Shows
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastGrowing Up in Chaos with Lee GreenhoughWhat happens when you grow up in chaos and just learn to get on with it?In this episode, I talk with filmmaker and speaker Lee Greenhough about growing up around loss, addiction, and instability and how those early years quietly shape the choices men make later in life. Lee shares what it’s like to carry things you never dealt with, how that weight can surface through drinking, anger, or restlessness, and why change rarely comes from big moments or sudden insight.Instead, this conversation is about responsibility, momentum, and the small decisions that sl...
2026-01-2646 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhy Intimacy Starts to Fade, with Dr Dan SneiderA lot of men don’t think they have a problem with intimacy. They just feel a bit distant. A bit shut down. Less connected than they used to be to their partner, to sex, or to themselves. This episode goes right into that space.I’m joined by Dr. Dan Sneider. Dan is a therapist; however, this isn’t a lecture or a list of techniques. It’s a conversation grounded in his own lived experience and how he learned early on to shut parts of himself down, how that showed up in his relationships, and what it...
2026-01-1938 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow To Rebuild A Life That Fits, with Michael RiceIn this episode, I’m joined by Michael Rice, a bioarchitect and the founder of Mentorus. Michael approaches men’s lives the same way he approaches buildings: by looking at foundations, structure, and whether what’s been built is actually fit for purpose. After years designing physical spaces, his work now focuses on helping men understand why a life that looks solid on the outside can quietly stop working from within, and how to rebuild it with intention, clarity, and honesty.We talk about what happens when the life you’ve construc...
2026-01-161h 00
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhatever I Do, It’s Never Enough, with Mordy GottliebIn this episode, we talk to Mordy Gottlieb, a men’s therapist whose work - and life - has been shaped by one quiet, corrosive belief: “Whatever I do, it’s never enough.”Mordy shares how perfection became his survival strategy as a child and how striving without self-compassion led to years of numbing, self-criticism, and chasing relief through behaviours that slowly escalated rather than resolved the pain.What makes this conversation different is its honesty about how these patterns actually form, starting with food, moving into pornography and other forms of escap...
2025-12-1939 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhat No One Tells Men About Losing a Parent, with John ColbertWhat happens to a man when he loses his father and no one shows him how to grieve?In this honest, darkly funny, and deeply human conversation, we hear from John Colbert, a writer and former advertising creative who turned the loss of his father to prostate cancer into Damaged Goods, a memoir made up of short, sharply observed stories about grief, masculinity, mental health, and what happens long after the funeral ends.John was just 20 when his father died after a six-year illness. What followed was a period of profound depression, emotional...
2025-12-1236 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastThe Weight Isn’t the Problem; Your Mindset Is, with Jonathan BoulwareWhat do you do when you look in the mirror and no longer recognise the man staring back? When the weight you’re carrying - physically and mentally - feels impossible to shift?In this powerful and frank conversation, we speak with Jonathan Boulware, a man who went from years of obesity, shame, and hopelessness to completely transforming his life, but not through fad diets or quick fixes, but by rebuilding his mindset, his habits, and his sense of self.Jonathan shares the story of losing his mother to obesity, the moment he re...
2025-11-2936 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastThe Pain You Don’t Talk About Shows Up Anyway, with Dr Brian LivesayIn this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Brian Livesay, a trauma therapist and Director of Clinical Research at Arise Alliance, and we explore how men can heal from unspoken trauma, not by suppressing or avoiding it, but by facing it differently.Drawing from his personal story of loss, military service, and years working with veterans and first responders, Brian introduces a groundbreaking approach to healing called Critical Memory Integration (CMI). It’s a way of helping people re-engage with their most painful memories from a place of safety, strength, and agency, transforming how...
2025-11-2442 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhat if the Life You Built Isn't You Anymore? with Nick SheltonWhat happens when the work stops, the job title is no longer relevant, and the role that defined you disappears?In this episode, Nick Shelton tells the story so many midlife men silently live: achieving everything you thought you wanted… only to find yourself fading, drifting, or feeling strangely empty once the structure and purpose of working life falls away.Nick retired young, thinking it would feel like freedom. Instead, it felt like slowly disappearing, like waking up one day and realising the man you were has nowhere to go and nothing to do...
2025-11-1643 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhy Midlife Doesn’t Have to Mean Decline, with Louis BezichWhat if midlife wasn’t the beginning of decline, but a second chance to feel alive again?In this episode, my guest is Louis Bezich, men’s health advocate, and author of Saving Men from Themselves. After years of juggling leadership, divorce, and single parenthood, Louis discovered that taking care of himself wasn’t selfish - it was survival.Louis shares how purpose, relationships, and everyday rituals can transform men’s health, longevity, and happiness. He speaks honestly about the lies we tell ourselves (“I’m fine”), the habits that hold us back, and the simple...
2025-11-1129 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastThe Moment You Realise You're Not the Only One, with Merlin MatthewsIn this episode, Merlin Matthews, founder of Man Academy, explores how men can move from isolation to connection, from being “lone warriors” who suppress emotions to connected men who grow through community and accountability. From childhood trauma and dissociation to running a global charity and now creating a movement to halve the male suicide rate, Merlin’s story is as complex as it is hopeful. He shares what he’s learned about breaking free from conditioning, such as the pressure to “man up,” hide emotions, and go it alone. You’ll...
2025-10-2749 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastPowerful or Pitiful – You Choose, with Coach Anthony CudjoIn this powerful conversation, transformational coach Anthony Cudjo shares a no-excuses roadmap for men who are tired of living small, disconnected lives. With the passion of a preacher and the precision of a scientist, he explains how to reclaim your physical, emotional, and spiritual power by aligning with the natural laws that govern human performance. Coach Cudjo doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. His message is simple but radical: It’s his job to tell the truth. It’s your job to decide.From addiction and low testosterone to depression, grounding, and the real meaning of “I am,” th...
2025-10-1848 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastCracked Open: How Honesty Heals Men, with Gary JaderIn this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Gary Jader, a lifelong advocate for men’s mental health, talks about growing up in a house full of conflict, the long shadow of a verbally abusive father, and how that early pain became fuel for a life spent helping others heal.Gary’s story is not one of overnight transformation. It’s about persistence, learning to “dance with our imperfections,” as he puts it, and finding the courage to speak the truth about what’s really going on inside. Together we explore:Why so many men sti...
2025-10-1234 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhy It’s So Hard for Men to Talk, with Tom KarrelTRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains references to suicide, which you may find distressing, so please listen with care.So many men grow up hearing the same messages: figure it out yourself, don’t cry, just get on with it. The result? A lot of us go through life carrying heavy stuff on our own, even when it’s slowly crushing us.In this conversation, I talk to Tom Karrell about what happens when you stop pretending and actually start connecting. Tom shares openly about losing three close friends to suicide, how that grief shook him awak...
