S3, Ep 18: The Meaning of Suicide Prevention | What you need to know about male crisis support (ft James' Place)
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
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S3, Ep 17: The Meaning of Misdiagnosis | The Hidden Crisis in Mental Health Care
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
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Special Edition: England launches its first Men's Health Strategy!
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
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S3, Ep16: The Meaning of Missing Men | Why men are disappearing from society
Are young men in Britain facing a silent crisis? Education dropout rates, workforce withdrawal, and worsening men's mental health suggest something deeper is going on.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by Mark Brooks OBE, Director of Policy & Communications at the Centre for Policy Research on Boys and Men and co-author of The Missing Men report; one of the most comprehensive studies on the state of men and boys in the UK.
In this episode you will learn:
Why so many boys are falling behind in education
What’s driving men’s withdrawal from the workforce
The urgent need for a dedicated men’s health strategy
How post-pandemic shifts continue to shape men’s lives
The “green shoots” of progress—community action, culture change, and reasons for hope
Hear more from Mark:
Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys: www.menandboys.org.uk
LinkedIn: centre-policy-research-menboys
Association of Male Health and Wellbeing:www.amhw.org.uk
Mark Brooks: www.mark-brooks.co.uk
LinkedIn: mark-brooks-obe
Timestamps:
06:11: International Men's Day: Significance and Impact
11:58: The Missing Men Report: Understanding NEETs
15:42: The Impact of Unemployment on Young Men
21:24: The Gender Gap in Education
25:51: Employment Challenges and Economic Factors
34:07: Understanding the Prison Population
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S3, Ep 15: The Meaning of Self Acceptance | How men can embrace who they are
What does it really mean for a man to feel enough? Many men struggle with identity, purpose and self acceptance, often tying their worth to performance, achievement and strength.
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Jim Galvin, former Royal Marine and international athlete, about his lifelong search for belonging and meaning. Jim brings a rare perspective on masculinity, resilience and personal growth shaped by both military life and elite sport.
The brotherhood, structure, and identity formed through the Royal Marines
How elite athletic training shaped Jim’s understanding of discipline and self-worth
The impact of losing his best friend to suicide and the role of grief in men’s mental health
Why physical challenge can be a tool for healing, recovery, and emotional clarity
How to practise self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, and allow joy even in chaos
Why many men connect their value to performance and how to build confidence from who you are, not just what you do
This conversation is for anyone interested in men’s mental health, masculinity, resilience, and the deeper question of what it means to live a meaningful and grounded life.
Hear more from Jim:
https://www.youtube.com/@jimgalvin2191
Timestamps:
02:24: Understanding Early Influences
05:16: The Journey into the Royal Marines
09:06: Finding Purpose in Military Life
11:48: Transitioning to International Sport
14:48: Redefining Identity Beyond Physicality
16:36: Evolving Perspectives on Masculinity
18:42: Reflections on War and Peace
22:14: The Struggles of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
23:13: Navigating the First Year After Leaving the Marines
25:54: Coping with Loss: The Impact of Suicide on Veterans
28:41: Honouring a Friend: The Weight of Grief and Memory
35:21: Finding Happiness Amidst Chaos
42:58: Building a Community: The Joy of Fitness Coaching
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.
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