Episodes

  • A Short Ramble and Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Community Engagement

    A Short Ramble and Looking Ahead: Future Conversations and Community Engagement
    Nov 29 2024
    In this episode, Alex Holmes introduces the Time to Talk Project, exploring the themes of emotional honesty, masculinity, mental health, and the importance of relationships. He discusses the four pillars of concern that guide his work: spirituality, masculinity, work and leadership, and relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for deeper discussions around mental health and the role of the community in fostering connection and understanding. The Time to Talk project aims to explore what it means to be alive today. Emotional honesty is crucial for genuine connections. Masculinity is in crisis and needs to be addressed. Mental health is a priority in today's disconnected world. Relationships are at the heart of the Time to Talk project. Spirituality can provide a greater connection to ourselves and others. Leadership requires bravery and self-reflection. Community engagement is essential for mental health support. Conversations about masculinity should include diverse perspectives. One meaningful conversation can spark significant change. I am so glad you got this far. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Ask Questions  You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Healing Emotional Wounds: A Journey Begins

    Healing Emotional Wounds: A Journey Begins
    Nov 21 2024
    In this episode, Alex Holmes explores the emotional and psychological landscapes of fathers and sons, focusing on healing unspoken emotional wounds. He discusses the impact of silence and stoicism in familial relationships, particularly in the context of masculinity and cultural expectations. Through the story of Isaac and his father Thomas, Alex illustrates the journey of breaking the cycle of silence, embracing vulnerability, and fostering emotional literacy. The episode emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, open communication, and creating a supportive environment for emotional expression. Takeaways Healing begins with breaking the silence. The legacy of silence can weigh heavily on future generations. Forgiveness is essential for personal growth. Emotional literacy is crucial for healthy relationships. Creating space for emotions fosters connection. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. The cycle of unspoken expectations can be broken. Open communication is key to understanding. What we teach the next generation shapes their future. You're not alone in your struggles. Chapters 00:00 Healing Emotional Wounds: A Personal Journey 09:36 The Legacy of Silence: Fathers and Sons 18:52 Breaking the Cycle: Steps to Healing Thank you for listening! I am so glad you got this far. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Mindful Monday | It's Okay Not To Be Okay | "Challenge that voice."

    Mindful Monday | It's Okay Not To Be Okay | "Challenge that voice."
    Nov 18 2024
    In this episode of Mindful Monday, Alex Holmes discusses the overwhelming nature of modern life and the importance of recognizing that it's okay to not be okay. He emphasizes the necessity of connection and reaching out to others during tough times. Alex also explores the inner critic that many face and encourages listeners to challenge negative self-talk. Finally, he shares grounding practices to help navigate life's chaos and reminds us that progress is made through small, imperfect moments. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Storm of Life 02:51 The Importance of Connection 05:07 Challenging Inner Criticism I am so glad you got this far. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 mins
  • Session 012 | Ton Mazzone: Breaking The Cycle for Better Kids.

    Session 012 | Ton Mazzone: Breaking The Cycle for Better Kids.
    Nov 14 2024
    In this episode of Time To Talk, Ton Mazzone brings a level of understanding and depth that I have struggled to reach at points in my life. In this conversation, we talk about: Masculinity in parenthood; Breaking patterns as a father; Creativity and mental health; Trauma and self-care; Comedy and anxiety; His 7-year journey to wellness. As ever, if you want the full video of the episode you can find that on PATREON. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Mindful Moment | 'The perfect life is a mirage.'

    Mindful Moment | 'The perfect life is a mirage.'
    Nov 11 2024
    In this episode, Alex Holmes introduces the concept of Mindful November, focusing on men's mental health and the importance of mindfulness in decision-making. He discusses the burden of choice and freedom, emphasizing how modern men feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options available to them. Through existential psychotherapy, he explores the idea that while we may never make the perfect choice, we can find richness in commitment and acceptance of our paths. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their choices and the nature of freedom in their lives. Takeaways Mindful November aims to promote mental health awareness. Men's mental health is a central theme this month. Freedom can feel like a burden due to endless choices. Each decision carries an undercurrent of 'what if'. The pressure to succeed can paralyze decision-making. Existential psychotherapy teaches acceptance of our choices. Life's richness comes from commitment, not endless options. The perfect life is an illusion; embrace imperfection. Acceptance is key to navigating life's varying paths. Community engagement is encouraged for shared experiences. Thank you for listening. I am so glad you got this far. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 mins
  • #2 MINDFUL MOVEMBER SERIES | WHO AM I?

    #2 MINDFUL MOVEMBER SERIES | WHO AM I?
    Nov 8 2024
    Welcome back to Time to Talk with Alex Holmes. Today is Day 2 of our Movember journey, and we’re diving straight into one of the most essential questions of all: Who am I? This question may sound simple, but beneath it lies a whole world of complexity. So many of us define ourselves by our roles, titles, or what we do. I’m a father. I’m an artist. I’m a leader. I’m a provider. These labels give us a sense of identity, but they’re just one part of who we are. The question “Who am I?” has been asked throughout history, by philosophers, spiritual teachers, and anyone searching for deeper understanding. In the context of existential mental health, this question invites us to look beyond the surface—to explore who we are beneath those roles, beneath the expectations, and even beneath what we think we “should” be. I am so glad you got this far. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Substack Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    8 mins
  • SESSION 011 | AMANI SIMPSON: 'FIND SOMEONE YOU CAN BE VULNERABLE WITH.'

    SESSION 011 | AMANI SIMPSON: 'FIND SOMEONE YOU CAN BE VULNERABLE WITH.'
    Nov 7 2024
    Tune in for a conversation that goes deeper than the usual narrative of resilience. In our latest episode, Amani shares not only his journey through life-changing challenges but also the transformative power of vulnerability in healing and connection. In 2011, Amani Simpson survived a near-fatal knife attack that marked a profound turning point in his life. Today, he dedicates his work to guiding young people away from cycles of violence and despair. Through his social enterprise, AVIARD Inspires CIC, and partnerships with impactful initiatives like Apprentice Nation and The Commission on Young Lives, Amani leads with an unshakable purpose. Amani’s commitment extends beyond community initiatives—he's also a secondary school governor, a trustee of a top creative college, and a board member at a leading Christian media production company. As a creative force, Amani took his first steps into filmmaking in 2018, producing and starring in the powerful short film AMANI, which reached one million views within days of release and continues to resonate with nearly four million viewers. Every story he tells is rooted in honesty, thought-provoking themes, and upliftment. Driven by a mission to add value through his lived experience and deep connections, Amani's goal is to impact lives by building safe spaces for growth, truth, and healing. Join us in this episode to explore why he believes finding someone to be vulnerable with can be a life-changing key to resilience. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • #1 MINDFUL MOVEMBER SERIES | LIFE'S BIGGEST QUESTIONS

    #1 MINDFUL MOVEMBER SERIES | LIFE'S BIGGEST QUESTIONS
    Nov 4 2024
    Welcome to Time to Talk with Alex Holmes, and thank you for joining me for our journey through men’s mental health this Movember. Over the next month, we’ll take 10 minutes each day to slow down, reflect, and explore what it means to live with authenticity and purpose—without the noise, clutter, and external expectations that often weigh us down. Today, we’re laying the groundwork by talking about existentialism and mental health. You might wonder—why existentialism? Why this philosophical approach? What makes it relevant, especially now? Existentialism is a philosophy that focuses on life’s biggest questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What do I want my life to mean? These questions have been around for centuries, but they’re especially important for men in today’s world. We live in a time where external definitions and societal expectations can often feel like a mold we have to fit. Yet, existentialism offers us another way—a way to live authentically, rooted in personal values, and to create meaning from the inside out. I am so glad you got this far. Please have a look at my website if you are interested in speaking about what I do, and get in touch. Website Podcast Patreon Substack Ask Questions You are awesome. Stay that way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    8 mins