#mensmentalhealth

In this special episode of "Stories from the Field," host Will White shares his transformative experience at the Soul Degree retreat, a unique blend of outdoor therapy and holistic practices. Will's candid discussion reveals his struggles with mental health and how the retreat, founded by Chris Robbins, played a pivotal role in his journey towards healing. The episode delves into the power of nature, connection, and vulnerability in addressing mental health challenges, particularly for men.

Will's narrative begins with a personal crisis, leading him to Soul Degree. This retreat, combining elements like yoga, long hikes, breathwork, cold plunges, and group discussions, helped him confront his loneliness, trauma, and depression. It was a space for authentic connection and support among men facing similar struggles.

Chris Robbins, Soul Degree founder, joins the conversation to share his transformational journey. Chris shares his path from a corporate career to establishing Soul Degree is marked by introspection and a deep connection with nature. His approach to mental wellness emphasizes the importance of presence, listening, and community among men.

The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of the retreat. Will emphasizes the importance of self-care, outdoor activities, and expressing love and gratitude. His experience at Soul Degree is a testament to the healing power of community, nature, and self-discovery.

Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives at storiesfromthefield.com and learn more or to contact Will White.

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful live program on the 'Art of Living Podcast' as host Zafar Majid engages in a candid conversation with renowned guest Jerry Adams about the pressing issue of 'Masculinity Crisis in Modern Men.' Explore the complex dynamics of Masculinity, Modern Men's challenges, and the impact of Gender Roles, Identity Crisis, Men's Mental Health, and Traditional vs. Contemporary Masculinity. Dive deep into societal expectations, Psychological Well-being, Self-Expression, and Mental Health Awareness. We'll also address the significance of challenging Gender Stereotypes, nurturing Emotional Intelligence, fostering Personal Growth, and tackling Men's Issues, including the pervasive concept of Toxic Masculinity. Discover the path to Self-Discovery, enhance your Emotional Health, and gain valuable insights from ' Art of Living Podcast's' own Jerry Adams and Zafar Majid. Don't miss this engaging live program that promises to enlighten, inspire, and empower. Tune in now to be a part of this essential conversation!

Welcome to the Mid-Life Men podcast. In this episode, I am joined by author Johnnie Lowery, who writes about his passion for football, but also about mental health and the relationship between the two. Johnnie’s first book, Six Added Minutes, was written while he was at university and published in November 2019 and his second book, Match Fit, was published in August 2023, and is inspired by a desire to ensure mental health does not remain a taboo subject in society. Johnnie shares his own mental health journey which started as a teenager, through university and into adulthood. He struggled to fit in socially which prevented him from living the life he wanted to until he undertook counselling and found that writing helped to manage how he felt and enabled him to find his own coping mechanisms. 

Johnnie talks about the different mental health topics he explores in Match Fit, which include: 

• Supporters – exploring the sense of community you get at football matches, and everyone having a common cause means people will often readily support each other. This links to the more positive side of tribalism, which is often highlighted as a negative of football fans in the press. 
• Retirement – what happens to footballers when they retire and includes an interview with Marcus Bent, speaking openly about his struggles with retirement. 
• Addiction – exploring alcohol and gambling addiction and why sportspeople are often more predisposed to addiction than the general population. 
• Grassroots Level - how simply playing football can benefit your mental health whether it be competitive 11-a-side games or a 5-a-side walking football kickabout with mates in the park.

Johnnie’s book are available to buy at most online retailers including Waterstones, and Amazon.

If you want to find out more about the mental health and suicide charity Beder, that Johnnie mentions visit the website: https://beder.org.uk/. 

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.

Each week we will post a special episode (SPESH EP) focusing on men's mental health topics.

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If you or someone you know is in a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis, help is available. Reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/  . The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free and confidential service available to everyone.