This conversation with Jake Stika from Next Gen Men cuts through the performative masculinity trap most of us are stuck in. We talk about why "manning up" leads to mental health crises, why vulnerability isn't weakness, and the critical difference between being kind versus being nice.

If you've ever felt like you're wearing different masks with different people, constantly proving your worth, or struggling to ask for help when everything's falling apart—this one's for you.

Connect with Jake:

https://www.nextgenmen.ca/

Key Timestamps :

00:00 - Introduction

00:00:25 - What is Next Gen Men?

00:02:22 - Jake’s Personal Story

00:05:10 - Friendship and Grief

00:07:00 - Owning Your Story

00:09:30 - Vulnerability vs Exposure

00:16:08 - Defining Masculinity

00:24:22 - The First Act of Violence

00:41:29 - What Makes a Good Man?

00:51:28 - Nice vs Kind