Key Highlights
- Pete Wicks interviews Sir Kier Starmer on masculinity and fatherhood for Men’s Mental Health Month.
- The Man Made podcast explores modern male role models and their thoughts on what it means to be a ‘good’ man.
- Sir Keir discusses challenges facing young men, his role models, and the impact of his brother’s cancer diagnosis.
- Episode scheduled for release on November 21, following Netflix’s Adolescence series which sparked conversations about masculinity.
Podcast Dive: Pete Wicks Interviews Sir Kier Starmer on Masculinity
Pete Wicks, a former cast member of The Only Way Is Essex, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with his podcast, Man Made. The show aims to explore what it means to be a modern male role model and has hosted numerous high-profile guests, including Vicky Pattison, Yungblud, Caitlin Moran, Olly Alexander, and Sam Ryder.
Exploring Masculinity: A Special Episode for Men’s Mental Health Month
The latest episode of Man Made marks a significant milestone. Pete Wicks has interviewed Sir Kier Starmer, the current leader of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, for a special episode that coincides with Men’s Mental Health Month. This unique collaboration highlights the growing importance of discussing mental health and masculinity beyond traditional gender roles.
Wicks’ mission is clear: to understand what it takes to be a ‘good’ man in today’s society. “Whether you voted for him, or whether you didn’t vote for him, he’s the guy in a position of power,” Wicks noted on Downing Street’s doorstep before their interview. “I’m going to try my best not to swear. Hopefully they’re going to let me in.”
Challenges and Reflections: Sir Kier Starmer Opens Up
In the podcast, Sir Keir delves into some of the biggest challenges facing young men today, including issues explored in Netflix’s recent drama series Adolescence. The show sparked important conversations about misogyny among teenage boys and inspired a deeper dialogue on masculinity.
Sir Kier also shares personal reflections on his role models and how being a father has changed his life. He discusses the impact of losing his brother, Nick Starmer, to cancer, which occurred last Boxing Day at the age of 60. This poignant episode adds a layer of emotional depth to their discussion.
“I think it’s important that we have these conversations and that we’re open about our feelings,” Sir Kier said during the interview, emphasizing the need for transparency in discussing mental health issues among men.
Reaching a Wider Audience: The Impact of Media
The release of this podcast episode follows closely on the heels of Sir Keir’s meeting with series creators, charities, and young people to discuss the issues raised by Adolescence. This initiative underscores the power of media in driving important societal discussions.
“It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about making a difference,” said Wicks. “By bringing together influential voices like Sir Kier, we can start to address some of these critical issues facing young men today.”
The episode will be available on listening platforms on November 21, offering listeners an opportunity to engage with this timely and thought-provoking conversation.
