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/

Redefining Masculinity Through Therapy & Conversation with Chris Hemmings This week on The TRUUMAN Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hemmings — a therapist, coach, journalist, and one of the UK’s leading voices on modern masculinity and men’s mental health. Chris is the founder of Men’s Therapy Hub, the UK’s only directory dedicated to helping men find male therapists. After years of struggling to connect with traditional therapy spaces, Chris recognised the need for approaches built by men, for men — and he set out to change the system. Before becoming a therapist, Chris spent years as a BBC journalist, creating documentaries and articles around men’s mental health, masculinity, and societal pressures. His work led him into schools, prisons, and boardrooms — uncovering the silent struggles so many men carry. He’s also the founder of M-Path, an organisation delivering live talks and workshops in schools across the country, helping boys and young men understand what it really means to be a man — beyond the old narratives of toughness, silence, and suppression.

In this episode, we dive into:

Why so many men avoid therapy — and how to change that The growing demand for male therapists for male clients

What Chris has learned after speaking to thousands of boys in schools

The fine line between healthy masculinity and harmful conditioning How journalism, therapy, and mentorship all blend into his mission

Chris says:

“Men don’t need fixing — they need spaces that understand them.”

“When boys don’t learn how to talk about emotions, they grow into men who feel like they’re not allowed to.”

“If men had better role models and better outlets, society would change overnight.”

Connect with Chris:

https://menstherapyhub.co.uk/

https://m-path.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hemmings-03964054/

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

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

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

This conversation is for men who want to talk, men who don’t know how to talk, and everyone who cares about changing the story around masculinity.

Breaking the Silence on Male Sexual Abuse — with Kieron (Founder of Speak It Out)

This week on The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Kieron, a survivor, advocate, and founder of Speak It Out — a charity dedicated to raising awareness of male sexual abuse and starting crucial conversations with boys in schools. From the ages of 6 to 16, Kieron experienced sexual abuse. It wasn’t until he was 27 years old that he finally got the help he needed through therapy. That journey has shaped his mission: not just encouraging men to talk about their trauma, but also introducing preventative measures — by ensuring that boys grow up knowing they are part of the conversation on sexual safety too. Through Speak It Out, Kieron visits schools and creates safe spaces for boys to hear the message that: Abuse can happen to them too, not just to girls They are not alone Speaking out is a strength, not a weakness His work is challenging stigma, reshaping narratives, and ensuring that boys and men know their voices matter.

In this episode, we cover:

💡 Kieron’s journey from silence to healing through therapy

🗣️ Why prevention starts with talking to boys, not just protecting girls

📚 The mission of Speak It Out and how it’s changing school conversations

⚡ The importance of breaking stigma around male survivors of abuse

❤️ Why every man and boy deserves to know they’re not alone

Kieron shares:

“For too long, boys have been left out of the conversation around sexual safety. That silence costs lives.”

“Healing came when I finally spoke up — and that’s why I want every boy to know they can too.”

“Prevention starts with awareness. If we can talk to boys early, we can change the story before it even begins.”

Why you’ll want to listen: You care about protecting children and breaking cycles of abuse You want to understand the realities male survivors face You believe in prevention, not just intervention You want to hear a raw, powerful story of resilience and purpose

https://www.speakitout.org/

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

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

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

Breaking the Stigma on Men’s Health — with Toby Freeman (Founder & CEO, The Robin Cancer Trust) This week on The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Toby Freeman — cancer advocate, storyteller, podcast host, and Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust, the UK’s only germ cell cancer awareness charity.

Toby’s mission began after losing his brother, Robin, to late-stage testicular cancer at just 24. Since then, Toby has dedicated his life to raising awareness, starting conversations, and breaking down stigma around men’s health — making sure no other family has to go through what his did. He’s currently taking on a bold (and unforgettable) charity challenge: running 350 miles in a giant testicle costume to raise £240,000 for the charity. This challenge spans the Brighton and London Marathons, a 100km Ultramarathon, and even a run along Hadrian’s Wall — all to spark conversations that get young men checking, talking, and taking action.

Toby is also the host of the Thrive Against Cancer Podcast, where he amplifies raw and honest stories from patients, caregivers, and clinicians, bringing both heart and humour to some of life’s toughest conversations.

In this episode, we cover:

💡 Why testicular cancer awareness is still overlooked — and how to change it

👟 What drives Toby to take on his wild 350-mile challenge in costume

🗣️ How humour and boldness can open up tough conversations about men’s health

🎙️ Lessons from the Thrive Against Cancer Podcast on storytelling and resilience

❤️ Turning personal loss into a lifelong mission to save lives

Toby shares:

“If I can look ridiculous running in a giant testicle costume, but one guy checks himself and gets an early diagnosis, then it’s worth every step.”

“We have to break the silence around men’s health. The conversation could literally save your life.”

“At the end of the day, this is about love, family, and making sure fewer people face what my family had to face.”

Why you’ll want to listen:

You want to learn about testicular cancer awareness and prevention

You’re inspired by stories of turning grief into purpose and action

You’re interested in how to spark conversations about men’s health in bold, creative ways

You believe humour, hope, and honesty can shift stigma and save lives

Connect with Toby & The Robin Cancer Trust:

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

https://www.therobincancertrust.org/

https://www.instagram.com/tobytalksbollocks/?hl=en

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

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

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

Men’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention — with Michael Wilson (Research Fellow, Orygen, University of Melbourne)

In this episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Wilson, a Research Fellow with Orygen at the University of Melbourne and one of the leading voices in men’s mental health and suicide prevention research.

