119: The Healthy Debate Show with Dr. Belynder Walia - Episode 119119: The Healthy Debate Show with Dr. Belynder Walia - Episode 119
UK Health Radio Podcast
Dr Belynder Walia talks with barrister and filmmaker Harish Sood about masculinity, macho culture and why men often struggle to share their feelings. The conversation touches on alcohol, addiction, generational patterns and practical ways men can start seeking emotional support.
45:20•11 Sept 2026
Masculinity, Macho Culture and Men’s Mental Health with Harish Sood
Episode Overview
- Many men learn very early that showing emotion is wrong, especially in cultures that glorify macho behaviour and drinking.
- Unspoken expectations to be providers, protectors and problem solvers can create intense pressure and emotional suppression.
- Support can start with charities, community groups, interest‑based clubs or a single trusted friend who genuinely listens.
- Sometimes you need to step out of familiar social circles that feel unsafe emotionally and seek spaces where you can be accepted as you are.
- Less judgement and more acceptance of who men truly are could prevent significant emotional harm and break harmful generational patterns.
“If we could have less judgment and more acceptance in this world, we would all live in a better place.”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction and emotional pressure while trying to live up to "macho" expectations? This conversation on The Healthy Debate Show with Dr Belynder Walia and guest Harish Sood zeroes in on men’s mental health, masculinity and why vulnerability still feels risky for so many men.
Harish shares how his life as both a barrister and award‑winning filmmaker grew out of childhood influences: a photographer father in Punjab, creative encouragement from family, and a strong sense of justice. That mix led him to use law and film to shine a light on complex male experiences, including alcoholism and addiction linked to macho party culture, especially in Punjabi and other communities.
You’ll hear Harish describe the "macho injection" boys receive early on at weddings, parties and pubs, where men are celebrated for drinking, shouting at football and hiding feelings. He argues that many men simply "were never trained" to talk, so emotions get buried until they implode. The chat touches on transgenerational patterns too, where unspoken behaviour and pressure quietly pass from one generation to the next.
Dr Walia and Harish talk practically about where a man can start if he’s spent years suppressing his emotions: charities, local community groups, interest‑based clubs and, crucially, one safe friend who actually listens. Harish suggests sometimes you have to "step out to step in"—leave the familiar crowd that feels anything but emotionally safe, and find people who accept you as you are.
There’s also a gentle, unexpected angle: the way caring for his dog Pancho has helped Harish connect with his own inner self, offering laughter, companionship and a form of selfless service. At its heart, this episode asks for less judgement and more acceptance, urging men to be the kind of man they truly are, not the one they were told to be. So, what small step could you take today towards sharing how you really feel?
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