Are boys and men being failed in today's society? We break down how derogatory terms like "mansplaining" and "toxic masculinity" create an environment that stifles open discussion about male issues. The absence of male role models in critical areas like homes, schools, and psychological services paints a grim picture, underlined by disturbing statistics. We also shed light on discrimination boys face in educational settings and the lack of support men encounter in frontline services.

Who should young men look up to? Comparing controversial figures like Andrew Tate with other influential personalities such as Jordan Peterson, Jocko Willink, David Goggins, and Andy Frisella, we discuss the necessity of a balanced, eclectic approach to mentorship. While acknowledging the motivational aspects of these figures, we also critique their more problematic views.

The journey of personal growth and self-validation is a crucial theme we explore, highlighting the significance of building self-worth through consistent, productive actions rather than seeking external approval. We conclude with a compelling discussion on the power of belief in shaping personal experiences and outcomes, providing practical advice inspired by influential figures like Jordan Peterson.

Studies/Articles/Research Referenced in the show:

Gender Stereotypes Underlie Child Custody Decisions: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/xktzy

Suicide by middle-aged men, University of Manchester: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/reports/suicide-by-middle-aged-men/

Missing Misters: Gender Diversity among Teachers: https://aibm.org/research/missing-misters

Most dads say they spend too little time with their children; about a quarter live apart from them: pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/01/08/most-dads-say-they-spend-too-little-time-with-their-children-about-a-quarter-live-apart-from-them/

Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health, University of Southern Australia: https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2023/exercise-more-effective-than-medicines-to-manage-mental-health/

Women Outnumber Men in Mental Health Profession: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/more-women-mental-health-professionals/

Are mental health services inherently feminised?, British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/are-mental-health-services-inherently-feminised

Big boys don't cry: depression and men, Cambridge University: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/big-boys-dont-cry-depression-and-men/D29C58F5EB6348BBE8807FA51167D1FA

Men’s Depression and Suicide: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-019-1088-y

Mental health professionals view about the impact of male gender for the treatment of men with depression - a qualitative study: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-020-02686-x

Men wanted: How master’s degree programs in psychology can recruit more men: https://fortune.com/education/articles/men-wanted-how-masters-degree-programs-in-psychology-can-recruit-more-men/

The 74 Interview: Melissa Kearney on ‘The Two-Parent Privilege: ’https://www.the74million.org/article/the-74-interview-melissa-kearney-on-the-two-parent-privilege/

Race and Economic Opportunity in the United States: An Intergenerational Perspective: http://www.equality-of-opportunity.org/assets/documents/race_paper.pdf

For Black Boys, Family Structure Still Matters: https://ifstudies.org/blog/for-black-boys-family-structure-still-matters

Boys are graded more harshly than girls. Why?: https://bigthink.com/thinking/boys-graded-more-harshly-in-school/

Boys Bear the Brunt of School Discipline, Brown University: https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-06-22/boys-bear-the-brunt-of-school-discipline