Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast
Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast is a series where host Philip Briscoe talks to mid-life men about their personal stories of mental health challenges, including isolation, depression, addiction, and PTSD. The podcast aims to break the stigma around men's mental health and encourage open discussion. It is not a replacement for professional support and provides signposting to relevant organizations.
Episodes
Why Does My Past Still Control Me? with Paul Drugan
In this episode, we talk to Paul Drugan, who carried the emotional scars of growing up with a father who, behind closed doors, was controlling, violent and emotionally abusive. From the outside, his family looked successful and respectable. Inside the home, he was living in fear, convinced that somehow he deserved what was happening. Like many men, Paul never spoke about it. Instead, he buried the
I've Got Everything I Wanted so Why Am I Not Happy? with Bill Williams
Many men spend decades chasing the next thing. The next promotion. The next pay rise. The next business success. The next milestone. The belief is simple: once I get there, I'll finally be happy.But what happens when you get there and something still feels missing?In this episode of Mid-Life Men, I talk to former CEO and executive coach Bill Williams about a question that many successful men
The Shame of Starting Over at 40, with Ryan McGuigan
In this episode, I'm joined by Ryan McGuigan, whose life, from the outside, looked like a success. He had built a thriving business from scratch, was engaged to be married, enjoyed financial stability, and seemed to be living the life many men aspire to. But beneath the surface, something felt wrong.As the physical demands of his work took their toll and cracks began to appear in his relation
What If The Drinking Isn't The Problem? with Brad Hill
In this episode, we hear from Brad Hill. For most of his life, from the outside, it looked like he was coping, functioning, working, getting on with life. But underneath, he was carrying things he had never really dealt with: a father who wasn't there, childhood sexual abuse, feelings of inadequacy and a growing dependence on alcohol that became his longest relationship. In this honest and po
How Long Can You Keep Escaping Yourself? with Tom Jenkins
Tom Jenkins looked functional from the outside. He held down jobs, travelled the world and kept life moving forward. But underneath, he was trapped in a cycle of binge drinking, gambling, shame, self-destruction and trying to outrun himself. In this brutally honest conversation, Tom talks openly about: blackouts, cocaine and waking up in places he couldn’t remember the loneliness and low self-wo
Refusing to Accept a Terminal Diagnosis with Samuel Shepherd
When Samuel Shepherd was diagnosed with a rare terminal blood cancer, doctors told him there was no treatment, no cure, and possibly very little time left. For many people, that would have been the end of the story. For Samuel, it became the beginning of an obsession. A physicist, engineer and inventor with decades of experience across biochemistry, environmental science and high-level government
Is It Too Late To Fix My Health? with Jack Clifford
At 47, Jack Clifford was told he had a 100% blocked LAD “widowmaker” artery and needed emergency triple bypass surgery. Instead, he walked out of the hospital. Partly because he didn’t feel like the kind of man this was supposed to happen to. Partly because he’d watched his mother suffer cognitive decline after heart surgery and was terrified of losing himself in the process. What followed was a f
What If Some Days You Just Want Out? with Graham Noble
This episode contains an open and honest conversation about suicidal thoughts. We've chosen not to shy away from the reality of what that experience feels like because we believe that hearing it spoken about directly can help people feel less alone. If you're affected by what you hear, we'll share contact information at the end of the show notes of organisations you can reach out to
What If Life Doesn’t Go the Way You Planned? with Seejai
Seejai was a Division I basketball player with a professional future in his sights.Then, without warning, his body started telling a different story.What he thought were manageable breathing issues became a serious heart condition, the end of the sporting path he had spent years working towards, and eventually two heart transplants.In this conversation, Seejai talks openly about the shock of watch
Am I Sleepwalking Into A Health Crisis? with Dr. Kenneth Ro
Most men know something is wrong before anything goes seriously wrong. The sleep getting worse. The energy is not quite there. The body that used to be forgiving and now isn't. The sense that somewhere along the way, you stopped being a priority even to yourself. Dr. Ken Ro has spent decades in emergency medicine watching men arrive at crisis points that, in nearly every case, had been buildi
How Far Would You Go To Fix Your Life? with Cam Cordin
