One call can save a life. One click can fund it. Support CALM. DONATION LINK

This week on Mum, Dad’s Got Another Tattoo, we’re joined by Chris Hemmings – journalist turned therapist, author of Be A Man: How Macho Culture Damages Us and How to Escape It, and founder of the Men’s Therapy Hub.

👉 Check out Chris Hemmings:

• Men’s Therapy Hub
• Be A Man (book)
• Articles for the BBC, The Guardian, The Independent

Chris has spent years helping men untangle the rigid rules of masculinity, find better ways to express themselves, and make therapy feel normal instead of taboo.

In this episode we dive into:

• Rigid vs. toxic masculinity – why the language matters and why “toxic masculinity” misses the point.
• Why men don’t just need to “talk more” – and what tools actually help.
• Generational trauma – from wars to work culture, and how men carry hidden legacies of violence and silence.
• Therapy without the fluff – swearing, humour, calling out bullshit, and why laughing at ourselves is as important as crying.
• Soft hands, DIY disasters, and Capaldi’s LA toilet saga – yes, really.
• Finding a therapist that fits – why it’s like buying a winter coat, not a one-click Amazon order.

Chris also shares why humour and chaos belong in therapy, how to meet men “where they’re at,” and why being “soft” isn’t weakness – it’s strength with a different face.

If you’ve ever wondered why the phrase “man up” has caused more harm than good, why midlife often feels like a lonely uphill slog, or whether therapy is for “guys like you,” this episode is your sign to listen in.

Why “Blocked Toilet Wisdom”?

Because sometimes the stories that stick (and stink) are the ones that cut through macho myths. Lewis Capaldi’s honesty about being vulnerable – on stage and in real life – says more about masculinity today than a hundred inspirational quotes.

💬 What you’ll take away:

• Men’s mental health is serious – but it doesn’t have to be po-faced.
• Therapy is less about lying on a couch, more about having the right tools.
• Success doesn’t need Bugattis and six-packs. Sometimes it’s just showing up.
• You are not alone in feeling stuck, soft, or “not man enough.”

👉 Support the CALM Campaign:

We’re proud to be part of Stay Tuned – raising money for CALM’s suicide prevention hotline. Just £12.20 funds a potentially life-saving call. The donation link is in the description.

🎧 Subscribe to Mum, Dad’s Got Another Tattoo for midlife chaos, male vulnerability, and the occasional world pea-throwing championship. Because self-improvement is better with swearing, laughter, and taking the piss out of yourself.

Keywords for search: men’s mental health, masculinity podcast, therapy for men, midlife podcast, Lewis Capaldi story, rigid masculinity, male vulnerability, Chris Hemmings interview, CALM Stay Tuned, suicide prevention, mental health awareness

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🐐🌊 Episode 25: The Surfing Goat. Marc finds himself reluctantly up to his neck in the Atlantic, Richard experiments with “glamping” (and sawdust toilets), and both stumble into lessons about midlife, resilience, and body confidence.

💛 We’re also supporting Stay Tuned this September with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). £12.20 funds a potentially life-saving call to their helpline — donate via the link STAY TUNED DONATION LINK

In this week’s episode of Mum! Dad’s Got Another Tattoo:

• Marc’s reluctant Eurocamp holiday that turned into a surfing obsession (is he the GOAT, or just a goat in the waves?)
• Richard’s “glamping” trip with horses, a compost loo, and the legendary Tesco detour
• Reflections on ADHD traits, lateness, and midlife self-sabotage
• Why Marc feels uneasy when work gets “too easy” — and how stress can become a fuel
• Richard’s daughter’s horse accident and a dash to A&E (she’s fine)
• Plus: French politics, driving rants, tattoos, and the unbothered confidence of topless European sunbathers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:

This week, Mum! Dad’s Got Another Tattoo dives deep into modern masculinity with Jason Lange — men’s group facilitator, filmmaker, and certified No More Mr Nice Guy coach. Jason talks about why so many men feel disconnected, what “men’s work” really means, and how to break out of patterns that quietly undermine relationships.

