Time To Talk with Alex Holmes

By Alex HolmesSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Arts Books

Time To Talk with Alex Holmes episodes

October 29, 2024SESSION 009 | Existential Questions: Thoughts On Black Men In The Public Sphere.
In this episode, Alex Holmes discusses the importance of community engagement through his podcast, emphasising the role of existential coaching in personal development.

He explores the challenges faced by black men in the public sphere, particularly in light of recent setbacks among younger black male figures.

The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, identity, and the societal pressures that shape black masculinity, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of these experiences.

Takeaways
Community engagement is vital for personal growth.
Existential coaching helps individuals navigate their identities.
Setbacks can illustrate the unique struggles faced by black men.
Authenticity requires resisting imposed societal definitions.
Black masculinity is multifaceted and complex.
Learning from setbacks is crucial for personal development.
Existentialism encourages self-definition through choices.
Public visibility can complicate personal authenticity.
The narrative around black men needs to evolve.
Creating a supportive community fosters open conversations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Community Engagement
08:10 Exploring Black Men's Experiences in the Public Sphere
22:09 Authenticity and Identity in the Face of Setbacks

PATREON

SUBSTACK

WEBSITE

ASK YOUR QUESTIONS

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26 min
October 24, 2024 SESSION 008 | JORDAN STEPHENS: AVOIDANCE, DRUGS, HEARTBREAK AND DOGS
JORDAN STEPHENS is a writer and performer and one-half of the chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks.

Having been publicly open about his struggles surrounding mental health, Jordan has been active in creating awareness around the stigma.

His mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million people online and was mentioned in the Houses of Parliament.

His children’s book The Missing Piece was shortlisted for the 2023 Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, and his new book, Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs (Canongate Books) became an instant Sunday Times bestseller when it was published in August 2024.

Listen Here On All Platforms.

Buy His Book Here.

Do you want to become a Change Agent?

As a Change Agent, you will join a powerful community of people who want to live an intentional life, improve their mental health and well-being, and see an improvement in the state of masculinity in a holistic way.

Positive vibes, but challenging conversations.

You're called up to inspire and lead.

Join PATREON to become a Change Agent.

Read my writing in SUBSTACK.

Website: alexholmes.co

TikTok: @byalexholmes

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1 hr 19 min
October 17, 2024Session 007 | Black Men and Therapy
In this episode of Time to Talk, Alex Holmes reintroduces himself and discusses the importance of mental health conversations, particularly focusing on black men's mental health. He highlights the challenges faced in therapy, including feelings of misunderstanding and the need for culturally competent therapists.

Alex emphasizes the significance of connection and community in the healing process, exploring various therapeutic modalities such as hypnotherapy and group therapy. He encourages listeners to seek the right support and to be curious about their mental health journey, ultimately advocating for a more open dialogue around mental well-being.

Takeaways:
Mental health conversations are crucial for collective healing.
Black men's mental health often goes misunderstood in therapy.
Culturally competent therapists are essential for effective therapy.
Silence around mental health can be harmful.
Connection with a therapist who understands is vital.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Exploring different therapeutic modalities can be beneficial.
Community support plays a significant role in healing.
Curiosity about oneself is key to personal growth.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to Time to Talk
05:06 The Importance of Mental Health Conversations
08:25 Understanding Black Men's Mental Health
17:06 Navigating Therapy: Challenges and Misunderstandings
21:23 Exploring Therapeutic Modalities
25:16 Finding the Right Support
27:55 The Path Forward in Mental Health

Check out this article by David McQueen: 'Black Men In Therapy: A Love Letter To Self' : https://davidmcqueen.co.uk/journal/therapy-for-black-men-a-love-letter-to-self

Substack: timetotalk.substack.com
Submit Your Questions: https://forms.gle/EqHpeBWPSzJ7h4pJA
TikTok and IG: @byalexholmes / @thetimetotalkproject
Website: alexholmes.co

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29 min
October 10, 2024Welcome Back To Time To Talk | Your Questions, Answered.
In this episode of Time To Talk, Alex Holmes introduces the podcast and its mission to address men's mental health, particularly focusing on stress and burnout. He shares his journey, including his experiences with breakdowns and the creation of the Time To Talk project, which aims to foster open discussions about mental health, especially within the black community. The podcast serves as a platform for community support, therapy, and coaching, encouraging men to seek help and redefine strength.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Time To Talk
01:35 The Journey of Alex Holmes
03:46 Understanding the Time To Talk Project
05:31 Call to Action and Community Engagement

Highlights:
The podcast aims to create spaces for men to thrive emotionally.
Stress management is crucial for mental health and relationships.
Alex Holmes shares his journey of overcoming burnout.
The Time To Talk project focuses on black men's mental health.
Community support is essential for healing and growth.
Open discussions about mental health can redefine masculinity.
Therapy and coaching are integral to the Time To Talk initiative.
Men are encouraged to ask questions about their mental health.
Healing is a journey that requires open communication.
The podcast seeks to challenge societal norms around masculinity.

