To Be A Boy

To Be A Boy

Ever wondered how to navigate raising boys in this bonkers world? Enter To Be A Boy', where hosts Joeli Brearley and Elliott Rae tackle the murky waters of masculinity and boyhood. From societal stereotypes to the influence of porn, they provide a candid take on raising well-rounded boys. Expect personal anecdotes, belly laughs, and deep dives as they dismantle harmful clichés and champion honest conversations. They explore male friendships, educational gaps, mental health struggles, and tough topics like male violence. Join the conversation for a supportive community with fun and heart.

Episodes

  1. 21 MAR

    To Be A Boy, episode 4: The Adolescence episode

    In this FOUR PARTER (you’re welcome) episode of To Be A Boy, Joeli and Elliott are debriefing us: bringing their unique voices and perspectives to the table as they delve into the international conversation happening around the Netflix show ‘Adolescence’.   The episode features a poignant conversation with Sarah (not her real name), a mother who courageously shares her child's journey and the impactful experiences they've faced. Our blue-haired psychotherapist, Sarah, offers insightful commentary on how these experiences shape young minds, while Ineke from the NSPCC provides invaluable practical advice and takeaways for parents and caregivers alike.   As always, the "To Be A Boy" podcast team invites listeners to join the conversation and share their thoughts. Your feedback on the show, our reflections, and our esteemed guests are our fuel so please get your digital pens out and reach out to us at tobeaboyteam@gmail.com. This episode will linger in your minds long after it ends, much like ‘Adolescence’. NSPCC website: NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC Where people can donate: Donate to Charity Online | Give to NSPCC today | NSPCC Training and consultancy: NSPCC Learning | Safeguarding and child protection Adult helpline: NSPCC Helpline | NSPCC Learning Childine: Childline | Childline Beyond Equality: https://www.beyondequality.org/ Future Men: https://futuremen.org/ Men and Boys Coalition: https://www.menandboyscoalition.org.uk/category/newsevents/ Father2Father: https://www.father2father.co.uk/ Alex Holmes: https://alexholmes.co/   This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour:https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

    1h 23m
  2. 11 MAR

    To Be A Boy, episode 3: IWD 2025 and men's mental health with Alex Holmes

    In episode three of To Be A Boy, Elliott Rae and Joeli Brearley are joined by author and award-winning podcast host, Alex Holmes to explore the complex issues surrounding men’s mental health. And before that, they look at how 2025's International Women's Day has been received and what they take from that. As well as the personal reasons behind their passion for improving men's mental health. Strap in.   They examine the awful statistics of male suicide, and the challenges men face in forming meaningful connections. Society's ingrained norms often stifle emotional expression, and Alex talks us through the importance of fostering friendships among men.   Loneliness has a significant impact on well-being, and our team discuss the barriers men encounter when seeking mental health support. Alex highlights the need for better listening skills and emotional literacy to improve communication and bonding among men, calling for a cultural shift in our approach to masculinity and mental health. Worth a listen, isn’t it?   Global Boyhood Initiative, conversation starter cards: https://www.boyhoodinitiative.org/resources?field_taxonomy_ref_target_id=6&field_audience_ref_target_id=All   Men's peer support groups: Andy's Man Club: www.andysmanclub.co.uk MusicFootballFatherhood: www.musicfootballfatherhood.com Men and Boys Coalition: www.menandboyscoalition.org.uk   Professional Mental Health support:  MIND: www.mind.org.uk/ CALM: www.thecalmzone.net Contact your GP to access free NHS Talking Therapy   This series is proudly supported by Bubble, the app to find a vetted sitter or nanny that’s trusted by 250k parents, including us! Whether it’s an urgent work deadline or a chance to unwind, Bubble connects you with vetted, trusted sitters who can be with you in as little as an hour:https://bubble.onelink.me/nnib/0d8hretm

    57 min
4.6
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Ever wondered how to navigate raising boys in this bonkers world? Enter To Be A Boy', where hosts Joeli Brearley and Elliott Rae tackle the murky waters of masculinity and boyhood. From societal stereotypes to the influence of porn, they provide a candid take on raising well-rounded boys. Expect personal anecdotes, belly laughs, and deep dives as they dismantle harmful clichés and champion honest conversations. They explore male friendships, educational gaps, mental health struggles, and tough topics like male violence. Join the conversation for a supportive community with fun and heart.

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