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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

Summary The Hard Part Podcast aims to explore men's mental health in the context of therapy, coaching, and leadership. Alex Holmes, emphasises that the podcast is not another platform promoting misogynistic ideals but rather a resource for personal growth and self-improvement. The podcast will cover various topics, including therapy for men, mindful communication, nonviolent communication, and inner work. The host encourages healthy and safe conversations about hard topics and invites...

Self-Acceptance Is An Inside Job. This week, I discuss how trying to be perfect as men will break us. We have to be okay with who we are and do the best with what we have and what we can do. I am now taking coaching clients - jump on a 30-minute call with me and begin the process of RE-STORYing your life! Instagram: @byalexholmes TikTok: @byalexholmes Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is a short bit on gratitude. Why we should find it and how it can help us navigate the hard days and allow us to show up as our best versions in order to make it through to the next. It is always a good time over here. Check out: instagram.com/byalexholmes tiktok.com/byalexholmes alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome To The Mindful Man Podcast. Are You A Real Man? Should we be worried about what a real man is? My journey began in this space looking at what it means to be a real man. In my book, Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging, and Connection, I stipulate that there are six stereotyoes of masculinity that cause us to remain stuck. Real Men Don’t Doubt Themselves Real Men Are Fearless Real Men Don’t Cry Real Men Have No Worries About Their Bodies Real Men Never Fail Real...

Welcome To The Mindful Man Podcast. Think back to your fathers, uncles, grandfathers and others. Did they have a dream that was half lived? The Book Tonic: Don't Cry For Me, by Daniel Black. Rate, Review and Subscribe. Listen and decide for yourself. Coaching: alexholmes.co/coaching My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection Gated Community: https://www.patreon.com/themindfulmanpodcast Instagram Ask a question. Email: [email protected] Learn more about your...

Welcome To The Mindful Man Podcast. When was the last time you made yourself a promise? TW: We getting real. Rate, Review and Subscribe. Listen and decide for yourself. Coaching: alexholmes.co/coaching My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection Gated Community: https://www.patreon.com/themindfulmanpodcast Instagram Ask a question. Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome To The Mindful Man Podcast. What is a Mindful Man? A Mindful Man is a man who has the capacity to engage with life fully in an authentic, courageous and compassionate way, while embracing his imperfections, learning who he is, and showing the world who he is in the process. Are you a Mindful Man? Do you know a Mindful Man? Listen and decide for yourself. My Book: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love, Belonging and Connection Instagram Ask a question. Email: [email protected] Learn...

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: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...