Back & Forth: A Men's Mental Health Podcast

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, the guys get into the signs of stress we often ignore until we’re ready to lose our heads over something completely ridiculous. From snapping at loved ones and feeling constantly exhausted to getting irritated by the smallest things, they discuss how stress can quietly build up before it finally spills over.There’s plenty of relatable real life chat, including unbearable crisp eating on a train, a kitchen renovation going wrong, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away, take a breather and come back with a clearer head. They explore the importance of communicating when you need space, rather than storming off, and share practical ways to manage stress, from writing things down and talking things through to switching off from work before bedtime.The conversation also touches on the power of journalling, why reading your thoughts aloud can be more impactful than simply writing them down, and how stepping away from a stressful situation can sometimes help you get the job done quicker.And of course, there’s a bit of Halloween chat, a London trip with a couple of train dramas, and plans for the Monday evening Houlton walk, proving that even when the weather is rubbish, getting out and connecting with people can make a difference.A reminder that stress doesn’t always look like a meltdown. Sometimes it’s the little things that tell you it’s time to slow down, take a breath and look after yourself.Talk. Walk. Connect. Keep going.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, the lads are joined by returning guest Woody for an honest, funny and relatable catch up about money, motivation, social lives and the habits that can quietly take over.From juggling a DIY house renovation with a baby due on Boxing Day to letting the gym, food and friendships slip when life gets busy, they discuss the pressure we put on ourselves and why sometimes it’s okay to take a breather. Woody also shares the story behind his savings habits, from being left on just £97 a week after breaking his leg to building a system that splits money into bills, holidays and savings.The conversation turns to social media and how scrolling through other people’s highlight reels can leave us feeling connected without actually speaking to anyone. How many times have you said “we'll catch up soon” and then done absolutely nothing about it? The lads discuss why making plans there and then, sticking to routines and getting out even when you can't be bothered can make all the difference.They also share their ideal nights out, comedy and live podcast experiences, and a few practical ways to spend less time glued to your phone, including setting app timers and leaving your charger by the door.A reminder that you don't need to have your finances sorted, your gym routine nailed or your life looking perfect. Sometimes you just need to put your phone down, message your mate and actually make that plan.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!As the darker mornings and colder evenings creep in, the lads chat about getting ahead of winter and the little things that can make a big difference to our mental health. From sleep routines and daylight lamps to winter walks, making plans and finding ways to stay connected, it’s all about working out what helps you feel better when the weather and mood start to dip.They talk about the importance of getting out and seeing people, even when the sofa feels like the better option, alongside personal experiences with crowds, panic attacks and the pressure that can come with Christmas outings. There’s also a conversation about socialising without alcohol, winding down properly before bed and finding ways to enjoy yourself without feeling like you have to drink.As always, the chat takes a few unexpected turns, from parenting and family routines to memories of Blockbuster, cassette Walkmans and old school gaming. They also explore hobbies that help take your mind off things, whether that’s puzzles, trying something new or letting off steam in a rage room.And at the heart of it all is what Back and Forth is about: bringing people together, having honest conversations and reminding each other that we don’t have to navigate life alone. With community mental health work and a school fundraising effort also on the agenda, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the smallest steps can make the biggest difference.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, the guys are joined by AJ for an honest chat about mental wellbeing, friendship, family life and the pressure that comes with looking for work.AJ explains why he joined the group, not because he was looking for a label or had one specific issue, but because he wanted to meet like-minded people, build genuine friendships and have somewhere he could talk without being judged. They discuss how having people around you who understand can help before things reach crisis point, and why real conversations and lived experience can offer something that generic advice simply can't.The conversation also gets into the stress of job hunting, dealing with rejection and the self-doubt that can creep in when applications go nowhere. AJ shares how becoming the main person at home during the day has changed family life, from school runs and meals to juggling the needs of three boys.There’s plenty of the usual Back and Forth chat about the WhatsApp group, sharing advice, supporting each other with everyday problems and having people to turn to when life gets a bit much.A reminder that you don't need to be at rock bottom to benefit from talking, making connections and having a good group of people in your corner.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, the guys look back on two years of the podcast and 104 episodes, reflecting on how a bit of a “stupid idea” turned into a regular show, a community and a reason for people to keep talking.The conversation covers some of the biggest topics the podcast has tackled over the last two years, from suicide and grief to coping mechanisms, low mood and the everyday pressures that can affect our mental health. They also talk about the importance of hearing different experiences, because what works for one person might not work for someone else.There’s also some big news as Back and Forth announces £25,000 of funding from the Mark Benevolent Fund to help buy and convert a van. The plan is to take the conversations and community out into local communities, sports clubs and events, creating opportunities to reach people who might not feel comfortable walking into a busy venue.The team also discuss an upcoming project with Oxford University, where a student think tank will look at ways to help the podcast reach even more people.Alongside all of that, there’s the usual Back and Forth chat, including Vish’s voice note explaining his absence, the ongoing van saga, “love spuds”, workplace frustrations and the arrival of Dan’s new puppy.Two years in, 104 episodes down and still plenty to talk about.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, Juggy Sidhu joins the hosts for a very honest conversation about grief, masculinity, alcohol and what can happen when you spend years trying to hide what’s really going on underneath.Juggy talks about his dad’s health and how it sparked his interest in nutrition and wellbeing, before getting into bodybuilding, external validation and the way looking strong on the outside became a form of protection from what was happening internally.The conversation covers grief, anxiety, depression, poor sleep and alcohol, as Juggy reflects on how difficult it can be to recognise what you’re actually feeling when you’ve spent years pushing things down. They also discuss the impact this had on family relationships and the difference between how someone can appear to everyone else and what they might actually be carrying.Juggy opens up about a suicide attempt that became a major turning point, and how rebuilding his life meant looking beyond surface level habits and reconnecting with who he was, what mattered to him and how he valued himself.They also explore why so many people struggle to put emotions into words, how paying attention to what’s happening physically can help, and why social media and AI can never completely replace genuine human connection and support.A raw conversation about what happens when the armour comes off, and what it can take to rebuild from the inside out.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, the guys talk about what happens when you spend too long trying to carry everything for everyone else.The conversation covers burnout, stress, asking for help and why sometimes calling it delegation makes it a little easier to admit you can’t do everything yourself. Vish opens up about a period where putting everyone else first started affecting his sleep, stress levels and how he was coping, and why learning to step back has become so important.They also get into boundaries, family, supporting people without doing everything for them, and the importance of giving yourself some time to switch off. Whether it’s walking the dog, driving alone, playing Xbox, building Lego or sitting in the garage doing absolutely nothing, sometimes five minutes away from everything can make a bigger difference than you think.There’s also some honest chat about family, gratitude, self respect and learning that you don’t always have to be the person holding everything together.A very real conversation about knowing when you’ve taken on too much, letting people help, and giving yourself permission to step back.Download the app:Download on iPhone / iPad:https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/back-forth-just-talk/id6808254174Download on Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wnapp.id1784578264072If you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, the guys lead an honest conversation about how to approach someone who might be having a tough time, and why simply asking “you alright?” means very little if you’re not prepared to genuinely listenThe lads talk about reading the room, asking the right questions, and knowing when to give someone space. They also explore why a proper check-in doesn’t end after one conversation, and why following up a few days later can make all the difference.There’s honest chat about social media, performative support, and the difference between genuinely caring about someone and simply wanting to look like you do. They also share personal experiences from conversations with friends, neighbours and strangers, alongside reflections on friendship, gratitude, and the people who show up when life gets difficult.A straightforward but important conversation about checking in properly, listening without trying to fix everything, and being there for people when it actually matters.Download the app:Android users can now access the App via the Google Play Store hereiOS users can Download the App hereIf you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, Dan celebrate another a huge milestone with the podcast reaching episode 100!What started as something they weren’t sure would make it past 10 episodes has grown into a community of men talking more openly about their mental health, with over 10,000 downloads and listeners across more than 30 countries.The conversation looks at how the podcast and community have changed, the importance of having somewhere to talk whether you’re struggling or not, and the role the WhatsApp group has started to play in people supporting each other. They also chat about the stigma that still exists around men opening up, online abuse and why simply continuing the conversation matters.There’s plenty of the usual Back and Forth chat too, including the very questionable decision to make a leg wax the episode 100 forfeit, as well as updates on the house build, builders, a neighbour dispute and Dan's ongoing battle with an injured toe.Download the app:Android users can now access the App via the Google Play Store hereiOS users can Download the App hereIf you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Back and Forth!In this episode of Back and Forth, Dan celebrates a huge milestone as the podcast hits 10,000 downloads and reflects on how far the Back and Forth community has come.What started as a simple idea around walking and talking has grown into a wider community, with charity events, socials, WhatsApp support, and plenty of opportunities to connect. The conversation explores why you don't need to be at rock bottom to benefit from talking, getting outside, or simply spending time with good people.Dan also gets personal, opening up about burnout, loneliness, family life, and the importance of making time for yourself before things reach breaking point.A feel-good episode about consistency, community, connection, and looking after yourself before you need to be rescued.Download the app:Android users can now access the App via the Google Play Store hereiOS users can Download the App hereIf you'd like to get involved with the podcast or want to share what's annoyed you this week, you can email [email protected] to get involved! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.