Ep34 Show notes

When Andrew Robinson set out to jump into a freezing New Zealand lake every day for 100 days, he wasn’t chasing followers, he was chasing connection.

The project became Tough Yarns, a movement blending physical challenge, vulnerability, and men’s mental health.

In this conversation, Andrew and Stretch unpack how discomfort builds character, why we struggle to ask for help, and how conversation itself can save lives.

They explore the science of suffering, rites of passage, and Andrew’s next mission: a 5,500 km solo ride across New Zealand for Movember.

You’ll leave this episode reminded that doing hard things isn’t about proving toughness, it’s about discovering truth, purpose, and connection.

Andrew's Website: https://toughyarns.com/

Andrew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toughyarns/

Andrew's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toughyarns

Andrew's Movember Donations: https://nz.movember.com/mospace/15361970

Join The Midlife Mavericks Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/midlife-maverick/about 

Key Takeaways

• Discomfort builds connection. Doing something hard — like cold water plunges — lowers defenses and opens space for honesty.
• Courage starts with curiosity. Asking deeper questions, even of strangers, creates real human connection.
• Men need modern rites of passage. Without structured transitions, many men stay stuck in the “warrior” phase and burn out.
• Vulnerability is leadership. Sharing your story first gives others permission to do the same.
• Ask and listen. Not everyone needs fixing — sometimes they just need space to be heard.
• Service creates meaning. Andrew’s 5,500 km Movember ride proves that personal challenge can drive collective change.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Robinson's Journey

03:28 The Power of Physical Challenges

06:32 Exploring Mental Health Through Physicality

09:31 Personal Reflections on Family and Growth12:27 Lessons Learned from Challenges

15:33 The 100-Day Cold Lake Challenge

18:41 Engaging Strangers and Building Connections

21:36 The Impact of Vulnerability and Trust

23:45 Self-Discovery Through Challenges

27:40 The Importance of Vulnerability

30:35 Rites of Passage and Masculinity

36:09 Transitioning from Physical to Emotional Challenges

41:21 The Journey of a 5,500 km Bike Ride

47:20 Breaking Down Communication Barriers

48:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery

49:33 Transforming Sales into Genuine Communication

50:25 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health Conversations

51:58 The Power of Group Dynamics in Conversations

52:50 The Connection Between Physical Movement and Emotional Well-being

55:17 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability

57:11 The Importance of Listening in Relationships

01:00:48 Navigating Difficult Conversations

01:02:07 Understanding Others' Struggles

01:05:07 Setting Boundaries in Conversations

01:09:09 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

01:11:23 Introduction to Tough Yarns and Movember Ride