The Meaning of Men

Simeon Atkins
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

What does it really mean to be a man in today’s world? With shifting expectations and growing pressures, many men are asking deep, personal questions about their identity, purpose, and value. The Meaning of Men is here to explore those questions with you and shine a light on mens mental health. From the complexities of masculinity, the role of fatherhood, maintaining meaningful friendships, and the impact of human evolution, we tackle the areas that shape the experience of being a man today. But this show isn’t just for men. If you’re a mother, wife, partner or friend and want to help a man in your life, this podcast is just as much for you. Through expert insights, heartfelt stories, and honest, raw conversations, The Meaning of Men provides a roadmap for navigating the highs and lows of manhood so you can show up as your best self in every area of life. Because we all can help expand what it means to be a man.

  1. Apr 16

    S4, Ep15: The Meaning of The Men's Health Gap | Rethinking how we reach men

    Why do so many men wait until it’s too late to seek help? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by public health expert Dr Dominick Shattuck to explore the real reasons behind the men’s health gap. From lower life expectancy to higher rates of suicide, cardiovascular disease and late-stage diagnosis, men consistently experience worse health outcomes—but the causes go far beyond individual choices. Together, we unpack how structural barriers, healthcare design, and masculine norms all influence the way men engage with preventative care. This conversation dives into why men often avoid doctors, how early life experiences shape long-term health behaviours, and what needs to change at a systems level to improve outcomes. You’ll also hear why meeting men where they are—through workplaces, sports, and communities—could be key to driving earlier intervention and better engagement. This is a powerful, evidence-based conversation about shifting the narrative from blame to understanding, and building a more effective approach to men’s health.   In this episode you will learn: Why men are more likely to delay seeking medical care The key drivers behind the men’s life expectancy gap How adolescence shapes lifelong health behaviours The impact of masculine norms on health decisions What systemic changes could improve men’s health outcomes   Hear more from Dominick: JHU Profile: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/faculty/4296/dominick-shattuck *AIBM: https://aibm.org/who-we-are/dominick-shattuck/ Relational Ground, LLC: https://www.relationalgroundllc.com/  *Dominick’s Substack: Relational Ground: https://dominickmenshealth.substack.com/  * Building Bridges: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C0bPO0iemPpl0Fl3LLtZAJdHe_hDZag6/view - This is a document I led as part of the Male Engagement Task Force. It provides some solid literature review on adolescence, masculinity, and related behaviors. You’ll recognize names in the literature.  Timestamps: 02:00: Why men’s health is more than individual choice 04:45: Dominick Shattuck’s background in global men’s health 09:20: The 5-year life expectancy gap explained 12:15: Why men engage late with healthcare systems 15:20: Root causes vs symptoms in men’s health 18:45: Adolescence and the drop-off in preventative care 23:15: Giving young men autonomy in health decisions 27:00: What men want from healthcare providers 30:00: Reframing health around performance & purpose 33:30: Leveraging masculinity for positive health outcomes 36:45: The power of humour and connection among men 38:30: Key system changes needed to improve men’s health 42:00: Meeting men where they are (work, sport, community) 45:30: The role of “third spaces” in men’s wellbeing 49:30: Final reflections & what needs to change

    55 min

  2. Apr 9

    S4, Ep14: The Meaning of Evolutionary Psychology | Understanding men beyond the surface

