The Meaning of Men

Are UK dads being set up to fail before they even start?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, explore the urgent need for better paternity leave in the UK.

Alex reveals the far-reaching consequences of our outdated system—from damaging mental health in both parents, to deepening gender inequality, and denying fathers the chance to build strong, lasting bonds with th...

When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re joined by behavioural scientist and author Mike Rucker to explore why fun isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity for a more fulfilling life. Drawing on scientific research and insights from his book The Fun Habit, Mike explains how prioritising fun—much like sleep or exercise—can radically change the way we experience life.

From...

In the season finale of The Meaning of Men, we’re exploring the enduring legacy of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Holocaust survivor, psychotherapist, and author of Man’s Search for Meaning — through the eyes of his grandson, Alex Vesely. Alex is a filmmaker, psychotherapist, and teacher who has dedicated much of his life to preserving and sharing Frankl’s work.

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the fundamentals of logother...

What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re joined by evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin to uncover the powerful, untold story of fatherhood. Drawing from over a decade of research and her acclaimed book The Life of Dad, Anna reveals what really happens to men—biologically, emotionally, and neurologically—when they become fathers.

We challenge the outdated ...

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Ben Blackman. Ben is a therapist for Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions.

After losing his father, Ben found himself confronted not only by the weight of loss, but by the silence surrounding it—particularly among men. That experience set him...

What if anger wasn’t the problem—but the way we misunderstand it is?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're joined by journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the idea that anger is inherently destructive. Instead, he shows how—when understood properly—anger can be one of our most powerful tools for self-awareness, connection, and even healing.

We explore the difference between anger and aggression, ...

What does it really take to launch and run your own business?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're diving into the world of entrepreneurship with Michael Brennan—an ordinary man with extraordinary ambition.

Michael shares his journey of building a successful business, hitting burnout, and navigating the emotional and mental toll of stepping away from something you’ve poured your heart into. He shares the lessons he’s learne...

Could avoiding discomfort be the very thing holding you back from true fulfilment?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we’re exploring the power of Strive—a mindset that redefines how we grow, perform, and find lasting fulfilment.

My guest is renowned high performance researcher and author Dr. Adam Fraser, who reveals why struggle—not comfort—is the real catalyst for growth. We unpack the dangers of relentlessly chasing happines...

What do you do when the life you’ve built suddenly disappears?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Adam Clayton, a former professional rugby player whose career was cut short by injury at 24. In the years that followed, Adam struggled with steroid addiction, a loss of identity, and the search for purpose. But hitting rock bottom became the start of something special.

Adam now runs APEX Everest, a powerful communi...

What does it really take to build a strong and healthy romantic relationship as a modern man?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Kristal DeSantis, a marriage and family therapist and author of Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man. We talk about the unspoken pressures men face in relationships, why many feel unequipped for emotional intimacy, and how to start building new relational skills from th...

Are we obsessing over sleep in all the wrong ways?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, renowned neurologist and sleep expert Dr. Chris Winter unpacks the powerful connection between sleep and mental health.

Dr. Winter challenges the myth that some people “just can’t sleep,” and reveals why our obsession with perfect rest may be doing more harm than good.

We explore why falling asleep too quickly might be a red flag, how poor sle...

What happens when society defines you by your illness, but you decide to define yourself?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by Kody Green, one of the most powerful voices speaking out about schizophrenia online today.

Diagnosed at 21, Kody’s story is one of profound struggle and remarkable transformation. He opens up about what it’s really like to live with schizophrenia—from hallucinations and delusions to the cru...

What if healing isn’t just about fixing your mind—but learning to listen to your body as well?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by trauma-informed somatic coach Brad Golphenee to unpack how men can reconnect with themselves through the body.

Brad has spent nearly two decades helping men move from emotional disconnection to embodied self-awareness through the power of somatic healing.  

He shares how unresolved tra...

What if the first step toward healing isn’t talking—but writing?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by poet and author Drew Horner to explore how creative outlets can be a lifeline for men struggling to open up.

Drew shares how poetry helped him navigate grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation during the pandemic—and how writing became a form of therapy when words felt too hard to speak aloud. Through personal stori...

With nearly two-thirds of young men following masculinity influencers, isn’t it time we asked why?

In this episode, we welcome back to the show Dr. Krista Fisher from Movember. We unpack Movember's latest research into how digital spaces are shaping the health, relationships, and identity of young men.

The report, Young Men's Health in a Digital Age, explores the influence of online content creators — particularly those focused on ...

What does true gender equality in the home really look like—and how does it impact men's mental health?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners, discusses the crucial link between domestic roles and men's health.

We explore how traditional expectations - like being the breadwinner, the problem-solver, or the “strong, silent type” - can silently chip away at men’s emotional resi...

What does it really take to raise boys into good men in today’s world?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men Andrew Reiner—author of Better Boys, Better Men, discusses the evolving landscape of masculinity and what young men are up against today.

We dive into why so many boys are struggling in school, withdrawing emotionally, and falling behind—not just academically, but socially and mentally. Andrew shares powerful insights on “th...

Why does rejection affect us so deeply—and what can we do about it?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, professor of psychology Mark Leary uncovers the powerful role rejection plays in our lives. Drawing from decades of research, Mark explains how our sensitivity to rejection is deeply rooted in our evolutionary need to belong—and why that need still shapes our behaviour today.

We explore how rejection impacts self-esteem, relat...

We all love to laugh! But have you ever stopped to think how humour can be used more consciously to help build resilience, cope with stress, and improve your relationships? 

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, comedian, author and humour strategist Paul Osincup explains how humour can be used as deliberately as things like yoga and meditation to improve our physical and mental health.

We explore the science and psychology behind...