Talking to boys about masculinities is challenging, complex, and deeply important. Join Lewis Wedlock and me for a candid and inspiring conversation on the realities of talking to boys (and girls) about masculinities in schools.

It's a raw, honest, and much-needed conversation.

Connect with me

Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky

You can donate to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

About the guest - Lewis Wedlock

Lewis is an academic and social psychologist. His work revolves around exploring and challenging structures that limit pathways to expressing one’s magnificence.

He has spent the last five years providing culturally and compassion-centred training on masculinities to governments, schools, CICs, organisations and universities.

Lewis is also the author of Masculinity in Schools

Lewis’ website: www.lewiswedlock.com/

🎙️ Season 4 kicks off with a powerful conversation!

I’m joined by James Hawes to unpack one of our most misunderstood emotions for men, anger, and explore why it’s not something to suppress, but to understand and express.

We dive into:

• What anger really is, and its different forms
• Why anger can actually be good for you
• How to express anger in healthy, constructive ways
• What happens when anger is ignored or bottled up
• The cultural differences in how anger is shown

Tune in for a raw, insightful, and empowering discussion about turning anger into awareness and strength.

Connect with me

Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky

You can donate to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

About the guest - James Hawes

James has been working as a counsellor and psychotherapist since 2004 and established Synergy Counselling, where he works with a broad range of clients. He is also a trained mediator.

Apart from working in his private practice, he also works in Nottingham High School with teenagers for two days a week. James also runs workshops for teachers, counsellors and youth workers.

James is also the author of The Secret Lives of Men.

James' website: https://jameshawes.org/

James' Instagram: @jamesrhawes

Join us for the final episode of Season 3, where Cedric and I dive into the importance of acknowledging and working through difficult emotions.

Cedric opens up about his personal journey, including the emotional challenges he faced growing up in France and how they’ve shaped his perspective today.

As we wrap up the season, I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s topic ideas, guest suggestions, or just a quick hello.

Connect with me on socials (links below), and let’s keep the conversation going as we gear up for Season 4!

Connect with me

Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

About the guest - Cedric Bertelli

Originally from France, he is the founder of the Emotional Health Institute, operating in the USA, France, and Japan. 

A seasoned somatic practitioner, Cedric co-developed Emotional resolution® (EmRes®), a groundbreaking method for resolving debilitating emotional patterns. 

Cedric's website: www.cedricbertelli.com/about

Cedric's Instagram: @cedricbertelli

In this episode, I have a special appointment with the Harassment Doctor - Dr Enya Doyle.

Trigger warning: we discuss the topic of sexual harassment in detail. 

It’s a holistic and detailed conversation that covers:

•⁠ ⁠what sexual harassment is

•⁠ ⁠the prevalence of sexual harassment of women, ethnic minority populations and men 

•⁠ ⁠⁠the multidimensional impact of sexual harassment

•⁠ ⁠how to build trust with someone who has experienced sexual harassment

•⁠ ⁠⁠what men can do to move beyond traditional stereotypes around masculinity which often restricts vulnerability and support

Most importantly, we delve into ways men can hold each other accountable and challenge harassing behaviour.

Connect with me

Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

About the guest - Dr. Enya Doyle

Enya Doyle is a trusted advisor and advocate specialising in anti-harassment, equity, and inclusion for values-driven companies worldwide. 

Visit Enya’s website: enyadoyle.com

Connect with Enya on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-enya-doyle

Follow Enya on Instagram: @theharassmentdoctor/

We’re starting off 2025 with this brand new episode (and just after what was undoubtedly an expensive Christmas period for some) on achieving financial wellbeing.

Arlyne and I are talking about what financial wellbeing is, and what practical steps you can take to improve your finances.

We also talk about some gender stereotypes around money, explore various cultural perspectives on finances, and unpack why it's important to talk about money with family or even colleagues.

I also drop a "fun fact" on financial independence and the law here in the UK.

Check it out, you don’t want to miss this one!

About the guest - Arlyne Chinyanganya

Arlyne is an experienced accountant with over a decade of experience in finance, she's a qualified Chartered Institute of Management Accountant professional and holds a Money Guider certificate awarded by the Money and Pension service.

During the pandemic, she founded Roots to Froots, a financial wellness platform dedicated to supporting the community with valuable financial knowledge, resources, and guidance.

Roots to Fruits resources

Financial confidence course

Free workshops - available until April 2025

Free Excel budget planner

Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

As we wrap up 2024, this episode is particularly significant. 