    What if everything we think we know about male behaviour is only scratching the surface? In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Dr. Becci Owens, Head of Psychology at the University of Sunderland, to explore the deeper evolutionary forces shaping men, masculinity, and modern behaviour. From male competitiveness and risk-taking to status, relationships, and belonging, this conversation challenges mainstream narratives and invites a more nuanced understanding of what drives men today. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, Dr Becci unpacks how unconscious biological and social mechanisms influence everything from adolescent behaviour to mate selection and fatherhood. Together, we explore why young men are drawn to risk, how status-seeking shows up in both destructive and prosocial ways, and why many boys today struggle with identity and belonging. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in male psychology, mental health, parenting boys, or understanding masculinity in a rapidly changing world. Expect thought-provoking insights, practical reflections, and a refreshing perspective that moves beyond surface-level explanations into the deeper “why” behind human behaviour.   In this episode you will learn: How evolutionary psychology explains the deeper drivers of male behaviour Why status, competition, and risk-taking are hardwired into men How mating strategies shift across life stages and shape relationships Why many boys and men struggle with belonging in modern society How to channel masculine traits into positive, prosocial outcomes   Hear more from Dr Becci: Instagram: @DrBecciO University website: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about/academic-staff/rebecca-owens   Timestamps: 05:55: Becoming a Psychologist: A Personal Journey 10:25: The Lens of Evolutionary Psychology 16:48: Exploring Strategic Pluralism in Relationships 22:05: The Drive for Status in Men 29:19: Socializing Boys and Young Men 39:50: Bridging Gaps in Male Psychology Research

    44 min

  3. Apr 2

    S4, Ep13: The Meaning of Sobriety | Breaking the cycle of addiction

    What does addiction actually feel like from the inside? This week on The Meaning of Men I sit down with influencer and mentor Gary Mairs to explore addiction, sobriety, and the deeper emotional work required for lasting transformation. From a seemingly “normal” upbringing to years of alcohol dependency, Gary shares his raw and honest journey into addiction—and the pivotal moment that changed everything. This episode goes beyond surface-level discussions of alcohol misuse. It dives into the psychology of addiction, the neurological grip of alcohol, and the cultural pressures that keep men trapped in destructive cycles. Gary unpacks how purpose, connection, and accountability became the foundations of his recovery, and why sobriety is about far more than simply “quitting drinking.” Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking greater meaning and personal growth, this conversation offers profound insights into resilience, masculinity, and healing. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this episode will challenge your thinking—and show you what’s possible on the other side of change. In This Episode You Will Learn Why addiction is both a psychological and neurological cycle The difference between stopping drinking and true sobriety How connection and support accelerate recovery The hidden cultural pressures that keep men stuck Practical strategies to manage cravings and rebuild your life Hear more from Gary: https://www.instagram.com/sobernsound?igsh=b3diOTVrdzFyYXln&utm_source=qr https://www.patreon.com/cw/SoberNSound Timestamps: 06:01: The Vicious Cycle of Alcoholism 12:25: The Turning Point 24:00: The Importance of Understanding and Connection 29:16: Common Pitfalls in Recovery 34:46: Supporting Those Struggling with Alcohol 42:43: Final Messages of Hope and Inspiration

    45 min

  4. Mar 26

    S4, Ep12: The Meaning of Male Suicide | What actually helps men heal (ft Dr Susie Bennett)

    Why are men still dying by suicide at such alarming rates? This week on The Meaning of Men we unpack the male suicide crisis and what’s really driving it with Dr Susie Bennett, one of the UK's leading researchers in this space. We explore the complex intersection of masculinity, mental health, loneliness, and emotional suppression—and why so many men feel unable to ask for help. Drawing on cutting-edge research and lived experience, this conversation goes beyond statistics to reveal the deeper psychological and cultural factors behind male suicide. From the “empathy gap” to the pressure to be strong, successful, and self-reliant, we examine how societal expectations can leave men feeling isolated, ashamed, and disconnected. Crucially, this episode also focuses on solutions. You’ll hear why connection, community, and redefining what it means to be a man are essential to preventing male suicide—and how we can all play a role in supporting the men in our lives. In this episode you will learn: What’s really driving male suicide rates The impact of loneliness and social disconnection How masculinity norms affect men’s mental health Why men struggle to open up and seek support Practical ways to better support the men in your life Hear more from Dr Susie: Website:malesuicideresearch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/ Timestamps: 07:22: The State of Male Suicide: Trends and Concerns 12:43: The Empathy Gap: Societal Perceptions of Men 18:54: Cultural Factors Influencing Male Suicide 29:46: The Psychological Impact of Masculinity on Men 33:08: The Tenderness of Providing 35:19: Redefining the Role of Provider 37:33: The Crisis of Male Loneliness 41:01: Building Connections Among Men 45:03: Diverse Interventions for Male Mental Health 52:04: Recognizing Warning Signs of Distress 01:04: 16Hope for the Future of Boys and Men

