In Good Company with Dr. Paul Sharp

Men's Health Research
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS

For the past 10 years, I’ve worked with and researched into how men connected with their buddies, the benefits of strong social connections, and the strategies to strengthening those friendships. Let me share my findings with all of you! Be sure to also check out the In Good Company website for podcast show notes at https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/podcast-shownotes/ for the photos and descriptions mentioned in the episodes! If you enjoyed listening to our podcast, please consider leaving a rating & review to help us improve and reach more listeners!

Episodes

  1. Supporting Work Friends Struggling with Mental Health with Seth McVeity & Robert Olson (S1 E10)

    11/08/2024

    Supporting Work Friends Struggling with Mental Health with Seth McVeity & Robert Olson (S1 E10)

    In this episode, Paul is joined by Seth and Robert to chat about the Buddy Up campaign, which promotes authentic conversations among men and their friends, gives men tools to offer help to friends, and raises awareness to mental health at work. Hear how workplaces in Canada champion men’s mental health to reduce male suicide by encouraging conversations about these challenging topics like depression, anger, and loneliness. Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/11/08/episode-10/ ⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) Teaser (00:12) Introduction (02:22) Overview of the Buddy Up campaign – Supporting others and offering help to friends (04:42) Men’s mental health and suicide prevention awareness champions (07:00) Teaching men that it is okay to talk about mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, suicide) and how to check in on a buddy (08:08) Men are struggling and need support (09:53) Workplace and men’s mental health (11:27) How the campaign facilitates workplace mental health awareness, services, and support (12:12) Statistics for men’s workplace mental health in Canada (13:31) What can employers and workplaces do to support men’s mental health (16:40) Success stories from workplaces supporting the mental health of workers (19:56) Work from home/remote jobs/hybrid work and mental health (22:23) Recommendations for connecting virtually at work (25:18) Social connection with colleagues and how to build stronger relationships at work (27:08) How to support someone that opens up to you about their struggles (29:50) Checking in on a friend that has chatted with you and ongoing support (30:54) Workplace training to prepare people to engage in conversations about suicide (33:55) How to get involved with the Buddy Up campaign at your workplace (35:01) Closing Remarks (35:10) Outro

    36 min
  2. Mentorship, Ghosting, Throwing Shade, & More with Dr. John Oliffe (S1 E9)

    10/04/2024

    Mentorship, Ghosting, Throwing Shade, & More with Dr. John Oliffe (S1 E9)

    In this episode, Paul and Dr. John Oliffe return to explore how various topics shape men’s experiences. They dive into the cultural differences between Australian and Canadian men, the role of mentorship, the realities of ghosting, the nuances of throwing shade, and problematic conversations. Tune in to discover how these modern social dynamics impact men’s social connections. Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/10/04/episode-9/ https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) Teaser (00:12) Introduction (01:27) Cultural differences between Australian and Canadian men (07:24) Mentorship and its importance for men (12:37) How to find a mentor (14:27) Ghosting (21:15) Throwing shade/banter (26:36) Locker room talk/off the record conversations (28:57) Closing Remarks (30:35) Outro

    31 min
  3. The Past, Present, & Future of Men's Health with Dr. John Oliffe (S1 E8)

    09/13/2024

    The Past, Present, & Future of Men's Health with Dr. John Oliffe (S1 E8)

    In this episode, Paul is joined by Dr. John Oliffe to discuss the tectonic shifts in men’s health over the past two decades. They explore the relevance of traditional masculine values, the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beer, and the increasing emphasis on healthy fatherhood. Tune in to learn about how research is impacting societal views on masculinity and the role of social media in shaping the future of men’s health. The conversation continues in Episode 9! Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/09/13/episode-8/ https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) Teaser (00:15) Introduction (02:17) Thoughts about men’s health over the past two decades (05:01) Societal views on men’s mental health (06:48) Relevance of traditional masculine values (08:37) Impact of men’s health research (10:45) The rise of non-alcoholic beer (16:13) Healthy fatherhood (18:36) How to package and advertise men’s health (22:28) Discourse on social media (24:50) Future of men’s health (27:45) Outro

    29 min
  4. The Masks We Wear with Dr. Matthew Genuchi (S1 E7)

    08/09/2024

    The Masks We Wear with Dr. Matthew Genuchi (S1 E7)

    In this episode, Paul and guest Dr. Matthew Genuchi talk about masculinity, how it has changed over time, and its impact on social connection through the masks that men wear. Hear about how social connections are different in our modern day and personal anecdotes around the experience of being a man and finding community. Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/08/10/episode-7/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC⁠⁠⁠ (00:01) Introduction (01:27) Weather talk in US vs Australia (02:50) Wearing a "mask" as a man (05:22) Challenges of opening up with the "mask" of masculinity (07:32) Origin of traditional masculinity - a way to survive for men (09:41) Nature vs Nurture of masculinity (13:17) How is masculinity & fatherhood are changing? (18:25) How does masculinity affect how men connect with their friends? (22:26) Giving Help vs Getting Help (25:16) How men's social connections have changed over time (28:58) Men are spending LESS time with friends, and have LESS friends (32:33) Dr. Genuchi's personal reflection on his own masculinity (34:38) How can men navigate between their masculinities and friendships (38:58) Outro

