These podcasts were made in association between NHS England and Men In Nursing Together (MINT). You will hear about the importance of men taking up roles in nursing as well as the variety of roles that are available to them.
To open the series David Gwinnell, adult nurse and founder of Men Into Nursing Together (MINT), introduces why we need to talk about men in nursing. He speaks about what still gets in the way, and how MINT has grown into a supportive community helping male nurses feel connected, confident and able to thrive. Before we explore the different fields of nursing and midwifery, David helps us understand the bigger picture behind the work.
What is it really like to be a male midwife? In this episode, Mills shares his journey from Zambia to Bath, reflects on the joy and privilege of supporting women and families through pregnancy and birth, and speaks honestly about the stereotypes and barriers that men in midwifery can still face. It is an open and inspiring conversation about career, care and the importance of being visible for the next generation.
What does a career in mental health nursing really look like, and where can it take you? In this episode, Neil shares his route into healthcare, reflects on the importance of work-life balance and self-awareness, and speaks about the breadth of opportunities that nursing can offer over time. He also explores some of the myths about men in nursing and why variety, lifelong learning and life experience matter so much. It is an honest and thoughtful conversation about purpose, progression and making a difference.
In this episode, Sam shares his journey from an arts background into nursing and reflects on the rewards and challenges of supporting people with complex needs. He talks about the breadth of roles within learning disability nursing, the importance of systems and teamwork, and why this specialist field deserves greater visibility. It is an honest and thoughtful conversation about purpose, progression and making a difference.
Learning disability nurse James Cook talks about finding nursing through his values, not through a fixed career plan. From community roles and school settings to advanced practice, research and consultant-level leadership, James shares a thoughtful and inspiring account of how nursing can offer purpose, progression and a professional identity that grows over time.
What can nursing look like when clinical skill, technology and problem-solving come together? In this episode, Fergal O’Malley shares a career that has taken him from Australia to London, Qatar and Cornwall, from children’s intensive care and newborn baby care to patient safety and innovation. He talks about testing AI voice technology that can help teams understand what happens in emergency situations, learn from it and improve care. It is a warm and inspiring conversation about teamwork, leadership, travel and the many directions nursing can take you.
In this episode, Alex shares his journey from training as an adult nurse to leading the South West Endoscopy Training Academy. He talks honestly about what people still get wrong about men in nursing, the reality of the job, and the many different paths a nursing career can open up. It is a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about resilience, opportunity and why nursing is a profession to be proud of.
Christian Brailsford’s career did not follow the path he first expected. After an early start in the Royal Marines was cut short, nursing opened up a new direction, taking him from intensive care to national patient safety work and senior regional leadership. In this final episode, Christian reflects on the variety, purpose and opportunity nursing can offer, and why more men should take a closer look.