For the past 10 years, I’ve worked with and researched into how men connected with their buddies, the benefits of strong social connections, and the strategies to strengthening those friendships. Let me share my findings with all of you!
Be sure to also check out the In Good Company website for podcast show notes at https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/podcast-shownotes/ for the photos and descriptions mentioned in the episodes!
If you enjoyed listening to our podcast, please consider leaving a rating & review to help us improve and reach more listeners!
Supporting Work Friends Struggling with Mental Health with Seth McVeity & Robert Olson (S1 E10)
In this episode, Paul is joined by Seth and Robert to chat about the Buddy Up campaign, which promotes authentic conversations among men and their friends, gives men tools to offer help to friends, and raises awareness to mental health at work. Hear how workplaces in Canada champion men’s mental health to reduce male suicide by encouraging conversations about these challenging topics like depression, anger, and loneliness.
Links & Show Notes
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/11/08/episode-10/ https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC
(00:00) Teaser
(00:12) Introduction
(02:22) Overview of the Buddy Up campaign – Supporting others and offering help to friends
(04:42) Men’s mental health and suicide prevention awareness champions
(07:00) Teaching men that it is okay to talk about mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar, suicide) and how to check in on a buddy
(08:08) Men are struggling and need support
(09:53) Workplace and men’s mental health
(11:27) How the campaign facilitates workplace mental health awareness, services, and support
(12:12) Statistics for men’s workplace mental health in Canada
(13:31) What can employers and workplaces do to support men’s mental health
(16:40) Success stories from workplaces supporting the mental health of workers
(19:56) Work from home/remote jobs/hybrid work and mental health
(22:23) Recommendations for connecting virtually at work
(25:18) Social connection with colleagues and how to build stronger relationships at work
(27:08) How to support someone that opens up to you about their struggles
(29:50) Checking in on a friend that has chatted with you and ongoing support
(30:54) Workplace training to prepare people to engage in conversations about suicide
(33:55) How to get involved with the Buddy Up campaign at your workplace
(35:01) Closing Remarks
(35:10) Outro
4 Oct 2024
Mentorship, Ghosting, Throwing Shade, & More with Dr. John Oliffe (S1 E9)
In this episode, Paul and Dr. John Oliffe return to explore how various topics shape men’s experiences. They dive into the cultural differences between Australian and Canadian men, the role of mentorship, the realities of ghosting, the nuances of throwing shade, and problematic conversations. Tune in to discover how these modern social dynamics impact men’s social connections.
Links & Show Notes
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/10/04/episode-9/ (https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/10/04/episode-9/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
(00:00) Teaser
(00:12) Introduction
(01:27) Cultural differences between Australian and Canadian
men
(07:24) Mentorship and its importance for men
(12:37) How to find a mentor
(14:27) Ghosting
(21:15) Throwing shade/banter
(26:36) Locker room talk/off the record conversations
(28:57) Closing Remarks
(30:35) Outro
13 Sept 2024
Ep. 8: The Past, Present, & Future of Men's Health
In this episode, Paul is joined by Dr. John Oliffe to discuss the tectonic shifts in men’s health over the past two decades. They explore the relevance of traditional masculine values, the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beer, and the increasing emphasis on healthy fatherhood. Tune in to learn about how research is impacting societal views on masculinity and the role of social media in shaping the future of men’s health. The conversation continues in Episode 9!
Links & Show Notes
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/09/13/episode-8/ (https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/09/13/episode-8/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
(00:00) Teaser
(00:15) Introduction
(02:17) Thoughts about men’s health over the past two decades
(05:01) Societal views on men’s mental health
(06:48) Relevance of traditional masculine values
(08:37) Impact of men’s health research
(10:45) The rise of non-alcoholic beer
(16:13) Healthy fatherhood
(18:36) How to package and advertise men’s health
(22:28) Discourse on social media
(24:50) Future of men’s health
(27:45) Outro
9 Aug 2024
Ep. 7: The Masks We Wear feat. Dr. Matthew Genuchi
In this episode, Paul and guest Dr. Matthew Genuchi talk about masculinity, how it has changed over time, and its impact on social connection through the masks that men wear. Hear about how social connections are different in our modern day and personal anecdotes around the experience of being a man and finding community.
