The Hard Part with Alex Holmes

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 emphasises the importance of having compassionate and authentic conversations about mental health. Takeaways The Hard Part podcast explores men's mental health, masculinity, and personal growth. Men's mental health is often overlooked, and harmful ideas around masculinity can be challenging to navigate. Therapy and coaching are valuable tools for men's mental health, and finding the right approach and practitioner is important. Men's health and well-being have a significant impact on society, and it's crucial to address issues such as loneliness and gender disparities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 06:07 Alex's Background and Journey 16:13 Overview of the Book 'Time to Talk' 22:19 Men's Relationship to Therapy and Coaching 25:15 Men's Health and Wellbeing 26:14 Challenges in Men's Relationships and Connections 28:22 Becoming the Best Version of Yourself 29:19 Creating an Interactive and Inclusive Space 30:08 The Importance of Men's Health Connect: Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/time-to-talk-how-men-think-about-love-belonging-and-connection-alex-holmes/5009612 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/43wekyCcEkxSaf… YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC3MvN8HTNLtOjvuoHw… PodLinks: pod.link/1437894589 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@byalexholmes Instagram: instagram.com/thehardpartpodcast Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com Email: alex@alexholmes.co Rate, Review, Share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 complementary approach that combines the love for books with the passion to help people. 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. Bibliotherapy can help enhance self-awareness, empathy, and understanding of others. Reading books can provide a focus, improve concentration, and help clarify personal responses and feelings. Bibliotherapy can assist in recognizing and dealing with negative emotions, as well as addressing existential issues. Engaging with literature can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Bibliotherapy encourages personal growth, self-reflection, and the exploration of different perspectives. Future episodes will include book breakdowns and discussions with authors and experts in the field of mental health. Chapters 00:00 Improving How You Respond to the World 15:30 Increasing Self-Understanding 29:49 Dealing with Reality as Is 36:08 Upcoming Topics and Guests Reading List: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/byalexholmes Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com Instagram: @byalexholmes TikTok: @byalexholmes Website: alexholmes.co Podcast Links: https://pod.link/1437894589 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 techniques such as reflective writing and guided sessions. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the power of books and therapy. Takeaways Bibliotherapy is the use of books for therapeutic purposes and has been used for centuries to support mental health and personal growth. Books have the power to shift perspectives, challenge beliefs, and provide insights and coping strategies for various mental health conditions. Men often have a complicated relationship with reading due to past experiences and societal expectations, but engaging with books can be a powerful tool for personal development and self-reflection. Bibliotherapy involves actively engaging with books through techniques such as reflective writing and guided sessions to translate insights into real-life actions. A curated reading list can serve as a gateway for men to explore bibliotherapy and find books that resonate with their experiences and support their mental well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Exploring the Intersection of Therapy, Men's Mental Health, and Books 05:18 Understanding Bibliotherapy: The Power of Books to Transform Men's Mental Health 15:00 Challenges Men Face in Developing a Relationship with Reading 25:03 Curated Reading List for Men's Mental Health and Well-being Get in touch: Reading List: uk.bookshop.org/shop/byalexholmes Instagram TikTok: @byalexholmes Website: alexholmes.co Podcast Links: https://pod.link/1437894589 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 relevant topics such as relationships and life transitions. Alex encourages men to seek help and become the architects of their own lives. Takeaways Therapists should have a male-friendly approach that understands male communication styles and experiences. Creating a non-judgmental environment is crucial for men to feel safe and express their emotions and vulnerabilities. Men should focus on their strengths, set clear goals, and be open to being challenged in therapy. Therapy can address relevant topics such as relationships, fatherhood, friendships, and life transitions. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards improving mental health and becoming the architect of one's own life. Chapters 00:00 The Male-Friendly Therapeutic Environment 09:13 Creating a Non-Judgmental Environment 13:59 Focusing on Strengths and Goals 20:38 Addressing Relevant Topics in Therapy 23:29 Seeking Help: A Brave Step Towards Mental Health Socials: Email: alex@alexholmes.co Instagram: instagram.com/thehardpartpodcast TikTok: tiktok.com/ @byalexholmes Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com Podcast: https://pod.link/1437894589 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 open dialogues, educating oneself and others, seeking professional help, and advocating for better mental health resources. Taking responsibility for one's mental health is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership. Takeaways The stigma around men's mental health is damaging and perpetuated by traditional notions of masculinity. Seeking help for mental health struggles is an act of bravery and not a sign of weakness. Open dialogues, education, professional help, and advocacy are key strategies for breaking the stigma. Taking responsibility for one's mental health is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:12 The Stigma Around Men's Mental Health 09:14 Breaking the Stigma 14:17 Story of Carl and Drew 24:48 Taking Responsibility for Mental Health 27:06 Challenging the Status Quo 27:57 Conclusion Connect: Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/time-to-talk-how-men-think-about-love-belonging-and-connection-alex-holmes/5009612 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/43wekyCcEkxSaf… YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC3MvN8HTNLtOjvuoHw… PodLinks: pod.link/1437894589 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@byalexholmes Instagram: instagram.com/thehardpartpodcast Substack: byalexholmes.substack.com Email: alex@alexholmes.co Rate, Review, Share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 listeners to engage with the podcast and seek support if needed. Takeaways The podcast focuses on men's mental health and personal growth. It explores topics such as therapy for men, mindful communication, and inner work. The host emphasises the importance of creating a safe space for conversation. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast and seek support if needed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 02:01 Exploring Masculinity and Mental Health 03:03 Core Areas of Focus: Therapy for Men 03:32 Core Areas of Focus: Mindful Communication and Nonviolent Communication 03:59 Core Areas of Focus: Inner Work and Men's Work 04:28 Creating a Safe Space for Conversation 04:56 Release of the Podcast and Invitation to Work with the Host 05:23 Call to Action: Support the Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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

