Minds of Men

What does a journey of growth actually look like?This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by high-performance coach Adam Smith for a conversation about personal growth: not as a destination, but as an ongoing process of understanding yourself, challenging old patterns and continually evolving.Adam works with ambitious founders and business owners, helping them sharpen their thinking, perform at a higher level and create greater freedom in both life and business. But in this episode, we go beyond performance and talk about the person behind it.We explore what growth really looks like when you’re living it: the setbacks, uncomfortable realisations, changing identities, difficult decisions and moments where the version of you that got you here may not be the version that takes you where you want to go next.We talk about self-awareness, responsibility, relationships, purpose, success and the importance of being willing to question the stories you’ve built your life around.Because growth isn’t always about doing more or achieving more. Sometimes it’s about letting go, slowing down, seeing yourself more clearly and having the courage to change.If you’re at a point in life where you know something needs to shift- personally, professionally or both- there’s a lot in this conversation for you.You can learn more about Adam and his work here:- https://agameconsultancy.com/

What does it really take to turn your life around?This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by online coach and transformation expert Rikki Halfpenny for an open and honest conversation about his journey from struggling with his own life to thriving - and ultimately building a career helping other people do the same.We talk about the experiences that shaped Rikki, the challenges he’s had to overcome, and what he learned about discipline, mindset, confidence and taking responsibility for the direction of your life. We also explore why physical transformation is often about far more than changing how you look, and how improving your health, habits and relationship with yourself can impact almost every other area of your life.Today, Rikki uses those experiences to help others become stronger, healthier, more confident versions of themselves. This is a conversation about transformation in the truest sense of the word, recognising where you are, deciding where you want to go, and becoming the person capable of getting there.If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost your way, or known that you’re capable of more than the life you’re currently living, this episode is for you.Follow Rikki:Instagram: @rikki_halfpenny_fitnessYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rikki_halfpenny_fitness🎙️ If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to Minds of Men, share the episode and send it to someone who might need to hear it.

Why does masculinity feel so confusing today?In this week's episode of Minds of Men, I'm joined by TEDx speaker, author and men's wellbeing advocate Andrew Pain to explore one of the most important conversations facing men today.Drawing on the themes from his new book, Honestly, Man, (on sale this week), we discuss why so many men struggle to talk openly about their emotions, the impact of shame, loneliness and burnout, and what healthier masculinity really looks like in today's world. We also explore psychological safety, difficult conversations, resilience, fatherhood, identity, and how we can create communities where men feel able to speak honestly- without fear of judgement.Whether you're a father, partner, leader, coach, or simply someone trying to make sense of what it means to be a man today, this episode offers practical insights, honest reflection and plenty of moments that will challenge the way you think.About AndrewAndrew Pain is a TEDx and CPD-accredited speaker, award-winning campaigner, podcast host and the author of Honestly, Man: Why Masculinity Feels Confusing, Shame Doesn't Help and What to Do About It. He works with organisations including HSBC, Amazon, National Highways, Specsavers and The Crown Estate, helping leaders and teams improve wellbeing, resilience, communication and psychological safety. All profits from Honestly, Man are invested into charities supporting men and boys.Learn more about Andrew here:🌐 https://www.andrewpain.co.uk/💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpain/📖 Honestly, Man by Andrew Pain:https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=honestly+man+andrew+painIf you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

This week I'm speaking with Mike Nicholson, a former secondary school teacher and the founder of Progressive Masculinity, a nationally recognised organisation helping schools create healthier cultures for boys and young men. Drawing on years of experience working directly with pupils and educators, Mike delivers training, speaks at conferences and advises organisations across the UK on masculinity, relationships and wellbeing. Progressive Masculinity’s work has been featured extensively in the national media, and Mike has been invited to provide consultancy to several UK government departments on issues affecting boys and young men.Together we discuss what life is like for boys and young men in today's society; the challenges they face, their self-image, finding their place in the world and the pressures heaped on them, before they've even had a chance to figure themselves out!Whether you're a parent, teacher, someone who works with children or simply someone who is concerned for the state of young people, this episode has something you'll want to hear.You can learn more about Mike and his work here:http://progressivemasculinity.co.uk/

In this week's episode of Minds of Men, we explore the quiet epidemic of male loneliness and the power of genuine human connection. Together with Jake Fishbein, we dive into why meaningful friendships become harder as men get older, the role of men's circles, and why so many men struggle to be truly seen, heard and understood.We unpack vulnerability, trust, masculinity, emotional safety and what it actually takes to build authentic relationships in a world that often rewards performance over presence. Whether you're looking to strengthen your friendships, become a better partner, father or leader, or simply feel less alone, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections that every man can benefit from.If you've ever felt isolated despite appearing to have everything together, this episode is for you.🎙️ Don't forget to subscribe, like and share the episode with someone who might need to hear it.Jake Fishbein is a novelist, executive coach, men's group facilitator, die-hard Red Sox fan, and Greek-history nerd. He runs Tiresias Leadership and The Arena Men's Group, where he helps executives, non-profit leaders, and men wrestling with modern masculinity become better communicators and build relationships that actually nourish them. And yes, he coaches women, too. You can find his writing on The Good Men Project and on his Substack, The Hungry Reader. You can learn more about Jake and his work here: www.jakefishbein.comAmazon US - Print - https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Group-Novel-Messy-Friendships/dp/B0H31RVBC9Amazon - Kindle ebook- https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Group-Novel-Messy-Friendships-ebook/dp/B0H31JMJXS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0Barnes & Noble - Print  - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mens-group-jacob-fishbein/1150260181?ean=9798900520247B&N - Nook ebook - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mens-group-jacob-fishbein/1150260181?ean=2940185207956

