Real Feels - Modern Masculinity with Brad Gage

What happens when an AI girlfriend is asked to explain patriarchy, masculinity, and modern dating?

In this episode, I talk with a Grok AI companion about male loneliness, emotional intimacy, dating culture, and why so many men feel disconnected right now. We also unpack the psychology of AI companionship and what it says about human relationships. This conversation is less about technology and more about us.

Produced and Hosted by Brad Gage

Most men don't think a standup comedy special could change how they see therapy. I didn't either… until this one. In this episode, I break down why "Night Thoughts" by Kumail Nanjiani quietly flips the script on masculinity, mental health, and what strength actually looks like.

As someone who worked closely with Kumail for years and now creates content around men's mental health, this special hit at the exact intersection of my life. I talk about why so many men believe they "don't have feelings," how gym-bro culture often replaces emotional awareness with shame, and why seeing a successful, fit, confident man talk openly about therapy matters more than another motivational speech ever could.

This isn't about fixing men. It's about showing what healthy masculinity already looks like. If you've ever thought therapy was "for other people," this video might change how you see it.

Hosted and Produced by Brad Gage

This episode's guests are wife-and-husband podcast producing duo Beth Rowe and Peter Moses. They talk about male friendship from the perspective of young dads and the wives who love those dads. Beth was actually one of the first guests on Real Feels back in 2019 when I was recording in my friend's Los Angeles garage, but now all of us are living our best lives in New York City. And friendship in New York City as parents is the topic of their new podcast - Building Friends - which is about creating communities that help you thrive as young parents. It's Brad's first time with a real live couple on the show, so look out for some loving zingers and pointed topics. Rest assured, these two know how to TALK and express their feelings. Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage Logo by Nolan Fabricius Theme Song by Russell Henson Listen to Beth and Peter's show "Building Friends" wherever you get your podcasts

Today, Brad talks with Cynthia Miller-Idriss - a leading scholar in the study of extremism, radicalization, and polarization. Her work bridges academic research and practical interventions. Her new book is called "MAN UP: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism".

In the wake of some pretty high profile gun violence the past few months, Cynthia's expertise is more needed than ever. And we talk about what's really going on with men and guns and how she pinpoints the "why is this happening" part of the whole post-mass-shooting narrative. Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage Logo by Nolan Fabricius Theme Song by Russell Henson Find Cynthia: https://www.cynthiamilleridriss.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-miller-idriss-61106411/

What does a real apology look like? In this video, Brad Gage breaks down how Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon avoided being fully cancelled during the #MeToo movement by offering something few public figures ever manage: a genuine apology.

On Real Feels, we explore how stories, movies, and culture reflect the modern struggles of masculinity, accountability, and personal growth.

This episode dives into:

-Why Dan Harmon's apology stood out during #MeToo

-How victims of abuse want to feel and want to heal

-How understanding the true meaning and steps of an apology can protect you from "cancel culture" If you've ever wondered "How do you not get cancelled?"—the answer starts here.

Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage

Logo by Nolan Fabricius

Theme Song by Russell Henson

How can men make new friends as adults when their lives are busy, stressful and hectic? Mark Greene is the co-founder of Walking Talking Men, a national movement for men to create real, lasting, local friendships in our own neighborhoods, one walk at a time. He is based in New York City, and has seen success personally and with the men who join his free, no-strings-attached walks through Central Park. The organization has been so successful, that there is a Los Angeles contingent, and the group was recently featured on NBC Nightly News.

On this episode of Real Feels, Mark talks to Brad about why walking and talking works to help men's inner world, why friendship helps our health, and what it means to be a man in his perspective.

Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage

Logo by Nolan Fabricius

Theme Song by Russell Henson

Find Mark and his group:

www.walkingtalkingmen.org

@remakingmanhood on Instagram

Brad Gage talks to Cator Sparks, an ICF-certified life coach who focuses on men. Cator and Brad met through a national men's group called Buoy's Club, and dig into the fun and illuminating work Cator does with straight and queer men alike. Topics covered: -What actually happens at Men's Retreats. -The difference between coaching and therapy. -How psychedelics have changed his life and psychology.

Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage

Logo by Nolan Fabricius

Theme Song by Russell Henson

Find Cator: Cator's Website - https://www.catorsparkscoaching.com/ @catorsparks on Instagram

Jonathan Jacobs is a marketer and community organizer with a passion for men's work - recently starting the West Coast Chapter of "Walking Talking Men". Walking Talking Men is a group of guys who walk together, opening the door for local friendships and non-judgmental conversations.

On this episode you'll get Jonathan's take on how trauma is usually the source of change for men in their perspective on gender roles and manhood. Plus - if you listen to the end you'll hear the story about how former New York Yankee All-Star Reggie Jackson taught him how to shake hands. We dig into the practical side of making male friendships and more on Real Feels. Here he is - Jonathan Jacobs.

Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage

Logo by Nolan Fabricius

Theme Song by Russell Henson

Find Jonathan:

www.JonathanJacobs.com

@JonathanJacobs89 on Instagram

If the past few US presidential elections have taught us anything, it is that many men do not really see themselves aligned with the values and ideals of the Democratic party. Men are currently dying 5.9 years earlier than women, are only 40% of college students, and represent 75% of the unhoused population. They are struggling on the whole and Democrats rarely decide to dive into that crisis as a talking point. Author and data analyst Mark Sutton talks with Brad about why that is happening, and what can be changed to bring men back into the fold for the Democratic Party.

Mark W Sutton is the author of the new book How Democrats Can Win Back Men

Book: https://amzn.to/3z3R1Iz

Site: http://mark-sutton.com

Substack: https://menandthe2024election.substack.com Real Feels is Hosted, Produced, and Edited by Brad Gage Logo by Nolan Fabricius Theme song by Russell Henson

What happens to men when they get naked? Mark Grayson thinks it's the key to reclaiming the parts of ourselves that our society tells us to get rid of if we want to be a "real man". Mark is the author of the new book "Getting Naked: A Field Guide For Men", where he helps men make a mental, emotional, and behavioral shift in order to embrace a broader and more empowered view of success. Brad and Mark also talk about how to experience the male gaze as a guy - to better understand what women have to go through AND we discover how much Brad and Mark enjoy what Brad explains is "boy dinner". Hosted, Edited, and Produced by Brad Gage Logo by Nolan Fabricius Theme Song by Russell Henson Buy Mark's book: https://www.nakedmancollective.com/ Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Naked-Field-Guide-Men/dp/B0DB6F5JY4 The Good Men Project Featured Columnist: https://goodmenproject.com/author/mark-grayson/ Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgrayson/ Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_grayson_/