Modern Masculinity, Feminism, & Raising Boys in 2026

March 18
1h 8m

Episode Description

Matt and Abby open up about what it feels like to raise boys in a moment where conversations around masculinity feel louder and more polarized than ever. They unpack the difference between healthy and unhealthy masculinity, how criticism aimed at grown men can be internalized by young boys, and the role social media plays in amplifying extremes. They also share their biggest hopes as parents — raising sons with strength, humility, emotional awareness, and a sense of purpose in a rapidly changing world.
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Chapters:

00:00 - Modern Masculinity

01:53 - Living in a man hating culture viral clip

08:05 - How did we get here

10:08 - Redefining masculinity

17:36 - Not all men

18:42 - Raising good men

25:50 - Teaching our boys emotional regulation

29:46 - Boys vs. Girls

38:41 - Consequences

41:06 - Service in healthy masculinity

45:10 - Why young men are afraid of emotions

50:44 - Pay disparity in the home

01:00:17 - Normalizing therapy

01:03:47 - Social Media and the gender wars

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