In this episode, I speak with historian John about his new book Be a Man, which explores masculinity in England from the Industrial Revolution to today. We discuss themes like fatherhood, work, and youth, as well as how societal expectations of men have evolved. John shares how personal experiences with mental health led him to this work and the role of men’s groups in fostering support. We also touch on modern challenges young men face—social media, pornography, and identity pressure—and end with a thoughtful look at male suicide and the importance of open conversations around mental health.

Episode Highlights:

00:56 - Assumed emotional connection in today's fatherhood

05:26 - Safe space for honest male conversation

09:53 - What has contributed to the rise of toxin masculinity

12:55 - Men compare bodies, feel inadequate

20:32 - Army upbringing influenced early worldview

26:09 - Effects of National Service on masculinity

28:36 - Challenges Facing Young Men Today

32:52 - Football now priced beyond many fans

39:06 - Addressing the Issue of Suicide

41:10 - The Impact of War on Family Dynamics

58:31 - The Importance of Talking and Support

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In this episode, therapist and author Alex unpacks how even “normal” childhoods can leave lasting emotional imprints. He shares his personal story of fatherlessness and family mental health struggles, offering a rare, vulnerable look at how early emotional needs shape adult behavior. We explore how men often suppress emotions due to societal pressures and why mentorship and healthy male role models are critical. Alex’s reflections offer a compassionate lens on healing, resilience, and redefining masculinity.

Episode Highlights:

00:35 - Unmet needs in childhood drive over-functioning in adulthood

04:17 - The absence of a male role model left a gap

08:26 - Helping others means also doing the work on yourself

10:52 - We say we’re ready—but until it costs us comfort, we’re not

16:30 - Depression is numbness, not sadness

18:21 - We don’t see the world as it is—we see it as we are

21:36 - When being right matters more than being close, love doesn’t stand a chance

26:39 - Old wounds speak loud when you're under pressure

33:29 - What happens when struggle is skipped?

38:20 - Having protection changes how the world treats you

43:42 - A huge part of the problem is men not talking

48:40 - What true therapy needs

55:17 - Feeling leads to healing

01:01:28 - Generational gap in financial expectations

01:04:35 - Parental love can coexist with emotional neglect

01:13:44 - We All Inherit Pain. What We Do With It Is Our Power

Learn more about Alex

Website: https://www.alexhoward.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexhowardtherapy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexhowardtherapy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexHowardtv

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In this episode, we sit down with Drewe, a former professional footballer turned high-performance coach, as he opens up about the challenges of being a man in today's world. Drewe shares a powerful story about his son’s struggle with expressing his emotions, shedding light on the critical importance of validating rather than suppressing feelings. We dive deep into the complexities of modern masculinity, exploring the societal pressures men face, the emotional isolation in professional sports, and the need for authentic leadership in football. Drew also reflects on his personal journey of overcoming addiction and emotional numbness, which shaped his coaching philosophy focused on authenticity and addressing deeper emotional issues. This conversation offers profound insights into the power of emotional health and true connection, both on and off the field.

Episode Highlights:

01:08 - Validation Over Suppression

07:05 - Toxic shame often begins with “you are” statements

11:13 - Men need more spaces to be real

13:45 - Healing through Return to Authentic Self

18:51 - Distinguishing between ego, sabotage, and raw competitive fire

23:10 - Why the absence of positive male figures can impact personal development

26:56 - Support Systems in Professional Football

29:16 - The Business of Football and Its Challenges

31:53 - Authenticity in Leadership

36:58 - Psychological support is essential in leadership

40:38 - Dis-ease stems from misalignment

44:08 - The Connection Between Fear and Control

49:17 - Political and Cultural Pushback

52:22 - Consequences of Inauthenticity

54:26 - Authenticity Heals More Than The Body

57:29 - Performance Coaching Is About Revelation, Not Instruction

59:18 - The magic formula for success and inner peace

01:04:40 - 3 Powerful Steps to Transform Your Life

Learn more about Drewe

Website: https://www.sweatandcourage.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatandcourage/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachfear/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweatandcourage/

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In this episode, we sit down with two incredible guests, Seth and Mike, for a heartfelt conversation about masculinity, personal journeys, and the power of connection. Seth, a father of three, reflects on how growing up without his father inspired him to be a more present dad. He shares stories from his early career in the music industry, including working with Whitney Houston's fan club, and how those experiences shaped his view of relationships and success. Mike, who grew up in the care system in South London, opens up about the challenges he faced, including navigating violence and a lack of trust. Throughout the episode, Seth and Mike explore themes like kindness, resilience, and the importance of small acts of love—like offering someone a sandwich—which can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Their journey highlights the impact of empathy, mentorship, and the simple yet powerful ways we can show up for each other.

