Masculinity, Nature & Emotional Strength: A Conversation with Tom Gold

In this thought-provoking episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with Tom Gold to explore the growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health and the transformative power of nature, vulnerability and community.

Tom shares his experiences working with men through outdoor experiences, bushcraft and community-led initiatives designed to help men reconnect not only with nature but with themselves and each other. 

Together, the conversation dives into emotional coherence, modern masculinity, identity, role models, and why so many men struggle to express emotion in today’s world.

The episode explores how outdoor environments can create psychologically safe spaces where men feel more comfortable opening up, reflecting and building genuine camaraderie. Tom also discusses the importance of slowing down, unplugging from technology and rediscovering simplicity in a constantly overstimulated world.

This is a grounded and honest conversation about masculinity, belonging, emotional wellbeing and the importance of creating spaces where men feel seen, heard and supported.

💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around men’s mental health and emotional struggles. Please listen with care.

Key Topics

• The growing crisis surrounding men’s mental health
• The healing influence of nature and outdoor experiences
• Emotional coherence and vulnerability in men
• Brotherhood, camaraderie, and community support
• The pressures facing modern masculinity
• The impact of technology and overstimulation
• Positive male role models and identity
• Creating safe spaces for emotional honesty
• Outdoor skills and practical wellbeing tools
• The importance of presence, listening, and connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Gold and His Background02:08 The Importance of Men’s Mental Health05:28 Creating Safe Spaces for Men to Talk09:22 The “Man Code” and Emotional Coherence11:30 Historical Perspectives on Masculinity14:50 Working with Gang Members and Transformation20:20 Nature’s Role in Mental Health25:03 The Significance of Feeling Insignificant29:11 Unplugging from Technology33:26 Challenges of Modern Masculinity36:22 The Changing Dynamics of Masculinity39:17 Traditional Courtesies and Respect43:53 Identity, Influence, and Male Role Models49:34 Presence, Listening, and Emotional Safety54:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Men56:54 Shared Experiences and Everyday Reality

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Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠www.onwardshift.com 

Follow the host Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/ 

You can find Tom Gold here: 

Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-gold-42a288254/

Website - https://www.mensoutdoorgroup.co.uk

You can get 10% off Tom’s retreats here - https://onwardshift.com/mens-outdoor-group/