Join Petra and me as we explore the intricate world of romantic relationships for men. We’ll dive into:  

•⁠ ⁠Diverse viewpoints on gender roles within couples 

•⁠ ⁠⁠The impact feminism, one's culture and society can have on the relationship

•⁠ ⁠The challenges men face in navigating today’s relationship landscape  

•⁠ ⁠The vital need for creating safe spaces in relationships where partners can freely express and share their thoughts

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to explore fresh and exciting topics with you in 2025!

About the guest - Petra Velzeboer

Petra is a renowned author, psychotherapist, TedX speaker, and the CEO of mental health consultancy PVL - www.petravelzeboer.com

Connect with Petra on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/petra-velzeboer/

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

What does it mean for a man to possess masculine or feminine energy? 

Well, look no further, as in this episode Jindy and I discuss:

•⁠ ⁠masculine and feminine energies 

•⁠ ⁠⁠the difficulties of expressing masculine or feminine energies in today's world 

•⁠ ⁠⁠how to nurture one’s primary energy and express freely 

In closing, we briefly touched on male privilege and the 4 billion ways to be a man.

About the guest - Jindy Mann

Jindy is the founder of 'Leader Brother Son' - a space where he and his team create spaces for men to discover expressions of masculinity that serve them and the world around them.

Jindy facilitates men’s groups and has built an online global community for men, called Kinship.

Resources

What’s healthy about masculinity? (This article is meat-free) (blog)

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

I'm continuing the conversation on migration from the views of those who moved to the UK, their stories, and the impact migration can have.

We chat about how:

• having different religious backgrounds impacts one's experience of integration
• one's views of masculinity can change due to migration 
• stereotypes about being a man 

Resources

Why it doesn't matter where I'm from (blog)

Hear Our Stories: An Exploration of Migration, Identity and Hope (book)

The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla (book)

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Migration, migration, migration.

We often hear the perspectives of host countries and how they feel and view migration - the good and the bad.  

In this episode, I turn my attention and the mic to those who have migrated to the UK. The guests share their stories and views on the topic, and the impact migration can have on one's mental health.

We chat about:

• What migration is and the stages of migration
• First hand experiences of migration
• How migration can affect one's mental health

Resources

Hear Our Stories: An Exploration of Migration, Identity and Hope (book)

The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla (Editor) (book)

Dinner for Loners (campaign)

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Guests

Morshed Akhtar

A thespian, who always worked in finance. He is a British citizen of Bangladeshi descent, married and has two boys and a cat.

Keshav Shree

An A&E NHS Doctor, Filmmaker and Actor. In his own words. His films and characters are rooted in mental health issues and socio-political topics. 

Teresa Norman

Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, and CEO of TogetherInTheUK, an organisation telling stories of migration for the last 8 years. 

We naturally crave community and connection, yet many of us feel disconnected and lonely despite the high level of interaction on social media. 

We may sometimes feel distant and unable to reach out to people from our workplace, community, friendship groups, and sometimes even our family. This can negatively impact our mental health.

The points John-Paul Davies and I talk about are:

•⁠ ⁠What makes us feel lonely?

•⁠ ⁠⁠What can we do about it?

•⁠ ⁠⁠How does loneliness affect men? 

The key takeaway from this episode is that to be connected with others, and less lonely, one needs to prioritise time to connect with oneself.

John-Paul is an experienced therapist, and has worked as a solicitor for the first half of his career. He has published a self-help book, Finding a Balanced Connection, and written about a range of wellbeing and psychological topics. 

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a 1:1 conversation with a sci-fi legend like Data on all things men's mental health?!

In this episode, I talk to an up-and-coming star, ChatGPT, to get its insights and views on men’s health and issues. I asked questions like: 

• Is mental health real?
• ⁠What are the stigmas men experience?
• Are men toxic?
• ⁠⁠Is the concept of masculinity outdated? 
• ⁠⁠What is the role AI can play in supporting one's mental health?
• ⁠⁠Can we trust AI? If so, how and why?
• ⁠Does technology make us happy?

Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between technology and mental health. 

Whether you're familiar with AI or just curious about its role, this episode promises valuable takeaways for all.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

In this episode, I talk to Becca Benning about the underrated importance of food for good mental health and wellbeing. We unpack the puzzle of the dynamic between nutrition and mental health, what foods we should eat that benefit our brain and wellbeing, but also those that don't.

