As a queer man, Matt had always found the barbershop to be a particularly hyper-masculine space. He’d got on with everyone there, particularly the owner, but he had never felt comfortable enough to truly open up and be himself.It was to his great surprise, then, that when entering the barbershop one day he was introduced to a new employee: a flamboyant Brazilian, who seemed to embrace all of the aspects of his personality that Matt had striven so hard not to reveal. Had Matt misjudged his need to keep his authentic self hidden? And why had Matt originally found it necessary to mask his own form of masculinity in order to fit into this space?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Matt. His openness in discussing the challenges he and many in his community face is both enlightening and poignant. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: July 11th, 2023]*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

David was exploring the world while scaling the heady heights of multi-sports journalism. In only his second “proper job” post-university, he found himself unexpectedly appointed editor of a new magazine specialising in all-terrain vehicles. As this was the only magazine of its kind, David received invites from manufacturers the world over in order to assess and review their products. It was as a result of such an invitation that David found himself speeding through a vast expanse of heathland in Quebec on a brand new quad bike. The problem was, however, that he was feeling highly uncomfortable. He couldn’t see the terrain well enough to feel safe and, the longer the ride continued,  the more vulnerable he began to feel.What was it that underlay the vision problems that David was experiencing? And would he be able to extricate himself from such a perilous situation without experiencing serious harm?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, David. His humility, bravery and frankness while telling his story make for a powerful experience. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

Mark had spent many years working as a traffic police officer. During this time, he had experienced countless tragic sights. His response to these had been to bottle up his feelings. This had led to him becoming desensitised and uncaring. Dedicated counselling had been required to help Mark remove the barriers that had prevented him from dealing with the pain that had built inside.When experiencing inflammatory arthritis then, Mark became devastated when he realised that the same pattern of erected barriers had become repeated, this time via an addiction to opioids.What had led Mark to walking down the very path he had been determined not to retread? And what could our health care system do differently to support people like Mark more effectively in the future?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Mark. His frank and eye-opening reflections on the challenges he has faced are shared with both bravery and wisdom. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 27th, 2023]*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som

Dale Pollitt was 17 years old and appeared to be going nowhere. He’d just dropped out of school and was working at KFC. Like so many teenagers on the estate in which he lived, he spent most of his spare hours smoking weed and playing computer games. But one day he would receive some tragic news that would change his entire outlook on life.He received a phone call from his mum telling him that he needed to come over to the house. He was panicked and sweating as he drove frantically to join her. When he arrived, he saw his mother, his father, his sister and a police officer waiting to receive him.What would Dale discover that would lead to a complete evolution in his view of life? And what would Dale learn about becoming a man in the process?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Dale. His bravery and generosity in talking about such a tragic and transformative moment in his life is both inspiring and profoundly appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 20th, 2023]*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

Steve seemed to have a charmed life. After graduating from university, he began travelling around Europe. He then found himself settling at a holiday resort and, in a few short years, went from being the cleaner to becoming the Area Manager. He was living the dream and making the most of what life had to offer. But one day everything would change for good.He was visiting a friend in Germany as part of a birthday surprise. On the way, however, he tripped and fell over the balcony railing. He landed awkwardly and soon realised that he couldn’t move.Steve would later discover that he would no longer be able to walk. But, instead of this being the end of Steve’s journey, it proved to be a new beginning. He would go on to discover a new sport, a new vocation and a new level of achievement.Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Steve. His courage and determination and his ability to adapt to the circumstances he has faced in the best possible way is nothing short of inspirational. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 13th, 2023]*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

Sam was 27 years old and in the midst of embarking upon his American adventure. He had just arrived in New York and was meeting up with some friends he’d made online to help him stay awake and beat the jet-lag. After a meet-up involving the consumption of copious amounts of hotdogs and beer, Sam began to feel very queasy. He went to the bathroom but the feelings of pain would not subside.Four years later, Sam’s condition had worsened. His weight had fallen to around 7 stone. He was in constant pain and found it difficult to get out of bed. Finally, he decided he had no option but to seek medical help. On arrival at the hospital, he discovered just how risky his delay to see the doctor had been. But why did he feel the need to wait until a crisis had occurred before seeing the doctor? And why are so many men reluctant to seek medical attention when they need it?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Sam. His frankness and willingness to discuss a phobia so many men can relate to is deeply appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: June 6th, 2023]Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som

