Most men have thought they should limit what they express, or even feel….that emotions are not manly and won’t be well received. Times are changing though and there is a call to support men to be healthier and happier, which includes welcoming mens’ vulnerability.  A Call to Men‘s Chief Development Officer, Ted Bunch, talks today about why it’s important to be bold, brave, and kind, and to teach your kids the same.

Many men grew up afraid of revealing their inner selves, causing them to hide their hopes, fears, desires, and emotions inside the “Man Box.” This limiting Man Box decreases healthy masculinity by telling you that you can’t express your weaknesses or ask for help. Thankfully times are changing. You are likely seeing and hearing more organizations and people talking about the importance of welcoming men’s vulnerability.

Today’s Man Alive podcast guest, Ted Bunch, is the Chief Development Officer of A Call to Men. He is a leading voice on building healthy masculinity to help prevent sexism, violence, and abuse. Ted is the co-author of The Book of Dares: 100 Ways for Boys to Be Kind, Bold, and Brave. This book has been called “a direct answer to parents’ cries for building healthy masculinity, respect, and emotional literacy in their sons.”

Today’s conversation is an important one to support men to be free from cultural limitations, creating more safety and well-being for all. 

We discussed:

* How being socialized into cultures of sexism hurts everyone, including men 

* Ways to welcome your kids’ emotions and authenticity 

* What it will take to decrease the astronomical rate of men’s anxiety, depression, and suicide

* The importance of speaking up rather than staying silent 

* The Book of Dares and integrating A Call to Men’s principles into communities

Don’t forget to watch my TEDx talk episode called: What 1,000 Men’s Tears Reveal About the Crisis Between Men and Women. It’s important that you’re supported in your vulnerability and this talk is a great first step. Men and women have expressed how helpful this was for them to hear! 

Connect with Ted

Website: https://www.acalltomen.org/

Connect with Shana James

Website: shanajamescoaching.com/3ways

Curious what you’d need to become a better leader and lover? Take the quiz

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Listen to the podcast here:

Building Healthy Masculinity With Ted Bunch

As I’ve supported men in their love and work lives for several years now, many men ask for the right words to say to be more successful, attractive, and desirable. I found it’s not so simple as giving scripts or lines because every man is different. Giving words or scripts would be like giving a tall and thin man, a shorter and wider man’s pants or vice versa. The words have to make sense for you and your personality. There’s so much happening beneath the surface that people are responding to. If you’re interested in how to become a better lover and leader in your own unique way, go to ShanaJamesCoaching.com/quiz,