Man vs Mind – What men feel but never talk about

School. That smell of anxious teenage fear, disinfectant, plastic chairs and wooden floors. For many it invokes stress, more fear, anxiety, deep-seeded trauma. For others it was the time of their lives. Today, Tim & J introduce a new game to go through the highs and lows of school life, and how it shaped our adult selves: Formative or Traumative?From rogue teachers who really needed sacking, to years of bullying, the positive life experiences and the lifelong lessons learned about self-assurance, they go through it all... they needed a therapy cat in the room for this one.And in Man vs Mind Uncut – J tells us how a house party he went to as a teenager resulted in all of the house's doors getting lost... seriously. YOU can get in on the Uncut (and ad-free) action by signing up to the Man vs Mind community on Patreon! Just $5 a month – just something to consider (and click on). www.patreon.com/manvsmindpod If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all get angry. In context, controlled anger is normal, and a healthy expression of having a balanced state of mental health.But what about when that anger is disproportionate? What do you do if your day is ruined by stubbing your toe, or stepping in a puddle, or if someone cuts you up on your drive to work? Today, Tim & J go into the trials and tribulations of the Red Emotion. From outbursts to introspection, they explore the range of emotions that exist between pure happiness and a state of rage. Tim explains how he tries (tries) to keep a lid on the little things that wind him up, and how he does his best to take a beat and reflect when he can feel his blood pressure rising. J, meanwhile, is like a still breeze on an open lake. Just calm AF, baby. Except when there's a sandwich press nearby, then all hell breaks loose. Get ad-free and extended episodes by becoming a Friend of the Show on Patreon, for just $5 per month! If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a Friend of the Show on Patreon to listen to Man vs Mind Uncut (!) every single week... and without the annoying ads, all for just $5 a month! Click here to sign up todayWell, it was smooth sailing for Tim this week, riding the crest of a wave as a monumental life event nears...... until one thing sent him spiralling while sitting on the toilet. Today, Tim & J go through the inevitability of trying to remain relentlessly positive and happy. It works, to an extent, but eventually crippling reality finds a way of coming back to bite you in the---But, they talk it out, the highs, the lows, the everything, and reflect on why we do, in fact, need those fallow periods. And if you become a Friend of the Show on Patreon, you'll hear about how J spend 3 glorious hours living a life from 300 years ago. Sort of. But it's worth it, so sign up now!If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a Friend of the Show on Patreon to listen to Man vs Mind Uncut (!) every single week... and without the annoying ads, all for just $5 a month! Click here to sign up todayI'm in the mooooood for [insert appropriate activity here].Today we're exploring why a good mood can feel suspicious to an anxious brain and how our state shifts across an ordinary day: from the joy of the school run to the hard switch back into dad mode after a day at work.Tim’s been on top of the world, and J’s smashing through a lesser-spotted productivity streak, so while they're both freakishly optimistic they decide to question it, and unpack mood triggers, how therapy and meds can widen the gap between feeling and reaction, and why refusing to let road-rage or stray comments set the tone can save your entire mood.We also revive our “fake it till you make it” experiment — not toxic positivity, just testing whether behaviour can nudge emotion without turning you into that insufferably chirpy colleague. Plus, there's a nod to spreading good vibes at work (through an unrelenting abundance of high-fives).Oh, and Lewis Capaldi, if you're listening, we'll give you a high-five mate.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes you don’t need to take a flight. You just need five days where no one emails you.This week, Tim’s on annual leave – the holy grail of rest and recovery – except it’s somehow turned into a DIY bootcamp that's causing him and his wife too much anxiety.We’re talking all about what it really means to take a an actual break from at least one major responsibility. We go over the guilt, the need, and the bit where you realise “resting” often means doing all the jobs you’ve been putting off for six months. But hey, being a fully functioning adult is fun, isn't it... right?From burnout warning signs and therapy analogies to toddler chaos and varnishing planter boxes, this episode is a reminder that rest isn’t laziness — it’s maintenance.Elsewhere, Tim explains how he repeatedly ended up in hospital, J describes his dream break (surprise, the pub is involved) and to all you October Christmas music players: we see you, and J has a few choice words...If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the words of the great Catatonia: you give me road rage.Who they sang about is anyone's guess. But as far as Tim's concerned, it's basically every other road user. Today, Tim & J give wildly contrasting opinions about attitudes towards their fellow drivers and what pure, unrelenting anger says about the broader state of their mental health. Does driving angry equal living angry? When (if ever) is it justifiable to drop the C-bomb at another driver? And what if there's nothing wrong with us, it's just that everyone else is an idiot?Meanwhile, Tim gets tailgated by a grannie on the A30 out of Cornwall; J gets banged up by, you guessed it, an idiot; Tim cries (again); and J has a traumatic week chasing copious amounts of bodily fluids, getting into a car accident, and getting taken to hospital in an incident that has nothing to do with the car crash. His wife couldn't get back fast enough...If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your mind suddenly turns against you?In this powerful episode of Man vs Mind, Tim shares the story of the day his life changed and his mental health collapsed – the exact moment that sparked nearly a decade of anxiety, self-doubt, and (eventually) recovery.From a life-altering mental breakdown at work to months of fear, depression, medical confusion, and a lost identity – this is the raw, unfiltered account of how one morning changed everything forever.It’s about vulnerability, diagnosis, therapy, medication, and the courage to finally ask for help.If you’ve ever felt “not yourself,” or wondered where your anxiety began, this episode is a must-listen.(Warning: This episode contains particularly strong language, and detailed descriptions of mental distress.)If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day – 10 October, we sit down with Mark Rowland, CEO of the Mental Health Foundation, for an honest conversation about why men struggle to ask for help — and how we change that. Mark shares a deeply personal story that shaped his life’s work, and we dig into the cultural, generational and biological forces that keep men silent, the cost of staying on autopilot, and the payoff of doing the hard thing: vulnerability.We talk practicals — how to spot the signs you need support, the “safe first step” to opening up, what to do if you’re not ready to talk yet, and the mindset shift toward intention and psychological flexibility. We cover mates, families, workplaces and services; why strong relationships are the biggest protective factor; and how to move from minimising feelings to naming them and acting.Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and self-harm.Resources & Links• THAT film from Brighton & Hove Albion FC https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO0YkToDbAV/• Mental Health Foundation — initiatives and WMHD info: mentalhealth.org.uk• Contact us: ManvsMindpod@gmail.com · Instagram @ManvsMindIf you’re struggling right now (UK): Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7). In an emergency, call 999. You’re not alone.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all need it — that little bit of personal space. Alone time. Breathing room.This week on Man vs Mind, Tim and J dive into the craving to just be left alone for a while. From panic attacks sparked by being constantly “on,” to carving out an hour to decompress after bedtime routines, they explore why personal space is essential — and what happens when you don’t get it.But can too much alone time tip into isolation? Is it a slippery slope into avoidance or even agoraphobia? The lads unpack the balance, the guilt, and the subtle line between restorative solitude and shutting yourself off from the world.Along the way:– Sandwiches, video games, and “prescribed” PlayStation therapy– Why partners often struggle to take space without guilt– How alone time shapes identity beyond parent/partner/employee roles– The extroverted introvert paradox– And the Non-Certified Therapy Club returns, with raw listener feedback on panic attacks, masculinity, and the models of modern masculinity (dad bods included).If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a recent, explosive episode, we break down the anatomy of a panic attack. And, crucially, how to break out of one.What can set one off (stress, overstimulation, caffeine, loss of routine), what’s happening in your body and brain, and what it actually feels like in the moment.J shares a raw first-hand account of a huge attack that hit him during his recent travels – from racing heartbeat and pins-and-needles to