This week’s guest is Valentin Moyo, a speaker, trainer, and men’s mental health coach who made the bold decision to leave a career in law to dedicate his life to helping men heal. Known for his powerful tagline — “I left law to help men cry” — Valentin is at the forefront of redefining masculinity in a way that centres emotional honesty, depth, and growth.

Through his work, Valentin facilitates raw, transformative conversations that invite men to explore their inner worlds, develop emotional intelligence, and challenge long-held beliefs about what strength really means. His approach is grounded, courageous, and deeply human — creating spaces where vulnerability becomes a pathway to resilience rather than a weakness.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why emotional suppression is costing men their wellbeing
• What it really means to be emotionally intelligent as a man
• Leaving “successful” careers in search of meaningful purpose
• How redefining strength can transform relationships, work, and self-worth

Valentin’s mission:

“Real strength isn’t about holding it together — it’s about having the courage to feel.”

This episode is a powerful invitation for men to reconnect with their emotions, challenge outdated norms, and step into a more authentic version of themselves.

LinkedIn - Valentin Moyo

Tik Tok - @menarehumantoo

Podcast - Men are human Too - https://open.spotify.com/show/3pnekgTcUNl43y3kjIhPSs?si=rVuxvp4cTLKghE6FUvQHvw

https://truuman.io/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

This week’s guest is Alejandro Sanchez, the Human Rights Lead at the National Secular Society — an NGO campaigning for a fair and open society where people of all religions and none can live together as equal citizens.

Alejandro’s work focuses on protecting children’s bodily autonomy, particularly boys, from medically unnecessary circumcision. His advocacy has been featured in major outlets including The Sunday Times, The Mirror, the British Medical Journal, Community Care, and UnHerd — bringing much-needed attention to a topic that often sits at the crossroads of ethics, religion, and human rights.

Before joining the National Secular Society, Alejandro worked as a medical doctor in the NHS and holds an MA in Medical Ethics and Law from King’s College London — a background that gives him a uniquely informed perspective on both the clinical and ethical dimensions of this issue.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The ethical and human rights implications of non-therapeutic circumcision
• Why protecting boys’ bodily autonomy matters
• The tension between religious freedom and child protection
• How the UK can move toward a more rights-based approach for all children

Alejandro’s mission:

“Every child — regardless of culture or faith — deserves the right to make their own choices about their body.”

This conversation dives deep into ethics, consent, and compassion — exploring how we can balance tradition with the fundamental rights of children to grow up free from harm.

https://truuman.io/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://www.secularism.org.uk/uploads/ntmc-briefing-note.pdf?v=1760021008

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/religious-circumcision-potentially-lethal-campaigners-say-s7zwdknhj

https://www.communitycare.co.uk/content/news/non-therapeutic-circumcision-of-boys-is-a-safeguarding-concern

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/exposed-horrors-ritual-circumcision-baby-28990951

Men's Circles with Pasco Ashton This week’s guest is Pasco Ashton, Founder and CEO of Men’s Circle, an international network dedicated to men’s wellness, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection.

After losing two close friends to suicide, Pasco realised how deeply men struggle with isolation and emotional expression — including himself.

What began as a small, informal men’s circle with friends in London during the summer of 2020 has since evolved into a global movement.

Today, Men’s Circle has trained over 55 facilitators who lead peer-mentoring spaces where men can openly explore manhood, masculinity, and mental wellbeing.

More than 1,000 men have participated in these circles, finding community, vulnerability, and strength through shared experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

The story behind the creation of Men’s Circle

Why men’s spaces are vital for emotional resilience and growth

How vulnerability and brotherhood can save lives

The tools and mindset needed to lead meaningful men’s groups

Pasco’s philosophy: “When men meet in honesty, they find connection. When they find connection, they find healing.” Pasco’s mission is clear "to equip men everywhere with the tools and confidence to build strong, authentic communities of their own. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the cure for isolation isn’t found in silence it’s found in brotherhood."