    40 min
  5. What Men Need to Know About Anxiety with Krista Fisher (S1 E6)

    07/26/2024

    What Men Need to Know About Anxiety with Krista Fisher (S1 E6)

    In this episode, Paul and guest Krista Fisher chat about anxiety and how it is different for young men. They outline how anxiety manifests in the body, how the norms around masculinity raise challenges to men experiencing anxiety, and its influence on social connections. Stay tuned to the end where Krista recommends a top tip for young men to cope with anxiety disorders. Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/07/26/episode-6/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC⁠⁠ (00:01) Introduction (01:11) Krista Fisher's work with Movember (02:18) What is the age range for "Young Men"? (03:30) Difference between "feeling nervous" and anxiety (06:33) 1 in 5 men experience anxiety (08:50) Physical symptoms of anxiety in young men (12:34) Gender differences with anxiety (13:56) What role does age play in how men experience anxiety? (16:11) What causes higher rates of anxiety later in life? (18:33) How does social connection impact anxiety? (21:07) Fear of reconnecting with old friends (26:25) How to reconnect with old friends (30:11) How to convince your friends it's okay to reach out (34:52) How do young men with anxiety seek support? (36:03) What men can do to overcome social anxiety (38:12) Outro

    39 min
  6. Healing Hearts: Navigating Breakups in Men's Lives with Michael Wilson (S1 E5)

    07/08/2024

    Healing Hearts: Navigating Breakups in Men's Lives with Michael Wilson (S1 E5)

    In this episode, Paul and guest Michael Wilson chat about men’s romantic relationships and how to support your buddy through a breakup. They chat about the current dialogues around relationships and offer valuable insights into the benefits and strategies of healthy relationships and how men respond to breakups. Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/07/08/episode-5/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC⁠ (00:00) Teaser (00:13) Introduction (01:45) Origin story of Michael’s PhD work in relationships (03:20) Relationships are a trending topic online (05:31) What are the health and social benefits of being in a healthy romantic relationship? (08:55) The balance of prioritizing social connection and your relationship (11:41) What are the main causes of tension in a relationship? (13:28) What strategies can be helpful for resolving conflicts? (14:04) Dealing with receiving backlash after opening up (18:33) Are guys impacted differently in breakups? (22:17) Men’s breakups and risk of suicide risk (26:20) Loss of identity after breakups (28:36) What to do and not do after a breakup (34:38) How should buddies help during breakups (39:05) Young men and breakups (41:44) The role of ongoing support and check-ins (45:28) Closing remarks (45:55) Outro

    47 min
  7. Finding the Right Crew with Calvin Fernandez & Rob Velzeboer (S1 E4)

    06/24/2024

    Finding the Right Crew with Calvin Fernandez & Rob Velzeboer (S1 E4)

    In this episode, Paul and guests, Calvin Fernandez and Rob Velzeboer, share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for making friends while moving from one country to another. They reflect on what’s worked for them in building authentic and long-lasting friendships and offer tangible takeaways for men that are looking to get socially connected. Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/24/episode-4/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) Teaser (00:16) Introduction (01:52) Calvin and Rob’s PhD research (03:40) Experiences of moving to and from different countries (08:00) What were your experiences making friendships in your country? (15:28) How have your connections changed as you’ve gotten older? (19:00) Are there any individuals that were particularly impactful on you? (21:43) Strategies to make friends (25:00) What qualities do you look for in a new buddy? (30:19) Be curious about other’s passions (32:08) Strategies to move from acquaintances to friends (37:38) Deeper connections among male friends (43:50) Last thoughts (47:01) Closing remarks (48:08) Outro

    49 min
  8. Considering & Offering Peer Support with Dr. David Kealy (S1 E3)

    06/14/2024

    Considering & Offering Peer Support with Dr. David Kealy (S1 E3)

    In this episode, Paul and guest expert Dr. David Kealy dive into the complexities of men seeking mental health support from their friends. They discuss why men often struggle with vulnerability, how they might reach out for help, and how to spot the signs that a friend is struggling. They offer guidance on helping friends open up, addressing situations where peer support isn’t enough, and building trust. The episode explores settings best suited for peer support, skills for navigating difficult conversations, recognizing when professional help is needed, and the importance of normalizing regular check-ins. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Learn about the role of peer support in men's mental health Discover effective ways to offer support to your buddies Explore why men might find it difficult to talk about their problems, and how to overcome these barriers Strategies for effective communication and support Recognizing signs of mental distress in friends You can also WATCH Paul and David's interview on the Men's Health Research YouTube Channel to check out the photos they've discussed on this episode: https://youtu.be/5tAKraPNUmg Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/14/episode-3/ ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) - Introduction (02:30) - What challenges is peer support best suited for? (03:39) - Scenario #1: Men struggle to speak up (04:51) - Why it’s hard for guys to talk about their struggles (08:10) - Men can use metaphors to express their challenges (10:37) - How to spot the signs of distress in your buddy (12:51) - How to help your friend to open up (15:07) - Scenario #2: When the help is less than expected (19:10) - How can men better provide or show willingness to support? (21:38) - Giving advice: Is there a right or wrong way? (24:52) - Scenario #3: What settings/context are best suited for peer support? (26:04) - How can men build trust and show their support? (29:27) - Best places to have tough conversations (32:25) - How men can navigate tough conversations and give support (34:26) - Scenario #4: When should men reach out to professional help? (36:37) - When to direct your friend to professional help (40:58) - How to normalize regular check-ins and provide on-going support?