We also briefly cover how to change your behaviour and achieve your goals around establishing healthy habits, the stereotype that "mean should eat meat", and the benefits of having good quality vegetables with your stake.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

Resources:

Becca is a behaviour change, Functional Health Coach and nutritionist with a particular interest in autoimmune disease - www.beccabenning.com/

TEDx talk: ‘Everyday ways to love a struggling body’

TEDx talk: 'What it means to be a good man'

Blogpost: Some Food for Thought — Food and Your Mental Health

In this episode, James Ray and I dive into masculinity in the great outdoors. We explore the intersection of adventurous spirits, embracing discomfort and finding community in the wilderness that redefines masculinity in today's landscape.

Tune in and chart a new course towards authentic masculinity as we head into 2024.

James is the CEO of Xtreme Character Challenge (XCC), a leadership development consultant, and a priest in the Church of England.

TEDx Talk - What it means to be a good man

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.

Be kind. First to yourself. This is the theme of the latest episode, where I talk to Bernie about self-empathy, especially why this is important for men. Here are a few bits we cover:

Ask yourself the hard questions if you want to change, but give compassionate answers in return.

Self-empathy is the key to your development.

Enjoy the journey, and don't let your ego get in the way.

Bernie is a masculinity and equality workshops expert, Director of Innovative Enterprise and CareersWeek, author of TheLadder, TEDx speaker and cyclist.

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter

Why are male friendships so challenging, but so rewarding?

Adult men in the UK and elsewhere have long struggled to maintain meaningful bonds with other men. Men may suffer a friendship deficit, likely affecting their health and happiness.

Kim Evenson and I are talking about how that might be changing, what stops guys from building meaningful connections, and why guys need to take risks in being vulnerable with one another.

Kim is an author and international public speaker on male friendships and the Founder and CEO of Brothers. He joins me all the way from Norway.

Find out more about Brothers

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter

After an unexpected break, I return with a fresh episode. I'm talking to Rob Stephenson about the relationship between music and mental health.

Rob, among others, is a DJ and uses house music to show the dynamics between the two. We had a great chat about music and how to use it to support our mental health and its benefits. He also drops a spoken word and an excellent tune (if you ask me) to show the power of music to uplift our spirits. 

TEDx Talk - What it means to be a good man

Due to music copyright, I can't play the spoken work tunes and banger Rob has recommended, but you can listen to them here.

ANNA - Let you in (for the spoken word)

Ugo Banchi - Dance with Ibiza (the closing tune)

You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter

More about Rob, he is a leading voice in the world of mental health. He is the CEO of FormScore and the Founder of the InsideOut LeaderBoard. He's a TEDx Speaker, a mental health campaigner, a keynote speaker, and a facilitator.

We're launching this episode on Mental Health Awareness Week #ToHelpMyAnxiety covering the topic of money problems and mental health.

In this episode, Lau chats with Carla Hoppe, Founder and CEO of Wealthbrite, about the dynamic relationship between money problems and mental health and practical ways to deal with both.

They also explore some aspects of how men deal with money and unhealthy gender norms around money that can sometimes impact men's mental health.

Wealthbrite is a company that delivers financial education and coaching to build your people's confidence and resilience.  

You can support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.

Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter @man_mentoring

FREE Resources:

Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/the-link-between-money-and-mental-health/#mental-health-can-affect-money

StepChange the debt charity - https://www.stepchange.org

Citizens Advice Bureau - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/ 

Get Wealthbrite's free budgeting tool, access blogs and find out more about their work at: https://www.wealthbrite.co.uk

In this episode, I share a few thoughts on empathy and why this is important, especially for boys and men. Empathy opens our minds to experience the world from other's perspectives, and it's crucial for establishing relationships. 

I also talk about some of the pitfalls of low empathy for others, the power of self-empathy, and how you can develop it.

Drop me a text with your thoughts about the topic via Instagram or Twitter.

You can support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.

This episode is slightly different. I don't have a guest; instead, I share my reflections on misogyny.

Misogyny affects women in a myriad of ways, and we men can play an active role in changing the narrative about how we view women and build relationships and view ourselves as men.

I slightly move on into the territory of self pe and the importance of living a fuller life by engaging with the whole of who we are and unpack the idea that being vulnerable is being strong and confident at the same time.

Drop me a text with your thoughts about the topic via Instagram or Twitter.

You can support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.

We start the 2nd season with a bang. David McQueen - "Your Leadership Coach" - is an accomplished leader and international speaker with over twelve years of experience. 

David and I discuss leadership and the importance for us men to learn new ways to lead by combining empathy and strength. We also cover leadership that presents destructive and empowering messages and what the differences are.

Be inspired by David's tips on being a good leader, self-care in leadership and which leaders he finds inspirational.

Travvu offer for Mentality Podcast listeners.

Please support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.

Learn more about David here - https://www.davidmcqueen.co.uk/

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