The Man Hug

The Man Hug
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  • Mental Health
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The monthly Men’s Mental Health Podcast.Each month the 4 hosts interview special guests to talk about themes that affect men's mental health. There is discussion, lived experience and signposting for services and organisations that can help. Please visit the Hub of Hope app to see what mental health support is in your area. 

  1. Sep 22

    The Man Hug - Ep046 - Suicide Prevention with special guests Professor Pooja Saini and Joleen Shaw (ZSA)

    In this special episode of The Man Hug, we open up an honest and important conversation about suicide prevention, exploring what we can all do to recognise distress, challenge stigma and help create communities in which people feel able to talk and seek support. We’re joined by two fantastic guests: Professor Pooja Saini, Professor of Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention at Liverpool John Moores University, whose research focuses on individual, community and whole-system approaches to suicide prevention, and Joleen Shaw, the Suicide Prevention Project Manager at the Zero Suicide Alliance. Joleen works within the Safe from Suicide Team at Mersey Care with a particular focus on working in partnership with other NHS, local authority, and voluntary community faith and social enterprises (VCSE).  Together, we discuss the importance of talking openly about suicide, recognising when someone may be struggling, and giving people the confidence to start potentially life-saving conversations. We also explore the work of the Zero Suicide Alliance, including its free online suicide awareness training and resources. It’s a powerful conversation about hope, connection and the difference we can all make. Find out more:  💛 Zero Suicide Alliance: zerosuicidealliance.com  🎓 Professor Pooja Saini, LJMU: LJMU profile  🧠 Free Zero Suicide Alliance training: Suicide awareness training Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

  2. Aug 4

    The Man Hug - Ep045 - Reading with special guest Alan Gibbons

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Man Hug Podcast, we explore the transformative power of stories, reading, and community with two passionate advocates for literacy and wellbeing. Joining us is Alan Gibbons, acclaimed children's author and champion of reading for pleasure, whose work has inspired generations of young readers. Alongside Alan is Megan Walder from The Reader, the pioneering shared reading charity that brings people together through the simple yet powerful act of reading aloud. Together, we discuss the role of books in shaping lives, the importance of access to reading, how shared reading can combat loneliness and improve wellbeing, and why stories matter now more than ever. Whether you're a lifelong reader, an educator, or simply curious about the impact of literature on individuals and communities, this is a conversation not to be missed. Find out more: 🔗 Alan Gibbons: https://www.alangibbons.com  🔗 The Reader: https://www.thereader.org.uk #TheManHugPodcast #AlanGibbons #TheReader #SharedReading #Literacy #ReadingForPleasure #Wellbeing #BooksMatter #Podcast Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

  3. Jul 9

    The Man Hug - Ep044 - Theme: Heart Health, special guest Nick Parkes

    This episode shines a spotlight on Heart Health, resilience, and the power of community action. Joining us are two incredible guests: Nick Parkes, who is an open-water swimmer and cardiac arrest survivor, sharing his remarkable journey back to the water and his mission to raise awareness of cardiac health. Mark King OBE – Founder of The Oliver King Foundation, discussing the lifesaving importance of CPR training, defibrillators, and creating safer communities We discuss the links of heart health and mental health. Nick Parkes: https://www.nickparkes.co.uk/ The Oliver King Foundation: https://www.theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

  4. Jun 30

    The Man Hug - Ep043 - PTSD

    On this episode we focus on the theme of PTSD and C-PTSD. We are joined by two more fantastic guests discussing their own lived experience along with more support available to men. Our first guest is Jeff Russell, a former Police Officer who lives with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jeff discusses how trauma in childhood along with years of trauma exposure in his career resulted in a diagnosis of C-PTSD. Jeff discusses the various treatment pathways he tried, until he found that one that really helped. Jeff now gets benefit from on-going therapy and his work as a bush craft facilitator. An inspiring story that you must hear. We are also joined by Anthony Wood, who is the manager of the Men Too project on the Wirral. Following a road traffic accident Anthony was later diagnosed with PTSD. After receiving the help he needed he re-trained as a mental health counsellor now helping many men in his community. Hear about all of the incredible work that is being done at Men Too and how you can access the service.  www.woodlandwarriors.co.uk https://mentoomerseyside.org/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