How much of what you know about nutrition is actually true?In this episode, I speak with Joshua Clamp about food, nutrition and health, cutting through the myths, misinformation and conflicting advice that dominate the industry. From ultra-processed foods and weight loss to metabolic health, supplements and sustainable eating habits, we unpack what really matters, and what doesn't.Whether you're looking to improve your health, increase your energy or simply make better decisions about what you eat, this conversation is packed with practical insights and evidence-based advice you can apply immediately.Josh Clamp is a Registered Nutritionist (MSc), Ultra Endurance Runner & Men's Health Champion. After completing his BSc in Medical Physiology and MSc in Human Nutrition, Josh joined Maximus UK as a Senior Nutritionist to lead their online men's weight management programme. Josh now runs his own performance consultancy, The Men’s Health Nutritionist, where he supports and collaborates with businesses, charities & and individuals to optimise health, wellbeing & performance.  To learn more about Josh, click below:Website: https://www.themenshealthnutritionist.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-clamp-rnutr-125a45160/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenshealthnutritionist/

On this week's episode, I speak with Ben Price, who is ex-Special Forces and now works as a Men's Coach. Join us as we explore rites of passage, masculine archetypes, and initiations which are sorely missing across society.Together, we explore why so many men feel lost in the modern world, the importance of rites of passage, masculine archetypes, and the initiations that once helped boys become grounded, capable men. We discuss what happens when those experiences are missing, and how men can consciously create them for themselves today.If you're interested in masculinity, purpose, resilience, leadership, and becoming the man your life is asking you to be, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.To learn more about Ben and his work, check out his website and YouTube channel:- https://go.coachbenprice.com/the-forge- https://www.youtube.com/@coachbenprice

For many, the voice that holds us back isn't that of their boss, their competition, or their circumstances.It's the one inside their own head.In this episode, we explore the psychology of the inner critic - where it comes from, and how it fuels perfectionism, anxiety, burnout and self-doubt.If you've ever felt like your own harshest judge, this conversation will help you understand that voice, and show you how to stop letting it run your life.To learn more about Billy, check out his YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@UCXL1m5sb4QodlnG_88HR6NA

On today's episode, I speak with Kieran Anders, who is the Dad Matters lead at Home Start UK.Kieran Anders is the Dad Matters Lead at Home-Start UK, leading the national development of services that support fathers during pregnancy and the first years of their child's life. With a background in family support, perinatal mental health, education and community development, Kieran is passionate about ensuring dads are recognised, included, and supported as parents in their own right. Through Dad Matters UK, he works with communities, professionals, and policymakers to improve outcomes for fathers, children, and families across the UK.To learn more about the work Kieran does and to access support, follow the links below.HOME START UK:https://www.home-start.org.uk/DAD MATTERS:https://www.home-start.org.uk/dad-matters

On this week's episode, I speak with Amit Singh Kalley. Amit works with parents, schools and organisations to make sense of the real risks children face online, and to turn concern into informed, confident action.His work focuses on digital parenting, online safety and safeguarding, supporting adults to understand and respond to issues such as:📱 Social media pressures and harmful content🎮 Online gaming risks and in-game communication🧠 Grooming, coercion and sextortion🤖 AI-generated images and misinformation🔍 Hidden online language, emojis and slangAmit helps adults spot warning signs early, set healthy boundaries with technology, and have calm, effective conversations with children, without panic, judgement or fear-mongering.For more information about Amit's work, check out his website:https://forworkingparents.com/

Today’s guest is Callum Molyneux, a Personal Trainer and Holistic Health Coach based in Sheffield.At the age of 13, Callum’s mother died following a battle with cancer. What followed was a teenager who struggled to navigate his way through grief and loss, and as a result, turned to fitness and strength training in such a brutal way, that it quickly started to cause real damage to him physically.Join us as Callum shares his experiences of grief, loss, love and identity. Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACPChristian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more:Coaching with Christian - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/Callum's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callum_molyneux_/

Today’s guest is Olumide Ajulo. Join us as we explore male friendships and how they affect our day-to-day lives.Olu is the Counselling Team Manager at Leeds Beckett University, and is also a Therapist and Supervisor in private practice. He is a Senior Accredited member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and is trained in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). DBT is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to treat intense emotions, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). It balances emotional regulation and acceptance, with change-oriented strategies, teaching skills to manage distress and improve relationships.Olu’s master's research is into “Factors that affect how men engage with university mental health services.” Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACPChristian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more:Coaching with Christian - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/

Today’s guest is Billy Clark, one of the Co-Founders of Core Five Coaching. Billy is a Teacher, Mentor and Coach who has focused on working with men in deeply transformative spaces, including 1:1 coaching, group coaching and retreats.Billy also has his own YouTube channel, Mr Clark’s Classroom, which he describes as:“A place to slow down, ask confronting life-changing questions, answer them via distilled insights from psychology and philosophy books, and make inner work practical and enjoyable.”Join us as we hear Billy describe what Shadow Work is and how we can explore our own shadow side, to become a more complete and successful version of ourselves. Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACPChristian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more:Coaching with Christian & Billy - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/Billy's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@mrclarksclassroom 

This episode is a raw and powerful conversation on what it really takes for men to heal. Jacob Lowe shares his journey through profound loss, addiction, and self-destruction, and how he rebuilt his life from the ground up.Together, we explore the uncomfortable truths most men avoid: trauma, identity, emotional suppression, and why facing them is the first step toward real change.From the power of holding space and therapy, to breaking cycles, building resilience, and finding purpose, this is an honest, straight-talking look at recovery. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re just surviving, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful reminder: change is possible, and it starts with being real.You can follow and contact Jacob at:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacob.lowe94/ Email - [email protected] Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACPChristian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more:- https://www.corefivecoaching.com/