Podcasts are for many of us, a combination of entertainment and knowledge on demand.
In a previous blog post, we discussed research that explored the positive effect mental health podcasts can have on men. What was seen in that study- was that men developed insights into themselves by listening to the experiences of others via podcasts.
Providing a Top 5 Podcasts for those interested in men’s health wasn’t too difficult as these are the ones on rotation in my Spotify library. So yes, this is a highly subjective list which hopefully introduces you to new podcasts you haven’t yet come across.
1. Now & Men (UK)
Who: Now & Men is hosted by Sandy Ruxton (Durham University), and Dr. Stephen Burrell (University of Melbourne) who are both social science researchers.
The interviewees are probably not household names; however, the majority are experts within their respective fields of research and practice into men’s and boys’ health.
What: From the Now & Men site blurb- ‘What’s it like to be a man in the 21st century? How are feminist issues relevant to men and boys? How can we engage in productive conversations about gender equality? These questions are being discussed more than ever’.
When: New episodes are uploaded every 4 weeks.
Why: You would listen to Now & Men if you were curious about the history and evolution of the men’s health movement as told by some of its early pioneers, and what is occurring in the men’s health space globally today.
2. Black Dog Institute (Australia)
Who: The Black Dog Institute podcasts cover a broad range of mental health delivered by qualified health experts.
The Black Dog Institute has podcasts streams for both health professionals and for general consumption.
What: From The Black Dog Institute site blurb- ‘Free podcasts exploring different insights into mental health through personal experiences and expert opinions.’
When: New episodes are uploaded every 1-2 weeks.
Why: Although this podcast is not specifically aimed at men and boys, the information provided on the podcasts often speaks to common conditions within men’s health- such as depression, stress and anxiety.
3. Huberman Lab (USA)
Who: The Huberman Lab is presented by Dr Andrew Huberman who works in the field of neurobiology. Huberman typically interviews leading scientists and academics to discuss topics such as brain chemistry, mental conditions, memory, performance and mindsets.
What: From The Huberman Lab podcast blurb- ‘Regularly ranked as the #1 health podcast in the world, Dr. Huberman discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life’.
When: New episodes are uploaded weekly.
Why: Huberman’s tenure at Stanford University provides authenticity and legitimacy when he speaks about conditions of the human mind. Huberman podcasts are long (2 hours not uncommon), however the content discussed on his podcasts are grounded in science and medicine.
4. The Art of Manliness (USA)
Who: The Art of Manliness podcast is hosted by Brett McKay, the founder and editor of the lifestyle magazine of the same name. The podcast covers a variety of interesting physical, social and wellbeing topics relevant to men in a measured, non-confrontational manner.
What: From the Art of Manliness podcast blurb- ‘The Art of Manliness Podcast aims to deepen and improve every area of a man’s life, from fitness and philosophy to relationships and productivity’.
When: New episodes are uploaded once or twice per week.
Why: The warm conversational style of this podcast is very easy to listen to, with an almost folk-like quality of sitting around a campfire discussing topics of interest to men of all ages.
5. GU Cast (Australia)
Who: GU Cast is a podcast produced by Urologists at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The content matter is highly medicine-centric aimed at traditional men’s health biological subject matters (prostate and testicular cancer).
What: From the GU Cast podcast blurb- ‘A urology podcast, focusing on all things prostate, kidney, bladder, testis and penile cancer. Hosted by Dr. Renu Eapen and Professor Declan Murphy.’
When: New episodes are uploaded every 1-2 weeks.
Why: Listeners would typically be doctors and nurses involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that affect the genitourinary (GU) system. The occasional interviews with cancer survivors are excellent.