the unshakable feeling of “I’m dying”.Then there are the aftershocks: how the fear of it happening again can make it happen again, the avoidance traps we fall into, and why anxiety is sticky until we reach the deeper why.We also cover practical tools to break the cycle — grounding, paced breathing, and the cold-water/ice-cube reset — and how the ideal First Responder helped walk J out of it all unscathed (relatively).If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does getting control of money feel like such a weight off your shoulders? In Part 3 of our Money mini-series, Tim takes you through the painstaking breakdown of his finances: line-by-line audits, subscription purges, disaster funds, bulk-buy planning, and the relief of finally having a monthly strategy.We dig into:Why a lack of control fuels money anxietyHow systems and habits ease the stressThe gaping hole in financial education — was that neglect, or design?The debt spiral of credit cards, interest-only payments, payday loansWhy the system feels rigged, and how to fight backHow to actually teach kids (and yourself) money disciplineDisclaimer: We’re sharing personal experience — not financial advice. Lessons learned the hard way, and hopefully a bit of peace of mind for anyone in the same boat.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money is one of the biggest causes of stress in our lives — yet it’s the one thing we almost never talk about openly.In Part Two of the Man vs Money mini-series, Tim and J dig into the taboo of talking about finances, why we go silent when asked about money, and how cultural differences shape whether we’re open or closed about it.From social pressure to “keep up,” to the shame of saying “I can’t afford it,” and the awkwardness of borrowing from family or friends, this episode explores how money impacts friendships, marriages, and self-worth.Tim opens up about having to borrow from his parents, J shares the struggles of surviving gatherings with nothing in the bank, and both reflect on the mental load of finances when raising kids.We also hear some unforgettable stories — from car rental disasters to near-death work trips in the US — and why even “good” financial news can be hard to share with friends.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the start of a new mini-series, and this is a big, devisive, tabooish, and expensive one: money.The root of all evil today, or so they say. Today, J and Tim get stuck into our early perceptions of money: our younger years exposure to money, how it shaped out attitudes towards it, and what it means to have (or not to have...) the coin. Does not having money encourage you to graft, to work harder and harder? Or is it traumatising?For many people, it's both. And the lads go into their earliest or most significant financial traumas in quite unflinching detail.We know it's taboo, but we'll be running loads of polls on this over on our Instagram account (@manvsmindpod) because money plays such an ENORMOUS role in mental health - for so many people. Enjoy the ride - for richer or poorer.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're not the only one who overthinks, who spirals, who obsesses over that argument or the funny look someone gave you after you cracked a "joke".Today, Tim & J go over the "Oh my god if only I said that..." or the "jeeeez, what did that look mean? Did I just say something terrible? What if I've mortally offended them? It was just a joke, I didn't mean anything by it – so why did they look at me like that? What's wrong with me? What does that say about me as a person?"...oh wait... it was actually fine.And it's a return of the Non-Certified Therapy Club. Get in touch today – terrible advice GUARANTEED!If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do we compare ourselves to others? And how can you stop feeling like everyone else is doing better than you? Sometimes it’s hard to avoid feeling like everyone else is smashing life while you’re… well, just... existing. This week, Tim and J dive headfirst into the comparison trap: the ways we measure ourselves against friends, colleagues, influencers, and sometimes complete strangers – and how envy quietly eats away at our contentment.We talk social media feeds engineered to prey on insecurity, the workplace moments that trigger “why not me?”, and why validation feels good in person but dangerous online. There’s also stag do culture, AI shortcuts, body image insecurities, and Shakespeare’s 400-year-old take on the whole thing.Hopefully, you'll see this as a reminder that the most valuable things we’ve got can’t be measured or compared.