Middle Man

Many people have a complicated relationship with alcohol. They enjoy the perceived social benefits and the escapism it offers, but are also very aware that what they’re doing is little more than masking stress or anxiety. This week Paul talks to William Porter, author of the book Alcohol Explained, to explore the profound effects that alcohol has on our bodies, minds, and lives. William believes in self-knowledge and his approach is very much one of education, offering a fresh perspective on why alcohol often exacerbates the very issues people use it to address. He talks about the physical and psychological dependencies associated with drinking, the significant impact of alcohol on sleep, and how even moderate drinking can affect energy levels, anxiety, and overall mental health. And he explains how shifting your mindset and analysing your habits can lead to lasting change. William also candidly shares his personal journey of giving up alcohol over a decade ago, delving into the challenges, insights, and life changes that followed. For anyone considering reducing their alcohol intake, whether as a casual drinker taking part in Dry January or someone looking to quit for good, this episode provides non-judgemental and thoughtful insights, practical advice, and encouragement. --------------- Read the first five chapters of Alcohol Explained for free at www.alcoholexplained.com If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-alcohol-dependence

Wellbeing, both physical and mental, comes into sharp focus in midlife. We want to know more and we want do more. But the sheer volume and variety of advice out there can be overwhelming. Sally Gunnell, former Olympic gold medallist turned health and wellbeing advocate knows more than most about physical and mental fitness. And in this week’s show, she shares her insights and practical advice into how to enhance physical and mental wellbeing in midlife, and maintain it as we age. Sally believes in small but consistent habits that create lasting impact, and is a big advocate of building activities into your everyday life and incorporating movement into daily routines. We talk about the impact of a variety of physical and mental practices, including the importance of building muscle strength, the significance of cardio for cardiovascular health, the role of nutrition, breathwork and sleep We explore some common misconceptions around exercise, while Sally shares per personal experiences with stress management and moving from being a top class athlete into the challenges of midlife.  If you’re a midlifer with a busy work and/or family life, Sally’s practical and down-to-earth advice is exactly what you’ve been waiting for to take control of your wellbeing journey. --------------- Find out more about Sally's corporate wellbeing services at www.sallygunnell.com If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-midlife-wellbeing-sally-gunnell

When Middle Man was conceived earlier this year it was with a hunch that if I felt the way I did in midlife, then other men must be feeling the same way. Little did I know that quite so many men were feeling quite so disconnected, frustrated and alone. This week’s episode provides some tips on using the holiday season to put yourself in the best possible place for positive change in 2025, and it also revisits those first couple of episodes to look at how things have progressed since then, both for me and for Middle Man’s listeners. I’m sharing a little more about the ups and downs of my own journey out of the midlife funk I talked about back in the summer. And I’m re-introducing three guests who have featured on the show before: Andrew Waddell, Daniel Glyde and Nick Edgar. Each offers advice for using the holiday period to set positive goals for next year, providing valuable strategies, from writing a future self letter to engaging in physical activity and having meaningful conversations. If you’ve found Middle Man insightful or interesting or helpful, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-reflection-rest-rediscovery I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com

Shifting dynamics around masculinity have meant that it has come under fire in recent years, largely due to the unrepresentative viewpoints of an extremely vocal minority of outspoken public figures. But there are also those out there seeking to redefine modern masculinity in positive terms and to help men to navigate life’s complexities with authenticity and accountability. Tom Stroud appeared on the Netflix show ‘Love is Blind UK’ in the summer, and has since chosen to use the platform he’s been given to challenge perceptions of modern masculinity rather than pursuing brand deals. This week Paul talks candidly to Tom about his personal journey, including the impact of his childhood and recent spells of introspection, and about why he feels a passion for helping men to improve their relationships and their mental health. Tom shares insights into the challenges men face in embracing vulnerability and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of redefining traditional gender roles and expectations. And he emphasises the importance of men understanding themselves and their roles, advocating for a balanced approach to gender equality. You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-midlife-stories-tom-stroud I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com If you enjoy this episode you can support the podcast by buying me a coffee at Ko-Fi