The Meaning of Men

Why are men so often discouraged from caregiving roles?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Joss Cambridge Simmons (aka Jossy Care), a male nanny and caregiver who is redefining what it means to be a man in today’s world. Together, we explore the rarely discussed role of male nannies, the stigma men face in caregiving roles, and why love, presence, and emotional safety are not weaknesses, but essential human strengths.

Joss shares his personal journey into childcare, how caregiving shaped his understanding of masculinity, and what children, families, and society gain when men show up with softness and intention. This conversation goes far beyond childcare — touching on fatherhood beyond biology, purpose-driven work, resilience in the face of judgement, and the importance of positive male role models in children’s lives.

Whether you’re a father, a caregiver, or a man questioning traditional expectations and masculinity, this episode offers insight, challenge, and inspiration for living with deeper meaning.

In this episode you will learn:

Why caregiving is a powerful expression of masculinity

How male nannies challenge outdated gender norms

The impact emotionally present men have on children

How love and softness build resilience in men

Why purpose often lies beyond society’s expectations

Hear more from Joss:

www.instagram.com/jossycare

 
Here Is An App That Can Support Families' Busy Schedules: "TRYBE"  Subscribe Monthly Or Yearly
 
Watch  Me On CBBCS "Our School" Our School
 
Watch the Nanny Man Documentary  Nanny Man
 

Watch My Recent Interview Here, Manny Life
 

Watch Me At the National Diversity Awards 2019
 

Become An Inclusive Anti-Racist Educator / Parent & Adult Anti Racist Guide
 
Timestamps:
 

01:50: Becoming a Male Nanny: A Unique Path
05:09: Challenging Misconceptions of Men in Caregiving
10:07: Demand for Male Nannies and Societal Shifts
18:20: Redefining Masculinity
23:13: The Role of Love in Personal Growth
29:47: Navigating Parenting Challenges
35:22: Creating Safety Over Discipline
40:14: Encouraging Male Involvement in Childcare

Why is it still so hard to believe that men can be victims of sexual abuse?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Duncan Craig OBE, founder of We Are Survivors, the leading UK charity supporting male survivors of sexual violence. Together, we explore the hidden reality of sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence experienced by boys and men—and why silence, stigma, and outdated assumptions keep so many suffering alone.

Duncan shares his personal journey as a survivor, the work he’s done supporting thousands of men each year, and the cultural myths that frame men solely as perpetrators rather than victims. This conversation challenges ideas around masculinity, shame, power, and vulnerability, while examining how systems, language, and policy continue to fail male survivors.

In this episode you will learn:

Why men often take over 20 years to disclose sexual abuse

How stigma and masculinity silence male survivors

What sexual exploitation of men actually looks like today

Why current laws and policies fail boys and men

How permission and safe spaces can save lives

Hear more from Duncan

www.wearesurvivors.org.uk

Timestamps

00:00: Understanding Male Survivorship
03:31: Duncan's Journey: From Survivor to Advocate
06:26: The National Landscape of Male Sexual Abuse
09:09: Breaking the Stigma: Male Victims Speak Out
12:12: The Complexity of Male Sexual Exploitation
14:57: Permission to Speak: The Emotional Landscape
17:44: Patterns of Disclosure: How Men Share Their Stories
20:28: The Role of Policy in Supporting Male Survivors
23:45: Creating Safe Spaces for Men
26:25: The Importance of Value and Self-Worth
29:23: Hope and Healing: Encouraging Men to Seek Help

What if the data shaping our understanding of gender equality is telling only half the story?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re exploring some of the most uncomfortable—and most necessary—questions in the conversation about men and boys. I’m joined by George TheTinMen whose work in this space has become a lightning rod for honest, data-led conversations about men, boys and gender equality. 

Together, we take a 30,000-foot view of the state of men’s health and wellbeing today, looking at everything from mortality and mental health to the scale of domestic violence against men and common media narratives that often distort gender data and reinforce myths over truth.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why men experience worse outcomes across health, mortality and wellbeing

How the Global Gender Gap Report heavily skews the public debate around gender equality

The overlooked reality of domestic violence against men

What’s really driving young men toward figures like Andrew Tate

Why listening to boys may be the key to long-term cultural change

Hear more from George TheTinMen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetinmen/

Timestamps:

07:50: The State of Men's Health and Wellbeing
10:31: Understanding Domestic Violence Against Men
22:34: The Manosphere and Its Impact
24:43: Understanding the Void for Boys and Men
28:06: Listening to Boys: A New Approach
30:33: The Misconceptions of Andrew Tate and Misogyny
37:04: Critique of the Global Gender Gap Report
48:39: Positive Changes for Boys and Men
53:46: Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

What an incredible year it has been!

