The Meaning of Men

What if the struggles you face are really symptoms of hidden trauma? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Michael Baldwin, author and survivor, about EMDR therapy and its transformational impact on healing trauma. Michael shares his personal journey of living with the unresolved effects of childhood abuse, including anxiety, phobias, nightmares, and a relentless drive for achievement that never filled the emotional void—until he discovered EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that helped him finally process and release trauma. In this episode you will learn: How “hidden trauma” from experiences like bullying, neglect, or parental divorce can affect identity, relationships, and self-worth The science behind EMDR therapy and why it is recognised by leading health organisations How trauma symptoms often show up in everyday life without being recognised as trauma Practical insights into how processing trauma can improve emotional wellbeing, relationships, and personal growth Michael’s story of transformation and how healing trauma can repair important relationships and foster resilience This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, trauma recovery, EMDR therapy, and understanding how early experiences continue to shape our lives. Hear more from Michael:  https://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com Timestamps: 03:15: The Journey of Healing: Personal Experiences with Trauma 05:38: The Impact of EMDR Therapy: A New Approach 08:37: The Book: Every Memory Deserves Respect 08:40: Defining EMDR Therapy: A Simplified Explanation 11:07: The Structure of an EMDR Session 13:47: Recognising Unresolved Trauma: Signs and Symptoms 16:22: The Path to EMDR: A Personal Journey 18:59: Common Patterns of Unresolved Trauma in Men 22:51: The Journey Through Therapy 25:53: Understanding Trauma and Identity 30:42: Shame, Self-Compassion, and EMDR 36:19: Healing Relationships Through EMDR  

What does it really mean to be yourself when the world tries to define you? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with award-winning poet and author Dean Atta about identity, masculinity, and living authentically. Dean shares his personal journey growing up in a mixed-race, single-parent family, how writing helped him process emotions and claim his identity, and his experience coming out as gay while navigating stigma and societal expectations. In this episode you will learn: How personal identity is shaped by family, culture, and society The role of creative expression and writing in processing emotions and building self-confidence Why traditional stereotypes of masculinity can be limiting and harmful How vulnerability, authenticity, and creativity are forms of strength for men Ways to embrace openness, self-acceptance, and resilience in everyday life This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of masculinity, mental health, and authentic self-expression, offering insight and inspiration for anyone interested in identity, personal growth, and rethinking what it means to be a man today.       Hear more from Dean: www.deanatta.com Confetti: A colourful celebration of love and life https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/confetti/9781408362082/ I Can't Even Think Straight: A queer coming of age story https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/i-cant-even-think-straight/9781444960969/ Person Unlimited: An Ode to My Black Queer Body https://buythebook.online/person-unlimited-dean-atta   Timestamps: 03:09: Identity and Background Exploration 04:57: The Journey of Coming Out 12:02: Support Systems and Chosen Family 15:10: Redefining Masculinity and Queerness 16:54: Navigating Identity and Safety 18:53: Redefining Masculinity 23:50: Exploring Strength and Vulnerability 26:21: The Role of Poetry in Identity 33:18: Acceptance and Healing Through Writing  

Are UK dads being set up to fail before they even start? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, about the urgent need for better paternity leave in the UK. Alex highlights how our outdated system affects fathers, mothers, families, and society, and explores the benefits of reforms already proven in other countries. In this episode you will learn: How limited paternity leave impacts men’s mental health, family bonding, and gender equality The positive effects of early father involvement on children’s emotional and cognitive development How countries with generous, well-paid paternity leave create stronger families and healthier societies Why reforming the first weeks of parenthood can transform relationships, parenting, and even the economy Practical steps for fathers, partners, and employers to advocate for meaningful change This conversation is essential for anyone interested in fatherhood, men’s wellbeing, gender equality, and family policy, offering insight into how supporting dads from the start benefits everyone.   Hear more from The Dad Shift: https://action.dadshift.org.uk/a/back-better-paternity-leave??utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=12-08-25-podcast-MoM   Timestamps 03:06: The Birth of The Dad Shift 06:15: Paternity Leave: A Comparative Analysis 09:39: Success Stories from Abroad 10:32: The Ripple Effects of Paternity Leave 14:24: Facing Resistance to Change 17:59: The Importance of Fathers 20:20: Benefits of Paternity Leave 23:15: The Evolving Role of Fathers 24:37: The Importance of Bonding and Relationships 26:41: Postnatal Depression and Its Impact on Fathers 29:31: The Pressure of Returning to Work 31:53: Presence vs. Attendance in Parenting 34:52: Workplace Support for Paternity Leave 38:20: The Dad Shift Campaign and Future Goals