Episode Highlights:

01:09 - Seth's Journey as a Dad

02:42 - Working with Whitney Houston's Fan Club

04:39 - Mike's Diverse Background

10:07 - The Language of Love

13:56 - Experience is Everything

18:36 - A Scary Home Invasion

20:25 - Why I Couldn’t Trust Anyone Around Me

27:22 - Being the Kid Who Saw What Others Didn’t

30:07 - The Real ‘Peckham’ of Birmingham

33:29 - What Happened to the Days of Open Doors and Free Play?

36:59 - Why We Need Real Friendships

42:38 - Camaraderie Beyond Race

43:58 - When You Know They’ve Got Your Back

50:45 - The Unmatched Magic of Live Music

55:43 - Rebuilding After the System Let Me Down

01:00:22 - The Key to Surviving Parenthood

01:05:22 - Why Presence Matters More Than Perfect Parenting
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"If you died tomorrow, what would you regret?" This powerful question drives our conversation with Deri, who reflects on his father's deathbed regrets and how it shaped his life. Deri shares how his father's reflections on missed opportunities inspired him to live fully and pursue his passions without hesitation. He recounts his harrowing experience on Mount Everest in 2015, where a massive earthquake claimed many lives, reinforcing the fragility of life and the urgency to seize every moment. Discover how Deri's journey reflects the importance of embracing challenges, fostering deep connections with loved ones, channeling energy into passions, and the concept of "flow" in our lives.

Episode Highlights:

01:55 - Rugby ain’t always civilised

03:50 - Growing up in Wales

07:41 - Harnessing the Power of Flow

10:44 - Lessons from My Father's Deathbed

16:14 - The Moment That Changed Everything

20:08 - A Moment of Pure Survival

24:34 - Being Presumed Dead

28:28 - After surviving Everest

31:16 - The Most Common Regret

35:13 - The Role of Action in Parenting

39:53 - Where does mastery begin

41:07 - Find Your Path Despite Family Challenges

47:43 - Embracing Vulnerability in Parenting

51:08 - How I Chose Who I Was

53:06 - Taking the Badge Off

55:37 - Never Let the “C” word Define You

01:00:36 - Your Struggles Leads to Strength

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In this episode of Beyond the Shed, we had the pleasure of welcoming Steve, a seasoned entrepreneur and consultant, to discuss a wide range of topics that resonate with men in the 21st century. Our conversation meandered through personal anecdotes, cultural references, and insights into the challenges men face today.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

05:32 - The Evolution of Live Music

09:00 - The Role of Music in Life

14:40 - Steve's Career Journey

20:28 - Craftsmanship in Construction

25:07 - The Role of Trust in Business

30:34 - AI in Business

35:06 - Water Management Innovations

40:20 - Homeschooling and School Experiences

46:14 - Parenting and Step-Parenting Reflections

49:27 - Generational Differences and Childhood Memories

01:04:45 - Local Living and Allotments

01:10:40 - Positivity and Happiness

01:12:55 - Conclusion and Farewell
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Discover Rod’s vision for a circular economy and the hurdles he faces in making sustainable change a reality. In this episode, Rod opens up about his work with Unwasted, a company that creates eco-friendly products using patented technology, free from harmful chemicals. He shares his frustrations with investors who prioritize profit over meaningful progress and the financial and emotional stress that comes with driving innovation. Rod also discusses the divide between the wealthy and the working class and how we can reshape capitalism to focus on sustainability and collaboration over profit.

Episode Highlights:

04:05 - The Money Mindset: A Barrier to True Change

06:40 - The Deceptive Nature of "Net Zero" Headlines

09:02 - Resilience in the Next Generation

10:55 - Cultural Shifts in Spending

14:36 - The Decline of Practical Education in Favor of University Degrees

19:08 - How "Never Waste" Is Changing the Future

20:41 - Profit Targets vs. Purpose

22:18 - Involvement with Luton Town

25:33 - Resilience in Sports

28:30 - Building a Pilot Plant Against All Odds

34:23 - Vested Interests in Industry

38:18 - Collaboration for Change

44:43 - A Father's Influence

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What does it mean to truly be healthy? Join us as we redefine health beyond just the absence of disease! John kicks off by sharing his eventful night at a white-collar boxing match, leading to a humorous discussion on alcohol, intermittent fasting, and unintended health choices. We dive into the artistry of boxing, the physical demands of the sport, and the serious risks of brain injuries in contact sports. Wrapping up, we challenge conventional views on health, emphasizing vitality, self-care, and the importance of listening to our bodies before issues become urgent.

Episode Highlights:

03:16 - Boxing as fitness and art

04:48 - Brain injuries in sports

06:56 - Defining health and vitality

10:25 - Sleep habits and bedroom environment

14:18 - Codependency and people-pleasing

18:10 - Health as more than absence of disease

20:57 - Men's attitudes towards health

23:39 - Making time for exercise and self-care

28:51 - The importance of alone time

30:32 - Benefits of strength training as you age

33:18 - Challenging yourself and avoiding fixed mindsets

35:23 - Information overload and focusing on the present

36:02 - Taking control of your health

37:33 - Natural remedies and holistic health approaches

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