    44 min
  9. Building & Sustaining Authentic Social Connections with Dr. Simon Rice (S1 E2)

    06/12/2024

    Building & Sustaining Authentic Social Connections with Dr. Simon Rice (S1 E2)

    Welcome to another episode of the In Good Company Podcast! In this episode, host Paul is joined by Dr. Simon Rice, the Global Director of the Movember Men's Health Institute. Together, they explore the benefits of strong social connections, the challenges of loneliness and isolation, and strategies for overcoming the fear of rejection. They offer insights on finding the best environments for connecting, navigating major life transitions, and the impact of virtual communication. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Challenges of Making New Friends: Dr. Rice shares insights on why making new friends becomes harder as we get older. Importance of Social Connections: Discover how strong social connections benefit mental and physical health. Real-Life Examples: Hear stories from the photovoice study about men's experiences with social connections. Practical Advice: Learn strategies for fostering genuine relationships and overcoming social barriers. You can also WATCH Paul and Simon's interview on the Men's Health Research YouTube Channel to check out the photos they've discussed on this episode: https://youtu.be/GFTssYtjrpQ Links & Show Notes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/12/episode-2/ ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) - Introduction (01:51) - Dr Simon Rice’s work with Movember (02:53) - What does authentic connection between men look like? (04:45) - Benefits of social connection (07:53) - Scenario #1: Making new connections (09:48) - Making new friends as men get older is harder (12:35) - How to overcome the fear of rejection (15:44) - Where can men best connect with other guys? (18:03) - Scenario #2: Major life transitions and how men can connect in a new community (23:30) - How can family members support the men in their lives during life changes or transitions? (25:30) - Scenario #3: Connecting virtually when experiencing loneliness (30:10) - Differences between connecting virtually and in-person (32:39) - Scenario #4: Steps to building authentic connections (33:23) - How can guys strengthen connections over time (36:04) - How Dr. Rice stays connected with his buddies

    38 min
  10. Understanding Men’s Experiences Through Photovoice with Raymond Chou (S1 E1)

    06/10/2024

    Understanding Men’s Experiences Through Photovoice with Raymond Chou (S1 E1)

    This episode of In Good Company podcast welcomes guest Raymond Chou, a varsity athlete and researcher with UBC Men’s Health Program, to discuss his experiences and findings from the peer support study. In this episode, Paul and Raymond delve into the dynamics of male friendships and support systems. They explore how men connect with each other, the challenges they face in seeking and offering support, and offer valuable insights into the importance of authenticity and proactive communication within male peer relationships. You can also WATCH Paul and Ray's interview on the Men's Health Research YouTube Channel to check out the photos they've discussed on this episode: https://youtu.be/1cgcPKnP3pk Links & Shownotes https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/10/episode-1/ ⁠https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (00:00) - Introduction (01:24) - About Raymond Chou (03:00) - Background and methodology on the study (04:04) - Men’s experiences with taking photos for the study (08:05) - Types of photos men submitted (10:45) - Challenges guys faced when trying to connect (12:56) - Buddies can be a lifeline for guys (13:17) - What is a peer? (14:50) - Loss of connection, and barriers to maintaining friendships between men (18:48) - What prevents men from giving support (22:28) - What qualities are guys looking for in a relationship (25:55) - Types of support guys provide (29:46) - Strategies men used to connect/support their buddies (39:56) - Raymond's personal reflection on mens' social connections

    45 min

  11. TRAILER

    Introducing In Good Company Podcast

    Did you know loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? Join the host and expert, Dr. Paul Sharp, on the In Good Company Podcast to explore the power of social connections and peer support, and how to bolster a more connected life. Discover why having meaningful friendships is essential for your health and well-being, and gain practical tips to better connect with your buddies. You can also WATCH the trailer episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sihY_x-QNUk Links & Resources: https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC

    7 min

Trailer

About

For the past 10 years, I’ve worked with and researched into how men connected with their buddies, the benefits of strong social connections, and the strategies to strengthening those friendships. Let me share my findings with all of you! Be sure to also check out the In Good Company website for podcast show notes at https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/podcast-shownotes/ for the photos and descriptions mentioned in the episodes! If you enjoyed listening to our podcast, please consider leaving a rating & review to help us improve and reach more listeners!

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