Truuman Podcast

Truuman Podcast

by Lewis Hackney

Self-Improvement Mental Health

Season 1

Masculinity, Mentorship & Digital Dangers for Boys

Helping Boys Become Men Masculinity, Mentorship & Digital Dangers with Richard Pomfrett In this vital and timely episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Richard Pomfrett — founder of The Stay Safe Initiative CIC and creator of the transformative Boyz-2-Men programme. With over 25 years of experience working with children and young people, Richard has become a respected national voice on youth safety, character development, and redefining masculinity in today’s digital world. From his roots in martial arts to founding a CIC dedicated to protecting and empowering young people, Richard has been working in schools since 2013 — tackling bullying, online exploitation, toxic influences, and the confusion many boys face around what it really means to be a man. Through Boyz-2-Men, Richard is building a bridge between boyhood and manhood — helping young men ask deeper questions, challenge online role models, and become the kind of men they want to be. In this episode, we dive into: 🔹 The evolution of masculinity: what boys are facing today vs. a generation ago 🔹 How online influencers and toxic role models are shaping modern masculinity 🔹 Why schools need more than policies — they need people with presence 🔹 The Boyz-2-Men approach: giving boys permission to be vulnerable and self-reflective 🔹 Digital citizenship, peer mentorship, and the future of male leadership 🔹 Real stories from the front lines of youth education and intervention 🔹 Why Richard believes masculinity must be reclaimed, not rejected Key Themes: ✅ Healthy masculinity starts with critical thinking, not shame ✅ Empowering boys means meeting them where they are — not where we wish they were ✅ Online safety isn’t just about danger — it’s about identity, values, and belonging ✅ Masculinity isn’t in crisis — but it is in confusion ✅ Peer-led mentorship can be one of the most powerful tools in youth development Powerful Quotes from Richard: “You can’t be what you can’t see — we need more men showing up with courage and compassion.” “Masculinity isn’t toxic. Confused masculinity, ungrounded and reactive, is what’s dangerous.” “We’re not telling boys what kind of men to be — we’re helping them ask the right questions.” “Every boy has a story — our job is to make sure it doesn’t go unheard.” Links & Resources: http://thestaysafeinitiative.org.uk/ https://boyz-2-men.org.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-pomfrett-230b63189/ https://www.instagram.com/thestaysafeinitiative/ https://x.com/StaySafeCIC 30 days 30 Insights www.truuman.io/30-days The Foundry: www.thefoundrycic.org.uk Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/

Youth Violence, Gang Culture & Trauma Intervention

Redemption, Youth Violence, and Real Change with Anton Noble In this gripping and deeply moving episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Anton Noble — urban youth specialist, gang exit strategist, transformational speaker, and founder of Guiding Young Minds, a life-changing mentoring and intervention programme for at-risk youth. Anton grew up in Coventry and lived the realities of gang culture, serious youth violence, and criminal exploitation firsthand. Now, over 12 years out of that life, he is one of the UK’s leading voices in gang prevention, youth mentorship, and trauma-informed intervention. His lived experience isn’t just a powerful story — it’s the foundation for a mission that’s saving lives. From Channel 4 documentaries and BBC interviews to courtrooms and classrooms, Anton is leading the fight against knife crime, county lines exploitation, and generational trauma with unmatched authenticity and courage. In this episode, we dive into: 🔹 Anton’s journey from street gangs to award-winning mentor and national advocate 🔹 What really drives young people into gangs — and what gets them out 🔹 Trauma, masculinity, and the roots of violence in our communities 🔹 County Lines: what most people don’t understand about exploitation 🔹 How Guiding Young Minds uses therapy, mentorship, and credibility to create change 🔹 The power of lived experience in violence reduction and prevention 🔹 Speaking truth to institutions — and why systems need to change 🔹 Why real intervention starts with understanding, not judgment Key Takeaways: ✅ You can’t change what you don’t understand ✅ Gang culture is often a response to pain, not power ✅ Prevention starts with empathy, credibility, and consistency ✅ We need more spaces for men to process trauma without shame ✅ Transformation is possible — no matter your past Powerful Quotes from Anton: “You can’t punish pain out of a person — you have to understand it first.” “People listen when they know you’ve walked the road they’re on.” “Gang culture isn’t glamorous — it’s survival dressed up as power.” “The opposite of gang life isn’t just safety — it’s purpose.” Connect with Anton: 📱 Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Snapchat | X (Twitter): @gymintervention 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-noble-1b6726a5/ Linkedin Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewishackney/ Instagram Lewis: https://www.instagram.com/lewishackney/ Truman.pod: https://www.instagram.com/truuman.pod/ Truman.io: https://www.instagram.com/truuman.io/ The Foundry: https://www.instagram.com/thefoundrycic/

