In this powerful episode of Inspired Men Talk, we’re joined by the remarkable Fiona Flaherty, a specialist in men’s health, public health, and preventative care. 

With over 45 years of experience in healthcare, Fiona dives deep into the often unspoken challenges men face physically, mentally, and systemically.

We explore why men are still dying younger, how the NHS often overlooks male-specific needs, and why 1 in 4 men won’t make it to retirement due to suicide. 

This episode is full of insight, practical tools, straight-talking advice, and hard-hitting truths that could save lives. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an advocate, or simply a man trying to take control of your well-being—this conversation is for you.

📌 Topics Covered:

Why the NHS isn’t built for men

The psychology behind male silence

What most health checks miss

The surprising truth about chlamydia in men over 50

How to write a letter your GP will actually read

What the “andropause” is and why no one’s talking about it

🧠 Let’s talk about men’s health, stigma, and real solutions—from hormones to heart attacks to hope.

⏱️ 
00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Mental Health in the Workplace
01:00 – Meet the Hosts & Guest Line-up
03:00 – Fiona’s Journey: From Nursing to Men’s Health
05:00 – Why Fiona Works with Men (and Not Women)
07:00 – Fiona’s Master’s in Public Health & Focus on Male Suicide
09:30 – Suicide, Stigma & Systemic Gaps in Healthcare
12:00 – Why Men Are Often Missed or Misdiagnosed
15:00 – The Chlamydia Taboo: Older Men & Sexual Health
17:00 – Getting Men Talking: How & Why It Works
18:45 – Why the NHS Was Designed for Women & Children
21:00 – The Need for Male-Specific Healthcare Spaces
25:00 – The Andropause: The Male Hormonal Shift
28:00 – Men, Mental Health & The Fear of Failure
31:00 – The GP Gap: How to Get the Right Help
34:00 – Writing a Letter Your GP Will Read: Practical Advice
36:00 – Referrals, Resources & Knowing Your Rights
41:00 – How to Use Your 7 Minutes with a GP Wisely
44:00 – Polypharmacy & the Impact on Older Men’s Health
48:00 – Gut Health, Mood & Food: The Missing Link
50:00 – The ‘Health House’ Analogy: Understanding the Body
55:00 – Why Suicide Rates in Men Are So High
01:03:00 – Final Reflections: Prevention, Permission, Power