2025-10-0438 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast“I’m desperate for work...redundancy triggered a mental illness in me”, with Joe EmeryWhat happens when a successful career suddenly disappears overnight? In this frank conversation, we explore the hidden reality of job loss in today's brutal employment market and its devastating impact on mental health, identity, and self-worth.Joe built a thriving career as a copywriter for major brands before being made redundant alongside thousands of others in the tech industry bloodbath. What followed was an eye-opening journey through the modern job market that would challenge everything he thought he knew about finding work.Instead of staying silent, Joe chose honesty. He began sharing his story on...
2025-09-2534 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFrom Bullied Teen to Marathon Warrior, with Ben WhiteTRIGGER WARNINGThis episode contains a reference to suicidal thoughts, which you may find distressing, so please listen with care.In this powerful episode, we hear the remarkable story of a man who turned years of bullying into fuel for resilience and achievement.Ben shares how relentless bullying at school - much of it focused on the way he ran - left him feeling isolated, stripped of confidence, and battling despair. What started as taunts from a friend escalated into years of cruelty that shaped his teenage and early adult life. He opens...
2025-09-2230 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow to Future-Proof Your Midlife Career, with Mike DwyerIn this episode of the Mid-Life Men Podcast, I sit down with career strategist Mike Dwyer to tackle one of the biggest midlife challenges: how to stay relevant, employable, and fulfilled in a world of shifting technology, corporate upheaval, and age bias. Mike brings decades of experience helping men navigate uncertainty, and he shares practical strategies for fighting back against the forces that can leave midlife professionals feeling sidelined. We explore: Why so many seasoned professionals feel “chewed up” by shifting workplaces, automation, and cost-cutting.How to stay current without chasing every new tool or tren...
2025-09-1435 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastKill the Coward: Reclaim Your Life, with Jack MuldoonTRIGGER WARNING : This episode contains a raw and honest account of a suicide attempt. Some of what you will hear may be distressing, so please listen with care. What happens when life strips you of everything - family, security, even the will to live? Jack Muldoon knows. From losing both parents as a child to battling addiction, homelessness, and a suicide attempt, Jack’s story is raw, brutal, and ultimately inspiring. In this conversation, Jack opens up about how he rebuilt himself from rock bottom and created The...
2025-09-0847 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFame to Rock Bottom: Never Throw in the Towel, with Anthony HuttonWhat happens when fame fades, money runs out, and identity slips away? In 2005, Anthony Hutton became an overnight celebrity after winning Big Brother. aged just 23. Within days, he had agents, photo shoots, and hundreds of thousands of pounds in the bank. But when the cameras switched off, eventually life unravelled into drink, drugs, and even passive thoughts of suicide. Today, his story looks very different. As a barber, keynote speaker, and founder of the Never Throw In The Towel Project, Anthony is creating spaces where men can talk, connect, and choose life. In...
2025-09-0251 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastMidlife Reset: How to Let Go and Begin Again, with Erik ten HaveWhat happens when the life you’ve built no longer feels like the life you’re meant to live? At 54, Erik walked away from a long marriage, left the country he’d called home for 25 years, rebuilt in Spain, survived a stroke, and is now creating a new business in AI. His story isn’t one of reckless reinvention, but of deliberate choices, awareness, and courage to face change head-on. In this conversation, Erik and I talk about: Letting go with respect - how to end a marriage without bitterness, and why separation...
2025-08-2344 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhy Humility is a Superpower for Midlife Men, with Simon MossWhat if the root of many problems faced by middle-aged men - burnout, broken relationships, anxiety, aggression - stemmed from something hiding in plain sight: entitlement and narcissism? In this fascinating conversation, psychologist and Dean of the University of Wollengong in Australia, Simon Moss explains why our culture's emphasis on status, dominance, and self-importance might be making us miserable, and what we can do about it. Drawing on decades of research, Simon introduces his new project, RadicalHumility.com, and shares practical strategies to reduce narcissism, build resilience, an...
2025-08-0136 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastMy Midlife Reset: Four Hours That Changed Everything with Tik MaynardTik Maynard is an internationally respected horseman, author, and dad who hit midlife before realising that life is less about striving and external validation and more about understanding who you truly are and how to live from that place with honesty and purpose. Through his journey training wild horses for a high-stakes competition, Tik uncovered something deeper: how presence, vulnerability, and authenticity are not just essential in horsemanship - they’re essential in life. This is a conversation about midlife reckoning, being authentic, and learning to listen - both to others and to you...
2025-07-2442 min
Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 273 - Pancakes, Solo Cups and BriscoeFor E273 of the GSP, Chase Briscoe wins his first NASCAR Cup race for Joe Gibbs Racing at Pocon, with Hamlin, Blaney, and Brad K all players. The end of Prime's five races and 23XI had a brutal day. Points heading to Atlanta plus Connor Zilisch winning his first oval race, WCE II having the fastest car but not having track position late. Layne Riggs getting the Truck win, and Corey Heim left to wonder again. IndyCar at Road America sees Hello Palou sing Red Solo Cup, and more cautions than usual at RA allow crazy fuel strategies. Dixon...
2025-07-241h 57
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast"I'm not Done Yet": Reinventing Life After 50, with Andrew MiddletonWhat happens when the big job ends and no one’s lining up to offer another? For Andrew Middleton, that moment sparked an identity crisis, financial panic, and ultimately, a radical reinvention. In this honest and hopeful episode, Andrew shares how it felt to be “airlifted out of relevance” in his 50s, facing ageism, self-doubt, and the loss of structure that once defined his life. But he didn’t stop there. Instead, he built something new: a portfolio career based on curiosity, joy, and meaningful work including founding I’m Not Done Yet (INDY), a growing community for older p...
2025-07-1038 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastOn the surface, I had everything; inside I was unravelling, with Mike FlynnIn this powerful and quietly revealing episode, Mike Flynn talks about a mid-life experience that will sound painfully familiar to many men: ticking all the boxes, doing everything “right”, yet feeling completely disconnected inside. Mike describes how success masked an emotional emptiness he didn’t fully understand until it almost broke him. He speaks candidly about the subtle slide into burnout, the role of people-pleasing and control, and the cost of never stopping long enough to feel anything real. This is an episode for men who feel like they’re going through the motions, u...
2025-07-0532 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastSurvival Isn’t Living: Learning to Breathe, with Kenny Mammarella-D-Cruz In this extraordinary episode, Kenny Mammarella-D’Cruz - known as The Man Whisperer - opens up about a life that began in chaos and fear: fleeing Idi Amin’s Uganda, growing up in a refugee camp, and becoming the emotional crutch for his family at just seven years old. He shares how these early traumas buried his identity and left him riddled with compulsions, anxiety, and isolation. It’s not just survival. It’s the slow, deliberate undoing of a life built on fear. Kenny takes us inside his transformation: how he stopped running from fear and st...
2025-06-2345 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastIt’s Not Over: Finding Strength in Your 40s, 50s & 60s, with Waldemar FrancoWhat happens when the body that carried you through life starts to break? For Waldemar, an architect and explorer from Mexico City, who built his identity around physical endurance, the answer wasn’t to stop moving but to start moving differently. In this powerful conversation, Waldemar shares how knee surgeries shattered not just his meniscus, but his sense of self. What followed was a deep personal reinvention from adrenaline-fuelled guide to founder of the Wildflow Method, a movement philosophy rooted in mobility, mindfulness, and long-term strength. In our conversation we explore: His early life of fr...
