The Man Hug
The Man Hug
The monthly Men’s Mental Health Podcast.
Each month the 4 hosts interview special guests to talk about themes that affect men's mental health. There is discussion, lived experience and signposting for services and organisations that can help.
Please visit the Hub of Hope app to see what mental health support is in your area.
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Top 10 The Man Hug Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Man Hug episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Man Hug for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Man Hug episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
09/26/24 • 76 min
On this episode, we are joined by ex-professional rugby professional Ian Knott. Ian represented GB at Academy level and played Professionally for 13 years with Warrington Wolves, Wakefield and Leigh. During his time at Leigh, he captained the team to the treble, which included promotion to the Super League for the first time in the clubs history. After sustaining a severe back injury that required 5 back operations and a Morphine pump implant Ian fought and overcame severe depression as well as psychosis (hearing voices). Ian tells his story so openly and honestly and in doing so is hoping to help men realise that the right help is out there in their darkest moments. Ian is now a spokesperson for sports mental health charity 'State of Mind' and he tells us all about their amazing work.
Paul Morgan also joins us from local charity 'Kit it Out'. Paul and his partner Michelle are helping to provide thousands of football kits to children and young people across the city so that they can fulfil their true potential.
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
05/24/23 • 70 min
The 2nd edition of the Man Hug is on the theme of ‘addiction’ and features two special guests Chris Kirkland (former professional goalkeeper) and musician Mel Bowen.
Find info about Positive Parcel here - https://positiveparcel.com
Find more info on the Spider Project here - https://www.spiderproject.org.uk or find them on Twitter at @SpiderWirral
Chris's Twitter - @chriskirkland43
Mel's Twitter - @bowen_mel
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
The Man Hug - Ep016 - Neurodiversity
The Man Hug
07/17/24 • 66 min
In this episode we are joined by 4 amazing guests with the theme being: Neurodiversity. We are joined by Stephen Wynne, who lives with ADHD and works as a neurodiversity coordinator for Everton in the Community. We are also joined by Lynsey Boggan and Leanne Johnson, two wonderful nurses from Alder Hey Childrens Hospital's Austism Spectrum Disorder Team. And the service we shine a light on this month is the Zero Suicide Alliance, we are joined by Jade Corbridge who talks about their free online suicide prevention training.
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
The Man Hug - Ep021 - Abstinence - Ben Taylor The Magic Mod, Sam Batley & Dr Walter Tasosa
The Man Hug
11/26/24 • 125 min
In this episode we concentrate on the theme of abstinence. We have three more incredible guests. Ben Taylor aka The Magic Mod tells us his story of aspiration, rock n roll magic and his story of abstinence following a struggle with alcohol. Ben now inspires others and delivers his story honestly and openly.
We are also joined by Sam Batley who is a self taught multi-disciplined artist basing his work in film photography, analogue collage and poetry. Sam was helped through the Damien John Kelly House and tells us his story and all of the amazing work that takes place at DJKH.
We are also joined in an 'ask the expert' section by Dr Walter Tasosa who gives us a lesson on alcohol, addiction and the brain.
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
12/18/24 • 89 min
In this episode, we are joined by actor/director Christopher Lee Power. Christopher gives us an honest account of his childhood and youth in which there were numerous traumatic events such as sexual abuse, witnessing a murder, and issues with alcohol and drugs. Christopher discovered the world of performing and put all his energy into becoming an actor. He received his Oxford Diploma in Acting from Richmond Drama School, and training from prestigious institutions such The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and RADA. Christopher is also passionate about giving back and has established the Power Foundation to provide young people with access to the arts. With his extensive training, experience, and talent, Christopher Lee Power is a versatile performer who continues to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
We are also joined by Helen Gilbert from the Samaritans. Helen gives us the history of this remarkable charity, what a phone call may look like, and how people can get involved as volunteers or fundraisers.
Christopher Lee Power - http://thepowerfoundationfyp.com/christopherpower/
Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
This months Man Hug is on the theme of Tragedy, events in which we can not predict. We are joined by two wonderful guests.
