Do you ever feel like you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next, without ever catching your breath?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Dr. Adam Fraser, researcher, speaker, and author of The Third Space — to explore one of the most powerful yet overlooked parts of modern life: how we transition between the different spaces of our day.
Adam’s research shows that our ability to pause, reflect and reset between moments can dramatically improve our mood, relationships, and performance — both at work and at home. Together, we unpack why so many men carry the stress of one role into the next, and how learning to use these “micro transitions” can help us show up calmer, more connected, and more intentional.
Whether you’re a father, leader, partner or friend, this conversation offers practical tools to help you move through life with greater presence and purpose.
Hear more from Dr Adam:
The Third Space Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Third-Space-Transitions-Balance-Happiness/dp/1459642708
Timestamps:
02:26: Understanding the Third Space
05:54: The Importance of Transitioning
12:12: The Three Phases: Reflect, Rest, Reset
17:35: Practical Applications of the Third Space
20:55: Emotional Availability and Relationships
28:10: The Fleeting Nature of Moments
30:06: The Importance of Being Present
32:17: Transitioning from Work to Home
35:27: Adapting to Remote Work
38:28: The Role of Rituals in Relationships
39:21: Nurturing Friendships
41:09: The Power of Communication
45:14: The Transformative Impact of the Third Space
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46:47
S3, Ep10: The Meaning of Midlife.
What if your midlife crisis isn’t a breakdown — but a breakthrough?
This week on The Meaning of Men we're joined by Olly Hermon-Taylor, a men’s coach and mentor who helps men navigate midlife transitions and rediscover meaning, authenticity, and direction.
Olly shares his powerful personal story — from building a seven-figure business to losing everything and rebuilding from within. Together, we explore why so many men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s feel stuck or disconnected, and how this stage of life can become a turning point rather than an ending.
We unpack the four archetypes — King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover — and how balancing them can bring clarity and wholeness. Olly also shares practical tools around core values, mission versus purpose, and learning to listen to life’s clues before crisis forces change.
A grounded, honest, and hopeful conversation about midlife as a chance to remember who you truly are.
Hear more from Olly:
https://www.instagram.com/ollyht
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-hermon-taylor/
Timestamps:
00:00: The Struggles of Midlife Men
07:42: Olly's Journey to Self-Discovery
09:48: Understanding Midlife Crisis
17:04: Exploring Archetypes in Men's Lives
20:41: The Balance of Archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
25:18: The Importance of Service in Masculinity
25:39: Understanding Purpose vs. Meaning
30:32: Core Values and Boundary Setting
35:51: Preparing for Life's Transitions
40:05: Embracing Your Unique Journey
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S3, Ep9: The Meaning of Social Prescribing.
Could connection be the missing prescription in men’s health?
This week on The Meaning of Men we're joined by Dr. Henry Aughterson, a junior doctor, researcher, and passionate advocate for community-based healthcare. Together, we explore the concept of social prescribing—a movement that connects people with local activities to boost wellbeing and tackle root causes of distress.
Dr Henry explains how men often find it easier to connect “shoulder to shoulder” through shared activities. From football clubs, gardening groups and choirs, he shows how these spaces reduce loneliness, foster purpose, and help men feel part of something bigger. His research reveals powerful stories of men who describe these groups as the single most important step in their mental health journey.
We also dive into the broader message that vulnerability is not weakness but strength, and that self-care is vital if we want to care for others. This episode is an invitation to reimagine men’s health as something lived in community, grounded in meaning, and strengthened through connection.
Timestamps:
01:50: Journey to Medicine
04:44: Life as an NHS Doctor
04:50: Mental Health Challenges
11:39: Understanding Social Prescribing
22:29: The Role of Social Prescribing for Men
28:49: Addressing the Needs of Young Men
38:04: The Importance of Meaning in Healthcare
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S3, Ep8: The Meaning of Building Up Boys.
What if the key to raising healthier men starts with teaching boys to trust their emotions?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men we sit down with Kimmi Berlin, founder of Build Up Boys, a pioneering organisation dedicated to helping young boys retain their innate emotional intelligence.
We explore why boys, often as young as five, begin trading pieces of their emotional wholeness for social acceptance — and the lasting consequences this has on their mental health, relationships, and sense of self. Kimmi offers practical strategies for parents, from replacing “you’re okay” with genuine curiosity, to teaching body autonomy, empathy, and conflict resolution through play.
Together, we discuss how fostering these skills early can lead to healthier friendships, stronger families, and a generation of men more comfortable with vulnerability and connection.
Hear more from Kimmi:
www.buildupboys.com
https://youtube.com/@buildupboys7351?si=Wi9ObA8jXFE5z0tO
https://motherwellmag.com/2025/04/09/adolescence-call-to-action-build-up-boys/amp/
https://www.popsugar.com/family/promising-young-woman-illustrates-need-to-teach-consent-48213626
Timestamps:
07:04: The Importance of Early Emotional Education
13:09: Navigating Emotions: Anger and Beyond
21:17: Consequences of Emotional Suppression in Adulthood
25:13: Building Emotional Awareness in Boys
30:22: Fostering Emotional Intelligence at Home
32:55: Small Changes for Big Impacts
37:25: Positive Changes Observed in Boys
42:26: The Power of Kindness in Raising Boys
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S3, Ep7: The Meaning of Masculinity.
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
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