When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to behavioural scientist and author Mike Rucker about why fun is essential for men’s mental health, wellbeing, and resilience. Drawing on scientific research and his book The Fun Habit, Mike explains how prioritising fun—like sleep or exercise—can improve mood, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. In this episode you will learn: Why fun is not a luxury but a necessity for a meaningful, fulfilling life How deliberately prioritising enjoyable activities supports mental health, presence, and resilience Ways to create space for fun with children, friends, and partners Practical strategies to make fun a repeatable habit, even with a busy schedule How embracing joy can transform your perspective, energy, and relationships This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in men’s wellbeing, emotional health, life balance, and personal growth, offering insights and actionable tools to make fun an intentional part of daily life.   Hear more from Mike: The Fun Habit Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fun-Habit-Pursuit-Wonder-Change/dp/1529054303 Timestamps: 03:35: The Importance of Fun in Daily Life 06:30: Reflections on Life Goals and Happiness 08:35: The Concept of Fun Habits 11:25: Intentional Fun vs. Passive Fun 13:19: The Neuroscience of Fun and Its Impact 15:43: Fun as a Tool for Well-Being 27:07: The Power of Fun and Laughter 30:40: Finding Your Unique Path to Happiness 35:25: Building Connections Through Shared Experiences 40:55: Incorporating Fun into Busy Lives 45:34: Reframing Parenthood and Fulfilment 52:16: The Importance of Fun in Life

What can Viktor Frankl teach us about finding meaning in life? In the season finale of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Alex Vesely, filmmaker, psychotherapist, and grandson of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning. Alex has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing Frankl’s work, exploring how it can guide men today in building purpose, resilience, and fulfilment. In this episode you will learn: The fundamentals of logotherapy and how it helps individuals discover meaning The three key paths to finding purpose in life, even during struggle Why fulfilment often arises from challenge, suffering, and growth rather than comfort The role of humour in healing and resilience How Frankl’s philosophy remains relevant in modern life for personal development, mental health, and emotional wellbeing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, purpose, resilience, personal growth, and Viktor Frankl’s philosophy, offering practical insights on how to turn challenges into meaning and strength. Hear more from Alex:https://viktorfranklamerica.com/ https://logotherapy-online.com/ Timestamps: 00:00: The Legacy of Victor Frankl 04:15: Understanding Logotherapy and Its Origins 06:47: The Search for Meaning in Adversity 09:50: The Role of Meaning in Human Existence 11:59: Existential Vacuum and Its Implications 14:22: The Importance of Fulfilment and Meaning 17:12: The Distinction Between Happiness and Fulfillment 19:32: The Second Mountain: A Journey to Meaning 21:37: Finding Meaning in Everyday Life 22:55:The Objective Nature of Meaning 23:46: Finding Meaning in Life's Challenges 24:25: The Three Paths to Meaning 26:50: Responding to Unchangeable Suffering 29:13: The Power of Perspective in Grief 30:26: Universal Suffering and Personal Growth 35:03: The Timelessness of Meaning 39:10: The Role of Humour in Logotherapy 44:24: The Ongoing Search for Meaning

What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to world renowned evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin about the powerful, often overlooked science of fatherhood. Drawing on over a decade of research and her book The Life of Dad, Anna reveals what really happens to men—biologically, emotionally, and neurologically—when they become fathers. In this episode you will learn: How fatherhood triggers radical hormonal, brain, and emotional changes that prepare men for parenting Why dads play a crucial role in shaping children’s emotional regulation, resilience, mental health, and social skills The importance of male role models, biological or otherwise, in children’s development How postnatal depression affects men and the impact of traditional masculinity on new fathers Why society often sidelines fathers at the moment they are most needed, and how this is changing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, fatherhood, parenting, masculinity, and child development, offering insight, research-backed guidance, and inspiration for dads, soon-to-be fathers, and anyone invested in healthy family life. Hear more from Dr Anna: Books: The Life of Dad: https://shorturl.at/2hsHv Why We Love: https://shorturl.at/nlaNh Instagram: @dr_aMachin Website: annamachin.com Timestamps: 06:34: The Importance of Fathers in Child Development 11:15: Evolutionary Insights into Fatherhood 15:49: Hormonal Changes in New Fathers 20:49: Bonding Through Skin-to-Skin Contact 25:47: The Role of Play in Father-Child Relationships 30:55: The Importance of Play in Fatherhood 33:19: Navigating Masculinity and Fatherhood 36:30: Understanding Postnatal Depression in Fathers 44:46: Co-Parenting: Building Bonds from Afar 52:30: The Role of Fathers in Teenagers' Lives