Masculinity, Extremism, and Disconnected Man

Warrior Compassion — Masculinity, Extremism, and Healing the Disconnected Man with Sean Harvey In this powerful and timely episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we welcome Sean Harvey—author of Warrior Compassion, men's healing practitioner, organizational development expert, and thought leader at the intersection of masculinity, psychological safety, and systems change. With over 25 years of experience guiding transformation across corporate, government, and male-dominated environments, Sean offers a profound and grounded perspective on the quiet crisis many men are facing today—one of disconnection, internalized pain, and cultural resistance. From his work with leaders and change-makers to his faculty role with PERIL (Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab), Sean dives deep into the links between masculinity, mental health, and the societal narratives that shape men’s behavior, resilience, and relationships. In this episode, we explore: 🔹 What Warrior Compassion really means—and why it matters 🔹 How disconnection and isolation fuel extremism and male violence 🔹 Why traditional masculinity models no longer serve us 🔹 The unseen struggles of “high-functioning” men 🔹 The danger of emotional suppression in male-dominated workplaces 🔹 How organizations can create cultures of psychological safety 🔹 What leaders must do to support healthier models of manhood 🔹 A preview of Sean’s upcoming book: The Quiet Crisis Key Takeaways: ✅ True strength comes from vulnerability, not suppression ✅ Disconnection is the root of many modern male crises ✅ Healing masculinity is essential for systemic change ✅ Compassion is a powerful leadership tool ✅ Men need spaces to process pain without shame Powerful Quotes from Sean: “Compassion is the missing link in the evolution of modern masculinity.” “Men are in crisis, but we’ve learned to suffer silently—and that's costing us everything.” “If we want to transform male-dominated systems, we need to heal the men within them.” “The opposite of extremism is not moderation—it’s connection.” links: Website: https://warriorcompassion.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanharvey Amazon: Warrior Compassion: Unleashing the Healing Power of Men Insta: @warrior_compassion www.thefoundrycic.org.uk www.truuman.io www.instagram.com/lewishackney

Fixing Relationships, Mastering Intimacy & Thriving in Work & Life

From Crisis to Connection — Saving Relationships Without Sacrificing Success with Puya Delavar In this episode of The TRUUMAN Podcast, we’re joined by Puya Delavar, a Relationship Crisis Coach and founder of Puya Delavar Consulting, who works exclusively with high-performing men in leadership roles to help them repair and rebuild their relationships—without compromising their professional edge. Puya brings over a decade of deep research and experience in behavioural psychology, helping men uncover the real reasons behind emotional disconnection, recurring conflict, and relational breakdowns. His approach isn’t just about "fixing" problems—it’s about building relationships that can thrive under pressure and creating holistic success in life, leadership, and love. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 Why successful, driven men often struggle in their intimate relationships 🔹 The silent patterns that create distance and disconnection 🔹 How to spot the early warning signs of emotional separation 🔹 The most common mistakes men make when trying to “fix” things 🔹 Why working harder doesn’t always work in relationships 🔹 How to rebuild intimacy, trust, and communication without sacrificing success 🔹 The philosophy of holistic success and why it matters more than hustle 🔹 Real-world results from Puya’s Crisis to Connection Programme Key Takeaways: ✅ You don’t have to choose between professional ambition and a healthy relationship ✅ Most men are never taught how to lead in their personal life ✅ Connection is a skill—just like leadership ✅ Relationship repair starts with self-awareness and pattern recognition ✅ It’s not too late to reconnect and future-proof your relationship Powerful Quotes from Puya: “High performance in your career means nothing if your home life is falling apart.” “Most men wait until they’re on the brink of separation to ask for help—what if we could catch it earlier?” “Success at work is visible. Relationship breakdowns are silent—until it’s too late.” “Connection is built with intention, not assumption.” Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/puyadelavar/ Website: https://puyadelavar.com/ email address: ask@puyadelavar.com Newsletter: www.truuman.io Non Profit: www.thefoundrycic.org.uk Lewis' Instagram: www.instagram.com/lewishackney

