Man Up / Man Down

Man Up / Man Down

By Volker Ballueder and David PawseySociety & CultureHealth & Fitness
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Man Up / Man Down episodes

  • You Alright Mate

    In this episode, Sam Thomas shares insights on redefining success, mental health, and the importance of emotional literacy, especially among children and men. We explore practical ways to foster resilience, authenticity, and community to prevent issues like suicide and promote well-being.


    Key Topics


    • Reframing success for children and adults
    • The importance of emotional literacy in schools
    • Campaigns to prevent male suicide
    • The role of community and sports in mental health
    • The impact of societal metrics on self-worth
    • Strategies for teaching values and vulnerability to kids
    • The significance of authentic connection and support
    • Innovative approaches to education and mental health


    Below some links to Sam and his work:


    https://www.different-hats.co.uk/you-alright-mate-waiting-list

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-thomas-94516730

    https://www.instagram.com/sam_thomas_dh

    https://linktr.ee/differenthats

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  • Reclaiming Masculinity and Healing the Father Wound

    In this episode, George Stoimenov shares his transformative journey from a bodybuilder and bouncer to an advocate for emotional healing and masculinity. Explore how father wounds shape male identity, the importance of emotional openness, and practical steps toward authentic masculinity.


    Key Topics:

    • The societal dichotomy between masculinity and vulnerability
    • How generational trauma influences men's emotional expression
    • The father wound: origins, impact, and healing techniques
    • The journey from external strength to internal authenticity
    • The importance of male spaces for emotional growth
    • Reclaiming strength through spiritual and emotional work
    • How childhood experiences shape adult behaviours and relationships
    • The role of mentorship and personal development in manhood
    • Practical tools for emotional resilience and inner healing


    George’s links:


    Books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/George-Stoimenov/author/B0B19BH9QL


    Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@georgestoimenov


    Blog/Podcast: https://www.menscorner.co.uk

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  • Unveiling Resilience and Mindset

    In this episode, we dive into the intriguing world of resilience, mindset, and personal growth through the insights of Dan Metcalfe. Recorded in David’s new studio, this conversation offers a blend of personal stories and practical philosophies that can inspire and challenge you.


    Key topics:

    • The unique background of Dan Metcalfe and his journey through hardship
    • The importance of reserved communication and revealing depth over surface
    • Future plans for deeper exploration into mindset and resilience
    • The role of authentic storytelling in personal development
    • Book recommendations by Dan for understanding resilience
    • The significance of curiosity and continuous learning in personal growth


    Links:


    • Total Balance Company Website: https://totalbalancecompany.com/
    • Born Superhuman Website: https://bornsuperhuman.com/
    • Born Superhuman Podcasts: https://bornsuperhuman.com/podcasts/
    • Balance360uP / Neuro360 / Pro360 Overview: https://totalbalancecompany.com/shop/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.metcalfe.73/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  • Unlocking the unconscious, a path to men's inner power


    In this insightful interview, men's personal development specialist Andy Nathan shares his transformative journey from corporate burnout to inner fulfilment. Discover how yoga, trauma work, and understanding unconscious patterns can help men reclaim their worth, authenticity, and purpose.


    Our guest today is Andy Nathan, a men’s personal development specialist who helps guys who are winning on paper but drifting off course internally.

     

    After his own life crashed at age 40 while caught up in the hamster wheel of the corporate world, Andy pivoted. Over the last 16 years, he has been head-down doing ‘the work’ in what genuinely creates lasting transformation for men, and now works with other men helping them navigate the messy reality of burnout, career crashes, relationship breakdowns, and crises of integrity.

     

    Drawing on his ongoing Master's studies in Jungian Depth Work and 12 years of experience in wellness and professional coaching, Andy facilitates raw, ground-up transformation through his 1-to-1 practice and his private mastermind, The MAN Program.

     


    He is the host of The Fuck It Moment podcast and is currently getting accredited to certify the next generation of coaches in this vital work.

     

    www.andynathan.co.uk

    IG: @andyjnathan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 min
  • Sextips for Men in Midlife

    In this conversation, Betsy Greenleaf discusses the critical link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular health. She emphasises that a decline in erections can be an early warning sign of significant heart issues, often occurring about ten years before a major cardiovascular event. Betsy highlights the importance of consulting a cardiologist when experiencing erectile dysfunction, as it can indicate underlying vascular problems that need to be addressed.


