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Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask

By Shari

In this podcast series, I’ll be talking about men - masculinity, mental health and wellbeing. We will look at the role society plays in traditional and cultural perceptions of what it means to be a man and how that affects the wellbeing of the men in our lives.
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Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask With Jack

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The MaskMay 18, 2021

00:00
57:08
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Cass Morrow

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Cass Morrow

Cass is a coach who has helped thousands of men save their marriages which were on the brink of collapse due to constant fighting, lack of sex, adultery etc.

Cass had been in an abusive marriage for years and openly admits that he abused his wife emotionally, physical and sexually. He had a restraining order against him and a 12-month probationary order and his wife had left him 7 times!

So how was Cass able to turn his own abusive marriage around and convince his wife that the relationship was savable and that he had the power to change?

Normally, being verbally and physically abusive to your partner would signal the end of the relationship which most people would struggle to come back from.

It was a great conversation, so listen here to find out how Cass was able to turn his life around and help so many other men and women do the same.

Enjoy!

Mar 16, 202401:02:31
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Rachel Vora

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Rachel Vora

Rachel is a child psychotherapist working in schools and in this episode she talks to me about the significant rise in the number of boys and young men who are coming to see her.  

Rachel has a wealth of experience in school settings supporting students with their mental health. She advises schools on their mental health strategies and setting up counselling provisions in schools.

Rachel supports young people with issues such as anxiety, eating disorders, depression and trauma.

We spoke about the difference between how boys approach mental health and respond to therapy compared with girls. Although the issues aren’t that different, the language we use needs to be quite different, and learning how to interact with them to unlock what is really going on beneath the anger, rage, despondency or moodiness.

Rachel gives us some valuable insights and tips on how to talk about mental health with men.

I hope you enjoy the episode

Feb 24, 202453:60
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Gavin

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Gavin

In this episode Gavin talks about the toxicity within the gym culture and the over-whelming need to look good and impress others. We spoke about the growing use of steroids amongst young men and boys to bulk up their muscle mass instead of working with the body as it is. We also talked about the collective, generational trauma in the south-Asian community and why they don’t want to talk about mental health issues for fear of shame or blame.
Feb 17, 202449:16
Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Anthony

Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Anthony

In this episode, I spoke to Anthony about what it is that men want in a relationship. What qualities do they value and part active part are they willing to take in supporting their partner with cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids? Or is it the woman’s role as the nurturer despite maybe working a full-time job? It’s time to challenge those age-old perspectives and ask ourselves is there a different way men can show up and still remain masculine? Have a listen now.
Jan 27, 202459:22
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Sean

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Sean

In this episode, I spoke to Sean about the mindset change that led him to go dry for the month of January in 2021. He then decided to continue for another 11 months, after which, Sean made this a lifestyle choice, dropped 100 pounds in weight, started listening to podcasts and has even written a book about his journey called "Going Dry".

Dec 29, 202340:27
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Chazz

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Chazz

Chazz Scott is an author, speaker, mindset and resilience coach. He works with under-privileged young people, running workshops on mental health and helping to equip them with the tools for the demands of everyday life. Chazz also coaches executives.

We spoke about the importance of developing a morning routine by setting aside a few minutes each day, how our thoughts create our future, and how a negative mindset can affect our beliefs. Chazz also talked about overcoming depression and how applying the principles that are now in his book "Success Starts Within" got him back on track.

Jun 25, 202341:11
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Mac

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Mac

I had a great time talking to Mac about his early introduction into the world of martial arts which lasted over 30 years. We talked about the positive teachings and role models, and how that helped to shape and form his ideals. We also talked about his book "Positive Masculinity Now" and how patriarchy and toxic masculinity limits and hurts us all. Mac is a well-known activist and speaks on gender and sexuality issues.

