“Beyond the Shed” is a groundbreaking podcast that reimagines the traditional concept of men gathering in sheds, transforming it into a powerful platform for modern discourse. This innovative show creates a virtual shed—a space that's both intimate and expansive—where men can openly explore the complex issues they face in the 21st century.
At its core, "Beyond the Shed" is about pushing boundaries. It takes the familiar, comforting environment of a shed—long associated with male solitude and hobbies—and uses it as a springboard to dive into deeper, often uncharted waters of men's experiences. The discussions transcend the physical confines of four walls, tackling topics that resonate far beyond the shed's door.
Each episode combines the casual, relatable atmosphere of a shed gathering with thoughtful exploration of real-world concerns. From mental health and societal expectations to personal growth and relationships, no topic is off-limits. The podcast creates a safe space for men to share insights, challenge perceptions, and foster connections over often unspoken issues.
"Beyond the Shed" stands as a beacon for men seeking authenticity, understanding, and growth in today's rapidly changing world. It's more than just talk—it's a movement towards open, honest dialogue that has the power to enlighten, heal, and unite. Whether you're a regular shed dweller or new to these conversations, "Beyond the Shed" invites you to join a community of men who are redefining what it means to communicate and connect in the modern age.
“Beyond the Shed” is a groundbreaking podcast that reimagines the traditional concept of men gathering in sheds, transforming it into a powerful platform for modern discourse. This innovative show creates a virtual shed—a space that's both intimate and expansive—where men can openly explore the complex issues they face in the 21st century.
At its core, "Beyond the Shed" is about pushing boundaries. It takes the familiar, comforting environment of a shed—long associated with male solitude and hobbies—and uses it as a springboard to dive into deeper, often uncharted waters of men's experiences. The discussions transcend the physical confines of four walls, tackling topics that resonate far beyond the shed's door.
Each episode combines the casual, relatable atmosphere of a shed gathering with thoughtful exploration of real-world concerns. From mental health and societal expectations to personal growth and relationships, no topic is off-limits. The podcast creates a safe space for men to share insights, challenge perceptions, and foster connections over often unspoken issues.
"Beyond the Shed" stands as a beacon for men seeking authenticity, understanding, and growth in today's rapidly changing world. It's more than just talk—it's a movement towards open, honest dialogue that has the power to enlighten, heal, and unite. Whether you're a regular shed dweller or new to these conversations, "Beyond the Shed" invites you to join a community of men who are redefining what it means to communicate and connect in the modern age.
In this episode, we are joined by Brian Conley for a revealing conversation centered around his life, career, and personal challenges. Brian shares anecdotes from his time as a stage performer, including cherished moments from his pantomime and musical experiences, as well as his stint on EastEnders. The discussion takes a reflective turn as Brian opens up about overcoming personal struggles, including dyslexia and the emotional aftermath of his father's death, which led to panic attacks and eventually gave up alcohol.
Episode Highlights:
00:20 - Shed Stories and Memories
03:02 - Dealing with Loss and Panic Attacks
09:07 - Career Beginnings and Stage School
16:02 - EastEnders and Lockdown Opportunities
30:01 - The Art of Pantomime
35:59 - Balancing Family and Career Pressures
38:26 - The Highs and Lows of Performing
42:10 - Working with Family in Showbiz
45:28 - The Joy of Performing in Musicals
48:36 - The PR Pack Tour
50:05 - Challenges and Rewards of Comedy
01:05:20 - Reflecting on a Successful Career
01:07:16 - Concluding Thoughts and Men's Health
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In this episode, I speak with historian John about his new book Be a Man, which explores masculinity in England from the Industrial Revolution to today. We discuss themes like fatherhood, work, and youth, as well as how societal expectations of men have evolved. John shares how personal experiences with mental health led him to this work and the role of men’s groups in fostering support. We also touch on modern challenges young men face—social media, pornography, and identity pressure—and end with a thoughtful look at male suicide and the importance of open conversations around mental health.