    Giveaways:

    You will get a link to 10% off at the Pelvic Floor Store this will be sent to your email

    Women’s Pelvic Meditation: https://femversity.com/pelvicmediation-sign-up

    Hormone Quiz: https://link.apisystem.tech/widget/quiz/Xxe3hNPG5Iora9LqUILT

     

    Websites:

    The International Pause Institute: https://pauseinstitute.com

    The Pelvic Floor Store: https://pelvicfloorstore.com

    Affiliate Sign Up for the Pelvic Floor Store: https://af.uppromote.com/the-pelvic-floor-

    store/register

     

    Social Media Links

    https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleaf

    https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafmenshealth

    https://www.instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafspeaks

    https://www.tiktok.com/@drbetsygreenleaf

    https://www.tiktok.com/@drbetsygreenleafmen

    https://www.facebook.com/dr.betsy.greenleaf/

    https://www.instagram.com/internationalpauseinstitute

    https://twitter.com/DrBGreenleaf

    https://www.pinterest.com/drbetsygreenleaf

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdu6ZIxyAYGKsmJPtEvTS4w

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbetsygreenleaf/

     

    Music

     

    Menopause Rock Album by Doc BET-Z

    Menopause Memo https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/drbetsygreenleafbeats/menopause-memo

     

    Life Fire

    Rising From Ash https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifefire/rise-from-ash

    Fire Under Glass https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifefire/fire-under-glass

    Fire Leaves Its Mark https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifefire/fire-leaves-its-mark

     

    Podcasts

    Some of Your Parts https://someofyourparts.libsyn.com/

    Body Mind Spirit https://www.wytv7.org/body-mind-spirit

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  • Men Therapy Hub - helping men in midlife to feel better with Chris Hemmings

    In this episode of Man Up / Man Down, Volker and David talk to therapist, coach and former BBC journalist Chris Hemmings. Chris shares how his father’s death led to cocaine misuse and a deep dive into men’s mental health, masculinity and why so many men are struggling in silence. He explains why empathy is a teachable skill, how boys are socialised away from their emotions, and why he created Men’s Therapy Hub – a male-therapist directory “by men, for men”. The conversation explores stigma, privilege, the gap between coaching and psychotherapy, and what it really takes for men to ask for help and change generational patterns.


    Key topics

    • Chris’s personal story: bereavement, addiction and rethinking masculinity
    • Suicide, addiction, homelessness and violence statistics for men
    • Why men are told to understand everyone else without understanding themselves
    • Empathy as a skill and what happens when boys shut it down
    • Going into schools to talk to boys about being a man
    • Why so few male therapists exist – and why that matters
    • The origins and mission of Men’s Therapy Hub
    • Stigma: why men come to therapy only at crisis point
    • Therapy vs coaching – and why combining both can be powerful
    • Generational patterns, fathers, grandfathers and “rigid masculinity”
    • Access and affordability of therapy, trainee therapists, low-cost options


    Links

    • Men’s Therapy Hub: menstherapyhub.co.uk
    • Chris Hemmings: chrishemmings.co.uk
    • Podcast: No Man’s An Island
    • His book: https://amzn.eu/d/337CUyx
    • Men’s Therapy Hub: http://menstherapyhub.co.uk
    • 🎙️ Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-mans-an-island/id1849171262
    • 🟢 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXF?si=bee0565dbdbd421f
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MensTherapyHub
    • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/menstherapyhub/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/menstherapyhub/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  • Mental Health and Communicating with Power

    In this episode, Corey Corpodian shares his transformative journey from being a board-certified orthodontist to a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. He discusses the importance of emotional fitness, resilience, and effective communication in achieving personal and professional success. Corey emphasizes the lessons learned from his family's financial struggles and the impact of parenting on emotional intelligence. He also addresses the challenges of avoiding burnout while juggling multiple responsibilities and encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones to achieve their goals.



