Afleveringen
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The gradual ageing and then passing away of our parents is inevitable during midlife. But navigating the grief and the emotional turmoil that comes with the death of our fathers is incredibly complex. It can be the catalyst for many profound male midlife experiences, including both reflection and transformation.
This week’s show features a deeply personal, raw and honest conversation between Paul and Ben Veal about grief, burnout, fatherhood and midlife identity. Bonded by the shared experience of losing their fathers in 2023, Ben and Paul talk about loss, resilience and rediscovery.
Ben opens up about the impact of losing his dad, the emotional weight of stepping into the role of “the oldest male” in his family, and how this life-altering loss has shifted his perspective from chasing professional accolades to focusing on purpose, health, and legacy. He discusses the toll of running a small business during an economic downturn, raising two neurodivergent children, and juggling multiple creative ventures, and reflects on using creativity as a coping mechanism.
This moving episode is about the emotional realities of middle age and what it really means to grow into the next phase of life with intention.
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You can connect with Ben on LinkedIn and buy "From Badd to Good: The Inspiring Story of a Wrestling Wildman" on Amazon
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast -
It is often repeated that ‘men don’t talk’ and that, if they did, there would not be a mental health crisis among midlife men.
Luke Ambler established ANDYSMANCLUB in 2016 following the tragic loss of his brother-in-law to suicide. Recognising the urgent need for safe spaces where men could open up without judgment, he started a small support group that has since grown into a network of hundreds of clubs across the UK, helping thousands of men each week.
In this powerful and raw episode of Middle Man, Paul talks to Luke about his deeply personal journey, from experiencing his own mental health struggles to creating a national movement that encourages men to open up and seek support. Together they challenge the myth that men don’t talk, arguing that they just need the right environment to feel safe and supported, and discuss why the phrase "it's OK not to be OK" is dangerous.
Luke explores the stigma around male vulnerability and discusses the importance of accountability. His no-nonsense approach cuts through the social media noise on this topic, and he offers practical advice on resilience, self-care, and taking ownership of your mental wellbeing. If you or someone you know is struggling, this is a must-listen.
This episode is also part of Podcastathon, a global charitable initiative where podcasters around the world dedicate one episode of their show to a charity of their choice. Over 1500 shows are releasing special episodes simultaneously to raise awareness for those causes.
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You can find your local group at www.andysmanclub.co.uk. If you have been affected by the themes discussed in this show, you can contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or text 'shout' to 85258.
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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There’s very little more soul destroying for a midlife man than working in a job or a career for which he has lost his passion. And yet we tell ourselves the story that everyone has to do this, that it’s only for another 15 or 20 years, and that then we can retire and enjoy ourselves. Not realising that that impact of doing something that doesn’t fulfil you for two decades is incredibly detrimental to your health and wellbeing.
This week Paul talks to Ken Valledy, who works with midlife men to explore the possibilities of entrepreneurship and to help them break free of the constraints of lifelong careers that they don’t enjoy. Ken believes that if you’re someone who’s reached a stage in your life where you want more from the time you spend at work, it’s within your power to do something about that, no matter whether you’re a corporate high flyer or a painter and decorator.
While there’s an awful lot to be said for pivoting career in midlife, there are also practical implications, mostly around money. But Ken challenges the notion that people must endure careers they no longer enjoy because of finances, and argues that alternative paths, such as side hustles or starting a business, are within reach for many to find fulfillment.
He debunks some of the myths surrounding entrepreneurship, and introduces a practical approach designed to help individuals take small, manageable steps toward career independence. If you’re fed up in your job but feel powerless to do anything about it, this episode will prove to you that there’s more to life than waiting for retirement.
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You can contact Ken on LinkedIn and buy The Startup Lexicon on Amazon.
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast -
The andropause, or the male menopause, is the decline in testosterone that occurs naturally in men from their mid 30s onwards. Unlike the female menopause, the hormonal changes we experience are slow and subtle. And unlike the menopause, andropause is not a widely recognised medical condition. But the impact of low testosterone can be significant in some men.
Ross Tomkins is the co-founder of Alphagenix, which offers medically supervised testosterone replacement therapy. He founded the company to help men following his own experiences within both the NHS and private practice. He believes that not only are many men misdiagnosed with depression rather than low testosterone, but that most GPs have not even heard of the andropause.
This week Paul talks to Ross about how low testosterone typically manifests and what the impact can be on men’s mental and physical health. Ross shares his personal journey of struggling with low testosterone, being dismissed by multiple doctors, and ultimately finding answers through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). He discusses why men are often prescribed antidepressants instead of addressing underlying hormonal imbalances.
The conversation explores the stigma around low testosterone, the reluctance of men to seek help, and how lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and exercise can naturally boost hormone levels before considering TRT. Ross also highlights the potential long-term implications of declining testosterone levels, including its links to midlife crises and even male suicide rates.
If you feel like you’ve lost your drive, energy or motivation, this episode provides crucial insights into why that might be, and what you can do about it.
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You can find out more about testosterone replacement therapy at www.alphagenix.co.uk and contact Ross on LinkedIn.
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast -
Life changes can come thick and fast during midlife. From changes to family set up, whether that be having children or marriage break ups or kids leaving home, to shifts in career, to changes in location and social dynamics, to parental illness and death, midlife can be a tumultuous time when it is easy to fine yourself feeling overwhelmed, disconnected and lost.
This week Paul talks to Paul Flynn who, after a number of big life changes in his late 30s and early 40s, found himself feeling isolated, unfulfilled and longing for his former lifestyle. But then he discovered outdoor swimming and the trajectory of his life changed radically.
What started as a solo pursuit led to the creation of a new wild swimming club and a community offering midlife men the opportunity to reconnect with themselves, nature, and each other. Paul shares how swimming in icy waters became a game-changer for his mental wellbeing, reigniting his sense of adventure, forging new friendships and creating a new career path. And he talks about the importance of saying “yes” to new experiences and the small but powerful steps that can shift midlife from a crisis to a new beginning.
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You can find out more about the Blue Bloods Wild Swim Club on Facebook.
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast -
Cold water immersion has gained a reputation over the last few years as a bit of a cure-all for both physical and mental wellbeing, whether that’s wild swimming or a plunge pool or cold showers. But what does the science actually say?
This week Paul talks to Dr Heather Massey, an environmental physiology researcher at the University of Portsmouth and a passionate outdoor swimmer. Heather brings both academic expertise and personal experience to the topic, exploring how exposure to cold water affects the body and the mind.
She explains the cold shock response and what this does to the body physiologically, and talks about the limited studies that have been done to investigate the potential link between cold exposure and mental health. She also shares insights from her current clinical trials investigating such effects and discusses whether the benefits are likely to come from the water itself or the sense of accomplishment that follows immersion.
Whether you're a sceptic, a seasoned cold water swimmer, or just curious about the trend, this episode provides an informed and balanced perspective on the potential benefits and risks of cold water immersion.
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You can find out more about The OUTdoor Swimming as a nature-based Intervention for DEpression (OUTSIDE) study at outside2.co.uk
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast -
When it comes to therapy, men are reluctant to seek help. Most will only turn to psychotherapy when they hit crisis point, and even many of those who do seek out help will only do so because they’ve been given an ultimatum by their partner.
This week Paul talks to Bill Sullivan, a psychotherapist who does a lot of work with middle aged men, about how therapy could and should support people navigating the challenges of midlife. Bill explains the emotional avoidance that has shaped generations and, within that context, why societal expectations means that many men hesitate to seek help when they need it.
He shares insights into how therapy helps men identify and process emotions, break patterns of low self-esteem, and develop healthier coping strategies. And we dive into the challenges of perceived success, where men who seem to have it all (careers, families, financial stability) still feel lost or unfulfilled.
We also discuss the differences between therapy and coaching, and how therapy focuses on emotions and uncovering the root causes of struggles. If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy could benefit you, this show will give you the answer.
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Connect with Bill on LinkedIn.
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-therapy-last-resort -
Loneliness among midlife men is at epidemic levels. One in five men report having no close friends, and loneliness is reported to be as bad for you as smoking or drinking excessively. Some argue that it is more dangerous than cancer due to the sheer number of people it impacts and its mental and physical effects.
David Robson is the author of the book Laws of Connection, which explores why social connection matters even more than we thought, and how to build better relationships and improve our lives. This week, Paul talks to David about the science of human connection, why so many people, men in particular, struggle to form deep friendships, and how societal norms contribute to this.
David explains key psychological concepts from his book including creating shared realities and the liking gap, which causes people to underestimate how much others like them. He also discusses prioritising honesty over kindness to form deeper, more meaningful relationships.
For anyone feeling disconnected or unsure how to deepen their social bonds, David offers actionable insights and practical strategies grounded in psychology to overcome social anxiety, build confidence in social situations and foster stronger relationships.
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Buy the book Laws of Connection on Amazon.
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-loneliness -
Sleep is something that it’s incredibly important we pay close attention to for our physical health and mental wellbeing. Or so we are led to believe by the media. But acclaimed sleep physiologist Stephanie Romiszewski has a different take on this. She says that we have to stop worrying about sleep, as this is doing more harm than good.
Stephanie is the founder of Sleepy Head Clinic and has a course on the BBC called Better Sleep, and this week Paul talks to her about sleep in midlife. We discuss how it changes as we age, and what we should be doing - and not doing - to ensure our sleep patterns are natural and restorative without becoming a focus for our lives.
We talk about why consistent wake-up times are more important than rigid bedtimes, how to manage poor sleep without spiraling into frustration, and the science behind light exposure in regulating our body clocks. Stephanie also explains why popular sleep aids and strict ‘sleep hygiene’ routines might not be as effective as they seem.
She also highlights the importance of understanding sleep systems, like your sleep drive and circadian rhythm, and offers strategies to rest better without creating unhealthy habits.
Whether you’re a lifelong insomniac or someone looking to optimise your overall wellbeing, Stephanie’s practical, science-back advice will bust some common myths, improve your sleep habits and change the way you think about sleep forever.
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Find out more about Stephanie’s personalised sleep support at www.sleepyheadclinic.co.uk or check out her online course at www.re-sleep.com
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-sleep -
There is an overwhelming amount of content out there about what we should eat and how we should eat it. A lot of it is confusing and contradictory, and most of us simply want down-to-earth, practical advice that we can use every day to help us live healthier and longer lives.
Dr Federica Amati is a medical scientist and nutritionist, and the author of the book Every Body Should Know This. The book approaches nutrition and diet from a life-stage perspective, outlining how our body's requirements change as we age. And it provides an easy to follow blueprint on how and what to eat in midlife and beyond.
Fede believes that making even small, sustainable changes can drastically transform both quality and length of life. In today’s show, she talks to Paul about how critical nutrition is in preventing an early death from chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer, and she also debunks common misconceptions about specific dietary plans.
Fede shares practical tips on adopting healthier food habits into your lifestyle, and talks about the foods that we really need to eat and to avoid for longevity and vitality.
If you’re looking to improve your energy levels, manage midlife health risks, or simply learn how to make better food choices, Fede’s down-to-earth advice is exactly what you need.
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Follow Fede on Instagram at @dr.fede.amati
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
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You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-midlife-nutrition -
Many people have a complicated relationship with alcohol. They enjoy the perceived social benefits and the escapism it offers, but are also very aware that what they’re doing is little more than masking stress or anxiety.
This week Paul talks to William Porter, author of the book Alcohol Explained, to explore the profound effects that alcohol has on our bodies, minds, and lives. William believes in self-knowledge and his approach is very much one of education, offering a fresh perspective on why alcohol often exacerbates the very issues people use it to address.
He talks about the physical and psychological dependencies associated with drinking, the significant impact of alcohol on sleep, and how even moderate drinking can affect energy levels, anxiety, and overall mental health. And he explains how shifting your mindset and analysing your habits can lead to lasting change.
William also candidly shares his personal journey of giving up alcohol over a decade ago, delving into the challenges, insights, and life changes that followed. For anyone considering reducing their alcohol intake, whether as a casual drinker taking part in Dry January or someone looking to quit for good, this episode provides non-judgemental and thoughtful insights, practical advice, and encouragement.
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Read the first five chapters of Alcohol Explained for free at www.alcoholexplained.com
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-alcohol-dependence -
Wellbeing, both physical and mental, comes into sharp focus in midlife. We want to know more and we want do more. But the sheer volume and variety of advice out there can be overwhelming.
Sally Gunnell, former Olympic gold medallist turned health and wellbeing advocate knows more than most about physical and mental fitness. And in this week’s show, she shares her insights and practical advice into how to enhance physical and mental wellbeing in midlife, and maintain it as we age.
Sally believes in small but consistent habits that create lasting impact, and is a big advocate of building activities into your everyday life and incorporating movement into daily routines. We talk about the impact of a variety of physical and mental practices, including the importance of building muscle strength, the significance of cardio for cardiovascular health, the role of nutrition, breathwork and sleep
We explore some common misconceptions around exercise, while Sally shares per personal experiences with stress management and moving from being a top class athlete into the challenges of midlife.
If you’re a midlifer with a busy work and/or family life, Sally’s practical and down-to-earth advice is exactly what you’ve been waiting for to take control of your wellbeing journey.
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Find out more about Sally's corporate wellbeing services at www.sallygunnell.com
If you’ve found this episode insightful or interesting, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
Middle Man on Instagram: @middleman__podcast
Middle Man on Facebook: @middlemanpodcast
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-midlife-wellbeing-sally-gunnell -
When Middle Man was conceived earlier this year it was with a hunch that if I felt the way I did in midlife, then other men must be feeling the same way. Little did I know that quite so many men were feeling quite so disconnected, frustrated and alone.
This week’s episode provides some tips on using the holiday season to put yourself in the best possible place for positive change in 2025, and it also revisits those first couple of episodes to look at how things have progressed since then, both for me and for Middle Man’s listeners. I’m sharing a little more about the ups and downs of my own journey out of the midlife funk I talked about back in the summer.
And I’m re-introducing three guests who have featured on the show before: Andrew Waddell, Daniel Glyde and Nick Edgar. Each offers advice for using the holiday period to set positive goals for next year, providing valuable strategies, from writing a future self letter to engaging in physical activity and having meaningful conversations.
If you’ve found Middle Man insightful or interesting or helpful, you can support the show at www.ko-fi.com/middlemanpodcast
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-reflection-rest-rediscovery
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com -
Shifting dynamics around masculinity have meant that it has come under fire in recent years, largely due to the unrepresentative viewpoints of an extremely vocal minority of outspoken public figures. But there are also those out there seeking to redefine modern masculinity in positive terms and to help men to navigate life’s complexities with authenticity and accountability.
Tom Stroud appeared on the Netflix show ‘Love is Blind UK’ in the summer, and has since chosen to use the platform he’s been given to challenge perceptions of modern masculinity rather than pursuing brand deals. This week Paul talks candidly to Tom about his personal journey, including the impact of his childhood and recent spells of introspection, and about why he feels a passion for helping men to improve their relationships and their mental health.
Tom shares insights into the challenges men face in embracing vulnerability and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of redefining traditional gender roles and expectations. And he emphasises the importance of men understanding themselves and their roles, advocating for a balanced approach to gender equality.
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-midlife-stories-tom-stroud
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com
If you enjoy this episode you can support the podcast by buying me a coffee at Ko-Fi -
Many men report feeling ‘stuck’ in midlife. Trapped in their lives, no matter how ‘successful’ they may be, with no idea how to change their circumstances and lead lives that are more rewarding and fulfilling. But by exploring emotions, behaviours and values with curiosity rather than judgement, things can change fast.
This week Paul talks to Nick Edgar about self leadership, and about the value of self awareness and emotional agility. While the path to self-leadership may seem at first to be a somewhat alien concept and therefore, feel daunting, meaningful change begins with small, consistent steps toward curiosity and compassion, rather than huge life changes.
Offering a roadmap for men seeking to reclaim their identity, purpose, and fulfilment, Nick also introduces the concept of self-soothing behaviours, and discusses how to identify these patterns and understand their root causes.
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-self-leadership
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com -
Shame is an incredibly powerful and complex emotion that is often overlooked in the therapeutic environment. But particularly during midlife, unresolved shame could be one of the biggest emotional instigators of what is referred to as the midlife crisis.
