ZILLION TRILLION

America’s boys are not alright. We’re living in the middle of a full-blown boy crisis, and it’s not getting the attention it deserves. Let’s hit the grim stats: boys make up 60% of school suspensions and nearly 80% of all ADHD diagnoses (are they really hyper, or is school just not built for them?). The education gender gap is glaring—out of every 100 women earning a college degree, only 74 men cross the same stage. By eighth grade, 25% of boys score below basic reading proficiency, compared to just 17% of girls. Reading isn’t just fundamental; it’s a red flag waving loud and clear.

And then there’s the mental health crisis. Boys have a suicide rate three times higher than girls, and almost 20% report feeling persistently sad and hopeless. Economically, things are equally bleak. Workforce participation among young men aged 18-24 has plummeted to 72%, and 16% of these guys are what’s politely called “disconnected”—neither in school nor working, just floating in a void. Oh, and here’s a kicker: life expectancy for men in the U.S. is actually decreasing, largely thanks to overdoses, suicides, and diseases of despair. It’s giving “lost boys” energy, but this isn’t Neverland; it’s reality.

So, what’s going on here? Is it the system, the culture, TikTok, or something deeper? Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Ruth Whippman, author of Boy Mom, to get to the root of this crisis. Are boys really doomed, or is there hope?

SUMMARY:

00:00Introduction and Personal Reflections on Masculinity

05:57Cultural Narratives and the Crisis of Masculinity

10:11The Importance of Emotional Representation in Media

33:56Understanding the Complexities of Masculinity

41:32The Influence of Social Media on Masculinity

47:34Cultural Shifts and Future Generations

49:53New Chapter

PS: the podcast in Spanish mentioned is “Los Hombres Si Lloran”

P.S. You don’t have to watch to enjoy this—just hit play and listen like a podcast! Perfect for your commute, workout, or while pretending to be productive.

If this gave you even a mild chuckle, a knowing nod, or the urge to text it to a friend, go ahead and tap that little heart below—it helps more people (aka non-subscribers who are just lurking) see this.

Besos,

Victoria

Today, we're thrilled to have Irene Liu, founder of Chiyo, a game-changing postpartum delivery service that's putting moms first. We'll explore Irene's journey as a scrappy entrepreneur, her unique approach to fundraising as a female founder, and how Chiyo is redefining postpartum care. Plus, we'll unpack her insights on the critical connections between nutrition, hormones, and fertility. Get ready for an inspiring, informative, and downright empowering conversation

Ps: If you want to try their food delivery service - they are giving our readers 10%Off HERE.

Ps: if you or your family have been affected by the California Fires Chiyo has created a fund of 10K, providing 20 families with a full week’s worth of postpartum meals. This support is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you would like to donate directly to families affected by the CA fires, I am leaving the updated list HERE. All families are verified, one by one.

This episode is all about keeping it real while keeping it together. Ajiri and I dive into the messy, magical world of modern motherhood—less “soccer mom,” more “martini in hand, figuring it out.” We get into how the French make parenting look effortlessly chic (spoiler: no bento boxes) and talk about finding joy that isn’t just for Instagram. Ajiri shares her wisdom on sneaking in solo weekends, guilt-free hosting hacks, and why modeling joy for your kids is the ultimate flex. It’s part therapy, part pep talk, and honestly, it’s all the vibes you didn’t know you needed.

The books Ajiri refers to in the interview are :

Binging up Bebe - Pamela Druckerman

Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again - Johann Hari

You can buy Ajiri’s book HERE. It’s THE perfect gift for yourself or anyone.

Follow Ajiri on Instagram HERE ( plus follow Madame de la Maison HERE ), substack & shop her vintage curations HERE.

Besos,

Victoria

I’m super excited for the 1st video installment of Zillion Trillion featuring Casey Fremont. Stay tuned to hear about Mothering in the art world, how to raise independent kids, what work-life balance looks like for her now, and the most surprising thing about becoming a mother.