2025-06-1742 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHaving It All and Still Asking: Is This It? with Josh FinemanIn this episode, we're joined by Josh Fineman. Josh had the career, the young family, the success but behind it all was exhaustion, self-doubt, and a relentless voice asking, “Is this it?” In this honest and revealing conversation, Josh shares how growing up as the ‘good boy’ in a high-achieving North London household shaped his adult identity. He talks about the unspoken grief that filled the family home, the hidden cost of seeking approval, and the endless comparisons that wore him down. What followed were years of chasing status, zigzagging through jobs, and numbing out until a cr...
2025-06-0644 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFeeding Others, While Falling Apart, with Adam SmithTrigger warning: This episode includes honest discussions about suicide attempts, mental illness, domestic violence, and trauma. Adam Smith’s story is unlike anything you’ve heard - and exactly what so many men need to hear. Sectioned at 11. In prison by 21. Found unresponsive in a car after trying to end his life. This could’ve been the end - but it wasn’t. Instead, Adam’s journey is one of remarkable survival and a relentless mission to make his pain count for something. In this episode, Adam speaks with raw honesty about growing...
2025-05-2953 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastStand Up to Anorexia Because Comedy Can Save Lives, with Dave ChawnerTrigger warning: includes frank discussion of eating disorders, body image, and mental health. How do you find laughter in something that nearly kills you? In this episode, comedian and mental health advocate Dave Chawner takes us on a bold, brutally honest - and often hilarious - journey through his experience of living with anorexia. But this isn’t your typical “overcoming adversity” tale. Dave doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of his eating disorder. He talks openly about how it began not with food, but with control… how it was rewarded before it was recogni...
2025-05-1640 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastCan I Just Go Back to Bed Forever? - Living with Depressive Illness, with Mark LawryIn this episode, we’re joined by Mark Lawry, a former lawyer and long-time stay-at-home dad, who offers a frank and considered account of what it’s like to live with depressive illness across much of adult life. Mark brings a calm, articulate perspective to a subject often misrepresented or oversimplified. He speaks plainly about how symptoms first appeared, why he delayed seeking help, and what it means to maintain a functioning exterior while privately struggling. We explore the difficulty of recognising depressive illness when it has no obvious trigger, the reality of managing something that may never...
2025-05-0546 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastDemystifying Therapy: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Too Afraid to Ask, with Matt HusseyIn this powerful and compassionate conversation, we explore what really happens when life knocks down every support structure you thought you could rely on. We talk to Matt, a qualified therapist and podcaster about his own lived experience of emotional collapse in his twenties, the slow journey into therapy, and how healing unfolds - not through instant fixes, but through trust, honesty, and rebuilding from within. Matt demystifies common myths about therapy, shares honest reflections on what it’s really like to start therapy for the first time, and discusses the emotional challenges that arise when you beg...
2025-04-2849 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastLaughter as a Lifeline: Using Comedy to Craic the Silence on Men’s Mental Health, with John RyanIn this episode, we meet the incomparable John Ryan, award-winning comedian, social commentator, and all-around force for good. With a sharp tongue and a massive heart, John has made it his mission to reach people on the topic of mental health where they least expect it: through laughter. We explore how John’s stand-up shows have turned into standing-room-only sessions on suicide awareness, PTSD, loneliness, and resilience. From army barracks to working men’s clubs, from prisons to boardrooms, John’s toolkit is unconventional but wildly effective - inclusive humour, hard-earned trust, and a refusal to be a...
2025-04-2136 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastA Raw Conversation About Suicide and Survival, with Chris FrederickThis episode of Mid-Life Men includes open and honest discussions about mental health challenges, including suicide. Some listeners may find this content distressing. In this frank and powerful episode, we hear from a man who has walked through unimaginable darkness and emerged not just surviving, but speaking with purpose and compassion. Through heartbreak, rejection, success, loss, and silence, Chris shares his lived experience of growing up as a Black British man navigating racism, identity, estrangement, and two suicide attempts. His voice is reflective, grounded, and unflinchingly open. He explores how trauma manifests over time, what it...
2025-04-1448 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastAuthentic Masculinity: Rediscovering Who You Were Meant to Be, with Rick BeldenWhat happens when a man spends decades surviving, but never truly living? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, poet, coach, and men's trauma specialist Rick Belden joins us to explore how childhood wounds - especially those inflicted by emotionally absent or unsafe parents - can shape and limit a man's entire adult life. Rick shares his journey from high-achieving student to sawmill worker, reluctant software engineer, and ultimately, to a man who rediscovered his true self through art, writing, and inner work. This is a raw and resonant conversation about masculinity, trauma, and healing. R...
2025-04-0745 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow to Stop Poisoning Your Mind and Body, with Christian ElliotHave you ever wondered why you feel physically unwell when you're emotionally stressed, or why even small lifestyle changes can dramatically impact your mental and physical health? In this episode, we dive into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit with Christian Elliot, holistic mind and body health expert. We explore how unresolved emotional baggage and toxic thought patterns can profoundly affect physical well-being, leading to chronic illnesses and persistent health challenges. You'll discover practical, manageable steps to detox your life - physically, emotionally, and mentally - by learning how to identify harmful p...
2025-03-2740 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow the 12 Steps Can Change Any Life, with Ian Morgan CronIn this episode, my guest is Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author, psychotherapist, and Enneagram expert. Most people hear “12 Steps” and think of Alcoholics Anonymous. But what if we told you this programme isn’t just for people struggling with alcohol or drugs? What if it could help anyone - including you - break free from unhealthy patterns, destructive habits, or even the little things that keep you stuck? Ian dives into what the 12 Steps are really about, why they work, and how they can be life-changing - even if you don’t think of yoursel...
2025-03-1740 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastLosing a Father to Suicide and Learning to Live, with Will CastleIn this deeply personal episode, Will Castle shares his experience of losing his father to suicide and the years of silence that followed. He reflects on the complexities of his childhood, his father’s struggles, and the moment everything changed. Will speaks openly about the grief, isolation, and self-destructive behaviour he experienced in the aftermath. He explains how he felt compelled to show no emotion even at the funeral, as well as the unspoken pressures that made it harder to ask for help. He also discusses what eventually helped him begin to heal: finding support, sha...
2025-03-1042 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastEven Olympians Struggle with Mental Health, with Jack Green OLYIn this compelling episode, two-time Olympian Jack Green shares his raw and deeply personal journey through elite sport, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of fulfilment beyond medals. At the peak of his career, Jack was competing on the world’s biggest stage, yet behind the scenes, he was battling depression, anxiety, and bipolar tendencies. His story is a stark reminder that success doesn’t always mean happiness - even for those who seem to have it all. Jack speaks candidly about how his all-or-nothing mindset led to burnout, how the pressure to perform kept him from seekin...