After spending some time as a couple, Rob and Jodie had been friends for over ten years. He had seen her go through health challenges in the past and always re-emerge to be there by his side. It was with great shock then that Rob received a call from Jodie’s sister on his 40th birthday telling him that Jodie had suddenly passed away.Rob went to Jodie’s funeral and found himself breaking down in paroxysms of grief. As he went to pay Jodie his last respects, he wracked his mind to think of the right words.What could Rob say that would encapsulate everything that he had felt for her over the years he had known her? And how would he be able to come to terms with his grief following her passing?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Rob. His openness in acknowledging how he was able to express such profound grief as a man is highly appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: May 23rd, 2023]-Rob also has a podcast named "Sketchplanations". His podcast is a series to accompany the collection of sketches at Sketchplanations.com; that explain stuff simply from the world around us. Each week they select a different sketch and discuss how it applies in our lives and to society at large - with a little bit of silliness thrown in. With friends for 25 years; Engineer & Broadcaster Rob Bell, Sketchplanations creator Jono Hey, and The Apprentice winner 2011 Tom Pellereau. Listen here: https://tr.ee/U9BRt3bjcy*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

Nick Danziger is an award-winning photographer. He is also a filmmaker and travel writer. His adventures abroad began at a very young age.Nick was 13 and living in Switzerland when he told his parents that he was going to travel to Paris. Nick’s parents did not take their son particularly seriously but little did they know that he had a plan in mind. He had packed some basic food provisions and the little bit of money he had access to. He also took a sketch pad, which would turn out to be the item that would earn him money on his travels.After sneaking onto and off the train, Nick did in fact arrive in Paris. But while a world of potential adventure opened up to him, so did a world of potential danger. How would a young Nick navigate this danger? And what would he learn on his travels that would influence him throughout his life?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Nick. His reflective and profound observations on travel and the privileges he has experienced as a white, western male are illuminating and wise. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production [Original air date: May 30th, 2023]Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

Tim was a social worker and started to work with a young boy who had no experience of being told what to do. He committed a crime and he was about to go face-to-face with a magistrate, so Tim felt he had some responsibility to help the boy and do whatever he could.All his efforts didn’t make any difference, and after being reprimanded, the young boy boldly threw a pencil at the magistrate’s face. This was now his final chance.Tim’s training didn’t prepare him for that. What did he say to finally get through to the boy? Could it be that the experience of being a man might be the very connection he needed to use to help this boy to change?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Tim. His eloquence and thoughtful reflection on the meaning and importance of connection is both refreshingly honest and insightful. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som

Anthony was 29 years old when he received the news that his best friend, David, was severely  ill.The news left him in shock and it proved to be  a life changing moment for him.Anthony and David had known each other since they were both 8 years old. They’d played together at school and they would relive the energy and innocence of those days every time they met. Yet, at the tender age of just 29, David was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Anthony wasn’t ready to face that situation with one of the most important people in his life. But who ever is ready for something like that?Today we discover how Anthony came to terms with this loss,while asking, what is it that a man goes through when he loses his best friend? And how can we be more appreciative of the male friendships in our lives?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Anthony. His energy, generosity, and courageousness in talking about such a tragic experience is inspirational. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.[Original air date: December 6th, 2022]*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

Luke was at a party with his girlfriend surrounded by his closest friends. He was smiling and laughing and appeared to be having a great time. But, after this moment of celebration, it was his intention to say goodbye. Nobody else knew it but he wanted to take his life that same night.Before taking his life, Luke is driven to make a phone call to a man who he hadn’t spoken to in a long time. He is also being watched by a kind stranger who can see that something isn’t right.  How will the kindness of an old friend and a perfect stranger unite to save Luke’s life? And will Luke eventually be able to appreciate how much he has to live for?Today we will discover the importance of kindness. We will also see how necessary it is for men to speak out when they are at their most desperate.Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Luke Scott. His frankness, courage and generosity in sharing such a painful story is an inspiration to behold. It also provides a vital insight into how pivotal kindness can be as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: November 1st, 2022]*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

Daniel Collins was a slight 18-year-old boy who was travelling around the country clamping cars. He hated the job but his father seemed to relish it. One day, they clamped the car of a man that showed up with confrontation in his mind. The man was with 14 of his friends and started to scream and shout. In a split second, the whole situation turned violent and Daniel made a mistake that put his dad on the edge of dying.How did things move so fast? And would Daniel ever be able to go back to his job after what had happened?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Daniel Collins. His honesty, resolve and courage in reliving such a horrific and terrifying moment is a sign of genuine strength and is profoundly appreciated. It also provides a vital insight as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. [Original air date: October 25th, 2022]Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som

Ross was the life and soul of the party. Working as a national radio presenter, he was able to hang out with the rich and famous at awards ceremonies and red carpet events. But he was hiding a secret: his struggle with social anxiety.For years Ross had attempted to deal with his anxiety by masking it with alcohol, but he knew that this was only going to cause him deeper problems in the end. This realisation became crystal clear when he found himself waking up stinking of spirits and cigarettes and suffering with a splitting headache. He turned on his phone and it immediately erupted with countless notifications.At first his memory was hazy but then it began to dawn on him exactly what he had been up to the previous night.Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Ross. His thoughtful and honest reflections on what led to his dependence on alcohol are eye-opening and will be highly relatable to all men who struggle with fitting in. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

It was a day out with the family. Despite not knowing where they were going, Paul and his brother were extremely excited to be taken out by their relatives; they didn’t usually get taken out at all. Like two “coiled springs” they leaped out of the car as soon as it pulled up. Soon after they were bundled into a Victorian, stone building. They marched up the steps, excited about what they would find once they reached the top. Eventually they emerged into a room where there was an abundance of individuals bustling around. At first everything was unfamiliar but it was with great surprise that Paul would see a face that he recognised  behind a wall of glass: the man who should’ve been his role model.Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Paul. His open and stirring reflections on what it is like trying to be a good man without having a good role model are both affecting and inspiring. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

He was lying in bed, restless, in a fever, struggling to catch his breath. He was shivering one moment and then attempting to kick off his duvet the next.He saw a woman coming through the door. She switched on the light. It made him feel confused, anxious. The expression on her face was grave. She told him that what she saw in front of her was a pale, old, withered man. She was worried that he may not make it through the night. In response, all Ketan could say was “Don’t send me to hospital. Don’t send me to hospital”.What had led Ketan to enter such a vulnerable state? And in what ways would experiencing this vulnerability change Ketan’s perspective going forward?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Ketan. His stark and harrowing description of experiencing illness and needing support are both unsettling and enlightening. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world. *********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som

Darren openly discusses the plethora of negative feelings that contributed to his emotional breakdown on his way to work. He was working in finance. It was an industry that had provided him with the good life. However, he knew that something deep down was not right. He had been drinking too much and struggling to sleep at night. All of this came to a head on one fateful morning. “I physically stopped. I stopped and I looked at this big glass building and these big doors that I've walked in so many times. I couldn't. It was as if my legs had grown roots.”*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

The air was so chillingly cold that he could feel it in his bones. The billowing and the roaring around him was so loud that he was unable to hear. As he stood there waiting for the inevitable, his nerves prevented him from being able to speak. He had travelled thousands of miles for this moment and there was no question of turning back now.Isaac is a man who is used to taking on challenges. As someone with complex disabilities, he has spent his life overcoming obstacles and finding a way to achieve his ambitions. His contributions as a community advocate have seen him rewarded with an MBE for his efforts. But this was a challenge like no other he had yet faced.Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Isaac. His story of determination and bravery is as remarkable as it is inspirational. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/som_the_man_test

For David, the dream was just beginning. He and his wife were in their early 20s and had just moved from Canada to Switzerland to start a new adventure.At work, David was also having the time of his life. At the end of one of his first projects, he went to lunch with a client. The restaurant boasted breath-taking views and the client treated him to the  finest wine he had ever tasted. He bounded home, eager to tell his wife about the amazing day he’d had. But when he entered the house and called her name, nobody answered.He went into the bedroom to look for her and what he discovered forced him to completely re-evaluate the experience that he had believed both he and his wife were having.Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, David. His reflective and self-critical observations on the importance of controlling one’s ego and becoming more empathetic are both enlightening and valuable. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

Here is a special re-released episode of Stories of Men for the Christmas period.You’re a soldier driving through a warzone. You pass through a deserted village. Later you see a lonely crucifix in a field. You find out what it symbolises: one night all of the people in the village were dragged outside of their homes and executed. How do you react? Do you dare to show emotion? Do you dare to show compassion?Jed Irving was a man’s man. He had been trained to keep his emotions in check. He didn’t react to finding out about the village massacre. He suppressed his feelings. But, years later,  that memory from the past was triggered. This time he felt a depth of compassion he had not been able to access before. But would Jed finally allow himself to express the emotions he had previously denied?Today we discover how Jed dealt with being confronted by the past. And ask, has Jed’s perception of masculinity changed as he has grown older? And what does it truly mean to be a “tough guy” in the 21st century?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Jed Irving. His vulnerability, openness and sincerity in talking about bearing witness to such a tragic scene shows inspirational courage. It also provides meaningful reflection as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test

It was Cup Final day against the school’s most fierce rivals. Andy was 12 years old and nervously waiting to hear if he would be included in the team. He looked to his dad watching from the sidelines, hoping his name would be announced. Finally, the team was revealed and Andy would be playing in defence.The game kicks off. In the first minute the opposition start to attack. Andy looks on as the rival striker comes rushing towards him. There’s an opportunity for Andy to get involved and stop his team from losing a goal. But, at the final second, he decides not to make a challenge.The striker goes past him. He scores. Andy’s team is 1-0 down and it’s only the opening minute. How would his dad react? Why had Andy not reacted? And why is it that Andy has never been able to forget that moment ever since?Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Andy. His unguarded and moving reflections on his fear of failure will resonate with many. They also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.Referenced links: https://thinkunconventionall.com/*********************Check out the Stories Of Men website for more on this storyWe're also on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramA Fascinate Production Mentioned in this episode:Take The Man Test here: https://bit.ly/the_man_test_som