We explore his idea of silent contracts — the unspoken expectations we carry into relationships — and how they can quietly corrode trust and intimacy. In our reflection segment, Marc and Richard unpack their own experiences with unspoken deals, social validation, and why midlife might just be the perfect time to rewrite your personal rulebook.

Expect insight, honesty, and the usual helping of sideways humour.

In This Episode:

• What “men’s work” actually looks like in 2025
• How silent contracts form — and why they’re relationship landmines
• The cost of outsourcing your self-worth
• Richard’s take from his background in SEN education and parenting
• Marc’s midlife lens on ambition, validation, and potential

Links & Resources:

• Jason Lange: https://www.evolutionary.men
• Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @dadsgotanothertattoo

Support CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably):

Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight, every day)

Donate: FUNDRAISING LINK – £12.20 covers one potentially life-saving call.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mum! Dad’s Got Another Tattoo goes on location to the World Pea Throwing Championships — because nothing says midlife podcast quite like lobbed legumes. Between erratic peas, eccentric competitors, and one very committed town crier, Marc and Richard capture the spirit of the day in all its absurd glory.

Back in the studio, we talk tattoos (obviously), midlife mishaps, and why we’re partnering with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) this September for their Stay Tuned suicide prevention initiative. Expect genuine conversation, bad aim, and more than a few laughs — all wrapped in our usual mix of irreverence and real talk.

In This Episode:

• Behind the scenes at the World Pea Throwing Championships 🥇
• Marc’s latest tattoo instalment and questionable pain threshold
• Why CALM’s work on suicide prevention matters now more than ever
• Pea-throwing tips you didn’t ask for (but might use next year)

Support CALM:

The CALM helpline is open from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year — call 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.thecalmzone.net for chat and WhatsApp support.

It costs £12.20 to fund one potentially life-saving call. Donate via our link here — any amount makes a difference.

Links & Resources:

• CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably: https://www.thecalmzone.net
• Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @dadsgotanotherattoo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This September, we’re taking part in Stay Tuned, a month-long event for the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably. We’re using the power of the pod to raise money for CALM’s life-saving services, needed now more than ever, and to help people find ways to Stay. If you can, chuck in £12.20 - that’s the cost of answering a potentially life-saving call.

Stay Tuned Fundraising - Donate Here

Welcome to Episode 22 of Mum, Dad's Got Another Tattoo! This is a powerful, humbling, and deeply human episode. We're joined by former Royal Marine, Dan Holder, a man with a story of heroism, trauma, and redemption.

Find out more about ARC here: https://www.atomicrambo.com/

Follow Dan on Instagram: Duty Happy Bloke

• The Accidental Marine: Dan's journey started not from a deep-seated military ambition, but by accident at university. He shares what it was like to be an outsider joining an elite unit and the relentless mental and physical hardship of commando training.
• The Reality of War: Dan recounts the brutal reality of his deployment in Afghanistan. He speaks with raw honesty about the difference between movies and the "uncomplicated" nature of combat, where the only goal is to survive.
• The Bronze Star & A Dark Legacy: We delve into the heroism that earned Dan the US Bronze Star for Valour. He shares his incredible story of a terrifying IED incident and a subsequent bomb disposal mission. Dan reveals the chilling truth of how the medal's fame, paradoxically, exacerbated his complex PTSD, leading to daily flashbacks and a cycle of self-medicating with alcohol.
• Finding a New Purpose: Dan opens up about his journey to recovery and how he rebuilt his life. We discuss his transition from military to civilian life, his successful career as a tree surgeon, and the moment he realized his true calling was to help others overcome life's obstacles.
• The ARC Method: Dan introduces his unique coaching philosophy: Atomic Rambo Culturing (ARC). He breaks down the three pillars of his method—Awareness, Resilience, and Commitment—using a compelling personal example of how he used them to survive a near-fatal altitude sickness on a mountain in Peru. This is real talk on a survival scale.
• Male Mental Health & The "Hero's Journal": We discuss why men often struggle with vulnerability. Dan shares a simple, actionable tool for listeners: the "Hero's Journal," and explains why small, consistent steps are more effective than a "magic bullet" for personal growth and wellbeing.
• Leadership & Resilience: From military leadership to his experience running a business, Dan shares his philosophy on working with people, delegating to strengths, and why doing hard things is the best way to build the resilience you need when life hits hard.