2025-03-0341 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow to Release Your Emotional Baggage, with Cedric BertelliIn this episode, I'm joined by Cedric Bertelli as we dive deep into the hidden mechanics of emotional pain, trauma, and healing. Our guest shares his insights from years of research on how the brain forms destructive emotional patterns - like anxiety, fear, and self-doubt - and, more importantly, how we can break free from them. Why do we numb our pain with alcohol, overwork, or other destructive behaviours? The answer might not be what you think. Discover how trauma - big or small - can leave emotional imprints that resurface as self-sabotaging patterns, often without us r...
2025-02-2137 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhy I Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days, with Ben SmithWhat does it take to survive bullying, internalised shame, and two suicide attempts and then go on to run 401 marathons in 401 days? In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Ben Smith, whose remarkable journey from a troubled past to a world-record-breaking challenge is nothing short of extraordinary. Ben opens up about the pain of childhood bullying, the devastating impact it had on his self-worth, and the years he spent hiding his true self. He takes us through the dark times - struggling with mental health, grappling with his i...
2025-02-0843 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastThe more eyes on your shame, the less control shame has over you, with Warren McKeeIn this episode, join us for an unforgettable conversation with Warren McKee, an Iraq War veteran who came home to face the depths of PTSD, addiction, and homelessness, only to rise as a resilient entrepreneur and life coach. In this raw and inspiring episode, he shares his harrowing journey from the battlefield to rock bottom and how he rebuilt his life from the ashes.We delve into the unseen battles of trauma, the chaos of addiction, and the struggle to reconnect with family and identity. Warren speaks candidly about confronting his invisible wounds, battling suicidal thoughts, and...
2025-02-0153 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWorkplace Mental Health: A Survival Guide, with Tom OxleyIn this episode, I am joined by Tom Oxley, a workplace mental health consultant, trainer, and support specialist whose TEDx talk on mental health has inspired over three-quarters of a million viewers. Years ago, while forging a fast-paced career in advertising, marketing, and PR, Tom hit a wall. His relentless schedule and lifestyle eventually caused a profound mental health crisis, leaving him tearful, unable to focus, and uncertain where to turn for help. In this candid conversation, Tom opens up about the early warning signs he ignored, the manager who finally urged him to seek help, and t...
2025-01-2037 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWake up: Stop Numbing, Start Living! with Patrick SperryIn this powerful episode, Patrick Sperry reflects on how perfectionism created an endless cycle of striving and dissatisfaction. From giving up a promising professional soccer career to chasing a dream of being a rock star in Hollywood (and a stint as David Beckham’s body double) his journey took him through heartache, creative highs, and personal reckoning. Along the way, yoga became a lifeline - initially a form of escape but ultimately a path to inner alchemy and profound self-discovery. Through the physical and spiritual practices of yoga, Patrick found new ways to engage with life, shifting from hyper-competitiveness to...
2025-01-1247 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow to be Resilient: Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight! with Adrian de CourceyEver wondered how to stay calm and grounded while pivoting careers in the midst of chaos? Meet Adrian de Coursey, whose professional path took him from corporate strategy at Shell and Johnson & Johnson to running a small family business during the height of the global financial crisis. In this candid interview, Adrian reveals the high-stakes challenges he faced - burning the candle at both ends, juggling every aspect of the company, and grappling with the reality that his work-life boundaries had all but vanished. Yet amid the t...
2025-01-0732 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastOvercoming Unshakable Unhappiness: Remove that rock from your shoe! with Dr Adam DorsayAre you craving more energy, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose, yet somehow, you are caught in a cycle of “unshakable unhappiness”? In this illuminating conversation, I sit down with psychologist and Silicon Valley executive coach Dr. Adam Dorsey to explore how tapping into the power of authentic connection can transform every area of your life. Drawing on his personal journey and clinical experience with high-achieving men, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and global tech companies, Dr. Dorsey reveals why many of us—especially men—struggle to name and process our emotions, and how this disconnect can fuel anxiety, depressi...
2024-12-2351 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHealing Unresolved Trauma to Reclaim Your Life, with Mike SkrypnekIn this raw and powerful episode, we talk to Mike Skrypnek, an international bestselling author, men’s mental health advocate, CEO of Grow Get Give Coaching, and founder of the Unlimited Worth Project. Once a successful investment manager, Mike reveals how a combination of unaddressed childhood trauma and the relentless pressure for achievement nearly drove him to end his life. Amid the chaos of the pandemic, as business collapsed and isolation tightened its grip, he found himself at a breaking point he never imagined possible. Forced to confront his past, he discovered that winning outwardly—earning status, wealt...
2024-12-1549 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFrom Bipolar Battles to Making a Life-Saving Promise, with Craig HamiltonJoin me for a powerful conversation with Craig Hamilton, a man whose life story transcends boundaries and stigma. A celebrated sports broadcaster and former coal miner, Craig faced his greatest challenge not underground or behind the microphone, but within himself. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a psychotic episode on the eve of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Craig has spent the past two decades turning his personal battles into a mission of awareness and hope.In this episode, Craig opens up about his darkest moments, including a terrifying brush with suicide, and how he found the strength to rebuild...
2024-12-0734 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhy Bother? Fighting an Overwhelming Sense of Futility, with Patrick DonnellyIn this open and honest episode, we're joined by Patrick Donnelly, who discusses the often-unspoken struggles men face when the weight of life feels overwhelming and futile. Patrick bravely shares how anxiety and depression took root after becoming a father, amplifying his long-held belief that nothing he attempted would succeed. His story reveals the toll of a lifetime spent avoiding risks, taking the easiest paths, and resigning himself to failure before even trying. Through therapy and a transformative moment of vulnerability—sharing a personal essay about his mental health on Facebook and then in the local newspaper—Patri...
2024-11-2639 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFinding Your Voice: How Self-Expression Empowers Men, with Dr Danny BrassellIn this compelling episode, we dive deep into the silent struggles many men face in expressing themselves—emotionally, verbally, and even creatively. Joined by Dr Danny Brassell, a dynamic speaker, author, and first and foremost, a teacher, we explore the roots of men’s anxiety around vulnerability, confidence, and connection. Danny shares personal stories of overcoming a childhood stutter, life-changing encounters, and his transformative work with men in high-pressure careers and everyday life. From teaching literacy to helping executives conquer stage fright, Danny reveals the power of small steps and finding your voice—no matter your age or circ...
2024-11-1846 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastLiving Between Extremes: The Realities of Bipolar's Highs and Lows, with David WestgateIn this episode, David Westgate shares his deeply personal journey with bipolar 1, reflecting on how the disorder manifested in his life and the impact it had on his relationships, career, and daily routines. He describes the struggle of living with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, where periods of extreme highs felt like "true happiness," only to be followed by profound, often debilitating depression. From early symptoms in his twenties through a pivotal moment that led him to seek medical help, he unpacks the complexities of living with this mental illness. He opens up about coping mechanisms - both constructive, l...
2024-11-0544 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHard Hats & Hidden Struggles: The Problem with Mental Health in the Trades, with Russ PayneIn this episode, I’m joined by Russ, a third-generation tradesman, business owner, and host of The Talking Tradesman podcast. Russ has spent a lifetime in construction, a sector known for its tough culture and silent battles, especially around mental health. He shares his powerful journey, starting with his childhood, where he was raised by his father after his mother left the family, leaving Russ to grow up fast and take on responsibilities beyond his years. At just 17, Russ took over the family business, but behind his professional success, he was struggling.After a painful divorce, Russ wa...
