The Meaning of Men

The Meaning of Men
Podcast Description
What does it really mean to be a man in today’s world?
With shifting expectations and growing pressures, many men are asking deep, personal questions about their identity, purpose, and value. The Meaning of Men is here to explore those questions with you and shine a light on mens mental health.
From the complexities of masculinity, the role of fatherhood, maintaining meaningful friendships, and the impact of human evolution, we tackle the areas that shape the experience of being a man today.
But this show isn’t just for men. If you’re a mother, wife, partner or friend and want to help a man in your life, this podcast is just as much for you.
Through expert insights, heartfelt stories, and honest, raw conversations, The Meaning of Men provides a roadmap for navigating the highs and lows of manhood so you can show up as your best self in every area of life. Because we all can help expand what it means to be a man.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into topics surrounding masculinity, mental health, fatherhood, friendships, and societal expectations, with episodes such as The Meaning of Porn Addiction discussing the hidden struggles men face regarding porn, and The Meaning of Grief highlighting different processing methods of grief in men.

What does it really mean to be a man in today’s world?
With shifting expectations and growing pressures, many men are asking deep, personal questions about their identity, purpose, and value. The Meaning of Men is here to explore those questions with you and shine a light on mens mental health.
From the complexities of masculinity, the role of fatherhood, maintaining meaningful friendships, and the impact of human evolution, we tackle the areas that shape the experience of being a man today.
But this show isn’t just for men. If you’re a mother, wife, partner or friend and want to help a man in your life, this podcast is just as much for you.
Through expert insights, heartfelt stories, and honest, raw conversations, The Meaning of Men provides a roadmap for navigating the highs and lows of manhood so you can show up as your best self in every area of life. Because we all can help expand what it means to be a man.
What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re joined by evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin to uncover the powerful, untold story of fatherhood. Drawing from over a decade of research and her acclaimed book The Life of Dad, Anna reveals what really happens to men—biologically, emotionally, and neurologically—when they become fathers.
We challenge the outdated narrative that dads are somehow secondary or less instinctive parents. In fact, the science shows men undergo radical hormonal shifts, brain changes, and emotional transformations that deeply prepare them for parenting. We explore how dads shape their children’s development—from emotional regulation and resilience to mental health and social skills—and why male role models, biological or otherwise, are vital.
We also dive into the often overlooked topic of postnatal depression in men, the pressures of traditional masculinity, and how society continues to sideline fathers at the very moment they’re most needed.
Whether you’re a dad, planning to become one, or simply curious about the evolving role of men in family life, this conversation will move, inform, and inspire you. Fathers aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Hear more from Dr Anna:
Books:
- The Life of Dad: https://shorturl.at/2hsHv
- Why We Love: https://shorturl.at/nlaNh
Instagram: @dr_aMachin
Website: annamachin.com
Timestamps:
06:34: The Importance of Fathers in Child Development
11:15: Evolutionary Insights into Fatherhood
15:49: Hormonal Changes in New Fathers
20:49: Bonding Through Skin-to-Skin Contact
25:47: The Role of Play in Father-Child Relationships
30:55: The Importance of Play in Fatherhood
33:19: Navigating Masculinity and Fatherhood
36:30: Understanding Postnatal Depression in Fathers
44:46: Co-Parenting: Building Bonds from Afar
52:30: The Role of Fathers in Teenagers’ Lives

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