Said Your Nan

Season S4 E10 - The NANosphere

In this episode of Said Your Nan, we step into one of the most talked-about — and controversial — spaces influencing men today: the manosphere. Sparked by the Into the Manosphere documentary, we explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Because this isn’t just about social media… It’s about identity. It’s about loneliness. It’s about what happens when men go looking for answers — and where they end up finding them. We break down: • What the manosphere actually is (without the buzzwords) • Why so many men — especially younger men — are being drawn into it • The positives: discipline, structure, purpose • The darker side: anger, division, and unrealistic expectations • Why older men are less talked about… but still part of the story We also get into the bigger question: Are these spaces helping men grow… or pulling them further away from what they actually need? As always, it’s honest, it’s raw, and there’s a bit of humour along the way — because sometimes that’s the only way to talk about the hard stuff. Key Takeaways • The manosphere isn’t the root problem — it’s a symptom • Many men aren’t looking for dominance… they’re looking for direction • Younger men may be shaped by these spaces, but older men can be caught by them during vulnerable moments • If positive spaces for men don’t exist or aren’t visible… others will fill the gap Standout Line “Maybe the question isn’t why men are going into the manosphere… maybe it’s why they feel like they have nowhere else to go.” Stats We Discuss • Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK • 1 in 5 men report feeling lonely regularly • Younger men are significantly more likely to engage with online identity-based communities • Older men are less visible in the data — but often engage during key life challenges (divorce, isolation, loss of identity) Topics Covered • Masculinity in 2026 • Online influence & algorithms • Loneliness and male identity • Generational differences in men • The role of society vs personal responsibility Get Involved • 🎧 Follow & listen on Spotify • 📱 Follow On the MENd • 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn & Instagram • 📧 Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk

Season S4 E09 - Neurodiversity NAN

This week on Said Your Nan, James, Stuart and Steve take on an important and often misunderstood topic — Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–22 March). What does it really mean to be neurodivergent? From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and Tourette’s, the lads explore how different brains experience the world — and why society hasn’t always been built to support them. They dive into the stats, the stigma, and the lived reality behind the labels. From school experiences and workplace challenges to family dynamics and late diagnoses, this episode is all about understanding, empathy, and breaking down misconceptions. Because maybe the issue isn’t people being “different”… maybe it’s the world expecting everyone to be the same. 🔍 What We Cover • What neurodiversity actually means (without the jargon) • The truth about Tourette’s (and why most people get it wrong) • How many people are actually neurodivergent • School experiences: “naughty” vs misunderstood • Neurodiversity in the workplace — challenge or superpower? • The link between ADHD, autism, OCD and family traits • Why so many adults are only discovering this later in life 📊 Key Stats From The Episode • Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent • Tourette’s affects roughly 300,000 people in the UK • Only 10–30% of people with Tourette’s experience swearing (coprolalia) • ADHD is 70–80% hereditary • Only ~29% of autistic adults are in employment in the UK 💬 Join the Conversation Have you or someone close to you experienced neurodiversity? We’d love to hear your stories, questions, or topics you want us to cover next: 📧 saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk 🎧 Listen & Follow Said Your Nan Stay connected and never miss an episode: • 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/saidyournan • 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saidyournan • 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-the-mend • 🌐 Website: https://www.onthemend.org.uk

Episode S4 E08 - SamriNANs

In this episode of Said Your Nan, James, Stu and Steve speak with Richard, a volunteer with the Samaritans, the UK charity providing 24/7 emotional support for people struggling with their mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Many people know the name Samaritans, but few know what actually happens when someone makes that call. Richard shares his experience of being on the other end of the phone — supporting people through loneliness, crisis, and difficult moments in life. We explore why listening without judgement can be life-changing, why so many people struggle to ask for help, and what it really means to support someone experiencing emotional distress. This conversation also touches on men’s mental health, the stigma around vulnerability, and why talking openly about how we feel is still one of the hardest — and most important — things we can do. If you’ve ever wondered whether reaching out for help is the right thing to do, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to go through tough moments alone. ⚠ Content Note This episode discusses mental health and suicide. If this topic feels difficult for you right now, please listen with care. Support & Resources If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Samaritans (UK & Ireland) 📞 Call: 116 123 (Free, 24 hours a day) 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org 📧 Email: jo@samaritans.org You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out — Samaritans are there to listen. Guest Mention Richard also hosts the podcast: 🎧 The Constant Reader A podcast exploring books, ideas, and the stories of Stephen King  Said Your Nan 🎙 Hosted by James, Stu & Steve Honest conversations about life, mental health, masculinity, and the experiences that shape us. If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it — it helps more people discover these conversations. If you’d like to support Said Your Nan and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here: ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan Every bit of support helps us keep these conversations going. Get Involved 📧 Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk 🐦 Twitter/X: @saidyournan 📸 Instagram: @saidyournan 💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend #MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Samaritans #MentalHealthPodcast

Episode S4 E07 - Dear Nan, AGAIN!

On this episode, James, Stuart and Steve open the inbox again for Part 2 of our Listener Letters. Some messages are honest. Some are uncomfortable. Some will make you laugh. Some might sit with you long after the episode ends. But every single one matters. We genuinely appreciate everyone who listens, shares the podcast, and takes the time to write in. Season 4 has already brought some powerful conversations — and your voices are shaping where we go next. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would talk about this…” — drop us a message. The best conversations often start with one brave email. ⸻ If anything in today’s episode resonates with you… Please remember, you don’t have to handle it alone. Samaritans 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org 📞 116 123 (Free, 24 hours a day) Mind 🌐 https://www.mind.org.uk 📞 0300 123 3393 Reaching out isn’t weakness. It’s awareness. ⸻ Support Said Your Nan & On the MENd If you’d like to support the podcast and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here: ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan Every contribution helps us continue creating open, honest conversations around mental health. ⸻ Get Involved 📧 saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk 🐦 @saidyournan 📸 @saidyournan 💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend ⸻ Thanks for being part of the community.

Episode S4 E06 - Domestic Violence

On today’s episode of Said Your Nan, we return to the subject of domestic violence, continuing a conversation we know can be incredibly difficult, confronting, and emotional. This episode is different. Following on from our previous discussion, Stuart bravely shares his own personal experiences of domestic abuse. It’s an honest, raw, and deeply human conversation about what abuse can look like, how it feels when you’re inside it, and how hard it can be to recognise when something isn’t right, especially when you’re trying to survive day-to-day. We talk about: • The reality of domestic abuse beyond physical violence • Shame, silence, and why so many people don’t speak up • The impact abuse has on mental health, confidence, and identity • Why abuse can happen to anyone • The importance of being believed, supported, and listened to ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence and abuse. We completely understand if this is one you choose to skip. Please take care of yourself and listen at your own pace. ⸻ Support & Resources If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. The following organisations offer confidential, non-judgemental support: The ManKind Initiative 🌐 https://mankind.org.uk 📞 01823 334244 The principal UK charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse. They work in close partnership with other organisations to ensure victims receive the help they need. Respect – Men’s Advice Line 🌐 https://mensadviceline.org.uk Support for men experiencing domestic abuse. Speak to trained advisors via phone, email, or webchat — no pressure, no judgement, just help. National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) 🌐 https://www.ncdv.org.uk Providing free, fast, and effective support to survivors of domestic abuse, including help with injunctions and legal protection. Their services are available to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. ⸻ Thank You Thank you for listening, and for trusting us with conversations that aren’t always easy — but matter deeply. If you’d like to support Said Your Nan and the On the MENd charity, you can buy us a coffee here: ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/saidyournan If you’d like to get involved or reach out: • 📧 Email: saidyournan@onthemend.org.uk • 🐦 Twitter: @saidyournan • 📸 Instagram: @saidyournan • 💼 LinkedIn: On The Mend You’re not weak for struggling. You’re not alone for staying quiet. And it’s never too late to ask for help.