    Key Takeaways


    • Corey's journey reflects the importance of reinvention and adaptability.
    • Success without fulfillment can lead to personal dissatisfaction.
    • Emotional fitness is crucial for mental health and achieving goals.
    • Resilience is built through facing and overcoming adversity.
    • Effective communication can significantly impact business success.
    • Parenting plays a vital role in developing emotional intelligence in children.
    • Financial struggles can teach valuable lessons about perseverance.
    • Avoiding burnout requires consistent self-care and balance.
    • Creating oneself is an ongoing process that requires effort and intention.
    • Taking action is essential for measuring progress and achieving results.



    Links:


    www.unleashsuccess.com/subscribe

    www.masteremotionalfitness.com

    www.youtube.com/@Corey Corpodian

    Instagram: @Corey Corpodian

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  • From Trauma to Triumph

    In this episode of Man Up Man Down, Chris Braitch shares his profound journey from trauma and addiction to healing and helping others. He discusses the often overlooked challenges faced by individuals who attended boarding schools, the impact of unresolved childhood trauma, and the importance of emotional health coaching. Chris emphasises the significance of connection and compassion in recovery, and the role of men's groups in fostering support. He also introduces his initiative, Seen and Heard, which aims to provide resources and support for those affected by the boarding school experience.



    Takeaways


    • Chris' journey highlights the hidden struggles of boarding school alumni.
    • Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma and emotional disconnection.
    • Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can be transformative in healing.
    • Men's groups provide essential support and connection for recovery.
    • The decision to send children to boarding school requires careful consideration of emotional impacts.
    • Healing relational trauma is best achieved in supportive relationships.
    • Emotional intelligence is crucial for success in leadership roles.
    • Connection and compassion are vital for personal growth and healing.
    • Therapy alone may not address deep-seated trauma without body awareness.
    • Seen and Heard offers vital support for those affected by boarding school experiences.




    Links are here:

    • Not for profit supporting the wellbeing of past pupils of boarding and independent day schools and their families – www.seenheard.org.uk
    • Not for profit supporting the wellbeing of present pupils of boarding and independent day schools and their families – www.seenheardschools.org.uk
    • Chris' Coaching business where he support men and women through 1-2-1 and groups – www.growthwave.uk
    • The Compassionate Leader Pathway Course he has launched to help people lead with purpose – perform with clarity and live with integrity. www.compassionateleadersglobal.com through Compassion and Leadership.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  • Exploring the Depths of Masculine Psychology.

    In this episode of "Man Up Man Down," we dive deep into the world of masculine psychology with Rick Belden, a pioneer in men's personal development. Rick shares his journey from a crisis point in his life to becoming a respected men's coach and poet. We explore the influence of parental relationships, the evolution of men's groups, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional resilience.


    Key Takeaways:

    Rick's personal journey and the impact of men's groups on his life. The significance of understanding and healing the mother and father wounds. The evolution of men's groups and the changing landscape of masculinity. The importance of developing a strong relationship with oneself.



    Rick Belden: Men's coach, poet, and author with over 35 years of experience in exploring men's issues and recovery from trauma.


    Links:

    •Master website: https://rickbelden.com

    •Coaching website: https://www.rickbeldencoaching.com

    •YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RickBelden

    •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickbeldenpoet



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  • Exploring Connection and Emotional Intelligence.

    Join us for an insightful episode of "Man Up /Man Down" as we sit down with Dr. Adam Dorsey, a licensed psychologist and executive coach from Silicon Valley. Dr. Dorsey shares his journey from overcoming learning disabilities to becoming a renowned therapist and author. We delve into the importance of connection, emotional intelligence, and the unique challenges faced by men in today's society.


    Dr. Dorsey's path to psychology and his work with middle-aged men The concept of connection and its four dimensions The impact of socialisation on men's emotional expression Insights from Dr. Dorsey's TEDx talk on emotions The role of music and creativity in personal growth


    You can find out more about Adam here:


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-dorsay-psyd-cpcc-a582a2

    https://www.facebook.com/dradamdorsay

    www.dradamdorsay.com

     

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min

About Man Up / Man Down

From the publisher's feed

We’ll discuss (and have the odd rant about) all the pressures of being a man, approaching (sorry, we have to say it) middle age. All the fears we have but are often too embarrassed to discuss with…