In this episode, we are joined by Brian Conley for a revealing conversation centered around his life, career, and personal challenges. Brian shares anecdotes from his time as a stage performer, including cherished moments from his pantomime and musical experiences, as well as his stint on EastEnders. The discussion takes a reflective turn as Brian opens up about overcoming personal struggles, including dyslexia and the emotional aftermath of his father's death, which led to panic attacks and eventually gave up alcohol.

Episode Highlights:

00:20 - Shed Stories and Memories

03:02 - Dealing with Loss and Panic Attacks

09:07 - Career Beginnings and Stage School

16:02 - EastEnders and Lockdown Opportunities

30:01 - The Art of Pantomime

35:59 - Balancing Family and Career Pressures

38:26 - The Highs and Lows of Performing

42:10 - Working with Family in Showbiz

45:28 - The Joy of Performing in Musicals

48:36 - The PR Pack Tour

50:05 - Challenges and Rewards of Comedy

01:05:20 - Reflecting on a Successful Career

01:07:16 - Concluding Thoughts and Men's Health

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In this episode, I speak with historian John about his new book Be a Man, which explores masculinity in England from the Industrial Revolution to today. We discuss themes like fatherhood, work, and youth, as well as how societal expectations of men have evolved. John shares how personal experiences with mental health led him to this work and the role of men’s groups in fostering support. We also touch on modern challenges young men face—social media, pornography, and identity pressure—and end with a thoughtful look at male suicide and the importance of open conversations around mental health.

Episode Highlights:

00:56 - Assumed emotional connection in today's fatherhood

05:26 - Safe space for honest male conversation

09:53 - What has contributed to the rise of toxin masculinity

12:55 - Men compare bodies, feel inadequate

20:32 - Army upbringing influenced early worldview

26:09 - Effects of National Service on masculinity

28:36 - Challenges Facing Young Men Today

32:52 - Football now priced beyond many fans

39:06 - Addressing the Issue of Suicide

41:10 - The Impact of War on Family Dynamics

58:31 - The Importance of Talking and Support

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In this episode, therapist and author Alex unpacks how even “normal” childhoods can leave lasting emotional imprints. He shares his personal story of fatherlessness and family mental health struggles, offering a rare, vulnerable look at how early emotional needs shape adult behavior. We explore how men often suppress emotions due to societal pressures and why mentorship and healthy male role models are critical. Alex’s reflections offer a compassionate lens on healing, resilience, and redefining masculinity.

Episode Highlights:

00:35 - Unmet needs in childhood drive over-functioning in adulthood

04:17 - The absence of a male role model left a gap

08:26 - Helping others means also doing the work on yourself

10:52 - We say we’re ready—but until it costs us comfort, we’re not

16:30 - Depression is numbness, not sadness

18:21 - We don’t see the world as it is—we see it as we are

21:36 - When being right matters more than being close, love doesn’t stand a chance

26:39 - Old wounds speak loud when you're under pressure

33:29 - What happens when struggle is skipped?

38:20 - Having protection changes how the world treats you

43:42 - A huge part of the problem is men not talking

48:40 - What true therapy needs

55:17 - Feeling leads to healing

01:01:28 - Generational gap in financial expectations

01:04:35 - Parental love can coexist with emotional neglect

01:13:44 - We All Inherit Pain. What We Do With It Is Our Power

Learn more about Alex

Website: https://www.alexhoward.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexhowardtherapy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexhowardtherapy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexHowardtv

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