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 about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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.menscircle.club/ Ask a question: https://forms.gle/mEA8Meyi2VjCifAA7 Email: alex@alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 around 'what it means to 'be a man' in 2021'.  If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode: Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ Shawmind: www.shawmind.org Mind: www.mind.org.uk Look forward to seeing you next week with a fresh episode to kick-off 2022. CONTACT: Website: alexholmes.co Instagram: instagram.com/byalexholmes Newsletter: alexholmes.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

[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 Enough came out in May 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

This week, Alex speaks to Melz Owusu. We ask the big questions: Who has the right to imagine? Who needs to unlearn the responsibility of harm? Does masculinity equal harm? Melz is the founder of Free Black Uni. Instagram Liminalities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I speak to Jack Guinness about his new book, The Queer Bible. We discuss his experiences with homophobia in the modeling industry, growing up in London and we have a great in-depth conversation about identity. Find Jack Guinness here. Go further: instagram.com/byalexholmes alexholmes.substack.com alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a special episode of Talk More brought to you in collaboration with Movember.  In Part 2, we are discussing Men and Therapy from a Black man's perspective. It's a hell of a ride! This podcast is in collaboration with Movember. Movember focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer in men, and has since 2003, funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research, and transforming the way health services reach and support men. Find the guys over at: Richard Harris Ryan Nile Nathaniel Oke Connect with me: Don't forget to get your tickets to ManTalk.live to join us on International Men's Day Go Deeper: Heart-To Heart Letters @byalexholmes alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a special episode of Talk More brought to you in collaboration with Movember.  Today, I am joined by psychotherapist Nathaniel Oke, and my good friends Richard Harris and Ryan Nile. We are having an in-depth conversation as men today about the past year, filled with pandemic woes, collective racial trauma, and exploring why men need to have better conversations around mental health - especially in 2021. This podcast is in collaboration with Movember. Movember focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer in men, and has since 2003, funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research, and transforming the way health services reach and support men. Find the guys over at: Richard Harris Ryan Nile Nathaniel Oke Connect with me: Don't forget to get your tickets to ManTalk.live to join us on International Men's Day Go Deeper: Heart-To Heart Letters @byalexholmes alexholmes.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices