his powerful journey through the highs and lows of two demanding careers and a life-changing move across a continent. He talks openly about how depression in men often hides behind a tough exterior and how recognising the signs of male depression can make all the difference. From facing isolation after moving to the U.S. to finding purpose in his roles as a father and first responder, Kyleâs story shines a light on the importance of mental health awareness. This conversation will inspire anyone seeking to understand menâs mental health or support the men in their lives.
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
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Ever wonder how the way we talk to boys shapes the men they become? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Dr. Judy Chu dives deep into how societal pressures, like being told to âman up,â can harm boys and lead to depression in men. She shares eye-opening insights from her research on boysâ emotional development and explains why mental health awareness starts young.
Dr. Chu talks about the signs of male depression, like shutting down emotionally or acting out, and what parents can do to help. Itâs all about breaking free from the outdated âman boxâ and teaching boys itâs okay to feel, be vulnerable, and just be themselves.
This chat is packed with relatable stories and practical advice for raising happy, emotionally healthy boys. Whether youâre a parent, teacher, or just curious about menâs mental health, you wonât want to miss this one!
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
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In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Radio 1 Xtra presenter and media personality Chuckie Online gets real about navigating loss, battling financial struggles, and dealing with the highs and lows of the music industryâall while keeping his mental health in check.
Chuckie opens up about losing his âbonus dadâ, Peter, and how the experience shaped his views on life, resilience, and menâs mental health. He talks about the signs of male depression, the pressure to keep it together, and how meaningful conversations pulled him through those tough times.
With his signature authenticity, Chuckie reminds us that itâs okay to ask for help and to keep goingâeven when things feel impossible.
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
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What does it really take for guys to connect? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I chat with Geoffrey Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System, about the ups and downs of male friendships and their link to menâs mental health. We talk about the challenges men face in keeping strong connections and why having the right mix of friends can be key in avoiding depression or even a mental breakdown.
Geoff breaks down his four types of friendsâmust, trust, rust, and justâand shares practical tips for building stronger connections, even when lifeâs hectic. We talk about why trust matters, spotting signs of depression in your friends, and how partners can help the men in their life build better friendship groups. Whether youâre dealing with depression or just trying to figure out how to stay close with your buddies, this episode is packed with relatable advice for improving mental health and friendships.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
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Launching our first episodes on Monday 6th January 2025.