You can find out more about Mac and his work at: positivemasculinitynow.org 

Feb 11, 202352:50
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Jeff Wickersham
Sep 03, 202236:42
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Joe

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Joe

In this episode, Joe shares with me his story of bringing up three boys aged 11, 15 and 17 one of whom has Asperger's, another has ADHD and the other son suffered with depression. It's a tough call for most parents and we talked about the importance of setting firm boundaries and expectations centred in love. Joe has also written a booked "Everyday Excellence" which is a daily reflection on where you are, what you need and how you are going to master your day.

You can find out more about Joe at www.everyday-excellence.com.

Drop me a line if you would like to share your story with me shari@sharilewisonfrisch.com.


Jun 02, 202247:12
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Neil
Feb 20, 202201:01:01
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Gerard
Jan 07, 202250:56
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Lawrence

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Lawrence

Lawrence Prestidge is a successful children's book author who has struggled with depression and alcohol abuse, and who lost his job as a primary school teacher because of the stigma around mental health.

Arguably, mental health is a topic more widely discussed today than perhaps 5 or 10 years ago, but it doesn't mean that people are any more comfortable dealing with someone suffering from depression and struggling with their mental health. The stigma is still there but less apparent.

Lawrence decided to write an autobiographical book about how he overcame depression and alcohol addiction called "The Boy Who Lost His Smile". He spoke candidly about his everyday struggles to stay alive and connected to the world without the aid of alcohol. Living with the knowledge that one day he would take his own life, an inevitability which he said he had come to terms with - a matter-of-fact.

Slowly Lawrence learned to forgive himself, to make the changes necessary and to reach out for help. Now, he says, he's at peace, surrounded by people who love and support him, and raise his energy.

Lawrence's story is a deep look into the many faces of depression and how faith got him through.

Dec 09, 202151:09
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Susan

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Susan

This is a fascinating and intriguing look at how an absent or abusive father can leave psychological scars on his daughter's psyche that we aren't even aware of. The father-daughter relationship is pivotal in the life of a woman, and she grows up with a hole in her heart that she can't fill when she is denied that relationship. 

The absent father affects her mind, body and soul and it alters the way in which the daughter sees herself in the world, how she interacts in her close relationships and her ability to love herself.

This is a story that everyone needs to listen to as we are all, in some way, affected by it. Whether we had our fathers in our lives but he wasn't there emotionally for us or he wasn't a part of our lives at all.


Nov 22, 202153:10
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Bill

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Bill

In this episode, I talk with Bill about the 6 years he spend at a military boarding school in Nigeria where he quickly learned that crying was weak. You got more respect when you didn't cry during the regular beatings -being tough was something admirable. The toxic environment taught Bill how to become self-sufficient from an early age and what he had to do to stay out of trouble.

In order to survive, Bill had to grow up fast. What the experience taught him was resilience and to keep trying no matter how hard. Fortunately, it looks like he's turned out to be a level-headed, ambitious young man.

If you would like to share your story, drop me an email at shari@sharilewisonfrisch.com.


Nov 14, 202130:59
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Gabriela

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Gabriela

In this episode, I talk to Gabriela a world-leading fertility specialist and clinical researcher, and the author of 4 books on fertility. With a 20+ year career in reproductive sciences, Gabriela gives us some incredible insights into the journey that couples have been on just to have a child of their own.

Gabriela can boast a 78% success rate which is a phenomenal result! As someone who also struggled with infertility, before finally becoming a mother, I found myself relating to these couples.

Gabriela's approach is holistic and looks at the bigger picture of each of the people involved - their mental state, their diet, their lifestyle - and she puts together the puzzle pieces to create a programme which is unique and individual to each couple. 

We also talked about the way men and women approach infertility and how men's perception of themselves is so intricately woven into their virility and how they see themselves.

I'm sure you are going to enjoy this episode as much as I did.  

Oct 17, 202101:06:24
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Tim

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Tim

In this episode, I talk to Tim about his traumatic childhood, his long career in the sports and entertainment world and how, despite the outward appearances of success, deep down Tim was struggling. It was only when he had almost lost everything, that Tim sought help and was diagnosed with severe depression. Tim speaks openly about his self-destructive behaviour and why its so important for men to talk to each other about the real stuff and to reach out for help and support.

