In 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in India set up a 24/7 toll-free mental health helpline known as Kiran. Between September 2020 and January 2021, it was revealed that 70 percent of the callers were men struggling with a variety of concerns like depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal thoughts etc. Research reveals men to be burdened by societal beliefs regarding toxic masculinity and what to expect of a man—leading to repression, shame and unfair gender roles. Unfortunately, a lot of the general society harbours a tendency to consider men as “less able and less interested than women in building emotional and supportive relationships with others”, though the reality is quite different—as per a 2018 paper published in the American Journal of Men’s Health.

It is important to remember that self-care is not a gendered notion—it is crucial for people of every identity to take care of themselves both physically and mentally, in order to create a safe space for the well-being of themselves and the people around them. In the last few years, social media and digital platforms have come up with innovative and effective mediums of disseminating knowledge, help and awareness—podcasts being one of them. According to a 2018 Journal of Medical Internet Research study, “linking podcasts with social media is a strategy to promote and disseminate health and health research information to the community without constraints of time, weather, and geography”. We have rounded up five such men’s health podcasts—each dealing with varying but equally significant topics—for you to hear and feel heard.

 

1.What’s A Man? Masculinity in India
When award-winning author and researcher Dr. Deepa Narayan-Parker wrote her 2018 book Chup: Breaking the Silence About India’s Women, she realised the need to open up avenues for honest and compassionate conversations about masculinity and what it means to be a man in today’s society. In her podcast What’s A Man? Masculinity in India, Dr. Narayan-Parker interviews various accomplished upper-class men of New Delhi, Mumbai and other metropolitan cities (as she believes improvement can begin with changing the mindset of the privileged). With 40 to 60 minutes-long discussions on their experiences, queer identities, interpersonal relationships, workplace as well as their ideas about feminism and stereotypes—this men’s health podcast is thought-provoking and inspiring.

Available on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana

 

2. The A to Z of Mens Health
Looking for a holistic range of men’s health and wellness podcasts? Hosted by Tony Schibeci, The A to Z of Mens Health is your answer. This Australian podcast covers it all—mental health, relationships, nutrition, fitness and more. Around an hour-long, each episode is guided by informative discussions with medical and sports professionals.

Available on: Spotify, Apple Podcast

 

3. Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Along with psychological wellness, physical fitness and activity rank pretty high up there when it comes to men’s health. To counter tempting but deceptive fitness programs in the market, friends and fitness professionals Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer and Justin Andrews used their combined 40 years of experience to come up with Mind Pump, a transparent and engaging radio show/podcast. With over 1600 episodes and millions of listeners, this platform will encourage you to combat your insecurities, discover the inextricable mind-body connection and the truth about fitness culture.

Available on: iTunes, Soundcloud, Spotify, Google Play
 

4. The Armor Men’s Health Hour
The best things come in small packages—which is why urologist Dr. Sandeep Mistry and co-host Donna Lee’s 10-minute episodes on the The Armor Men’s Health Hour is perfect for a quick and educative introduction to a plethora of men’s medical issues—including, but not limited to, erectile dysfunction, prostate diseases, testosterone therapy, fertility and vasectomies. By treating these issues with proper nutrition, rest and therapy, they attempt to teach men to be more in tune with their body and the kind of ailments that can affect them.

Available on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Audible
 

5 Young Blood: Men’s Health Matters
The first step to breaking the stigma around men opening up is to have raw and honest discussions regarding various men’s health concerns—this core belief led to the foundation of the award-winning Young Blood podcast. Hosted by Callum MacPherson, this show includes stories and struggles of men from all walks of society, supports them and helps them be a better version of themselves—for their own well-being as well as of the people in their lives. From addiction, childhood trauma, loss to depression, prison life and heartbreak—Young Blood deals with real-life stories that are impactful through their vulnerability.

Available on: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Audible