Jeff Brazier fought back tears during a live recording of Pete Wicks' podcast Man Made, as he opened up about a recent men's retreat that left him wanting to apologize to his son Bobby. The 47-year-old TV presenter and qualified life coach has been vocal about his mental health struggles, including the death of his ex-partner Jade Goody in 2009, and uses therapy and meditation to cope.
Emotional Retreat Anecdote
Brazier became emotional while recounting an incident on the last day of a men's retreat. While other participants were in a "celebratory and jubilant" mood, he struggled with a personal situation at home, feeling "fake" and like he was "going through the motions." During a circle exercise where each person rated their feelings out of 10, everyone else scored an eight or nine. When it came to Brazier, he said: "Jeff, one, heavy." He broke down in tears and received support from the group.
He told Pete Wicks: "I want to apologise to Bob but I know that's not the right thing to do. Because he doesn't often see me upset. But I know what a valuable lesson I'm teaching him. I'm literally in front of 1,000 people or however many people are in here. But I don't care. I'm proud to be a man that can show emotion. I hope he feels that validation that if he ever needs to, he can to. And anyone listening."
Vulnerability as Strength
Brazier, a certified grief counsellor and host of the Only Human podcast, emphasized the importance of vulnerability. He said: "It gave me the chance to break down and I did, I feel emotional now telling you about it. It's better out than in. Then I got the support from everyone else there. Then everyone else starts crying because they resonate with the reason I'm upset. That strength that you've given people an outlet. That's leadership. What if a leader is someone who allows themselves to feel as weak and vulnerable as they do in that moment? It's like the first time I've done it."
Pete Wicks' Praise
Pete Wicks concluded the recording by praising Brazier: "I'm proud of you and everyone in this room should be too because this is a prime example of what it takes to be a man is vulnerability, it is weakness. Strength comes from within and you've got that in abundance and if I was your son, I'd be incredibly proud to have you as a father."
Brazier's openness about mental health continues to inspire, as he advocates for men to express their emotions and seek support.