False Allegations, Gaslighting & Red Flags

Surviving False Allegations and Reclaiming Your Voice with Matt Homan 🎙️ In this powerful episode of the TRUUMAN Podcast, we sit down with Matt Homan, a former police officer and current mental health advocate, who bravely shares his deeply personal story of surviving false domestic violence allegations, emotional manipulation, and the life-shattering consequences that followed. Over the course of an eight-month investigation, Matt was arrested multiple times, disciplined at work, and placed under extreme psychological pressure—all while providing evidence from day one to support his innocence. He takes us through the trauma, the gaslighting he endured, and the PTSD that followed, but also his resilience, healing, and fight to reclaim his truth. Now, Matt is using his experience to support others. He’s the host of the Everymancan podcast, a director of a community interest company, and works one-on-one with young people through the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation. What We Talk About in This Episode: 🔹 The psychological toll of false allegations 🔹 Being gaslighted and disbelieved—despite presenting evidence 🔹 How Matt navigated arrests, work disciplinary hearings, and deep personal trauma 🔹 The devastating mental health impact on men wrongly accused 🔹 Finding purpose again through advocacy, mentoring, and podcasting 🔹 Why male victims of abuse and false allegations need more support 🔹 Rebuilding identity after systemic failure Key Themes & Takeaways: ✅ False allegations leave deep emotional scars and long-term mental health effects ✅ Men can be victims too—and often feel silenced or unsupported ✅ Support systems are crucial, especially during times when the truth is hard to hear ✅ Matt’s story is a reminder to believe evidence, not assumptions ✅ There is strength in speaking up and helping others through your own lived experience Quotes from Matt: “I was telling the truth from day one. I just needed someone to believe me.” “You go from being a respected officer to a suspect overnight.” “We talk about believing victims—but what happens when the victim is a man?” “I use my voice now for the men who can’t speak yet.” Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-homan-389525292/ https://www.instagram.com/everymancan_podcast https://www.facebook.com/BoroManCan/ www.thefoundrycic.org.uk www.truuman.io www.instagram.com/lewishackney

Fatherhood, Dads Groups and Modern Masculinity

Modern Fatherhood & Building a Supportive Dad Community with Ash Metfield 🎙️ This week on the TRUUMAN Podcast, we sit down with Ash Metfield, founder of New Dad Life, a growing community dedicated to helping dads navigate fatherhood together—without the pressure to be perfect. Ash’s journey into fatherhood is a relatable one. As a first-time dad to 18-month-old Leo, he quickly realized that there weren’t many spaces where dads could openly share their struggles, ask for advice, and get the real support they need. So, he decided to create one. Before launching New Dad Life, Ash was a creative force behind brands like War Paint for Men and JAAQ—helping the latter grow from zero to a £30 million mental health platform. Now, he’s applying his storytelling, branding, and community-building expertise to redefine what it means to be a modern dad. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Why fatherhood can feel isolating—and how community changes everything 🔹 How social expectations shape the way men experience parenthood 🔹 The challenges of being a present dad while balancing work, relationships, and personal growth 🔹 How Ash built a thriving online space where dads can connect, learn, and support each other 🔹 Lessons from travelling the world as a new dad 🔹 Why modern masculinity needs to evolve to support fathers better Key Takeaways: ✅ Dads need community too. Fatherhood isn’t meant to be navigated alone. ✅ There’s no ‘one way’ to be a great dad. Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. ✅ Mental health and fatherhood go hand in hand. Supporting dads means supporting families. ✅ Building a business, raising a child, and traveling the world at the same time? It’s possible—but not easy! Quotes from Ash: “Dads are told to just ‘get on with it.’ But the truth is, we need each other.” “I wanted to create a space where dads could show up, be real, and grow together.” “I’ve built brands from scratch, but building a family? That’s the real challenge.” “The best thing a dad can do? Just be there. Show up. That’s what matters most.” Links: Website: www.newdadlife.com Community Direct: www.nas.io/newdadlife Social Links: Instagram: www.instagram.com/newdadlifeofficial/ Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@newdadlifeofficial www.truuman.io www.thrfoundrycic.org.uk www.instagram.com/lewishackney

Mindfullness, Burnout and Male Stress

Mindfulness, Stress, and Workplace Wellbeing with Steve Ware 🎙️ This week on the TRUUMAN Podcast, we dive into the power of mindfulness with Steve Ware—a University of Oxford-trained Mindfulness in the Workplace specialist whose journey began in the corporate world under intense pressure at IBM. Steve never set out to become a mindfulness teacher. But after experiencing extreme stress and burnout, he turned to mindfulness as a last resort. The results? Life-changing. Not only did Steve transform his own well-being, but his colleagues at IBM noticed—and soon, they wanted in. What started as a personal practice led to IBM’s first-ever HR-approved mindfulness program, which quickly amassed a waiting list of over 500 employees worldwide. Now, Steve works with businesses of all sizes and coaches C-suite leaders on how to apply mindfulness to manage stress, improve focus, and boost resilience. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 How Steve went from corporate stress to mindfulness expert 🔹 The science behind mindfulness and how it reduces stress 🔹 Why traditional corporate wellness programs often fail 🔹 The impact of mindfulness on workplace productivity and well-being 🔹 Practical techniques to implement mindfulness in your daily routine 🔹 How mindfulness can help men navigate mental health challenges Key Takeaways: ✅ Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation—it’s about changing how you respond to stress. ✅ Even the busiest professionals can integrate mindfulness into their routine. ✅ Lowering stress leads to increased happiness, productivity, and even better sleep. ✅ Corporate culture is shifting—companies that invest in mental well-being are seeing real results. Quotes from Steve: “I thought mindfulness was just sitting cross-legged and chanting—but it changed my life.” “At IBM, I saw people return to work early from long-term sick leave just by practicing mindfulness.” “Men struggle with stress but often don’t seek help. Mindfulness gives them a practical way to manage it.” “The workplace is evolving—mental well-being isn’t just a perk, it’s essential.” Resources and Links: 🔹 Follow Steve Ware and his work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ware-mindfulness 🔹 Interested in workplace mindfulness? https://www.stevewaremindfulness.com/freetips 🔹 Steve’I mentioned the following books: 🔹https://www.waterstones.com/book/mindfulness/mark-williams/danny-penman/9780749953089 🔹https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-power-of-now/eckhart-tolle/9780340733509 🔹www.truuman.io 🔹www.thefoundrycic.org.uk 🔹www.instagram.com/lewishackney

MANUP? Male Research & Breaking Stimga

Rewriting the Narrative on Men’s Mental Health with Dan Somers (MANUP?) 🎙️ In this episode of the TRUUMAN Podcast, host Lewis Hackney sits down with Dan Somers, the founder of MANUP?, a groundbreaking charity challenging the stigma around men’s mental health. Dan’s journey started with a personal wake-up call—after learning of Keith Flint’s tragic passing, he realised how many men’s funerals he’d attended over the years. That moment led to the creation of MANUP?, an initiative that began as an annual event but quickly evolved into a registered charity funding vital research into male suicide prevention. At MANUP?, the goal is clear: get men talking. The organisation provides a raw, real, and sometimes humorous space to discuss mental health without judgment or clichés. More importantly, they directly fund research to uncover the real reasons behind the male suicide crisis, working with experts like Dr. Susie Bennett to drive change where it matters most. What We Cover in This Episode: 🔹 The real story behind MANUP?—how a tragic loss turned into a movement 🔹 Why traditional mental health campaigns fail to reach men 🔹 How humour and raw conversation help break the stigma 🔹 Funding groundbreaking research: what MANUP? is doing differently 🔹 How we can all play a role in tackling the male suicide crisis Key Takeaways: ✅ Men don’t need to be told to “open up”—they need the right environment to talk. ✅ Mental health campaigns must be tailored to men’s unique challenges. ✅ It’s not just about awareness—it’s about real solutions and research. ✅ Changing the narrative around masculinity is crucial for suicide prevention. ✅ Anyone can make a difference—whether through conversation, support, or action. Quotes from Dan: “I realised I’d been to too many funerals of men who never spoke about their struggles. That had to change.” “Men don’t just sit down and ‘talk about their feelings’—but they will open up in the right environment.” “We’re not here to preach. We’re here to have honest conversations, sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious, but always real.” “The male suicide crisis won’t be solved with slogans. We need research, action, and a new approach.” Resources and Links: MANUP? https://www.manup.how/ Dan Somers https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-at-seomers/ www.truuman.io www.thefoundrycic.org.uk www.instagram.com/lewishackney

Trauma, PTSD, and Substance Abuse

Davin Cole’s Journey of Recovery & Resilience 🎙️ In this powerful episode of the TRUUMAN Podcast, host Lewis Hackney sits down with Davin Cole, a 31-year law enforcement veteran, mental health and addiction advocate, and public speaker. Davin’s story is one of falling, rebuilding, and rising stronger. A former San Francisco Police Department Lieutenant, he dedicated his career to public service, training officers in Procedural Justice, Tactical Communications, and Crisis Intervention. However, after suffering a severe on-duty injury, he became addicted to prescription painkillers, leading to his arrest and incarceration. Following this life-changing event and a diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD), Davin embarked on a journey of recovery, using his experience to break the stigma around mental health and addiction in law enforcement. Today, he speaks at conferences, police departments, and on podcasts, sharing his message of hope, resilience, and reform. What We Cover in This Episode: 🔹 The mental health crisis in law enforcement—why first responders are at risk 🔹 Davin’s battle with addiction and his path to recovery 🔹 The role of trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse in high-pressure careers 🔹 Breaking the stigma: why police officers struggle to ask for help 🔹 Rebuilding after rock bottom—Davin’s mission to help others 🔹 How law enforcement can better support officers facing mental health challenges Key Takeaways: ✅ Addiction can happen to anyone—even those sworn to protect others. ✅ Mental health support in law enforcement is critically lacking. ✅ Shame and stigma prevent many first responders from seeking help. ✅ Recovery is possible, no matter how far you’ve fallen. ✅ Davin’s story is proof that vulnerability is strength. Quotes from Davin: “I went from leading a police squad to being behind bars. But that moment didn’t define me—what I did after did.” “Police officers see the worst of humanity every day. Without proper mental health support, it takes a toll.” “Recovery isn’t just about getting clean. It’s about rebuilding your life and finding purpose again.” “There is no shame in asking for help. The real strength is in seeking support.” Resources and Links: Davin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davin-cole-51780152?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BZdPDEN88TAKV3prWS0x2yg%3D%3D www.instagram.com/lewishackney www.truuman.io www.thefoudrycic.org.uk

Burnout, Imposter Syndrome & Managing Stress

In this episode of the Truuman Podcast, host Lewis Hackney sits down with Andrew Pain, a TEDx speaker, CPD-accredited trainer, podcaster, and award-winning campaigner for men’s mental health. Andrew has worked with The Crown Prosecution Service, Public Health Wales, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, University of Liverpool, and many other leading organisations, delivering powerful talks on mental health, burnout, fatherhood, decision-making, and leadership. His podcast, Men on Show, explores the real stories of men doing extraordinary things and challenges modern narratives around masculinity. His TEDx talk, Domestic Abuse – Not a Gender Issue, is a groundbreaking discussion on female-perpetrated domestic abuse. What We Cover in This Episode: 🔹 Why burnout is silently destroying men’s health—and how to prevent it 🔹 The real impact of modern masculinity on mental health 🔹 How loneliness is an epidemic among men and how to combat it 🔹 The truth about imposter syndrome and how it holds men back 🔹 Fatherhood, leadership, and managing stress in a fast-paced world 🔹 How community and support networks can change a man’s life Key Takeaways: ✅ Mental health is more than just anxiety and depression—it’s about resilience, connection, and identity. ✅ Burnout isn’t a badge of honour—it’s a warning sign. ✅ Men struggle with loneliness more than ever, but strong communities can change that. ✅ Fatherhood is a challenge, but also one of the greatest leadership roles a man will ever take. ✅ Imposter syndrome affects even the best, but you can overcome it. Quotes from Andrew: “Men are struggling in silence, but we don’t have to. We need spaces where we can be open, honest, and supported.” “Burnout happens when we forget to take care of ourselves while taking care of everything else.” “Mental health isn’t a gendered issue. We all need support, no matter who we are.” “Community is the antidote to loneliness. When men come together, real change happens.” Resources and Links: 🔹 www.truuman.io 🔹 www.instagram.com/lewishackney 🔹 www.andrewpain.co.uk 🔹 Follow Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpain/ 🔹 Watch his TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HgPICMQLls 🔹 Men on Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MwR5GwufYigAWHukonXdR

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