To Be A Boy

Join Joeli and Elliott as we revisit our conversation with John Amaechi to talk all things sports, identity and masculinity, emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and intimacy among men. John reflects on his experiences as a latecomer to basketball and how it shaped his understanding of masculinity. They also roll up their sleeves and delve into the societal pressures surrounding masculinity, the need for empathy, and the responsibility of parents and coaches in nurturing healthy relationships. John advocates for a redefinition of masculinity that embraces vulnerability and connection, urging listeners to foster environments where boys can express their emotions freely and develop meaningful relationships: it's right up our street.

Meadhbh Park, author of Blackpilled and expert in countering violent extremism, joins Joeli and Elliott to unpack the ideologies pulling young men towards the darkest corners of the internet. From the nihilistic “black pill” philosophy and incel communities to the mainstream creep of looks-maxing culture and self-optimisation content, she maps the full landscape of the Manosphere and explains why loneliness, not hatred, is often where it all begins.The conversation gets practical too. Meadhbh shares the warning signs parents should watch for, why autistic and socially isolated boys are particularly vulnerable, and what tools can actually help. She also offers a more human portrait of the young men inside these communities than the headlines tend to allow: not monsters, but often deeply broken kids who found their first sense of belonging in the worst possible place.

Recorded live at Push 4 Paternity Leave, this super special episode captures the vibe that was that day. Consider it another chance to soak up the energy, humour and urgency behind the fight for better parental leave. Expect brilliant speeches, honest stories and a powerful case for why better paternity leave matters for dads, mums, children, relationships and society.

In short: two weeks is a joke, and parents deserve more.

Be prepared for a warm heart: Elliott and Joeli are joined by Gavin Morgan, co-CEO of the Scottish charity Growing2gether, whose work pairs teenagers who are struggling with younger children in nurseries and primary schools.
We’re exploring what happens when boys are trusted with something real to care about: how responsibility can soften the armour, build confidence, and open the door to connection. From a powerful story of a selectively mute nursery child finding his voice, to practical reflections on presence, belonging, and the kind of community young people are searching for, this episode is a hopeful reminder that boys don’t need “fixing”, they need to be SEEN.

We’re joined by Professor Paul Galdas (University of York), chair of the Men’s Health Academic Network and a key architect of the UK’s men’s health strategy. We dig into why men delay seeking help and why the answer isn’t “men need to do better”, but services that fit how men actually live. From loneliness and deprivation to father-inclusive care, paternity leave, and the post-Manosphere search for meaning, this is a practical episode on what needs to change and what parents can do for the boys in their orbit.