Shepherd, Gary ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8178-1141 and Murphy, Holly (2025) How can positive representations of masculinity be promoted through men’s mental health podcast episodes? Women's Studies in Communication. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Background: Professional mental health interventions often fail to address the importance of accounting for an individual’s lived experience. This is particularly evident with regards to men, who already find it difficult to access services which align to their masculine identities. The podcast medium’s growing popularity and accessibility may make this a suitable communication method to address men’s mental health issues. Recently there has been a growth in podcasts promoting harmful versions of masculinity and misogynistic content. Positive representations of masculinity promoted through podcasts are important to counter these online discourses and may also reduce stigmatizing narratives which discourage male help-seeking behaviours.
Methods: Data was gathered from five episodes of a men’s podcast affiliated with a UK based men’s mental health charity. We included data from five participants, all of whom were charity trustees. One participant assumed the role of podcast host and the other four the role of podcast guests. The episodes were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Five themes were identified describing positive representations of masculinity; encouraging a culture of inclusivity; supporting men talking; fostering reflection; developing self-awareness and embracing a proactive approach to mental wellness.

Conclusions: The podcast helps promote positive, flexible versions of masculinity encouraging listeners to self-reflect, improve their self-awareness and take individual accountability for their mental health. Candid discussions of past experiences of help-seeking may provide de-stigmatizing narratives, potentially encouraging men to engage in their own help-seeking behaviours. We believe podcast content promoting positive, flexible masculinity is crucial. Such content can counter harmful narratives of masculinity prevalent in online spaces. Positive podcasts can offer an alternative online community for those who may be vulnerable to harmful online influences.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Submitted
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF637 Counselling
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
Institutes:	Institute for Social Justice
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/11462

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