In this episode, Alex Holmes introduces the Time to Talk Project, exploring the themes of emotional honesty, masculinity, mental health, and the importance of relationships. He discusses the four pillars of concern that guide his work: spirituality, masculinity, work and leadership, and relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for deeper discussions around mental health and the role of the community in fostering connection and understanding. The Time to Talk project aims to explore wh...
Nov 29, 2024•19 min
In this episode, Alex Holmes explores the emotional and psychological landscapes of fathers and sons, focusing on healing unspoken emotional wounds. He discusses the impact of silence and stoicism in familial relationships, particularly in the context of masculinity and cultural expectations. Through the story of Isaac and his father Thomas, Alex illustrates the journey of breaking the cycle of silence, embracing vulnerability, and fostering emotional literacy. The episode emphasizes the importa...
Nov 21, 2024•24 min
In this episode of Mindful Monday, Alex Holmes discusses the overwhelming nature of modern life and the importance of recognizing that it's okay to not be okay. He emphasizes the necessity of connection and reaching out to others during tough times. Alex also explores the inner critic that many face and encourages listeners to challenge negative self-talk. Finally, he shares grounding practices to help navigate life's chaos and reminds us that progress is made through small, imperfect moments. C...
Nov 18, 2024•6 min
In this episode of Time To Talk, Ton Mazzone brings a level of understanding and depth that I have struggled to reach at points in my life. In this conversation, we talk about: Masculinity in parenthood; Breaking patterns as a father; Creativity and mental health; Trauma and self-care; Comedy and anxiety; His 7-year journey to wellness. As ever, if you want the full video of the episode you can find that on PATREON. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 26 min
In this episode, Alex Holmes introduces the concept of Mindful November, focusing on men's mental health and the importance of mindfulness in decision-making. He discusses the burden of choice and freedom, emphasizing how modern men feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options available to them. Through existential psychotherapy, he explores the idea that while we may never make the perfect choice, we can find richness in commitment and acceptance of our paths. The conversation encourages listen...
Nov 11, 2024•6 min
Welcome back to Time to Talk with Alex Holmes. Today is Day 2 of our Movember journey, and we’re diving straight into one of the most essential questions of all: Who am I? This question may sound simple, but beneath it lies a whole world of complexity. So many of us define ourselves by our roles, titles, or what we do. I’m a father. I’m an artist. I’m a leader. I’m a provider. These labels give us a sense of identity, but they’re just one part of who we are. The question “Who am I?” has been ask...
Nov 08, 2024•8 min
Tune in for a conversation that goes deeper than the usual narrative of resilience. In our latest episode, Amani shares not only his journey through life-changing challenges but also the transformative power of vulnerability in healing and connection. In 2011, Amani Simpson survived a near-fatal knife attack that marked a profound turning point in his life. Today, he dedicates his work to guiding young people away from cycles of violence and despair. Through his social enterprise, AVIARD Inspire...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Welcome to Time to Talk with Alex Holmes, and thank you for joining me for our journey through men’s mental health this Movember. Over the next month, we’ll take 10 minutes each day to slow down, reflect, and explore what it means to live with authenticity and purpose—without the noise, clutter, and external expectations that often weigh us down. Today, we’re laying the groundwork by talking about existentialism and mental health. You might wonder—why existentialism? Why this philosophical appro...
Nov 04, 2024•8 min
In honor of Movember, join me for a journey into men’s mental health that digs deep into authenticity, mental minimalism, and intentional living. Each 10-minute episode of Time To Talk with Alex Holmes is crafted for quiet moments—whether you’re on a morning walk, cooling down after a workout, or just need a break to slow down. For men in the public eye, searching for meaning and purpose amid the pressures of a high-visibility life, this series is an invitation to step back and focus on what tru...
Nov 04, 2024•7 min
In this episode of Time to Talk, host Alex Holmes deeply converses with Dean Atta about his experiences with masculinity, identity, and family dynamics. Dean shares his journey of navigating his childhood as a mixed-race boy, his relationship with masculinity, and the impact of his family, particularly his uncles and mother, on his identity. The discussion also delves into the complexities of coming out, the perceptions of his sexuality within his family, and the importance of self-acceptance. D...