    1h 10m

  5. Mar 19

    S4, Ep11: The Meaning of Brain Mapping | Understanding your mind at a deeper level

    Could your brain be holding answers you’ve never accessed? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by clinical and sports psychologist Santiago Brand to explore brain mapping, neuroscience, and personalised mental health. We dive into how brain mapping (qEEG) reveals the root causes of anxiety, depression, burnout, and focus issues—moving beyond guesswork toward precision mental health. Santiago explains how understanding your brain activity can help tailor therapy, medication, and performance strategies to the individual. This conversation also explores proactive mental health, showing why men often wait until crisis point—and how tools like neurofeedback, breathwork, and lifestyle changes can improve brain function, emotional regulation, and resilience. If you’re looking to optimise performance, better understand your mental health, or reduce overwhelm, this episode offers practical insights grounded in neuroscience. In this episode you will learn: What brain mapping is and how it works How it identifies root causes of mental health challenges Why personalised treatment improves outcomes The role of neurofeedback and brain training Practical ways to support brain health daily   Hear more from Santiago: Website: https://www.santiagobrand.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-brand-a985905/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosantiago/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Santiago-Brand-61555834522930/   Timestamps:   04:39: The Journey into Brain Science and Neurofeedback 08:42: The Importance of Brain Mapping in Mental Health 12:48: Preventative Measures and Early Interventions 20:35: Empowerment Through Understanding Brain Function 24:10: Holistic Approaches to Brain Health 30:23: Training the Brain for Better Performance 36:19: Precision in Mental Health Interventions

    46 min

  6. Mar 12

    S4, Ep10: The Meaning of Introvert | How to build confidence one small step at a time

    What if being an introvert isn’t a limitation—but simply a label you’ve learned to live with? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I down with Nick Shelton, author of An Introvert's Guide to World Domination, to explore confidence, introversion, and the powerful role identity plays in shaping our lives. Nick shares his story of growing up shy and socially awkward, often feeling misunderstood at school and unsure how to navigate social situations. Instead of accepting those labels, he began observing confident people and breaking down their behaviours into simple, learnable steps. Drawing on lessons from his time in the Air Force, Nick explains how complex personal challenges—like social anxiety or low confidence—can be tackled through small, deliberate actions. This conversation explores how many men become defined by personality labels such as “introvert,” and how questioning those assumptions can unlock new possibilities for personal growth, connection, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt held back by shyness, social anxiety, or the belief that confidence simply isn’t “who you are,” this episode offers a refreshing perspective—and practical tools to start changing the story. In this episode you will learn: Why personality labels like “introvert” can limit personal growth How to build confidence through small, practical steps The power of observing and modelling confident behaviour Lessons from military training that apply to everyday life How to challenge the identity stories holding you back Hear more from Nick: Book: An Introvert's Guide to World Domination: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Introverts-Guide-World-Domination-Networker-ebook/dp/B08GDV7B4B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KMAPPT6T12V0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IlGRyZIC2be9dgzVPV9i0c8Ph78cAJlcQa9JkLyjJr8._vDJArjgc68QswSwwL8Ri0GUx5BKVLM2RJ4a3wREFuw&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+introverts+guide+to+world+domination&qid=1773248876&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+introverts+guide+to+world+dominatio%2Cdigital-text%2C222&sr=1-1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/   https://nicksheltonspeaks.com/   Timestamps: 04:07: Understanding Introversion: A New Perspective 05:50: The Power of Observation 10:08: Building Authentic Connections 10:57: An Introvert's Guide to World Domination 14:43: Leveraging Strengths for Success 15:12: Navigating High-End Events 17:27: Networking as a Skill 19:34: Building Networking Muscles 24:46: Overcoming Introversion in Social Settings 29:35: The Power of Public Speaking 34:45: Daily Habits for Relationship Building 40:38: Empowering Introverts in Early Life

