Topic: Lockdown Health

Nick Medlock describes the onset of severe burnout in his late twenties, which was significantly exacerbated by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a business owner responsible for 40 employees and vulnerable clients, the stress led to chronic insomnia and a dangerous decline in physical health. Despite the internal struggle, Medlock felt a societal pressure to continue working without showing weakness or stopping.

The hosts discuss the physical reality of putting on weight during the lockdown period, specifically noting how waistcoats and "skinny fit" clothing no longer fit. They joke about the transition from being "fit forever" to realizing they have developed a "ponche" or bulk around the midsection. This realization serves as a motivator for returning to a structured exercise routine.

Glenn Gould describes his experience with homeschooling during lockdown and his recent foray into abstract painting. He explains a concept piece created for the space above his bed, featuring vertical stripes of blue, black, red, and green to represent his weekly emotional fluctuations. The hosts reflect on how hobbies in their 40s differ significantly from their younger years.

With Christmas five weeks away and the year ending in 43 days, the host urges fathers to create contingency plans for the holidays due to potential lockdowns. Support is expressed for the COVID-19 vaccine as a means to return to social normality and improve global mental health. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Facebook community and explore one-on-one dad coaching through the Team Super Dad website.

Current lockdown restrictions are causing a sense of claustrophobia and social isolation as people go through the motions of work and childcare without seeing friends or extended family. The host emphasizes the psychological impact of not being allowed to "pop round" to a friend's house. He advises those in relationships to give each other space and consciously check in on each other's needs during these extreme circumstances.