  5. May 13

    The Man Hug - Ep042 - Fatherhood

    In this episode we focus on the theme of 'Fatherhood' and the common connections with mental health. We are joined by Pete and Anthony from 'Dads Outdoors' which is a Liverpool based CIC. Bringing nature and bushcraft skills into the local community. Running, walks, fire circles and activity sessions. For dads of all ages. Whether you're a new dad, a grandad, a novice or full on cave man. They welcome all men to join them in nature, learn new skills, make new friends and be of service in the local community. Pete and Anthony talk about their own experience's and how the CIC was created.  We are also joined by Kieran Anders, Kieran is the 'Dad Matters' lead at Home-Start UK, focusing on supporting fathers' mental health and enhancing their relationships with their families. Kieran plays a crucial role in advocating for fathers' mental health and well-being. His work emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of fathers, who are often overlooked in traditional parenting support services that primarily focus on mothers and infants.  LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/dadsoutdoorsliverpool/ https://home-starthost.org.uk/dad-matters/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

  6. Apr 29

    The Man Hug - Ep041 - Masculinity round-table

    In this episode we are joined by special guests Dr Walter Tasosa, Mel Bowen (Spider Project/Musician) and Mike Caulfield (Nurse consultant/Clinical Lead for suicide prevention) for a round-table discussion on masculinity. We explore what it means to be a role model, emotions that are still difficult for men to express, toxic traits that exist in certain professions and what we were told to act like as young boys.  This is our 3rd birthday episode so we want to thank all previous guests, charities and organisations that have previously joined us and to everyone who has listened and supported the Man Hug over the last three years.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

  7. Mar 12

    The Man Hug - Ep040 - University Mental Health Day Special with Tom Davies Proper Mental Podcast

    In this special episode for University Mental Health Day The Man Hug have teamed up with award winning podcast the Proper Mental Podcast. The Proper Mental Podcast is an award‑winning UK mental health podcast created and hosted by Tom Davies. The podcast focuses on open, honest conversations about mental health and mental illness, aiming to normalise these discussions and reduce stigma. Tom began the podcast after personal mental health struggles, using dialogue as part of his recovery and hoping to help others feel less isolated. Since launching in 2021, the series has featured more than 200 guests including authors, clinicians, activists, musicians, and people with lived experience. Episodes explore a broad range of topics - anxiety, depression, recovery, community support and the podcast has become a resource for awareness, education, and connection. https://www.propermentalpodcast.com/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

    The Man Hug - Ep040 - University Mental Health Day Special with Tom Davies Proper Mental Podcast

  8. Feb 25

    The Man Hug - Ep039 - Kindness with special guests Gary Millar & Sheila Byrne

    In this episode we are joined by two more fantastic guests as we discuss the theme of 'kindness'. Gary Millar is an Alderman, former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, an enthusiastic 'Pay It Forward' champion, philanthropist, Senior Fellow, international relations lead and writer. He has recently published his families story 'Silent Victims' parts 1 & 2 which is a deeply personal and documentary‑style account of the human cost of the thalidomide scandal, told through the story of his family. Rather than focusing solely on the medical disaster, the narrative offers a raw, intimate portrait of a family navigating grief, stigma, and systemic failure. In doing so, it highlights the many “silent victims” whose suffering has often been overshadowed by the broader historical account of the thalidomide tragedy. Gary discusses the moments in which kindness has been instrumental in his life and how his ethos has always been to 'pay it forward' and to help others.  We are also joined by Sheila Byrne, who is the CEO and founder of Hope Street which is a community café and support hub in Ormskirk offering a safe, welcoming space for people facing mental health challenges. Through affordable food, peer support, and free wellbeing services, they help individuals feel seen, supported, and connected. Sheila and her husband set this up after she was failed by services when she needed them most for her own mental health. Sheila's kindness now sees that her community have access to support 365 days a year.  hhttp://www.garymillar.com/ ttps://hopest.org.uk/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"  Hosted by: Dean McShane Conleth Kelly Ian Pierce Hayes and Dan Cooper

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About

The monthly Men’s Mental Health Podcast.Each month the 4 hosts interview special guests to talk about themes that affect men's mental health. There is discussion, lived experience and signposting for services and organisations that can help. Please visit the Hub of Hope app to see what mental health support is in your area. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Man Hug
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Man Hug
  • Show Website
    The Man Hug

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