Breaking Free of the 'Man-Box': Gender-based Violence & Masculinity with Andrew 'Bernie' Bernard

In this conversation, I am joined by Andrew 'Bernie' Bernard to explore the complexities of masculinity beyond the 'man box' and address the crisis of violence against women and girls. Bernie has spent the past decades educating teens about gendered inequality and coercive control recognising the importance of education in shaping healthier relationships. Together, we discuss the societal pressures on young men, the role of social and mainstream media in influencing perceptions and the stumbling blocks - centred around what Bernie describes as manufactured male victimhood - that often derail these crucial conversations. Bernie shares personal experiences and insights on how to empower the next generation to challenge harmful narratives and embrace empathy and understanding. This is an essential listen and a complementary episode to Lewis Wedlock on Feminism, Embracing Discomfort and Fostering Brave Spaces.About Bernie:Andrew `Bernie` Bernard is an entrepreneur, a TEDx Speaker, and facilitator who over the past couple of decades has worked with schools, businesses, charities, universities and colleges. He runs signature workshops including 'What Makes a Man/(Hu)Man', 'Sarah's Legacy / Domestic Violence', 'Look What you Made Me Do: Coercive Control Insights' and 'Life by the Balls'. As of December 2025, Bernie has spoken to over 70,000 young people about masculinity, coercive control and domestic abuse.W:  innovativeenterprise.co.ukV:  https://vimeo.com/156256349 Tw / X / IG:  @_WhatMakesAMan_References:Liz Plank - For the Love of MenFlorence Knapp - The NamesMelanie Brown - Brutally HonestAndrew Bernard - The Ladder: Supporting students towards successful futures and confident career choicesBernie is currently editing his forthcoming book 'Masculinity, Relationships and Respect in Schools' a guide to discussing sexism, misogyny and 'toxic' / dominance-based masculinity in educational settings.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Connection03:15 Understanding Masculinity and the Man Box04:44 The Impact of Hyper-Masculinity07:25 The Role of Men in Addressing Violence Against Women08:39 Personal Experiences and Their Influence on Advocacy10:00 The Importance of Education in Relationships12:07 Coercive Control and Its Effects on Young People14:30 The Need for Critical Conversations in Schools17:15 Challenging Misconceptions About Feminism19:49 Empathy and Understanding in Education22:14 Empathy and Gendered Experiences in Public Spaces24:00 The Normalization of Women's Safety Concerns26:10 The Role of Social Media in Gender Dynamics28:20 Media Representation of Violence Against Women31:50 Understanding Violence as a Men's Issue34:18 The Complexity of Coercive Control39:01 Personal Impact of Violence and Societal Awareness39:27 Understanding Coercive Control43:16 The Ecosystem of Male Victimhood50:43 Navigating Hope and Empowerment54:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery