In this episode we focus on the theme of 'Fatherhood' and the common connections with mental health. We are joined by Pete and Anthony from 'Dads Outdoors' which is a Liverpool based CIC. Bringing nature and bushcraft skills into the local community. Running, walks, fire circles and activity sessions. For dads of all ages. Whether you're a new dad, a grandad, a novice or full on cave man. They welcome all men to join them in nature, learn new skills, make new friends and be of service in the local community. Pete and Anthony talk about their own experience's and how the CIC was created.

We are also joined by Kieran Anders, Kieran is the 'Dad Matters' lead at Home-Start UK, focusing on supporting fathers' mental health and enhancing their relationships with their families. Kieran plays a crucial role in advocating for fathers' mental health and well-being. His work emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of fathers, who are often overlooked in traditional parenting support services that primarily focus on mothers and infants.
LinkedIn

https://www.instagram.com/dadsoutdoorsliverpool/

https://home-starthost.org.uk/dad-matters/

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this episode we are joined by special guests Dr Walter Tasosa, Mel Bowen (Spider Project/Musician) and Mike Caulfield (Nurse consultant/Clinical Lead for suicide prevention) for a round-table discussion on masculinity. We explore what it means to be a role model, emotions that are still difficult for men to express, toxic traits that exist in certain professions and what we were told to act like as young boys.

This is our 3rd birthday episode so we want to thank all previous guests, charities and organisations that have previously joined us and to everyone who has listened and supported the Man Hug over the last three years.

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this special episode for University Mental Health Day The Man Hug have teamed up with award winning podcast the Proper Mental Podcast. The Proper Mental Podcast is an award‑winning UK mental health podcast created and hosted by Tom Davies. The podcast focuses on open, honest conversations about mental health and mental illness, aiming to normalise these discussions and reduce stigma. Tom began the podcast after personal mental health struggles, using dialogue as part of his recovery and hoping to help others feel less isolated. Since launching in 2021, the series has featured more than 200 guests including authors, clinicians, activists, musicians, and people with lived experience. Episodes explore a broad range of topics - anxiety, depression, recovery, community support and the podcast has become a resource for awareness, education, and connection.

https://www.propermentalpodcast.com/

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

In this episode we are joined by two more fantastic guests as we discuss the theme of 'kindness'.

Gary Millar is an Alderman, former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, an enthusiastic 'Pay It Forward' champion, philanthropist, Senior Fellow, international relations lead and writer. He has recently published his families story 'Silent Victims' parts 1 & 2 which is a deeply personal and documentary‑style account of the human cost of the thalidomide scandal, told through the story of his family. Rather than focusing solely on the medical disaster, the narrative offers a raw, intimate portrait of a family navigating grief, stigma, and systemic failure. In doing so, it highlights the many “silent victims” whose suffering has often been overshadowed by the broader historical account of the thalidomide tragedy. Gary discusses the moments in which kindness has been instrumental in his life and how his ethos has always been to 'pay it forward' and to help others.

We are also joined by Sheila Byrne, who is the CEO and founder of Hope Street which is a community café and support hub in Ormskirk offering a safe, welcoming space for people facing mental health challenges. Through affordable food, peer support, and free wellbeing services, they help individuals feel seen, supported, and connected. Sheila and her husband set this up after she was failed by services when she needed them most for her own mental health. Sheila's kindness now sees that her community have access to support 365 days a year.

hhttp://www.garymillar.com/

ttps://hopest.org.uk/

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

On this special episode (as part of HIV Testing week) we are joined by 2 more fantastic guests, to help educate us and rid any common misconceptions about HIV. We are joined by Emma Davey, A lifelong ally and advocate supporting people living with HIV, Emma is employed in a role in HIV oncology, working alongside Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Alliance to tackle the challenges people living with HIV face in accessing early cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. Emma works closely with George House Trust, a charity working tirelessly to provide support, advice and information for people living with HIV. George House Trust are committed to ensuring that people have access to what they need to live well with HIV. With an MSC in Advanced Clinical Practice, she is now working towards a doctorate in HIV oncology, aiming to be a positive part of the future of HIV oncology. In addition to her role in HIV care, Emma has worked for the last 23 years as a Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care.

We are also joined by John Kelly, Peer support worker at George House Trust. John has lived with HIV for 16 years and now helps newly diagnosed people navigate the support in enabling them to live well post-diagnosis. His valuable insight helps to rid common misconceptions and reduce the stigma. This valuable episode is an excellent educational resource for us all.

George House Trust - https://ght.org.uk/

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

On this episode we explore the theme of Movement and we are joined by two wonderful guests.

Rob Glover is a Liverpool-based cultural architect, performer, and storyteller who grew up and built his career as a professional dancer. That background shapes how he sees the world – through a choreographic lens, where behaviour, space, timing, and presence all matter. Across years working in dance, sport, music, and live performance, Rob has spent his life observing how men move through pressure, expectation, identity, and silence. His work now focuses on men’s mental health from an embodied perspective, exploring how the body holds stress, how environments can regulate or overwhelm the nervous system, and why many men struggle to speak until they feel safe enough to slow down. Rather than offering fixes or slogans, Rob is interested in practical, human insight – how creating the right spaces, rhythms, and moments of connection can help men feel less alone, more grounded, and more able to talk honestly about what they’re carrying.

Rob joins the Man Hug podcast to explore men’s mental health through movement, presence, and lived experience. We are also be joined by Brian who is the founder of Thrive Guys, who are a men’s wellbeing support group who are doing some amazing work in building a strong community through supportive walks and events.

https://www.robglover.co.uk/dance

Instagram - @ThriveGuys_

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

Theme:Talking.

We are thrilled to be joined by ex-rugby league professional Danny Sculthorpe.

Danny is a former English professional rugby league prop forward who played for clubs including Wigan Warriors, Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Huddersfield Giants, and Widnes Vikings. He is also known for overcoming serious health challenges, including type 1 diabetes, a brain tumor and later became a motivational speaker focusing on resilience and mental health. After retiring, he faced depression and mental health struggles, which he has spoken about openly, encouraging men to talk and get help.

We are also be joined by Antony Valori who is the Merseyside and North West lead for the wonderful Andy's Man Club to talk all about the Andy’s Man clubs across the North West.

https://andysmanclub.co.uk

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Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper

On this episode we are joined once again by former professional goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. Chris tells us all about his new autobiography "Keeping it quiet" that documents his life in sport, his journey with injuries, depression and addiction. Chris was recently honoured with an honorary doctorate for his work in the community which he tells us all about.

We are also joined by Chris Puddephatt who tells us his own story with addiction and all bout the amazing work being done by the Spider Project and the Silk Team (who support family members affected by addiction).

'Keeping It Quiet' - The Chris Kirkland Story

https://www.spiderproject.org.uk/

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Support the show

Follow us on Instagram - @The_Man_Hug
We are also on Tik Tok and YouTube - search "The Man Hug Podcast"

Hosted by:

Dean McShane
Conleth Kelly
Ian Pierce Hayes
and
Dan Cooper