In “What Men Say in Sheds: The Quiet Revolution in Mental Health,” Kevin Halliday explores an often-overlooked space where men share their innermost thoughts—sheds. Rooted in the British tradition of shed culture, Halliday emphasizes how these informal gatherings provide a safe haven for men to express their vulnerabilities, confront mental health issues, and foster deeper connections outside societal pressures. He highlights the stigma surrounding male mental health and advocates for open conversations, encouraging men to break the silence that can lead to isolation. Through compelling anecdotes and insightful observations, Halliday asserts that these seemingly mundane spaces can be transformative, offering support and camaraderie in a world where emotional expression is often discouraged. As he champions the quiet revolution taking place within these sheds, he inspires viewers to reconsider the significance of community and dialogue in promoting mental well-being among men. This TEDx talk is a powerful call to action, inviting society to embrace vulnerability as a strength and redefine how we perceive masculinity.
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Author Video Description
At some point between being told to “man up” as boys and pretending we’re invincible as men, many of us quietly misplaced something essential: the freedom to feel.
In this powerful and deeply human session, Kevin takes audiences from childhood expectations to the isolated spring of 2020—back when the world shut down, hockey was on TV but not on the ice, and two grown men sat six feet apart in a backyard shed trying to make sense of it all. What began as friendly competition between neighbours (because if one man has a shed, the other must build a better one—it’s practically science) became something far more meaningful: a sanctuary where the armor came off and real conversations finally began.
Through vulnerable storytelling, eye-opening statistics from the CDC and National Institute of Mental Health, and one unforgettable moment when a friend quietly admitted he was considering ending his life, Kevin reveals a truth we too often ignore:
Men don’t open up when you sit them down.
They open up when you stand beside them.
This session introduces the research-backed concept of parallel activity—the idea that shoulder-to-shoulder connection unlocks conversations men simply cannot have face-to-face. Whether it’s a shed, a garage, a fishing boat, or a walk around the block, Kevin shows how everyday environments can become lifelines for the men who need them most.
Participants will learn:
Why traditional mental health models often miss the mark for men
How “scaffolding” activities—like fixing, building, tinkering, or simply sitting—create safety for hard conversations
Practical steps for leaders, coaches, fathers, friends, and partners to create intentional spaces for connection
How to redefine support not as “Let’s talk,” but “Let’s do something together”
Why the right environment can be the difference between silence and survival
Blending humour, honesty, personal transformation, and actionable insight, Kevin invites audiences to reflect on one simple, life-altering question:
Where is the shed in your life—and who are you inviting into it?
This session will leave attendees seeing their relationships, their roles, and their own emotional well-being through a new lens… and maybe appreciating that the humble backyard shed might just be one of the most powerful mental health tools we’ve overlooked.
Kevin Halliday is a transformation expert, natural bodybuilding champion, and host of ShedTalk, a podcast helping men over 50 elevate their health, wealth, and mindset. Once a 240-pound man facing addiction, obesity, and serious health challenges, Kevin rebuilt his life—quitting alcohol, reclaiming his health, and ultimately becoming a WNBF champion.
Kevin’s mission is to create safe, pressure-free spaces—“man caves”—where men can open up, build confidence, and confront their mental and physical well-being without judgment. Through his podcast, workshops, and community work, he empowers men to break their silence, take ownership of their story, and design purpose-driven lives. Kevin’s message is simple: life doesn’t end at 50—it’s just getting started. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “WHat Men Say in Sheds: The Quiet Revolution in Mental Health | Kevin Hallliday | TEDxDevon” was uploaded on 12/03/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks