Are you craving more energy, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose, yet somehow, you are caught in a cycle of “unshakable unhappiness”? In this illuminating conversation, I sit down with psychologist and Silicon Valley executive coach Dr. Adam Dorsey to explore how tapping into the power of authentic connection can transform every area of your life. Drawing on his personal journey and clinical experience with high-achieving men, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and global tech companies, Dr. Dorsey reveals why many of us—especially men—struggle to name and process our emotions, and how this disconnect can fuel anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. 

Adam also introduces his groundbreaking framework from his new book, Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love, explaining how these four pillars of connection - self, others, the world, and something greater - are the bedrock of genuine fulfilment. Along the way, we tackle the power of self-compassion (even Navy SEALs use it!), the science of gratitude for rewiring negative thought patterns, and the courage it takes to reshape your life - even when you feel stuck in a job or situation that seems unchangeable. If you’ve ever felt the gap between what you know and what you do, this conversation will inspire you to close it. 

Listen and discover practical, research-backed ways to rewrite your inner script, harness your strengths, and step fully into the rich, connected life you deserve.
 
If you want to find out more about Adam, visit his website: dradamdorsay.com. 

Adam’s TEDx talks are both available on YouTube: Friendships in Adulthood: 5 Things to Know, and Emotions: The Data Men Miss. 

Adam’s book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love is available to buy on Amazon. 

In this raw and powerful episode, we talk to Mike Skrypnek, an international bestselling author, men’s mental health advocate, CEO of Grow Get Give Coaching, and founder of the Unlimited Worth Project. 

Once a successful investment manager, Mike reveals how a combination of unaddressed childhood trauma and the relentless pressure for achievement nearly drove him to end his life. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, as business collapsed and isolation tightened its grip, he found himself at a breaking point he never imagined possible. Forced to confront his past, he discovered that winning outwardly—earning status, wealth, and approval—could never quiet the inner turmoil he’d kept buried for decades. 

In our conversation, he opens up about his journey from an accomplished boardroom persona to raw vulnerability, shedding light on the dangerous myths around masculinity and the unseen toll of high-performance culture. He shares how a single text to a trusted friend, a leap into therapy, and the unwavering support of family kindled happiness and a way forward. This episode challenges the stigmas that keep men silent and the suffering by exposing the emotional armour that so many men struggle to remove. 

Join us as we explore the healing power of honest conversation, the courage required to seek professional help, and the role leaders—and peers—play in shaping environments where open dialogue and mental well-being are the norm, not the exception. In a world where we increasingly need more authentic connections, this powerful story proves that confronting the darkest moments in your life can illuminate a path toward genuine purpose, self-respect, and more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others around you.

If you want to find out more about Mike's work - his podcast, the UNLimited Worth project, 'Grow, Get, Give' coaching, and his books - visit his website: https://www.unlimitedworth.org/.

Join me for a powerful conversation with Craig Hamilton, a man whose life story transcends boundaries and stigma. A celebrated sports broadcaster and former coal miner, Craig faced his greatest challenge not underground or behind the microphone, but within himself. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a psychotic episode on the eve of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Craig has spent the past two decades turning his personal battles into a mission of awareness and hope.

In this episode, Craig opens up about his darkest moments, including a terrifying brush with suicide, and how he found the strength to rebuild his life. We delve into The Promise, his groundbreaking documentary that not only shares his story but amplifies the voices of others impacted by mental illness and suicide. With gripping interviews and a heartfelt call to action, The Promise shines a much-needed light on the realities of mental health, aiming to prevent the tragic loss of life that so often comes with silence.

Craig’s journey from denial to acceptance and from struggle to advocacy is a testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, education, or a sense of connection, this conversation will leave you with a renewed sense of hope—and perhaps the courage to make a promise of your own.

To find out more about Craig, visit his website https://craig-hamilton.com. Craig’s film, The Promise, is available to stream on Stan however you can only access it in Australia. You can watch the trailer on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTp-cOhqb18.

