- 18
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Minds of Men
The Conversations Men Need to Be Having: Identity, purpose, relationships, mental health, and what it means to live with depth and intention.
- Publisher
- Christian Chalfont
- Category
- education · health & fitness
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- Yes
- First episode
- 28 Apr 2026
- Latest episode
- 7 Sept 2026
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
7 Sept 2026
017: The importance of boundaries
Are you setting boundaries, or simply putting up with things until you eventually explode? This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by coach, mentor and teacher Billy Clark for a conversation about something many men struggle with but rarely talk about: boundaries. Billy is a coach and mentor at Core Five Coaching, where he specialises in working with neurodivergent professionals. With a background in teaching and mentoring, his work explores the stories we tell ourselves, the language we use, and how greater self-awareness can help us create meaningful change in our lives. His approach brings together coaching, psychology, philosophy and years of experience supporting people to better understand themselves and the way they relate to the world around them. In this episode, we explore what healthy boundaries actually look like, why so many of us find it difficult to say “no”, and what happens when we continually prioritise other people's expectations at the expense of our own needs. From romantic relationships and friendships to family, work and leadership, we discuss the subtle ways poor boundaries can show up — people-pleasing, resentment, avoidance, overcommitting, shutting down and eventually reaching a breaking point. We also unpack the difference between setting a boundary and trying to control someone, why boundaries can initially feel uncomfortable or even selfish, and how learning to communicate what you need can actually create stronger, healthier relationships. Perhaps most importantly, we explore the boundaries we set with ourselves. - Our time - Our energy - Our standards - Our habits - Our relationships Because boundaries aren't about building walls or pushing people away. They're about understanding where you end and someone else begins, and having enough self-awareness and self-respect to communicate that clearly. If you struggle to say no, find yourself constantly trying to keep everyone happy, feel guilty for putting yourself first, or regularly experience resentment because you're giving more than you're getting back, this conversation is for you. Find out more about Billy here: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@mrclarksclassroom Core Five Coaching - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/
1 Sept 2026
016: Counselling for men
Why do so many men wait until they’re at breaking point before asking for help? This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by counsellor James Yates for an open and honest conversation about men, mental health and counselling, and why having somewhere to talk without judgement can be so important. James is a UK-based psychotherapist who works primarily with high-functioning men whose ways of handling emotional experience have begun to break down. His work draws on the person-centred, psychodynamic, and somatic traditions, with a particular interest in how men come to process feeling rather than simply discharging it. He also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a discipline that has shaped how he views presence, pressure, and contact within the therapeutic relationship. We explore some of the reasons men walk through the counselling room door, from relationships, anger and anxiety to identity, loneliness, pressure and simply feeling lost. We also discuss the barriers that can prevent men from reaching out in the first place - the expectation to cope, provide, stay strong and figure things out alone. James and I take you inside the counselling room and talk about what therapy actually looks like. What happens when you don’t know what to say? Do you need to be struggling with your mental health to see a counsellor? And does talking about your problems really make a difference? We also explore masculinity, vulnerability, emotional awareness and why counselling isn't necessarily about "fixing" someone, sometimes it's about finally having the space to understand yourself. Whether you've considered counselling yourself, you're worried about a man in your life, or you're simply curious about what really happens behind the closed doors of the therapy room, this episode is for you. You can learn more about James and his work here: - https://www.jamessyates.com/
25 Aug 2026
015: A Life Changing Diagnosis
What happens when life gives you something you can’t simply overcome? This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by life coach, NLP practitioner and hypnotherapist Chris Freer for an honest conversation about living with Multiple Sclerosis, and what more than 20 years with a chronic illness has taught him about resilience, identity, mindset and making the most of the life in front of you. Chris’s work is rooted in lived experience. Rather than allowing an MS diagnosis to define who he is or what his life could become, he has spent two decades exploring what we can influence - our mindset, behaviours, lifestyle, beliefs and the way we respond when circumstances are outside our control. We talk about the psychological impact of chronic illness, losing certainty about your future, adapting to a changing body, finding purpose through adversity, and why becoming the “best version of yourself” doesn’t have to mean being at your best every single day. Chris is the founder of Freer Thinking Therapies and creator of the #BVOMT - Best Version Of Myself Today framework. Having worked with more than 400 clients, he now helps others challenge limiting beliefs, build mental resilience and reconnect with a sense of purpose. This isn't a conversation about pretending everything is positive. It's about acceptance, adaptation, perspective and learning how to live fully alongside the things you cannot control. Whether you're living with chronic illness yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply navigating a difficult chapter in your life, there is something in this conversation for all of us. Find out more about Chris and his work here: Website: https://chrisfreer.co.uk/ (https://chrisfreer.co.uk/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freerthinking/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/freerthinking/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreerThinking-kf1vp (https://www.youtube.com/@FreerThinking-kf1vp)
17 Aug 2026
014: What a journey of growth looks like.
