The Man Hug

Man Hug Podcast Special: Trans Awareness Week

For this special Trans Awareness Week episode of the Man Hug Podcast, we're joined by special guests Lav and Loly from the LGBT Foundation.

Lav shares his personal journey as a trans masculine man, speaking honestly about his experiences of mental health, the challenges he has faced, the support that made a difference, and practical advice for anyone who may be struggling or supporting a trans person in their life.

Loly shines a spotlight on the incredible work of the LGBT Foundation, discussing the wide range of services, resources, and support available to LGBTQ+ people, helping to raise awareness of where individuals can turn for help and guidance.

Together, the Man Hug team also explore current mental health trends affecting the trans community, the importance of positive representation in the media, and the local and national organisations working to support trans people across the UK.

Join us for an open, honest, and informative conversation aimed at increasing understanding, challenging misconceptions, and promoting inclusion.

https://lgbt.foundation/

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

This World Menopause Day, The Man Hug welcomes two inspiring guests from Wirral Menopause Community CIC, Kate Barker and Jane Mellon, for an honest, informative and practical conversation about menopause, mental health, and the important role men can play in supporting the women in their lives.

Too often, menopause is misunderstood, leaving women feeling isolated and unsupported. In this special episode, Kate and Jane share their knowledge and lived experience, helping men better understand the realities of perimenopause and menopause, recognise the impact it can have on wellbeing, relationships and mental health, and develop the confidence to offer meaningful support.

We discuss why menopause matters to everyone, not just women, how men can improve their understanding and awareness, provide practical ways to support partners, family members, friends and colleagues. We also discuss the importance of listening, empathy and open conversations, signposting to reliable information, support networks and local services and how we can turn awareness into action and create more supportive communities

Whether you're a husband, partner, son, brother, friend, colleague or simply want to be a better ally, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways that can help make a real difference.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📘 Facebook Support Group: Wirral Menopause Community CIC

#ManHug #WorldMenopauseDay #MenopauseAwareness #MensMentalHealth #SupportStartsWithUnderstanding #WirralMenopauseCommunity #TurnAwarenessIntoAction

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

The Man Hug: World Mental Health Day Special – Real Voices; Real Change

For this special World Mental Health Day episode, The Man Hug explores a simple but powerful idea: real change starts when people are given the opportunity to speak, and when others take the time to truly listen.

We’re joined by Mark Rowley, Director of Capeesh (Liverpool) CIC and a professionally qualified youth worker with many years of experience working alongside young people. Mark talks to us about the importance of creating spaces where young people feel heard, why listening is just as important as encouraging people to talk, and how music can provide another way for young people to express themselves when finding the right words isn’t always easy. We also discover more about Capeesh CIC, a Liverpool-based youth and community project using music, mentoring and creative opportunities to help young people build skills, confidence and self-esteem, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing these opportunities.

And The Man Hug goes international! 

Our host Dan travels to Malta, to meet Jacob and his family at Jacob’s Brew, the wonderful little social café built around the idea of “Pay It Forward.” A percentage of the café’s revenue goes to their NGO, Survivors Malta, helping fund projects supporting families experiencing trauma, including Jacob’s Coffee Run and the Reunited Pet Cabin at Mater Dei Hospital.

Two very different stories, connected by one powerful message:

When we give people the space to share their real experiences, and genuinely listen to what they have to say, those voices can create real change.

🎧 Real Voices. Real Change. This is The Man Hug.

Find out more & support

🎵 Capeesh (Liverpool) CIC:
 www.capeeshlpl.co.uk

☕ Jacob’s Brew – Pay It Forward:
 www.jacobsbrew.cafe

❤️ Survivors Malta:
 Survivors Malta

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this special episode of The Man Hug, we open up an honest and important conversation about suicide prevention, exploring what we can all do to recognise distress, challenge stigma and help create communities in which people feel able to talk and seek support.

We’re joined by two fantastic guests: Professor Pooja Saini, Professor of Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention at Liverpool John Moores University, whose research focuses on individual, community and whole-system approaches to suicide prevention, and Joleen Shaw, the Suicide Prevention Project Manager at the Zero Suicide Alliance. Joleen works within the Safe from Suicide Team at Mersey Care with a particular focus on working in partnership with other NHS, local authority, and voluntary community faith and social enterprises (VCSE). 

Together, we discuss the importance of talking openly about suicide, recognising when someone may be struggling, and giving people the confidence to start potentially life-saving conversations. We also explore the work of the Zero Suicide Alliance, including its free online suicide awareness training and resources.

It’s a powerful conversation about hope, connection and the difference we can all make.

