Next Chapter Mates

A subscriber story When life takes a turn—like separation or divorce—it’s tempting to look for quick fixes to numb the pain. For many men, that can mean turning to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even work as a way of coping. The truth is, these habits often provide temporary relief but long-term damage. The good news? There are healthier ways forward. Why Men Are Vulnerable After Separation Separation, whether it be from a romantic partner or a significant relationship, often l

By Bretto Separation is messy, emotional, and overwhelming. If you’ve read the Numb Bloke, the Angry Bloke, the Lost Bloke, the Guilt-Ridden Dad, and the Lone Wolf, you know the truth: the first 30 days set the trajectory for your recovery. Here’s the hard truth - if you don’t act intentionally now, chaos wins. These 12 survival rules are what I wish I knew day one. They’re practical, raw, and tested. Follow them, and you’ll give yourself a fighting chance to stay steady, pro

By Bretto Separation is brutal on your kids. You know it, I know it. And for men, guilt hits hard. Every decision feels loaded. Missed school pickup? Guilt. Argued with your ex? Guilt. Took a day for yourself? Guilt. I became the Guilt-Ridden Dad fast. And here’s the ugly truth: guilt doesn’t make you a better dad. It paralyses you and steals your ability to parent effectively. I learned the hard way that protecting your kids starts with protecting yourself first. Why Guilt D

By Bretto I thought I could do it all alone. I thought asking for help was weakness. I was the Lone Wolf, trudging through separation like nobody else existed. I quickly realised I was wrong - and the consequences nearly crushed me. Separation isn’t just a personal storm - it’s a complex battlefield of emotions, logistics, parenting, and identity. Going it alone is a fast track to burnout, mistakes, and isolation. And worse, it leaves your kids exposed to chaos you could have

By Bretto I get it. You’re fuming. Angry. Betrayed. Screaming at the walls in your head. Maybe you’ve sent that text you shouldn’t have, snapped at a mate, or shouted at your kids when they didn’t deserve it. I’ve been there. And here’s the brutal truth: letting rage run your separation will burn everything to the ground - your peace, your relationships, your kids, your future. But most blokes don’t hear it straight. They think rage is strength. It’s not. It’s a mask for fear

When separation hit, I felt like I was walking in fog. Everything I thought I knew about life -work, home, routine, family - was gone. I had no roadmap, no guide, no clue. I was the Lost Bloke. And trust me, pretending you know what you’re doing doesn’t help. It just makes the chaos louder. If you’re in that place right now—overwhelmed, confused, and maybe paralysed—I want to tell you something straight: it’s normal, it’s okay, and you can start moving forward today. Why Men

By Bretto Separation hit me like a freight train. One day, life had a rhythm—work, family, weekends, routines—and the next, everything was chaos. I thought I could handle it. I told everyone I was fine. But I wasn’t. I was the Numb Bloke—the guy who buries feelings deep, distracts himself with work, booze, or whatever comes first. And let me tell you… that approach nearly cost me everything. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve done the same. Maybe you don’t even realis

By Bretto Separation hits hard. Whether you saw it coming or it blindsided you, your world shifts fast. One minute life is on routine autopilot-work, family, sleep, repeat-and the next, everything feels uncertain (and harder) Here’s the truth most blokes never hear: separation isn’t just a legal event - it’s an emotional event. What you do in the first 30 days determines how well you recover, how strong your mental health stays, and how solid your relationship with your kids

Welcome to our blog! We’re excited to invite you into a welcoming space filled with real-life stories, shared experiences, and unwavering support. Our mission is straightforward: to provide a platform for men seeking direction, inspiration, and community while navigating their unique journeys. Whether you are facing relationship challenges, pursuing a sense of purpose, or simply seeking fresh perspectives, you are in the right place. Our stories aren’t mere tales; they reflec