The ManKind Podcast

210 - Breaking Down The Male Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Gary Barker of Equimundo


Listen Later

Text Us Your Feedback! (Likes, Dislikes, Guest/Conversation Recommendations).

In this powerful episode, Brandon Clift sits down with Dr. Gary Barker, CEO and co-founder of Equimundo, to explore one of the most pressing issues affecting men today: male loneliness. Together, they examine how boys and men are taught to disconnect from their emotions, why isolation is so common across generations, and how care and connection can be reclaimed.

Gary brings over 30 years of global research and advocacy to this conversation, offering a clear and compassionate look at what drives emotional isolation in men. From systemic social pressures to intergenerational trauma, he unpacks the roots of male loneliness and offers practical pathways forward. If you are a parent, partner, coach, or simply someone who cares about men's mental and emotional health, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

  • Loneliness in men is not just personal. It is the result of deeply rooted social norms that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability.
  • The cycle begins early. Boys often learn at a young age to disconnect from their feelings in order to "be a man."
  • This pain is passed down. When men are raised without emotional connection, they often repeat those patterns as fathers and partners.
  • Men do want connection. Equimundo’s research shows that when given the tools and support, men are eager to show up differently.
  • Change is possible. With empathy, accountability and intentional relationships, we can interrupt the patterns of harm and create a more caring future.

Resources Mentioned:

  • MenCare Global Campaign
  • MenEngage Alliance

Connect with Gary Barker:

  • Website: Equimundo.org
  • LinkedIn: Gary Barker

BetterHelp: Get 10% Off Your First Month Of Therapy
The ManKind Podcast has partnered with Betterhelp to make it easier for listeners to access licensed mental health therapists who can aid them in their mental health journey. Brandon and Boysen stand by this service as they use BetterHelp for their therapy needs.
#Sponsorship #Ad

Support the show

Get up to 48% off Magic Mind with our link:
https://magicmind.com/MANKIND50

Subscribe/Rate/Review on iTunes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: >>>HERE<<<
Stay in the loop with powerful figures in the world of Men's Work.

Find A Men's Circle Near You: https://mkpusa.org/mens-group
With over 1000+ Men's Circles (Virtual + In-Person) worldwide, men are waiting to welcome you into a kind, supportive and safe brotherhood of men. FREE Online Men's Groups are available every week.

The Men's Work: https://mkpusa.org/themenswork/ In just three short weeks we’ll give you a solid foundation for moving ahead in your life, and you won’t be going alone. Cohorts Launch Every Month

🎵Listen To Jim Donovan & The Sun King Warriors:

  • Spotify: Listen Here


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The ManKind PodcastBy ManKind Project USA

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

120 ratings


More shows like The ManKind Podcast

View all
Making Sense with Sam Harris by Sam Harris

Making Sense with Sam Harris

26,397 Listeners

The Rich Roll Podcast by Rich Roll

The Rich Roll Podcast

11,900 Listeners

ManTalks Podcast by Connor Beaton

ManTalks Podcast

557 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,743 Listeners

Living Myth by Michael Meade

Living Myth

987 Listeners

The Mark Groves Podcast by Mark Groves

The Mark Groves Podcast

4,729 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,554 Listeners

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast by David Puder, M.D.

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

1,347 Listeners

This Jungian Life Podcast by Joseph Lee, Deborah Stewart, Lisa Marchiano

This Jungian Life Podcast

1,620 Listeners

The Emerald by Joshua Schrei

The Emerald

1,010 Listeners

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

14,376 Listeners

A Bit of Optimism by Simon Sinek

A Bit of Optimism

2,126 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,128 Listeners

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown by Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

5,339 Listeners

The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens

The Telepathy Tapes

8,094 Listeners