The Meaning of Men

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

What happens when men in suicidal crisis finally get the right kind of help, fast? Across the UK, thousands of men are reaching breaking point, yet most don’t know where to turn. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Andrew Noon, Head of Centre at James' Place, a pioneering charity delivering life-saving therapy to men in suicidal crisis. Andrew reveals why suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, why so many men feel trapped by life events rather than mental illness, and how rapid-access support can stop a crisis becoming fatal. In this episode you will learn: Why suicide in men is at the highest rate since 1999, and why young men are increasingly at risk How life events like relationship breakdown, financial stress, bereavement and work pressure often trigger suicidal crisis How James’s Place offers free, immediate, professional therapy within days (sometimes hours) The early signs of suicidal crisis and how to spot them through behaviour, mood, withdrawal, or subtle “breadcrumbs” How friends, partners, colleagues and family can support a man in crisis without causing shutdown Why men do talk - when we create the right context for them to open up This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing, and early intervention. It highlights how the right support, offered quickly, compassionately, and without judgement, can save lives.   Timestamps: 00:00: The Mission of James's Place 03:04: James's Legacy and the Impact of Suicide 05:57: Understanding the Crisis: Trends in Male Suicide 09:06: The Pathway to Support: How Men Access Help 11:56: The Unique Intervention: Lay Your Cards on the Table 17:09: Common Struggles: What Men Face in Crisis 23:18: Recognising Signs: How to Support Men in Crisis 29:05: Lessons Learned: Insights from Working with Men 38:05: A Message of Hope: Recovery is Possible

What if the doctor you finally opened up to about your mental health had no training to actually help you? In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Dr. Bob Smith, physician, researcher, and author of Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, to uncover a shocking truth about modern healthcare: most primary care doctors receive almost no formal training in mental health. For men, who are already less likely to seek support and more likely to be misunderstood, the consequences can be profound.   In this episode, you will learn: Why most GPs lack proper mental health training How men’s symptoms get misread due to gender bias in healthcare The reasons depression in men often shows up as anger, withdrawal, or substance use What to do if your doctor doesn’t fully understand your mental health concerns Practical strategies for getting the help you need, even in a system that isn’t built for men A must-listen for anyone passionate about improving men’s mental health, raising awareness, and changing a system that too often leaves men behind. Here more from Dr Robert: Website: https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/ X: https://x.com/RobertCSmithMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCSmithMD Bob's Blog: https://www.robertcsmithmd.com/psychology-today-blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcsmithmd/ Timestamps: 03:26: Personal Journey and Catalyst for Change 09:15: The Historical Context of Mental Health in Medicine 14:50: The Crisis of Mental Health Care 20:22: Cultural Attitudes Towards Mental Health 24:46: The Societal Impact of Misdiagnosis 27:00: Navigating Conversations with Health Professionals 31:47: Advocating for Systemic Change in Medical Training 39:10: Hope for the Future of Mental Health Care  

In this special episode of The Meaning of Men, host Simeon Atkins reacts to a landmark moment: England’s first-ever national Men’s Health Strategy. After years of conversation and awareness-raising, this strategy signals a major shift toward systemic, long-term action to improve the health and wellbeing of boys and men. We break down the key themes from the newly released report, which openly acknowledges the unique challenges men face, without caveats or defensiveness. The strategy centres on a simple question: How do we help men live healthier, longer and happier lives? To answer that, it outlines three core aims: making healthcare easier to access, supporting healthier choices, and creating environments that help men thrive. We explore the six pillars underpinning the plan and highlight the broader significance of this moment, the potential impact on future generations, and the big questions that still need answering.   Link to the full Men's Health Strategy Report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/691c8a7b5a253e2c40d706ee/mens-health-a-strategic-vision-for-england.pdf