Welcome back to the wild world of parenting boys! We’rekicking off Series 2, with Joeli and Elliott taking a trip down memory lane, revisiting the highs, the lows, and the lovely voices from Season One. They dive headfirst into the digital jungle of children's online lives, tackle the parenting boys' obstacle course, and highlight the quest for positive male role models.

Join us for a laugh-out-loud yet heartfelt chat about mentalhealth, the courage to be vulnerable, and the power of community support. And just when you think it can't get any better, they drop the mic on future hot topics like sex education and the well-being of boys in our modern world.

Buckle up, folks—Season Two is here, and it's going to be a rollercoaster ride of wisdom, wit, and your thoughts!

Did you know 44% of Gen Z men think we've done enough for women's rights? Or that 45% believe we're now discriminating against men? And brace yourself – 47% feel masculinity is under attack.

In this episode of To Be A Boy, we dive deep into the psyche of Generation Z – those enigmatic beings aged 13 to 28 who have one foot in the real world and the other firmly planted in TikTok. We unravel the insights from Channel 4's latest report, Gen Z: Trends, Trust and Truth, and explore some eyebrow-raising statistics.

Join us as we welcome James, the audience planner extraordinaire with 12 years at Channel 4, and Konrad, the co-founder of Craft, the award-winning strategic insight agency. Together, we'll tackle the economic instability haunting this generation, their delayed milestones, and the strange blend of their digital and real lives. Spoiler alert: it's a bit of a mess.

Our conversation will touch on how media and the economy shape young boys' political views and mental health, their aspirations, and how they perceive gender roles and masculinity. And, of course, we'll ponder the age-old question: Is it harder now to be young, or are we just nostalgic for the days when dial-up internet was the peak of excitement?

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour: https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

Get ready for a enlightening episode of the To Be A Boy Podcast! This time, we are thrilled to welcome the wonderfully insightful Amy Lang, the brilliant mind behind 'Birds and Bees and Your Kids'. Her book serves as an exceptional guide for parents striving to share their values on sexuality, love, and relationships with their children.

Amy brings her wealth of knowledge and a sprinkle of humour to our discussion, focusing on how to approach those oh-so-awkward conversations about sexuality with your kids. With over 16 years of experience as a sex educator, Amy is a treasure trove of practical advice. She doesn't just stop at helping parents; she also trains professionals who work with children in understanding healthy childhood sexual development, recognizing when to be concerned, how to correct behaviour, and how to ensure the safety of the kids in their care.

Expect to leave with a toolkit full of strategies and insights on discussing delicate topics with your children. Amy's down-to-earth approach and infectious enthusiasm make this episode a must-listen for any parent navigating the complex waters of raising boys.

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour: https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

In this week's episode of To Be A Boy, Sarah Sternberg, Director of Reimagining Masculinities at Movember, joins us to discuss their new report exploring the online health of men and boys. Movember is a leading global charity which has been transforming men's health research and services since 2003.

Join us as we discuss this ground-breaking report which explores who is engaging with masculinity influencers and the impact they are having on the mental and physical health of men and boys. Our co-host Elliott will be quietly joining us due to a lost voice (representing a facet of men's ill health!).

You can find the report here: movember.com/youngmenonline

And the parent toolkit kit here: movember.com/parenttoolkit

We hope you find it as useful as we do!

Ever wondered why blokes these days seem lonelier than a post-laundry sock? Join Elliott and Joeli for this episode tackling the growing issue of male loneliness and the curious case of the disappearing close friendship. We'll also touch on the joys (and occasional woes) of parenting boys, and why broadening their understanding of success and emotional intelligence is vital.

Our expert, Max Dickins, will take us on a ride through thedynamics of male friendships, the pressures women face when their partners lack mates, and the skills needed to nurture lasting relationships.

From the difference between those online connections and the good old face-to-face connections, to the importance of diverse friendships for emotional support and general well-being, Max has got us covered.

As usual, we LOVE hearing from you! Get in touch about thisand any other episode: [email protected]

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to finda vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour: https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

Welcome back to the "To Be a Boy" podcast! We are sharing a heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their overwhelmingly positive responses and thoughtful messages following the Adolescence special. Elliott opens up about parents feeling confused and a bit lost, while Joeli shares some reassuring advice to help navigate these turbulent times.

We are also joined by the brilliant Lenore Skenazy for a lovely chat uncovering the issues behind anxious parenting and sharing practical tips to give our kids a sense of independence and freedom to help them grow.