Links & Show Notes
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/08/10/episode-7/ (https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/08/10/episode-7/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
(00:01) Introduction
(01:27) Weather talk in US vs Australia
(02:50) Wearing a "mask" as a man
(05:22) Challenges of opening up with the "mask" of masculinity
(07:32) Origin of traditional masculinity - a way to survive for men
(09:41) Nature vs Nurture of masculinity
(13:17) How is masculinity & fatherhood are changing?
(18:25) How does masculinity affect how men connect with their friends?
(22:26) Giving Help vs Getting Help
(25:16) How men's social connections have changed over time
(28:58) Men are spending LESS time with friends, and have LESS friends
(32:33) Dr. Genuchi's personal reflection on his own masculinity
(34:38) How can men navigate between their masculinities and friendships
(38:58) Outro
26 Jul 2024
Ep. 6: What Men Need to Know About Anxiety feat. Krista Fisher
In this episode, Paul and guest Krista Fisher chat about anxiety and how it is different for young men. They outline how anxiety manifests in the body, how the norms around masculinity raise challenges to men experiencing anxiety, and its influence on social connections. Stay tuned to the end where Krista recommends a top tip for young men to cope with anxiety disorders.
Links & Show Notes
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/07/26/episode-6/ (https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/07/26/episode-6/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
(00:01) Introduction
(01:11) Krista Fisher's work with Movember
(02:18) What is the age range for "Young Men"?
(03:30) Difference between "feeling nervous" and anxiety
(06:33) 1 in 5 men experience anxiety
(08:50) Physical symptoms of anxiety in young men
(12:34) Gender differences with anxiety
(13:56) What role does age play in how men experience anxiety?
(16:11) What causes higher rates of anxiety later in life?
(18:33) How does social connection impact anxiety?
(21:07) Fear of reconnecting with old friends
(26:25) How to reconnect with old friends
(30:11) How to convince your friends it's okay to reach out
(34:52) How do young men with anxiety seek support?
(36:03) What men can do to overcome social anxiety
(38:12) Outro
8 Jul 2024
Ep 5: Healing Hearts: Navigating Breakups in Men's Lives feat. Michael Wilson
In this episode, Paul and guest Michael Wilson chat about men’s romantic relationships and how to support your buddy through a breakup. They chat about the current dialogues around relationships and offer valuable insights into the benefits and strategies of healthy relationships and how men respond to breakups.
Links & Show Notes
ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/07/08/episode-5/ (ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/07/08/episode-5/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
24 Jun 2024
Ep 4: Finding the Right Crew feat. Calvin Fernandez & Rob Velzeboer
In this episode, Paul and guests, Calvin Fernandez and Rob Velzeboer, share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for making friends while moving from one country to another. They reflect on what’s worked for them in building authentic and long-lasting friendships and offer tangible takeaways for men that are looking to get socially connected.
Links & Show Notes
ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/24/episode-4/ (ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/24/episode-4/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
14 Jun 2024
Ep 3: Considering & Offering Peer Support feat. Dr. David Kealy
In this episode, Paul and guest expert Dr. David Kealy dive into the complexities of men seeking mental health support from their friends. They discuss why men often struggle with vulnerability, how they might reach out for help, and how to spot the signs that a friend is struggling. They offer guidance on helping friends open up, addressing situations where peer support isn’t enough, and building trust. The episode explores settings best suited for peer support, skills for navigating difficult conversations, recognizing when professional help is needed, and the importance of normalizing regular check-ins.