Most men are good at one thing: Keeping going. Through stress.Through pain.Through things not quite working. Until eventually, it all starts catching up. In this episode, I’m joined by Cam Cordin, who at 44 found himself physically broken, in constant pain, his marriage collapsing, his work unstable, and at a point where he didn’t want help. Instead, he made a private contract with himself: 911 da
My Life Is Fine… So Why Am I Not? with Kenyada Meadows
What if nothing is wrong in your life… but you don’t feel anything anymore? Some men don’t break down. They just go numb.They keep working, providing, showing up… but inside something has quietly switched off. In this episode I speak with Kenyada Meadows, a former Wall Street executive who calls this “hollow man syndrome” - when you look successful on the outside but feel empty inside. Kenyada tal
Why I Kept Trying to Make It Work, with Simon Verhage
Some men don’t just go through one difficult relationship. They find themselves asking a harder question: Why do I keep ending up in the same situation with different people? In this episode, Simon Verhage talks honestly about growing up feeling unheard, carrying that need for connection into adult life, and how that led him into relationships he hoped would finally give him the stability he was l
When You Know Something Has to Change, with Dr James Rouse
In this episode I talk with Dr James Rouse, author of "No Days Off", about what that moment looked like for him. Growing up around alcohol, instability, and pressure to just get on with things, he followed a path a lot of men fall into: drinking too much, pushing himself hard physically, and trying to outrun how he felt rather than face it. Some men don’t crash. They just reach a point w
How to Let Your Body Release Stress, with Richmond Heath
Most men deal with stress the same way: push through, stay in control, and keep going.But what if the body already has its own built-in way to release stress, and we’ve simply been taught to suppress it?In this episode I speak with Richmond Heath, a physiotherapist and one of the pioneers of Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) in Australia. Richmond’s interest in this work began with his own experience
The Price of Playing the Tough Guy, with Jacob Butchoff
This is a difficult and honest conversation. For years, Jacob played the tough guy. Violence, intimidation, and control became a shield against something he could not face in himself. The price was prison, addiction, fractured relationships and a life built on concealing his true identity. Adopted as a baby and raised in a loving, privileged home in North London, Jacob grew up with a persistent se
Feeling Like I’m From Mars: Late Autism Diagnosis, with Gary Hawkins
What happens when you grow up feeling like you don’t quite fit, and you spend decades assuming the problem is you?In this episode, I speak with Gary Hawkins, a long-serving NHS clinician who was diagnosed as autistic later in life. Gary’s story is not neat or linear. It includes childhood chaos, being labelled “unteachable,” boarding school, the traumatic loss of his father in the Falklands, years
Hard Choices, Easy Life, with Jerzy Gregorek
You won’t hear many life stories like this.Jerzy Gregorek’s life spans teenage alcoholism and suicidal thoughts, elite Olympic-level weightlifting, political exile from communist Poland, serious injury and paralysis, underground resistance work, and the long, unglamorous process of starting again in a new country. More than once.What makes this episode different is that Jerzy doesn’t romanticise a
Growing Up in Chaos with Lee Greenhough
What 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 restlessn
Why Intimacy Starts to Fade, with Dr Dan Sneider
A 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
How To Rebuild A Life That Fits, with Michael Rice
In 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
Whatever I Do, It’s Never Enough, with Mordy Gottlieb
In 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
What No One Tells Men About Losing a Parent, with John Colbert
What 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 a
The Weight Isn’t the Problem; Your Mindset Is, with Jonathan Boulware
What 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 reb
The Pain You Don’t Talk About Shows Up Anyway, with Dr Brian Livesay
In 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 h
What if the Life You Built Isn't You Anymore? with Nick Shelton
What 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
Why Midlife Doesn’t Have to Mean Decline, with Louis Bezich
What 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 rit
The Moment You Realise You're Not the Only One, with Merlin Matthews
In 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.
Powerful or Pitiful – You Choose, with Coach Anthony Cudjo
In 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
Cracked Open: How Honesty Heals Men, with Gary Jader
In 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
Why It’s So Hard for Men to Talk, with Tom Karrel
TRIGGER 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 y
“I’m desperate for work...redundancy triggered a mental illness in me”, with Joe Emery
What 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.