Since 2018, Michael has been publishing and presenting groundbreaking work both nationally and internationally, with a sharp focus on the complex realities men face around mental health, suicide risk, and intimate partner relationship breakdown.

His research doesn’t just live in academic journals — it speaks directly to some of the most pressing issues in men’s lives today, shining a light on moments of crisis and exploring what can truly help men navigate them.

In this episode, we dive into:

🧠 Why intimate partner relationship breakdown is such a critical factor in men’s mental health 📉 How research is shaping new suicide prevention approaches for men

🌏 What Michael has learned presenting at national and international conferences

💔 The intersection of masculinity, vulnerability, and help-seeking

🔑 The role of community, services, and culture in preventing male suicide

Michael shares:

“When men experience relationship breakdown, it can feel like the rug has been pulled from under every part of life — identity, purpose, connection.” “Prevention isn’t just about crisis response. It’s about building systems, supports, and cultures that keep men from falling through the cracks.” “The more we talk about men’s experiences honestly, the more chance we have of changing outcomes.”

Why you’ll want to listen:

• You want deeper understanding of the drivers of male suicide risk
• You work in mental health, community work, or policy and want research-backed insights
• You’ve gone through relationship breakdown and want to hear compassionate, evidence-based reflections
• You’re committed to building a culture where men can struggle without silence

Connect with Michael:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wilson-4b2090164/

https://movember.substack.com/p/unpacking-mens-suicidality-following

“Men’s mental health is not a side issue — it’s central to the wellbeing of families, communities, and society as a whole.”

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

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

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

Male Allyship, Equality & Momentum — with Lee Chambers (Founder & CEO, Male Allies UK) In this episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Lee Chambers — award-winning entrepreneur, global speaker, and the Founder & CEO of Male Allies UK, an organisation dedicated to engaging men in inclusion and promoting effective allyship. Lee’s journey has been anything but linear. From starting out in corporate finance, to building and exiting a successful tech company, to now leading work that reshapes how men show up in equality conversations, he embodies resilience and reinvention.

His impact has been recognised globally:

🏆 Great British Entrepreneur Award

🏙️ Freedom of the City of London (2024) for services to equality in business

🌍 UN Women Changemaker of the Year (2023)

🔬 Kavli Fellow of the US National Academy of Sciences — the first Black British scientist to receive the honour in its 33-year history, for his work on health inequalities Alongside his leadership roles on boards like CMI Women, Regenerage UK, and Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Lee is also the bestselling author of Momentum: 13 Ways To Unlock Your Potential.

In this episode, we explore:

👥 Why male allyship is crucial for real inclusion and equality

⚖️ How organisations can better engage men in the diversity and inclusion conversation

🔑 The intersection of masculinity, leadership, and allyship

🌍 What Lee has learned speaking on global stages like One Young World, ChangeNOW, and Bloomberg Global Equality Summit

📚 The core lessons from his book Momentum on unlocking your full potential

Lee shares:

“Inclusion isn’t a women’s issue — it’s a human issue, and men have to be part of the solution.”

“True allyship is about action, not just intention.”

“Momentum in life comes from small consistent steps, not waiting for the perfect moment.”

Why you’ll want to listen:

You’re a leader who wants to engage men in your D&I strategy

You’re interested in how allyship can be lived daily, not just spoken about

You want to understand how men can play a positive role in advancing equality You’re inspired by stories of resilience, reinvention, and leadership

Connect with Lee: Momentum book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Momentum-Reboot-Career-Unlock-Potential/dp/1398614955

https://leechambers.org/

Lee’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leechambers-1/

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

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

From Stranger to Real Friend — Tackling Male Isolation, with Eric Schlossberg (Founder of Pulse) In this episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we sit down with Eric Schlossberg — founder of Pulse, a social platform designed to help people move past awkward first meetings and actually build lasting friendships. After moving 10 times across 5 countries, Eric became an expert at making friends from scratch. But he also saw first-hand how, for many men, building deep, consistent friendships is much harder than it looks — no matter how many social apps we have. A former opera singer turned software engineer, Eric brings a rare mix of creativity, tech insight, and lived experience to this important conversation about connection, isolation, and why male friendships are often more fragile than we realise.

In this episode, we cover:

🤝 Why meeting someone new isn’t the hard part — keeping the connection is

🧠 The psychological roadblocks that stop men from forming close friendships

🌈 Eric’s experience as a gay man navigating male friendships across cultures

📱 Why most friendship apps fail — and how Pulse is different

📅 The underestimated power of rhythm in relationships

🗣 Why “Let’s do this again next week” might be the most important sentence in your social life

Eric shares:

“Male isolation isn’t just about loneliness — it’s about the absence of consistent, meaningful connection.”

“Most of us treat friendship like dating. We focus on the first meet-up and forget it takes repeated, intentional time to build something real.”

“For straight men especially, vulnerability with other men is often unpracticed — and that’s where the work begins.”

Why you’ll want to listen:

You’ve felt the sting of isolation — even when surrounded by people

You want deeper, more consistent friendships as a man

You’re curious why male friendship patterns differ from female ones

You work in mental health, men’s groups, or community-building

You’re tired of “networking” and want real human connection

Find out more about Pulse:

https://pulsenow.app

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schlossberg/

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

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

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