Its a thought-provoking discussion about men and their men health. So leave a comment or a review and let me know if you enjoyed this episode.

Sep 15, 202158:34
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Andre

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Andre

Andre is a life coach and intuitive healer, and in this episode we looked at how growing up with parents who were emotionally unavailable impacted his adult life. Andre started off his career as an accountant but found that he had a natural ability to connect with people at a deeper lever and left to become a life coach and healer of childhood trauma. It’s a fascinating personal journey as well as professionally.
Aug 28, 202151:10
Toxic Masculinity-Behind The Mask with Jim

Toxic Masculinity-Behind The Mask with Jim

In this episode Jim talks about the dark days during his struggle with depression and it wasn’t until he admitted that he had a problem and reached out for help, that things changed for the better. Now Jim runs marathons to raise awareness of mental health and has 21 under his belt so far.
Jul 18, 202158:06
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Jeff

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Jeff

In this episode, I talk with Jeff about how he combines body, mind & spirituality in his health and fitness coaching business. We discussed toxic masculinity and what positive masculinity looks like and the inequalities between the sexes.
Jun 01, 202146:42
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask With Jack

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask With Jack

In this episode, Jack and I talk about what equality for men looks like when it benefits both sexes and encompasses the strengths that both men and women inherently possess. It's an open and very candid look at masculinity viewed from a different lens where men can also feel seen and heard.  

May 18, 202157:08
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Justin

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Justin

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

In this episode, I talk with Justin about how he went from being clinicaly depressed, an alcoholic, using drugs and planning how he wanted to end his life to a becoming a proud father, podcaster and men's mental health coach.

Justin's story should inspire every man out there to reach out for help and tell someone he's struggling.

Let's get that conversation started. 

Apr 26, 202152:24
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Liam

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Liam

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
Liam is a self-published author of a children’s book series and a soon-to-be-father. We talk about Liam’s experience of toxic masculinity, football and changing room banter and how he would raise a son.
Feb 27, 202137:06
Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Luke

Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Luke

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
In this episode, I talk to Luke about male friendships, what feminism means to men, what male stereotypes are and how he defines toxic masculinity.
Feb 13, 202147:14
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Jared

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Jared

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
I talk with Jared about his spiritual journey from losing his father to Aids, a brief stint in Corporate America to studying with the Yogis in India and living with the indigenous people in the jungles of Ecuador. And how all of this has made him into the man he is today with a strong sense of self.
Feb 06, 202137:49
Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Micah

Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Micah

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
In this episode, I talk with Dr Micah Johnson about the challenges he had to overcome, growing up in homeless shelters, to become a professor of mental health law, a scientist, a musician and an author to name but a few.
Jan 19, 202148:12
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Waltraud

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Waltraud

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
In this episode, Waltraud gives her perspective as a coach on working with executive men and their struggles with how they perceive themselves based on society’s expectations.
Nov 18, 202023:14
Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Bob

Toxic Masculinity- Behind The Mask with Bob

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
In this episode, I talk to Bob a young guy who writes poetry and has his own podcast. We look at what being a man means to him, the importance of fatherhood and how his relationship with his daughter has transformed him and the pressures of needing to be a certain way according to societies ideals.
Oct 19, 202027:17
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Zach

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Zach

In this episode, I talk with Zach about his struggles with alcohol addiction and what it means to be a man in today’s society with the expectations that society, culture and tradition places on men and boys.
Oct 11, 202034:44
Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Trevor

Toxic Masculinity - Behind The Mask with Trevor

Trevor talks about what it was like growing up in Sheffield as a Black man in the 70’s and his role now as a coach for Black men. Trevor runs a self-help group for Black men and empowers them to take charge of their lives by looking at roles they’re playing and the impact this has on their mental health.
Oct 05, 202036:21
October 5, 2020

October 5, 2020

Oct 05, 202000:50