Episode 76 - Understanding Men, Emotions & How to Relate Better in Relationships with John Broadbent
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why do men process emotions so differently to women?” Or felt like you and your partner were speaking completely different emotional languages?
In this deeply insightful episode of It’s a Mindset, I’m joined by John Broadbent - men’s mentor, retreat facilitator and father - for a powerful conversation about men, emotions, relationships, and what it really means to understand one another more compassionately.
John has spent nearly 30 years working in men’s personal development, supporting men through major life transitions including midlife, fatherhood and the move into what he calls Eldership. Through his work - and his lived experience as a father and partner - John has witnessed firsthand how societal expectations and stereotypes shape the way boys and men learn (or don’t learn) to relate to their emotions.
This conversation is a grounded, honest exploration of how men experience and express emotions, how this differs from women, and how understanding those differences can profoundly improve our relationships - as partners, parents and humans.
A personal note from me I took so much from this episode. As someone in a long-term relationship - and as a mother of a son - this conversation gave me deeper insight into how men’s emotional worlds work, and how often misunderstandings arise not from lack of care, but from different emotional wiring and conditioning. It’s already shifted how I relate to my partner, and how I think about expectations, boundaries and communication - and I know it will do the same for many of you.
Key Episode Takeaways:
- How men experience and process emotions - and why this often looks different to women
- The impact of societal conditioning and expectations on boys and men
- Why emotional expression isn’t the same as emotional depth
- How understanding men’s inner worlds can improve communication and connection in relationships John’s use of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and why it’s central to his work with men
- Powerful parenting insights around boundaries, leadership and why being your child’s friend isn’t the same as being their parent
- How unrealistic expectations placed on children (and partners) can quietly damage connection
About the Guest:
John Broadbent is a dedicated father to two young men, a husband, and a business owner with nearly 30 years of experience in men’s personal development. As a specialist coach, mentor, retreat creator, and facilitator, he has witnessed first-hand the profound impact societal stereotypes have on boys and men, including his own sons. John designs and leads weeklong rite-of-passage programs for men navigating significant life transitions, such as midlife and later years, guiding them to explore the rich terrain of Eldership. Passionate about helping men define their legacy, he supports them in rediscovering their vitality, purpose, and passion for life as they age.
Show Resources:
Follow John on Instagram - HERE
Connect with John on Facebook - HERE
Check Out John's Website - HERE
Follow Emma, the Podcast Host on Instagram - HERE
Check Out Emma's 1:1 Coaching - HERE
Book a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call with Emma - HERE
If you LOVED this episode, please share it on your Instagram stories and tag @emmalagerlow and @manunplugged. And if it sparked reflection around your relationships, I’d love you to pass it on to someone who might need this perspective too.
Yours in understanding, connection & compassion, Emma. X.