Oct 31, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode, Alex Holmes discusses the importance of community engagement through his podcast, emphasising the role of existential coaching in personal development. He explores the challenges faced by black men in the public sphere, particularly in light of recent setbacks among younger black male figures. The conversation delves into themes of authenticity, identity, and the societal pressures that shape black masculinity, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of these expe...
Oct 29, 2024•25 min
JORDAN STEPHENS is a writer and performer and one-half of the chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks. Having been publicly open about his struggles surrounding mental health, Jordan has been active in creating awareness around the stigma. His mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million people online and was mentioned in the Houses of Parliament. His children’s book The Missing Piece was shortlisted for the 2023 Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, and his new book, Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbr...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of Time to Talk, Alex Holmes reintroduces himself and discusses the importance of mental health conversations, particularly focusing on black men's mental health. He highlights the challenges faced in therapy, including feelings of misunderstanding and the need for culturally competent therapists. Alex emphasizes the significance of connection and community in the healing process, exploring various therapeutic modalities such as hypnotherapy and group therapy. He encourages liste...
Oct 17, 2024•29 min
In this episode of Time to Talk, host Alex Holmes explores the intricate relationship between mental weakness and mental strength, emphasising that they are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. He discusses embracing vulnerabilities as a pathway to personal growth and mental fortitude. Through personal anecdotes and client experiences, Alex illustrates how acknowledging struggles can lead to transformation and resilience. He encourages listeners to confront their fears and vulnerabiliti...
Oct 10, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of Time To Talk, Alex Holmes introduces the podcast and its mission to address men's mental health, particularly focusing on stress and burnout. He shares his journey, including his experiences with breakdowns and the creation of the Time To Talk project, which aims to foster open discussions about mental health, especially within the black community. The podcast serves as a platform for community support, therapy, and coaching, encouraging men to seek help and redefine strength....
Oct 10, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In this episode, Alex discusses the goals of bibliotherapy and how it can be used as a tool for therapy and personal growth. The four goals of bibliotherapy are: improving how you respond to the world, increasing self-understanding, clarifying personal relationships, and dealing with reality as is. He explains each goal in detail and provides examples of how bibliotherapy can help achieve them. The episode also mentions upcoming topics and guests for future episodes. Takeaways Bibliotherapy is a...
Apr 15, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, Alex explores the concept of bibliotherapy and its impact on men's mental health. He discusses the power of books to provide guidance, support, and inspiration, and shares his personal experiences with books that have influenced his journey. The host also addresses the challenges men face in developing a relationship with reading and offers a reading list for men interested in exploring bibliotherapy. He emphasises the importance of engaging with books actively and discusses tec...
Apr 09, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of a male-friendly approach to psychotherapy and provides tips for men seeking therapy. He emphasizes the need for therapists to understand male communication styles and experiences, and create a non-judgmental environment. Alex also highlights the importance of focusing on strengths, setting clear goals, and being open to being challenged in therapy. He explores what men want from therapy, including a quick fix, feeling understood, and addressing r...
Apr 08, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Summary Mental health struggles do not discriminate, but our societal response to them does. Men face a stigma around seeking help, which is damaging and perpetuated by traditional notions of masculinity. This episode explores the importance of breaking the stigma and creating a culture of openness and support for men's mental health. The story of Carl and Drew highlights the consequences of silence and the transformative power of seeking help. Strategies for breaking the stigma include creating...
Apr 03, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this episode, Alex Holmes introduces himself as the host of the Hard Part podcast, which focuses on the intersection of masculinity and mental health. He explains that the podcast aims to explore men's mental health, masculinity, and personal growth. Alex shares his background as a coach and therapist, as well as his journey in the field of men's mental health. He discusses the challenges he faced in understanding what it means to be a man today and the harmful ideas around masculinity. Alex ...
Apr 02, 2024•35 min
Antonio Ferreira is a mental health advocate and campaigner. He speaks to me about his diagnosis of schizophrenia, and what that has meant for him as a young Black man today. I am still on holiday, so looking forward to sharing more about that in the next few weeks. My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection The Time To Talk Project Gated Community: timetotalk.supercast.com Ask a question. Email: alex@alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...