In this special year-end wrap-up episode of The Meaning of Men, I reflect back on the first amazing 12 months of the podcast, revisiting the conversations that shaped a deeper, more honest exploration of modern masculinity.

Sixty episodes in, the defining question at the heart of the show feels more relevant than ever: what does it truly mean to be a man today?

Featuring highlights from some of the worlds leading thinkers, researchers, authors and clinicians, this episode explores the shifting role of men in a world of changing gender dynamics, the complexities of men’s mental health, and why simply “telling men to talk” isn’t enough. From the science of dopamine and rejection, to fatherhood, male friendships, anger, fun, sleep, and purpose, each segment reveals practical insights into how men can live with greater resilience, connection, and meaning.

Whether you’re new to The Meaning of Men or have listened since episode one, this episode is both a celebration and a call to keep asking better questions.

I'll see you again in the first week of January 2026 for Season 4!

Timestamps:

01:10: The Impact of Gender Roles on Men
04:32: The Challenge of Men's Mental Health Conversations
05:06: Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability
07:17: The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
07:31: Father Figures and Mental Health Outcomes
09:28: Understanding Dopamine: The Drive for More
11:54: The Cycle of Dissatisfaction and Happiness
13:57: Understanding Rejection: An Evolutionary Perspective
13:58: The Psychological Impact of Rejection
16:15: Reclaiming Fun in Our Lives
16:35: The Impact of a Fun-Starved Life
21:23: Understanding Anger: A Misunderstood Emotion
21:45: Harnessing Anger for Personal Growth
24:05: The Impact of Social Media on Masculinity
24:34: Mainstream Masculinity Influencers and Their Effects
29:23: Practical Strategies for Better Sleep
32:10: Navigating Stress and Presence
32:39: The Concept of the Third Space
35:38: The Search for Meaning in Men's Lives
35:56: Understanding Meaning Beyond Feelings
39:54: Celebrating a Year of Insights
40:24: Looking Ahead to Season Four

What if masculinity influencers aren’t the real problem, but a symptom of something much deeper?

Across the world, boys and young men are being pulled into the Manosphere in huge numbers. But behind the clickbait headlines and media panic lies a more important question: why are so many boys going there in the first place?

In the Season 3 finale The Meaning of Men I speak with psychotherapist Will Adolphy, who brings a rare, first-hand perspective on the Manosphere having been drawn into these spaces himself as a young man. Will unpacks the emotional, cultural and psychological forces that make boys vulnerable to online influencers, and why simply blaming the internet misses the real issue.

 

In this episode you will learn:

What draws boys to the Manosphere, and why it’s often more about belonging, structure and identity than misogyny

Will’s own personal journey through the Manosphere and what helped him break free from it

Why banning influencers doesn’t work, and the deeper cultural issues that must be addressed

Practical tools for having healthier conversations with boys without shaming, silencing or creating resistance

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in boys’ development, men’s mental health, online influence and masculinity. It offers clarity, nuance and practical guidance for navigating one of the most misunderstood forces shaping young men today.

Hear more from Will:

Instagram - @psychwill
Website - www.willadolphy.com

Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmXsSNOpZ44&t=20s

Timestamps:

03:03: The Role of Masculinity in Modern Society
07:14: Defining the Manosphere: Communities and Influences
11:04: The Impact of Online Spaces on Young Men
12:54: Personal Journeys: From Vulnerability to Empowerment
22:18: The Need for Empathy and Guidance in Masculinity
24:11: The Internalisation of Masculine Ideals
30:55: Turning Points: The Shift Towards Healing and Self-Discovery
36:21: Ingredients for Recovery: Building a New Path
43:57: Exploring Self-Discovery and Balance
48:14: The Importance of Vulnerability and Non-Judgmental Spaces
55:09: Engaging Boys and Men in Meaningful Conversations
58:51: Shifting Perspectives on Masculinity and Empathy
01:05:56: Creating Safe Spaces for Open Dialogue
01:11:03: The Future of Boys and Men: Hope and Empowerment