Episode Highlights:
00:56 - Assumed emotional connection in today's fatherhood
05:26 - Safe space for honest male conversation
09:53 - What has contributed to the rise of toxin masculinity
12:55 - Men compare bodies, feel inadequate
20:32 - Army upbringing influenced early worldview
26:09 - Effects of National Service on masculinity
28:36 - Challenges Facing Young Men Today
32:52 - Football now priced beyond many fans
39:06 - Addressing the Issue of Suicide
41:10 - The Impact of War on Family Dynamics
58:31 - The Importance of Talking and Support
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In this episode, therapist and author Alex unpacks how even “normal” childhoods can leave lasting emotional imprints. He shares his personal story of fatherlessness and family mental health struggles, offering a rare, vulnerable look at how early emotional needs shape adult behavior. We explore how men often suppress emotions due to societal pressures and why mentorship and healthy male role models are critical. Alex’s reflections offer a compassionate lens on healing, resilience, and redefining masculinity.
Episode Highlights:
00:35 - Unmet needs in childhood drive over-functioning in adulthood
04:17 - The absence of a male role model left a gap
08:26 - Helping others means also doing the work on yourself
10:52 - We say we’re ready—but until it costs us comfort, we’re not
16:30 - Depression is numbness, not sadness
18:21 - We don’t see the world as it is—we see it as we are
21:36 - When being right matters more than being close, love doesn’t stand a chance
26:39 - Old wounds speak loud when you're under pressure
33:29 - What happens when struggle is skipped?
38:20 - Having protection changes how the world treats you
43:42 - A huge part of the problem is men not talking
48:40 - What true therapy needs
55:17 - Feeling leads to healing
01:01:28 - Generational gap in financial expectations
01:04:35 - Parental love can coexist with emotional neglect
01:13:44 - We All Inherit Pain. What We Do With It Is Our Power
Learn more about Alex
Website: https://www.alexhoward.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexhowardtherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexhowardtherapy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexHowardtv
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In this episode, we sit down with Drewe, a former professional footballer turned high-performance coach, as he opens up about the challenges of being a man in today's world. Drewe shares a powerful story about his son’s struggle with expressing his emotions, shedding light on the critical importance of validating rather than suppressing feelings. We dive deep into the complexities of modern masculinity, exploring the societal pressures men face, the emotional isolation in professional sports, and the need for authentic leadership in football. Drew also reflects on his personal journey of overcoming addiction and emotional numbness, which shaped his coaching philosophy focused on authenticity and addressing deeper emotional issues. This conversation offers profound insights into the power of emotional health and true connection, both on and off the field.
Episode Highlights:
01:08 - Validation Over Suppression
07:05 - Toxic shame often begins with “you are” statements
11:13 - Men need more spaces to be real
13:45 - Healing through Return to Authentic Self
18:51 - Distinguishing between ego, sabotage, and raw competitive fire
23:10 - Why the absence of positive male figures can impact personal development
26:56 - Support Systems in Professional Football
29:16 - The Business of Football and Its Challenges
31:53 - Authenticity in Leadership
36:58 - Psychological support is essential in leadership
40:38 - Dis-ease stems from misalignment
44:08 - The Connection Between Fear and Control
49:17 - Political and Cultural Pushback
52:22 - Consequences of Inauthenticity
54:26 - Authenticity Heals More Than The Body
57:29 - Performance Coaching Is About Revelation, Not Instruction
59:18 - The magic formula for success and inner peace
01:04:40 - 3 Powerful Steps to Transform Your Life
Learn more about Drewe
Website: https://www.sweatandcourage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatandcourage/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachfear/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweatandcourage/
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In this episode, we sit down with two incredible guests, Seth and Mike, for a heartfelt conversation about masculinity, personal journeys, and the power of connection. Seth, a father of three, reflects on how growing up without his father inspired him to be a more present dad. He shares stories from his early career in the music industry, including working with Whitney Houston's fan club, and how those experiences shaped his view of relationships and success. Mike, who grew up in the care system in South London, opens up about the challenges he faced, including navigating violence and a lack of trust. Throughout the episode, Seth and Mike explore themes like kindness, resilience, and the importance of small acts of love—like offering someone a sandwich—which can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Their journey highlights the impact of empathy, mentorship, and the simple yet powerful ways we can show up for each other.
