Inbetween Man

Meet the Inbetween Man.

What makes a man ‘successful’ now? And who gets to decide? In this opening chapter of The InBetween Man, Max reflects on what sort of bloke he aspires to be, taking the scenic route via Lynx Africa, Nuts magazine, and Jamie Oliver’s moped. He also meets Fernando Desouches, Managing Director of advertising agency New Macho, who explains: ‘Success is to men what beauty is to women.’ But what does he mean?CREDITSWritten by Max Dickins [@maxdickinswrites]Editing and music by Rich Le Gate [@rjlegate]Guests: Fernando Desouches and James ScroggsAnimation: Alex JenkinsVoice artists: Lenny Sherman, Gareth O’Conner, Jack Barry, Sharlit DeyzacContinue the journey on Instagram - @Inbetween_Man

Why is it that blokes fantasise about having a ‘man cave’? Or that so many guys like nothing more than tending to their allotment? Or tinkering in the garage? Or building their model railway? And why do men spend so long in the toilet? We don’t shy away from any of the big issues as we explore men’s relationship with solitude. Plus, you'll meet Shed of the Year winner - and all-round renaissance man - Joel Bird, who explains why a shed is more than a place for men to store their lawn mower: it is crucial for their mental health. Genuinely.CREDITSWritten by Max Dickins - @maxdickinswritesEditing and music by Rich Le Gate - @rjlegateGuest: Joel BirdVoice artists: Megan Rose McCarthy, Ian Thomas Day, Lisa Ronaghan, Liz Guterbock, Adam Rojco, Annie McGrathContinue the journey on Instagram - @Inbetween_Man

Infertility effects hundreds of millions of couples worldwide. And problems on the male side are the cause in around 50% of cases. In this episode, Max explores male infertility and invites you to come with him as he goes for a fertility test. Along the way we hear pained stories from the large constituency of men who are involuntarily childless, and asks: what does our apathy towards these men’s lived experience say about how we see masculinity?CREDITSWritten by Max Dickins - @maxdickinswritesEditing and music by Rich Le Gate - @rjlegateGuests: Dr Robin Hadley; Robert Nurden; Marcia Inhorn.Voice artist: Ian Thomas DayContinue the journey on Instagram - @Inbetween_Man

When his wife offers to pay for him to see a stylist, Max realises he’s a sartorial basket case - but he's not alone in this. So, in this chapter, you'll be invited to explore why many men have such an ambivalent attitude to fashion, with the help of men’s stylist Sarah Gillfillan. We also take a detour via the men's approach to dancing.CREDITSWritten by Max Dickins.Music, sound design and editing by Rich Le Gate.Guests - Sarah Gilfillan, Scott Culpit, Maxine Craig and James Scroggs.Voice Artists - Freya Parker, Dan Starkey.

According to researchers, men are facing a ‘friendship recession.’ And it’s making us miserable. But what can men do about it? You'll be introduced to evolutionary anthropologist Dr Robin Dunbar, probably the world’s foremost expert on friendship. He explains the differences between the male and female social worlds – and what guys need to do to keep their friendships going. Plus, we explore whether modern culture misunderstands male friendships. And ask: have we become blinded to male intimacy? CREDITSWritten by Max DickinsMusic and sound design by Rich Le GateGuest: Dr Robin DunbarVoice artists: Dan Starkey, Paul Raymond, Dan March, Andrea Fox.