Chris Hemmings sits down with George from TheTinMen, a platform dedicated to evidence-based, unapologetic advocacy around the issues affecting men and boys. Together they explore the tension between facts, narratives and compassion in the gender equality space – and what happens when you challenge long-held assumptions about men’s lives.
George speaks candidly about his decision to stay anonymous, the backlash he faces, and why he believes real progress requires discomfort. The conversation moves from male victims of abuse to politics, charity, masculinity and courage – asking what it truly means to stand up for men’s wellbeing in a divided cultural landscape.
What we cover
- Why The Tin Men started and the philosophy behind “evidence-based advocacy”
- The backlash against challenging gender narratives
- The realities of male victims of abuse and violence
- Why statistics about men often go unshared or ignored
- The difference between being anti-feminist and scrutinising ideas
- Criticism of large men’s charities and how to make change responsibly
- The emotional toll of this work and how George protects his mental health
- Finding integrity and hope in difficult advocacy spaces
Listen and watch
🎧 Listen to all episodes here: No Man’s an Island
🎧 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxWqfrekmMA&t=44s
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-personal-cost-of-showing-compassion-for-men/id1849171262?i=1000737168024
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IZQWTXhA5Uz6melVBoPoI?si=iWSsK2FCS32vL-NzHbp2-g
Takeaways for men
- Speaking up about men’s issues doesn’t mean being anti-women – it means broadening the conversation.
- Progress always feels uncomfortable; it’s supposed to.
- Data and empathy both matter – one without the other doesn’t create real understanding.
- Personal boundaries are vital when working in divisive spaces.
- The goal isn’t to win arguments but to make life better for men and boys.
Quotes to share
“What’s right and what’s popular are seldom the same.” – George, The Tin Men
“Progress isn’t achieved by guardians of morality, but by mad men, heretics, dreamers, hermits and sceptics.” – Stephen Fry, quoted by George
“It’s not as hard as being one of those men who is being abused today.” – George
“Being a progressive means being uncomfortable – that’s what progress feels like.” – George
Resources and links
Episode credits
Host: Chris Hemmings
Guest: George from The Tin Men
Produced by: Men’s Therapy Hub