What does a journey of growth actually look like? This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by high-performance coach Adam Smith for a conversation about personal growth: not as a destination, but as an ongoing process of understanding yourself, challenging old patterns and continually evolving. Adam works with ambitious founders and business owners, helping them sharpen their thinking, perform at a higher level and create greater freedom in both life and business. But in this episode, we go beyond performance and talk about the person behind it. We explore what growth really looks like when you’re living it: the setbacks, uncomfortable realisations, changing identities, difficult decisions and moments where the version of you that got you here may not be the version that takes you where you want to go next. We talk about self-awareness, responsibility, relationships, purpose, success and the importance of being willing to question the stories you’ve built your life around. Because growth isn’t always about doing more or achieving more. Sometimes it’s about letting go, slowing down, seeing yourself more clearly and having the courage to change. If you’re at a point in life where you know something needs to shift- personally, professionally or both- there’s a lot in this conversation for you. You can learn more about Adam and his work here: - https://agameconsultancy.com/
10 Aug 2026
013: From struggling to thriving.
What does it really take to turn your life around? This week on Minds of Men, I’m joined by online coach and transformation expert Rikki Halfpenny for an open and honest conversation about his journey from struggling with his own life to thriving - and ultimately building a career helping other people do the same. We talk about the experiences that shaped Rikki, the challenges he’s had to overcome, and what he learned about discipline, mindset, confidence and taking responsibility for the direction of your life. We also explore why physical transformation is often about far more than changing how you look, and how improving your health, habits and relationship with yourself can impact almost every other area of your life. Today, Rikki uses those experiences to help others become stronger, healthier, more confident versions of themselves. This is a conversation about transformation in the truest sense of the word, recognising where you are, deciding where you want to go, and becoming the person capable of getting there. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost your way, or known that you’re capable of more than the life you’re currently living, this episode is for you. Follow Rikki: Instagram: @rikki_halfpenny_fitness YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rikki_halfpenny_fitness (https://www.youtube.com/@rikki_halfpenny_fitness) 🎙️ If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to Minds of Men, share the episode and send it to someone who might need to hear it.
3 Aug 2026
012: Are men struggling?
Why does masculinity feel so confusing today? In this week's episode of Minds of Men, I'm joined by TEDx speaker, author and men's wellbeing advocate Andrew Pain to explore one of the most important conversations facing men today. Drawing on the themes from his new book, Honestly, Man, (on sale this week), we discuss why so many men struggle to talk openly about their emotions, the impact of shame, loneliness and burnout, and what healthier masculinity really looks like in today's world. We also explore psychological safety, difficult conversations, resilience, fatherhood, identity, and how we can create communities where men feel able to speak honestly- without fear of judgement. Whether you're a father, partner, leader, coach, or simply someone trying to make sense of what it means to be a man today, this episode offers practical insights, honest reflection and plenty of moments that will challenge the way you think. About Andrew Andrew Pain is a TEDx and CPD-accredited speaker, award-winning campaigner, podcast host and the author of Honestly, Man: Why Masculinity Feels Confusing, Shame Doesn't Help and What to Do About It. He works with organisations including HSBC, Amazon, National Highways, Specsavers and The Crown Estate, helping leaders and teams improve wellbeing, resilience, communication and psychological safety. All profits from Honestly, Man are invested into charities supporting men and boys. Learn more about Andrew here: 🌐 https://www.andrewpain.co.uk/ (https://www.andrewpain.co.uk/) 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpain/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpain/) 📖 Honestly, Man by Andrew Pain: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=honestly+man+andrew+pain (https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=honestly+man+andrew+pain) If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
27 Jul 2026
EP 011: Progressive Masculinity
This week I'm speaking with Mike Nicholson, a former secondary school teacher and the founder of Progressive Masculinity, a nationally recognised organisation helping schools create healthier cultures for boys and young men. Drawing on years of experience working directly with pupils and educators, Mike delivers training, speaks at conferences and advises organisations across the UK on masculinity, relationships and wellbeing. Progressive Masculinity’s work has been featured extensively in the national media, and Mike has been invited to provide consultancy to several UK government departments on issues affecting boys and young men. Together we discuss what life is like for boys and young men in today's society; the challenges they face, their self-image, finding their place in the world and the pressures heaped on them, before they've even had a chance to figure themselves out! Whether you're a parent, teacher, someone who works with children or simply someone who is concerned for the state of young people, this episode has something you'll want to hear. You can learn more about Mike and his work here: http://progressivemasculinity.co.uk/
20 Jul 2026
010: Men's Groups
