Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast

Philip Briscoe
  • 4.3 (11)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Have you ever felt like you’ve become lost in your own life? Many men struggle to talk about their problems and mental health and grew up believing that to do can be perceived as a sign of weakness or failure. There is also a lack of open discussion in society around men’s mental health, especially aimed at mid-life men.  As a result, at times many men can feel alone and lost in their own lives. In this podcast series, I talk to mid-life men about their stories; the challenges, the turning points, and the support received to help them find their way so that others who may be suffering in silence or don’t know what to do next, realise that they are not alone and there is help available. Stories will cover a whole range of challenges faced by mid-life men mainly relating to the causes of mental health issues including feelings of isolation, depression, job dissatisfaction, addiction, PTSD, and long-term illness.The podcast is NOT a replacement for professional support and we signpost to organisations and their contact details by episode. If you have a story you would like to share or any feedback on the podcasts, please email me: midlifemen01@gmail.com.

  1. 4d ago

    When You Feel Trapped and Can’t See a Way Forward, with Ian Kinnery

    Content note: This episode includes a frank discussion of depression, suicidal thoughts, a suicide attempt and psychiatric treatment. Please listen with care. If the issues raised affect you, speak to someone you trust or seek appropriate professional support.  From the outside, Ian Kinnery appeared to have everything: a successful business, financial security and the status he had worked relentlessly to achieve. Behind that success, however, he felt increasingly trapped by responsibility, financial pressure, a deteriorating marriage and the belief that he had to carry everything alone. In this candid conversation, Ian describes how that pressure gradually affected both his mental and physical health, culminating in an attempt to take his own life. He reflects on psychiatric treatment, ECT and the difficult period that followed, including returning to run his business while struggling with memory loss. His recovery did not come through a single breakthrough but slowly, through talking therapy, support from someone he trusted, allowing himself time to heal and learning to concentrate on what he could actually control. Ian’s experience will resonate beyond business owners. This is a conversation for anyone who feels overwhelmed by responsibility, unable to see a way out of their circumstances or lonely despite being surrounded by other people. Ian explains why loneliness is not simply about being alone but can come from being unable to tell anyone what is really happening inside. Listeners will hear: how ambition and self-reliance can gradually become damaging;why continuing to “push through” is not always the answer;how pressure can distort perspective and make every option appear closed;the importance of having someone in your corner before a crisis develops;why recovery often happens slowly rather than through one decisive moment;two practical exercises for regaining perspective: the circles of concern and influence, and keeping a daily record of small but meaningful wins.Ian now draws on his experience in his work with entrepreneurs and business leaders, helping them anticipate pressure, build their capacity and feel less alone.  Find out more about Ian at www.kinnery.co.uk.

    When You Feel Trapped and Can’t See a Way Forward, with Ian Kinnery

  2. Aug 6

    Why Didn't Success Make Me Happy? with Lewis Hackney

    Everything looked successful from the outside. A thriving business. A modern apartment. A career many people would envy. Yet behind closed doors, Lewis Hackney found himself standing on a balcony, overwhelmed by the urge to jump.  In this deeply honest conversation, Lewis shares the story behind that moment, what led him there, and why so many men silently find themselves questioning their purpose long before anyone else notices something is wrong.  Today, Lewis has transformed those experiences into a mission to help other men. He is the founder and host of the True Man Podcast, where he speaks with experts and everyday men about masculinity, mental health, purpose and practical ways to navigate life's challenges. As part of his own journey, he also set himself the extraordinary challenge of running 12 km every day for an entire year - a symbolic distance representing the number of men who die by suicide every day in the UK.   This isn't simply a conversation about mental health. It's about burnout, identity, success, modern masculinity and the quiet pressure many men carry every day. Lewis explains why the life we think we're supposed to build doesn't always bring fulfilment, how chasing someone else's definition of success can leave us feeling empty, and why recovery often begins with the smallest possible step rather than a dramatic life change.  Together we explore the expectations placed on men today, the growing pressures of modern masculinity, loneliness, resilience and Lewis' "Level Zero" approach - an accessible way of rebuilding when life feels overwhelming.  If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself, struggled after a setback, or wondered why success hasn't brought the happiness you expected, this conversation will feel painfully familiar.  It's a raw, honest and ultimately hopeful episode. A reminder that life doesn't become perfect but with the right tools, the right people and small consistent steps, it can become meaningful again.  If you'd like to find out more about Lewis, visit his website https://lewis.hackney.co/ and his podcast The Truuman Podcast can be found on all podcast channels and YouTube.