Substack: timetotalk.substack.com
Insagram and IG: @thetimetotalkproject
Email: [email protected]

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10 min
October 10, 2024 Session 006 | Navigating Mental Weakness and Strength
In this episode of Time to Talk, host Alex Holmes explores the intricate relationship between mental weakness and mental strength, emphasising that they are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. He discusses embracing vulnerabilities as a pathway to personal growth and mental fortitude.

Through personal anecdotes and client experiences, Alex illustrates how acknowledging struggles can lead to transformation and resilience. He encourages listeners to confront their fears and vulnerabilities, highlighting that true strength lies in authenticity and emotional connection.

Substack: timetotalk.substack.com
Submit Your Questions: https://forms.gle/EqHpeBWPSzJ7h4pJA
TikTok: @byalexholmes / @thetimetotalkproject
Website: alexholmes.co

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16 min
April 15, 2024Session 005 | Book. Therapy.
In this episode, Alex discusses the goals of bibliotherapy and how it can be used as a tool for therapy and personal growth.
The four goals of bibliotherapy are: improving how you respond to the world, increasing self-understanding, clarifying personal relationships, and dealing with reality as is.
He explains each goal in detail and provides examples of how bibliotherapy can help achieve them. The episode also mentions upcoming topics and guests for future episodes.

Takeaways
Bibliotherapy is a complementary approach that combines the love for books with the passion to help people.
The four goals of bibliotherapy are: improving how you respond to the world, increasing self-understanding, clarifying personal relationships, and dealing with reality as is.
Bibliotherapy can help enhance self-awareness, empathy, and understanding of others.
Reading books can provide a focus, improve concentration, and help clarify personal responses and feelings.
Bibliotherapy can assist in recognizing and dealing with negative emotions, as well as addressing existential issues.
Engaging with literature can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Bibliotherapy encourages personal growth, self-reflection, and the exploration of different perspectives.
Future episodes will include book breakdowns and discussions with authors and experts in the field of mental health.

Chapters
00:00 Improving How You Respond to the World
15:30 Increasing Self-Understanding
29:49 Dealing with Reality as Is
36:08 Upcoming Topics and Guests

Reading List: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/byalexholmes
Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com
Instagram: @byalexholmes
TikTok: @byalexholmes
Website: alexholmes.co
Podcast Links: https://pod.link/1437894589

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43 min
April 09, 2024Session 004 | Books Can Transform Men's Mental Health
In this episode, Alex explores the concept of bibliotherapy and its impact on men's mental health. He discusses the power of books to provide guidance, support, and inspiration, and shares his personal experiences with books that have influenced his journey.
The host also addresses the challenges men face in developing a relationship with reading and offers a reading list for men interested in exploring bibliotherapy. He emphasises the importance of engaging with books actively and discusses techniques such as reflective writing and guided sessions.
The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the power of books and therapy.

Takeaways
Bibliotherapy is the use of books for therapeutic purposes and has been used for centuries to support mental health and personal growth.
Books have the power to shift perspectives, challenge beliefs, and provide insights and coping strategies for various mental health conditions.
Men often have a complicated relationship with reading due to past experiences and societal expectations, but engaging with books can be a powerful tool for personal development and self-reflection.
Bibliotherapy involves actively engaging with books through techniques such as reflective writing and guided sessions to translate insights into real-life actions.
A curated reading list can serve as a gateway for men to explore bibliotherapy and find books that resonate with their experiences and support their mental well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Exploring the Intersection of Therapy, Men's Mental Health, and Books
05:18 Understanding Bibliotherapy: The Power of Books to Transform Men's Mental Health
15:00 Challenges Men Face in Developing a Relationship with Reading
25:03 Curated Reading List for Men's Mental Health and Well-being

Get in touch:

Reading List: uk.bookshop.org/shop/byalexholmes
Instagram
TikTok: @byalexholmes
Website: alexholmes.co
Podcast Links: https://pod.link/1437894589

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27 min
April 08, 2024Session 003 | What Men Want From Therapy
In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of a male-friendly approach to psychotherapy and provides tips for men seeking therapy. He emphasizes the need for therapists to understand male communication styles and experiences, and create a non-judgmental environment.
Alex also highlights the importance of focusing on strengths, setting clear goals, and being open to being challenged in therapy. He explores what men want from therapy, including a quick fix, feeling understood, and addressing relevant topics such as relationships and life transitions.
Alex encourages men to seek help and become the architects of their own lives.