Nov 07, 2022•1 hr 3 min
This week, I am speaking to Gregory David Roberts. He is a former heroin addict, escaped convict, and now a musician living in Jamaica. His bestselling book, Shantaram, is now a TV series on Apple TV+ and we chat about all things from his experience in a straight jacket to living in India for ten years on the run. I am still on holiday in Jamaica, so looking forward to sharing more about that in the next few weeks. My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection The Tim...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr 15 min
For the next two weeks, I am away. In these episodes, you will get full conversations with me and a guest. This episode is with a friend of mine, Mark McCartney. He wrote this newsletter called 'What Is A Good Life?' We talk about: Silent retreats in India Starting anew Finding out what a good life is My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection The Time To Talk Project Gated Community: timetotalk.supercast.com Ask a question. Email: alex@alexholmes.co Learn more abo...
Oct 24, 2022•57 min
This week I ask, 'Why are men lonely?' Articles referenced today: The Rise of Lonely, Single Men - Greg Matos, PsyD All The Lonely People Are Men - Greg Hurst My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection The Time To Talk Project Gated Community: timetotalk.supercast.com Ask a question. Email: alex@alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 16, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Today is World Mental Health Day. Is Mental Health a global priority? Dr. Sanah's Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/06/psychologist-devastating-lies-mental-health-problems-politics 'What resources are there for men who have therapy on their to-do list'? Ben West talks about writing his book 'This Book Could Save Your Life' Gated Community: timetotalk.supercast.com Men's Groups: MenSpeak - https://www.instagram.com/menspeakmensgroups/ Men's Circle - https://www....
Oct 09, 2022•1 hr 6 min
Welcome back to Time To Talk. New episodes will be back on World Mental Health Day, October 10th. Until then, here's what has been happening! Looking forward to meeting you on October 10th. Ask questions here: https://forms.gle/dd6PT8X3ANJoYZRN6 Join the gated community on Steady: https://steadyhq.com/alexholmes Email: alex@alexholmes.co Socials: instagram.com/byalexholmes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 02, 2022•23 min
HAPPY NEW YEAR! This episode was recorded at the end of the year. In this episode, I am joined by Simon Thomas, James Espey, Jonny Benjamin, Dr. Az, Adam Shaw, Hope Virgo, and Tom Chapman as we discussed the theme for International Men's Day. Confronting outdated ideas surrounding men’s identity & challenging stereotypes through the power of a shared story will be presented through a series of myths alongside a real-life depiction that busts the myth and creates a continued conversation arou...
Jan 07, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 186
[FROM THE ARCHIVE] - Jan 2020 Public philosopher Roman Krznaric talks to me about what it means to be a good ancestor. He wrote a book called The Good Ancestor, and I have to credit Roman with helping me to think a lot more about legacy, and the way we show up for future generations - especially in these times of Black Lives Matter, Coronavirus, Trump (and a severely divided America) and Brexit - need I say more? His book, The Good Ancestor, is out now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...
Dec 31, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 185
[FROM THE ARCHIVES] - May 2021 Today's guest is Justin Baldoni. He is an actor, director, producer, and co-founder, and co-chair of both Wayfarer Studios and the Wayfarer Foundation, and the heartthrob star of Jane The Virgin. Over the last ten years, Justin has been on a journey to explore masculinity and reimagine what it means to be a man, and human, in the world today. He has spoken about his journey with masculinity in his wildly popular TED Talk and in his series, Man Enough. His book, Man...
Dec 24, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 184
This week, Alex speaks to Kelechi Okafor. We ask the big questions: What possesses our joy? How do we move through the purpose of relationships? What does it mean to call-in, rather than call out? Kelechi is the founder of Kelechnekkoff Studios, and you can find her here. She is also the host of Say Your Mind Podcast. End of Year Review Form See you on Jan 14th for a brand new episode of Time To Talk. Instagram Liminalities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 17, 2021•58 min