    Why Didn't Success Make Me Happy? with Lewis Hackney

  3. Jul 27

    Antidepressants Didn't Work for Me, with Erik Peers

    Most of us assume antidepressants are there to help. For many people, they do. But for Erik Peers, the experience was very different. In this deeply personal conversation, Erik shares how he was prescribed antidepressants during a stressful period in his life, despite believing he wasn't depressed. What followed was nearly ten years of medication, repeated attempts to stop, severe withdrawal, and a growing realisation that the treatment he trusted was actually keeping him trapped. Today, Erik helps others who are trying to safely come off psychiatric medication, and in this episode he explains what happened to him, what he wishes he'd known, and why he believes people should be fully informed before starting treatment. This is Erik's story. It isn't an argument against antidepressants, which many people say have helped them. It's an honest conversation about another experience that deserves to be heard. In this episode, we discuss: Why Erik says he was prescribed antidepressants when he didn't think he needed them. The horrific withdrawal symptoms that he experienced time and time again.  How medication affected his work, relationships and family life. Why he believes dependency on antidepressants isn't talked about enough. His long journey to come off medication. What he learned about recovery, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing. The advice he gives to anyone questioning whether their medication is right for them. You can contact Erik and find out more about his work by visiting his website www.erikpeers.com.  Please note: This episode reflects Erik's personal experience and opinions. If you're taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication, never stop taking them without first speaking to your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.

    Antidepressants Didn't Work for Me, with Erik Peers

  4. Jul 17

    The Men We Think Are Fine... But Aren't, with Alfie Ruffell

    From the outside, many of the men Alfie Ruffell knew looked like they were doing just fine. They were working, laughing with their mates and getting on with life. But behind the smiles, some were carrying struggles no one else could see. Several of them would later take their own lives.  After experiencing his own breakdown and losing close friends to suicide, Alfie realised that awareness alone isn't enough. The real challenge is reaching the men who never say they're struggling in the first place. In this conversation we explore why so many men stay silent, what finally pushed Alfie to ask for help, and why he believes the current approach to men's mental health often misses those who are most at risk. Rather than offering easy answers, Alfie shares the practical lessons he's learned through building Speak and working with men in one of the UK's toughest industries: construction. We also discuss recovery, accountability, community, the importance of being heard, and why small changes can become the first steps towards rebuilding a life. In this episode you'll learn: Why outward success can hide overwhelming internal pressure. Why many men never tell anyone they're struggling. What Alfie learned from losing friends to suicide. How speaking openly changed the course of his own life. Why trust, not just awareness, is essential before many men will ask for help. What genuine recovery can look like beyond simply getting through the day. Small practical steps that can help when life feels overwhelming. If you've ever wondered why some men never reach out, or if you've ever found yourself pretending everything is fine when it isn't, this conversation offers insight, hope and a reminder that no one has to carry everything alone. If you'd like to learn more about Alfie and Speak, visit the website https://speak-uk.com, where you'll find practical mental health support, resources, information about campaigns and how to join the SPEAK community.

    The Men We Think Are Fine... But Aren't, with Alfie Ruffell

  5. Jul 11

    The Conversation We Never Thought We'd Have, with 'Friends in Low Places' podcast

    What do men really talk about when they're together? In this special crossover episode, I'm joined by the four hosts - Sean, Aaron, Mike and Niall - of the Friends in Low Places (FILP) podcast to have a candid conversation about topics they never thought they'd discuss. What follows is an honest, funny and surprisingly open conversation about the things men often avoid discussing - even with their closest friends. We explore why so many men find it difficult to open up, the unwritten rules of male friendship, and what happens when someone finally admits they're struggling. Along the way we talk about mental health, vulnerability, identity, relationships, getting older, and why the conversations that matter most are often the ones that never happen. There are plenty of laughs, a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour, and some thoughtful reflections on what it means to be a man in midlife. This isn't about having all the answers, it's about creating the kind of conversation many of us wish happened more often. Whether you're navigating your own midlife journey or simply curious about what men are really thinking, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that none of us are as alone as we sometimes feel. In this episode we discuss: Why men often keep their struggles to themselves.The role of humour in male friendships.Mental health and emotional honesty.The pressures and expectations placed on men.Why talking openly can strengthen friendships rather than weaken them.What we can all do to create better conversations.If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Sometimes the simplest conversation can make the biggest difference. You can listen to the Friends in Low Places podcast here.

    The Conversation We Never Thought We'd Have, with 'Friends in Low Places' podcast