2024-10-2740 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastBattling Depression: Everybody Needs a Big, Hairy-Ass, Audacious Goal, with Jeff MooreIn this episode, I'm joined by Jeff to discuss his long battle with mental health challenges. Jeff shares how his depression stems from childhood, living in a chaotic home environment, and how it revisited him regularly throughout his life. He describes how, after many years of struggle, he found solace in both medication and exercise, specifically running and cycling. Jeff talks about how his depression was also linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how discovering the positive impact of exercise, especially in the winter months, helped him manage his symptoms. A key part of Jeff's journey...
2024-09-1646 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastPsychedelics and Nature: A Path to Better Mental Health with Shawn BergethIn this compelling episode, we sit down with Shawn Bergeth, a former corporate executive who radically transformed his life after 17 years in supply chain management. Shawn opens up about his unexpected job loss, which he saw as a gift, and how it catalysed his journey toward mental health advocacy. From battling anxiety and depression to becoming a psychotherapist, Shawn shares how he embraced vulnerability and deep self-reflection.Shawn takes us on a fascinating exploration of alternative healing practices, particularly psychedelic-assisted therapy. He recounts his transformative experiences with psilocybin at a retreat in Jamaica and ayahuasca in the...
2024-09-0837 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastDealing with depression: My dark passenger, with Brian MurphyIn this episode of the Midlife Men Podcast, host Philip Briscoe sits down with Brian Murphy, a 52-year-old father, husband, and former sports journalist, to discuss his deeply personal battle with depression. Brian opens up about how his career in journalism, particularly his passion for covering hockey, began to lose its luster around 2017, leading him into a spiral of low-level depression. Despite having a seemingly perfect life, Brian found himself increasingly withdrawn, unable to enjoy social interactions, and eventually hospitalized twice due to his condition. He discusses the challenges of confronting his mental health, the stigma surrounding depression, especially...
2024-08-2732 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastDad La Soul: Tackling Social Isolation for Dads with Dan FlanaganDan Flanagan is a father and founder of Dad La Soul, an award-winning social impact organisation that focuses on tackling social isolation for dads. He shares his experience of struggling with being a dad and feeling like an outsider at mother and baby classes. He also reflects on his struggles with juggling his career, his father's illness, and how he found himself spending too much time on his phone at work and not experiencing fatherhood as he wanted to. After a bout of illness, Dan decided to stop missing out on his son’s life, reprioritised his wor...
2024-08-0538 minGrip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 227 - Mirror DrivingAn action packed weekend leads nicely into the GSP, with Phil and Josh talking about all the major stories of the weekend. Joey Logano did his best Scott Dixon impression while fading five GWC's and 30 extra laps to win the Cup race at Nashville and lock himself into the playoffs. Logano blocked Chase Briscoe into the gray and left Tyler Reddick looking like Kurt Angle in his TNA Wrestling days.
Tire fall off was minimal but rubber laid down on the track, with the rain delay making the race worthwhile. Briscoe was officially introduced as the driver o...
2024-07-091h 41Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 226 - Let It SlipAfter a busy weekend of motorsports, Phil and Josh are ready to tell you all about it on E226 of the GSP. Hello Palou won from pole at Laguna Seca but didn't have it easy. Andretti Global and Arrow McLaren had their entire teams represented in the top 12, including the debuting Nolan Siegel in the No.6. Will Power struggled but salvaged a 7th place finish for points. Plenty of stuff including the introduction of hybrids and Faux taking over TV coverage are just some of the additional storylines heading into an off weekend.
On the NASCAR side, Chri...
2024-07-091h 46
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastDon't hide your depression; it can save your life - Paul Howarth's story.In this compelling episode, we dive deep into Paul's candid journey through depression and suicidal thoughts. For years, Paul excelled in his career, leading finances for a construction company. But beneath the surface, he felt disconnected, living a life that wasn't truly his. The facade began to crumble when he took voluntary redundancy, leading to a severe depressive spiral.Paul opens up about the pressure to conform to societal expectations, the gnawing doubts about his career, and the harrowing mornings where he didn't want to face the day. He vulnerably shares the dark moments of contemplating suicide...
2024-07-0537 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastBattling Depression and Reducing Male Suicide with Mark MeierIn this episode, my guest is Mark Meier, the executive director at Face It, an organisation set up to help men understand and overcome depression and reduce the rate of male suicide. Mark shares his personal struggle with depression. In 2002, he faced severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, leading to hospitalisation. His journey of recovery highlights the importance of seeking help and sharing struggles, even when feeling ashamed or burdened. Mark emphasises the significance of talking to someone, reaching out for support, and finding resources to navigate mental health challenges. The stigma surrounding men's mental health is r...
2024-06-2630 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFrom Bets to Breakthroughs: Mark Bradshaw's Battle Against Gambling AddictionIn this episode, my guest is Mark Bradshaw, who shares his personal journey with gambling addiction. Mark recalls his early exposure to gambling as a child through seaside holidays, and how his love for playing sports later led him to place bets on rugby matches. His introduction to casinos at 18 only exacerbated his addiction, eventually leading him to spend hours daily in high street betting shops.Mark highlights the manipulative strategies of bookmakers and online gambling platforms that exploit addictive personalities. He details the severe impact gambling had on his life, including job losses and financial ruin...
2024-06-0453 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastJokes, Judaism, and Autism: One Comedian's Journey to Understanding His Family, with Dave CohenIn this episode of Midlife Men, Dave Cohen, comedian, novelist, and comedy writing teacher, discusses his relationship with his parents. His upbringing in a close-knit Jewish community in Leeds, shaped by the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel, lays the groundwork for a complicated familial dynamic. As he navigates adolescent rebellion, moves to London to pursue a comedy career, and challenges his father's firm pro-Israel stance, underlying concerns of family, identity, and mental health surface. Comedy becomes his release, with self-deprecating humour and Jewish-themed jokes defining his acts. Dave's path sheds light on parental acceptance, the struggle f...
2024-05-3157 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastQuitting vices to regain personal control, with Nico MoralesIn this episode of Midlife Men, Nico Morales shares his story of resilience and personal growth, reflecting on his upbringing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He discusses how rejection shaped his early life, particularly when his sister faced a life-threatening situation, leading to feelings of rejection and fear of missing out. As a child, he shuttled between New Mexico and Arizona, highlighting his root issues of rejection and fear.Morales reflects on how early childhood experiences can significantly impact one's adult life, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection. He delves into his journey of self-discovery, tracing back his behaviors...
2024-04-2349 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastDivorce, Andropause and Other Midlife Challenges, with James DavisWelcome to this episode of Midlife Men with Philip Briscoe, featuring guest James Davis, one half of the Midlife Mentors podcast. James shares insights into navigating midlife challenges, drawing from his personal experiences, including living abroad, going through divorce, and addressing the andropause, sometimes known as the ‘male menopause’.James discusses the origins of Midlife Mentors, stemming from his background in psychology and passion for magazine journalism. He reflects on his journey of moving to Ibiza with his then-wife to run a health retreat, but after a sudden separation, he was left to run the business alone and...