Takeaways
Therapists should have a male-friendly approach that understands male communication styles and experiences.
Creating a non-judgmental environment is crucial for men to feel safe and express their emotions and vulnerabilities.
Men should focus on their strengths, set clear goals, and be open to being challenged in therapy.
Therapy can address relevant topics such as relationships, fatherhood, friendships, and life transitions.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards improving mental health and becoming the architect of one's own life.

Chapters

00:00 The Male-Friendly Therapeutic Environment
09:13 Creating a Non-Judgmental Environment
13:59 Focusing on Strengths and Goals
20:38 Addressing Relevant Topics in Therapy
23:29 Seeking Help: A Brave Step Towards Mental Health

Socials:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: instagram.com/thehardpartpodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/ @byalexholmes
Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com
Podcast: https://pod.link/1437894589

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24 min
April 03, 2024Session 002 | Breaking The Stigma of Men's Mental Health
Summary

Mental health struggles do not discriminate, but our societal response to them does. Men face a stigma around seeking help, which is damaging and perpetuated by traditional notions of masculinity. This episode explores the importance of breaking the stigma and creating a culture of openness and support for men's mental health.
The story of Carl and Drew highlights the consequences of silence and the transformative power of seeking help. Strategies for breaking the stigma include creating open dialogues, educating oneself and others, seeking professional help, and advocating for better mental health resources. Taking responsibility for one's mental health is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership.

Takeaways
The stigma around men's mental health is damaging and perpetuated by traditional notions of masculinity.
Seeking help for mental health struggles is an act of bravery and not a sign of weakness.
Open dialogues, education, professional help, and advocacy are key strategies for breaking the stigma.
Taking responsibility for one's mental health is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:12 The Stigma Around Men's Mental Health
09:14 Breaking the Stigma
14:17 Story of Carl and Drew
24:48 Taking Responsibility for Mental Health
27:06 Challenging the Status Quo
27:57 Conclusion

Connect:

Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/time-to-talk-how-men-think-about-love-belonging-and-connection-alex-holmes/5009612

Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/43wekyCcEkxSaf…

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC3MvN8HTNLtOjvuoHw…

PodLinks: pod.link/1437894589

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@byalexholmes

Instagram: instagram.com/thehardpartpodcast

Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com

Email: [email protected]

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29 min
April 02, 2024Session 001 | Why Men's Mental Health? Why Now?
In this episode, Alex Holmes introduces himself as the host of the Hard Part podcast, which focuses on the intersection of masculinity and mental health. He explains that the podcast aims to explore men's mental health, masculinity, and personal growth.
Alex shares his background as a coach and therapist, as well as his journey in the field of men's mental health. He discusses the challenges he faced in understanding what it means to be a man today and the harmful ideas around masculinity.
Alex emphasises the importance of having compassionate and authentic conversations about mental health.

Takeaways
The Hard Part podcast explores men's mental health, masculinity, and personal growth.
Men's mental health is often overlooked, and harmful ideas around masculinity can be challenging to navigate.
Therapy and coaching are valuable tools for men's mental health, and finding the right approach and practitioner is important.
Men's health and well-being have a significant impact on society, and it's crucial to address issues such as loneliness and gender disparities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
06:07 Alex's Background and Journey
16:13 Overview of the Book 'Time to Talk'
22:19 Men's Relationship to Therapy and Coaching
25:15 Men's Health and Wellbeing
26:14 Challenges in Men's Relationships and Connections
28:22 Becoming the Best Version of Yourself
29:19 Creating an Interactive and Inclusive Space
30:08 The Importance of Men's Health

Connect:
Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/time-to-talk-how-men-think-about-love-belonging-and-connection-alex-holmes/5009612
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/43wekyCcEkxSaf…
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC3MvN8HTNLtOjvuoHw…
PodLinks: pod.link/1437894589
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@byalexholmes
Instagram: instagram.com/thehardpartpodcast
Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com
Email: [email protected]

Rate, Review, Share!

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35 min

About Time To Talk with Alex Holmes

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Time To Talk with Alex Holmes

Time To Talk with Alex Holmes episodes

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