What does it really take to raise boys into good men in today’s world? 

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Andrew Reiner, author of Better Boys, Better Men, about the evolving landscape of masculinity, boys’ mental health, and emotional development. Andrew shares insights into the challenges boys face today and how cultural expectations shape their behaviour and wellbeing.

In this episode you will learn:

Why many boys are struggling emotionally, socially, and academically

What the “boy code” is and how it teaches boys to suppress vulnerability and avoid asking for help

How fatherhood, mentorship, and role models can support emotional resilience and healthy masculinity

Strategies to break the cycle of depression, emotional suppression, and disconnection in boys and young men

How to cultivate healthy vulnerability and prepare boys for meaningful, fulfilled adulthood

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, raising boys, emotional intelligence, masculinity, and personal growth, offering actionable insights for parents, educators, mentors, and anyone invested in supporting the next generation of men.

Timestamps:

Why does rejection affect us so deeply, and what can we do about it? 

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Professor of Psychology Mark Leary about the science of rejection, social belonging, and men’s mental health. Drawing on decades of research, Mark explains why our sensitivity to rejection is evolutionarily hardwired and how it continues to influence our self-esteem, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

In this episode you will learn:

Why humans, especially men, are deeply affected by rejection and social exclusion

How rejection impacts self-esteem, mental health, and interpersonal relationships

The role of societal expectations in discouraging men from expressing vulnerability or emotional pain

Strategies for responding to rejection in healthier, more resilient ways

Practical insights for building emotional resilience, confidence, and self-awareness

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, emotional intelligence, resilience, social psychology, and relationships, offering research-backed guidance for understanding and coping with the impact of rejection.

Hear more from Mark:

Interpersonal Rejection Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interpersonal-Rejection-Mark-R-Leary/dp/0195130146

Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toward-less-egoic-world

We all love to laugh! But have you ever stopped to think how humour can be used more consciously to help build mental resilience, cope with stress, and improve your relationships? 

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to comedian, author, and humour strategist Paul Osincup about how humour, laughter, and playfulness can improve men’s mental health, resilience, and relationships. Paul explains how humour can be used as deliberately as practices like yoga or meditation to support overall wellbeing.

In this episode you will learn:

The science and psychology behind humour, laughter, and mental health

How to use humour intentionally to manage stress, difficult emotions, and life challenges

Ways humour can improve communication, connection, and relationship satisfaction

Practical strategies for creating daily humour habits to boost joy and resilience

How laughter can break down stigma around men’s mental health

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth, offering actionable insights on using humour as a deliberate tool for a happier, healthier life.

Learn more about Paul

Timestamps:

Dopamine shapes our motivation, mood, and behaviour—so how can we understand it better? 

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Long, author, speechwriter, and human behaviour expert, about dopamine, motivation, and men’s mental health. Michael explains how dopamine drives our actions, the risks of chasing constant stimulation, and strategies for taking control of our behaviour rather than being controlled by it.

In this episode you will learn:

What dopamine really is and how it affects motivation, mood, and decision-making

How everyday behaviours like social media use and goal-chasing impact your brain chemistry and mental health

When dopamine helps us thrive and when it can become harmful

Practical strategies to manage dopamine for emotional wellbeing, focus, and self-control

Why understanding dopamine is crucial for men’s mental health awareness and personal growth

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, neuroscience, motivation, behavioural science, and personal development, offering actionable insights into how to harness dopamine for a healthier, more balanced life.

Be sure to check out Michael's new book: https://TamingTheMolecule.com to learn more!

We'll be launching Season 2 on Tuesday 25th March. Stay tuned!

What does it take to survive trauma and rebuild life after a violent attack? 

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Rachel Duncan about her nephew, James Bascoe Smith, who survived a brutal knife attack in Brixton in 2021. Rachel shares their journey through trauma, recovery, and the legal system, highlighting the often-overlooked experiences of survivors and the impact on their families.

In this episode you will learn:

The physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by survivors of violent attacks

How trauma affects both victims and their families, including grief, resilience, and mental health

The societal issues surrounding gang violence, youth safety, and community support

The importance of community, family, and advocacy in helping young men recover and thrive

Lessons on resilience, hope, and the long-term journey of rebuilding life after tragedy

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, youth violence, resilience, and community support, offering insight, empathy, and actionable lessons for creating safer, more supportive environments for young men.

Is anxiety in men being fundamentally misunderstood? Men often experience anxiety differently, and this can make it harder to recognise and address.

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Krista Fisher, research fellow at Movember, about men’s mental health, anxiety, and masculinity. Krista shares insights from her research showing that men frequently express anxiety through physical symptoms, behaviour changes, and stress responses rather than emotional cues, and how societal expectations about masculinity can prevent men from seeking help.

In this episode you will learn:

How anxiety manifests differently in men compared with women

Why cultural and societal pressures can make men reluctant to seek help

The physical, emotional, and behavioural signs of male anxiety

Practical strategies for recognising anxiety early and taking proactive steps

How to support men in developing resilience, emotional awareness, and mental wellbeing

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, anxiety, emotional resilience, masculinity, and wellbeing, offering research-backed insights and actionable guidance for understanding and managing anxiety in men.

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with psychotherapist Aaron Balick who discussed how social media algorithms can impact our view of the world, our sense of identity and ultimately our mental health. 

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away? Losing your career or identity can be deeply unsettling, but it can also open the door to growth and purpose.

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kojo Lewis, ex-professional MMA fighter, coach, and mentor, about men’s mental health, resilience, and life after sport. Kojo shares his journey from using martial arts to prove his worth, to facing retirement through injury, and ultimately finding meaning and purpose beyond the fight.

In this episode you will learn:

How the loss of identity or career can impact men’s mental health and self-esteem

Strategies for developing resilience, self-worth, and purpose outside of professional achievement

The role of discipline, mentorship, and community in supporting emotional wellbeing

How to navigate self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty with confidence

Practical insights for men seeking to embrace life beyond societal or personal expectations

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, resilience, personal growth, identity, and life transitions, offering honest, inspiring guidance on finding balance and purpose after major life changes.

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Tom Bailey, who shared his experience of suffering postnatal depression after the birth of his son.