Find out more:
 💛 Zero Suicide Alliance: zerosuicidealliance.com
 🎓 Professor Pooja Saini, LJMU: LJMU profile
 🧠 Free Zero Suicide Alliance training: Suicide awareness training

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Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this thought-provoking episode of The Man Hug Podcast, we explore the transformative power of stories, reading, and community with two passionate advocates for literacy and wellbeing.

Joining us is Alan Gibbons, acclaimed children's author and champion of reading for pleasure, whose work has inspired generations of young readers. Alongside Alan is Megan Walder from The Reader, the pioneering shared reading charity that brings people together through the simple yet powerful act of reading aloud.

Together, we discuss the role of books in shaping lives, the importance of access to reading, how shared reading can combat loneliness and improve wellbeing, and why stories matter now more than ever.

Whether you're a lifelong reader, an educator, or simply curious about the impact of literature on individuals and communities, this is a conversation not to be missed.

Find out more:

🔗 Alan Gibbons: https://www.alangibbons.com
 🔗 The Reader: https://www.thereader.org.uk

#TheManHugPodcast #AlanGibbons #TheReader #SharedReading #Literacy #ReadingForPleasure #Wellbeing #BooksMatter #Podcast

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Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

This episode shines a spotlight on Heart Health, resilience, and the power of community action.

Joining us are two incredible guests: Nick Parkes, who is an open-water swimmer and cardiac arrest survivor, sharing his remarkable journey back to the water and his mission to raise awareness of cardiac health.

Mark King OBE – Founder of The Oliver King Foundation, discussing the lifesaving importance of CPR training, defibrillators, and creating safer communities

We discuss the links of heart health and mental health.

Nick Parkes: https://www.nickparkes.co.uk/

The Oliver King Foundation: https://www.theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk/

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Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast" 

Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

On this episode we focus on the theme of PTSD and C-PTSD. We are joined by two more fantastic guests discussing their own lived experience along with more support available to men. Our first guest is Jeff Russell, a former Police Officer who lives with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jeff discusses how trauma in childhood along with years of trauma exposure in his career resulted in a diagnosis of C-PTSD. Jeff discusses the various treatment pathways he tried, until he found that one that really helped. Jeff now gets benefit from on-going therapy and his work as a bush craft facilitator. An inspiring story that you must hear.

We are also joined by Anthony Wood, who is the manager of the Men Too project on the Wirral. Following a road traffic accident Anthony was later diagnosed with PTSD. After receiving the help he needed he re-trained as a mental health counsellor now helping many men in his community. Hear about all of the incredible work that is being done at Men Too and how you can access the service. 

www.woodlandwarriors.co.uk

https://mentoomerseyside.org/

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this episode we focus on the theme of 'Fatherhood' and the common connections with mental health. We are joined by Pete and Anthony from 'Dads Outdoors' which is a Liverpool based CIC. Bringing nature and bushcraft skills into the local community. Running, walks, fire circles and activity sessions. For dads of all ages. Whether you're a new dad, a grandad, a novice or full on cave man. They welcome all men to join them in nature, learn new skills, make new friends and be of service in the local community. Pete and Anthony talk about their own experience's and how the CIC was created. 

We are also joined by Kieran Anders, Kieran is the 'Dad Matters' lead at Home-Start UK, focusing on supporting fathers' mental health and enhancing their relationships with their families. Kieran plays a crucial role in advocating for fathers' mental health and well-being. His work emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of fathers, who are often overlooked in traditional parenting support services that primarily focus on mothers and infants. 
LinkedIn

https://www.instagram.com/dadsoutdoorsliverpool/

https://home-starthost.org.uk/dad-matters/

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Support the show

Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast" 

Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this episode we are joined by special guests Dr Walter Tasosa, Mel Bowen (Spider Project/Musician) and Mike Caulfield (Nurse consultant/Clinical Lead for suicide prevention) for a round-table discussion on masculinity. We explore what it means to be a role model, emotions that are still difficult for men to express, toxic traits that exist in certain professions and what we were told to act like as young boys. 

This is our 3rd birthday episode so we want to thank all previous guests, charities and organisations that have previously joined us and to everyone who has listened and supported the Man Hug over the last three years. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast" 

Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this special episode for University Mental Health Day The Man Hug have teamed up with award winning podcast the Proper Mental Podcast. The Proper Mental Podcast is an award‑winning UK mental health podcast created and hosted by Tom Davies. The podcast focuses on open, honest conversations about mental health and mental illness, aiming to normalise these discussions and reduce stigma. Tom began the podcast after personal mental health struggles, using dialogue as part of his recovery and hoping to help others feel less isolated. Since launching in 2021, the series has featured more than 200 guests including authors, clinicians, activists, musicians, and people with lived experience. Episodes explore a broad range of topics - anxiety, depression, recovery, community support and the podcast has become a resource for awareness, education, and connection.

https://www.propermentalpodcast.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast" 

Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper