What happens when men are told to toughen up, push through, and never ask for help? In this episode of Stories and Stanza — recorded in solidarity with Men's Mental Health Awareness Month — I sit down with Joelle Camille, somatic therapist, body-brain rewiring practitioner, men's coach, speaker, and facilitator, for one of the most honest conversations I've had on this podcast.
This isn't a one-sided interview. Joelle turns the mic on me — asking about my own journey with anger, grief, ego, and the somatic workshop that changed my life. I share the story of losing my father without reconciliation, the belief I grew up with that my anger was permanent, and the moment I realised I'd been carrying weight I didn't even know was there.
Together we explore why men tie their self-worth to work, why defence mechanisms built in childhood follow us into adulthood, how the body stores what the mind won't process, and why the journey toward emotional intelligence begins with one step.
If you're a man who feels like you're carrying too much, or you love someone who is — this conversation is for you.
This is Part 1. Part 2 coming soon.
🕐 Chapters 00:00 I Win or I Learn
08:02 Silent Struggles and Support
18:57 Somatic Healing and Nervous System
33:14 Childhood Defence Mechanisms
41:30 Ego, Perfectionism and Embodiment
56:36 Generational Patterns and Parenting
🎙️ About the Guest
Joelle Camille is a somatic therapist, body-brain rewiring practitioner, men's coach, speaker, and facilitator. Her mission is to support men to clear the mental clutter and become everything they want to be.