Minds of Men

Are you setting boundaries, or simply putting up with things until you eventually explode?

This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by coach, mentor and teacher Billy Clark for a conversation about something many men struggle with but rarely talk about: boundaries.

Billy is a coach and mentor at Core Five Coaching, where he specialises in working with neurodivergent professionals. With a background in teaching and mentoring, his work explores the stories we tell ourselves, the language we use, and how greater self-awareness can help us create meaningful change in our lives. 

His approach brings together coaching, psychology, philosophy and years of experience supporting people to better understand themselves and the way they relate to the world around them.

In this episode, we explore what healthy boundaries actually look like, why so many of us find it difficult to say “no”, and what happens when we continually prioritise other people's expectations at the expense of our own needs.

From romantic relationships and friendships to family, work and leadership, we discuss the subtle ways poor boundaries can show up — people-pleasing, resentment, avoidance, overcommitting, shutting down and eventually reaching a breaking point.

We also unpack the difference between setting a boundary and trying to control someone, why boundaries can initially feel uncomfortable or even selfish, and how learning to communicate what you need can actually create stronger, healthier relationships.

Perhaps most importantly, we explore the boundaries we set with ourselves.

- Our time
- Our energy
- Our standards
- Our habits
- Our relationships

Because boundaries aren't about building walls or pushing people away. They're about understanding where you end and someone else begins, and having enough self-awareness and self-respect to communicate that clearly.

If you struggle to say no, find yourself constantly trying to keep everyone happy, feel guilty for putting yourself first, or regularly experience resentment because you're giving more than you're getting back, this conversation is for you.

Find out more about Billy here:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mrclarksclassroom

Core Five Coaching - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/

Why do so many men wait until they’re at breaking point before asking for help?

This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by counsellor James Yates for an open and honest conversation about men, mental health and counselling,  and why having somewhere to talk without judgement can be so important.

James is a UK-based psychotherapist who works primarily with high-functioning men whose ways of handling emotional experience have begun to break down. His work draws on the person-centred, psychodynamic, and somatic traditions, with a particular interest in how men come to process feeling rather than simply discharging it. He also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a discipline that has shaped how he views presence, pressure, and contact within the therapeutic relationship.

We explore some of the reasons men walk through the counselling room door, from relationships, anger and anxiety to identity, loneliness, pressure and simply feeling lost. We also discuss the barriers that can prevent men from reaching out in the first place - the expectation to cope, provide, stay strong and figure things out alone.

James and I take you inside the counselling room and talk about what therapy actually looks like. What happens when you don’t know what to say? Do you need to be struggling with your mental health to see a counsellor? And does talking about your problems really make a difference?

We also explore masculinity, vulnerability, emotional awareness and why counselling isn't necessarily about "fixing" someone, sometimes it's about finally having the space to understand yourself.

Whether you've considered counselling yourself, you're worried about a man in your life, or you're simply curious about what really happens behind the closed doors of the therapy room, this episode is for you.

You can learn more about James and his work here:

- https://www.jamessyates.com/

What happens when life gives you something you can’t simply overcome?

This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by life coach, NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist Chris Freer for an honest conversation about living with Multiple Sclerosis, and what more than 20 years with a chronic illness has taught him about resilience, identity, mindset and making the most of the life in front of you.

Chris’s work is rooted in lived experience. Rather than allowing an MS diagnosis to define who he is or what his life could become, he has spent two decades exploring what we can influence - our mindset, behaviours, lifestyle, beliefs and the way we respond when circumstances are outside our control.

We talk about the psychological impact of chronic illness, losing certainty about your future, adapting to a changing body, finding purpose through adversity, and why becoming the “best version of yourself” doesn’t have to mean being at your best every single day.

Chris is the founder of Freer Thinking Therapies and creator of the #BVOMT - Best Version Of Myself Today framework. Having worked with more than 400 clients, he now helps others challenge limiting beliefs, build mental resilience and reconnect with a sense of purpose.