Sheila Coleman from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign who talks to us about the effects that such a tragedy had on so many families who she worked closely with and others within her community. Her tireless campaigning and advocacy has been so inspirational to many. Upon reflection Sheila offers a wonderful insight and advice for what men can do post trauma.
We are also joined by Phil Roberts CEO of Journeymen and a Hillsborough survivor. Phil talks about his own traumatic experience of Hillsborough and how his project Journeymen is helping so many men on the Wirral.
Hillsborough Justice Campaign http://www.contrast.org/hillsborough/
Journeymen Wirral https://journeymencic.com
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
This episode focuses on the soundtrack to our lives. Utilizing the work of Playlist for LIfe and how special music is in our lives and memories.
In this December Christmas special Nasher discusses his experience with Frankie Goes to Hollywood and his life as a Celebrant, along with adding the soundtrack to his life.
We are also joined by Nat Gavin who tells us all about the amazing work Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio do.
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
03/14/24 • 94 min
Theme: Masculinity.
We are joined by Jeff Charles of the Masculinity Unplugged Podcast. Jeff’s story is one of inspiration and hope. Jeff discusses falling into criminal activity, finding comfort in food and battles with binge eating and the impact this had on his mental health causing suicidal ideation. Jeff changed his life around using physical exercise and therapy and now helps many young people in educating around the importance of speaking openly about your mental health.
We are also joined by Tom Van Den Hurk one of the film makers for the new short documentary ‘A little while longer’ which follows three male suicide survivors come together for a weekend on the isle of Aran. Tom, a suicide survivor himself tells us why himself and co-filmmaker Isa Rao created the film and how people can get involved upon its release.
Jeff Charles - insta @masculinityunplugged
A little while longer: YouTube release date Friday March 15th
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
The Man Hug - Ep020 - Change ft guests George Riley (State of Mind) & Debbie Rogers (Sean's Place)
The Man Hug
10/17/24 • 115 min
Episode 20 - Theme: Change.
On this episode we are joined by two more fantastic guests.
George Riley, who is an award-winning broadcaster and rugby league commentator who joined the State of Mind charity in 2018. George specialises in discussing the impact of media and social media on our mental health, the importance of exercise on mental wellbeing, and the dangers of alcohol in causing mental health problems, having been sober since 2019 following a crisis period in his own life. George joins us to share his own experiences and how he is currently managing his past battles with depression and anxiety.
We are also joined by Debbie Rogers, the founder of Sean's Place. On the 20th July 2019, Debbie arrived at her brother’s house to discover that he had taken his own life. Debbie knew Sean was struggling and had tried to alert the relevant mental health services to intervene. In the end, the response came too late. Sean was just 34, and had endured a long battle with poor mental health. Within 6 months, Debbie had founded Sean’s Place – a safe location aimed at men over the age of 18 in the Sefton and Liverpool City Region. Debbie is a Northern Power Women Awards winner for 2022, and Sean’s Place achieved a Charity of the Year award in 2021.
State of Mind - https://stateofmindsport.org/
Sean's Place - https://seansplace.org.uk/
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
09/23/24 • 55 min
In this special one-off Man Hug our Conleth is on set at the latest Samaritans film. The film has been created as part of world suicide prevention day and whilst they were filming Conleth got to interview the wonderful people behind it including some of the dancers and directors (Erin Kelly, Katie-Ann McCabe, Laura Macy, Jack Watson). Episode 17 was on the theme of the Arts and this links in nicely, enjoy. Team Man Hug.
Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"
Hosted by:
Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Man Hug have?
The Man Hug currently has 22 episodes available.
What topics does The Man Hug cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Podcasts and Sexuality.
What is the most popular episode on The Man Hug?
The episode title 'The Man Hug - Ep - 009 Memories - Brian ‘Nasher’ Nash (Frankie goes to Hollywood) and Nat Gavin (Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio)' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Man Hug?
The average episode length on The Man Hug is 79 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Man Hug released?
Episodes of The Man Hug are typically released every 28 days, 20 hours.
When was the first episode of The Man Hug?
The first episode of The Man Hug was released on Apr 19, 2023.
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