Best Simeon Atkins Podcasts (2025)

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S3, Ep 17: The Meaning of Misdiagnosis | The Hidden Crisis in Mental Health Care 44:24

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12h ago44:24

44:24

What if the doctor you finally opened up to about your mental health had no training to actually help you? In this episode of The Meaning of Men I'm joined by Dr. Bob Smith, physician, researcher, and author of Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, to uncover a shocking truth about modern healthcare: most primary care doctors receive almost no formal traini…

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Special Edition: England launches its first Men's Health Strategy! 13:58

23h ago13:58

13:58

In this special episode of The Meaning of Men, host Simeon Atkins reacts to a landmark moment: England’s first-ever national Men’s Health Strategy. After years of conversation and awareness-raising, this strategy signals a major shift toward systemic, long-term action to improve the health and wellbeing of boys and men. We break down the key themes…

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S3, Ep16: The Meaning of Missing Men | Why men are disappearing from society 40:32

12d ago40:32

40:32

Are young men in Britain facing a silent crisis? Education dropout rates, workforce withdrawal, and worsening men's mental health suggest something deeper is going on. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by Mark Brooks OBE, Director of Policy & Communications at the Centre for Policy Research on Boys and Men and co-author of The Missi…

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S3, Ep 15: The Meaning of Self Acceptance | How men can embrace who they are 47:34

15d ago47:34

47:34

What does it really mean for a man to feel enough? Many men struggle with identity, purpose and self acceptance, often tying their worth to performance, achievement and strength. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Jim Galvin, former Royal Marine and international athlete, about his lifelong search for belonging and meaning. Jim bri…

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S3, Ep14: The Meaning of The Intimacy Gap | Breaking the stigma on premature ejaculation 31:28

24d ago31:28

31:28

What happens when science takes on one of men’s most taboo topics? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with John Boghossian, co founder of Kadence Bio, the biotech company developing what could become the first FDA approved treatment for premature ejaculation (PE). John discusses his mission to close what he calls the intimacy gap, the t…

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S3, Ep13: The Meaning of Masks | How men hide their true selves 41:14

1M ago41:14

41:14

What’s the mask you wear, and what might be hiding underneath it? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Ashanti Branch, founder of The Ever Forward Club and creator of the Million Mask Movement. We explore the emotional lives of boys and men, the feelings we hide, the stories we learn to tell ourselves, and what it truly takes to live…

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S3, Ep12: The Meaning of Boy to Man | Navigating the journey to manhood 43:44

1M ago43:44

43:44

When, and how, does a boy truly become a man? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Ewan Corlett, a men’s guide and therapist who specialises in masculinity, rites of passage and the transition from boyhood to manhood. We explore one of the most overlooked and misunderstood stages in modern life: how a boy develops the emotional matur…

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S3, Ep11: The Meaning of Micro-Transitions | Finding calm between life’s demands 46:47

2M ago46:47

46:47

Do you ever feel like you are constantly rushing from one thing to the next without ever catching your breath? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Adam Fraser, researcher, keynote speaker and author of The Third Space, to explore one of the most overlooked skills in modern life: how we transition between the different spaces and…

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S3, Ep10: The Meaning of Midlife | Turning crises into breakthroughs for men 44:43

2M ago44:43

44:43

What if your midlife crisis is not a breakdown but a breakthrough? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Olly Hermon-Taylor, a men’s coach and mentor who helps men navigate midlife transitions, rediscover purpose, and live with authenticity and direction. Olly shares his own story of building a seven-figure business, losing everything…

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S3, Ep9: The Meaning of Social Prescribing | Reducing male loneliness through community 42:15

2M ago42:15

42:15

Could connection be the missing prescription in men’s health? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Henry Aughterson, junior doctor, researcher, and advocate for community-based healthcare. We explore the concept of social prescribing, a growing movement that connects people with local activities to improve wellbeing and address t…

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S3, Ep8: The Meaning of Building Up Boys | Teaching boys to trust their emotions 45:52

2M ago45:52

45:52

What if the key to raising healthier men starts with teaching boys to trust their emotions? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Kimmi Berlin, founder of Build Up Boys, an organisation dedicated to helping young boys retain and develop their innate emotional intelligence. We explore how boys, sometimes as young as five, begin trading…

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S3, Ep7: The Meaning of Masculinity | Redefining manhood beyond stereotypes 48:45

