Men Like Me

The Centre for Men & Families
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Men Like Me is a podcast about the stories men rarely tell. Each episode features honest conversations with men willing to speak about the things we’re often taught to keep hidden—struggles with identity, relationships, failure, fatherhood, loneliness, faith, and finding our way through life’s turning points. Because behind the masks we wear, many of us are asking the same questions. Real men. Real stories. Real issues most people don’t talk about. cfmf.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Being The Dad Your Kids Actually Need

    4d ago

    Being The Dad Your Kids Actually Need

    In this episode of Men Like Me, Dan sits down with Ben Bateman, parent coach, youth worker, business leader, and founder of Everyday Heroes, for a deeply honest conversation about fatherhood, emotional presence, marriage, and the lifelong journey of becoming a healthy man. Ben shares openly about the impact of his own upbringing, what he learned from his father, and the challenges of trying to become the kind of dad he always hoped he would be. From sleepless nights and parenting stress to counselling, family dynamics, and raising teenagers, this conversation explores the reality of fatherhood in all its beauty and complexity. Along the way, Ben reflects on one of the most confronting moments of his life, when his daughter told him, “Dad, you’re here, but you’re not here.” That moment became a turning point that forced him to reassess his priorities, his work, and the kind of presence he was bringing into his family. This episode also explores generational patterns, emotional safety, masculinity, marriage, parenting adult children, and why many men struggle to stay emotionally connected while carrying the pressures of work and responsibility. This is a grounded, vulnerable, and deeply practical conversation for fathers, husbands, and any man trying to show up more honestly in the people he loves. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Ben Bateman00:11 – Becoming a Parent Coach00:54 – Learning Fatherhood from His Dad02:02 – Family History and Generational Patterns03:31 – A Masculine Father Who Could Cry05:32 – Stability, Safety, and Feeling Seen06:04 – Wrestling with His Father’s Competitiveness07:45 – Working in a Family Business10:01 – Becoming a Dad at 2511:34 – The Reality of New Parenthood12:44 – Anger, Exhaustion, and Sleepless Nights14:03 – Parenting Three Daughters and an Adopted Son16:45 – A Defining Moment in Fatherhood18:17 – “Dad, You’re Here, But You’re Not Here”19:18 – Counselling, Marriage, and Changing Priorities21:00 – Why Ben and His Wife Chose Counselling22:55 – What Parent Coaching Actually Looks Like25:09 – Parenting Adult Children27:39 – What He Hopes His Kids Remember28:59 – The Biggest Struggles Men Face as Fathers Keywords fatherhood, parenting, men’s mental health, emotional presence, marriage, masculinity, counselling, family dynamics, parenting teenagers, emotional safety, generational trauma, men’s work, parent coaching, healthy masculinity, relationships, vulnerability, family, connection, personal growth Get full access to The Centre for Men & Families at cfmf.substack.com/subscribe

    37 min
  2. Gay, Christian & Closeted for 40 Years

    May 14

    Gay, Christian & Closeted for 40 Years

    In this episode of Men Like Me, Dan sits down with Dr Mike Rosebush for a deeply personal conversation about sexuality, faith, secrecy, identity, and what it was like to spend decades inside conservative Christianity while privately coming to terms with being gay. Mike shares his journey from Air Force commander and Vice President of Focus on the Family in the United States to eventually coming out later in life after the death of his wife of 41 years. He speaks openly about living in a mixed-orientation marriage, the fear of rejection, the pressure to suppress his sexuality, and the internal split that developed between his public life and his private reality. This conversation explores the emotional cost of hiding, the experience of depression and suicidal thinking, the impact of conversion therapy, and the deep loneliness many closeted men experience — particularly within religious environments where honesty can feel unsafe. Mike also reflects on his changing beliefs around Christianity, his movement toward a more progressive faith, the tension this created within his family and career, and the process of rebuilding his life in his 60s. Along the way, the conversation touches on masculinity, shame, marriage, belonging, love, and the universal human longing to be accepted as we are. This is not a debate episode or a culture war conversation. It’s a deeply human discussion about identity, secrecy, spirituality, and what happens to men when they feel unable to speak honestly about their inner lives. Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Dr Mike Rosebush00:43 – Marriage, Family, and Realising He Was Gay01:51 – Telling His Wife03:16 – Being a Gay Christian05:00 – Discovering His Sexuality in the Air Force07:41 – Focus on the Family and Living Closeted08:42 – The First Time He Told Another Person10:16 – Coming Out at Focus on the Family11:25 – Becoming a Counselling Psychologist13:02 – Working with Closeted Gay Christian Men14:21 – Conversion Therapy and Shame16:37 – Living a Double Life17:05 – Depression and Suicidal Thoughts18:12 – His Wife’s Cancer and Death19:33 – Coming Out Publicly Later in Life20:04 – Family Reactions and Acceptance21:04 – Moving Toward Progressive Christianity22:06 – Meeting His Husband24:38 – Marriage and Finding Love Again25:07 – What He Would Say to Other Men26:53 – Final Reflections Keywords gay Christian, conservative Christianity, Focus on the Family, sexuality, masculinity, identity, shame, secrecy, mixed-orientation marriage, depression, conversion therapy, men’s mental health, spirituality, progressive Christianity, emotional honesty, relationships, suicide, healing, belonging, transformation Get full access to The Centre for Men & Families at cfmf.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  3. A Double Life: The Reality of Affairs in a Marriage

    Apr 19

    A Double Life: The Reality of Affairs in a Marriage

    In this episode of Men Like Me, Dan sits down with David and Noni for a conversation that most couples would never choose to have publicly. They speak openly about unfaithfulness in their marriage, including multiple affairs, and the impact this had on both of them over many years. This conversation explores what was happening beneath the surface of their relationship. David reflects on the insecurity, avoidance, and deception that led to a double life, while Noni shares the experience of sensing something was wrong, being reassured that it was not, and then facing the reality when the truth came out. They talk about the breakdown that followed, the separation, and the boundaries that had to be put in place. They also speak about the long and often uncomfortable process of taking responsibility, engaging in deep therapeutic work, and rebuilding trust in a way that was grounded in truth rather than avoidance. This is not a story about quick repair or easy resolution. It is an honest account of what it takes to face infidelity directly and to do the work required to change. They are sharing their story because they know how isolating this experience can be and because there are very few places where couples speak about it with this level of honesty. Chapters * A Conversation Most Couples Never Have * Meeting David & Noni * The Isolation of Hidden Struggles * Early Red Flags and Quiet Compromises * The First Betrayal * Living a Double Life * The Cost of Avoidance * Hitting Breaking Point * Separation, Boundaries, and Truth * Doing the Work * Rebuilding Something New Keywordsbetrayal, infidelity, marriage breakdown, emotional abuse, trauma, accountability, relationships, men’s mental health, healing, honesty, masculinity, transformation This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Centre for Men & Families at cfmf.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min
  4. Behind Closed Doors: A Man’s Experience of Domestic Violence

    Mar 30

    Behind Closed Doors: A Man’s Experience of Domestic Violence

    In this episode of Men Like Me, David shares a story he never thought he’d tell publicly—his experience of domestic violence as a man. What began as a young, hopeful relationship quickly became something far more complex, marked by pressure, confusion, and a growing sense that something wasn’t right. In this raw and confronting conversation, David opens up about the reality of living in a relationship where emotional and physical abuse were present, the silence that kept him stuck, and the weight of believing it was somehow his responsibility to hold everything together. This isn’t about comparison or blame. It’s about bringing into the light a side of the story that often goes unheard. It’s an honest reflection on shame, responsibility, and what it takes for a man to finally face the truth of what he’s living in. Chapters * 00:00 The Story I Never Thought I’d Tell * 02:49 How It All Began * 05:47 The Pressure to Stay the Course * 08:52 Hoping Marriage Would Change Things * 11:47 Living in the Chaos * 14:48 The Moment It Broke * 17:45 After It All Fell Apart * 20:33 Letting Go of Blame * 23:27 For the Blokes Who Are Still There * 26:29 Life on the Other Side Keywordsdomestic violence, male victims, emotional abuse, relationships, men’s mental health, shame, silence, trauma, healing, personal story, masculinity, support This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to The Centre for Men & Families at cfmf.substack.com/subscribe

    34 min
  5. The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict

    Mar 9

    The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict

    In our first episode of Men Like Me, Sean shares the story he hid for years—his struggle with gambling addiction. What started as a harmless thrill slowly turned into something that took hold of his life, bringing secrecy, shame, and consequences he never expected. In this honest conversation, Sean opens up about how addiction works its way into a man’s life, what it cost him, and the moment he knew something had to change. It’s a raw and powerful story about struggle, honesty, and the long road back. From Addiction to Recovery: Sean’s Journey In this conversation, Sean shares his journey of overcoming gambling addiction, celebrating 756 days of sobriety. He reflects on his early experiences with gambling, the escalation of his addiction, and the impact of mental health struggles. Sean emphasizes the importance of community support, therapy, and the role of shame in addiction. He discusses hitting rock bottom and the turning point that led him to seek help. Through his story, Sean offers valuable insights and advice for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the hope and support available in recovery. Chapters * 00:00 The Journey Begins: 756 Days of Sobriety * 02:59 The Escalation of Gambling: From Small Bets to Big Losses * 05:56 The Turning Point: Recognizing the Addiction * 09:00 The Illusion of Control: Trading Stocks and Gambling * 11:54 The Descent: Borrowing and Financial Struggles * 14:39 The Cycle of Shame: Hiding the Truth * 17:41 The Breaking Point: Seeking Help and Support * 27:46 The Power of Listening and Support * 32:17 Recognizing the Addiction * 35:05 Understanding the Deeper Issues * 42:26 Life After Gambling: A New Perspective * 51:38 Words of Wisdom for Others Facing Addiction Keywords gambling addiction, recovery, mental health, support, community, sobriety, shame, empathy, personal journey, therapy Get full access to The Centre for Men & Families at cfmf.substack.com/subscribe

    53 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Men Like Me is a podcast about the stories men rarely tell. Each episode features honest conversations with men willing to speak about the things we’re often taught to keep hidden—struggles with identity, relationships, failure, fatherhood, loneliness, faith, and finding our way through life’s turning points. Because behind the masks we wear, many of us are asking the same questions. Real men. Real stories. Real issues most people don’t talk about. cfmf.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Centre for Men & Families
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Centre for Men & Families Australia
  • Show Website
    Men Like Me