Unpacking My Conversation on The Hurt Locker Podcast

Men’s Mental Health, Trauma, and the Power of Walking and Talking

Last Tuesday, The Hurt Locker Podcast released Episode 59, featuring my conversation with host Yinka Yesufu. We spoke about men’s mental health, trauma, shame, and why Walk and Talk Therapy has become such a powerful approach in my work supporting men to Stand Tall.

Why I Said Yes to the hurt locker Podcast

I’ve followed The Hurt Locker Podcast from the beginning. It first came onto my radar during a period of personal uncertainty, and I was immediately struck by the honesty of the conversations, the diversity of guests, the humour, and the empathy behind Yinka’s style.

So, when I was invited to take part, I said yes. I wanted to step into the Hurt Locker to open up about what it means to support men in moving from disconnection to presence in a way that’s grounded, compassionate, and restorative.

What We Spoke About

• Hugging, Human Connection, and Supporting our Boys: We talked about why I hug my kids - and especially why it’s so important to hug our boys. We also explored how young men are often judged or stigmatised rather than supported. I shared my belief that what’s often missing is mentorship, empathy, and the space to be fully human.

  
  

• Walk and Talk Therapy: I explained how Walk and Talk Therapy creates a different kind of space – one that removes the pressure of the therapy room. Moving shoulder to shoulder helps build safety and opens the door to real emotional connection. It’s a natural way for men to begin talking about what matters, especially when traditional therapy settings feel too intense or too still.

  
  

• Trauma, Shame, and Burnout: We explored how trauma isn’t just in the mind - it’s carried in the body. We discussed how shame often keeps men silent, especially when it comes to asking for help. I spoke about my own experience with shame and how it kept me quiet during one of the darkest times in my life. We talked about the stigma that associates vulnerability with weakness; and how that story urgently needs to change.

  
  

• My Manifesto: Empathy. Compassion. Connection. Community. But also, the importance of climbing trees.

Behind the Mic: What It Felt Like

This wasn’t a light or surface-level chat. It was open, vulnerable, and honest. I spoke about parts of my life I don't often share publicly - including my experience with suicidal thoughts and moments of deep disconnection.

But I also felt held in the conversation. That sense of safety allowed me to speak from a place of truth. It's the same kind of space I try to offer the men I work with in therapy.

What Has Stayed with Me Since

• Hearing from people who’ve messaged me to say, “I’ve felt that too,” has reminded me of the power of shared stories and how they help men feel seen.

  
  

• Remembering that vulnerability is not a weakness. It’s a strength and a necessary part of healing.

  
  

• Reaffirming that real therapeutic change often happens outside traditional settings  - beyond four walls; beyond labels and beyond hierarchy.

  
  

Why I’m Sharing This Here

This podcast wasn’t about promoting my work. It was about contributing to the ongoing conversation around masculinity, shame, and emotional resilience. Too many men are still stuck in silence.

I said yes to this podcast because I know how important it is to speak openly - even when it feels uncomfortable. Especially when it feels uncomfortable.

If you’re curious about the conversation, or if any of this resonates with you or someone you know, I’d love for you to have a listen.

🎧 Listen to (or watch) the full episode here: https://youtu.be/xdqt-_9tzY0?feature=shared