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

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Follow Onward Shift:

* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/

* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/

* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift

* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/

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/

In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, The podcast that opens a door into men's mental health. Real Men. Real Stories. Real Mental Health Conversations, host Yinka Yesufu sits down with Vishal Narbheram, founder of Onward Shift, for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, identity and resilience. Vish shares his personal journey through mental health struggles while working in the construction industry an environment where conversations around emotional wellbeing are often overlooked. He opens up about the pressures, the internal battles and the turning points that led him to seek therapy, understand emotional regulation and ultimately create Onward Shift a platform designed to make mental health support more accessible within construction. The conversation also explores wider themes, including race and diversity within the industry, the impact of societal expectations and social media on younger generations and the importance of building safe, supportive communities where men can speak openly without judgement. This episode is not just a story it’s a reflection on what happens when men begin to talk and the change that can follow when they do.

Key Topics

• Mental health challenges within the construction industry
• Emotional regulation and the role of therapy
• Race, diversity, and lived experience in construction
• The pressures facing young people today
• Building support systems and safe spaces for men
• The creation and mission of Onward Shift
• Turning personal struggle into purpose

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Credibility00:59 A Day in the Life: Routine & Structure02:50 Personal Background & Entry into Construction06:16 Race, Diversity & Industry Challenges10:51 Overcoming Racism & Building Resilience20:52 Recognising Mental Health Struggles30:28 Therapy & Emotional Regulation39:16 Talking to Youth & Breaking Stigma47:33 Mental Health in Construction52:18 Support Systems & Industry Change57:03 Onward Shift: Purpose & Platform01:00:45 Self-Care & Personal Responsibility01:04:36 Advice to Younger Self & Closing

🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.

Links to Onward Shift:

Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

TikTok - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠⁠

Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠⁠

Vishal Narbheram - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ ⁠

Links to The Hurt Locker Podcast:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100092582456788

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehurtlockerpod/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hurtlockerpodcast

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehurtlockerpod

Website - https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com

Courageous Productions - https://www.instagram.com/courageous_productions/?hl=en

Tim Roe (production artist) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timroewp/