2024-04-0327 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastF3 Nation: Forging Brotherhood, Transforming Lives, with Steve Cavanaugh and Ridge MazingoIn this episode, Steve introduces F3 (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith), a global movement that originated in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2011. F3 comprises men who meet for outdoor workouts, focusing on camaraderie, fitness, and a sense of purpose beyond oneself. The workouts include boot camp-style exercises and running or rucking sessions, emphasizing pushing each other to improve physically while fostering bonds of fellowship.Steve shares his personal journey into F3, prompted by a friend's persistent invitation. Despite initial skepticism, Steve embraced F3 and found fulfillment in the supportive community, eventually becoming a committed member for over a decade. He...
2024-03-2539 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastOne family's journey through mental illness, suicide, grief and recovery, with Tim and Sue Iorio.In this compelling episode, I am privileged to be joined by Tim and Sue Iorio, who bravely recount the poignant yet ultimately inspiring tale of their son, Nick. Nick was the eldest of three brothers hailing from a Midwestern town in Ohio, a top-class student and athlete, Nick struggled with a mental health disorder, and the only peace he was able to find was through suicide. He died at age twenty. Tim and Sue describe their poignant journey, from the initial signs of Nick's mental health challenges to his devastating suicide. Tim, Sue, and their loved ones w...
2024-03-1650 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHow to Tackle Bedroom Anxiety with Shay DoranShay Doran, a men's coach specialising in helping men overcome sexual performance issues, shares insights into the challenges he faced and how he transformed his life. Initially, on the surface, his life seemed great, but he struggled with a bad relationship with porn and sex, thinking it was normal for every guy. It took years for him to realise the destructive impact on his life.Discussing the escalation of porn usage, Shay highlights how it affects the mind differently from real-life sex. The hyperstimulating nature of porn, instant gratification, and constant exposure lead to a chase for...
2024-02-0537 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastMenopause Made Simple: What Men Should Know, with Andrea NewtonIn this episode, I am joined by Andrea Newton, who is on a mission to provide men with a better understanding of menopause. If, like me, your knowledge is slim and you feel out of your comfort zone anytime the word ‘menopause’ is mentioned, then this episode is for you. With over 30 years’ of experience helping thousands of men and women have important conversations, Andrea’s approach is down-to-earth, and straightforward. This episode will be useful to any man who wants to offer support in a way that is helpful and appreciated. It examines the impact this life sta...
2023-12-0832 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastPART 2 When Work Hurts: Coping with Work-Related Depression, with Paul BaylissIn part II, of this episode, I continue my discussion with Paul Bayliss, who experienced job-related depression when undertaking a massive transformation project for a large public sector organisation. A combination of the demands and high-pressure nature of the role with a toxic working environment and culture proved to be unsustainable. Finally, Paul was diagnosed with depression and signed off work but that was the beginning of another battle to acknowledge the condition and deal with his perceptions of failure and the impact on his career. Paul explains the importance of separating work and personal identity and emphasises the...
2023-12-0631 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhen Work Hurts: Coping with Work-Related Depression, with Paul BaylissIn this two-part episode, I am joined by Paul (Drew) Bayliss, an accomplished professional with a long and successful career, who shares his experience of job-related depression when he was working for a large public sector organisation in a high-pressure and demanding transformation role. Depression in the workplace is a common issue among professionals, often attributed to long hours, demanding targets, and volatile bosses. Often, it is an organisation’s culture and leadership that creates toxic working environments where employees can develop symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, problems with memory loss, and lack of concentration which in turn can...
2023-11-2942 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastConquering anxiety: mastering the mind for a balanced life, with Octavian ConstantinescuIn this episode, I welcome back Octavian Constantinescu who last time talked about how he was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. This time, he describes his experience of living with anxiety, which he initially mistook as a normal way of living. Octavian constantly felt a sense of dread and had difficulty sleeping due to worries about work and other aspects of life. He compared his anxious thoughts to a repetitive GIF, constantly playing in his mind. Octavian felt incompetent and unable to ask for help, which impacted his relationships and job performance. He finally decided to s...
2023-11-2538 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastNavigating High-Pressure Careers: Insights from a Law Enforcement Veteran, with Richard PodkowskiIn this episode, we dive into the world of high-pressure careers, particularly in law enforcement, with Richard Podkowski, a seasoned law enforcement professional. He shares his experiences dealing with the constant stress that comes with protecting U.S. Presidents and major security assignments both domestically and abroad. Richard discusses the societal stigma surrounding seeking support for stress-related issues and the evolving landscape of employee assistance programs (EAPs) that have become valuable resources for law enforcement personnel. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about managing high-pressure jobs and the changing perceptions of seeking help in these demanding fields. ...
2023-11-0129 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastBreaking free from alcohol addiction, with Duncan Bhaskaran BrownIn this episode, I am joined by Duncan Bhaskaran Brown, coach, speaker, and Morris dancer, who helps people with alcohol dependency issues. He is also an author. His first book ‘Get Over Indulgence’ outlines a simple system to revolutionise your relationship with food, booze, and life. His new book ‘Real Men Quit’ is out in December. Duncan shares his own experiences of battles with addiction, particularly, alcohol including what made him decide to stop and methods he used to lead a more rewarding life.He explores how we live in a world full of illusions of truth...
2023-10-2238 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastBreaking the Silence: Empowering Men in Suicide Prevention, with Steve Whittle, founder of Tough to TalkIn this episode, I am joined by Steve Whittle, founder of Tough to Talk, a charity committed to helping business and community leaders reduce male suicide rates by empowering men to speak openly about their struggles. Steve shares his own experiences of suicide behaviours and how this led to him starting Tough to Talk. He addresses the critical issue of suicide prevention, particularly focusing on the alarming statistics related to men. Suicide is described as the number one preventable cause of death globally, claiming over 700,000 lives annually. Shockingly, two-thirds of these individuals are men, who are three t...
2023-10-0931 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastHeart transplants, mental health, and finding humor in life's darkest moments, with Jonathan BognerIn this episode, I am joined by Jonathan Bogner, executive producer of reality TV & movies, and entrepreneur with multiple businesses. In 2007, life was great for Jonathan, living in Beverly Hills with his wife and children, living his dream job producing movies and had just sold a movie at a major film festival. Life was to change drastically in a moment, forever. Jonathan suffered heart failure, two massive strokes and lost the ability to speak. He survived but unable to talk or write, he lost his business and had a defibrillator implanted in his chest just to keep his heart...
2023-09-2837 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastExploring mental health in football, with author Johnnie LoweryWelcome to the Mid-Life Men podcast. In this episode, I am joined by author Johnnie Lowery, who writes about his passion for football, but also about mental health and the relationship between the two. Johnnie’s first book, Six Added Minutes, was written while he was at university and published in November 2019 and his second book, Match Fit, was published in August 2023, and is inspired by a desire to ensure mental health does not remain a taboo subject in society. Johnnie shares his own mental health journey which started as a teenager, through university and into adulthood. He struggled to...