In this open and honest episode, we're joined by Patrick Donnelly, who discusses the often-unspoken struggles men face when the weight of life feels overwhelming and futile. Patrick bravely shares how anxiety and depression took root after becoming a father, amplifying his long-held belief that nothing he attempted would succeed. His story reveals the toll of a lifetime spent avoiding risks, taking the easiest paths, and resigning himself to failure before even trying. 

Through therapy and a transformative moment of vulnerability—sharing a personal essay about his mental health on Facebook and then in the local newspaper—Patrick not only began to heal but also sparked a ripple effect of hope. His honesty inspired hundreds of men to seek help, proving that even when it feels futile, taking a single step forward can change everything. This episode is a powerful exploration of how to confront self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and redefine what it means to be brave. If you’ve ever felt like giving up before even starting, Patrick’s journey is proof that change is possible.

If you want to read Patrick's Facebook post of January 2017: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.donnelly.184/posts/pfbid0tzY2FRvjVfMbyfcZUWHKMf2NBuK5QqVSoBnP3T81SvDKwgETpT3wawQUz9NWsryvl 

If you want to contact Patrick via social media: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdonnelly612/ 

Finally, Patrick references the Gary Gulman special: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10409666/ 

In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the silent struggles many men face in expressing themselves—emotionally, verbally, and even creatively. Joined by Dr Danny Brassell, a dynamic speaker, author, and first and foremost, a teacher, we explore the roots of men’s anxiety around vulnerability, confidence, and connection.  

Danny shares personal stories of overcoming a childhood stutter, life-changing encounters, and his transformative work with men in high-pressure careers and everyday life. From teaching literacy to helping executives conquer stage fright, Danny reveals the power of small steps and finding your voice—no matter your age or circumstances.  

We tackle tough questions:  

• Why do men bottle up emotions?  
• How does society shape (or limit) men’s ability to open up?  
• What simple strategies can men use to take their first steps toward self-expression and growth?  

This is more than a conversation; it’s a call to action for mid-life men to break free from outdated norms, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover their potential. Whether you’re struggling with confidence, communication, or feeling stuck in life, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to change.  

Listen in, laugh a little, and share with a man who needs to hear this.

In this episode, David Westgate shares his deeply personal journey with bipolar 1, reflecting on how the disorder manifested in his life and the impact it had on his relationships, career, and daily routines. He describes the struggle of living with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, where periods of extreme highs felt like "true happiness," only to be followed by profound, often debilitating depression. 

From early symptoms in his twenties through a pivotal moment that led him to seek medical help, he unpacks the complexities of living with this mental illness. He opens up about coping mechanisms - both constructive, like medical support and therapy, and self-destructive - that he leaned on during the disorder's turbulent phases. The conversation also tackles the pervasive stigma around mental illness, particularly for men, and emphasises the importance of honest conversations and direct support, both professionally and among friends. 

Through this candid dialogue, listeners gain a raw, enlightening perspective on mental health and the strength it takes to seek help, along with practical advice on recognising when something is wrong and how to approach recovery.

In this episode, I’m joined by Russ, a third-generation tradesman, business owner, and host of The Talking Tradesman podcast. Russ has spent a lifetime in construction, a sector known for its tough culture and silent battles, especially around mental health. He shares his powerful journey, starting with his childhood, where he was raised by his father after his mother left the family, leaving Russ to grow up fast and take on responsibilities beyond his years. At just 17, Russ took over the family business, but behind his professional success, he was struggling.

After a painful divorce, Russ was forced to confront his own mental health challenges, Through candid reflection, Russ talks about the toll of balancing work and mental well-being in a tough industry that can be lonely and often discourages vulnerability with many men developing problems with alcohol and drug dependency, aggression and depression. His own journey has pushed him to study psychology, volunteer with Samaritans, and eventually start a podcast that aims to open up vital conversations within the trades.

