Men Like Us

There’s something deeply confronting about the way we talk about war, and even more confronting about the way we treat the men who fight it.Take Ben Roberts-Smith. Once held up as the very definition of Australian courage. A decorated war hero, a man we celebrated, a man we pointed to and said, this is what bravery looks like. And yet, in the years that followed, we watched that same man become the centre of one of the most public and divisive reckonings this country has ever seen.Now, whatever side people take on his case, there’s a bigger issue here that we can’t ignore.We send young Australians into war zones under the banner of duty, loyalty, and mateship. We ask them to make impossible decisions in impossible environments where the line between right and wrong is often blurred by survival. We expect them to carry out orders, to trust their leadership, and to risk everything not just their lives, but their futures, their mental health, and their place in society.But when they come home, things change.Suddenly, the support isn’t as strong. The understanding fades. The same nation that praised their courage can be quick to judge their actions, often from the comfort of a lounge room, far removed from the chaos of combat.And here’s the part that sits heavy. Accountability doesn’t always fall evenly.The men on the ground, the ones making split second decisions under fire, often carry the full weight of scrutiny. Meanwhile, those higher up the chain, the commanders, the decision makers, can at times step away from the consequences of the environments they helped create.That imbalance is something we need to confront.Because this isn’t about excusing wrongdoing. It’s about recognising the reality of war, the pressure placed on those we send into it, and the responsibility that sits at every level, not just the boots on the ground.If we’re going to call them heroes when it suits us, we need to stand by them when things get complicated.If we’re going to demand accountability, it must be shared, fairly and honestly, across the entire chain of command.And if we truly value the men and women who serve this country, then our support for them cannot be conditional. It cannot disappear the moment the story becomes uncomfortable.Because at the end of the day, these are Australians who were asked to do a job most of us will never fully understand.And that deserves more than selective respect.It deserves consistency.

I am creating Voice for Men Like Us and Veterans because too many men — especially our veterans — feel like they have been forgotten, ignored, or expected to just “get on with it” in silence.For years, men have carried the weight of providing, protecting, and serving their communities and their country. But when it comes to their mental health, their struggles, their purpose after service, or simply having someone listen — the support is often missing.This platform exists to change that.It’s about giving men a place where their voice matters. A place where we can talk honestly about life, identity, family, mental health, and the challenges men face today — without judgement and without being told to stay quiet.Because men like us — and the veterans who have sacrificed so much for this country — deserve to be heard, supported, and respected.

A short video to let you know we are on a break. We will be back by the first week of May to start a new Dynamic and Informative Remainder of 2026

I used to overthink this stuff. Training, recovery, what I should or shouldn’t eat. Truth is, muscle just needs to be used and it needs to be fed. Protein helps your body rebuild what you break down, and if you don’t get enough, you feel it — weaker, slower, flatter.This video isn’t a lesson or a lecture. It’s just me making a protein shake, having a bit of fun, and doing one small thing that helps me keep moving, keep training, and keep showing up. Nothing serious. Just part of the routine.

To everyone who’s supported Men Like Us from the start whether you’ve listened shared a post sent a message had a quiet conversation or simply nodded along because something resonated, I see you and I’m genuinely grateful.What started as an honest idea has turned into something progressive real and much bigger than me. Men Like Us has grown because men are ready to talk to listen to reflect and to do better for themselves their partners their kids and the people around them.This space has never been about having all the answers. It’s about creating room for honesty growth accountability and support. And the response so far proves there is a real need for that.We’re only getting started. This will continue to grow evolve and serve all men no matter where you’re at in life with respect truth and purpose.Thank you for backing it believing in it and being part of it. The journey continues.Thanks to Everyone who Supported Men Like UsMatthew

Heres' the proof of what I do.I put this video up this time for a simple reason. To show results, not just talk. I’ve said plenty about hard work, discipline, and taking responsibility for your own health, and it matters to me that people know I actually live by that. This isn’t about flexing or chasing likes, it’s about honesty. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but if you show up consistently and do the work, the results come. I wanted this out there so people can see that I practice what I preach, not just say the words.

In this episode of Men Like Us, we reflect on Episode 1 and continue the conversation about honesty, vulnerability, and the silent weight many men carry. Matthew explores why men are conditioned to stay quiet, how messages like “man up” and “don’t cry” shape our behaviour, and the real cost of emotional silence, for ourselves and for the next generation.Through personal reflection and lived experience, this episode challenges the idea that strength means staying quiet, and reframes vulnerability as courage. The episode also sets a simple but powerful piece of homework: taking time to acknowledge what you’ve been holding in and choosing one small step toward speaking it out loud.This is a conversation about presence, fatherhood, masculinity, and breaking long-held habits of silence, one honest step at a time.

This episode of Men Like Us is all about honesty, the truth about life, manhood, and the conversations we often avoid. I speak openly about real struggles, lessons learned, and the realities that shape us. But the podcast isn’t just my story, it’s yours too. I’m asking you to tell the truth, to share your thoughts and feedback, because real change and real connection only happen when we’re honest with ourselves and with each other.Join the conversation on our Facebook page, in the Men Like Us Facebook group, or explore menlikeus.org and let me know what resonates with you. Subscribe on Spotify and Apple, share with friends and family, and help shape a space where truth truly matters.