  6. Jul 4

    Why Do Men Lose Themselves In Retirement? with George Jerjian

    For most of our lives, we're known by what we do. Our work shapes our identity, gives us purpose and often becomes the measure of our self-worth. But what happens when that chapter ends? When the career finishes, the business is sold or retirement finally arrives, many men are left asking a question they never expected: Who am I now?  George Jerjian has spent years helping people answer that question. But his own journey began after being told he had what doctors believed was a terminal bone tumour - a life-changing moment that forced him to confront his own mortality and rethink what a meaningful life really looks like. Thankfully, the diagnosis proved wrong, but the experience changed the course of his life forever.  In this conversation, George explains why so many men drift into retirement believing they'll finally be happy, only to discover they've lost far more than a job. They lose routine, purpose, confidence and, most importantly, a sense of who they are.  Drawing on his own experiences, his work with thousands of retirees and insights from more than 20,000 survey responses, George shares why this doesn't have to be the final chapter; it can become the most rewarding one.  In this episode you'll learn:  Why so many men tie their identity to work without realising it. What really causes loneliness, aimlessness and loss of purpose after retirement. How a near-death experience transformed George's outlook on life. Why curiosity - not comfort - is often the key to a fulfilling second half of life. Practical ways to start redefining your purpose long before retirement arrives. Whether retirement is twenty years away or you're already there, this conversation is really about one thing: building a life that's defined by who you are and not just what you do. If you'd like to learn more about George and his work, visit georgejerjian.com, where you'll find articles, podcasts and information about his DARE Method. You can also connect with George on social media by searching for George Jerjian or Retirement Rebellion.

    Why Do Men Lose Themselves In Retirement? with George Jerjian

  7. Jun 27

    Why Does My Past Still Control Me? with Paul Drugan

    In this episode, we talk to Paul Drugan, who carried the emotional scars of growing up with a father who, behind closed doors, was controlling, violent and emotionally abusive. From the outside, his family looked successful and respectable. Inside the home, he was living in fear, convinced that somehow he deserved what was happening.  Like many men, Paul never spoke about it.  Instead, he buried the pain beneath achievement, alcohol, drugs and a lifetime of believing he wasn't good enough. It wasn't until adulthood that he began asking the question that changed everything: What if the person still controlling my life was someone who'd been dead for years?  In this thoughtful and deeply moving conversation, Paul explains why forgiveness isn't about excusing abuse or letting someone "off the hook". Instead, he describes forgiveness as reclaiming your own life from someone who no longer deserves to shape it.  In this episode you'll learn:  Why childhood experiences can quietly shape adult relationships, confidence and self-worth. How unresolved trauma can lead to addiction, self-sabotage and emotional isolation. Why forgiveness isn't weakness and what it really means. How shame keeps men trapped in silence. Why acknowledging what happened is often the first step towards healing. This isn't simply a conversation about abuse. It's about freedom, identity and the possibility of living a life that is no longer defined by your past. Whether Paul's story mirrors your own or not, his reflections on shame, anger and forgiveness will resonate with anyone carrying emotional baggage they no longer want to carry.  If you want to find out more about Paul, visit his website: https://pauldrugan.com/ where you can find his book ‘Forgiving Mr Jekyll’ and you can also find it online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

    Why Does My Past Still Control Me? with Paul Drugan

  8. Jun 15

    I've Got Everything I Wanted so Why Am I Not Happy? with Bill Williams

    Many men spend decades chasing the next thing. The next promotion. The next pay rise. The next business success. The next milestone. The belief is simple: once I get there, I'll finally be happy. But what happens when you get there and something still feels missing? In this episode of Mid-Life Men, I talk to former CEO and executive coach Bill Williams about a question that many successful men quietly wrestle with: Why don't I feel happier? Bill shares the story of a life spent striving. From the death of his father at the age of nine, through a successful corporate career and into senior leadership, he was driven by a need to prove himself. From the outside, everything looked successful. Yet underneath, joy often felt out of reach. Together, Philip and Bill discuss: Why so many men tie their identity to achievementThe hidden cost of always chasing the next goalHow childhood experiences can shape adult behaviourWhy success doesn't always bring fulfilmentThe danger of waiting until retirement to start livingThe pressure of being the provider, fixer and leaderWhat happens when the career stops and the silence beginsWhy self-awareness can be more powerful than self-improvementPractical ways to reconnect with yourself through reflection, journaling and meditationHow to experience more peace, purpose and joy in everyday lifeThis is not a conversation about giving up ambition. It's a conversation about understanding what is driving it. If you want to find out more about Bill, visit his website: https://www.bwaadvisory.com. To access the three free foundational meditations that Bill references, visit the True Freedom Leadership website: https://www.truefreedomleadership.com/ and fill in the form on the About page.

    I've Got Everything I Wanted so Why Am I Not Happy? with Bill Williams
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4.3
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About

Have you ever felt like you’ve become lost in your own life? Many men struggle to talk about their problems and mental health and grew up believing that to do can be perceived as a sign of weakness or failure. There is also a lack of open discussion in society around men’s mental health, especially aimed at mid-life men.  As a result, at times many men can feel alone and lost in their own lives. In this podcast series, I talk to mid-life men about their stories; the challenges, the turning points, and the support received to help them find their way so that others who may be suffering in silence or don’t know what to do next, realise that they are not alone and there is help available. Stories will cover a whole range of challenges faced by mid-life men mainly relating to the causes of mental health issues including feelings of isolation, depression, job dissatisfaction, addiction, PTSD, and long-term illness.The podcast is NOT a replacement for professional support and we signpost to organisations and their contact details by episode. If you have a story you would like to share or any feedback on the podcasts, please email me: midlifemen01@gmail.com.

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