Russ emphasises that many men do want to talk but often don’t have a safe space to do so. He shares insights on why listening - truly listening - without judgement is a powerful first step in supporting those who are struggling. Whether you’re in construction, know someone who is, or just want a deeper understanding of how mental health impacts those around you, Russ’s story will leave you with valuable insights and practical advice on creating safe spaces for honest conversations. Join us for an episode that’s all about strength, vulnerability, and the surprising power of simply being there.

Russ's podcast is called The Talking Tradesman.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff to discuss his long battle with mental health challenges. Jeff shares how his depression stems from childhood, living in a chaotic home environment, and how it revisited him regularly throughout his life. He describes how, after many years of struggle, he found solace in both medication and exercise, specifically running and cycling. Jeff talks about how his depression was also linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how discovering the positive impact of exercise, especially in the winter months, helped him manage his symptoms.

A key part of Jeff's journey has been setting what he calls "big, hairy-ass, audacious goals." He explains how one such goal, learning to play the slide guitar and performing in a blues band, and another, cycling across the U.S. from Florida to California, were transformational experiences that gave him a new sense of purpose and control over his mental health.

However, in his sixties, Jeff was completely caught unawares when he suffered a stroke, and the impact it had on him mentally and physically, plunged him back into depression. Jeff then shares how he has adapted to live after the stroke up until today. He also discusses techniques he uses to help manage his mental health, for example, journalling daily has helped him reflect and manage his emotions. This episode is an inspiring look into how audacious personal goals and self-care can help manage mental health, especially in middle age.

Jeff referenced the Stroke Association in the UK (https://www.stroke.org.uk) or in the US, there’s the American Stroke Association (https://www.stroke.org). 

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, then general advice is to contact your doctor.  

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Shawn Bergeth, a former corporate executive who radically transformed his life after 17 years in supply chain management. Shawn opens up about his unexpected job loss, which he saw as a gift, and how it catalysed his journey toward mental health advocacy. From battling anxiety and depression to becoming a psychotherapist, Shawn shares how he embraced vulnerability and deep self-reflection.

Shawn takes us on a fascinating exploration of alternative healing practices, particularly psychedelic-assisted therapy. He recounts his transformative experiences with psilocybin at a retreat in Jamaica and ayahuasca in the Peruvian jungle. These encounters not only helped Shawn confront his inner struggles but also deepened his connection to nature and spirituality, offering insights into how these ancient therapies can unlock new paths to mental health.

Tune in for a candid discussion on how losing his corporate job led Shawn to a more fulfilling career, his perspective on the healing power of psychedelics, and why reconnecting with nature is essential for personal growth and mental well-being. Shawn’s journey will inspire anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their life, whether personally or professionally.

In this episode of the Midlife Men Podcast, host Philip Briscoe sits down with Brian Murphy, a 52-year-old father, husband, and former sports journalist, to discuss his deeply personal battle with depression. Brian opens up about how his career in journalism, particularly his passion for covering hockey, began to lose its luster around 2017, leading him into a spiral of low-level depression. Despite having a seemingly perfect life, Brian found himself increasingly withdrawn, unable to enjoy social interactions, and eventually hospitalized twice due to his condition. He discusses the challenges of confronting his mental health, the stigma surrounding depression, especially among men, and how he slowly began to manage his "dark passenger" through therapy, support groups, and a shift in priorities.

Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's identity beyond professional achievements, sharing how he eventually redefined his life by focusing on his family and personal well-being. He highlights the power of community, particularly his involvement with the Face It Foundation, a support group for men dealing with depression, which became a crucial tool in his recovery. Brian's story is a candid exploration of the struggles many men face with mental health, offering hope and practical advice for those who may be suffering in silence. Tune in for an honest and enlightening discussion that sheds light on the ongoing journey of managing depression and finding fulfillment beyond the workplace.