Momentum Men Podcast

In this episode of the Momentum Men podcast, Mike Bates talks about his journey from a challenging upbringing to a successful military career and beyond.He discusses the importance of empathy in leadership, his transition to intelligence operations, and his remarkable achievement of rowing the Atlantic to raise funds for children's healthcare. Mike emphasises the significance of vulnerability and personal growth, as well as the discipline learned through martial arts.Mike describes his journey in founding NXT 45, an initiative aimed at improving men's mental health and fulfillment. He discusses the challenges men face in seeking help and the importance of community and vulnerability. The conversation emphasises the need to redefine success and fulfillment beyond material wealth, focusing instead on personal growth, service to others, and the power of connection.Mike shares his transformative experiences at sea, the importance of resilience, and the role of parents in shaping future generations. He emphasises the need for vulnerability in men, the significance of investing in oneself, and the power of connection and helping others. The discussion culminates in practical steps for personal growth and fulfillment, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and the importance of community.https://www.nxt45.com/https://www.instagram.com/_nxt45/Chapters00:00Introduction to Mike Bates: A Journey of Service02:20Military Experience and Leadership Lessons10:56Transitioning from Military to Intelligence Operations18:50Rowing the Atlantic: A Personal Challenge for a Cause25:03Overcoming Fears: The Ocean and Personal Growth27:18Martial Arts: Discipline and Resilience27:24The Journey into Jiu-Jitsu36:14Next 45: A New Chapter in Life52:11Redefining Success and Fulfillment57:56Facing Fears and Finding Magic in Nature01:00:20The Role of Parents in Shaping Future Generations01:03:40Resilience, Leadership, and the Journey of Self-Belief01:09:07The Importance of Vulnerability and Mental Health01:15:30Redefining Masculinity and Investing in Oneself01:21:50The Power of Connection and Helping Others01:24:56Practical Steps for Personal Growth and Fulfillment

Note: This episode contains discussions around suicide.In this Momentum Men Podcast, we chat with Trish McGirr, a mental health nurse turned property consultant who shares her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles and mental health challenges. Trish emphasises the importance of recognising patterns of behavior and seeking help to break the cycle. She highlights the connection between mental health and money issues, as well as the need for mindful spending and understanding one's self-worth. She encourages individuals to realise that their story is not over and that there is always a way to recover and create a better future. In this conversation, Matthew and Trish discuss the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with financial difficulties and mental health challenges. They emphasise the need to speak up and reach out to others, as well as the value of organisations like StepChange Debt Charity in providing guidance and assistance. They also highlight the significance of nature and the outdoors in finding peace and clarity, and the importance of defining oneself by personal values rather than material possessions. This podcast offers practical advice and tools for managing debt and improving financial well-being.Links:Trish McGirrEmail: trish@repossessionrescue.uk or trish@trishmcgirr.co.ukGeneral office: help@repossessionrescue.ukwww.repossessionrescue.ukhttps://www.stepchange.org/ Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trish.mcgirr.3LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishmcgirr/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrishmcgirr/Group: https://www.facebook.com/RepossessionRescueChapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:11 The Impact of Money on Mental Health13:15 Recognizing Patterns and Seeking Help27:00 The Descent into Debt and Financial Struggles31:14 Finding Light at the End of the Tunnel39:55 The Importance of Seeking Help and Support41:24 Finding Peace and Clarity in Nature43:51 Speaking Up and Addressing Mental Health48:03 Practical Tools for Managing Debt01:04:56 The Power of Nature and Outdoor Exploration01:09:17 Defining Yourself by Personal Values01:16:31 Rewarding Ways to Improve Well-being

In this Momentum Men episode Camellia Taylor, a gardener and landscape designer, discusses the connection between psychology and gardening. She believes that nature is medicine and that being outdoors is good for the mind, body, and soul. Camellia creates sensory gardens that stimulate the senses and cater to the specific needs of individuals, including those on the autism spectrum. She has seen the profound effects of these gardens, with people experiencing calmness, joy, and improved communication. Camellia emphasises the importance of nature in our lives and suggests that even a 15-minute walk in nature can make us feel good. Connecting with nature through gardening and outdoor experiences can bring calm and peace. Engaging the senses, such as sight, sound, touch, and taste, can enhance the experience. Incorporating sensory elements like textures, water, and plants with scents can create a more immersive and calming environment. Colour psychology plays a role, with calming colors like greens, purples, and blues promoting relaxation. Engaging with nature, whether through gardening, visiting parks or forests, or going for walks, can have a positive impact on mental well-being. Bringing nature into the home through houseplants can also provide a nurturing and calming experience.https://www.thegardentaylor.com/https://www.instagram.com/thegardentaylor/Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting01:19 Camellia's Background and Connection Between Psychology and Gardening04:10 The Science Behind Nature's Effects on Well-being07:25 The Disconnect from Nature in Modern Society10:09 Creating Sensory Gardens for Different Needs12:18 The Impact of Sensory Gardens on Individuals17:35 Nature as Therapy: The Profound Effects19:02 Nature as a Form of Therapy22:39 The Value of Nature in a Modern Society26:42 Designing Gardens with Psychology in Mind30:09 The Importance of Engaging the Senses in Nature32:30 Finding Calm and Peace in Nature34:02 Enhancing the Experience: Engaging the Senses36:16 Creating a Calming Environment with Sensory Elements37:11 The Role of Color Psychology in Promoting Relaxation43:36 The Positive Impact of Engaging with Nature on Mental Well-being52:32 Bringing Nature Indoors: The Nurturing Power of Houseplants

