Forged for Manhood with Rick Cooper

Rick Cooper
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No fluff. Just raw, real talk from real men who’ve been through the fire. Forged for Manhood is for young men ready to level up—mind, body, and spirit. Rick brings you wisdom from special forces, sport, chaplains, and other men who’ve tested themselves in the wildness of life. They’ve faced fear, fought battles—inside and out—and learned what it takes to be a man of true quality. They’re here to pass that knowledge on to you. Welcome to the brotherhood. It’s your time. Website: https://www.rick-cooper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-cooper-516660183/

  1. 09/15/2025

    Forged for Manhood #17 w/Joe Horton

    On Forged for Manhood, I’m joined by my good friend Joe Horton — founder of Guild of Dads, podcaster, and men’s group leader. Joe is a powerful advocate for brotherhood and for men expanding what they believe is possible in their lives. Together, we dive into why connection is essential for men and boys at every stage of life, how isolation is crippling too many young and middle-aged men, and what practical steps you can take to build real bonds and thrive. This is the final episode of the series — and it’s one you won’t want to miss. 🔥 3 Takeaways: Brotherhood is the backbone of a thriving life — no man should go it alone. Social isolation is a silent epidemic among men — and it’s costing lives. Practical tools to connect deeply, even if sports and pints aren’t your thing. If you want to get in touch with Joe and find out what he is doing, or even join one of his hikes, go to guildofdads.com, and drop him a message.  And.... For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper | LinkedIn

    45 min

  2. 09/01/2025

    Forged for Manhood #17 with Libby Flenley

    In this episode of Forged for Manhood, I sit down with my FIRST FEMALE guest, Libby Flenley. This was some episode too! Lib's is a qualified social worker, exploitation specialist, and founder of The Sex, Lies & Love Project. With over a decade of frontline experience supporting victims and survivors of exploitation, Libby has worked across safeguarding teams, specialist organisations, and even internationally through Operation South America in Paraguay. She now delivers training for schools, sports organisations, and even Premier League academies — helping the next generation navigate the challenges of sex, consent, and relationships in today’s digital world. Together, we dig deep into the impact of pornography, the realities of sextortion, and what true consent really means for young people growing up online. 🔥 3 Takeaways: Pornography is shaping young people’s ideas of sex and consent — often in destructive ways. “True consent” goes far deeper than a yes or no — it’s about respect, clarity, and integrity. Sexting, nudes, and online exploitation are real dangers — but open conversation is the first defence. This is a vital conversation for any man who wants to understand the world young people are facing — and how to lead better in it.Find Libby here:The Sex, Lies & Love Project Libby Flenley | LinkedIn ------ For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper | LinkedIn

    50 min

  3. 08/25/2025

    Forged for Manhood #16 with Sam Leeming

    In this episode of Forged for Manhood, I sit down with Sam Leeming — a human-first performance coach with lived experience as a professional sportsman and cancer survivor. At just 23, Sam’s life transformed when routine rugby knocks revealed a tumour in his chest. Through resilience, grit, and a relentless mindset, he not only recovered but built a career guiding high performers to unlock their best selves. We dive into risk, resilience, and the pursuit of real fulfilment — where curiosity, creativity, and courage meet. 🔥 3 Takeaways: Healthy risk is the gateway to growth — it’s where curiosity and fulfilment live. True resilience is forged in setbacks — mindset determines the comeback. Shift focus from outcomes to graceful pursuit , that’s where we find peace and performance. Welcome to the brotherhood. This is one you don’t want to miss. ---- Find Sam at:(2) Sam Leeming | LinkedInMy Story – Sam Leeming Performance----For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper | LinkedIn

    48 min

  4. 08/18/2025

    Forged for Manhood #15 with Callum Wilson

    In this episode of Forged for Manhood, I sit down with Callum Wilson — ex-international rugby player turned executive coach. Cal’s a man who says what he wants, does what he wants, and lives with purpose. He’s walked the talk, and now he helps others do the same. Together, we break down the crucial difference between being “nice” and being truly “kind.” Too many men and boys play small, people-pleasing their way through life. Real strength is forged in truth, compassion, and living from your core. We dive into what it means to move with authority, how to use language that creates your life—not just reports on it—and why authenticity is the only foundation worth standing on. 🔥 3 Takeaways: Don’t confuse “nice” with “kind” — kindness demands honesty and courage. Your being flows from your core — strengthen it, or the world will shape you instead. Language is power — wield it to build the life you want, not narrate the one you’re stuck in. Get stuck in. Where to find Cal: Callum Andrew Wilson | LinkedInWhere to find Rick: Rick Cooper - The Education AthleteLinkedIn

