No One Told Us

Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman

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Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman


What does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity.


We’re digging deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting boys today—gendered expectations that begin before birth, the emotional isolation of boys in our culture, and the ways that patriarchy harms everyone, not just women. Ruth brings a compassionate, sharp, and often funny lens to topics like toxic masculinity, feminism, screen time, school struggles, and why our young boys are struggling so much right now.


Inside this episode…..

  • Ruth’s own experience raising 3 boys as a feminist
  • Unhelpful stereotypes like “boys will be boys” and how they harm our children
  • Ruth’s opinion on Netflix’s show "Adolescence" and its portrayal of modern boyhood
  • Why today’s world is a “perfect storm” for young boys and men to be radicalized
  • How do we hold young men accountable without sending them into shame and shutdown?
  • How patriarchy harms both men and women, and Ruth’s recommendations for both #boymoms and #boydads
  • And what can we do—today—as parents, to change the story for our little boys?
  • Plus so much more!


    • This episode is for anyone raising boys, loving boys, or trying to understand them in a culture that so often gets masculinity wrong. 💙


    Mentioned in this episode:

    Ruth’s Book: BoyMom:  Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity 

    Ruth’s Substack: I Blame Society 


    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️


    ✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨


    Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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