Links:

https://www.menscircle.club

https://www.menscircle.club/train

https://www.instagram.com/beingpasco

https://truuman.io/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

Building Mental Fitness with Gavin Thrope

Joining us this week is Gavin Thrope, co-founder of Talk Club and a fully qualified Person-Centred Integrative Counsellor. Gavin is on a mission to change the way men approach mental health in the UK. Through Talk Club, Gavin helps men build mental fitness, not just mental health awareness.

Their unique approach encourages men to check in honestly with themselves — asking questions like, “How are you? Out of 10?” — and then unpacking why. This simple yet powerful method has been shown to increase resilience, understanding, and emotional wellbeing for men across the country.

In this conversation, we explore: How Talk Club is transforming the conversation around male mental health The concept of “mental fitness” and why it matters Practical strategies men can use to understand and manage their emotions Stories of transformation and resilience from the Talk Club community

Gavin’s philosophy:

“Talking isn’t a weakness. It’s how men train their minds.”

“Mental fitness is something you can build, track, and strengthen — just like your body.”

This episode is a must-listen for any man who wants to be stronger, more resilient, and in control of his mental wellbeing.

More

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinthorpetherapy/

https://talkclub.org/

https://www.instagram.com/talkclubcharity/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://truuman.io/30-days/

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lewis-hackney

From Trauma to Triumph with Ryan Harland

This week, we’re joined by Ryan Harland a mental health advocate, author, and speaker whose work is helping men confront their pain and reclaim their lives. Ryan is the author of Riding the Storm, a powerful memoir that traces his journey through trauma, abuse, and mental health struggles and the inner work it took to move from survival to self-leadership. Rather than hiding his story, Ryan uses it as a catalyst for connection. His mission is to break the silence around men’s trauma, challenge stigma, and show that healing is not only possible, it’s powerful.

In this conversation, we explore:

Ryan’s lived experience of trauma and recovery

How writing his memoir became part of the healing journey

Why so many men suffer in silence

The importance of storytelling in breaking stigma

Tools and insights for anyone navigating their own storm

Ryan’s message:

“Your past may shape you, but it doesn’t get to define you.”

“Silence is where trauma thrives, conversation is where healing begins.”

“We don’t need men to be fearless. We need them to be honest.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing their own battles and for those who want to better understand the unseen struggles so many men carry.

More from Ryan:

https://amzn.eu/d/iKgrjky

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-harlanduk/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lewis-hackney

https://truuman.io/30-days/

Redefining Masculinity Through Therapy & Conversation with Chris Hemmings This week on The TRUUMAN Podcast, we sit down with Chris Hemmings — a therapist, coach, journalist, and one of the UK’s leading voices on modern masculinity and men’s mental health. Chris is the founder of Men’s Therapy Hub, the UK’s only directory dedicated to helping men find male therapists. After years of struggling to connect with traditional therapy spaces, Chris recognised the need for approaches built by men, for men — and he set out to change the system. Before becoming a therapist, Chris spent years as a BBC journalist, creating documentaries and articles around men’s mental health, masculinity, and societal pressures. His work led him into schools, prisons, and boardrooms — uncovering the silent struggles so many men carry. He’s also the founder of M-Path, an organisation delivering live talks and workshops in schools across the country, helping boys and young men understand what it really means to be a man — beyond the old narratives of toughness, silence, and suppression.

In this episode, we dive into:

Why so many men avoid therapy — and how to change that The growing demand for male therapists for male clients

What Chris has learned after speaking to thousands of boys in schools

The fine line between healthy masculinity and harmful conditioning How journalism, therapy, and mentorship all blend into his mission

Chris says:

“Men don’t need fixing — they need spaces that understand them.”

“When boys don’t learn how to talk about emotions, they grow into men who feel like they’re not allowed to.”

“If men had better role models and better outlets, society would change overnight.”

Connect with Chris:

https://menstherapyhub.co.uk/

https://m-path.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hemmings-03964054/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://truuman.io/30-days/

This conversation is for men who want to talk, men who don’t know how to talk, and everyone who cares about changing the story around masculinity.

Breaking the Silence on Male Sexual Abuse — with Kieron (Founder of Speak It Out)

This week on The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Kieron, a survivor, advocate, and founder of Speak It Out — a charity dedicated to raising awareness of male sexual abuse and starting crucial conversations with boys in schools. From the ages of 6 to 16, Kieron experienced sexual abuse. It wasn’t until he was 27 years old that he finally got the help he needed through therapy. That journey has shaped his mission: not just encouraging men to talk about their trauma, but also introducing preventative measures — by ensuring that boys grow up knowing they are part of the conversation on sexual safety too. Through Speak It Out, Kieron visits schools and creates safe spaces for boys to hear the message that: Abuse can happen to them too, not just to girls They are not alone Speaking out is a strength, not a weakness His work is challenging stigma, reshaping narratives, and ensuring that boys and men know their voices matter.

In this episode, we cover:

💡 Kieron’s journey from silence to healing through therapy

🗣️ Why prevention starts with talking to boys, not just protecting girls

📚 The mission of Speak It Out and how it’s changing school conversations

⚡ The importance of breaking stigma around male survivors of abuse

❤️ Why every man and boy deserves to know they’re not alone

Kieron shares:

“For too long, boys have been left out of the conversation around sexual safety. That silence costs lives.”

“Healing came when I finally spoke up — and that’s why I want every boy to know they can too.”

“Prevention starts with awareness. If we can talk to boys early, we can change the story before it even begins.”

Why you’ll want to listen: You care about protecting children and breaking cycles of abuse You want to understand the realities male survivors face You believe in prevention, not just intervention You want to hear a raw, powerful story of resilience and purpose

https://www.speakitout.org/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://truuman.io/30-days/

Breaking the Stigma on Men’s Health — with Toby Freeman (Founder & CEO, The Robin Cancer Trust) This week on The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Toby Freeman — cancer advocate, storyteller, podcast host, and Founder & CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust, the UK’s only germ cell cancer awareness charity.

Toby’s mission began after losing his brother, Robin, to late-stage testicular cancer at just 24. Since then, Toby has dedicated his life to raising awareness, starting conversations, and breaking down stigma around men’s health — making sure no other family has to go through what his did. He’s currently taking on a bold (and unforgettable) charity challenge: running 350 miles in a giant testicle costume to raise £240,000 for the charity. This challenge spans the Brighton and London Marathons, a 100km Ultramarathon, and even a run along Hadrian’s Wall — all to spark conversations that get young men checking, talking, and taking action.

Toby is also the host of the Thrive Against Cancer Podcast, where he amplifies raw and honest stories from patients, caregivers, and clinicians, bringing both heart and humour to some of life’s toughest conversations.

In this episode, we cover:

💡 Why testicular cancer awareness is still overlooked — and how to change it

👟 What drives Toby to take on his wild 350-mile challenge in costume

🗣️ How humour and boldness can open up tough conversations about men’s health

🎙️ Lessons from the Thrive Against Cancer Podcast on storytelling and resilience

❤️ Turning personal loss into a lifelong mission to save lives

Toby shares:

“If I can look ridiculous running in a giant testicle costume, but one guy checks himself and gets an early diagnosis, then it’s worth every step.”

“We have to break the silence around men’s health. The conversation could literally save your life.”

“At the end of the day, this is about love, family, and making sure fewer people face what my family had to face.”

Why you’ll want to listen:

You want to learn about testicular cancer awareness and prevention

You’re inspired by stories of turning grief into purpose and action

You’re interested in how to spark conversations about men’s health in bold, creative ways

You believe humour, hope, and honesty can shift stigma and save lives

Connect with Toby & The Robin Cancer Trust:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyfreeman/

https://www.therobincancertrust.org/

https://www.instagram.com/tobytalksbollocks/?hl=en

https://truuman.io/30-days/

https://thefoundrycic.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/