In this episode, Merlin Matthews, founder of Man Academy, explores how men can move from isolation to connection, from being “lone warriors” who suppress emotions to connected men who grow through community and accountability. 

From childhood trauma and dissociation to running a global charity and now creating a movement to halve the male suicide rate, Merlin’s story is as complex as it is hopeful. He shares what he’s learned about breaking free from conditioning, such as the pressure to “man up,” hide emotions, and go it alone. 

You’ll learn:

• Why so many men get trapped in “doing it all alone” and how to stop.
• How childhood conditioning shapes emotional disconnection in adult men.
• Why “doing the work” means applying insights, not just collecting them.
• The power of men’s groups and accountability to help men heal and grow.
• Simple starting points for any man to begin his own reconnection journey.
• Why open, honest connection is the antidote to loneliness and self-doubt.

Why listen:
This is a grounded, honest conversation about what it takes to become a fulfilled, emotionally capable man in a noisy world. Merlin offers a rare mix of candour and practical wisdom, showing that the real path to growth begins when we stop doing it alone.

If you want to connect with Merlin, visit his website: man.academy

Merlin’s suggested reading list:

MEN’S WORK:

Manhood, Steve Biddulph: 

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine, Robert L. Moore, Douglas Gillette

No More Mr. Nice Guy, Robert A. Glover

Red Pill Psychology: Psychology for Men in a Gynocentric World, Peter Wright and Paul Elam

Men's Work: A Practical Guide to Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, and Find Freedom, Connor Beaton

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Miguel Ruiz

The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Jack Canfield

Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything, B.J. Fogg

The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life, Michael Roach

The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle, Steven Pressfield

Scattered Minds, Dr. Gabor Maté

Meditations, Marcus Aurelius 

Directories of men’s groups:

www.findamensgroup.com - A global directory of men's groups focused on emotional work.

https://mensgroupdirectory.com – Men’s groups in the UK, USA, and Australia.