Connect with us!

• Email: dadsgotanothertattoo@gmail.com
• Social Media: @DadGotAnotherTattoo (on most platforms)

• Podcast Network: Proud members of Podomedy.com

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

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He's back! Richard returns from a "relaxing" holiday with stories of camping chaos and broken kettles. We recap a Squid Game mishap, a bunny rabbit PowerPoint, and a cinema hot dog saga. Plus, a new guest announcement. It's a classic midlife crisis podcast with authentic humour, parenting fails, and midlife moaning at its best. #MidlifeCrisis #Parenting #Camping #Podcast #Humour #DadLife

Hello, and welcome to Episode 21 of Mum, Dad's Got Another Tattoo! The dream team is back as Richard returns from a camping holiday that was anything but relaxing.

• The Camping Nightmare Unpacked: We dive into the full download of Richard’s disastrous holiday, from blow-up tents that are still too small to a dachshund acting like a velociraptor. It’s a hilarious, honest look at why a family holiday can sometimes feel like a test of endurance. We're here to commiserate.
• The Squid Game Fiasco & The London Odyssey: Marc recounts his own chaotic weekend, from a competitive Squid Game experience with an eight-year-old girl to a frantic journey across London to see a film. A cinema hot dog saga, an Odeon system crash, and a ridiculous attempt to barter with car keys all feature.
• The Bunny Rabbit PowerPoint: Marc was subjected to a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation by his daughter on why she needs bunny rabbits. This is a story of parenting fails, impressive child logic, and the high-stakes world of birthday negotiations.
• Podcast Milestones: We celebrate officially becoming a top 1% podcast and the 28th most popular men's mental health podcast in New Zealand. It's a huge honour (and an even bigger mystery!).
• Final Thoughts on a Controversial Guest: We take time to reflect on the Jack Kammer interview from last week, discussing the intellectual joust, Richard’s view on the debate, and the social media chaos that conversations about sexism and male disadvantage can cause.

This week is a classic midlife moan-fest, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

NEXT EPISODE: We have a new guest! Prepare for a powerful story from a former Royal Marine, one of only six Britons to be awarded the US Bronze Star. A story of heroism, PTSD, and redemption. It’s a must-listen.

Connect with us!

• Email: dadsgotanothertattoo@gmail.com
• Social Media: @DadGotAnotherTattoo (on most platforms)
• 
  
• Podcast Network: Proud members of Podomedy.com

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

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This week, we're ripping into gender dynamics and sexism from a perspective you might not expect.

First up, a dose of pure British humour with Richard's nightmare camping trip – expect hilarious holiday woes and a warning about pitching tents in the New Forest!

Then, Marc steps solo into a challenging, authentic conversation with author Jack Kammer, who argues something truly provocative:

Find Jack's writing here: Jack Kammer Author

• The Most Sexist Idea of All? Jack claims it's the belief that only women are harmed by sexism. He argues sexism hurts men too, and explores why society often ignores this.
• Male Power Structure: The Misfortune 5 Million. Everyone talks about men at the top (Fortune 500 CEOs). But what about the millions of men struggling at the bottom, ignored by this very system? We question if male privilege is universally beneficial.
• Power & Rules: Skyscraper vs. Convention Center. Jack introduces his powerful analogy of distinct male (vertical) and female (horizontal) power structures. Marc pushes back: Do they really exist in parallel? Who actually makes the rules, and why does one seem to dominate?
• Men's Access: Can't We Just Join In? Jack argues men are disadvantaged in the "female power structure" (relationships, care). Marc fires back: What's really stopping men from accessing it? And why do women face greater risks trying to enter the "male hierarchy"? It's a raw debate on gendered access and societal risk.
• "For a Girl": The Left-Handed Compliment. We unpack how seemingly innocent phrases like "good at math for a girl" or "good with babies for a boy" are actually left-handed compliments that subtly enforce gender stereotypes and keep us in our "lanes."
• Divorce & The "Unpleasant" Truth. A classic moment of British understatement as Mark calls a painful divorce "unpleasant," leading Jack to question, "Is that it?!" Marc clarifies: for a Brit, "unpleasant" means "absolutely awful." We explore the real-world impact of midlife divorce and differing forms of violence.
• The "Blue Sky Rebellion" for Boys. Jack introduces his vision for boys and young men, arguing they face unique struggles without cultural support. He calls for a "rebellion" to foster their personal growth and mental health.
• Whose Suffering Matters Most? The debate escalates into a direct confrontation about prioritizing societal suffering, including male suicide rates, and whether society is blind to certain gender disadvantages.

This episode offers unfiltered insight into the complexities of gender, power, and sexism. A must-listen for anyone brave enough to challenge their assumptions about male privilege, women's roles, and societal expectations.

Connect with us!

• Email: dadsgotanothertattoo@gmail.com
• Social Media: @DadGotAnotherTattoo (on most platforms)
• Podcast Network: Proud members of Podomedy.com

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

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Welcome to Episode 19 of Mum, Dad's Got Another Tattoo! This week, we're tackling a massive topic: conspiracy theories.

Marc & Richard are joined by Dr. Ricky Green, a postdoctoral research associate from the University of Kent, specializing in the psychology of belief. No amateur hour here. We've got a real expert to help us understand why people believe in conspiracy theories.

Learn about the major CONSPIRACY_FX project investigating the real-world impact of theories on politics, vaccines, and climate change.

https://research.kent.ac.uk/conspiracy-fx/

• What IS a Conspiracy Theory? Does JFK's assassination fit the bill? Aliens in Antarctica, Flat Earth, shapeshifting lizards.
• The Psychology of Belief: Dr. Green breaks down the core psychological needs that drive belief:
• Existential Needs: The desire for safety, security, and control in a chaotic world (hello, midlife crisis!).
• Social Needs: The craving for belonging and community (like the Flat Earth Society!)..
• Anxious Attachment & Catastrophizing: Discover how our childhood experiences can shape our vulnerability to misinformation.
• Blame Game: Bill Gates We discuss the curious case of figures like Bill Gates and Dr. Fauci – why do they constantly appear in conspiracy theories?
• Trust, Projection & Human Error: Is every accusation is a confession? Dishonest people may project their own willingness to conspire onto others.
• COVID-19: The Perfect Storm for Theories: The pandemic was a breeding ground for conspiracy theories
• Strategies for the Rabbit Hole (Can AI Help?): How do you talk to someone caught in a conspiracy theory? Current advice: don't argue, be understanding.

But can AI combat misinformation? We look at how AI tools are being used to debate believers, with surprising effectiveness.

• The "Kernel of Truth" Dilemma: What happens when a conspiracy theory (like the Wuhan lab) turns out to have a kernel of truth?
• Personal Susceptibility: Ricky's Achilles' Heel? Finally, we ask our expert: Is he immune? And does he have a favourite conspiracy theory he can't quite shake? (Spoiler: The Epstein files are very interesting...)

This episode offers unfiltered insight into the psychology of misinformation and human behaviour. A must-listen for anyone navigating the midlife crisis of understanding the modern world.

Connect with us!

• Email: dadsgotanothertattoo@gmail.com
• Social Media: @DadGotAnotherTattoo (on most platforms)
• Podcast Network: Proud members of Podomedy.com

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.