Tough to Talk — Breaking the Silence on Male Suicide with Steve Whittle In this gripping and deeply moving episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by one of the UK’s most powerful voices in men’s mental health: Steve Whittle, founder of the award-winning charity Tough To Talk. A suicide prevention campaigner, certified suicide first aid tutor, and keynote speaker, Steve's mission is born out of personal pain. From his own battles with suicidal ideation to losing loved ones to suicide, Steve has transformed tragedy into purpose — becoming a force for change in some of the UK's most male-dominated spaces, from construction sites to football clubs and emergency services.
In this episode, we talk about:
🔹 Why it’s not weakness that stops men from talking — it’s conditioning
🔹 How Steve’s personal story shaped the mission of Tough To Talk
🔹 The real language of men’s mental health — and why awareness alone isn’t enough
🔹 Creating male-friendly spaces for hard conversations
🔹 The role of trauma, identity, and shame in male suicide
🔹 How organisations like the FA, emergency services, and large contractors are now changing how they talk to men
🔹 Practical tools and cultural shifts to truly save lives — not just start conversations
Key Themes:
✅ Suicide prevention isn't just about crisis — it's about connection
✅ Language matters: we must meet men where they are
✅ Lived experience is one of the most powerful tools in prevention
✅ "Being strong" can be redefined — not rejected
✅ The systems around men must adapt — not just the men within them
Quotes from Steve Whittle:
“We have to stop saying ‘man up’ and start asking men what’s really going on.”
“Suicide isn’t a selfish act. It’s an act of pain, silence, and invisibility.”
“Masculinity isn’t the enemy. Silence is.”
“Men want to talk. They just need the right invitation.”
More on Steve & Tough To Talk:
🌐 Tough To Talk Website https://www.toughtotalk.com
🔗 Steve Whittle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-whittle-09a9029/