2023-09-1740 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastA Dave Williams Masterclass: Simple techniques to combat depressionWelcome to the Mid-life Men podcast aiming to break the stigma of men talking about their mental health. In this episode, we’re looking at techniques you can practise for combatting depression. According to some reports, up to 14% of men in the UK experience depression, and I suspect that number's actually a lot higher. This episode is a little different. Instead of the usual interview format, Dave Williams, author, speaker and award-winning coach talks about his own experience with depression following the death of his partner, and how he found strategies to not just help himself but other people to...
2023-09-1237 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastEmbrace Your Calling: Becoming a teacher at 50, with Russ HoadleyIn this episode, I talk to Russ Hoadley on corporate burnout, changing career mid-life, and finding your true calling, in his case as a teacher. Russ was working up to 115 hours a week with a demanding job in international finance, spending his life on an aeroplane, resulting in an unsatisfactory work-life balance especially with a young family. After experiencing a near-fatal medical event, he knew his lifestyle needed to change. He talks about how he started to volunteer at his children's school and coaching a junior football team and how this led to him the r...
2023-08-2425 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastDiagnosed with ADHD as an adult with Octavian Constantinescu.In this episode, we discuss Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with my guest Octavian Constantinescu, who shares his life experiences and how an adult ADHD diagnosis helped him find clarity and focus. To listeners feeling frustrated at work or not meeting their expectations, Octavian advises investing in their mental health. While external factors may be beyond their control, focusing on one's own actions and well-being is imperative. Taking charge of mental health can empower individuals to navigate challenges effectively and lead a more fulfilling life.Octavian references an adult ADHD assessment tool from the Canadian ADHD Resource...
2023-07-1431 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastRescuing yourself from childhood trauma, with Tom Mitchelson, author of "Don't ask me about my dad".In this episode, Tom Mitchelson, the author, speaker, and writer, talks candidly about his experience growing up in a home where his dad's behaviour was at best unpredictable and at worst violent and aggressive, especially towards his mum. He has since published his story in a memoir titled 'Don’t ask me about my dad'. Tom discusses his life from a young boy to adulthood focusing on the impact his dad's actions had on himself and his family both then and now. He explains why he decided to write the book and how it has helped him to...
2023-06-0523 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastBeing dad to a child with special needsIn this episode, Simon Mcmurdy and Gareth Birkett share their experiences as fathers of children with special needs and life-limiting conditions.Simon and Gareth had previously worked together and ran into one other in a hospital corridor, when they recognised they shared a common bond. They share firsthand accounts of the difficulties encountered, first with Simon and his daughter Olivia, and later with Gareth and his son William. The discussion covers all aspects of their experiences, from the practical obstacles of adapting a home to accommodate a child who requires round-the-clock care to figuring out how to...
2023-06-0345 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastGambling with Lives, with James GrimesIn this episode, we look at the devastating impact that an addiction to gambling can have on people's lives. We talk to James Grimes, Head of Education at Gambling with Lives, a community of families bereaved by gambling-related suicide that provides support, raises awareness, and campaigns for change. James is also the founder of The Big Step, a campaign to end all gambling advertising and sponsorship in football, led by people harmed by gambling.James had a 12-year gambling addiction and football played a significant role in his addiction. He tells his story of how as a 16...
2023-04-2527 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastTalking Bollox with Daren Elsley; the underwear brand highlighting men's cancersIn this episode, I talk 'Bollox' with Daren Elsley, founder of the underwear brand 'Bollox', which aims to raise awareness of men's cancers. After the death of a good friend from cancer, Daren wanted to do something to highlight men's cancers, so he decided to start his own underwear brand. After trying to balance it with a full-time job, he made the leap to devote his time entirely to building the underwear business and creating a brand that helps open up the discussion around men's cancer. We talk about comfortable underwear, challenging the UK's Intellectual Property Office, and why...
2023-03-3018 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastWhat about making a motorbike? with the UK Men's Sheds AssociationIn this episode, I talk with Mike Jenn, founder, and lifetime president of the UK Men's Sheds Association, enabling community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.Mike founded the first UK shed in Camden Town, London, over ten years ago. today there are over 800 Men’s Sheds which equates to well over 20,000 'Shedders', as they are called, benefiting from regular social interactions, new and improved skil...
2023-03-1723 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFinding your cabin in the woods with The CornermenIn this episode, I talk to John Houston head coach and founder of the South Moreton Boxing Club in south Oxfordshire. A year ago he started The Cornermen, a service aimed at improving men’s mental health and suicide prevention and how doing something and talking whether it be walking, talking or boxing is the key to getting men to open up. Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 50, and the Cornermen’s aim is to reach men downstream before they hit catastrophe by providing access to experienced professionals. They'll even come and pick you u...
2023-03-0133 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastBreaking down the stigma of mental health with The Proper Blokes ClubIn this episode, I talk to Scott Oughton-Johnson, the founder of The Proper Bloke's Club, a peer-to-peer support group with the aim to provide a safe and relaxed environment to break down the stigma of men talking about their mental health. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50. Sadly, 115 people die by suicide in the UK every week, with 75% of those deaths being male. (ONS). Scott explains how his organisation is trying to improve men's mental health by getting the conversation started so men can open up and talk by walking together as a...
2023-02-2420 min
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcastFinding your Ikigai with Koj, MasterChef finalistIn this episode, I talk to Andrew Kojima (better known as Koj), the British, Japanese chef, teacher, and author, about his career shift from finance to food. After graduating in Classics from Oxford University, Koj stumbled onto the treadmill into finance, where he spent ten years as an investment research analyst. Eventually, in 2012, he seized the opportunity to turn his passion into his profession. After reaching the final of MasterChef, he undertook a fast-track training program in Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK and Europe before specializing in the cuisine of his father's heritage. As a pr...
2023-02-2233 minGrip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 118 - Aggressive Goes AroundAfter one of the more eventful Cup Series events in recent memory, Phil and Josh return for Episode 118 of the GSP to discuss Joey Logano's win at Gateway over Kyle Busch. The real drama was taking place behind with Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott and a few others. Is Ross too aggressive or was he over his head during that particular race? Chase Briscoe won his first career Cup pole, led the race but was left wanting after cutting a tire down early. Yet again, the Gen 7 car raced really well and shows its versatility at a flatter trac...
2022-06-122h 02Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 117 - Checo, Chocolate and FredExComing off the Greatest Day in Motorsports, Phil and Josh return for E117 of the GSP to discuss the winners and all the big stories that came from the major races. Marcus Ericsson can officially get rid of the ride buyer moniker after winning the Indianapolis 500, the first in a decade for Chip Ganassi Racing. Ericsson's teammate Scott Dixon dominated but gave the race away after a speeding penalty on his final pit stop. Other key players and multiple accidents in Turn 2 are discussed.
Prior to Indy, Sergio "Checo" Perez took his biggest Formula 1 victory with a triu...
