Monumental Podcast

Menopause and perimenopause can quietly affect marriage, intimacy, and family life. In this episode, Dr Louise Newson, The @menopause_doctor explains how hormonal change impacts mood, connection, and desire, why symptoms are often misunderstood, and how men can better support their partner.We explore what is actually happening in the body when hormones change and why it can show up as personality shifts, anxiety, anger, brain fog, exhaustion, and loss of libido. We also look at why many men internalise this as rejection or failure, and what they can do to support their partner without judgement.If your relationship feels different in midlife, this conversation offers clarityChapters00:00 Why menopause is affecting marriage and family life02:25 Louise Newson’s story and why she spoke out06:00 What menopause and perimenopause really are11:30 Why symptoms are missed and misunderstood17:15 Emotional distance intimacy loss and relationship strain23:03 Why sex touch and desire can disappear29:15 Isolation stress and escapism for men34:45 What men can do to support their partner41:18 Testosterone decline and hormonal health in men44:50 Final thoughts and why this conversation mattersTo learn more about our Network for men in leadership, please visit: https://monumental.global/the-network/SponsorThis episode is proudly supported by Burgess Mee, a family law firm helping individuals navigate the emotional and legal complexities of relationship breakdown with clarity and dignity. Learn more at https://burgessmee.com

With 500 million views a month, Simon Squibb says we’re still missing the real reasons systems keep failing us.Education, the student loan trap, AI-driven learning, home ownership, freedom and purpose…we discuss it all. ⁠Simon Squibb is the founder of HelpBnk, has built and exited multiple businesses and partners with the likes of Sir Richard Branson and Mr Beast.Chapters:00:00 The Burden of Financial Choices05:56 Rethinking Education in the Digital Age11:40 The Role of Social Media in Mental Health17:20 Challenging Traditional Career Paths23:32 The Reality of Home Ownership and Debt29:12 A Vision for the Future of EnglandTo learn more about our Network for men in leadership, please visit: https://monumental.global/the-network/SponsorThis episode is proudly supported by Burgess Mee, a family law firm helping individuals navigate the emotional and legal complexities of relationship breakdown with clarity and dignity. Learn more at https://burgessmee.com

Daniel Priestley explains why AI is likely to reshape work and careers faster than any previous technological shift.I've known Dan for 7 years now and his wisdom is gold. Since we recorded this he has appeared on leading podcasts, including The Diary of a CEO and Modern Wisdom.For More on Monumental's Podcast & Network, please visit: https://monumental.global/

Men often wear suffering as a badge of honour - but is that the same as resilience?Pete Hunt and Dr Phil Hopley, Sports Phycologist to Lando Norris and the Mclaren F1 team explore the difference, unpacking stress, recovery, and what it really means to build resilience in modern life.For More on Monumental's Podcast & Network, please visit: https://monumental.global/

In this episode of The Monumental Podcast, Pete Hunt talks with Sir Jeremy Hunt in a deeply human conversation about leadership, resilience, and the unseen cost of life at the top of British politics.Sir Jeremy reflects on a career that has placed him at the centre of some of the most difficult decisions in modern public life, from leading the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to serving as the UK’s longest-serving Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Foreign Secretary, and Chancellor of the Exchequer.But this conversation goes far beyond titles.Timestamps00:00 Intro to Sir Jeremy Hunt: Resilience, Pressure, and Leadership01:08 Subscribe and Monumental Network Intro01:55 Charterhouse vs Oxford: Confidence, Bullying, and Resilience03:28 Why Resilience Should Be Taught and the Importance of Friendships05:20 Politics and Friendship: Why It's Harder Now07:01 Family and Friendship Outside Politics: The Cost of Leadership08:17 Early Business Failures and Lessons on Resilience10:35 From Chancellor to Backbencher: Keeping Perspective12:05 Handling Criticism and the "Ocean's 11" List of Achievements14:01 Health Secretary Years: Facing Anger, Hate, and Pressure15:50 Loneliness in Leadership and the Drive to Keep Going17:43 Marriage Under Pressure: The "Third Person" in Politics20:25 Children's Mental Health and Social Media Concerns22:44 Doom Scrolling and Parenting in a Digital Age24:03 Tech Transitions and Optimism About the Future25:53 Future Ambitions: Family Focus and Public Service28:29 Restoring Confidence in Britain and Closing ThoughtsTo find out more about the private network Pete founded for men in leadership, visit:www.monumental.globalEpisode Sponsor :https://www.burgessmee.com/

Erica Komisar – The Inconvenient Truth about Parenting in 2025In this thought-provoking episode, Pete Hunt welcomes back psychoanalyst and bestselling author Erica Komisar, following a year of exponential growth in her reach and message, including a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO. Known for challenging modern parenting ideals, Erica confronts the uncomfortable truths about early attachment, the myth of “having it all,” and why parental presence in a child’s early years is non-negotiable.Whether you’re a father, partner, or simply someone reflecting on how you were parented, this conversation offers both a reality check and a powerful invitation to rethink what children really need.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:29 – Why Erica’s message is seen as controversial 04:03 – The cost of early childcare trade-offs 09:20 – Narcissism and unmet emotional needs 13:00 – The impact of different attachment styles 18:04 – Boarding school and emotional detachment 23:30 – The social media narrative vs. real parenting 27:00 – Why guilt shouldn’t be ignored 32:16 – “Second chances” and late-stage fatherhood 36:45 – Teenagers, tech, and the void of play 41:00 – Starting deeper conversations with your kids 47:00 – Reframing parenting as teamwork 52:30 – Careers, control, and the realities of modern motherhood 1:03:00 – The long-term impact of early disconnectionTo find out more about the private network Pete founded for growth-focused leaders, visit:www.monumental.globalYour Wheel of Life in just 90 seconds:https://insight.monumental.global/wheeloflife