A short wrap up for the year, what we can expect in 2026 and how Men Like Us is growing into more than a Podcast

My health comes first—always. Every choice I make, every goal I pursue, starts with prioritising my physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and overall resilience. I believe that when your health is strong, everything else in life—family, work, relationships, and personal growth—falls into place. Taking care of yourself isn’t optional; it’s the foundation for everything you want to achieve.

In this Episode we’re diving into a topic that affects too many men yet doesn’t get nearly enough conversation—prostate cancer. We’re going to talk honestly about the risks, the signs to watch for, and why early detection can make all the difference. This is about cutting through the stigma, sharing real stories, and giving men the knowledge and confidence to take control of their health.

Podcast Description – Setting the Standard: What Men Need to Step Up | Men Like UsIn a world where expectations are shifting and real leadership is becoming harder to find, men are being called to do more than talk — we’re being asked to set the standard. This episode of Men Like Us dives into what it truly means for men to be the example in their families, their relationships, their work, and their communities.We break down why modelling strength, integrity, accountability, and emotional maturity isn’t just admirable — it’s necessary. From owning our choices to leading with calm confidence, from showing respect to building resilience, we explore how being the example creates safer homes, stronger children, healthier partnerships, and better communities.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. It’s about standing up when life hits hard. It’s about walking the talk.If you’re a man wanting to raise your standards, redefine what you expect from yourself, and become the kind of bloke others can look to — this episode is for you.Men Like Us is where real conversations replace excuses, and where being a better man starts with one simple principle: lead by example.

Welcome back to Men Like Us. Today I want to crack open something big — masculinity. Not the chest-thumping stereotype, not the “be tougher, speak less” version we grew up with. I’m talking about the real thing… the stuff that actually gets lived, not performed.To me, masculinity isn’t about pretending you’ve got everything handled. It’s about standing up when it counts, owning your mistakes, protecting what matters, and being honest enough to say, “Yeah, I’m struggling,” when you’re actually struggling. It’s roots and responsibility. It’s fire and vulnerability. It’s knowing who you are without needing the world to clap for it.

Some commentators express concern that elements of “totalitarianism” could emerge in Australia, often linking these fears to increased immigration. In political theory, totalitarianism refers to a system where the state seeks absolute control over public and private life — something far removed from Australia’s democratic structure.Australia’s immigration policy is shaped through parliamentary processes, public consultation, and regular review. While rapid population growth can create pressure on housing, infrastructure, and cultural cohesion — which may lead some to feel that government authority is expanding — these concerns are generally about governance and planning rather than evidence of totalitarian rule.Debates about immigration are part of a healthy democratic society, and concerns should be addressed through transparent policy-making, community dialogue, and accountability, not fear of authoritarian intent.

In this episode of Men Like Us, Matthew Mangelsdorf sits down with Big Max — Max Kent — a proud Australian, Navy veteran, fighter, and one of the toughest men you’ll ever hear from.Max enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy as a teenager, answering the call to serve in Vietnam without hesitation. He witnessed the reality of war at an age when most young men are still finding their feet — experiences marked by fear, courage, and chaos.But when he returned home, the world wasn’t ready to listen. The stories, the trauma, the truth — none of it had a place. And while the war ended, it never truly left him. Max carried home the invisible weight of PTSD: the noise, the silence, and the memories that refuse to fade.Life dealt him another blow when he lost his leg — slowly and painfully — but even that didn’t extinguish the fire inside him. Max still stands strong in spirit, heart, and sheer determination.This episode explores far more than war. It dives into identity, pain, loyalty, pride, and the resilience of a man who has lost much but continues to show up. It’s about the quiet battles men fight, the scars no one sees, and the strength it takes to keep trying — for ourselves and for the people we love.Raw, real, and completely unfiltered, Max shares his story with honesty and grit.This is Big Max.And this… is Men Like Us.

Welcome to Empowering Menopause & Aesthetics — the podcast where honest conversation meets expert care.I’m your host, and today we’re stepping into a space that has been missing for far too long: a place where women can feel seen, supported, and genuinely understood through every stage of menopause.This show is brought to you by Empower Menopause & Aesthetics — a nurse-led clinic founded by Melissa Howcroft, offering holistic, evidence-based menopause support alongside personalised aesthetic treatments. With nearly two decades of nursing experience across emergency care, oncology, respiratory, and hospital operations, Melissa created EMA after recognising just how many women were struggling in silence, without guidance or validation.Here, we talk openly about the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. We unpack the myths, explore real-life stories, and share practical tools to help women feel empowered, informed, and confident. We also dive into the world of aesthetics — not from a place of pressure, but from a place of self-care, wellbeing, and choice.Whether you’re navigating symptoms yourself, supporting a partner, or simply wanting to understand your body better, this podcast is your go-to companion on the journey.So settle in — and let’s start empowering women, one conversation at a time.

An outline and brief on what Men Like Us is all about. What are the expectations of Men in their mid 40's onwards. Times are changing so fast and we are struggling to keep up.