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 @ManvsMind

If you’re struggling right now (UK): Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7). In an emergency, call 999. You’re not alone.

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