In this Momentum Men episode, Ben Saunders shares his journey from childhood to becoming a renowned adventurer and speaker. He discusses the influences that shaped his desire for exploration, the challenges he faced during his expeditions, and the lessons learned about happiness and resilience. We delve into the importance of mentorship, the reality of achieving one's dreams, and the balance between toughness and kindness in life. Ben reflects on the complexities of personal growth and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. In this conversation, he shares his insights on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of teamwork through his experiences in extreme expeditions. He discusses how challenges shape character, the significance of asking for help, and the realisation that success is a continuous journey rather than a destination. Ben emphasises the value of enjoying the process and recognising the support systems around us.https://bensaunders.com/https://www.instagram.com/polarben/#Chapters00:00 Introduction and Life Updates03:06 The Journey of Adventure and Exploration06:09 Childhood Influences and Inspirations08:49 The Pursuit of Happiness and External Validation12:01 The Reality of Achievements15:07 Post-Expedition Reflections and Challenges17:53 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching21:03 Resilience and Personal Growth23:52 The Balance of Toughness and Kindness26:58 Final Thoughts on Adventure and Life Lessons41:49 The Roots of Resilience46:40 Lessons from the Scott Expedition55:35 Finding Support in Isolation01:02:00 Redefining Success01:09:11 The Journey Over the Destination

Andrew Jenkins shares his remarkable journey of overcoming a life-altering car accident and the subsequent challenges he faced with his mental health. Growing up in a traditional Welsh family, Andrew experienced the toxic masculinity culture that discouraged emotional expression. After the accident, he struggled with low self-esteem and self-sabotage. However, the birth of his son gave him a renewed sense of purpose and motivated him to seek counseling. Andrew's story highlights the importance of addressing mental health and finding support in overcoming trauma. Andrew shares his experience of seeking therapy and the importance of addressing grief and emotional trauma. He emphasises the need for everyone to prioritise their mental health and seek therapy when needed. Andrew also discusses the power of open communication and breaking down societal stigmas surrounding mental health. He highlights the significance of random acts of kindness and the importance of unity and understanding in creating a happier world. In this conversation, Andrew opens up about his journey from rugby to mental health struggles and his experience on a popular TV show. He speaks about the importance of self-belief, the power of nature and walking, and the need for open and honest conversations about mental health. Andrew also discusses the need for changes in the education system to prioritise mental well-being and life skills. He shares his motivation to inspire others and make a difference in the world.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Warm-up01:12 Andrew Jenkins: A Remarkable Journey03:23 The Impact of Toxic Masculinity06:13 A Life-Altering Car Accident09:29 Recovery and Learning to Walk Again17:10 Dealing with Mental Health Challenges23:14 The Birth of His Son and Finding Purpose25:43 Seeking Help and Breaking the Cycle26:38 Seeking Therapy and Addressing Grief28:28 Breaking Down Stigmas and Prioritizing Mental Health30:39 The Power of Open Communication and Random Acts of Kindness35:20 Creating Unity and Understanding for a Happier World50:42 Andrew's Journey52:29 Inspiring Others55:23 The Power of Nature57:38 Believing in Yourself01:00:41 The Need for Changes in Education01:07:13 Walking for Mental Health01:10:04 Self-Worth and Material Things01:12:24 Nature and Walking01:13:29 Open Conversations about Mental Health

On this episode of the Momentum Men podcast, Jacob Krzanowski discusses the Green Walking Project and the connection between nature and mental wellbeing. He shares his personal experiences and the research behind the benefits of spending time in green spaces. The conversation highlights the generosity and restorative effect of nature, and the need to break down barriers to accessing the outdoors. The discussion also touches on the role of science in validating the benefits of nature, the cultural influence on our relationship with nature, and the potential for integrating nature into education and mental health care. Jacob discusses the importance of nature and the outdoors for mental well-being. The need for optimism and the positive conversations happening around the topic. The discussion touches on the concept of nature deficit disorder and the disconnection from the natural world. It also highlights the role of healthcare institutions in promoting nature-based interventions and the potential for doctors to prescribe time outdoors. We delve into the benefits of group experiences in nature and the sensory stimulation it provides. Concluding with a discussion on the future of medicine and the importance of accessibility to nature and alternative therapies.https://nhsforest.org/projects/green-walking-in-mental-health-recovery/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Green Walking Project03:16 The Transformative Power of Green Walking08:03 The Disconnect Between Nature and Mental Health Care14:09 The Shift Towards Sustainable Healthcare19:16 The Benefits of Nature on Wellbeing25:14 Personal Experiences and Cultural Influences30:01 Breaking Down Barriers to Accessing Nature34:24 The Future of Nature and Mental Wellbeing35:29 The Power of Optimism and Positive Conversations37:25 Nature Deficit Disorder and the Disconnection from the Natural World38:24 Healthcare Institutions and the Endorsement of Nature-Based Interventions42:34 The Benefits of Group Experiences in Nature48:36 Sensory Stimulation and its Impact on Mental Well-being52:20 The Future of Medicine: A Holistic Approach with Nature-Based Interventions

Bobby Bolton returns to the podcast all the way from Kazakhstan to update Matthew on his amazing adventure - driving his truck from the UK to Australia. Bobby talks about his journey so far, crossing borders with his dogs, island hoping in Greece, fixing things when they go wrong, and meeting all kinds of interesting people, including someone very special who joins him for the podcast. Love the podcast? Join us on our socials @momentum_men. If you're enjoying the podcast and want to support us the best way is to hit 'follow' in your favourite podcast app and leave a five-star review. And if you think you know someone who would enjoy what we're doing tell them to give us a listen.