Mentality Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mentoring Advocacy Network
Mentality Podcast is where I, Lau Ciocan, have genuine conversations about all things manhood, the bits we should celebrate about men and its messy parts while having a bit of a laugh.
Tune in to hear from guests about their views and experiences on mental health, fitness, sexuality, finances, sexism, leadership and much more.
Support the podcast with a donation on Ko-Fi.
Connect with me:
Instagram: @man_mentoring
LinkedIn: Mentoring Advocacy Network
Frequency: Monthly
Mentality Podcast is provided by Mentoring Advocacy Network.
All rights reserved.
Join us for the final episode of Season 3, where Cedric and I dive into the importance of acknowledging and working through difficult emotions.
Cedric opens up about his personal journey, including the emotional challenges he faced growing up in France and how they’ve shaped his perspective today.
As we wrap up the season, I’d love to hear from you—whether it’s topic ideas, guest suggestions, or just a quick hello.
Connect with me on socials (links below), and let’s keep the conversation going as we gear up for Season 4!
Connect with me
Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
About the guest - Cedric Bertelli
Originally from France, he is the founder of the Emotional Health Institute, operating in the USA, France, and Japan.
A seasoned somatic practitioner, Cedric co-developed Emotional resolution® (EmRes®), a groundbreaking method for resolving debilitating emotional patterns.
Cedric's website: www.cedricbertelli.com/about
Cedric's Instagram: @cedricbertelli
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
In this episode, I have a special appointment with the Harassment Doctor - Dr Enya Doyle.
Trigger warning: we discuss the topic of sexual harassment in detail.
It’s a holistic and detailed conversation that covers:
• what sexual harassment is
• the prevalence of sexual harassment of women, ethnic minority populations and men
• the multidimensional impact of sexual harassment
• how to build trust with someone who has experienced sexual harassment
• what men can do to move beyond traditional stereotypes around masculinity which often restricts vulnerability and support
Most importantly, we delve into ways men can hold each other accountable and challenge harassing behaviour.
Connect with me
Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
About the guest - Dr. Enya Doyle
Enya Doyle is a trusted advisor and advocate specialising in anti-harassment, equity, and inclusion for values-driven companies worldwide.
Visit Enya’s website: enyadoyle.com
Connect with Enya on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-enya-doyle
Follow Enya on Instagram: @theharassmentdoctor/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
We’re starting off 2025 with this brand new episode (and just after what was undoubtedly an expensive Christmas period for some) on achieving financial wellbeing.
Arlyne and I are talking about what financial wellbeing is, and what practical steps you can take to improve your finances.
We also talk about some gender stereotypes around money, explore various cultural perspectives on finances, and unpack why it's important to talk about money with family or even colleagues.
I also drop a "fun fact" on financial independence and the law here in the UK.
Check it out, you don’t want to miss this one!
About the guest - Arlyne Chinyanganya
Arlyne is an experienced accountant with over a decade of experience in finance, she's a qualified Chartered Institute of Management Accountant professional and holds a Money Guider certificate awarded by the Money and Pension service.
During the pandemic, she founded Roots to Froots, a financial wellness platform dedicated to supporting the community with valuable financial knowledge, resources, and guidance.
Roots to Fruits resources
Financial confidence course
Free workshops - available until April 2025
Free Excel budget planner
Connect with me on Instagram or BlueSky
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
As we wrap up 2024, this episode is particularly significant.
Join Petra and me as we explore the intricate world of romantic relationships for men. We’ll dive into:
• Diverse viewpoints on gender roles within couples
• The impact feminism, one's culture and society can have on the relationship
• The challenges men face in navigating today’s relationship landscape
• The vital need for creating safe spaces in relationships where partners can freely express and share their thoughts
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to explore fresh and exciting topics with you in 2025!
About the guest - Petra Velzeboer
Petra is a renowned author, psychotherapist, TedX speaker, and the CEO of mental health consultancy PVL - www.petravelzeboer.com
Connect with Petra on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/petra-velzeboer/
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
What does it mean for a man to possess masculine or feminine energy?
Well, look no further, as in this episode Jindy and I discuss:
• masculine and feminine energies
• the difficulties of expressing masculine or feminine energies in today's world
• how to nurture one’s primary energy and express freely
In closing, we briefly touched on male privilege and the 4 billion ways to be a man.
About the guest - Jindy Mann
Jindy is the founder of 'Leader Brother Son' - a space where he and his team create spaces for men to discover expressions of masculinity that serve them and the world around them.
Jindy facilitates men’s groups and has built an online global community for men, called Kinship.
Resources
What’s healthy about masculinity? (This article is meat-free) (blog)
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
I'm continuing the conversation on migration from the views of those who moved to the UK, their stories, and the impact migration can have.