Episode Highlights:
01:09 - Seth's Journey as a Dad
02:42 - Working with Whitney Houston's Fan Club
04:39 - Mike's Diverse Background
10:07 - The Language of Love
13:56 - Experience is Everything
18:36 - A Scary Home Invasion
20:25 - Why I Couldn’t Trust Anyone Around Me
27:22 - Being the Kid Who Saw What Others Didn’t
30:07 - The Real ‘Peckham’ of Birmingham
33:29 - What Happened to the Days of Open Doors and Free Play?
36:59 - Why We Need Real Friendships
42:38 - Camaraderie Beyond Race
43:58 - When You Know They’ve Got Your Back
50:45 - The Unmatched Magic of Live Music
55:43 - Rebuilding After the System Let Me Down
01:00:22 - The Key to Surviving Parenthood
01:05:22 - Why Presence Matters More Than Perfect Parenting
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"If you died tomorrow, what would you regret?" This powerful question drives our conversation with Deri, who reflects on his father's deathbed regrets and how it shaped his life. Deri shares how his father's reflections on missed opportunities inspired him to live fully and pursue his passions without hesitation. He recounts his harrowing experience on Mount Everest in 2015, where a massive earthquake claimed many lives, reinforcing the fragility of life and the urgency to seize every moment. Discover how Deri's journey reflects the importance of embracing challenges, fostering deep connections with loved ones, channeling energy into passions, and the concept of "flow" in our lives.
Episode Highlights:
01:55 - Rugby ain’t always civilised
03:50 - Growing up in Wales
07:41 - Harnessing the Power of Flow
10:44 - Lessons from My Father's Deathbed
16:14 - The Moment That Changed Everything
20:08 - A Moment of Pure Survival
24:34 - Being Presumed Dead
28:28 - After surviving Everest
31:16 - The Most Common Regret
35:13 - The Role of Action in Parenting
39:53 - Where does mastery begin
41:07 - Find Your Path Despite Family Challenges
47:43 - Embracing Vulnerability in Parenting
51:08 - How I Chose Who I Was
53:06 - Taking the Badge Off
55:37 - Never Let the “C” word Define You
01:00:36 - Your Struggles Leads to Strength
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In this episode of Beyond the Shed, we had the pleasure of welcoming Steve, a seasoned entrepreneur and consultant, to discuss a wide range of topics that resonate with men in the 21st century. Our conversation meandered through personal anecdotes, cultural references, and insights into the challenges men face today.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
05:32 - The Evolution of Live Music
09:00 - The Role of Music in Life
14:40 - Steve's Career Journey
20:28 - Craftsmanship in Construction
25:07 - The Role of Trust in Business
30:34 - AI in Business
35:06 - Water Management Innovations
40:20 - Homeschooling and School Experiences
46:14 - Parenting and Step-Parenting Reflections
49:27 - Generational Differences and Childhood Memories
01:04:45 - Local Living and Allotments
01:10:40 - Positivity and Happiness
01:12:55 - Conclusion and Farewell
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Discover Rod’s vision for a circular economy and the hurdles he faces in making sustainable change a reality. In this episode, Rod opens up about his work with Unwasted, a company that creates eco-friendly products using patented technology, free from harmful chemicals. He shares his frustrations with investors who prioritize profit over meaningful progress and the financial and emotional stress that comes with driving innovation. Rod also discusses the divide between the wealthy and the working class and how we can reshape capitalism to focus on sustainability and collaboration over profit.
