Introducing the latest episode of Tackling it Together, “Challenging the stiff upper lip mentality in middle age”, in conversation with Jonathon Brown. Co-Founder of Chester based “Middle Aged Vandals”, a community boxing club that supports older men to get back to the camaraderie and sense of belonging that being part of a team or sport brings, Jonathan shares his thoughts and reflections on the challenges of the middle aged period of life with incredible honesty. Discussing the impact of the stiff upper lip mentality, stoicism and masculinity, we explore the many masks that men wear, and the many opportunities we have to block out emotions, rather than addressing them head on.From a childhood spending time in boarding school, where he constantly felt in a state of “fight or flight, to experiencing a sudden drop in self-confidence as he approached middle age, Jonathan reflects that by the time you reach your 40s or 50s, the chances are you will have experienced some form of difficulty in your life.Not confronting and dealing with those difficulties can show up elsewhere, and in Jonathan’s case, that was previously using drink and drugs as a coping mechanism.With a powerful reflection that true power comes from having a conversation with yourself; “Who am I really, and what do I really want?”, Jonathan talks openly about finding a quiet confidence that you’ll find what you need, and how simple advice to “back yourself” has been the best thing someone ever said to him, enabling him to sustain a sense of belief and determination during times of difficulty.This is a raw, open and relatable conversation. A huge thank you to Jonathan for being so transparent and speaking from the heart – we know this episode will resonate with so many of our listeners. Thank you as always to our core sponsor, Nuclear Transport Solutions!