Links & Show Notes
ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/14/episode-3/ (ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/14/episode-3/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
12 Jun 2024
Ep 2: Building & Sustaining Authentic Social Connections feat. Dr. Simon Rice
Welcome to another episode of the In Good Company Podcast! In this episode, host Paul is joined by Dr. Simon Rice, the Global Director of the Movember Men's Health Institute. Together, they explore the benefits of strong social connections, the challenges of loneliness and isolation, and strategies for overcoming the fear of rejection. They offer insights on finding the best environments for connecting, navigating major life transitions, and the impact of virtual communication.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Challenges of Making New Friends: Dr. Rice shares insights on why making new friends becomes harder as we get older.
Importance of Social Connections: Discover how strong social connections benefit mental and physical health.
Real-Life Examples: Hear stories from the photovoice study about men's experiences with social connections.
Practical Advice: Learn strategies for fostering genuine relationships and overcoming social barriers.
You can also WATCH Paul and Ray's interview on the Men's Health Research YouTube Channel to check out the photos they've discussed on this episode:
https://youtu.be/GFTssYtjrpQ (https://youtu.be/GFTssYtjrpQ)
Links & Show Notes
ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/12/episode-2/ (ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/12/episode-2/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:51) - Dr Simon Rice’s work with Movember
(02:53) - What does authentic connection between men look like?
(04:45) - Benefits of social connection
(07:53) - Scenario #1: Making new connections
(09:48) - Making new friends as men get older is harder
(12:35) - How to overcome the fear of rejection
(15:44) - Where can men best connect with other guys?
(18:03) - Scenario #2: Major life transitions and how men can connect in a new community
(23:30) - How can family members support the men in their lives during life changes or transitions?
(25:30) - Scenario #3: Connecting virtually when experiencing loneliness
(30:10) - Differences between connecting virtually and in-person
(32:39) - Scenario #4: Steps to building authentic connections
(33:23) - How can guys strengthen connections over time
(36:04) - How Dr. Rice stays connected with his buddies
10 Jun 2024
Ep 1: Understanding Men’s Experiences Through Photovoice feat. Raymond Chou
This episode of In Good Company podcast welcomes guest Raymond Chou, a varsity athlete and researcher with UBC Men’s Health Program, to discuss his experiences and findings from the peer support study.
In this episode, Paul and Raymond delve into the dynamics of male friendships and support systems. They explore how men connect with each other, the challenges they face in seeking and offering support, and offer valuable insights into the importance of authenticity and proactive communication within male peer relationships.
You can also WATCH Paul and Ray's interview on the Men's Health Research YouTube Channel to check out the photos they've discussed on this episode:
https://youtu.be/1cgcPKnP3pk (https://youtu.be/1cgcPKnP3pk)
Links & Shownotes
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/10/episode-1/ (https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/2024/06/10/episode-1/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:24) - About Raymond Chou
(03:00) - Background and methodology on the study
(04:04) - Men’s experiences with taking photos for the study
(08:05) - Types of photos men submitted
(10:45) - Challenges guys faced when trying to connect
(12:56) - Buddies can be a lifeline for guys
(13:17) - What is a peer?
(14:50) - Loss of connection, and barriers to maintaining friendships between men
(18:48) - What prevents men from giving support
(22:28) - What qualities are guys looking for in a relationship
(25:55) - Types of support guys provide
(29:46) - Strategies men used to connect/support their buddies
(39:56) - Raymond's personal reflection on mens' social connections
3 Jun 2024
Introducing In Good Company Podcast
Did you know loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?
Join the host and expert, Dr. Paul Sharp, on the In Good Company Podcast to explore the power of social connections and peer support, and how to bolster a more connected life. Discover why having meaningful friendships is essential for your health and well-being, and gain practical tips to better connect with your buddies.
You can also WATCH the trailer episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sihY_x-QNUk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sihY_x-QNUk)
Links & Resources:
https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/ (https://ingoodcompany.menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/)
https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC (https://twitter.com/MensHealthUBC)
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