Professor Green on Men’s Mental Health, Sobriety and Why So Many Men Wait Too Long to Talk

The MarshyCast

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Thursday, 7 May 2026 - 10 minutes

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Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are switched off. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with rapper, actor and mental health activist Professor Green, also known as Stephen Manderson, to talk about men’s mental health, sobriety, and why so many men only seem able to open up after a drink. 

Before we got into the heavier subjects, there was a moment of nostalgia as I asked whether he remembered interviewing with me around 15 years ago. The answer was… sort of. Which felt fair enough. 

But the heart of the conversation focused on what some experts are now calling “crisis point culture” among men. The idea that many men don’t seek support until things have already spiralled too far. 

Stephen spoke openly about his own journey, including the decision to step away from alcohol and embrace sobriety. Not from a place of restriction, but from recognising that life simply felt better without it. 

That naturally led into a fascinating discussion about touring and live music culture. For many artists, alcohol is woven into the social side of the job. Stephen explained how different life on the road feels sober, especially as he prepares to tour again with Example. 

Perhaps the most striking part of the conversation, though, was the question so many people quietly recognise: why do men often need alcohol before they feel able to tell each other how they really feel? 

It’s an honest, thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful discussion about vulnerability, identity and finding healthier ways to connect. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

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