What truly defines being a man today?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we sit down with Richard Reeves, one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today. Richard is the founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men.

We explore why this moment represents a turning point in how society understands masculinity. Richard shares how conversations have shifted from simply proving there’s a problem to building real solutions—whether that’s tackling education gaps, improving male mental health, or creating systems that better support fathers.

We discuss why progress for men does not have to come at the expense of women, the importance of role models in countering negative online influences, and the urgent need to reconnect men with purpose through work, family, and community. Richard also reflects on why fatherhood is not just vital for children, but equally transformative for dads themselves.

This is a conversation about solutions, cultural change, and hope for the next generation. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be a man today, this episode is a must-listen.

Organisation - The American Institute for Boys & Men: https://aibm.org/

What if the struggles you face are really symptoms of hidden trauma?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re exploring EMDR therapy and the transformational impact it has on resolving trauma. 

Michael helps redefine what trauma really is—looking beyond things like natural disasters or combat to include “everyday” experiences like bullying, divorce, or neglect. We explore how these hidden wounds shape identity, relationships, and self-worth, often without us realising it. Michael also breaks down how EMDR works, why it’s supported by leading health organisations, and how it helped him heal not only himself but also repair his most important relationships.

Hear more from Michael: 

https://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com

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What does it really mean to be yourself when the world tries to define you?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by award-winning poet and author Dean Atta to explore identity, masculinity, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

Dean opens up about his childhood growing up in a mixed-race, single-parent family, and the role writing played in helping him process emotions and claim his identity. He shares candidly about his journey of coming out as gay and the challenges of navigating the stigma he experienced.

We also examine masculinity—how it’s too often reduced to stereotypes of strength and toughness—and what it really means to embrace vulnerability, creativity, and authenticity as forms of power. 

This conversation is a heartfelt invitation to rethink what manhood means—and to embrace openness, self-acceptance, and a broader vision of resilience.

Hear more from Dean:

www.deanatta.com

Confetti: A colourful celebration of love and life

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/confetti/9781408362082/

I Can't Even Think Straight: A queer coming of age story

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/i-cant-even-think-straight/9781444960969/

Person Unlimited: An Ode to My Black Queer Body

https://buythebook.online/person-unlimited-dean-atta

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Are UK dads being set up to fail before they even start?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, explore the urgent need for better paternity leave in the UK.

Alex reveals the far-reaching consequences of our outdated system—from damaging mental health in both parents, to deepening gender inequality, and denying fathers the chance to build strong, lasting bonds with their children.

We discuss how other countries across Europe are proving the benefits of generous, well-paid leave, the ripple effects of early father involvement on children’s development, and why changing the first weeks of parenthood could transform relationships, families, and even the economy.

If you’re a dad, partner, employer, or simply someone who cares about a more equal and human future—this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Hear more from The Dad Shift:

https://action.dadshift.org.uk/a/back-better-paternity-leave??utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=12-08-25-podcast-MoM

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When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re joined by behavioural scientist and author Mike Rucker to explore why fun isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity for a more fulfilling life. Drawing on scientific research and insights from his book The Fun Habit, Mike explains how prioritising fun—much like sleep or exercise—can radically change the way we experience life.

From improving our ability to be present with our kids, to creating space for deeper conversations with friends and partners, fun becomes a gateway to meaning and resilience. Mike also offers practical strategies for making fun a deliberate, repeatable habit, even within the busiest schedules.

Whether you feel stuck in routine or simply want to enjoy life more, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to take fun seriously. Because fun isn’t a distraction from a meaningful life—it’s a key part of building one.

Hear more from Mike:

The Fun Habit Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fun-Habit-Pursuit-Wonder-Change/dp/1529054303

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In the season finale of The Meaning of Men, we’re exploring the enduring legacy of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Holocaust survivor, psychotherapist, and author of Man’s Search for Meaning — through the eyes of his grandson, Alex Vesely. Alex is a filmmaker, psychotherapist, and teacher who has dedicated much of his life to preserving and sharing Frankl’s work.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the fundamentals of logotherapy, explore the three key paths to discovering meaning, and discuss why fulfillment often arises from struggle, not comfort. We also touch on the misunderstood role of humor in healing, the modern-day relevance of Frankl’s philosophy, and what it means to turn suffering into growth.

Hear more from Alex:https://viktorfranklamerica.com/

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What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad?

We challenge the outdated narrative that dads are somehow secondary or less instinctive parents. In fact, the science shows men undergo radical hormonal shifts, brain changes, and emotional transformations that deeply prepare them for parenting. We explore how dads shape their children’s development—from emotional regulation and resilience to mental health and social skills—and why male role models, biological or otherwise, are vital.

We also dive into the often overlooked topic of postnatal depression in men, the pressures of traditional masculinity, and how society continues to sideline fathers at the very moment they’re most needed.

Whether you’re a dad, planning to become one, or simply curious about the evolving role of men in family life, this conversation will move, inform, and inspire you. Fathers aren’t optional—they’re essential.

Books:

Instagram: @dr_aMachin

Website: annamachin.com

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Ben Blackman. Ben is a therapist for Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions.

After losing his father, Ben found himself confronted not only by the weight of loss, but by the silence surrounding it—particularly among men. That experience set him on a path to understand grief and loss more deeply, and to help others do the same.

We explore different aspects of loss such as disenfranchised grief– when your pain is invalidated by society, especially for men who are often expected to stay silent, “man up”, or “just get on with it.”

We also talk about death itself and why, as an inevitable part of life, it's vital to create spaces where people can express their fears, regrets, and questions without judgement.

Whether you're grieving yourself, supporting someone who is, or just curious to better understand this emotional terrain, this conversation is a must-listen.

Hear more from Ben:

What if anger wasn’t the problem—but the way we misunderstand it is?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're joined by journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the idea that anger is inherently destructive. Instead, he shows how—when understood properly—anger can be one of our most powerful tools for self-awareness, connection, and even healing.

We explore the difference between anger and aggression, the damage caused by suppressing anger, and how men in particular can start expressing it in healthy, productive ways. Whether it's in our relationships, our work, or even our mental health, anger holds clues to our unmet needs and deeper wounds—if we’re brave enough to pay attention.

This conversation is all about changing the narrative around anger—and learning how to use it, not fear it.

Hear more from Sam:

Good Anger book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Anger-Radical-Rethink-Misunderstood/dp/1399417851

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What does it really take to launch and run your own business?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're diving into the world of entrepreneurship with Michael Brennan—an ordinary man with extraordinary ambition.

Michael shares his journey of building a successful business, hitting burnout, and navigating the emotional and mental toll of stepping away from something you’ve poured your heart into. He shares the lessons he’s learned about resilience, ego, and the power of rebuilding from rock bottom. We also get into Michael’s latest venture, Bob—a business born during one of his lowest moments, now set to shake up the men's personal care space.

Whether you're starting a business, facing a personal challenge, or just searching for your next big move, this episode is packed with honesty, insight, and inspiration.

Hear more from Michael:

Website: https://welcometobob.com/

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