In this week's episode of Minds of Men, we explore the quiet epidemic of male loneliness and the power of genuine human connection. Together with Jake Fishbein, we dive into why meaningful friendships become harder as men get older, the role of men's circles, and why so many men struggle to be truly seen, heard and understood. We unpack vulnerability, trust, masculinity, emotional safety and what it actually takes to build authentic relationships in a world that often rewards performance over presence. Whether you're looking to strengthen your friendships, become a better partner, father or leader, or simply feel less alone, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections that every man can benefit from. If you've ever felt isolated despite appearing to have everything together, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Don't forget to subscribe, like and share the episode with someone who might need to hear it. Jake Fishbein is a novelist, executive coach, men's group facilitator, die-hard Red Sox fan, and Greek-history nerd. He runs Tiresias Leadership and The Arena Men's Group, where he helps executives, non-profit leaders, and men wrestling with modern masculinity become better communicators and build relationships that actually nourish them. And yes, he coaches women, too. You can find his writing on The Good Men Project and on his Substack, The Hungry Reader. You can learn more about Jake and his work here: www.jakefishbein.com Amazon US - Print - https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Group-Novel-Messy-Friendships/dp/B0H31RVBC9 Amazon - Kindle ebook - https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Group-Novel-Messy-Friendships-ebook/dp/B0H31JMJXS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 Barnes & Noble - Print - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mens-group-jacob-fishbein/1150260181?ean=9798900520247 B&N - Nook ebook - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mens-group-jacob-fishbein/1150260181?ean=2940185207956
12 Jul 2026
009: Men's Nutrition
How much of what you know about nutrition is actually true? In this episode, I speak with Joshua Clamp about food, nutrition and health, cutting through the myths, misinformation and conflicting advice that dominate the industry. From ultra-processed foods and weight loss to metabolic health, supplements and sustainable eating habits, we unpack what really matters, and what doesn't. Whether you're looking to improve your health, increase your energy or simply make better decisions about what you eat, this conversation is packed with practical insights and evidence-based advice you can apply immediately. Josh Clamp is a Registered Nutritionist (MSc), Ultra Endurance Runner & Men's Health Champion. After completing his BSc in Medical Physiology and MSc in Human Nutrition, Josh joined Maximus UK as a Senior Nutritionist to lead their online men's weight management programme. Josh now runs his own performance consultancy, The Men’s Health Nutritionist, where he supports and collaborates with businesses, charities & and individuals to optimise health, wellbeing & performance. To learn more about Josh, click below: Website: https://www.themenshealthnutritionist.co.uk/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.themenshealthnutritionist.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf0083b870cc44575b36f08dea524c460%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639129774508194914%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ovpZiK7QkNhYy5cWsm8uigN%2BVdoqb63%2Fumv2UlMqaCE%3D&reserved=0) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-clamp-rnutr-125a45160/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fjosh-clamp-rnutr-125a45160%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf0083b870cc44575b36f08dea524c460%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639129774508209505%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GCj3dsN95b9eMhYfjqzXvz2dJg6vKOFb9S1z4oeDfxw%3D&reserved=0) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenshealthnutritionist/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fthemenshealthnutritionist%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf0083b870cc44575b36f08dea524c460%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639129774508218135%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fOspf7M8CghJEPDbPF87YqTlpQhHbYu7LllIviU66k8%3D&reserved=0)
4 Jul 2026
008: Rites of Passage & Archetypes
On this week's episode, I speak with Ben Price, who is ex-Special Forces and now works as a Men's Coach. Join us as we explore rites of passage, masculine archetypes, and initiations which are sorely missing across society. Together, we explore why so many men feel lost in the modern world, the importance of rites of passage, masculine archetypes, and the initiations that once helped boys become grounded, capable men. We discuss what happens when those experiences are missing, and how men can consciously create them for themselves today. If you're interested in masculinity, purpose, resilience, leadership, and becoming the man your life is asking you to be, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. To learn more about Ben and his work, check out his website and YouTube channel: - https://go.coachbenprice.com/the-forge - https://www.youtube.com/@coachbenprice
28 Jun 2026
007: The Inner Critic
For many, the voice that holds us back isn't that of their boss, their competition, or their circumstances. It's the one inside their own head. In this episode, we explore the psychology of the inner critic - where it comes from, and how it fuels perfectionism, anxiety, burnout and self-doubt. If you've ever felt like your own harshest judge, this conversation will help you understand that voice, and show you how to stop letting it run your life. To learn more about Billy, check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCXL1m5sb4QodlnG_88HR6NA
21 Jun 2026
006: Fatherhood & New Dad's
On today's episode, I speak with Kieran Anders, who is the Dad Matters lead at Home Start UK. Kieran Anders is the Dad Matters Lead at Home-Start UK, leading the national development of services that support fathers during pregnancy and the first years of their child's life. With a background in family support, perinatal mental health, education and community development, Kieran is passionate about ensuring dads are recognised, included, and supported as parents in their own right. Through Dad Matters UK, he works with communities, professionals, and policymakers to improve outcomes for fathers, children, and families across the UK. To learn more about the work Kieran does and to access support, follow the links below. HOME START UK: https://www.home-start.org.uk/ DAD MATTERS: https://www.home-start.org.uk/dad-matters
