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Man Up / Man Down

Volker Ballueder and David Pawsey

We’ll discuss (and have the odd rant about) all the pressures of being a man, approaching (sorry, we have to say it) middle age. All the fears we have but are often too embarrassed to discuss with our friends. And even the fact that you no longer seem to have “friends” just colleagues and other dads that you nod to at school and club drop-offs. But we’ll also look at the science and psychology behind why we often feel how we feel, why even the most successful people (from business to sport to entertainment) can experience doubt and lack of direction and how small changes in your life, can achieve big results (whether you want to change career, drop a few pounds or just try and get some “you time” back in your life). We aren’t unique, and we want to share. So make sure you subscribe to listen to the second season of our podcast, which goes live about 3x a month!

Thanks, Dave & Volker

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 20 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 46 min
  • English

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  • S100 · E111
    May 7 · 52 min

    Men Therapy Hub - helping men in midlife to feel better with Chris Hemmings

    In this episode of Man Up / Man Down, Volker and David talk to therapist, coach and former BBC journalist Chris Hemmings. Chris shares how his father’s death led to cocaine misuse and a deep dive into men’s mental health, masculinity and why so many men are struggling in silence. He explains why empathy is a teachable skill, how boys are socialised away from their emotions, and why he created Men’s Therapy Hub – a male-therapist directory “by men, for men”. The conversation explores stigma, privilege, the gap between coaching and psychotherapy, and what it really takes for men to ask for help and change generational patterns. Key topics Chris’s personal story: bereavement, addiction and rethinking masculinity Suicide, addiction, homelessness and violence statistics for men Why men are told to understand everyone else without understanding themselves Empathy as a skill and what happens when boys shut it down Going into schools to talk to boys about being a man Why so few male therapists exist – and why that matters The origins and mission of Men’s Therapy Hub Stigma: why men come to therapy only at crisis point Therapy vs coaching – and why combining both can be powerful Generational patterns, fathers, grandfathers and “rigid masculinity” Access and affordability of therapy, trainee therapists, low-cost options Links Men’s Therapy Hub: menstherapyhub.co.uk Chris Hemmings: chrishemmings.co.uk Podcast: No Man’s An Island His book: https://amzn.eu/d/337CUyx Men’s Therapy Hub: http://menstherapyhub.co.uk 🎙️ Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-mans-an-island/id1849171262 🟢 Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QgINHeUZKorBCE4LBoBXF?si=bee0565dbdbd421f YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MensTherapyHub Instagram https://www.instagram.com/menstherapyhub/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/menstherapyhub/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S100 · E103
    Oct 30, 2025 · 48 min

    Navigating Midlife. Fulfilment, Leadership, and Legacy with Bernie Borges

    In this episode of "Men Up, Men Down," we welcome Bernie Borges, creator of the Fulfillment Centric Leadership Framework and host of the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast. Bernie shares his insights on aligning personal purpose with organizational success, the importance of fulfillment over fleeting happiness, and how to navigate the three phases of midlife. Discover how to find clarity and purpose across the five key life pillars: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy. Key Takeaways: The Happiness U-Curve and why happiness is fleeting. Understanding fulfillment as a deeper, more permanent emotion. The five key life pillars for achieving fulfilment. The importance of clarity and purpose in midlife. Bernie’s Big Hairy Audacious Goal to reach 3 billion people with his message. Guest Information: Bernie Borges: Creator of the Fulfillment Centric Leadership Framework, host of the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast. Website: midlifefulfilled.com LinkedIn and Instagram @BernieBorges Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E35
    Jul 24, 2025 · 22 min

    Episode 100

    Here is the wrap - a short celebration of 100 episodes of Man Up / Man Down. There is no stopping now, we are back after the summer with some exciting episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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