From lad mag to expert on modern masculinity. This episode is loaded with content "for him" as Martin Robinson, editor of digital magazine, the Book of Man, gives us the lowdown on why it was time for content that explicitly put men's mental health, front and centre of the conversation.
We learn about the human zoo that was working for Maxim in the 1990s and how going a little bit nuts was seen as an occupational hazard that shouldn't distract from the "fun". Fortunately the world has moved on a bit and Martin talks about how a new breed of man is engaging on a more emotional and vulnerable level and seeing the benefits of redefining what being a good man can mean.
Martin kicks things off by talking about the multiple pressures of keeping a business going, while home-schooling his 8 yr old son and 5 yr old daughter, plus managing their wellbeing and outlook on the world.
04:00 A call back to the "Christmas of Death"
06:00 How many Xmas trees do you need?
08:00 Ongoing Rona-coaster and the fragility of the situation.
James will eat his hat if Covid is over by Easter
09:30 Book of Man - increased demand due to mental health.
Traffic up massively in first lockdown.
It's not laugh a minute on the site
Topics that aren't going to be touched by GQ looking what the season's suits will be.
Professor Green
13:00 Excitement about the future - we need strong voices to help people through it.
14:00 Martin hoping for a reassessment of the ideals that men hold - taking pride in being around.
Caning it forever around the clock isn't really the answer!
17:00 The challenge when your identity and sense of self is defined by your job. Then you lose your job....
19:00 Talking about Jason Fox's role, there's angle about the military - getting organised and looking after your own little area, it's coming into it's own.
21:30 It's powerful when tough guys open up. More engagement when they talk about bad days, rather than a 1000 burpees.
23:00 Starting out a Maxim, did you expect to end up with Book of Man?
What did it mean to be a man in the 1990s? Hedonism and freedom.
There was no place for discussion about masculinity or mental health - that would be spoiling the fun.
26:00 I was never a massive lad - I wanted to be a writer.
People were continually having breakdowns. Long hours, long socialising.
29:00 Things were starting to change - Shortlist started doing mental health stories. An urgency to the launch of Book of Man post #Metoo and a focus on men's behaviour.
Martin's book is out in the spring "You're not the man you're supposed to be."
Tips
How to handle Xmas decorations
Don't leave decorating until December.
Read Julia Gillard's book - Women and Leadership
Book of Man https://thebookofman.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/MartinXRobinson
Jason Fox Wild Tales Podcast Jason Fox Wild Tales Podcast – The Book of Man
Julia Gillard book - Women and Leadership https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/112/1120820/women-and-leadership/9781787634
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About Lockdown Dads
James Millar and Ian Dinwiddy are recording a weekly ‘show’ exploring the impact of lockdown, self-isolation and social distancing on working dads. We’ll share tips, thoughts and stories with special guests, discuss our hopes for the future and the opportunities that all this represents, especially for dads who want to be more active and involved fathers but who until now have struggled with the expectations of what it means to be a man in the workplace.
We hope you enjoy watching and listening!
To get in touch, submit your tips and learn about us click here:
https://www.inspiringdads.co.uk/lockdown-dads