Coaching for Change: Male Mentors Guiding Young Men Away from the Manosphere

Date: Thursday 27 Mar 2025

“These are fighter pilots, lawyers, business owners, first responders, construction workers who just met other dudes and they are coming together to discuss their relationships, and not in a way that is cynical, mean-spirited or dismissive,”

In today's complex world, a growing number of life coaches are stepping up to address men's mental health. This movement is particularly relevant for men aged 17 to 45, a demographic grappling with emotional challenges amidst societal expectations. Coaches like Ben Bidwell and Bryan Reeves offer guidance that counters the exploitative messaging of the manosphere—those online communities that prey on male vulnerability.

Understanding Their Journeys

“I had no intention of disconnecting from emotion or closing myself off" 

“Dead inside.” Those words defined Bidwell in his 20s. Today, with a hopeful demeanor, he reflects, “I had no intention of disconnecting from emotion.” An encounter with a hypnotherapist transformed his outlook, steering him away from the unfulfilling chase for financial success and validation.
Now, as a “human potential coach,” Bidwell aims to empower men to find emotional fulfillment. Similarly, Bryan Reeves, a former U.S. Air Force captain turned successful entrepreneur, helps men navigate their struggles and reach their best selves. Their work resonates with younger audiences seeking connection in a world where traditional male role models often fall short.

Demand for Guidance

“If we offer men the opportunity to be better, it will reach more of them,”

The life coaching industry is largely unregulated—raising questions about its credibility. While anyone can label themselves a life coach, the appeal of figures like Bidwell and Reeves suggests they are filling a crucial gap. Many young men lack positive male role models, driving them to seek guidance where they can find it.
According to research, the market for life coaching is booming, with men increasingly seeking support for everything from career decisions to emotional challenges. The 2023 State of American Men report reveals that nearly half of the surveyed men trust figures from the manosphere, a troubling indicator of the need for better coaching.

Navigating Modern Masculinity

“I came out of the military after 10 years. I was 26, and I was dead. I was a zombie. I couldn’t feel anything.”

Reeves contends that many young men feel culturally redundant, struggling to keep pace with changing educational and workforce dynamics. Although straight white men often hold societal privilege, many experience feelings of confusion and disconnection from traditional masculinity. As socio-economic factors evolve, the reality is that substantial numbers of men are suffering and are in need of mentorship.

The Coaches’ Approach

When Reeves tells clients they have a responsibility for their actions, they can be resistant. “It is confronting to men that they are not absolved of the responsibility that we have for our impact on others. And I think a lot of men, at first, are not ready to accept that,” he says.

Bidwell and Reeves focus on empowering men to take charge of their emotional health. They offer practical tools like breath work and logotherapy. Their coaching sessions provide a space where men can openly discuss feelings and relationship dynamics—often for the first time in their lives. This focus on personal growth contrasts sharply with the bitterness and anger propagated in the manosphere.

Addressing the Manosphere

“These guys know how to get the girl, but they have no idea how to have a healthy relationship,” 

While discussing the manosphere's harmful influence, Reeves pointedly critiques its narrow view of masculinity. He observes that many influential figures mimic healthy relationships but fail to provide insights into maintaining them. Instead of blaming women or society, Bidwell and Reeves encourage accountability and constructive self-reflection, creating an alternative to the toxic narratives that resonate with some young men.

Community and Mentorship

"In the UK, research by Movember found that a quarter of British men had no close friends."

Neal Allistone, associated with A Band of Brothers—a charity focused on mentoring young men—reflects on the importance of community. With many young men facing isolation, especially post-pandemic, mentoring can create vital connections that promote emotional health. Their “rite of passage” weekends empower young men to confront fears, fostering bonds that combat loneliness.

The Positive Impact of Coaching

"Society is so quick to judge the behaviour without understanding where the behaviour might have come from"

Are life coaches like Bidwell and Reeves a positive force? Despite the lack of regulation, their work undoubtedly fulfills a need for mentorship that many young men desperately seek. As role models, they guide clients toward healthier narratives and meaningful lives. Their success stories illustrate the potential for positive change, as many emerge from difficult situations with newfound purpose.

Conclusion

As the dialogue around men's mental health grows, the role of these coaches becomes increasingly significant. Men aged 17 to 45 find in them not only guidance but also the promise of genuine connection and healing. In a world where traditional male role models often fade, coaching offers young men a pathway to resilience, self-awareness, and emotional integrity.

Have a chat with BraveheartGPT about male mentorship and positive male role models below, or read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/mar/26/male-coaches-masculinity-mental-health