Young Men in Crisis: Confidence, Social Skills & What's Really Going Wrong | with Mark Boulton

Something is changing for young men — and the data, the conversations, and the front-line experience of people working with them points to a real and growing challenge. In this episode of In The Trenches, Hanif Ibrahim sits down with Mark Boulton from Arakan Martial Art for an honest, nuanced conversation about the struggles many young men are facing today — from social isolation and gaming addiction to declining confidence, communication skills, and a loss of direction. Mark works closely with young people every day. What he sees — and what he believes is actually helping — is both sobering and instructive. What Mark covers: - Why many young men are struggling with confidence and basic social skills - The specific impact of isolation and digital environments on identity and self-worth - How gaming addiction and passive consumption are affecting development - Why discipline, physical challenge, and shared experience are powerful counterforces - The role of mentorship in developing capable, grounded young men - How martial arts and other structured disciplines create resilience and emotional control - What parents, employers, and community leaders can do differently This conversation goes beyond martial arts. It's about what it means to develop character — and why that work has never been more urgent. Powered by The Finance Agency — salary-paid finance brokers committed to supporting communities where business owners operate. financeagency.com.au #YoungMen #Masculinity #PersonalDevelopment #MartialArts #BusinessPodcast #InTheTrenches #MentalHealthMen #Confidence #SocialSkills #Parenting