Lenore is the co-founder of Let Grow and the author of ‘Free-Range Kids’ and immediately changed Joeli and Elliott’s approach to parenting – we challenge you not the feel the same!

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour: https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

In this FOUR PARTER (you’re welcome) episode of To Be A Boy, Joeli and Elliott are debriefing us: bringing their unique voices and perspectives to the table as they delve into the international conversation happening around the Netflix show ‘Adolescence’.

The episode features a poignant conversation with Sarah (not her real name), a mother who courageously shares her child's journey and the impactful experiences they've faced. Our blue-haired psychotherapist, Sarah, offers insightful commentary on how these experiences shape young minds, while Ineke from the NSPCC provides invaluable practical advice and takeaways for parents and caregivers alike.

As always, the "To Be A Boy" podcast team invites listeners to join the conversation and share their thoughts. Your feedback on the show, our reflections, and our esteemed guests are our fuel so please get your digital pens out and reach out to us at [email protected]. This episode will linger in your minds long after it ends, much like ‘Adolescence’.

NSPCC website: NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC

Where people can donate: Donate to Charity Online | Give to NSPCC today | NSPCC

Training and consultancy: NSPCC Learning | Safeguarding and child protection

Adult helpline: NSPCC Helpline | NSPCC Learning

Childine: Childline | Childline

Beyond Equality: https://www.beyondequality.org/

Future Men: https://futuremen.org/

Men and Boys Coalition: https://www.menandboyscoalition.org.uk/category/newsevents/

Father2Father: https://www.father2father.co.uk/

Alex Holmes: https://alexholmes.co/

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour:https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

In episode three of To Be A Boy, Elliott Rae and Joeli Brearley are joined by author and award-winning podcast host, Alex Holmes to explore the complex issues surrounding men’s mental health. And before that, they look at how 2025's International Women's Day has been received and what they take from that. As well as the personal reasons behind their passion for improving men's mental health. Strap in.

They examine the awful statistics of male suicide, and the challenges men face in forming meaningful connections. Society's ingrained norms often stifle emotional expression, and Alex talks us through the importance of fostering friendships among men.

Loneliness has a significant impact on well-being, and our team discuss the barriers men encounter when seeking mental health support.

Alex highlights the need for better listening skills and emotional literacy to improve communication and bonding among men, calling for a cultural shift in our approach to masculinity and mental health. Worth a listen, isn’t it?

Global Boyhood Initiative, conversation starter cards: https://www.boyhoodinitiative.org/resources?field_taxonomy_ref_target_id=6&field_audience_ref_target_id=All

Men's peer support groups:

Andy's Man Club: www.andysmanclub.co.uk

MusicFootballFatherhood: www.musicfootballfatherhood.com

Men and Boys Coalition: www.menandboyscoalition.org.uk

Professional Mental Health support: 

MIND: www.mind.org.uk/

CALM: www.thecalmzone.net

Contact your GP to access free NHS Talking Therapy

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour:https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

JOIN US IN JOINING THE RUTH WHIPPMAN FAN CLUB.

In this episode of To Be A Boy, Elliott and Joeli have a brilliant and engaging conversation with Ruth Whippman, the author of 'Boy Mum: Raising Boys in the Age of Toxic Masculinity’ and explore the complex challenges boys face in today's society.

Ruth offers her researched and insightful views on the dangers of toxic masculinity and the crucial importance of nurturing boys' emotional development. They discuss the significant impact of screens on boys' social lives, the complexities surrounding consent, and the educational system's role in boys' underachievement.

The team break down the need for stronger connections and understanding when it comes to raising boys, led by Ruth’s push for more critical thinking, curiosity, and care in nurturing the next generation. This is a not be missed eye-opening and delightfully thought-provoking listen for anyone looking to take a more compassionate and informed approach to boyhood.

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour: https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

In the inaugural episode of To Be A Boy, hosts Joeli Brearley and Elliott Rae explore why they believe this podcast is so vital. They discuss the challenges of raising boys in today’s society, what it means to be a good man, and the pressing issues facing boys and men today – from mental health struggles to the impact of pornography, educational inequalities, and the need for positive male role models.

Joeli and Elliott share their personal motivations for launching the podcast, highlighting the urgent need for open conversations about masculinity and the power of male friendship. The episode kicks off an important dialogue on how we can better support boys and men in their journey to thrive.

This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour: https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm