The Life Inside with BBC's Andy West

Andrew West is a writer and philosopher whose work explores psychology, myth, masculinity and spiritual transformation. His acclaimed memoir, The Life Inside, about teaching philosophy in prisons while grappling with his own family's history of incarceration, was adapted into the acclaimed BBC drama Waiting for the Out. He will be interviewed by Maitreyabandhu—poet, author and Buddhist teacher—whose celebrated Poetry East series has featured conversations with many of Britain's leading poets, writers and thinkers.

What does healthy masculinity look like in the 21st century? With rising levels of loneliness, mental ill-health and suicide among men, many are asking how we can move beyond the polarising narratives that dominate public debate. Join Maitreyabandhu in conversation with Andrew West as they explore both Buddhist practice offers a path beyond toxic masculinity—transforming aggression into courage, strength into compassion, and cultivating mature, emotionally intelligent men. Together they'll discuss friendship, purpose, and how the spiritual path, including ordination in…