In this powerful episode, Pete Hunt sits down with Nick Duffell, psychotherapist, author, and pioneer of work around boarding school trauma. They explore why so many high-achieving men with these privileged backgrounds feel emotionally stuck, the hidden impact of early survival strategies, and how intimacy becomes one of life’s greatest challenges. A raw and essential listen for men navigating midlife, relationships, and identity.Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction 01:29 – Why relationships are so hard for men 04:46 – Boarding school and emotional shutdown 07:52 – The missing emotional training 11:15 – Listening as a lost skill 15:08 – Survivor roles and disconnection 22:04 – The gift of emotional energy 24:06 – The mother wound 32:00 – The child self in adult relationships 36:10 – Institutional life vs. intimacy 43:00 – The missing father figure 47:02 – Mentorship and male role models 50:00 – The impact of porn and overstimulation 53:40 – Power through vulnerabilityTo find out more about the private network that Pete founded for growth focused leaders, visit www.monumental.global

In a special departure from the usual one-on-one format, host Pete Hunt, Founder of "Monumental", welcomes George, Mike, Oli, Sam, and Ben, a group of Monumental members, for a candid conversation about what really goes on inside Monumental. Together, they discuss how meaningful support, honest dialogue, and putting down the “mask” can transform men’s relationships, careers, and overall sense of fulfilment.For more information, please click on this link. https://monumental.global/To understand your Wheel of Life (in just 90 seconds) click on this link. https://insight.monumental.global/wheeloflife

Why do so many men lose friendships in midlife? And what does science say about the impact of social isolation on male health and well-being?In this episode Pete Hunt sits down with renowned evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar to explore the biological and social foundations of male friendship. Dunbar, a leading expert in human relationships, explains why men are wired for structured social networks—and why losing them can have serious consequences.In this episode, Pete and Robin discuss:The Male Friendship Crisis – Why friendships decline for men in their 40s and 50s, and how work and family pressures play a role.The Social Brain Hypothesis – How our brains evolved to manage complex social groups, and why maintaining friendships is essential for survival.Male vs. Female Friendships – Why men bond through activities rather than emotional sharing, and how this affects the longevity of their relationships.The Midlife Danger Zone – How loneliness impacts men’s mental and physical health, and why social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.The Power of Tribe – How structured networks like Monumental can help men rebuild friendships, strengthen social ties, and rediscover a sense of belonging.Redesigning Male Friendships – What the future of male community looks like and how men can take action to strengthen their relationships.Robin Dunbar’s research sheds light on one of the biggest but least talked-about issues facing modern men: the quiet disappearance of close friendships. In this conversation, he shares powerful insights into how men can reconnect, why tribal bonds matter, and what every man needs to know about maintaining deep, meaningful relationships.MonumentalThe Monumental Network - The Private Network For Growth Focused LeadersMonumental is a private network for leaders ready to challenge their status quo and grow with purpose that was Founded by Pete Hunt.Through weekly confidential pod meetings and monthly in-person events, Monumental creates a space where men connect authentically and hold each other accountable.Here, leaders are free to drop the mask, speak openly, and move beyond isolation.The Network empowers men to uncover their true potential, cultivate purpose, and leave meaningful legacies.And we have a lot of fun doing it.For more information, please click on this link. https://monumental.global/

Join host Pete Hunt as he sits down with seasoned Everest guide Kenton Cool, whose record of 18 summits and elite experience in the death zone speaks for itself, for a candid conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and the hard-won lessons from life at extreme altitude.In this episode, Pete and Kenton discuss:Navigating the Death Zone: Leading clients in Everest's death zone requires unwavering confidence, rigorous prep, and full accountability.Building and Sustaining Confidence: Kenton shows how facing repeated challenges—from early setbacks to high-altitude feats—builds real confidence.From “I” to “We”: Transitioning from a solo, thrill-seeking lifestyle to embracing collective responsibility for team and family.Leadership: Power vs. Presence: Exploring decision-making on Everest, from collaborative planning to assertive, genuine leadership.Confronting Mortality on the Mountain: Reflecting on Everest's harsh realities, the emotional impact of fallen climbers, and human vulnerability.Balancing Extremes and Vulnerability: Discussing how extreme challenges and social media spark an inner dialogue on self-worth and the need for safe spaces.Kenton Cool shatters limits with 18 Everest summits and 45+ expeditions, including the first British ski descent of an 8,000-m peak and the Everest Triple Crown. Overcoming a near-fatal injury, his guiding career embodies raw resilience and calculated risk. Join Pete as he uncovers the hard-won wisdom of extreme adventure.MonumentalThe Monumental Network - The Private Network For Growth Focused LeadersMonumental is a private network for leaders ready to challenge their status quo and grow with purpose that was Founded by Pete Hunt. Through weekly confidential pod meetings and monthly in-person events, Monumental creates a space where men connect authentically and hold each other accountable.Here, leaders are free to drop the mask, speak openly, and move beyond isolation.The Network empowers men to uncover their true potential, cultivate purpose, and leave meaningful legacies.And we have a lot of fun doing it.For more information, please click on this link. https://monumental.global/