Mental wellness is getting the attention that it needs – but for men, it often remains concealed in the shadows of societal expectations. We live in a world where men are meant to be “cowboys” who certainly don’t cry. They are viewed as the “pillars of strength", unwavering and unyielding. This expectation has, for generations, confined men to a mental prison of their own making, where demons of despair and suicidal ideation lurk in the murky corners.
But today, a societal shift is underway… and men are speaking out. They are breaking free from the confines of traditional masculinity, rejecting the notion that vulnerability is synonymous with weakness, and finding strength in the act of seeking help.
Listen to the episode
In our first episode, we talk to comedian Jason Goliath, who has chosen to laugh through his tears. Literally. And explore how, and if, humour helped him cope during some of his darkest moments. We also speak to experts and professionals, Andrew Martin (senior psychologist) and Sinenhlanhla Sithomo (Head of Insurance Business, Investec Life), who carefully guide us and help us navigate the space of men’s mental health and wellness.
Meet the panel
Jason Goliath
Comedian
Jason Goliath
Comedian
Jason Goliath is a household name in South Africa. He is a celebrated comedian and actor whose career has gone from strength to strength. It wasn’t however always like that, and while Jason was making South Africans laugh, he was privately battling with his mental health - leading to many dark moments and much suffering. Severe depression led Jason down a difficult path and at one point he even attempted suicide, following a series of devastating disappointments and hurdles. Today, Jason bravely speaks out about his journey to mental wellness, what gave him strength, where he finds hope and how he hopes to inspire and help others along the way.
Andrew Martin
Senior Psychologist
Andrew Martin
Senior Psychologist
As a clinical psychologist, Andrew is passionate about human potential. He currently forms part of an elite team of professionals at Maureen Kark & Associates, where he endeavours to go beyond the alleviation of psychological suffering, towards the facilitation of a meaningful life. His passion for understanding the struggles and complexities inherent in the human experience has steered him towards a career in Psychology. He strongly believes that the human spirit doesn't break, it bounces. Andrew holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Free State and has over 10 years of experience.
Sinenhlanhla Sithomo
Head of Insurance Business: Investec Life
Sinenhlanhla Sithomo
Head of Insurance Business: Investec Life
Sinenhlanhla Sithomo is a cross-functional team leader within Investec. He leads the life insurance business at Investec Life and is responsible for product development, pricing, and insurance innovation.
Over the years, he has gained widespread actuarial experience working on South Africa’s leading brands, in life insurance, healthcare financing, savings, and investments focusing on product design, product management, and technical marketing.
He is a qualified actuary and holds a Bachelors of Business Science (Actuarial Science) from the University of Cape Town.
Jason Goliath
Comedian
Jason Goliath
Comedian
Jason Goliath is a household name in South Africa. He is a celebrated comedian and actor whose career has gone from strength to strength. It wasn’t however always like that, and while Jason was making South Africans laugh, he was privately battling with his mental health - leading to many dark moments and much suffering. Severe depression led Jason down a difficult path and at one point he even attempted suicide, following a series of devastating disappointments and hurdles. Today, Jason bravely speaks out about his journey to mental wellness, what gave him strength, where he finds hope and how he hopes to inspire and help others along the way.
Andrew Martin
Senior Psychologist
Andrew Martin
Senior Psychologist
As a clinical psychologist, Andrew is passionate about human potential. He currently forms part of an elite team of professionals at Maureen Kark & Associates, where he endeavours to go beyond the alleviation of psychological suffering, towards the facilitation of a meaningful life. His passion for understanding the struggles and complexities inherent in the human experience has steered him towards a career in Psychology. He strongly believes that the human spirit doesn't break, it bounces. Andrew holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Free State and has over 10 years of experience.
Sinenhlanhla Sithomo
Head of Insurance Business: Investec Life
Sinenhlanhla Sithomo
Head of Insurance Business: Investec Life
Sinenhlanhla Sithomo is a cross-functional team leader within Investec. He leads the life insurance business at Investec Life and is responsible for product development, pricing, and insurance innovation.
Over the years, he has gained widespread actuarial experience working on South Africa’s leading brands, in life insurance, healthcare financing, savings, and investments focusing on product design, product management, and technical marketing.
He is a qualified actuary and holds a Bachelors of Business Science (Actuarial Science) from the University of Cape Town.
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