Are We Failing Young Men?

In this episode of Begin Again, David Gandy opens up about masculinity, mentorship, and the reality behind becoming the world’s highest-paid male model. From feeling like he didn’t fit the mould to building one of the most iconic careers in fashion, David reflects on insecurity, identity, and what young men really need in a world that often sends them the wrong message.

But this conversation goes far beyond modelling. David speaks candidly about shyness, insecurity, self-criticism, and the strange contradiction of becoming one of the most photographed men in the world while still hating having his picture taken. He shares how those early feelings shaped him, how he learned to channel them, and why confidence is often far more complicated than it looks from the outside.

The episode also explores masculinity, mentorship, and why so many young men are struggling to find their place. David reflects on the role models that shaped him, the importance of guidance, and why he believes we need a more positive conversation around masculinity, respect, and responsibility. Rather than blaming or dividing, he argues for better examples, stronger values, and more honest conversations about what young men actually need.

At its core, this is a conversation about identity, resilience, and what it means to stay in control of your life and career in a world that is always trying to define you.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Karen's Background: 25 years of couples Therapy

(02:07) The biggest problem facing couples

(04:55) Working with couples and Beginning the process

(07:17) Is hope for couples in crisis? Couples who come to therapy to break up

(08:56) "independence vs autonomy"

(12:16) 4 essential components of love

(13:40) Contempt in relationships, and managing couples who are breaking up

(17:50) the different forms of intimacy, and the importance of "micro-connections"

(22:16) 5 love languages and managing each other's differences

(24:49) The external pressures Facing Your relationship

(27:04) Saily Ad

(28:00) Shopify Ad

(29:02) Different types of triggers in relationships

(34:29) Why You Should Be scheuduling intimacy

(36:57) Managing differing sex drives, and negotiating "couple deals"(40:21) Understanding each other's triggers

(45:07) Karen's rules for arguments

(47:19) infidelity and can male/female friendships work

(53:24) Karen answers questions from viewers about relationships

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