This week Paul talks to Rob Etherson, co-creator of Shame Containment Theory, about the concept of shame and about how and why it may negatively impact men in midlife. Rob explains how shame contributes heavily to the feeling of unworthiness that many midlife men report, resulting in an emotional crisis of behaviour and mental wellbeing.
Shame plays a central role in shaping our behaviours, relationships, and sense of worth, and left uncontained, the self judgement and criticism that can result from this can be extremely harmful. The need to understand and address shame to mitigate its impact on mental health and behaviour is therefore incredibly important.
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-shame-midlife-crisis
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com -
Self doubt and lack of confidence plague many midlife men. It is among the most prevalent challenges men face as they transition into the second half of life, contributing to a sense of a lack of purpose, loneliness and poor mental wellbeing.
This week Paul talks to Simon Burgess, the host of Life’s Second Act, who shares his journey of rediscovering purpose and meaning while navigating self-doubt, and explains how speaking with others on his podcast has broadened his understanding of what it means to embrace change.
Simon reflects on how conversations with others have highlighted common themes, including the role of intuition, self-awareness, and the courage to make transformative life changes. He talks about how these individuals have often found meaning by stepping beyond self-limiting beliefs and embracing uncertainty but how, for him, the process of change is ongoing and challenging.
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-midlife-stories-simon-burgess
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com -
Long-term exposure to chronic stress can reduce life expectancy by anything from two to twenty years. It is estimated that one in nine UK adults feels stressed every single day, while three-quarters have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year.
This week Paul talks to stress expert Katie Maycock about the harsh realities of burnout and the impact it can have on the physical and mental health of midlife men. Katie takes Paul through the six stages of burnout, revealing how seemingly small behaviours can escalate rapidly from heightened productivity to full physical, mental and emotional shutdown.
As well as sharing her own uniquely personal experiences, Katie also shares her proven three-pillar approach to building resilience and, for those beginning to feel the weight of burnout, Katie provides practical tips for daily self-awareness and simple, impactful routines to break the cycle before it escalates. This is a must-listen show for anyone seeking actionable strategies to manage stress, boost resilience, and improve overall wellbeing.
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-stress-anxiety-burnout
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com -
Many midlife men struggle with emotional pressures, feeling frustrated, lonely, stressed and lost. And they often feel unheard, reluctant or unable to speak up for fear of ridicule or rejection. But when it comes to self-help, there is a question that looms large: is there a lack of information for midlife men, or is it that they’re not interested in accessing it?
In a bid to answer this discussion, Alice Kearney conducted research into what resources are available for midlife men and into what men’s feelings are about the topic. The results seemed to highlight that there’s a lack of interest in seeking help until such point as there is no other option. This is in contrast to women, who actively seek support.
The research also highlighted a lack of midlife role models for men, a dearth of online communities despite an apparent willingness to embrace these, and the need for more information and support tailored to midlife men. Could it be that addressing this gap could help men better navigate midlife challenges before they reach breaking point?
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-why-men-help-themselves
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com -
A couple of years ago a trend called ‘the soft life’ started to emerge on the internet. But unlike most other internet trends, this one has particular relevance to midlife men, focusing as it does on emotional wellbeing and self-care.
A strong advocate for the soft life is Dr Sarah Nicholls, an A&E doctor, burnout coach and YouTuber who embraced this way of living after experiencing her own spell of burnout. This week Paul talks to Sarah about living a life that reduces stress and instead priorities mental wellbeing, ease and personal fulfilment.
Sarah explains how adopting a soft life helped her manage anxiety and insomnia, and allows her to navigate stressful situations more calmly and productively. She talks about the value of making time for oneself and practising self-compassion, and about how adopting small daily habits can make a significant difference over time.
The conversation also addresses the need to recognise and address chronic stress, which can lead to a loss of identity and joy. And it discusses how living a soft life is about making mindful decisions to create a more balanced, joyful, and fulfilling existence.
You can read the full transcript for this episode at www.middlemanpodcast.com/transcript-soft-life
I'd love to hear about your experiences, so if you'd like to get in touch email me at [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind or sign up to the newsletter at www.middlemanpodcast.com - Laat meer zien
