Feb. 27, 2026
Midlife Awakening: Finding Fulfillment After 50
Midlife Awakening: Finding Fulfillment After 50 Ep 393, February 27, 2026
Philip Briscoe on Midlife Identity, Men Speaking Up, and Finding Fulfillment After 50
Host Andy Grant interviews Philip Briscoe, host of the Mid-life Men Podcast, about his midlife turning point at 50 after leaving a tech job where he felt undervalued and experiencing poor health (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, fatty liver) tied to stress, depression, anxiety, and unhealthy habits. Struggling with identity beyond work, Briscoe created a podcast to fill the lack of resources for men navigating midlife, sharing recovery narratives about mental health, purpose, and fulfillment; this led to a consulting business, stage shows, and a book, Men Speak Up, adapted from 14 interviews.
He discusses common signs of depression, the importance of talking to others and men’s groups, normalizing taboo topics including suicidal feelings, and reframing midlife as a serious, natural life phase rather than a cliché crisis.
Exploring Midlife Questions
At the age of 50, Philip found himself contemplating the profound question, “Who am I?” This introspection arose from a culmination of experiences, from feeling a sense of failure and comparison to struggling with authenticity in his career and personal life. These questions are common among men navigating midlife, as societal pressures often expect them to have everything figured out by then.
A Transformative Journey
Philip recounts his experience of investing a decade in a company, only to feel undervalued and dissatisfied. His work-life imbalance led to severe health issues, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Faced with these challenges, Philip decided to carve out a new path through his platform, the Midlife Men Podcast. His initiative created a haven for midlife men to openly discuss identity, purpose, mental health, and fulfillment.
The Power of Conversation
The podcast has become a channel for men worldwide to share personal narratives and recovery stories. Through these dialogues, Philip discovered that fulfillment doesn’t come from career success alone but from engaging with others and initiating change. His endeavor also includes a book, “Men Speak Up,” encapsulating numerous inspiring stories he has encountered.
Recognizing Midlife as a Serious Phase
The conversation delves into misconceptions surrounding midlife crises. Philip emphasizes that real midlife challenges are more profound than the cliché of buying motorcycles or making impulsive decisions. Instead, men should prepare for the hormonal, psychological, and existential changes that accompany this life stage.
Finding Fulfillment and Purpose
As Philip shares, reaching fulfillment is an ongoing journey. He encourages men to engage with their true desires and confront their fears. With his experience of writing fiction and pursuing his dreams, Philip exemplifies that embracing one’s passions can significantly enhance personal satisfaction.
Connect and Explore
For those interested in exploring these insights further, Philip invites listeners to connect via the podcast’s website, midlifemen.com, or through LinkedIn. He encourages men with stories to share to reach out and contribute to this essential dialogue.
Final Thoughts
One of the most crucial takeaways from Andy and Philip’s conversation is the importance of being true to oneself. Men are encouraged to shed pretenses, embrace authenticity, and foster real connections. Andy’s Authentic AF community offers a supportive space for men desiring profound conversations and growth.
Join the Conversation
Join the journey of self-discovery and authentic expression in Authentic AF. Visit realmenfeel.org/group to connect with like-minded individuals searching for genuine dialogue and connections. Share this conversation with someone who might benefit from hearing these honest reflections, because connection transforms lives, and silence alienates them.
Connect with Philip
Philip Briscoe — https://www.mid-lifemen.com/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/midlifemenpodcast/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/midlifemen/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbriscoe/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/midlifemenpodcast/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/midlifemen/
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbriscoe/
Resources
Men Speak Up: Journeys Through Mental Health by Philip Briscoe — https://amzn.to/4kT4QgJ
Tune In
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Enjoy Real Men Feel on Spotify
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Enjoy Real Men Feel on Spotify
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
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