In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by former English teacher and middle leader Mike Nicholson. Mike has a wide range of experience across the educational spectrum and early in his career developed a reputation for his ability to have a positive impact on boys and young men deemed ‘difficult’ and ‘challenging’. Mike developed and delivers the Progressive Masculinity Program which aims to give young men the freedom and confidence to reconstruct a healthier and more op...
Apr 28, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss the pressures that men may feel around their physical appearance. Addressing the change in beauty standards over the years, and also the increased access to cosmetic procedures, both of them share instances where they have become more conscious of how they look, and how they wish to present themselves to the world. Breaking down the idea of the (potentially) inevitable 'dad bod' and what health and wellness actually looks like, ...
Apr 21, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss the role of community in our lives, and share how it's helped them throughout difficult periods in their lives, including addiction and poor health. Drawing on the evolutionary purpose of community, they discuss why groups of people are so often and easily driven apart by difference of opinion, and address communities that emerge to take advantage of vulnerable people. They also talk about the importance of community as we age, and ho...
Apr 14, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this week’s episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss the much debated and somewhat maligned ‘man flu’. Is it a real illness? Is it an overreaction to a regular cold or flu? Do men really suffer more than women? Discussing studies on the difference in severity of illness and also attitudes towards health in both men and women, Luke and Fraser address societal expectations around sickness which can often lead to worse outcomes for both genders. Alongside this they also highlight th...
Apr 07, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In the newest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss the idea of 'midlife crisis'. Breaking down the subject and addressing misconceptions around it, they look into the reasons why someone may want to change or address the way they live their life, and how this may end up alienating people around them. They also wonder if a 'midlife crisis' is someone living more authentically, or if it's an attempt to break free of societal expectation. Finally, they discuss the impact both marri...
Mar 31, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by former BBC Correspondent and now parenting coach Rachel Richards. Rachel co-hosts the podcast 'Teenagers Untangled', which she describes as ‘an audio hug for parents going through the teenage years'. Within their discussion, Rachel, Luke and Fraser cover a number of subjects including fearless parenting, navigating parenting in the digital age, dealing with lack of communication and breaking generational cycles. Alongside this t...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are answering your burning questions! This week we handed over the agenda to our wonderful listeners, and let them ask Luke and Fraser anything (within reason of course!) that was on their mind. Addressing subjects such as addiction, sobriety, spirituality and pride, the guys share wisdom and advice from their own personal journeys and explore new topics not yet spoken about on the podcast. Saving perhaps the best question for last, they also...
Mar 18, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In the newest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discover and explore the subject of 'weaponised incompetence'. They address the environments where it may occur, including in the home, between family members and within business, and wonder if they've ever been guilty of playing into their incompetencies. They also discuss whether both men and women can employ weaponised incompetence to avoid doing tasks they don't particularly like or find difficult to complete, and question if the po...
Mar 11, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In the newest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by certified Breathwork Coach, prominent mental health advocate and NACOA ambassador Josh Connolly. Josh's mission centres on guiding individuals to gain a deeper insight into their own selves and emotions, fostering a connection with their intuition and body. Josh works with individuals and corporate organisations to gain a healthier understanding of what resilience truly means. In this discussion, Luke, Fraser and Josh disc...
Mar 04, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by sports agent Gab Stone. Gab was one of the most successful sports agents in the UK, managing multiple Gold Medal winners at the London 2012 Olympics including Louis Smith and Nicola Adams. However, 5 years later in 2017, Gab was sentenced to 18 months in prison, admitting fraud after losing over £40,000 of Olympic Gold Medalist, Greg Rutherford's money due to a crippling gambling addiction. This is the first time that Gab has sp...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser talk jealousy, and share moments in their lives where it has manifested, including in relationships, rivalries and on the pitch. They discuss the purpose of jealousy, and wonder if it can motivate people to succeed or leave them feeling sad and envious. They talk about the importance of embracing a whole spectrum of emotions, and imagine a world where people might be more honest about the jealousy they experience. Luke and Fraser also w...
Feb 19, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser talk loneliness, and reflect on times throughout their lives where they have experienced it the most. They talk about the importance of sharing problems with others in order to feel a sense of belonging and community, and muse on the many approaches people may take to try to feel less alone. Finally, they ask the question if it's ever possible to never feel loneliness or if it is simply part of the human condition. Luke and Fraser also want t...
Feb 12, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser take on the conversation of class, reflecting on their differing upbringings and how this has shaped their worldview. Covering subjects including schooling, family, motivations and ultimately their routes into professional sport, they question whether class has an effect on work ethic, or whether it can prove detrimental in certain fields. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about...
Feb 05, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by the UK’s leading Life Coach, No.1 Best-selling International Author of How To Do YOU and GQ Magazine’s resident coach and columnist, Jacqueline Hurst. Jacqueline is a Certified Life Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and a Certified Health and Weight Coach with over two decades experience in helping clients change their life through learning how to change their mindset. In this interview, Jacqueline talks about her personal experien...
Jan 29, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In the new episode of Understanding Men, inspired by comments made by Jordan Peterson, Luke and Fraser talk about fighting and physical ability. They question whether masculinity is dependent on strength and performance and ask how they would deal with a physical confrontation or altercation. Reflecting on their own capabilities which have changed through time, injury or illness, they wonder just how much fighting is a part of manhood. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the ...
Jan 22, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, inspired by new years resolutions and good intentions, Luke and Fraser talk about the mindset, outlook and support networks they needed in order for them to make significant change in their lives. They also discuss some of the more sustainable ways to deal with issues such as alcoholism and addiction, and how honesty and accountability have helped them maintain those positive changes. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects...
Jan 15, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by former Special Forces soldier and founding Directing Staff on Channel 4's hit show SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ollie Ollerton. In this interview, Ollie talks about how his early life experiences lead him to follow a career in the military, and how this has shaped his current outlook. He also talks about the techniques he uses to stay present and calm in high stress situations and the difficulty in maintaining a results based focu...
Jan 08, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Get those party poppers ready, it's 2024! Luke and Fraser are taking a look back on their year to share the unexpected changes they experienced, their highlights and reflections on the 12 months just gone, and their hopes and goals for 2024... Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult conversations. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @understandingmenpod Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Jan 01, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Merry Christmas! It's time for the special Christmas episode of Understanding Men! In this episode, Luke and Fraser are taking a look back on 2023 and sharing with us their 'Christmas Presents', giving us the stories of 6 exceptional individuals who inspired and amazed them this year. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult conversations. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @understandi...
Dec 25, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss toxic relationship dynamics, and reflect on times they've abandoned themselves in order to be liked or accepted. They also discuss the importance of setting boundaries and how to navigate the toxic relationships that are impossible to avoid, for instance, with colleagues or family members. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those diff...
Dec 18, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In the newest episode of Understanding Men, prompted by Fraser's recent announcement of his separation from his wife, both Luke and Fraser discuss marriage breakdown. With Luke having separated from his partner over four years ago, they both reflect on the process of divorce and also acknowledge its effect on the friends and family closest to them. As ever, the guys hope that this podcast helps anyone out who may be currently experiencing a similar situation. Luke and Fraser also want to hear fr...
Dec 11, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by former professional footballer and Nottingham Forest first team coach Steven Reid, to explore the feelings of imposter syndrome he has faced throughout his playing and coaching career. Steven has been open about his experiences with anxiety and depression and also how this ultimately played a part in him deciding to end his playing career. The guys also discuss how if their tenacious attitude to life has ultimately helped them s...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss leadership, and reflect on leaders they’ve encountered in their own personal lives and careers. Looking back at their experiences, they decide if they’ve been authentic and effective leaders and share the qualities that they have admired in others. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult conversations. Follow us on Ti...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In the newest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser talk about finding purpose in life and reflect upon whether they think they've found theirs yet. Looking back at the events that led them to be where they are today, they wonder if their purpose is tied to their previous experiences and who they needed when they were their past selves. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult ...
Nov 20, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this new episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by dating and relationship coach, podcaster and author Persia Lawson. The group chat about how both men and women struggle in modern dating and highlight how we all need to get more comfortable with male vulnerability. Luke and Fraser want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult conversations. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram @understandingm...
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser discuss the role that fear has played throughout their lives, and how it has affected their work and relationships. Reflecting on how they face fear now they're in recovery, they share how they hope to embrace it to live a fulfilling life. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult conversations. Follow us on TikTok and Instagra...
Nov 06, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by former Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson to explore the identity crisis he faced when retiring from gymnastics in 2021. Nile's career was ended by an injury and the guys discuss the various circumstances around their retirement and how they found purpose and meaning beyond their sport. Luke and Fraser want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult con...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the latest episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by former professional cricketer and executive coach Simon Cusden. Simon helps high performing men navigate their shame shadow in order to create better relationships with people around them and allows them to develop a better quality of life. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions around suicide, which some individuals may find distressing. Luke and Fraser want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd lik...
Oct 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser share their experiences with addiction and alcohol misuse, and discuss at what point they realised their relationship with alcohol was unhealthy. They also discuss the kinds of support they sought out in order to start on the path of sobriety and investigate what the term 'alcoholic' means. Luke and Fraser also want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult c...
Oct 15, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of Understanding Men, Luke and Fraser are joined by television presenter and host Simon Thomas as they explore how they have experienced loss throughout their lives. This episode was inspired by a comment from a listener, and we hope that the guys' insight and experience helps anyone currently facing similar challenges. Luke and Fraser want to hear from you! Let us know the subjects you'd like to hear more about, and what would help you start having those difficult conversations....
Oct 08, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 5