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Ben Blackman, therapist at Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions. Ben shares his personal journey after losing his father and the silence surrounding grief, particularly for men, which inspired him to support others through their experiences of loss. In this episode you will learn: The unique challenges men face in expressing grief and seeking support What disenfranchised grief is and how societal expectations often invalidate men’s pain How to create safe spaces to process death, loss, and emotional complexity Practical insights for supporting yourself or others through bereavement and major life transitions Why talking about grief is essential for mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, grief support, emotional wellbeing, and coping with loss, offering insight, guidance, and reassurance for navigating one of life’s most difficult experiences.   Hear more from Ben: www.adventuringloss.com @adventuringloss   Timestamps: 00.00: Understanding Grief: A Universal Experience 06:51: Ben's Journey: Personal Loss and Professional Growth 12:27: The Complexity of Grief: Individual Experiences 28:58: Understanding Grief: Anticipatory vs. Sudden Loss 35:49: The Importance of Open Conversations About Death 45:52: Supporting Others in Grief: The Power of Listening

What if anger wasn’t the problem, but the way we misunderstand it is? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the belief that anger is inherently destructive. Sam explains how, when understood and expressed properly, anger can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional growth, and healing. In this episode you will learn: The difference between anger and aggression and why misunderstanding it causes harm How suppressing anger can negatively affect men’s mental health, relationships, and work Practical ways for men to express anger in healthy, productive, and constructive ways How anger can reveal unmet needs, emotional wounds, and opportunities for personal growth Strategies to change the narrative around anger and use it as a tool rather than fear it This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, healthy masculinity, and personal development, offering insights into understanding and harnessing one of our most powerful emotions. Hear more from Sam: Good Anger book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Anger-Radical-Rethink-Misunderstood/dp/1399417851   Timestamps: 06:59: The Concept of Good Anger 12:47: Distinguishing Anger from Aggression 17:00: The Impact of Suppressed Anger 21:30: Healthy Expressions of Anger in Relationships 27:45: Understanding Anger: Boundaries and Unmet Needs 33:03: The Complexity of Anger in Relationships 35:05: Self-Compassion and Anger: A Deep Connection 38:20: Building Healthy Habits Around Anger 45:48: Navigating Anger in the Digital Age  

What does it really take to launch and run your own business?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Brennan, entrepreneur and founder, about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal resilience. Michael shares his experience building a successful business, facing burnout, and navigating the mental and emotional toll of stepping away from a venture you’ve invested everything in. He also discusses his latest project, Bob, a men’s personal care business born from adversity and now poised for success. In this episode you will learn: How to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and running your own business Strategies for resilience, mental wellbeing, and personal growth during challenging times Lessons on managing ego, setbacks, and rebuilding after failure How personal experiences can inspire innovative business ideas, like Michael’s men’s personal care venture Practical insights for anyone starting a business, pursuing ambitious goals, or facing personal and professional challenges This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in men’s personal development, entrepreneurship, business leadership, mental health, and resilience, offering honesty, insight, and inspiration for the entrepreneurial journey. Hear more from Michael: Website: https://welcometobob.com/ 15% discount code for Bob: MEANINGOFMEN15 Timestamps: 03:12: The Entrepreneurial Mindset 03:55: Inspiration Behind Entrepreneurship 06:24: Enjoying the Journey of Entrepreneurship 07:29: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 10:43: Setting Big Goals to Combat Fear 12:23: The Importance of Team and Collaboration 15:52: Balancing Business and Personal Life 20:14: The Impact of Stepping Back from Business 24:10: Mental Health and Identity Crisis 29:33: Finding Purpose and Service in Life 29:55: Ego and Entrepreneurship 39:12: Support Systems in Business 47:01: The Journey of Building Bob 53:13: Advice for New Adventures

Could avoiding discomfort be the very thing holding you back from true fulfilment?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Adam Fraser, high performance researcher and author, about the power of Strive, a mindset that transforms how we approach personal growth, resilience, performance, and fulfilment. Adam explains why struggle—not comfort—is the real driver of progress and why chasing constant happiness or simply completing goals can leave us unfulfilled. In this episode you will learn: How embracing challenge and discomfort leads to personal development, resilience, and purpose Why the pursuit of constant happiness can undermine fulfilment How the Strive mindset improves workplace performance, motivation, and life satisfaction Practical strategies for turning everyday struggles into opportunities for growth Why lasting joy is often found in the process of striving rather than the end goal This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, personal growth, resilience, high performance, and purpose, offering actionable insights for living a more fulfilling, meaningful life. Hear more from Adam: Strive book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Designed-Strive-Seeking-Important-Happiness/dp/0730337413 Timestamps: 03:38: Understanding the Strive State 07:14: The Role of Challenge in Growth 10:12: The Paradox of Comfort and Fulfillment 11:45: Happiness vs. Fulfillment 17:11: The Completion Myth and Its Implications 20:49: The Completion Myth and Its Impact 23:49: Men and Emotional Vulnerability 30:21: Parenting and Instilling a Strive Mindset 38:57: Creating Strive State Moments