Man Up / Man Down

Season 3 will be a game changer. Not only did we pre-record some amazing episodes already, we also go video for some of them (www.youtube.com/@manupmandown)

Enjoy today's season starter, with some heavy topics coming up in the next few weeks, and our live event on the 17th of October.

But tickets now: https://podlifeevents.com/event-details/mumd-live-in-london---overcoming-fear-transforming-adversity-into-a-road-map-for-growth-17th-oct-tickets

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Now, that's 65 episodes published.

A lot more recorded.

Today is the wrap up of season 2.

Thanks for listening and supporting us. This year has seen a lot of changes with our first live event, new sponsors, new website and some fantastic guests.

Season 3 will go live in September, with a lot of it already recorded. We are looking at different formats, a newsletter and of course another live event mid October. Details all tbc asap.

In the meantime, enjoy your summer.

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In the latest episode of "Man Up, Man Down," hosts Volker Ballueder and David Pawsey engage with Justin Campbell, co-founder of Sales Source and host of the Future Fast Digital Marketing podcast. The discussion orbits around the challenges of ailing parents, with a potential exploration into the delicate topic of assisted suicide, depending on the direction of the conversation.

Justin introduces his personal and professional background, emphasising his extensive experience in B2B sales and digital marketing. He shares his recent accomplishment of completing the London Marathon and delves into his life as a Brit residing in the Netherlands, an experience paralleling Volker’s as a German in the UK.

The conversation shifts to more personal matters as Justin discusses his parents' conditions: his father suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease and his mother battles anxiety. This situation is further complicated by their profound deafness, a unique family dynamic that Justin and his brother have navigated since childhood.

The dialogue ventures into the sensitive areas of elderly care and the systemic challenges within the UK's health service. Justin describes the struggle of securing adequate care for his parents, touching upon the resistance often met from aging parents who view their children as figures who shouldn't dictate their choices, regardless of their own deteriorating independence.

The podcast takes a more philosophical turn as the topic shifts to assisted suicide, highlighting the moral and ethical complexities surrounding the choice of ending one's life in dignity. The hosts discuss various international perspectives and legislations on assisted suicide, noting the differences between countries that allow it and the conditions under which it can be pursued.

Justin advocates for more open discussions about death and the right to choose a dignified end, especially in cases where individuals suffer from irreversible health declines. The conversation reflects on broader societal and personal implications, urging a thoughtful consideration of how modern medicine extends life but also prolongs suffering.

The episode is an invitation to reflect on profound issues of autonomy, dignity, and the ethics of end-of-life choices, emphasising the importance of discussing these topics more openly in society.

You can find out more about Justin or get in touch with him via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsalessource/

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In this episode of "Man Up, Man Down," Volker and David discuss with Anita, a mental health strategist, the challenges facing men in society, particularly focusing on the construction industry and the barriers to mental health support for men. Anita shares insights into the high suicide rates among men, especially in male-dominated industries like construction, where the risk is significantly higher than the national average.

The conversation delves into several key points:

1.    Stigma and Culture: There's a significant stigma surrounding mental health in male-dominated professions, compounded by a culture that may not always be supportive. The banter culture, while bonding, can sometimes cross into bullying, especially for those already struggling.

2.    Lack of Support: Anita highlights the systemic lack of support for men's mental health, including inadequate training for medical professionals in suicide prevention and a healthcare system that may not ask the right questions or provide the type of support that men find most beneficial.

3.    Trauma and the Criminal Justice System: Anita points out that a significant portion of the male prison population has a background of trauma, challenging the notion that men are inherently more prone to violence or aggression.

4.    Education and Development: Boys often fall behind in the education system, which isn't tailored to their developmental needs. The discussion touches on the importance of recognizing different learning and developmental timelines between genders.

5.    Seeking Solutions: The conversation also explores how men do seek help and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for men to open up. Examples include specialised groups and initiatives that offer practical, solution-focused support in informal settings, such as men's sheds or sports teams, which facilitate open discussion and connection among men.

6.    Societal Shifts and Challenges: The discussion touches on the broader societal shifts and the challenges these pose to men's identity and role in society, including the impacts of the feminist movement and how advocating for men's issues is often seen as contentious.

7.    Looking Forward: The need for more focused efforts on men's mental health and well-being, including the establishment of roles like a minister for men's health and broader societal recognition of the unique challenges men face, is emphasised.

This episode underscores the complexity of men's mental health issues, the need for tailored support systems, and the importance of societal change in how we address and support men's mental health.

You can find out more and get in touch with Anita via: https://blossomtraining.org/

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In this "Man Up / Man Down" podcast, hosts David Pawsey and Volker Ballueder are joined by James Marriott, who works in radio and media and edits the podcast. This episode dives into the experiences and insights from James's life, especially focusing on his journey around mindfulness, alcohol use, and personal growth.