2022-06-122h 00Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 110 - Kryle Has RisenPhil and Josh return for a post-Easter episode of the GSP to discuss Kyle Busch getting his 60th Cup Series win after Tyler Reddick and Chase Briscoe got into argy bargy on the last lap during the Bristol Dirt Race. The guys talk about the race itself, the viability of Cup/NASCAR touring series on dirt (especially on non-dirt tracks) along with who stood out and who struggled. Ben Rhodes was the dominant Truck on Saturday at Bristol but needed to overcome a pit decision miscue and Carson Hocevar to win and put himself firmly in position to repeat as...
2022-04-191h 58Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 105 - Briscoe Wins and Phil Loses It With Joe PasseroPhil and Josh come back for Episode 105 of the GSP to discuss Chase Briscoe's first Cup Series win at Phoenix which sent Phil into absolute bedlam and plenty of beverages which got Beyond The Flag's Joe Passero in the Tweet storm that came from Phil's personal account and GSP too.
The crew goes over Briscoe becoming the 200th driver to win a Cup race while Ryan Blaney led the most laps but didn't close once again along with Ross Chastain's continued upswing early in the season for Trackhouse Racing. Less time is spent on Gragson's win in th...
2022-03-201h 57Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 74 - Indy, Le Mans and MorePhil and Josh return for Episode 74 of the Grip Strip Podcast talking about everything going on in motorsports. The guys go over the IndyCar race which saw Will Power win for the fifth time at the Indy road course along with all the other crazy events including Alex Palou blowing an engine closing the points battle up. Further discussion about the NASCAR races at the track takes place with analysis regarding the last few laps during the Verizon 200 between the curb issue and what took place between Briscoe and Hamlin.
The Roundup goes over the 24 Hou...
2021-08-232h 05Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 63 - Spider Pig Returns as Castro-Neves Wins 4th Indy 500Phil and Josh return for a post-Memorial Day weekend edition of the Grip Strip Podcast to discuss the historic fourth Indianapolis 500 victory for Helio Castro-Neves. The guys go over a clean and intriguing race which saw the likes of Conor Daly and Graham Rahal stand out...till Grahayme's LR tire was left loose. Scott Dixon's issues early with refueling cost him a chance at an elusive second win but Alex Palou carried the CGR banner till the bitter end against the veteran with the upstart team. Phil and Josh go over unsung runs during the day and the points ram...
2021-06-101h 40Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 35 - Thankful For Motorsports, the Pod and MorePhil and Josh discuss the XFinity and Truck Series seasons on this episode of the GSP. This season brought along a lot of young talent but will they get up to Cup in worthwhile equipment with how things are setup?
The emergence of Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric and Sheldon Creed (among others) proves there's a base of talent but the old adage of Supply and Demand is a question...does Matt Kaulig hold the key to this?
Super Teams in Trucks exist just like the other two series but can anyone infiltrate the GMS/ThorSport/KBM...
2020-11-251h 58Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 30 - Mount O'Donnell, Mount Panorama and Title TimePhil and Josh return for another episode of the GSP talking about the atrocious Kansas Cup race which saw Joey Logano win over Kevin Harvick and lock himself into the final four. The "BAS" was emphasized along with other keys for why a faster car couldn't pass for 42 laps.
Chase Briscoe wins his 9th XFinity race of 2020 and also gets announced as the driver of the 14 Cup car, bringing relief to one of of the hosts. Brett Moffitt battles teammate Zane Smith late to get his first Truck Series win of 2020 and lock himself into Phoenix.
2020-10-222h 11Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 29 - Records and RainPhil and Josh discuss Lewis Hamilton tying Michael Schumacher's win record at the Eifel GP along with other standout performances. On the other hand, rain at Charlotte made the ROVAL Cup and XFinity races pretty shambolic. William Clyde Elliott II won his 4th consecutive Cup road race while AJ Allmendinger benefitted from a late race mistake by Chase Briscoe to win the XFinity race.
The GSP Roundup discussed IMSA GT at Charlotte, DTM at Zolder and Moto GP/Moto 2 at Aragon coming off the French GP at Le Mans. Previews of the Bathurst 1000, Petit Le Mans, NHRA at Da...
2020-10-222h 16Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 26 - Air Jordan Lands in NASCAR and Much More!Phil and Josh come back for another episode of the GSP to discuss His Airness coming to NASCAR as a team owner with Denny Hamlin and hiring Darrell "Bubba" Wallace as his driver. What should we expect from this team and what does this mean for Hamlin and Wallace long-term? Ross Chastain gets the 42 ride for 2021 and is it the start of a transition within CGR's NASCAR program? Can Ross's style (similar to Ernie Irvan in his early days) sustain in Cup? Finally Texas Motor Speedway loses a points race to Circuit of the Americas but somehow gets the All...
2020-09-232h 12Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 25 - Too Much and Never EnoughPhil and Josh return for Episode 25 of the GSP talking about NASCAR at Richmond where Brad Keselowski took his 4th win of 2020 in dominant fashion. We discuss who stood out both good and bad and whose in trouble at Bristol based on points. Justin Allgaier takes two wins in less than 24 hours in XFinity and inserts his name into the title battle with a scuffling Briscoe and Cindric. Grant Enfinger leads a ThorSport 1-2-3 as the truck series has become two superteams and Austin Hill going into the playoffs.
IndyCar saw Will Power and Colt...
2020-09-172h 08Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 24 - Status Whoa!Phil and Josh come back for another episode of the GSP after Pierre Gasly wins his first F1 race over Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll in one of the wildest Italian GP's ever! They also discuss Logan Sargeant's missed opportunities at Monza in F3 along with the Ferrari junior driver battle in F2. Kevin Harvick wins his 8th race of 2020 in the Southern 500 while Truex and Clyde end each other. Phil and Josh discuss the good and bad from the playoff opener and non playoff standouts. Bruckshot Jones in the Robert Huffman tribute benefits from Chastain and Wilbur running over...
2020-09-141h 31Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 21 - Repetition Is The Mother of All LearningPhil and Josh tackle NASCAR at Dover where Harvick and Hamlin continued their 2020 Cup Series domination, Allgaier and Briscoe win in XFinity and Zane Smith continues the GMS domination in Trucks. The Round-Up covers Supercars at Hidden Valley, IMSA GTLM/GTD at VIR where Bill Auberlen passed Hi to My Family at Home for all-time wins, MotoGP at Austria where Miguel Olivera won his first GP, DTM at Lausitzring, BTCC at Oulton Park and Super GT at Suzuka.
Phil and Josh preview the Belgian GP and whether there's any stopping the Hammer Time LH44 train. Indy...
2020-09-031h 35Grip Strip PodcastGrip Strip Podcast Episode 10: Motorsports Overload and Who's At FaultPhil and Josh discuss the F1 season opener at Austria and what stood out from the race as the series comes back this week for a second race at Red Bull Ring. They also go over the GMR Grand Prix at Indy for the NTT IndyCar Series and what Scott Dixon's win means for fellow title rivals like Power and Rossi before previewing the doubleheader at Road America. NASCAR had the BadYear 400 on Sunday and the issues that came up from that race put Phil over the edge. Who can compete with Harvick and Hamlin? Phil and Josh go over...
2020-07-081h 57