15 Jun 2026
005: Online Child Safety
On this week's episode, I speak with Amit Singh Kalley. Amit works with parents, schools and organisations to make sense of the real risks children face online, and to turn concern into informed, confident action. His work focuses on digital parenting, online safety and safeguarding, supporting adults to understand and respond to issues such as: 📱 Social media pressures and harmful content 🎮 Online gaming risks and in-game communication 🧠 Grooming, coercion and sextortion 🤖 AI-generated images and misinformation 🔍 Hidden online language, emojis and slang Amit helps adults spot warning signs early, set healthy boundaries with technology, and have calm, effective conversations with children, without panic, judgement or fear-mongering. For more information about Amit's work, check out his website: https://forworkingparents.com/
7 Jun 2026
004: Grief and Loss
Today’s guest is Callum Molyneux, a Personal Trainer and Holistic Health Coach based in Sheffield. At the age of 13, Callum’s mother died following a battle with cancer. What followed was a teenager who struggled to navigate his way through grief and loss, and as a result, turned to fitness and strength training in such a brutal way, that it quickly started to cause real damage to him physically. Join us as Callum shares his experiences of grief, loss, love and identity. Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACP Christian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more: Coaching with Christian - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/ (https://www.corefivecoaching.com/) Callum's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callum_molyneux_/ (https://www.instagram.com/callum_molyneux_/)
31 May 2026
003: Exploring Male Friendships
Today’s guest is Olumide Ajulo. Join us as we explore male friendships and how they affect our day-to-day lives. Olu is the Counselling Team Manager at Leeds Beckett University, and is also a Therapist and Supervisor in private practice. He is a Senior Accredited member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and is trained in DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy). DBT is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to treat intense emotions, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). It balances emotional regulation and acceptance, with change-oriented strategies, teaching skills to manage distress and improve relationships. Olu’s master's research is into “Factors that affect how men engage with university mental health services.” Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACP Christian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more: Coaching with Christian - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/ (https://www.corefivecoaching.com/)
24 May 2026
002: What is Shadow Work?
Today’s guest is Billy Clark, one of the Co-Founders of Core Five Coaching. Billy is a Teacher, Mentor and Coach who has focused on working with men in deeply transformative spaces, including 1:1 coaching, group coaching and retreats. Billy also has his own YouTube channel, Mr Clark’s Classroom, which he describes as: “A place to slow down, ask confronting life-changing questions, answer them via distilled insights from psychology and philosophy books, and make inner work practical and enjoyable.” Join us as we hear Billy describe what Shadow Work is and how we can explore our own shadow side, to become a more complete and successful version of ourselves. Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACP Christian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more: Coaching with Christian & Billy - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/ (https://www.corefivecoaching.com/) Billy's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@mrclarksclassroom (https://www.youtube.com/@mrclarksclassroom)
17 May 2026
001: The Cycle Ends With Me: Breaking Trauma and Rebuilding as a Man
This episode is a raw and powerful conversation on what it really takes for men to heal. Jacob Lowe shares his journey through profound loss, addiction, and self-destruction, and how he rebuilt his life from the ground up. Together, we explore the uncomfortable truths most men avoid: trauma, identity, emotional suppression, and why facing them is the first step toward real change. From the power of holding space and therapy, to breaking cycles, building resilience, and finding purpose, this is an honest, straight-talking look at recovery. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re just surviving, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful reminder: change is possible, and it starts with being real. You can follow and contact Jacob at: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacob.lowe94/ (https://www.instagram.com/jacob.lowe94/) Email - tellwell.le@gmail.com (mailto:tellwell.le@gmail.com) Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACP Christian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more: - https://www.corefivecoaching.com/ (https://www.corefivecoaching.com/)
28 Apr 2026
Minds of Men : Trailer
Minds of Men explores the real conversations men need to be having - about identity, purpose, relationships, mental health, and what it means to live with depth and intention. This is a brief trailer which explains the kind of content you'll hear in the coming weeks. During the upcoming episode, Christian Chalfont features conversations with individuals and professionals from all walks of life who are doing the work - and honest solo episodes where he shares what he's learning in real time. No hype. No performance. Just real conversations about the things that matter. Brand new content is released every Sunday afternoon - Please Follow, Like or Subscribe so you never miss it. About your Host : Christian Chalfont MBACP Christian Chalfont is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Manchester. He is a registered member of the BACP and specialises in supporting high-performing professionals who look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected on the inside. Find out more: https://www.corefivecoaching.com/ (https://www.corefivecoaching.com/)
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