Steven Frayne: Behind The Illusion

Pete is joined by magician and illusionist Steven Frayne in the Man Made studio.  Known to the world as Dynamo, Steven’s journey from growing up in Bradford to becoming one of the most famous magicians on the planet is extraordinary, but behind the magic is a story shaped by racism, illness, and the need to prove he was worthy of being here at all.He opens up about a childhood marked by instability, the profound influence of his grandfather, and how magic became both an escape and a lifeline. From hustling his way backstage at concerts to building his career from nothing, Steven reveals the relentless drive that took him from survival to global success.But this all came at a cost.Steven speaks candidly about living with Crohn’s disease, the physical and mental toll of fame, and the breaking point that forced him to stop. Steven’s story is more than just magic. It's about pain, purpose, and rebuilding a life when everything falls apart.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation – follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Content Warning: Self Harm, Mental HealthProducer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager - Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer -  Lucie Cave

Kiss Breakfast host and TV personality Tyler West joins Pete in the Man Made studio.Best known for his work on radio, television and  for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, Tyler opens up about the reality behind the energy and positivity people see on screen. From growing up without his father to being raised alongside his brother by a fiercely resilient mother, he reflects on the moments that shaped his understanding of masculinity.At just fourteen, Tyler witnessed a murder outside his home, an experience that led to years of fear, isolation and severe mental health struggles. He speaks candidly about that trauma and the moment he found himself at his lowest point, questioning everything.But this is also a story of resilience. Tyler shares how he rebuilt himself, the coping mechanisms that helped him survive, and why he believes “not giving up” is the foundation of being a good man.He also discusses the pressure of public scrutiny, body image, and how stepping outside his comfort zone ultimately led him to love meeting his fiancée, Molly Rainford.Content Warning: Descriptions of Violence, Mental HealthIf you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation – follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Producer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Gavin McRaeSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager - Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer -  Lucie Cave 

Pete is joined in the studio by Footballing legend and lioness Fran Kirby for a conversation about grief, mental health, and life inside a male-dominated sport.From being the only girl playing football in the park to winning major trophies for England including the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022, Fran’s journey is remarkable, but it hasn’t come without struggle. She shares how losing her mum changed everything, how depression took hold in her late teens, and why she had to step away from the game she loved.Fran discusses masculinity, emotional resilience, and the pressures of elite sport, as well as the importance of family, support systems, and finding peace in being alone.Fran goes beyond football,  it’s about identity, healing, and what it really means to keep going when everything changes.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation – follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Producer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Gavin McRaeSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager -Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer -  Lucie Cave 

Pete welcomes global fashion icon and entrepreneur David Gandy to the Man Made studio.Known as the face that redefined male modelling, David opens up about the reality behind the image, and why the idea of the ‘perfect man’  is far more complicated than it looks. From decades at the top of the fashion industry to building his own brands, he reflects on the pressure of being constantly judged, the loneliness that can come with success, and the mindset that’s kept him going.David shares his thoughts on masculinity and why he believes it  shouldn’t be boxed into a single definition. He speaks about the importance of male role models, the growing impact of social media on young men, and why so many are struggling to understand themselves He explains how challenge became his coping mechanism, why he never allows himself to feel “comfortable,” and what he’s learned from pushing through difficult periods.He also discusses fatherhood, being present in a world full of distractions, and the values he hopes to pass on to his daughters, from kindness and perseverance to keeping chivalry alive.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation – follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Producer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager -Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave 

Pete welcomes former Royal Marine Commando and SAS: Who Dares Wins instructor Jason Fox (AKA Foxy) to the Man Made studio.From life in the military to navigating the pressures of identity, masculinity and mental health, Foxy opens up about the realities behind the “toughest man” stereotype. He reflects on growing up without a clear blueprint for manhood, the mistakes he made along the way, and how those decisions ultimately caught up with him.He speaks candidly about struggling with confidence, imposter syndrome during his time in the forces, and the difficulty of opening up in environments where vulnerability isn’t the norm. Foxy shares how hitting rock bottom forced him to confront himself, why honesty became the turning point, and how reconnecting with others helped pull him back from the edge.He also discusses the importance of male friendships, why so many men struggle in silence, and what it really means to take responsibility for your actions.Jason is currently on tour with his new live show ‘Jason Fox: Embrace The Chaos’ with dates running across the UK until April 9th, 2026.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation – follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Content Warning: Mental Health & SuicideProducer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager -Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave

Pete welcomes legendary DJ and cultural icon DJ Fat Tony to the Man Made studio.From growing up in Battersea with a dominant father to becoming one of the most recognisable figures in global nightlife, Tony reflects on a life shaped by chaos, addiction and relentless reinvention.In this episode he opens up about the realities of recovery, the long process of confronting learned behaviours, and why getting sober didn’t automatically fix everything. Tony talks honestly about addiction in all its forms, the mental noise that’s followed him since childhood, and the work it’s taken to finally feel comfortable in his own skin.Tony also shares the impact of being violently attacked while DJing in Margate, how he processed the trauma that followed, and why forgiveness rather than revenge ultimately gave him peace.Tony’s Full Fat Season 9 events are running across London with dates until April 2026.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation – follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Content Warning: Addiction, Violence, HomophobiaProducer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager - Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave

What if the thing men are praised for most, is also the place they hide?Pete Wicks welcomes comedian and Strictly champion, Chris McCausland, for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about modern masculinity.In this episode, Chris challenges the idea of strength, opens up about responsibility, and questions whether being “productive” is always the same as being present. From role models and resilience to fatherhood and fear, this is a conversation about the pressures men put on themselves, and the stories they tell to cope.Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok via @manmadepod.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope [www.hubofhope.co.uk] where you can find links to services across the UK.Producer - Elly LazaridesSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager - Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave

Pete is joined by writer and activist Jameela Jamil for a conversation about masculinity, empathy and why so many young men feel lost today.From the rise of online role models to the pressures boys face growing up today, this episode explores what happens when men are raised to suppress emotion rather than understand it.Jameela shares her perspective on why anger often replaces vulnerability, how boys are taught what not to be instead of what to become, and why responsibility, friendship and emotional expression matter more than outdated ideas of strength.They also discuss platonic relationships between men and women, the male loneliness epidemic, the importance of physical and emotional outlets, and why accountability and collaboration between the sexes may be key to building a healthier future for everyone.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation, follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Producer - Elly LazaridesSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager - Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave

Pete sits down with Tom Davis, BAFTA winning comedian, writer and actor.From dismantling the myth of the ‘alpha male’ to navigating anxiety, burnout and sobriety, this episode explores what happens when the man the world expects you to be doesn’t match how you actually feel inside.Tom opens up about fatherhood and responsibility, the role humour has played in masking vulnerability, and why intention (not image) is what really defines a good man.Tom’s Spudgun 2026 tour has officially begun, with dates up and down the country all year long.If you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation, follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Producer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager -Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave 

Pete sits down with musician, rapper and mental health advocate Stephen Manderson (better known as Professor Green).From what it really means to be “a work in progress”, to why anger so often replaces emotion in men, this episode explores accountability, shame, grief, fatherhood and the lifelong search for feeling safe in your body.Stephen speaks candidly about his upbringing, loss, neurodivergence, addiction, and the impact becoming a father has had on how he shows up for himself and others.Heavy at times but hopeful throughout, this one will stay with you long after it ends.Content Warning: Suicide, AddictionIf you want to find mental health support where you live, or talk about your feelings, visit the Hub of Hope (www.hubofhope.co.uk), where you can find links to services across the UK.We’d love you to join the conversation, follow @manmadepod on Instagram & TikTok.Producer - Connor GaniSenior Video Producer - Elena CottonCamera Operator - Garry BrownSocial Media Producer - Demi BrockwayProduction Assistant - Emily SpunginProduction Manager -Sarah NichollsExecutive Producer - Finn RyanHead of Production - Cat MoranChief Creative Officer - Lucie Cave