James shares his recent decision to buy a house and the financial commitments that come with it, joking about the economic climate's impact on his lifestyle. He also touches on his passion for Eurovision, revealing plans to travel there, blending his interest in cultural celebrations with his professional life in media.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around James's sober journey, initiated by a health scare involving hypertension. This moment of crisis led him to evaluate his lifestyle choices, particularly his alcohol consumption, which was culturally and socially ingrained but not excessive. James's decision to stop drinking was not only a health choice but also a profound personal revelation, discovering that he is essentially a person who thrives without alcohol.

The conversation also delves into the role of mindfulness in dealing with life's stresses and pressures. James, along with the hosts, discusses how mindfulness techniques have helped them manage personal and professional challenges more effectively, promoting a balanced and reflective approach to life's ups and downs.

Furthermore, the hosts and James explore the broader implications of personal choices and societal norms on well-being. They discuss the pressures of maintaining social habits like drinking and how mindfulness can offer alternative ways to manage stress and social engagement.

This episode not only highlights personal transformations and the power of mindfulness but also emphasises the importance of introspection and personal growth in mid-life, offering listeners insights into managing health, stress, and personal development in more fulfilling ways.

You can find out more about James on his website www.wearesoundmedia.com or touch base with him via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-marriott-podcast/

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In the latest episode of "Man Up / Man Down", we welcome Dr. Luke Pratsides, a prominent NHS GP from East London and head of medical at Numan, the UK's leading men's health brand. Dr. Pratsides is an expert in men's health, particularly in areas like sexual dysfunction, hormones, and weight management, and has a broad experience in hospital medicine, including trauma, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, obstetrics, gynaecology, psychiatry, general medicine, and stroke medicine.

Dr. Pratsides begins by explaining his journey into medicine and how his interest in digital health started in 2016. He was particularly interested in how digital technology could enhance patient care by considering not just the clinical needs but also the emotional and practical needs of patients. He emphasises the importance of understanding what a health issue means to a patient emotionally and practically, which is often overlooked in traditional healthcare.

We discuss how the NHS excels in clinical care but often falls short in addressing the emotional and practical needs of patients due to resource constraints. Dr. Pratsides notes that traditional NHS services are not designed to handle the personal and emotional aspects of healthcare efficiently, leading to feelings of neglect among patients.

The conversation then shifts to the specific challenges men face in seeking healthcare. Men, due to societal norms and work pressures, often delay seeking medical help until a serious problem arises. Dr. Pratsides highlights that men are less familiar with navigating the healthcare system compared to women, who have more frequent interactions with healthcare services due to screenings and reproductive health needs.

Dr. Pratsides introduces Numan’s approach to men's health, which leverages digital technology to provide accessible and personalised care. Newman focuses on conditions like erectile dysfunction, weight management, and hormone therapy. The goal is to engage men early, address underlying health issues, and prevent serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.

Volker and David share their personal experiences and questions, delving into the ripple effect of health issues on family and relationships. Dr. Pratsides explains how Numan’s digital platform allows for continuous and convenient communication with healthcare professionals, addressing both clinical and emotional needs effectively.

The discussion also touches on the potential of private digital health services to complement the NHS by alleviating some of its burdens. Dr. Pratsides argues that affordable private services like Numan can take pressure off the NHS by providing timely and accessible care, thus preventing more serious health issues that require intensive NHS resources.

Overall, the episode underscores the importance of a holistic approach to men's health, combining digital technology with a deep understanding of patient needs. Dr. Pratsides insights offer a promising vision of how healthcare can evolve to better serve men's health and well-being.

You can find out more on www.numan.com or contact Dr. Pratsides via LinkedIn

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In this episode of "Man Up/ Man Down," hosts David and Volker engage in a conversation with Yaron Engler, the founder of On Being Men. On Being Men is a programme designed for men who feel lost, lacking purpose, and struggle with negative self-talk, judgment, and a lack of intimacy and connection in their lives. Yaron's ninety-day program is not just about personal development in the traditional sense; it aims to create a space that is neither macho nor overly sensitive but focuses on helping men tap into their untapped potential to become better individuals for themselves and those around them.

Yaron discusses the importance of distinguishing his programme from therapy, emphasising that it is more suitable for men ready to tackle their issues head-on, those who have already undergone some form of therapy, or who are seeking to complement their ongoing therapy with a community of like-minded individuals. The programme, which Yaron describes as a boot camp for the soul, challenges participants through exercises that promote vulnerability, honesty, and personal growth.

The conversation also touches on the societal expectations of men and the stigmatisation of showing vulnerability or emotions. Yaron argues that embracing vulnerability and working through emotions is a source of true power and strength, not weakness. He highlights the value of honest feedback within the community he has created, allowing men to see their blind spots and grow in a supportive environment.

Yaron's journey from overcoming personal challenges, including depression and professional uncertainty, to founding Being Men is shared as a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery and community support. He emphasises the importance of honesty, both with oneself and within relationships, as a foundational value for personal growth and fulfilment.

