ep 5: You’ve just started at a new school. You’re standing in the playground. You’re minding your own business. Suddenly, you’re attacked by three boys. They fling you to the ground. Your nose hits the floor. You’ve been humiliated, and embarrassed. How do you respond? Do you assert yourself and try to stand up to the bullies? Or do you stay quiet and risk being picked on again?

Scott Johnston decided to assert himself and he was attacked even more viciously. It was at the end of the attack that he discovered the motive. He’d been picked on because he was overweight.

Today we discover how Scott used this attack as motivation to survive in a febrile school environment. And ask, how has dealing with bullying and body image concerns influenced his sense of being a man and his perception of masculinity?

Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.

We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Scott. His frankness, confidence, and courage in retelling moments of genuine vulnerability is profoundly appreciated. It also provides a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.

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