We chat about how:
- having different religious backgrounds impacts one's experience of integration
- one's views of masculinity can change due to migration
- stereotypes about being a man
Resources
Hear Our Stories: An Exploration of Migration, Identity and Hope
The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla (Editor)
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
Migration, migration, migration.
We often hear the perspectives of host countries and how they feel and view migration - the good and the bad.
In this episode, I turn my attention and the mic to those who have migrated to the UK. The guests share their stories and views on the topic, and the impact migration can have on one's mental health.
We chat about:
- What migration is and the stages of migration
- First hand experiences of migration
- How migration can affect one's mental health
Resources
Hear Our Stories: An Exploration of Migration, Identity and Hope
The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla (Editor)
Dinner for Loners
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Guests
Morshed Akhtar
A thespian, who always worked in finance. He is a British citizen of Bangladeshi descent, married and has two boys and a cat.
Keshav Shree
An A&E NHS Doctor, Filmmaker and Actor. In his own words. His films and characters are rooted in mental health issues and socio-political topics.
Teresa Norman
Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, and CEO of TogetherInTheUK, an organisation telling stories of migration for the last 8 years.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
We naturally crave community and connection, yet many of us feel disconnected and lonely despite the high level of interaction on social media.
We may sometimes feel distant and unable to reach out to people from our workplace, community, friendship groups, and sometimes even our family. This can negatively impact our mental health.
The points John-Paul Davies and I talk about are:
• What makes us feel lonely?
• What can we do about it?
• How does loneliness affect men?
The key takeaway from this episode is that to be connected with others, and less lonely, one needs to prioritise time to connect with oneself.
John-Paul is an experienced therapist, and has worked as a solicitor for the first half of his career. He has published a self-help book, Finding a Balanced Connection, and written about a range of wellbeing and psychological topics.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a 1:1 conversation with a sci-fi legend like Data on all things men's mental health?!
In this episode, I talk to an up-and-coming star, #ChatGPT, to get its insights and views on men’s health and issues. I asked questions like:
- Is mental health real?
- What are the stigmas men experience?
- Are men toxic?
- Is the concept of masculinity outdated?
- What is the role AI can play in supporting one's mental health?
- Can we trust AI? If so, how and why?
- Does technology make us happy?
Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between technology and mental health.
Whether you're familiar with AI or just curious about its role, this episode promises valuable takeaways for all.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
In this episode, I talk to Becca Benning about the underrated importance of food for good mental health and wellbeing. We unpack the puzzle of the dynamic between nutrition and mental health, what foods we should eat that benefit our brain and wellbeing, but also those that don't.
We also briefly cover how to change your behaviour and achieve your goals around establishing healthy habits, the stereotype that "mean should eat meat", and the benefits of having good quality vegetables with your stake.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
Resources:
Becca is a behaviour change, Functional Health Coach and nutritionist with a particular interest in autoimmune disease - www.beccabenning.com/
TEDx talk: ‘Everyday ways to love a struggling body’
TEDx talk: 'What it means to be a good man'
Blogpost: Some Food for Thought — Food and Your Mental Health
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
In this episode, James Ray and I dive into masculinity in the great outdoors. We explore the intersection of adventurous spirits, embracing discomfort and finding community in the wilderness that redefines masculinity in today's landscape.
Tune in and chart a new course towards authentic masculinity as we head into 2024.
James is the CEO of Xtreme Character Challenge (XCC), a leadership development consultant, and a priest in the Church of England.
TEDx Talk - What it means to be a good man
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
Be kind. First to yourself. This is the theme of the latest episode, where I talk to Bernie about self-empathy, especially why this is important for men. Here are a few bits we cover:
Ask yourself the hard questions if you want to change, but give compassionate answers in return.
Self-empathy is the key to your development.
Enjoy the journey, and don't let your ego get in the way.
Bernie is a masculinity and equality workshops expert, Director of Innovative Enterprise and CareersWeek, author of TheLadder, TEDx speaker and cyclist.
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
Why are male friendships so challenging, but so rewarding?
Adult men in the UK and elsewhere have long struggled to maintain meaningful bonds with other men. Men may suffer a friendship deficit, likely affecting their health and happiness.
Kim Evenson and I are talking about how that might be changing, what stops guys from building meaningful connections, and why guys need to take risks in being vulnerable with one another.
Kim is an author and international public speaker on male friendships and the Founder and CEO of Brothers. He joins me all the way from Norway.
Find out more about Brothers
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
After an unexpected break, I return with a fresh episode. I'm talking to Rob Stephenson about the relationship between music and mental health.
Rob, among others, is a DJ and uses house music to show the dynamics between the two. We had a great chat about music and how to use it to support our mental health and its benefits. He also drops a spoken word and an excellent tune (if you ask me) to show the power of music to uplift our spirits.
