I recently sat down live in the 3WBC Studios with David Maywald - governance specialist, board director and author of The Relentless War on Masculinity - for a robust and, at times, uncomfortable conversation.

David flew in from Canberra to join me in person, and we covered a lot of ground: fatherhood, policy, education, family law, suicide prevention and the cultural narratives shaping how we see men and boys.

He spoke about what moved him to write his book, particularly the shifting political and cultural landscape overseas, and his concern that many boys and men feel unheard in public debate.

“There’s a wave coming back toward balance. People want to be able to speak without being shut down.”

We explored male suicide, the need for more targeted approaches in prevention, and whether current strategies are genuinely meeting men where they are.

“If we can’t decide our compassion without knowing the sex of the person involved, that tells us something.”

There were moments where we agreed and others where we challenged each other and the conversation stretched both of us, which is part of the beauty of interviews like this ... we can agree to disagree.

One line that stayed with me was this:💙 “Small wins matter - cultural change doesn’t happen in a day.”

Whether you agree with David’s framing or not, the issues we discussed, suicide, family breakdown, boys’ education, institutional design are real and complex.

Conversations like this are not about taking sides.They’re about widening the lens.If you’re working in policy, education, leadership, community health or simply raising sons and daughters, this episode invites reflection.

What does it feel like, being you, today?

www.raebonney.au#MensHealth #PsychosocialSafety #Leadership #SuicidePrevention #GenderResponsiveSystems #PublicPolicy

What Does It Feel Like, Being Michael Wilson?

The Human Side Of Men's Health Research

The world loves a good stat 📈.

We quote them, post them, argue about them, and use “the research” to support our opinions.

But how often do we stop to ask, where does the data come from? Who are the people behind the research? What drives someone to commit years of their life to a PhD? .... and who supports them along the way?

Back in October 2023, I was joined by Michael Wilson, Research Fellow in Men's Mental Health at Orygen and one of the new generation of men’s health researchers, helping shape what “evidence” really means in the lives of men.

His work explores why some men face higher suicide risk after relationship breakdowns, especially how emotion dysregulation and loneliness can collide in the months post-separation.

We unpacked the why behind Michael’s PhD - the purpose, persistence and curiosity that fuels his work, and how good support is essential in making it all possible.

Then… enter the room (by phone), Michael’s super-supportive supervisor, none other than Dr. Zac Seidler - global men’s health icon, Movember leader, and champion of the next generation of researchers, shared what it takes to nurture rigorous, human-centred research and why great supervision can influence the trajectory of a PhD (and a researcher).

What does it feel like, being you, today?