3M ago48:45

48:45

How can we redefine masculinity in a way that empowers men and boys? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski-Hartman, researcher, educator, and consultant, about one of the most complex and debated topics in modern life: masculinity. Brendan’s work is driven by personal experience, including the tragic loss of a …

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S3, Ep6: The Meaning of Men in Therapy (ft Movember) | How to make therapy work for men 47:09

3M ago47:09

47:09

What do men really want and need from therapy? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Dr. Zac Seidler, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Research at Movember, about why therapy often fails men and how it can be improved. Drawing on groundbreaking research, Zac explains that 44% of men drop out of therapy early, not because of cost …

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S3, Ep5: The Meaning of Boys & Men (ft Richard Reeves) | Reconnecting men with purpose and identity 1:05:35

3M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

What truly defines being a man today? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men. Richard is one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today, offeri…

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S3, Ep4: The Meaning of EMDR Therapy | How hidden trauma shapes men’s lives 42:25

3M ago42:25

42:25

What if the struggles you face are really symptoms of hidden trauma? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Michael Baldwin, author and survivor, about EMDR therapy and its transformational impact on healing trauma. Michael shares his personal journey of living with the unresolved effects of childhood abuse, including anxiety, phobias,…

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S3, Ep3: The Meaning of Queer | Challenging stereotypes and male identity 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

What does it really mean to be yourself when the world tries to define you? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with award-winning poet and author Dean Atta about identity, masculinity, and living authentically. Dean shares his personal journey growing up in a mixed-race, single-parent family, how writing helped him process emotions and …

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S3, Ep2: The Meaning of Paternity Leave | Why UK dads struggle from day one 43:09

4M ago43:09

43:09

Are UK dads being set up to fail before they even start? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, about the urgent need for better paternity leave in the UK. Alex highlights how our outdated system affects fathers, mothers, families, and society, and explores the benefits of reforms already…

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S3, E1: The Meaning of Fun | Why men neglect joy and play in life 55:28

4M ago55:28

55:28

When was the last time you did something purely for the joy of it? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to behavioural scientist and author Mike Rucker about why fun is essential for men’s mental health, wellbeing, and resilience. Drawing on scientific research and his book The Fun Habit, Mike explains how prioritising fun—like sleep or e…

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S2, Ep18: The Meaning of Meaning (ft Viktor Frankl's Grandson) | Finding purpose & fulfilment 53:30

4M ago53:30

53:30

What can Viktor Frankl teach us about finding meaning in life? In the season finale of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Alex Vesely, filmmaker, psychotherapist, and grandson of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning. Alex has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing Frankl’s work, exploring how it c…

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S2, Ep17: The Meaning of Fathers (ft Anna Machin) | How becoming a dad changes men biologically 56:47

5M ago56:47

56:47

What can science teach us about the true meaning of being a dad? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to world renowned evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin about the powerful, often overlooked science of fatherhood. Drawing on over a decade of research and her book The Life of Dad, Anna reveals what really happens to men—biologica…

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S2, Ep16: The Meaning of Loss | Male grief, trauma & emotional wellbeing 52:27

5M ago52:27

52:27

Why is grief something we all experience, yet rarely talk about? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Ben Blackman, therapist at Adventuring Loss, a leading online grief counselling clinic specialising in loss, trauma, and life transitions. Ben shares his personal journey after losing his father and the silence surrounding grief, parti…

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S2, Ep15: The Meaning of Good Anger | Why men fear expressing healthy anger 50:52

5M ago50:52

50:52

What if anger wasn’t the problem, but the way we misunderstand it is? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to journalist and author Sam Parker, whose book Good Anger challenges the belief that anger is inherently destructive. Sam explains how, when understood and expressed properly, anger can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, emo…

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S2, Ep14: The Meaning of Entrepreneurship | Men, business & mental health 58:13

5M ago58:13

58:13

What does it really take to launch and run your own business? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Brennan, entrepreneur and founder, about the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal resilience. Michael shares his experience building a successful business, facing burnout, and naviga…

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S2, Ep13: The Meaning of Strive State | Why discomfort drives men’s growth 43:15

6M ago43:15

43:15

Could avoiding discomfort be the very thing holding you back from true fulfilment? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Adam Fraser, high performance researcher and author, about the power of Strive, a mindset that transforms how we approach personal growth, resilience, performance, and fulfilment. Adam explains why struggle—not co…

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S2, Ep12: The Meaning of Starting Again | Recovery, resilience & finding new purpose 46:45

6M ago46:45

46:45

What do you do when the life you’ve built suddenly disappears? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Adam Clayton, former professional rugby player and founder of APEX Everest, about overcoming adversity, rebuilding identity, and finding purpose after life-altering setbacks. After his career ended at 24 due to injury, Adam battled stero…

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S2, Ep11: The Meaning of Relationships | Intimacy skills & healthy partnerships 48:49

6M ago48:49

48:49

What does it really take to build a strong and healthy romantic relationship as a modern man? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kristal DeSantis, marriage and family therapist and author of Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man, about how men can navigate the challenges of emotional intimacy, connection, and modern m…

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S2, Ep10: The Meaning of Sleep | How poor rest fuels male anxiety & depression 54:04

6M ago54:04

54:04

Are we obsessing over sleep in all the wrong ways? Sleep is essential for men’s mental health, but chasing perfection can sometimes do more harm than good. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Chris Winter, neurologist and sleep expert, about the crucial connection between sleep, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Winter c…

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S2, Ep9: The Meaning of Schizophrenia | Living beyond stigma & isolation 48:16

7M ago48:16

48:16

What happens when society defines you by your illness, but you decide to define yourself? Living with mental illness is challenging, but reclaiming your identity and purpose is possible. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kody Green, mental health advocate and one of the most influential voices speaking out about schizophrenia and me…

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S2, Ep8: The Meaning of Somatic Healing | When the body leads men to recovery 44:54

7M ago44:54

44:54

What if healing isn’t just about fixing your mind, but learning to listen to your body as well? True mental health and personal growth often start with reconnecting to your body. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Brad Golphenee, trauma-informed somatic coach, about somatic healing, men’s mental health, and overcoming trauma. Brad sh…

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S2, Ep7: The Meaning of Poetry | How writing helps men process grief & anxiety 1:01:10

7M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

What if the first step toward healing isn’t talking, but writing? Creative expression can be a powerful tool for men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to poet and author Drew Horner about how writing, poetry, and creative outlets can help men navigate grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation. Dre…

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S2, Ep6 The Meaning of Young Men's Health in a Digital Age (ft Movember) | How online culture shapes boys 1:08:26

7M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

With nearly two-thirds of young men following masculinity influencers, isn’t it time we asked why? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr. Krista Fisher from Movember about their latest research, Young Men’s Health in a Digital Age, exploring how digital content and masculinity influencers impact men’s mental health, identity, and rel…

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S2, Ep5: The Meaning of Equal Partners | How sharing roles improves men’s wellbeing 45:53

7M ago45:53

45:53

What does true gender equality in the home really look like, and how does it impact men’s mental health? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kate Mangino, gender expert and author of Equal Partners, about the crucial link between household equality, men’s mental health, and emotional resilience. Kate shares research and stories of men…

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S2, Ep4: The Meaning of Better Boys, Better Men | Raising emotionally healthy boys 45:26

8M ago45:26

45:26

What does it really take to raise boys into good men in today’s world? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Andrew Reiner, author of Better Boys, Better Men, about the evolving landscape of masculinity, boys’ mental health, and emotional development. Andrew shares insights into the challenges boys face today and how cultural expectatio…

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S2, Ep3: The Meaning of Rejection | Why it hits men harder than they admit 57:27

8M ago57:27

57:27

Why does rejection affect us so deeply, and what can we do about it? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Professor of Psychology Mark Leary about the science of rejection, social belonging, and men’s mental health. Drawing on decades of research, Mark explains why our sensitivity to rejection is evolutionarily hardwired and how it con…

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S2, Ep2: The Meaning of Humour | How laughter boosts mental health & resilience 58:21

8M ago58:21

58:21

We all love to laugh! But have you ever stopped to think how humour can be used more consciously to help build mental resilience, cope with stress, and improve your relationships? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to comedian, author, and humour strategist Paul Osincup about how humour, laughter, and playfulness can improve men’s menta…

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S2, Ep 1: The Meaning of Dopamine | How it drives men’s motivation & wellbeing 49:56

8M ago49:56

49:56

Dopamine shapes our motivation, mood, and behaviour—so how can we understand it better? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Michael Long, author, speechwriter, and human behaviour expert, about dopamine, motivation, and men’s mental health. Michael explains how dopamine drives our actions, the risks of chasing constant stimulation, an…

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Season 1 Wrap - See You in 2 Weeks! 1:28

9M ago1:28

1:28

We'll be launching Season 2 on Tuesday 25th March. Stay tuned!By Simeon Atkins

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S1, Ep12: The Meaning of Resilience | Male Survivors, Youth Violence & Overcoming Trauma 57:30

9M ago57:30

57:30

What does it take to survive trauma and rebuild life after a violent attack? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Rachel Duncan about her nephew, James Bascoe Smith, who survived a brutal knife attack in Brixton in 2021. Rachel shares their journey through trauma, recovery, and the legal system, highlighting the often-overlooked experi…

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S1, Ep11: The Meaning of Anxiety (ft Movember) | Male Anxiety, Masculinity Pressure & Mental Wellbeing 46:32

9M ago46:32

46:32

Is anxiety in men being fundamentally misunderstood? Men often experience anxiety differently, and this can make it harder to recognise and address. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Krista Fisher, research fellow at Movember, about men’s mental health, anxiety, and masculinity. Krista shares insights from her research showing th…

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Reflections: The Impact of Social Media Algorithms. 7:25

9M ago7:25

7:25

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with psychotherapist Aaron Balick who discussed how social media algorithms can impact our view of the world, our sense of identity and ultimately our mental health.By Simeon Atkins

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S1, Ep10: The Meaning of Martial Arts | Leaving MMA, Finding Purpose & Fighting Male Depression 52:32

10M ago52:32

52:32

What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away? Losing your career or identity can be deeply unsettling, but it can also open the door to growth and purpose. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kojo Lewis, ex-professional MMA fighter, coach, and mentor, about men’s mental health, resilience, and life after sport. …

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Reflections: Recognising Postnatal Depression in Men. 7:42

10M ago7:42

7:42

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Tom Bailey, who shared his experience of suffering postnatal depression after the birth of his son.By Simeon Atkins

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S1, Ep 9: The Meaning of Porn Addiction | How Porn Dependency Fuels Depression, Anxiety & Isolation 50:51

10M ago50:51

50:51

More men in the UK struggle with porn addiction than gambling, yet it remains a hidden and stigmatised issue. Understanding and addressing it is crucial for men’s mental health and relationships. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Paula Hall, leading sexual and relationship psychotherapist, about porn addiction, men’s mental healt…

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Reflections: 'Believe in The Decency of Boys and Men'. 5:43

10M ago5:43

5:43

For this weeks reflections session we look back at our conversation with Dr Judy Chu, an expert in boys and men.By Simeon Atkins

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S1, Ep 8: The Meaning of Grief | Why Men Grieve Differently & What They Need to Heal 36:17

10M ago36:17

36:17

Could understanding how men truly process grief change the way we approach mental health? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Tom Golden, therapist and author, about men’s grief, emotional processing, and mental health. Tom shares insights from his work in grief therapy, explaining why traditional talk-based approaches often don’t wor…

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Reflections: It’s Not a Competition – Your Feelings are Valid. 5:06

10M ago5:06

5:06

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Firefighter and former Royal Marine Kyle Martin. Kyle reminded me that whether you're facing something big or small, your emotions matter—and you don’t have to diminish them.By Simeon Atkins

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S1, Ep 7: The Meaning of Extreme Sports (from 5k feet above sea level!) 27:54

10M ago27:54

27:54

What does it take to face fear, push boundaries, and grow as a man? Extreme challenges can reveal a lot about resilience, mental health, and personal growth. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to extreme mountaineer Jost Kobusch the day before his latest attempt to climb Mt Everest. Jost shares his journey from a boy afraid of heights t…

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Reflections: The 4 Types of Male Friendships. 4:02

10M ago4:02

4:02

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Geoff Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System. During our chat Geoff broke down the different types of male friendships he outlines in his book. This really got me thinking about my own circle of friends in a very different way.…

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S1, Ep 6: The Meaning of Postnatal Depression | Fatherhood, Anxiety & How to Get Help 51:14

10M ago51:14

51:14

1 in 10 fathers will experience postnatal depression, yet it remains largely unrecognised. Fatherhood can be rewarding, but it can also challenge men’s mental health in ways few talk about. In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Tom about his personal experience with postnatal depression, fatherhood, and men’s mental health. Tom shares t…

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Reflections: The Power of Perseverance (ft Chuckie Online). 5:05

11M ago5:05

5:05

For this weeks reflections session, we look back at our conversation with Radio 1 Xtra presenter and media personality Chuckie Online. During our interview, I asked Chuckie what he wanted his legacy to be. His answer was both unexpected and incredibly inspiring. I'll share why this stuck with me and how it's already helped me in aspects of my life.…