Kristjan & Ben Madden Talk Mental Health, Parenthood & Punch-Ups
In a candid and heartfelt episode of The Viking Chats podcast, our co-founder Kristjan Byfield sat down with property industry peer and all-around whirlwind, Ben Madden, for a wide-ranging conversation that brought together laughter, legacy, and life's more complex moments.
From donning a dress for charity to trading punches in the boxing ring, Ben’s larger-than-life persona was on full display, but so too was a side of him not often seen in public: reflective, vulnerable, and driven by a mission to improve men’s mental health across our industry.
The Punchline with Purpose
Ben’s latest venture into the boxing ring isn't just about bravado. Fighting in Rumble with the Agents to raise funds for Centrepoint, a charity supporting homeless youth, Ben shared how these annual challenges force him out of his comfort zone, while doing real good. As he put it, "It focuses the mind."
The Boys Club: Tackling the Mental Health Taboo
Much of the chat turned to The Boys Club, a grassroots initiative Ben co-founded with Kristjan and others, providing a safe digital space for men in the property world to talk, listen, and just be real.
Both hosts shared poignant stories of mental health challenges within their families and teams, stories that remind us mental illness doesn't wear a uniform or give a warning. As Ben said: “It’s not maths. It doesn’t always add up.”
What emerged was a theme of connection. Whether through monthly Zoom calls, WhatsApp chats, or the hope of future real-world meetups, The Boys Club is quietly becoming a lifeline for many.
Fatherhood & the Hidden Guilt of Dads
The episode closed with a rare but vital reflection: the guilt many fathers feel balancing ambition, business, and parenthood. In a world where “mum guilt” is openly discussed, Kristjan and Ben explored why dads too carry the weight, and why it's time to talk about it more.
Ben put it best: “Parenting is the most conflicting thing I’ve ever had to deal with… I want to raise daughters who are resilient, respectful, and real.”
Final Thoughts
This episode was a refreshing departure from industry jargon and sales tactics, it was raw, funny, occasionally chaotic, but always real. If you're in the property sector and feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. Join The Boys Club, talk to your mates, and if you can, chip in to Centrepoint, because sometimes the strongest thing you can do is say, “I’m not okay.”
Join The Boys Club on Facebook
Support Ben’s Centrepoint fundraiser
Watch the full conversation over on YouTube here
