The Hidden Crisis in Men’s Lives | with John Rich
NOW STREAMING ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS
Why are so many men waiting until crisis before they ask for help?
In Season 4, Episode 4 of Sh*ts F*cked, Paris sits down with John Rich, Chairperson ofMen’s Health and Wellbeing WA, to talk about men’s mental health, connection, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, suicide risk, and the pressure so many men carry in silence.
John has spent years working across addiction, domestic violence, prison re-entry, counselling, men’s groups, family mental health, Aboriginal emotional wellbeing, and community support.
Before that, he spent 30 years in engineering and large scale industry.
That lived shift gives him a rare view into the world many men are taught to survive in.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
• Why “just open up” does not work for every man
• How the “guy code” teaches boys to stay useful, strong, and quiet
• Why relationship breakdown can become a major risk point
• How men’s sheds and peer support create safer ways to connect
• Why shame does not stop violence
• What the HALT strategy can help someone notice before things spiral
Most people talk about men’s mental health like the answer is simple.
Talk more. Get help. Open up.
But John makes it clear that many men have spent their whole lives being trained to do the opposite.
They are taught to compete, provide, stay useful, and keep the messy emotional stuff locked away. So when life cracks open through a breakup, job loss, addiction, violence, shame, or loneliness, many men do not have the relationship skills, language, or support systems to know what to do with the pain.
This conversation is not about excusing harm.
It is about understanding what happens when men are expected to carry everything alone, then judged when they fall apart.
It is also about what becomes possible when men are met with connection, accountability, and practical support.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — and if these conversations matter to you, follow us so you never miss an episode.
About John Rich
John Rich is Chairperson of Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA, a peak body supporting the health and wellbeing of men and boys across Western Australia.
His background includes alcohol and other drugs, domestic violence, prison re-entry, family mental health, Aboriginal emotional wellbeing, counselling, and community support.
👉 Want to connect with Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA?
You can learn more about Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA and access resources through:
You can also download or access The Bloke’s Book, which includes contact details for multiple support agencies.
For immediate crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
You can also look into local men’s sheds in Western Australia as a way to build connection, community, and peer support.
Season 4 of Sh*ts F*cked is supported by Coach Carly, Elevate Beyond Co. and Your Recovery.
Need support? Visit our Australian crisis services directory →
