Stuart Dixon doesn’t mince his words – men, he says, are in crisis.

The 42-year-old self-employed digital marketeer reels off a string of shocking statistics to prove his point:

• UK men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women. Middle aged men are at greatest risk of suicide overall.
• Men report significantly lower life satisfaction than women in the government’s national wellbeing survey. Those aged 45 to 59 report the lowest levels.
• 73 per cent of adults who go missing are men.
• 87 per cent of rough sleepers are men.
• Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent.
• Men make up 95 per cent of the prison population.
• Men commit 86 per cent of violent crime – and are twice as likely to be victims of violent crime.

“These appalling findings highlight a crisis,” said Stuart.

“Quite simply men are struggling with the pressures and expectations put on them.

“Modern men are currently lost, wandering around without purpose.

“The modern form of masculinity requires self-awareness, balance, emotional and spiritual fitness.

“To become the best version of themselves men need to do the work.”

And that is where Stuart, a married father of three who’s experienced his own dark moments, comes in.

In 2005 he came up with the idea of providing a service for men who are struggling, allowing them to thrive.

The question was how to do it.

He’s not a therapist, doctor or personal trainer.

But Stuart is a skilled producer and content marketer.

Which is why, 15 years after first hatching his plan, he’ll be using his skills to bring his new venture to life.

With your help.

It’s a podcast called The Ignited Man.

Described as a positive force to help men change their lives, it will share the very best ideas and strategies for self-mastery.

As Stuart puts it: “Amazing people to the people who need them most.”

The podcast will include news, stories and insightful conversations with the world’s best authors, health professionals, entrepreneurs, coaches and more.

Stuart already has more than 20 episodes being lined up.

The guests all care deeply about men’s wellbeing, says Stuart, and have insights and stories to share.

They include:

• Dr Anthony Balduzzi (Fit Father Project).
• Rowans Andrews (Certified men’s coach and Founder of No More Mr Nice Guy®, the UK-based men’s coaching and support group).
• Mark Metry (TEDx Keynote Speaker and host of the Global Top 100 Humans 2.0 Podcast)
• Jason Miller (Leadership coach)
• Deron Essex (International spiritual life coach)
• James Guildford (Leadership coach – ‘The boss whisperer’)
• Luke Shaw (Host of the (im)perfect podcast).

Stuart said: “I am striving to make this podcast one of the best, most popular and respected podcasts in the UK.

“With the help of support networks, structure, dialogue, openness, empathy, empowerment with equality for all, the ‘new man’ has the power to move mountains for their families and the rest of the world.

“I want to play my part in achieving this.”

Stuart has now launched a crowdfunding drive to raise £7,000 to cover the costs of the first season of 12 episodes, as well as several bonus and special episodes.

Full details can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/menswellbeingmatters.

Rewards are offered for those donating £10 and above.

There are also sponsorship and advertising options for businesses wishing to align their brands to what will be a positive campaign.

Stuart admits he’s had his own experience of mental health issues and depression over the years.

His father, Derek, died from cancer at the age of 53 and he also lost his grandfather, grandmother, aunt and cousin within the space of a short few years.

*It left me without a rudder,” said Stuart.

He also underwent major spinal surgery in 2011, leaving him unable to work for 18 months, and had a tumour removed from his neck which he admits massively affected his self-confidence.

Stuart worked for Dorset Chamber as its Head of Communications and Marketing for nearly four years until December and was Project Director of the Dorset Business Awards (DBA).

He said he had enjoyed “incredible support” from his wife Hannah, mother Joy and other family and friends during difficult times.

Stuart added: “These podcasts are as much my journey as those who will be listening and, hopefully, inspired by them.

“If I can only help one man get off the floor then I will consider it a success.”