Episode Highlights:
04:05 - The Money Mindset: A Barrier to True Change
06:40 - The Deceptive Nature of "Net Zero" Headlines
09:02 - Resilience in the Next Generation
10:55 - Cultural Shifts in Spending
14:36 - The Decline of Practical Education in Favor of University Degrees
19:08 - How "Never Waste" Is Changing the Future
20:41 - Profit Targets vs. Purpose
22:18 - Involvement with Luton Town
25:33 - Resilience in Sports
28:30 - Building a Pilot Plant Against All Odds
34:23 - Vested Interests in Industry
38:18 - Collaboration for Change
44:43 - A Father's Influence
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What does it mean to truly be healthy? Join us as we redefine health beyond just the absence of disease! John kicks off by sharing his eventful night at a white-collar boxing match, leading to a humorous discussion on alcohol, intermittent fasting, and unintended health choices. We dive into the artistry of boxing, the physical demands of the sport, and the serious risks of brain injuries in contact sports. Wrapping up, we challenge conventional views on health, emphasizing vitality, self-care, and the importance of listening to our bodies before issues become urgent.
Episode Highlights:
03:16 - Boxing as fitness and art
04:48 - Brain injuries in sports
06:56 - Defining health and vitality
10:25 - Sleep habits and bedroom environment
14:18 - Codependency and people-pleasing
18:10 - Health as more than absence of disease
20:57 - Men's attitudes towards health
23:39 - Making time for exercise and self-care
28:51 - The importance of alone time
30:32 - Benefits of strength training as you age
33:18 - Challenging yourself and avoiding fixed mindsets
35:23 - Information overload and focusing on the present
36:02 - Taking control of your health
37:33 - Natural remedies and holistic health approaches
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Are you curious about the principles that can unlock your potential? In this episode, Jamie Smart shares how understanding mind, consciousness, and thought can lead to a deeper connection with yourself. Jamie shares profound insights on how our well-being is innate, and our feelings are simply reflections of our thinking. He emphasizes that true clarity comes not from acquiring more knowledge, but from shedding misconceptions that obscure our perception of reality. Through relatable stories and a conversation about Syd Banks' teachings, Jamie highlights how these principles offer a new paradigm in psychology—one that reminds us we are not broken and do not need fixing.
Episode Highlights:
00:47 - A Chance Encounter
05:24 - A Life-Changing Realization
14:05 - The Power of Belief vs. Knowing
16:12 - Jamie’s Journey to Discovering the Principles
19:09 - The Shift from External to Internal
21:04 - The Concept of Subtractive Psychology
24:03 - Understanding the Principles
25:21 - Syd Banks' Enlightenment
31:54 - Making the Invisible Visible
34:40 - Emotional Intelligence and Perception
38:52 - The Nature of Insights
41:26 - Overthinking and Its Implications
47:39 - The Importance of Connection
54:36 - Finding Purpose and Meaning
58:01 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
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Catch this heartfelt episode where John and Marcus explore patience and the true value of time. John opens up about a recent adventure picking up his daughter from university—a journey filled with van rental hiccups and unexpected lessons in staying calm under pressure.
Their conversation flows through life’s twists and turns, touching on relationships, the power of perspective, and how our mindset shapes the way we experience the world. They also dive into the importance of human connection and the bittersweet reflections that often come with growing older.
Episode Highlights:
00:09 - Patience and van rental challenges
03:26 - Near misses and fate
05:17 - Making the most of unexpected free time
06:15 - Purpose and meaning in life
07:52 - Time spent on social media
09:25 - Transitions in Parenting
11:46 - Regrets and relationships
14:45 - Email overload and productivity
16:55 - How to spend time without work
19:04 - Money mindset and values
24:32 - Car stories and ego
28:22 - Nostalgia for simpler times
30:33 - Importance of father-son relationships
32:25 - Appreciating working-class values
33:11 - Finding contentment in simple pleasures
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In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Charly, an experienced entrepreneur and tech expert, to explore the inspirations that drive his success. He shares a heartfelt story from his childhood, where crafting wood projects with his grandfather sparked his entrepreneurial journey. Charly also reveals the five key principles for success and how aligning them can lead to a fulfilling, profitable business path.
Episode Highlights:
01:17 - Early Crafting Experiences with Grandpa
03:49 - The Importance of Mentorship
08:12 - Transitioning to Technology
11:40 - Overcoming the Undervaluing Trap in Entrepreneurship
19:41 - The Five Ps of Business Success
23:27 - Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges
26:17 - The Importance of Role Modeling for Children
28:45 - Sharing Personal Stories with Kids
32:24 - Finding Purpose Beyond Material Success
37:48 - Never Burn Bridges
41:46 - You Become Your Closest Five
47:50 - The loneliest place you can be
51:28 - A Peaceful Goodbye from a Great Mentor
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Join us as we sit down with Neil Smith, founder of the men's mental fitness app METTLE, to discuss the importance of mental health among men. This insightful conversation explores a range of topics, from football and family dynamics to Neil’s personal journey and professional accomplishments. We dive deep into how men can improve their mental well-being, touching on subjects like meditation, breathwork, and more. Neil sheds light on the inspiration behind METTLE, providing valuable insights on breaking the taboos surrounding men's mental health and fostering a culture of support and self-care.
Episode Highlights:
01:25 - The Impact of Football on Father-Son Relationships
09:18 - Musical Influences and Childhood Memories
13:36 - Forming a Band and Teenage Years
18:30 - From Music to TV
27:22 - Creating Purpose-Driven Content
31:42 - Breaking Stereotypes with Disabled Models
33:00 - Adam Pearson's Inspiring Journey
38:28 - Pushing Boundaries in TV Programming
41:24 - Midlife Crisis and Existential Boredom
44:49 - The Power of Meditation and Hypnosis
54:55 - Addressing the Male Mental Health Crisis
56:59 - Creating a Toolkit for Men's Mental Health
58:39 - Challenges and Support for Mettle
01:05:12 - Reframing Mental Health as Mental Fitness
01:07:59 - The Importance of Consistency and Gamification
01:09:42 - Breathwork: A Powerful Tool for Mental Fitness
01:18:31 - The Role of Technology in Men's Mental Health
Find out more about Mettle
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Join us as we explore the importance of open conversations among men, addressing topics such as mental health, relationships, and societal expectations. Learn about the changing landscape of masculinity, the impact of violence in society, the significance of role models and mentors, and how societal pressures can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Discover ways to navigate these challenging topics to empower men to embrace their strength, share their stories, and foster a sense of community.
Episode Highlights:
00:37 - Defining Masculinity in the 21st Century
02:23 - The Challenge of Authentic Communication
04:23 - Changing Nature of Conflict
06:49 - Exploring Violence and Its Roots
09:39 - The Need for Role Models
10:38 - Empowering Men Through Stories
13:04 - The Value of Money and Worth
15:55 - The Evolution of Information and the Role of AI in Future Work
18:44 - The Security of Jobs and Financial Stability
23:24 - Comparing Generations and Simplicity
28:07 - Addressing Feelings of Inadequacy
30:15 - Numbing Mechanisms in Society
33:21 - The Need for Holistic Health Approaches
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Join Jake as he takes us behind the scenes of his upcoming film, Lightning Flowers, a compelling coming-of-age story about resilience and survival. In this episode, Jake delves into the inspiration behind the film, his creative journey, and the challenges he faced during production. The conversation also explores the significance of father-son relationships, the impact of upbringing on personal development, and the shifting perceptions of masculinity in today's world.
Episode Highlights:
00:50 - Details about "Lightning Flowers" documentary
09:59 - Differences in personality between couples
12:26 - Best man speech experiences
19:39 - Taking feedback and improving work
22:26 - Importance of men's social clubs
25:40 - Experiences with prejudice growing up
28:51 - Changing views on masculinity
32:31 - Working Class Upbringing and Work Ethic
37:12 - Character and Resilience in Children's Future
45:52 - Cold Water Therapy and Health Benefits
48:49 - Importance of Consistent Exercise
57:38 - Working on Multiple Film Projects
01:00:43 - Near-Death Experiences and Spirituality
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