A chat about boys and men. Natalie and Elle explore the current state of masculinity - male attitudes, behaviors and culture. And how do men perceive themselves and the challenges they face?

In this episode, we highlight both struggles and positive shifts, digging into men’s economic anxiety, loneliness, violence, and the growing manosphere, but also new models for raising boys and young men, and the work of creating healthier masculine narratives and supportive communities in order to redefine what it means to be a man. 

WE DISCUSS:

(00:00:00) Episode Overview

Introduction to the state of manhood and masculinity norms

(00:03:53) Equimundo’s State of American Men Research Report on American men, highlighting men’s own perspectives on masculinity

(00:05:02) Key issues overview: economic anxiety, restrictive masculinity, loneliness, and time online

(00:07:11) Exploration of men’s shifting provider role, economic pressures, and identity

(00:11:28) Masculinity becoming more restrictive 

(00:13:38) Male loneliness and emotional accountability discussion 

(00:16:15) Male Alexithymia and emotional expression 

(00:22:08) Manosphere narratives and online radicalization 

(00:24:04) Debunking the “Men Are Losing Out” myth 

(00:27:19) Overview of online manosphere groups

(00:35:13) Recognition of violence as a key issue for men, including self-directed violence

(00:40:32) Discussion of how violence is perpetuated and the importance of community for men

(00:52:11) Raising boys and young men

Discussion of matriarchal models, mother-son bonds, and raising feminist sons

(00:55:13) Early education and gender stereotypes 

Highlight of Icelandic preschool program combatting gender stereotypes

EPISODE LINKS

International Men’s Day 

Dads For Kids

State of American Men Study 2025 

Alexithymia | Katie Hanlon TikTok

The Other Parent | James Steyer

Male Fiction Authors | Tracy Sierra TikTok

Gen Z Men & Women’s Outlook | NBC News

Triad of Men’s Violence  

Jackson Katz | The Spectator 

Belonging vs Fitting In | Brenee Brown

The Lives of Boys with Michael Conway | Subject to Power

Disappointing Men | Solid 7 TikTok

Paid Leave For All

The Men’s Collective

ReMasculine 

Mankind Project

XY Online

How to Raise a Feminist Son | Sonora Jha

Why she wrote the book | Sonora Jha Instagram

Icelandic Hijalli Model

CONTACT 

Website:  www.chatinthecommons.com

Instagram: @chatinthecommons

X: @ChatInCommons

Email:  https://www.chatinthecommons.com/contact