    44 min

  7. Mar 5

    S4, Ep9: The Meaning of Wearable Depression Devices | Groundbreaking innovation in men’s mental health

    What if starting to treat depression was as simple as putting on a headset at home? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we're exploring the groundbreaking wearable technology backed by the NHS that’s transforming depression treatment. Joining me is Kultar Garcha, a GP and chief medical officer at Flow Neuroscience, the team behind a wearable headset designed to treat depression safely from home. We unpack the science behind its success, where this fits alongside therapy and medication, and why it’s especially appealing for men tackling depression. If you're searching for alternatives to antidepressants, innovative depression treatments, or ways to support men’s mental health, this conversation is essential listening. In this episode you will learn: How Flow headset uses brain stimulation to help treat depression at home Why the headset is especially appealing to men battling depression How it works to support therapy and other interventions for depression Hear more from Flow Neuroscience: https://www.flowneuroscience.com/   Timestamps: 02:08: Understanding Flow Neuroscience 03:40: The Technology of the Headset 06:08: Neuromodulation and Neuroplasticity Explained 08:38: Men's Mental Health and the Appeal of Tech 12:47: Flow in Relation to Traditional Treatments 16:49: Scientific Evidence and Effectiveness of Flow 20:13: User Experience and Feedback 24:12: Meeting People Where They Are 27:33: Future Directions for Flow Neuroscience

    33 min

  8. Feb 26

    S4,Ep8: The Meaning of Men's Therapy | Building resilience, clarity & confidence

    How can men start getting the most from therapy? In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Chris Hemmings. Chris is a former BBC journalist whose own struggles with grief, addiction and depression led him to retrain as a psychotherapist and build Men’s Therapy Hub — a platform connecting men with male therapists across the UK. Chris explains that many men aren’t avoiding therapy because they don’t care — but because they fear judgment, being seem as weak, or being told they need to become someone they’re not. Together we start to explore some of these myths, what men really need from their therapists and how they can best show up to get the most from therapy.  In this episode you will learn: Why men often avoid therapy and how to overcome the stigma The biggest misconceptions about counselling for men How masculinity and emotional strength can work together What to look for when choosing the right therapist Why seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness Hear more from Chris: Men's Therapy Hub: www.menstherapyhub.co.uk   No Man's an Island podcast:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/no-mans-an-island/id1849171262?i=1000745844084   My website: www.chrishemmings.co.uk   Timestamps: 09:27: Misconceptions About Therapy 18:36: Finding the Right Therapist 23:47: The Importance of Gut Feel in Therapy 24:40: Investment Mindset in Therapy 25:45: Shifting from 'Should' to 'Could' in Therapy 28:45: Normalizing Emotions and Removing Shame 31:37: The Role of Humor in Therapy 36:07: Understanding Worthiness in Therapy 40:49: Approaching Therapy with Courage 45:58: Demystifying Therapy for Men

    47 min
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About

What does it really mean to be a man in today’s world? With shifting expectations and growing pressures, many men are asking deep, personal questions about their identity, purpose, and value. The Meaning of Men is here to explore those questions with you and shine a light on mens mental health. From the complexities of masculinity, the role of fatherhood, maintaining meaningful friendships, and the impact of human evolution, we tackle the areas that shape the experience of being a man today. But this show isn’t just for men. If you’re a mother, wife, partner or friend and want to help a man in your life, this podcast is just as much for you. Through expert insights, heartfelt stories, and honest, raw conversations, The Meaning of Men provides a roadmap for navigating the highs and lows of manhood so you can show up as your best self in every area of life. Because we all can help expand what it means to be a man.

Information

  • Creator
    Simeon Atkins
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Meaning of Men