Listeners are encouraged to explore what On Being Men offers if they feel a pull towards confronting their challenges in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Yaron's story and the principles behind Being Men serve as an invitation to men everywhere to engage more deeply with their own journey of self-improvement and to find strength in vulnerability and connection.

Find out more: https://onbeingmen.com/

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In the latest episode of "Man Up / Man Down," hosts David Pawsey and Volker Ballueder interview Richard Crick, the head of Man V Fat Football, a programme that supports men in their weight loss and health goals through football. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the initiative, which combines the love of the sport with a structured weight loss program.

Richard shares insights into the origins of Man V Fat Football, conceived when the founder, Andrew Shanahan, noticed a lack of weight loss programs catering specifically to men’s needs. The program has grown significantly, now boasting 8,200 participants across the UK, with plans to expand internationally.

Throughout the episode, Richard explains how the programme not only focuses on weight loss but also builds a community among participants. They discuss how the unique scoring system, which rewards weight loss with goals, incentivises participants and fosters team spirit and mutual support.

The conversation also touches on the broader impact of Man V Fat Football, highlighting stories of profound personal change and improved mental health among participants. The program’s ability to engage men in a supportive community has led to life-saving conversations and transformations, demonstrating the power of combining sport with health initiatives.

As the episode wraps up, Richard outlines the future goals for Man V Fat Football, including international expansion and deeper integration with health services and local communities. The hosts reflect on the societal benefits of such programs, emphasising the potential for sport to play a pivotal role in public health and community building.

You can find out more here: https://manvfat.com/ or connect with Richard via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcrick/

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In this episode of Man Up / Man Down, hosts David and Volker interview Katie Maycock, the founder of Get Your Shit Together, which offers bespoke well-being strategies focusing on sustainable performance. Katie discusses the importance of addressing stress and burnout, particularly in middle-aged men, a group that often reaches a point of reflection on their well-being due to life pressures and the impacts of events like COVID-19.

Katie shares her personal journey, highlighting her experiences with burnout while working in corporate sales, working long hours, and facing severe health issues due to stress. Her story emphasises the physical, mental, and emotional toll of burnout, leading her to launch Get Your Shit Together to help others manage stress and prevent burnout by combining her background in nutrition and corporate experience.

The conversation delves into the stages of burnout, from excitement to physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, stressing the importance of recognising early warning signs and addressing them. Katie stresses that burnout is not just a workplace issue, but a broader human issue influenced by various stressors, including personal pressures and societal expectations.

Katie and the hosts discuss the difference between Type A and Type B personalities, with Type A individuals being more prone to burnout due to their high-stress, high-performance lifestyle. The importance of sleep, exercise, and setting boundaries is highlighted as key to preventing burnout. Katie also criticises the glorification of the "5 AM Club" mentality without adequate rest, emphasising the need for personal wellness routines tailored to individual needs.

The episode underscores the necessity of personal responsibility and accountability in managing stress and avoiding burnout. Katie advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, combining physical health management with introspection on one's relationship with stress and establishing healthy boundaries and coping mechanisms.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their stress levels and well-being, with Katie providing practical advice on recognising burnout symptoms and taking proactive steps to manage stress for sustainable performance and a healthier life.

You can find out more about Katie’s services here: https://www.getyourshittogether.io/ or if you are interested in her corporate services here: https://gystwellbeing.com/

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In this episode of "Man Up, Man Down," David and Volker talk to Berny Auton from A Band of Brothers. A Band of Brothers is an organisation that mentors young men involved with or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. We discuss the organisation's aim to support these young men in finding a purposeful and responsible life path. Founded in 2009, the organisation assists those who've faced trauma, substance abuse, or homelessness, often resulting from early family breakdowns or care system experiences.

Berny highlights the prevalence of undiagnosed mental health and nuerodiversity issues among young men in the criminal justice system and emphasises the importance of listening and non-judgmental support.

Berny talks about how the mentoring process is personalised and aims to empower young men to make their own decisions. Mentors and mentees meet regularly in a neutral environment, fostering trust and open communication. The organisation's approach is not about imposing decisions but supporting the young men in their journey to adulthood, offering a contemporary rite of passage that marks their transition into responsible adult life.

Berny opens up about his personal connection to the cause, driven by a traumatic event involving his daughter. This experience fuelled his commitment to contribute positively to young men's lives in his community, highlighting the transformative power of understanding, empathy, and community support.

Volker and David delve into the structure and support system for mentors within A Band of Brothers, ensuring they are well-equipped to assist without bearing the emotional weight alone. The discussion touches on the challenges and rewarding moments of mentoring, emphasising the importance of patience, commitment, and the impact of genuine human connection.

Berny's story and the work of A Band of Brothers illustrate the profound effect that compassionate mentorship can have on individuals and communities, offering hope and a path forward for young men at risk of falling through the cracks of the criminal justice system.

You can find out more about the amazing work carried out by A Band of Brothers here https://abandofbrothers.org.uk/ and you can connect with Berny here https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardauton

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