This isn't a conversation about pretending everything is positive. It's about acceptance, adaptation, perspective and learning how to live fully alongside the things you cannot control.

Whether you're living with chronic illness yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply navigating a difficult chapter in your life, there is something in this conversation for all of us.

Find out more about Chris and his work here:

Website: https://chrisfreer.co.uk/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freerthinking/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreerThinking-kf1vp 

What does a journey of growth actually look like?

This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by high-performance coach Adam Smith for a conversation about personal growth: not as a destination, but as an ongoing process of understanding yourself, challenging old patterns and continually evolving.

Adam works with ambitious founders and business owners, helping them sharpen their thinking, perform at a higher level and create greater freedom in both life and business. But in this episode, we go beyond performance and talk about the person behind it.

We explore what growth really looks like when you’re living it: the setbacks, uncomfortable realisations, changing identities, difficult decisions and moments where the version of you that got you here may not be the version that takes you where you want to go next.

We talk about self-awareness, responsibility, relationships, purpose, success and the importance of being willing to question the stories you’ve built your life around.

Because growth isn’t always about doing more or achieving more. Sometimes it’s about letting go, slowing down, seeing yourself more clearly and having the courage to change.

If you’re at a point in life where you know something needs to shift- personally, professionally or both- there’s a lot in this conversation for you.

You can learn more about Adam and his work here:

- https://agameconsultancy.com/

What does it really take to turn your life around?

This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by online coach and transformation expert Rikki Halfpenny for an open and honest conversation about his journey from struggling with his own life to thriving - and ultimately building a career helping other people do the same.

We talk about the experiences that shaped Rikki, the challenges he’s had to overcome, and what he learned about discipline, mindset, confidence and taking responsibility for the direction of your life. We also explore why physical transformation is often about far more than changing how you look, and how improving your health, habits and relationship with yourself can impact almost every other area of your life.

Today, Rikki uses those experiences to help others become stronger, healthier, more confident versions of themselves. This is a conversation about transformation in the truest sense of the word, recognising where you are, deciding where you want to go, and becoming the person capable of getting there.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost your way, or known that you’re capable of more than the life you’re currently living, this episode is for you.

Follow Rikki:

Instagram: @rikki_halfpenny_fitness

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rikki_halfpenny_fitness

🎙️ If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to Minds of Men, share the episode and send it to someone who might need to hear it.

Why does masculinity feel so confusing today?

In this week's episode of Minds of Men, I'm joined by TEDx speaker, author and men's wellbeing advocate Andrew Pain to explore one of the most important conversations facing men today.

Drawing on the themes from his new book, Honestly, Man, (on sale this week), we discuss why so many men struggle to talk openly about their emotions, the impact of shame, loneliness and burnout, and what healthier masculinity really looks like in today's world. We also explore psychological safety, difficult conversations, resilience, fatherhood, identity, and how we can create communities where men feel able to speak honestly- without fear of judgement.

Whether you're a father, partner, leader, coach, or simply someone trying to make sense of what it means to be a man today, this episode offers practical insights, honest reflection and plenty of moments that will challenge the way you think.

About Andrew

Andrew Pain is a TEDx and CPD-accredited speaker, award-winning campaigner, podcast host and the author of Honestly, Man: Why Masculinity Feels Confusing, Shame Doesn't Help and What to Do About It. He works with organisations including HSBC, Amazon, National Highways, Specsavers and The Crown Estate, helping leaders and teams improve wellbeing, resilience, communication and psychological safety. All profits from Honestly, Man are invested into charities supporting men and boys.

Learn more about Andrew here:

🌐 https://www.andrewpain.co.uk/

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpain/

📖 Honestly, Man by Andrew Pain:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=honestly+man+andrew+pain

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

This week I'm speaking with Mike Nicholson, a former secondary school teacher and the founder of Progressive Masculinity, a nationally recognised organisation helping schools create healthier cultures for boys and young men. 

