I recently had the pleasure of joining Julia Davis on the Circle Holding Podcast - a series exploring the joys and challenges of creating safe spaces for people to talk, listen and grow together.
In the conversation I spoke about my own journey into this work, and how collaboration has been central to it - especially in co-founding the Uncommon Man men’s group alongside Josh Connolly and Mark Briant.
What started as a small gathering has grown into a monthly community where over 100 men come together to reflect, connect and grow. Through grounding practices, coaching, open sharing and breathwork, Uncommon Man creates the kind of space that many of us don’t often find elsewhere - a space to breathe, think, and have more honest conversations about how we’re really doing.
What we talked about
- How supporting a mate first drew me into circle work
- Why lockdown was a catalyst for change
- The value of teamwork and collaboration in circle
- How to support friends who are struggling with their mental health
- Experiencing circle before stepping into facilitation
- Using breathwork as part of emotional release
- Creating continuity and structure so circles can thrive
Why this matters for wellbeing at work
Although much of my circle work has been in men’s groups, the principles carry into the workplace too. When people come together in a supportive environment, it builds trust, empathy and resilience - all qualities that help teams thrive.
At That Day we’ve developed workshops that bring these practices into professional settings:
- Breathwork for Emotional Release – teaching practical tools to release stress and restore balance.
- Uncommon Man – offering a space for men to connect, share openly, and strengthen resilience through group connection.
Final thought
Circle work has shaped the way I support others - and myself. If you’re curious about how these approaches could help your team or community, I’d love for you to get in touch.