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The burnout is real, and Tim's therapist (and Alexa, apparently) warned him it might happen...Today, we're chatting all about what burnout actually is, how it feels, and how we're trying to combat the effect that burning out has on mental health. Feeling neither happy nor sad, going through the motions, getting a bit downtrodden, and feeling sort of meh. It's all part of it, and it can happen to anyone - so we're here to give you a little friendly nudge and say "keep your eyes peeled", because it'll creep up on you. Elsewhere, Tim gets confused about homoerectus and J gets equally confused about anemones, before (again) asking if we can take Man vs Mind on a bodacious, excellent time travel adventure...So buckle up. If you're feeling like you can't put your finger on how you're feeling, if you're asking "am I burnt out? Do I have burnout?" then listen up.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve pulled out all the stops for the final part of our Ageing mini‑series. This one’s a proper journey – funny, raw, honest and genuinely inspiring.Tim and J dive into the worst bits of getting older – the aches, the slowing down, back pain and that constant feeling of being more tired than you’d like. But then we flip it: wisdom, perspective, self‑assurance, joy in everyday life, and the privilege of seeing your kids grow up while knowing you’re never past it.And then… J’s Dad.We’ve taken his voice note and given it a full remix – poignant, uplifting, and honestly one of the most inspiring things we’ve ever put out. It’s the perfect way to end the series.Thank you for all your messages, your stories, your honesty. This is for you. 💛If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Birthdays aren’t always cake and candles.Sometimes they’re a spotlight you never asked for – a reminder of another year gone by, a quiet tally of who still cares enough to show up, or just a day that sparks a rush of awkward gratitude when all you really want is a sofa and some peace.In this episode, Tim and J dive into how our relationship with birthdays changes as we get older, and how those yearly milestones can trigger big questions about where we are in life. They also look back at moments they’d revisit in a heartbeat – some they’d handle differently, others they’d stay in forever.If you’ve ever wondered why your birthday feels different these days, or caught yourself longing to time‑travel back to a moment that felt perfect, you’re in the right place.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it just us, or is time absolutely sprinting lately? Like, seriously, chill out please Father Time.In Part Two of our ageing mini-series, Tim and J try to get their heads around the weird acceleration of life. Why do the years feel shorter the older we get? Is it all the responsibility? The anxiety? Or just the fact that school summers used to feel like forever?We talk memory, mindfulness, the effects of mental health on how we experience time – and whether it’s actually possible to slow it all down. (Spoiler: J won’t be meditating any time soon.)Then, it’s time to dig out your emotional playlists for a section we’re calling The Soundtrack of our Lives – the songs that instantly transport us back. From Barbie Girl to Muse, to Tim’s wedding night (steady), we explore how music holds memories tighter than our brains ever could. Check out the playlist so far on Spotify in the link below.And finally, Tim tells a story. A real one. About his dad, a fishing trip, and a man who could very well have been a time-travelling Tim... bear with us... Is it just an INCREDIBLY weird coincidence, or something else entirely?Soundtrack of our Lives Playlist on SpotifyIf you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’s that old, tired man staring back from the bathroom mirror? Oh wait – it’s us.In the first part of our Man vs Ageing mini-series, Tim and J face the creeping signs of getting older – dodgy knees, deepening eye bags, shifting friendships, and the subtle emotional wobble that comes when your face starts to match how you feel.We talk about how our bodies have changed since becoming dads, how our social circles have naturally narrowed, and what it feels like to question whether you’re ageing “well” – or just ageing.We also trail what’s coming up in the series – the passing of time, the music that shaped us, milestone moments, and the idea that ageing doesn’t have to be a decline… it could be an evolution.If you’re enjoying the show PLEASE consider leaving us a 5* rating and a few words to review the show - the algorithm loves it and it’ll help more people find the show ❤️❤️Head to our Patreon for exclusive bonus content! Just click here or search for Manvsmindpod on Patreon today!Get in touch! Email us with your questions or comments at ManvsMindPod@Gmail.com, send us a message (or a voice note!) on Instagram @ManvsMindPod, and head to www.manvsmindpod.com for our full list of episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.