I know, for many, the thought of “men’s spaces” fills them with fear and trepidation. As if such a place is somewhere men convene to plan how to take over and oppress the world; where misogyny breeds, and so-called “toxic masculinity” is cultivated. But I’ve been invited to many such spaces, and they’re usually just full of men playing ping pong, lifting weights, or talking about how difficult work has been that week. They’re places where men listen to one another about relationships, loneliness, financial problems, or difficult things they’ve experienced. It’s men walking up mountains, climbing trees, and cooking dinner over a campfire. It’s men playing board games, reading books, whittling sticks, or chucking axes at targets. It’s men sharing, and caring, with and for one another. I’m not saying malevolent spaces for men don’t exist.. I’m just saying I’ve never been to one. All I’ve seen are interventions that are quite literally life-saving and transformative, not to mention the extraordinary good they do for society. Health services win… the taxpayer wins… and most importantly, the men win too. So what’s not to like? Discussing the importance of “men’s spaces” with Mandem Meetup founder and CEO Jamie Dennis… Full podcast out now Footage by Nathan Baxter Find Mandem Meetup at mandemmeetup.org

2026-10-20