From Bullied Teen to Marathon Warrior, with Ben White
TRIGGER 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,
How to Future-Proof Your Midlife Career, with Mike Dwyer
In 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
Kill the Coward: Reclaim Your Life, with Jack Muldoon
TRIGGER 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, an
Fame to Rock Bottom: Never Throw in the Towel, with Anthony Hutton
What 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
Midlife Reset: How to Let Go and Begin Again, with Erik ten Have
What 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 conversa
Why Humility is a Superpower for Midlife Men, with Simon Moss
What 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
My Midlife Reset: Four Hours That Changed Everything with Tik Maynard
Tik 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, an
"I'm not Done Yet": Reinventing Life After 50, with Andrew Middleton
What 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 st
On the surface, I had everything; inside I was unravelling, with Mike Flynn
In 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,
Survival 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
It’s Not Over: Finding Strength in Your 40s, 50s & 60s, with Waldemar Franco
What 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 perso
Having It All and Still Asking: Is This It? with Josh Fineman
In 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 th
Feeding Others, While Falling Apart, with Adam Smith
Trigger 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 remar
Stand Up to Anorexia Because Comedy Can Save Lives, with Dave Chawner
Trigger 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
Can I Just Go Back to Bed Forever? - Living with Depressive Illness, with Mark Lawry
In 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 i
Demystifying Therapy: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Too Afraid to Ask, with Matt Hussey
In 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 rebu
Laughter as a Lifeline: Using Comedy to Craic the Silence on Men’s Mental Health, with John Ryan
In 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,
A Raw Conversation About Suicide and Survival, with Chris Frederick
This 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,
Authentic Masculinity: Rediscovering Who You Were Meant to Be, with Rick Belden
What 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 saw
How to Stop Poisoning Your Mind and Body, with Christian Elliot
Have 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
How the 12 Steps Can Change Any Life, with Ian Morgan Cron
In 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 ke
Losing a Father to Suicide and Learning to Live, with Will Castle
In 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
Even Olympians Struggle with Mental Health, with Jack Green OLY
In 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
How to Release Your Emotional Baggage, with Cedric Bertelli
In 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 destruc
Why I Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days, with Ben Smith
What 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 hi
The more eyes on your shame, the less control shame has over you, with Warren McKee
In 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 bat
Workplace Mental Health: A Survival Guide, with Tom Oxley
In 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 te
Wake up: Stop Numbing, Start Living! with Patrick Sperry
In 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 -
How to be Resilient: Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight! with Adrian de Courcey
Ever 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 end
Overcoming Unshakable Unhappiness: Remove that rock from your shoe! with Dr Adam Dorsay
Are 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
Healing Unresolved Trauma to Reclaim Your Life, with Mike Skrypnek
In 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 t
From Bipolar Battles to Making a Life-Saving Promise, with Craig Hamilton
Join 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
Why Bother? Fighting an Overwhelming Sense of Futility, with Patrick Donnelly
In 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,
Finding Your Voice: How Self-Expression Empowers Men, with Dr Danny Brassell
In 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-
Living Between Extremes: The Realities of Bipolar's Highs and Lows, with David Westgate
In 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
Hard Hats & Hidden Struggles: The Problem with Mental Health in the Trades, with Russ Payne
In 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
Battling Depression: Everybody Needs a Big, Hairy-Ass, Audacious Goal, with Jeff Moore
In 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 hi
Psychedelics and Nature: A Path to Better Mental Health with Shawn Bergeth
In 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 vu
Dealing with depression: My dark passenger, with Brian Murphy
In 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. Despi
Dad La Soul: Tackling Social Isolation for Dads with Dan Flanagan
Dan 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
Don'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
Battling Depression and Reducing Male Suicide with Mark Meier
In 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
From Bets to Breakthroughs: Mark Bradshaw's Battle Against Gambling Addiction
In 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 sho
Jokes, Judaism, and Autism: One Comedian's Journey to Understanding His Family, with Dave Cohen
In 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 challen
Quitting vices to regain personal control, with Nico Morales
In 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
Divorce, Andropause and Other Midlife Challenges, with James Davis
Welcome 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, stemmi
F3 Nation: Forging Brotherhood, Transforming Lives, with Steve Cavanaugh and Ridge Mazingo
In 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 f
One family's journey through mental illness, suicide, grief and recovery, with Tim and Sue Iorio.
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