    45 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    Forged for Manhood #14 w/ Charlie Arden-Brown

    At only 28, this guy has already gone through and come out the other side a survivor of testicular cancer, and what a lovely guy powerful man Charlie Arden-Brown is. July 2024 diagnosed and cleared in February 2025. Charlie is also a runner, and content creator. Since the diagnosis, he's made it his mission to talk about his balls as much as possible to help spread awareness and normalize conversations around men’s health. A heart filling conversation talking to directly to the armour men put up and the potential critical cost it comes with, we spoke openly about: Breaking down the stigma around going to the doctor, especially when it involves your nuts The unexpected beauty of discovering a support network when you need it most, and how pivotal Movember was and still is in Charlie's journey. Learning to sit with fear and anxiety, and how sharing those experiences has become a form of therapy for him, and hopefully, knowledge for others To follow or contact Charlie, check out his media handle's: https://ca.movember.com/mospace/12648321?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadQfe1fjUlmCr6BPBYxPfax0LEQrsDqcoWCr3lCeMKHOaenAbfnooowOSeaOA_aem_6V_N7FtHrjiHlrpYCUtDwA https://www.instagram.com/nuts.running/ ----- For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Rick Cooper | LinkedIn

    40 min

  6. 07/28/2025

    Forged for Manhood #13 with Tom Dear

    We hit on the limiting belief in that your either a Warrior guy, tough, masculine, alpha or that if you are a Creative your soft, nerdy and away with the fairies.....both co-exist and are essential in becoming a whole as a man To deny either is to deny both. Tom is a brand designer and creative director with over 13 years of experience, having worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. After spending years inside marquee agencies and high-profile projects, he realised the most meaningful work doesn’t come from big boardrooms—it comes from working closely with people. Today, Tom focuses on helping individuals and small teams bring their creative ideas to life. When a client finally finds the language to articulate their vision—and sees it take shape right in front of them—that’s what he calls “the juice.” This ability to unlock clarity and spark momentum has shaped a new role for him: not just designer or director, but a creative catalyst—someone who helps others switch on their own inspiration. To follow or contact Tom, check out his LI handle and website:⁠ Tom Dear | LinkedIn ----- For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Rick Cooper | LinkedIn

    42 min

  7. 07/07/2025

    Forged for Manhood #12 with Dean Lester

    Deano is the current Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Wigan Warriors in the Super League, also the Academy Welfare Manager AND owner of Bravestar Performance. A top man I've been fortunate to spend some time with in Ireland at Blackrock College, where he significantly contributed to their athletic programme and community. A man who has lived experience and has a deep understanding of performance through an holistic lens. Dean and I dived into: -The pressure on boys to fit in - How we are on a mission for boys to remain deeply connected to themselves earlier - The importance of pertaining purpose in life. And lots more of our experiences and banter! To follow or contact Dean, check out his LI handle and website:Dean Lester | LinkedInWelcome - Bravestar Performance ----- For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠⁠ Rick Cooper | LinkedIn

    44 min

  8. 06/30/2025

    Forged for Manhood #11 with Tim Holmes

    Tim is a former pro rugby league player - a promising career until a devastating neck injury at 24 ended that path .  Identity loss, depression, addiction, and a brutal battle to rebuild followed.  Coaching and strength training gave him a new purpose, but he quickly realized that without mental well-being, no athlete can reach their full potential. Tim and I talked about delving into: -Finding out who you are, when you strip away trying to fit in to be accepted in the quest to be true to oneself. -The power of our actions and how they affect others, creating a ripple that drives us upward or conversely drags people to isolation -And hanging onto out instincts and intuition when in world to constantly 'grind', 'hustle' and be up in our heads. Plus the incredible side of his work in the prison system which fascinated me in the connection to others and our integration to our community. To follow or contact Tim, check out his LI handle: (1) Tim Holmes | LinkedIn ----- For the passionate, the bold, and the game changers in Professional Sports and Independent Education, connect with Rick on his website or LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Rick Cooper - The Education Athlete | LinkedIn

    42 min
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About

No fluff. Just raw, real talk from real men who’ve been through the fire. Forged for Manhood is for young men ready to level up—mind, body, and spirit. Rick brings you wisdom from special forces, sport, chaplains, and other men who’ve tested themselves in the wildness of life. They’ve faced fear, fought battles—inside and out—and learned what it takes to be a man of true quality. They’re here to pass that knowledge on to you. Welcome to the brotherhood. It’s your time. Website: https://www.rick-cooper.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-cooper-516660183/

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