In this episode of The Meaning of Men we sit down with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman, a researcher, educator, and consultant, to unpack one of the most complex and often controversial topics facing men today: masculinity.
Brendan’s journey into this work began with personal tragedy—the suicide of one of his students—which led him to question how much of boys’ struggles are rooted in biology and how much in the pressures of socialisation. Since then, he’s worked with schools, organisations, and communities to help reframe masculinity in ways that empower rather than restrict.
In our conversation, Brendan unpacks why the term “toxic masculinity” often fuels division, and why boys and men need guidance on how to embrace masculinity positively instead of constantly being told what to avoid. Brendan shares how redefining masculinity around safety, authenticity, and alignment with our true selves can create healthier men and stronger communities.
This is a conversation about curiosity, nuance, and reimagining masculinity in today’s world.
Hear more from Brendan:
www.remasculine.com
Timestamps:
02:01: Brendan's Journey: From Teacher to Masculinity Advocate
03:50: Defining Masculinity: Beliefs, Behaviors, and Roles
06:32: The Demonization of Masculinity: Impact on Society
10:03: Toxic Masculinity: A Misunderstood Concept
11:58: Restrictive Masculinity: Harmful Beliefs and Behaviors
15:45: Reframing Masculinity: A Personal Evolution
19:18: The Fluidity of Masculinity: Personal Experiences
23:48: Authenticity in Masculinity: Finding Inner Confidence
25:58: The Balance of Masculinity
27:53: Navigating the Gray Areas of Masculinity
32:49: Understanding Rites of Passage
38:37: Breaking the Trauma Triangle
46:11: The Epidemic of Male Lonelines
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S3, Ep6: The Meaning of Men in Therapy (ft Movember).
What do men really want and need from therapy?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we sit down with Dr Zac Seidler, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Research at Movember, to explore why therapy often fails men – and how that can change.
Zac shares groundbreaking research showing that 44% of men drop out of therapy early, not because of cost or inconvenience, but because they don’t feel a genuine connection with their therapist. Together, we unpack the barriers men face in seeking help, from cultural expectations to therapeutic models that don’t reflect men’s lived experiences.
Zac explains how therapists can adapt by being practical, direct, and goal-focused, while also recognising masculinity as a culture in itself. We also dive into Movember’s Men in Mind programme, designed to train therapists to better engage and support male clients.
This is an essential conversation about breaking stereotypes, reshaping therapy, and giving men the support they truly need.
Hear more from Dr Zac:
Men in Mind programme: https://meninmind.movember.com/
More research and articles from Movember: https://movember.substack.com/
Timestamps:
13:24: Understanding Therapy: Men’s Experiences and Expectations
22:50: Creating Safe Spaces: The Importance of Connection in Therapy
24:58: The Call for Help in Men's Mental Health
27:31: Understanding Vulnerability and Communication
29:53: Navigating Traditional and Contemporary Masculinity
30:34: Stereotypes and Therapy: The Masculinity Barrier
33:28: Personal Connection in Therapy
36:30: Redefining Therapy: A Strength-Based Approach
41:46: Movember's Initiatives for Men's Mental Health Awareness
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S3, Ep5: The Meaning of Boys & Men (ft Richard Reeves).
What truly defines being a man today?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we sit down with Richard Reeves, one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today. Richard is the founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men.
We explore why this moment represents a turning point in how society understands masculinity. Richard shares how conversations have shifted from simply proving there’s a problem to building real solutions—whether that’s tackling education gaps, improving male mental health, or creating systems that better support fathers.
We discuss why progress for men does not have to come at the expense of women, the importance of role models in countering negative online influences, and the urgent need to reconnect men with purpose through work, family, and community. Richard also reflects on why fatherhood is not just vital for children, but equally transformative for dads themselves.
This is a conversation about solutions, cultural change, and hope for the next generation. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be a man today, this episode is a must-listen.
Hear more from Richard:
Book - Of Boys & Men: https://www.brookings.edu/books/of-boys-and-men/
Organisation - The American Institute for Boys & Men: https://aibm.org/
Timestamps:
03:43: The Evolving Conversation on Boys and Men
06:35: The Thermometer of Societal Conversations
09:45Z: ero Sum Game: A New Perspective
12:30: Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Men
15:31: The Need for New Masculine Scripts
18:27: Agency and Confidence in Modern Masculinity
21:39: Mental Health Challenges Facing Men
33:37: The Cumulative Impact of Male Suicide Rates
39:52: The Gender Gap in Education
45:24: Addressing Developmental Differences in Boys
47:22: The NEET Crisis: Young Men Disconnected
52:35: The Importance of Fatherhood
01:01:26: Advocating for Boys and Men: Policy Changes
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S3, Ep4: The Meaning of EMDR Therapy.
What if the struggles you face are really symptoms of hidden trauma?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re exploring EMDR therapy and the transformational impact it has on resolving trauma.
My guest is author Michael Baldwin, who shares his remarkable journey of survival, struggle, and transformation. For decades, Michael lived with the unresolved effects of childhood abuse—symptoms like anxiety, phobias, nightmares, and an endless drive for achievement that never truly filled the void. That was until he discovered EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment that helped him finally process.
Michael helps redefine what trauma really is—looking beyond things like natural disasters or combat to include “everyday” experiences like bullying, divorce, or neglect. We explore how these hidden wounds shape identity, relationships, and self-worth, often without us realising it. Michael also breaks down how EMDR works, why it’s supported by leading health organisations, and how it helped him heal not only himself but also repair his most important relationships.
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
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S3, Ep3: The Meaning of Queer.
What does it really mean to be yourself when the world tries to define you?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by award-winning poet and author Dean Atta to explore identity, masculinity, and the courage it takes to live authentically.
Dean opens up about his childhood growing up in a mixed-race, single-parent family, and the role writing played in helping him process emotions and claim his identity. He shares candidly about his journey of coming out as gay and the challenges of navigating the stigma he experienced.
We also examine masculinity—how it’s too often reduced to stereotypes of strength and toughness—and what it really means to embrace vulnerability, creativity, and authenticity as forms of power.
This conversation is a heartfelt invitation to rethink what manhood means—and to embrace openness, self-acceptance, and a broader vision of resilience.
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
What does it really mean to be a man in today’s world?
With shifting expectations and growing pressures, many men are asking deep, personal questions about their identity, purpose, and value. The Meaning of Men is here to explore those questions with you and shine a light on mens mental health.
From the complexities of masculinity, the role of fatherhood, maintaining meaningful friendships, and the impact of human evolution, we tackle the areas that shape the experience of being a man today.
But this show isn’t just for men. If you’re a mother, wife, partner or friend and want to help a man in your life, this podcast is just as much for you.
Through expert insights, heartfelt stories, and honest, raw conversations, The Meaning of Men provides a roadmap for navigating the highs and lows of manhood so you can show up as your best self in every area of life. Because we all can help expand what it means to be a man.
UK