Explore every episode of the podcast The Meaning of Men

What if the toughest guys in the room are the ones struggling the most?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Kyle— a firefighter and former Royal Marine Commando—shares his powerful journey through the highs and lows of two demanding careers and a life-changing move across a continent. He talks openly about how depression in men often hides behind a tough exterior and how recognising the signs of male depression can make all the difference. From facing isolation after moving to the U.S. to finding purpose in his roles as a father and first responder, Kyle’s story shines a light on the importance of mental health awareness. This conversation will inspire anyone seeking to understand men’s mental health or support the men in their lives.

Please note: This episode contains references to suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised.

1.36: Introductions

3.40: Childhood and early influencers

6.33: The path to the Royal Marines

10.03: Masculinity and identity in the Military

15.34: Moving to the U.S.

23.24: Identity crisis

33.02: Learning to open up in the fire brigade

36.43: The importance of vulnerability and communication

43.48: Fatherhood and mental health awareness

Ever wonder how the way we talk to boys shapes the men they become? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Dr. Judy Chu dives deep into how societal pressures, like being told to “man up,” can harm boys and lead to depression in men. She shares eye-opening insights from her research on boys’ emotional development and explains why mental health awareness starts young.

Dr. Chu talks about the signs of male depression, like shutting down emotionally or acting out, and what parents can do to help. It’s all about breaking free from the outdated “man box” and teaching boys it’s okay to feel, be vulnerable, and just be themselves.

This chat is packed with relatable stories and practical advice for raising happy, emotionally healthy boys. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about men’s mental health, you won’t want to miss this one!

1.38: Introductions

13.38: Raising emotionally aware boys

15.58: The impact of the language we use with boys

21.11: Creating safe spaces for boys to thrive

26.27: Early warning signs of struggles with boys

39.33: Unlearning harmful masculinity

44.42: How partners and friends can create safe spaces for men to talk

Resources from Dr Judy:

When Boys Become Boys 

Website: https://judyychu.wordpress.com

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, Radio 1 Xtra presenter and media personality Chuckie Online gets real about navigating loss, battling financial struggles, and dealing with the highs and lows of the music industry—all while keeping his mental health in check.

Chuckie opens up about losing his ‘bonus dad’, Peter, and how the experience shaped his views on life, resilience, and men’s mental health. He talks about the signs of male depression, the pressure to keep it together, and how meaningful conversations pulled him through those tough times.

With his signature authenticity, Chuckie reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help and to keep going—even when things feel impossible. 

1.21: Introductions

5.03: Growing up

10.19: Breaking into the music industry

16.05: Overcoming adversity

27.26: Dealing with scrutiny

32.53: Bonus Dad

43.55: Balancing work and personal life

47.02: Losing Peter

53.20: Opening up to friends

56.20 Reflecting on mortality

01.01.40: Identity and community

What does it really take for guys to connect? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I chat with Geoffrey Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System, about the ups and downs of male friendships and their link to men’s mental health. We talk about the challenges men face in keeping strong connections and why having the right mix of friends can be key in avoiding depression or even a mental breakdown. 

Geoff breaks down his four types of friends—must, trust, rust, and just—and shares practical tips for building stronger connections, even when life’s hectic. We talk about why trust matters, spotting signs of depression in your friends, and how partners can help the men in their life build better friendship groups. Whether you’re dealing with depression or just trying to figure out how to stay close with your buddies, this episode is packed with relatable advice for improving mental health and friendships. 1.16: Introductions 4.35: The state of male friendships 8.02: The 4 types of male friendships 16.11: The key characteristics of a strong male friendship 18.11: The importance of trust 20.19: Why men can struggle to build and maintain friendships 22.38: Misconceptions around male friendships 26.35: How partners can help men build friendships 29.10: How to reconnect with old friends  33.17: How to initiate new friendships if I'm not socially confident

Launching our first episodes on Monday 6th January 2025.