Loneliness, Grief & Finding a Safe Place to Talk — My Andy’s Man Club Story

In this episode of The Next Minute Podcast, I open up about my two years attending Andy’s Man Club — the men’s mental-health charity that became a lifeline during one of the darkest periods of my life.

For the first time, I break down exactly what happens inside a session, why it works, and how a simple space to talk can change everything. I talk honestly about grief, loneliness, fatherhood, and the moments that pushed me through the door when I least wanted to go.

You’ll hear the real questions asked at Andy’s Man Club, and I answer them exactly as I would in a session — giving you an authentic look at how the group helps thousands of men open up, connect, and feel less alone.

Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how peer-support groups work, this episode shines a light on the power of conversation and community.

If you’re a man over 18 and feel you need a safe place to talk, you can find your nearest Andy’s Man Club group at: andysmanclub.co.uk Because no matter how heavy life feels, you can get through the next minute.

Why Men Don’t Go to the Doctor & The Fear That Stops Them

This week, we’re getting brutally honest about something too many men avoid: seeking help when our body tells us something’s wrong.

Men’s health isn’t just about our bodies — it’s about our mindset. From fear and pride to stigma and self-neglect, I share my own story — twelve months of ignoring symptoms, what finally pushed me to act, and what I learned in the hospital. We also dive into real stats on why men delay treatment and how we can break the cycle of silence. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll be fine,” this one’s for you.

#MensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Movember #MensMentalHealth #GriefPodcast

#HealthAnxiety #MenTalk #NextMinutePodcast

Our children are facing a mental health crisis — but are we really listening? In this raw and honest episode, we unpack why one in five young people are now living with a probable mental health disorder, why so many are waiting months (or years) for help, and what it will take to turn the tide.

Hard-hitting stats, and a deep (well shallow) dive into how England and Scotland are tackling the issue differently — from crisis treatment to prevention and resilience-building. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about changing how we raise, teach, and support the next generation before the cracks appear.

Because when we understand what our kids are up against, we can finally help them grow through it — not just get through it.

S02E08 - Breaking the Silence: Rising Suicide Rates, Real Conversations, and the Support That Saves Lives

In this powerful episode of The Next Minute, we take a hard but necessary look at the recent rise in suicide rates — both nationally and here in Wigan — and what those numbers truly mean for our communities.

We open up about the reality behind the statistics, the pressures of social media, and how sharing our own stories can make a life-changing difference.

We’ll also spotlight the organisations doing incredible work — from Andy’s Man Club and Epic Hope CIC to The Girls Club and Directions for Men — proving that support is out there, and hope is closer than you think.

Because even when life feels dark, there’s always light waiting to break through. Let’s break the stigma, talk openly, and make sure no one faces their struggles alone.

#TheNextMinutePodcast #BreakingTheSilence #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #ItsOkayToTalk #AndysManClub #EpicHope #DirectionsForMen #TheGirlsClub #GriefAndHope #WiganCommunity #EndTheStigma #TalkAboutIt #SupportEachOther #HopeLivesHere

S02E07 - Skinny, sugar free, caramel latte

Episode 7 is a walk through of the day of our 7th anniversary (or what would have been our 7th anniversary) as well as reflecting on how I handled it over the past couple years. I also briefly walk through the 5 questions at Andys Man Club and talk about how it helped me tonight. Not to mention a couple hilarious quotes from the kids!

Much more positive than Episode 6 which admittedly felt deflated and flat, which I also discuss in the episode.

As always, thank you for tuning in! If you enjoy the podcast please be sure to follow / add the podcast your library and show some love on the Socials too:

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S02E06 - Anniversary Anticipation

This episode focuses on the anticipation of what should be our 7th Wedding Anniversary whilst also reflecting on how this year is different to previous years.. It still hits hard that we were only able to celebrate one together! My head was a little all over the place recording this one but I wanted to get this one done before our anniversary.

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S02E05 - A Childs Grief

This episode is very raw and was recorded an hour after a very heavy and emotional moment with Elijah. It was the first time he has lay there in my arms and just sobbed uncontrollably because he misses his mum. It's raw, it's heavy and it's emotional - BUT it was very much needed.

This episode is an insight into how the children have grieve and how it's been different for each of them.

Have the tissues ready.

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S02E04 - Me vs The Poison Parrot

In this episode I open up about... the last episode! In the last episode talked about my wanting to be wanted and since then i have been struggling with that. I have been using negative coping mechanisms and allowing my negative self talk (The Poison Parrot) to beat me down.

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