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 if everything we think we know about male behaviour is only scratching the surface?
In this episode of The Meaning of Men I’m joined by Dr. Becci Owens, Head of Psychology at the University of Sunderland, to explore the deeper evolutionary forces shaping men, masculinity, and modern behaviour. From male competitiveness and risk-taking to status, relationships, and belonging, this conversation challenges mainstream narratives and invites a more nuanced understanding of what drives men today.
Drawing on evolutionary psychology, Dr Becci unpacks how unconscious biological and social mechanisms influence everything from adolescent behaviour to mate selection and fatherhood. Together, we explore why young men are drawn to risk, how status-seeking shows up in both destructive and prosocial ways, and why many boys today struggle with identity and belonging.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in male psychology, mental health, parenting boys, or understanding masculinity in a rapidly changing world. Expect thought-provoking insights, practical reflections, and a refreshing perspective that moves beyond surface-level explanations into the deeper “why” behind human behaviour.
In this episode you will learn:
- How evolutionary psychology explains the deeper drivers of male behaviour
- Why status, competition, and risk-taking are hardwired into men
- How mating strategies shift across life stages and shape relationships
- Why many boys and men struggle with belonging in modern society
- How to channel masculine traits into positive, prosocial outcomes
Hear more from Dr Becci:
Instagram: @DrBecciO
University website: https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about/academic-staff/rebecca-owens
Timestamps:
05:55: Becoming a Psychologist: A Personal Journey
10:25: The Lens of Evolutionary Psychology
16:48: Exploring Strategic Pluralism in Relationships
22:05: The Drive for Status in Men
29:19: Socializing Boys and Young Men
39:50: Bridging Gaps in Male Psychology Research
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