Pete Wicks chats masculinity and the new season of Man Made
Season two of Pete's podcast is out now!
After a hit first season and a special episode with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Pete Wicks’ refreshingly honest podcast ‘Man Made’ is back for season two. You can listen to the first episode with rapper Pro Green now on Rayo, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
If you didn’t listen to the podcast last year – and we strongly recommend catching up – Pete chats to friends, peers and public figures about modern masculinity. Him and his guests talk openly about the traits that define them, the moments they’ve got it wrong, and changing perceptions of masculinity. No topic is off limits.
To celebrate the release of season two, we sat down with Pete to talk about his favourite guests so far, what to expect from season two and the one guest he’d love to have on the show.
Why did you start the 'Man Made' podcast?
"I think there’s power in conversation, especially with a varied group of people. Podcasts have an extraordinary power in reaching people – the community of listeners and crucially those around them. Male mental health is a topic which needs highlighting; suicide is still the biggest killer for men under 50 and I believe we all have a duty to do something about it."
Why do you think it’s important to talk about, and challenge the meaning of, modern masculinity?
"We are in an age where there are so many varied definitions of masculinity. Social media can rule narratives, and not often for the better. Conversations can educate and encourage all generations – we just need to reach them with important, healthy, open conversations. It was our first season, so we didn’t know what to expect when we first launched the podcast. For it to then have over a million downloads and top the charts was so important for visibility on conversations about masculinity."
What was your biggest takeaway from season one?
"Every guest, from authors, presenters and singers to the Prime Minister, had their personal stories and different views on masculinity – and ‘what makes a good man’."
Who were your favourite guests and why?
"I genuinely don’t have a favourite guest, they all brought so much to season one.
Tom Grennan, Yungblud, Olly Alexander and Sam Ryder are all great guys with an insight to fame and masculinity. Jake Humphrey, Dave Berry and Joel Dommett are presenting legends, who were gracious speaking about their own journeys. Caitlin Moran was brilliant and funny, as was my mate Vicky Pattison. Billy Billingham is a legend, I’d known him a long time so it was great having him on the show.
As for my best mate Sam Thompson … it was a powerful hour for us, and we spoke about things we probably wouldn’t have otherwise."
You interviewed the PM late last year for a special episode of 'Man Made'. What was the most surprising thing you learned in that conversation?
"I think the episode showed a different side to the PM which the listeners appreciated. He answered all of my questions graciously, including the quick-fire ones. I enjoyed the experience at Downing St and was really pleased he agreed to do it."
What can we expect from season two?
"I think more of the same to be honest. I’d be really pleased if we have another season like the first."
Who are your biggest role models and why?
"My Nan was my biggest role model. She always said 'no one is better than you, and you are better than no one.'"
If you could have anyone on the show, who would it be and why?
"Prince William would be great. He does so much work already within the male mental health sector and I know would have great insight into masculinity and the rising male suicide stats."
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How do I listen to Man Made?
Listen on Rayo, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
Can I still catch up on season one?
Of course! All of season one is still available on Rayo or wherever you get your podcasts.
How can I stay up to date?
Follow @ManMadePod on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for all the latest updates.