In this conversation, the hosts engage with Leodhais Macpherson, who is undertaking an extraordinary challenge of running the equivalent distance from Newcastle to New York, totalling 3,332 miles over 128 days. The discussion explores Leodhais's motivations rooted in personal loss, the mental and physical challenges of such an endeavour, and how running serves as a therapeutic outlet for him. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental health, coping mechanisms, and the impact of community support during his journey. In this conversation, Leodhais Macpherson shares his journey of running 128 marathons in 128 days, reflecting on the mental and physical challenges he faced, the importance of exercise in managing grief, and the lessons learned about life and relationships. He emphasises the significance of stillness, the complexity of grief, and the power of the mind in overcoming obstacles. The discussion also touches on the impact of loss on life perspective and the importance of cherishing relationships while living life to the fullest.

You can contribute to Leodhais's amazing challenge here https://www.justgiving.com/team/ncl-to-nyc

as he continues to raise money and awareness for 'If You Care, Share' https://www.instagram.com/ifucareshare?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And The RNLI https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/tv?&mid=23008nl25931&mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=&kword=rnli&match=e&plid=&product=&slid=&pgrid=1255643606863532&ptaid=kwd-78478090393909:loc-188&msclkid=9efae40411e5145323428c130c5d3c9d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEW%20RNLI%20IG_Microsoft_Prospecting_Brand_Pure%20Brand_Modern%20Search____&utm_term=rnli&utm_content=RNLI%20Pure%20Brand&gclid=9efae40411e5145323428c130c5d3c9d&gclsrc=3p.ds&gad_source=7

In this episode of the Mental Health Takeaways podcast, Dan Reid shares his journey from struggling with mental health issues to founding Men Walking and Talking, a community initiative aimed at encouraging men to open up about their feelings while engaging in outdoor activities. The conversation explores the importance of creating safe spaces for men to share their experiences, the impact of therapy, and the growth of the initiative across the UK. The hosts and Dan discuss the significance of community support, the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, and the transformative power of shared experiences in fostering emotional well-being. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the importance of creating safe spaces for men to discuss mental health, emphasizing the benefits of nature and walking groups. They discuss the significance of listening, the need for varied approaches to mental health, and the power of personal agency in overcoming challenges. The dialogue also touches on lighthearted moments, inspiring encounters during walks, and the purpose behind their initiative, culminating in reflections on self-discovery and the importance of supporting one another.

Find Men Walking and Talking on Instagram here; https://www.instagram.com/menwalkingandtalking?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

takeaways

• Men often bottle up their feelings and struggle to talk about mental health.
• Creating a supportive community is essential for men's mental health.
• Therapy can be a transformative experience for those who seek it.
• Walking and talking can help men open up in a non-judgmental environment.
• Many men share similar struggles with mental health but often remain silent.
• The growth of Men Walking and Talking shows the demand for such initiatives.
• Having a 'third place' outside of home and work is crucial for men.
• Building trust within a community can lead to meaningful conversations.
• Men can benefit from hearing others' experiences with therapy.
• Taking the first step towards seeking help is vital for change. A big driver for us in the podcast was that actually if people aren't quite ready to have the conversations, perhaps just listening to other people have the conversations might be that first step.
• Men can turn up to your groups and have no pressure to say anything.
• There is no silver bullet for male mental health.
• It's important to create varied approaches to support men's mental health.
• You can make the conscious decision yourself to talk when you're ready.
• The benefits of being out in nature can significantly improve mental health.
• We need to keep working at it to reach more men.
• It's the right thing to do to help others and ourselves.
• You don't have to stay in the situation you are now; change is possible.
• You are more than capable of changing things and doing big things.

In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guest Sam Browne explore the themes of food, culture, and creativity. Starting with a light-hearted discussion about takeaways, they delve into Sam's personal journey as a poet, the significance of cooking for friends, and the deeper connections that arise from creativity and honesty in art. The conversation highlights the importance of connection in today's world and how personal experiences shape artistic expression. In this conversation, the speakers explore the profound impact of poetry on mental health, the dynamics of performing for validation versus authenticity, and the pressing issues of misogyny and male identity. They discuss the importance of creative self-esteem in preventing criminal behaviour and the need to redefine masculinity through internal validation. The conversation emphasises the significance of connection and community in shaping modern masculinity, highlighting the challenges young men face in today's society. In this engaging conversation, Sam explores the themes of poetry, personal growth, and the importance of connection. He reflects on his childhood, the journey of self-discovery, and the value of internal validation over external approval. The discussion also touches on the challenges of modern communication and the need for genuine human connection in a digital age. Sam shares insights from his experiences and concludes with a heartfelt poem that encapsulates the essence of the community created by Men Walking and Talking (link below) and the excellent support among individuals derived from from group.

Check out Sam's Instagram here;

https://www.instagram.com/sambrownex?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And find 'Men Walking and Talking' (the inspiration for Sam's poem) here;

https://www.instagram.com/menwalkingandtalking?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

takeaways

• Starting conversations with food is a great icebreaker.
• Cooking for others is a meaningful way to connect.
• Samuel's journey into poetry began at a young age.
• Vulnerability can be intimidating but is essential for growth.
• Creativity often emerges from unexpected situations.
• Honesty in art is more important than technical skill.
• Connection is a fundamental human need.
• Social media can alienate us from meaningful experiences.
• Cooking can be a form of self-expression.
• Living with family can enhance personal connections. Poetry has been a crucial support for mental health.
• Performing for larger audiences can provide validation.
• Authenticity in expression is more important than external approval.
• Men often seek validation from unhealthy sources.
• Misogyny is deeply rooted in societal perceptions of masculinity.
• Creative self-esteem can prevent criminal behavior.
• Redefining masculinity is essential for mental health.
• Connection and community are vital for young men's development.
• Men need to understand their intrinsic value beyond gender.
• Integrating women and men socially can combat misogyny. The power of poetry as a form of expression.
• Reflecting on childhood can provide insights into our current selves.
• Resilience is a key trait that can help us navigate life's challenges.
• Connecting with our inner child can lead to personal growth.
• The importance of grounding oneself in the present moment.
• Internal validation is more valuable than external validation.
• Helping others connect is crucial in today's digital age.
• Recognizing our shared humanity can foster deeper connections.
• Embracing vulnerability can lead to stronger relationships.
• Poetry can serve as a bridge to understanding complex emotions.