TEDx Talk - What it means to be a good man
Due to music copyright, I can't play the spoken work tunes and banger Rob has recommended, but you can listen to them here.
ANNA - Let you in (for the spoken word)
Ugo Banchi - Dance with Ibiza (the closing tune)
You can make a donation to support the podcast at Ko-Fi.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter
More about Rob, he is a leading voice in the world of mental health. He is the CEO of FormScore and the Founder of the InsideOut LeaderBoard. He's a TEDx Speaker, a mental health campaigner, a keynote speaker, and a facilitator.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
We're launching this episode on Mental Health Awareness Week #ToHelpMyAnxiety covering the topic of money problems and mental health.
In this episode, Lau chats with Carla Hoppe, Founder and CEO of Wealthbrite, about the dynamic relationship between money problems and mental health and practical ways to deal with both.
They also explore some aspects of how men deal with money and unhealthy gender norms around money that can sometimes impact men's mental health.
Wealthbrite is a company that delivers financial education and coaching to build your people's confidence and resilience.
You can support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.
Connect with me on Instagram or Twitter @man\_mentoring
FREE Resources:
StepChange the debt charity - https://www.stepchange.org
Citizens Advice Bureau - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/
Get Wealthbrite's free budgeting tool, access blogs and find out more about their work at: https://www.wealthbrite.co.uk
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
In this episode, I share a few thoughts on empathy and why this is important, especially for boys and men. Empathy opens our minds to experience the world from other's perspectives, and it's crucial for establishing relationships.
I also talk about some of the pitfalls of low empathy for others, the power of self-empathy, and how you can develop it.
Drop me a text with your thoughts about the topic via Instagram or Twitter.
You can support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
This episode is slightly different. I don't have a guest; instead, I share my reflections on misogyny.
Misogyny affects women in a myriad of ways, and we men can play an active role in changing the narrative about how we view women and build relationships and view ourselves as men.
I slightly move on into the territory of self pe and the importance of living a fuller life by engaging with the whole of who we are and unpack the idea that being vulnerable is being strong and confident at the same time.
Drop me a text with your thoughts about the topic via Instagram or Twitter.
You can support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
We start the 2nd season with a bang. David McQueen - "Your Leadership Coach" - is an accomplished leader and international speaker with over twelve years of experience.
David and I discuss leadership and the importance for us men to learn new ways to lead by combining empathy and strength. We also cover leadership that presents destructive and empowering messages and what the differences are.
Be inspired by David's tips on being a good leader, self-care in leadership and which leaders he finds inspirational.
Travvu offer for Mentality Podcast listeners.
Please support the podcast with a small donation on Ko-Fi.
Learn more about David here - https://www.davidmcqueen.co.uk/
Share your thoughts about the podcast with us on Instagram or Twitter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
Adventure is about stepping into the unknown, out of our comfort zones, where we can push our physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries.
In this episode, I'm talking to Az Anjum about adventure. Az is the Coordinator for Extrem Character Challenge (XCC), a mind, body and soul experience for men - https://www.xtremecharacterchallenge.com/
This a great episode to make you reflect on how you can start the new year and continue growing!
You can share your thoughts about content ideas and guests for the new seasons, or any feedback about previous episodes here - https://lnkd.in/eKSxAMVh
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/mentality-podcast/donations
In this episode, I talk to Claude Murray who is an Integrative and Family Therapist and has a wealth of experience when it comes to mentoring and managing mentoring programmes.
Claude and I discuss the importance of mentoring in raising young boys as a support system for them and their families.
Mentoring is also about leaving healthy and positive legacies of what it means to be a man for the coming generations of young boys and men.
If you haven't considered being a mentor, we share a few tips on why you should give it a thought. Irrespective of your age, your time, experience and presence, it's more than enough to start your mentoring journey.
To support this podcast, you can buy us a coffee here.
You can get in touch with Claude on social media:
Instagram: @_cm_murray
Twitter: @cmurraylive
LinkedIn: Claude Murray
Or check out his podcast on Instagram @conversationswithcandc
Check out the blog on the importance of community and the third part of a series of blogs I've put on mentoring - It takes a village to raise a child.
We need to talk about women's safety, and here's why:
- 40,572 women were victims of sexual assault between Oct 2020 and Sep 2021 in England and Wales - a 13% increase from the previous year and the highest number of sexual offences ever recorded within a 12-month period.
- 177 women were killed between Apr 2020 and Mar 2021 in England and Wales. Where the suspect was known, 92% of women were killed by men.
Sarah-Jane Lawrence and I discuss the importance of women's safety and the causes behind men's aggressive behaviour towards them. One of them is men's perception of masculinity.
We also talk about how men can help women feel safe, address some toxic behaviours that lead to violence against women, and offer practical advice.
