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!

Could introducing positive rituals, healthy routines, and getting into a sustainable rhythm support your well-being?Our latest episode of Tackling it Together, in conversation with Bryan Griffiths, is packed full of meaningful insights and reflections, with a focus on the transformational benefits of making small but consistent changes to benefit long term well-being.Bryan is an avid walker, and talks passionately about the hugely positive impact walking has on his mental health. As someone who finds working towards a goal very motivating and rewarding, Brian sets himself challenges and has completed the Welsh Coastal Path! He is currently on a mission to circumnavigate the whole of Wales! With reflections on how connecting with nature, noticing Birdsong and always finishing a walk feeling grateful, whatever the weather, Bryan provides some really relatable golden nuggets of advice for getting back to basics and exploring the great outdoors. For Bryan, creating rituals, routines, and getting into a rhythm has significantly supported him to manage anxiety, and he talks openly about the power of consistency in this respect.Bryan's Worm of Wisdom about being your own algorithm, is one of the most poignant to date - a huge thank you to Brian for his honestly, insight and brilliant reflections.

Are you a parent looking for relatable insights and reflections? Would you like to be more open and able to communicate more effectively with your children?

Introducing the latest episode of Tackling it Together, ……….., in conversation with “Just Real Dads” Podcast co-host, Ryan Gray.

We were delighted to welcome Ryan on to Tackling it Together, for an open, honest conversation that centres around the support that can be found in sharing experiences, opening up important conversations, and simply communicating feelings with others.

Just Real Dads is a fantastic Podcast, brought to you by a group of brilliant men from Chester. Their conversations are relaxed, authentic, relatable and explore parenting in the real world.

Reflecting on the positives that come with hosting a podcast with other men at a similar life stage to him, in this episode of Tackling it Together, Ryan talks openly about how Just Real Dads is almost like therapy, and discusses how it has encouraged him to become more open, and to accept help when it is needed rather than trying to persevere regardless. Exploring how his new found openness has made him a better Father, Ryan shares his views on how other people’s normal gives you a sense of perspective on your own life, and how choosing to focus on the little everyday moments of joy with your children can really shift your mindset.

As an experienced High School Teacher, Ryan talks about the importance of supporting young people in an effective way by levelling with them and opening up opportunities for meaningful communication.

A fantastic conversation that will undoubtedly resonate with parents in particular, this episode will provide some real food for thought and actionable advice.

Thank you to Ryan for your time, honesty and transparency in sharing such important and relatable thoughts!

Thank you to Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) for sponsoring this episode.

#MensMentalHealth #PositiveMasculinity #MasculinityPodcast #TacklingitTogether #LittleBlackbird