Drawing on years of experience working directly with pupils and educators, Mike delivers training, speaks at conferences and advises organisations across the UK on masculinity, relationships and wellbeing. Progressive Masculinity’s work has been featured extensively in the national media, and Mike has been invited to provide consultancy to several UK government departments on issues affecting boys and young men.

Together we discuss what life is like for boys and young men in today's society; the challenges they face, their self-image, finding their place in the world and the pressures heaped on them, before they've even had a chance to figure themselves out!

Whether you're a parent, teacher, someone who works with children or simply someone who is concerned for the state of young people, this episode has something you'll want to hear.

You can learn more about Mike and his work here:

http://progressivemasculinity.co.uk/

In this week's episode of Minds of Men, we explore the quiet epidemic of male loneliness and the power of genuine human connection. 

Together with Jake Fishbein, we dive into why meaningful friendships become harder as men get older, the role of men's circles, and why so many men struggle to be truly seen, heard and understood.

We unpack vulnerability, trust, masculinity, emotional safety and what it actually takes to build authentic relationships in a world that often rewards performance over presence. 

Whether you're looking to strengthen your friendships, become a better partner, father or leader, or simply feel less alone, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections that every man can benefit from.

If you've ever felt isolated despite appearing to have everything together, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Don't forget to subscribe, like and share the episode with someone who might need to hear it.

Jake Fishbein is a novelist, executive coach, men's group facilitator, die-hard Red Sox fan, and Greek-history nerd. He runs Tiresias Leadership and The Arena Men's Group, where he helps executives, non-profit leaders, and men wrestling with modern masculinity become better communicators and build relationships that actually nourish them. And yes, he coaches women, too. You can find his writing on The Good Men Project and on his Substack, The Hungry Reader. 

You can learn more about Jake and his work here: 

www.jakefishbein.com

Amazon US - Print 
- https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Group-Novel-Messy-Friendships/dp/B0H31RVBC9

Amazon - Kindle ebook
- https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Group-Novel-Messy-Friendships-ebook/dp/B0H31JMJXS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Barnes & Noble - Print  
- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mens-group-jacob-fishbein/1150260181?ean=9798900520247

B&N - Nook ebook 
- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mens-group-jacob-fishbein/1150260181?ean=2940185207956

How much of what you know about nutrition is actually true?

In this episode, I speak with Joshua Clamp about food, nutrition and health, cutting through the myths, misinformation and conflicting advice that dominate the industry. From ultra-processed foods and weight loss to metabolic health, supplements and sustainable eating habits, we unpack what really matters, and what doesn't.

Whether you're looking to improve your health, increase your energy or simply make better decisions about what you eat, this conversation is packed with practical insights and evidence-based advice you can apply immediately.

Josh Clamp is a Registered Nutritionist (MSc), Ultra Endurance Runner & Men's Health Champion. After completing his BSc in Medical Physiology and MSc in Human Nutrition, Josh joined Maximus UK as a Senior Nutritionist to lead their online men's weight management programme. Josh now runs his own performance consultancy, The Men’s Health Nutritionist, where he supports and collaborates with businesses, charities & and individuals to optimise health, wellbeing & performance.  

To learn more about Josh, click below:

Website: https://www.themenshealthnutritionist.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-clamp-rnutr-125a45160/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenshealthnutritionist/

On this week's episode, I speak with Ben Price, who is ex-Special Forces and now works as a Men's Coach. Join us as we explore rites of passage, masculine archetypes, and initiations which are sorely missing across society.

Together, we explore why so many men feel lost in the modern world, the importance of rites of passage, masculine archetypes, and the initiations that once helped boys become grounded, capable men. We discuss what happens when those experiences are missing, and how men can consciously create them for themselves today.

If you're interested in masculinity, purpose, resilience, leadership, and becoming the man your life is asking you to be, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

To learn more about Ben and his work, check out his website and YouTube channel:

- https://go.coachbenprice.com/the-forge
- https://www.youtube.com/@coachbenprice