Sarah-Jane is a trained therapist and coach, and you can learn more about her work here: www.sj-lawrence.co.uk
Source:
The figures are from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Mental Health First Aid England, and I chat about sexuality and its link to masculinity and men's mental health.
A rigid and obsolete view of what it means to be a man can leave some men trapped in a space where they cannot live freely. In addition, we discuss the impact it might have on other genders or people of different sexual orientations.
Please see the 'My Whole Self' toolkit created by MHFA England to access FREE resources and tools. It's an emotional MOT checklist to help your mental health and wellbeing.
To learn more about Simon and his work at MHFA England, see here.
This bonus episode is full of golden nuggets about why shifting your perspective to create a positive change is vital.
Aaron and I have an open and raw chat about how to change your mindset from a negative to a positive one in the context of race relations in Britain.
Included are tips on how to 'overstand' a situation and how that could help you stay optimistic, consider a different perspective of life, and expand your mindset.
Aaron is the founder and Lead Captain at Maroon Fitness, a community-based fitness group in SE London.
Instagram: maroonfitness
Here's a follow up conversation from Episode 5 with Aaron Barnett-Clarke, Founder of Maroon Fitness.
We carry on talking about masculinity and some of the stereotypes men face. Aaron shares some brilliant tips on how to challenge these views and also shares some invaluable insights into why it's beneficial to have female friends.
Aaron is the founder and Lead Captain at Maroon Fitness, a community-based fitness group in SE London. Check out classes and all they do on Instagram @maroonfitness
For an update on the London Triathlon, I recently completed to raise funds, check out our Instagram @man_mentoring!
In this episode, Aaron Barnett-Clarke (Founder of Maroon Fitness) and I discuss everything about masculinity and how fitness can benefit your mental health.
We explore the importance of therapy and how that can help overcome pain and life's disappointments.
We also talk about the attitude of gratitude and how that can helps us to understand that although life is hard, there are plenty of things we can be grateful for. Small and even free things.
The link to the men's mental health triathlon that I'm doing is available here.
Aaron is the Founder and Lead Captain at Maroon Fitness, a community-based fitness group in SE London.
Insta: maroonfitness
In this episode, I continue my conversation with Emmanuel Awoyelu (Manny) about toxic masculinity and how men can find safe spaces to build positive relationships with themselves. But also that "real men" cry.
We also talk about how men engage with women, the importance of leaving a better legacy to young boys on the dynamic between men and women, and why men should be feminists.
The link to the blog post mentioned in the episode: The idea of male vulnerability is so so so ancient.
Emmanuel is an Assistant Headteacher and Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo), and Director of the Reach Out Project - a mentoring programme for young boys disengaged from school.
Personal website: Mannysconscience.com
Personal instagram: MannyAwo
Personal Twitter: MannyAwo
Reach Out Project Website: www.reachoutproject.co.uk
Insta: thereachoutproject
Twitter: reachoutproj
Overall, boys underperform in their GSCEs and A-Level results in the UK. Is it nature or nurture?
Emmanuel Awoyelu (Manny) and Lau explore the importance of male role models for young boys and representation behind the teaching desk for boys' school attainment. We also talk about the views some boys have about masculinity and why this matters, particularly when it comes to how boys relate to the opposite sex.
The link to the blog post mentioned in the episode: Three things stood out in ‘Nowhere special’ about manhood
Emmanuel is an Assistant Headteacher and Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo), and Director of the Reach Out Project - a mentoring programme for young boys disengaged from school.
Personal website: Mannysconscience.com
Personal instagram: MannyAwo
Personal Twitter: MannyAwo
Reach Out Project Website: www.reachoutproject.co.uk
Insta: thereachoutproject
Twitter: reachoutproj
Here's an open and frank conversation with Dr Dan Guinness about healthy masculinities and its evil twin 'toxic masculinity', and why it's important to talk about masculinities, in the plural. We unpack some tips on how men can build healthy relationships with themselves and be part of the solution in response to street safety for women and marginalised genders.
Dan is Managing Director at Beyond Equality, and you can learn more about Beyond Equality at https://www.beyondequality.org
Connect with us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/man_mentoring/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/man_mentoring
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/man-mentoring/
Website: https://www.manmentoring.org.uk
Absolutely.
Tune in to hear from my guest Dr Andrew Parnham about men's wellbeing and mental health, Winston Churchill and Aragorn. Yes, I know. What a combo??? Check out the episode to hear how the conversation unfolds.
About Dr Andrew Parnham
Andy's an independent coach and wellbeing advisor. He runs a free wellbeing course called “The Happiness Course” comprising four sessions – A Happy Life, A Successful Life, A Relational Life and A Meaningful Life. To find out more about his work or check out his book, visit: https://www.andyjillparnham.com/lasting-happiness-book/
Connect with us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/man_mentoring/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/man_mentoring
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/man-mentoring/
Website: https://www.manmentoring.org.uk