AEM Podcast #24 - Laurence Johns - Mankind Project - Toxic Masculinity, Men's Groups & Community

Today I am speaking with Laurence Johns from The ManKind Project, MKP. Laurence is the Development and Outreach Director at The ManKind Project UK and Ireland. The MKP is a men's charity that helps "to nurture a global community of men who have the strength of character to show love, support healthy relationships, and make the world a kinder place."Some of the questions I ask him:I'd love you to speak about some of your own fascinating journey. What drew you into men's work?You work as the Development and Outreach Director at the MKP. Could you share more about the MKP's mission, what it doesI'd love you to speak about masculinity and both toxic masculinity and benevolent masculinityI am fascinated by the power of community. You mention on your website that “the only real currency left, is community”. Can you speak more on this please?In the work that you are doing with the Mankind project what is the current state of men's mental health? What have you found has really helped men with their mental health?Could you speak about the power and importance of positive initiation please? Why is it so important and what happens to men when we don't have it in our lives?I would love to honour Robert Bly who passed away 10 days ago. Are there any bits of wisdom from Robert that you could share? Any stories? Anything that you have learned?How do people get in touch with you and learn more about the ManKind Project?To learn more about the Mankind Project UK and Ireland please visit: https://mankindprojectuki.org/To learn more about the Mankind Project globally: https://mankindproject.org/For the female version, Women In Power please visit: https://womeninpoweruk.com/Or Women Within: https://womanwithin.org.uk/Or Celebration of Being which hosts gatherings for both men, women and mixed: https://www.celebrationofbeing.co.uk/ --- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/ ---Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/