Men's Circles with Pasco Ashton This week’s guest is Pasco Ashton, Founder and CEO of Men’s Circle, an international network dedicated to men’s wellness, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection.

After losing two close friends to suicide, Pasco realised how deeply men struggle with isolation and emotional expression — including himself.

What began as a small, informal men’s circle with friends in London during the summer of 2020 has since evolved into a global movement.

Today, Men’s Circle has trained over 55 facilitators who lead peer-mentoring spaces where men can openly explore manhood, masculinity, and mental wellbeing.

More than 1,000 men have participated in these circles, finding community, vulnerability, and strength through shared experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

The story behind the creation of Men’s Circle

Why men’s spaces are vital for emotional resilience and growth

How vulnerability and brotherhood can save lives

The tools and mindset needed to lead meaningful men’s groups

Pasco’s philosophy: “When men meet in honesty, they find connection. When they find connection, they find healing.” Pasco’s mission is clear "to equip men everywhere with the tools and confidence to build strong, authentic communities of their own. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the cure for isolation isn’t found in silence it’s found in brotherhood."

Links:

https://www.menscircle.club

https://www.menscircle.club/train

https://www.instagram.com/beingpasco

https://truuman.io/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

Building Mental Fitness with Gavin Thrope

Joining us this week is Gavin Thrope, co-founder of Talk Club and a fully qualified Person-Centred Integrative Counsellor. Gavin is on a mission to change the way men approach mental health in the UK. Through Talk Club, Gavin helps men build mental fitness, not just mental health awareness.

Their unique approach encourages men to check in honestly with themselves — asking questions like, “How are you? Out of 10?” — and then unpacking why. This simple yet powerful method has been shown to increase resilience, understanding, and emotional wellbeing for men across the country.

In this conversation, we explore: How Talk Club is transforming the conversation around male mental health The concept of “mental fitness” and why it matters Practical strategies men can use to understand and manage their emotions Stories of transformation and resilience from the Talk Club community

Gavin’s philosophy:

“Talking isn’t a weakness. It’s how men train their minds.”

“Mental fitness is something you can build, track, and strengthen — just like your body.”

This episode is a must-listen for any man who wants to be stronger, more resilient, and in control of his mental wellbeing.

More

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinthorpetherapy/

https://talkclub.org/

https://www.instagram.com/talkclubcharity/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://truuman.io/30-days/

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lewis-hackney

From Trauma to Triumph with Ryan Harland

This week, we’re joined by Ryan Harland a mental health advocate, author, and speaker whose work is helping men confront their pain and reclaim their lives. Ryan is the author of Riding the Storm, a powerful memoir that traces his journey through trauma, abuse, and mental health struggles and the inner work it took to move from survival to self-leadership. Rather than hiding his story, Ryan uses it as a catalyst for connection. His mission is to break the silence around men’s trauma, challenge stigma, and show that healing is not only possible, it’s powerful.

In this conversation, we explore:

Ryan’s lived experience of trauma and recovery

How writing his memoir became part of the healing journey

Why so many men suffer in silence

The importance of storytelling in breaking stigma

Tools and insights for anyone navigating their own storm

Ryan’s message:

“Your past may shape you, but it doesn’t get to define you.”

“Silence is where trauma thrives, conversation is where healing begins.”

“We don’t need men to be fearless. We need them to be honest.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing their own battles and for those who want to better understand the unseen struggles so many men carry.

More from Ryan:

https://amzn.eu/d/iKgrjky

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-harlanduk/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lewis-hackney

https://truuman.io/30-days/