E65: Aspire to be an Upstander (ft. Jackson Katz) - Real Men, Real Conversations

Send us Fan MailThis week’s episode of Aspire is a conversation about what it means to be an active upstander in a culture shaped by silence, harm, and pressure to conform. Hosts Alex Prouts and Gabriel Viscogliosi are joined by Dr. Jackson Katz, educator, author, and one of the leading voices in the movement to prevent gender-based violence.Jackson breaks down why violence against women is not just a women’s issue, but a men’s issue that demands men’s leadership, accountability, and courage. He explores the bystander approach, the importance of speaking up in everyday moments, and how young men can use their sphere of influence to challenge sexism, misogyny, and harmful peer pressure. He also pushes back on narrow, cartoonish ideas of strength, arguing that true strength includes vulnerability, moral courage, and the willingness to do the right thing even when it feels uncomfortable.The conversation also digs into the pressures facing young men today, from social media and the manosphere to the confusion many boys feel about identity and masculinity. Gabriel shares how aspirational masculinity is being taught in his school community, and Jackson responds with practical guidance for students, athletes, and anyone trying to build healthier peer cultures. In closing, Jackson offers a powerful reminder: everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and real change starts when people choose to be part of the solution.Make sure to check out Jackson Katz’s book, Every Man: Why Violence Against Women Is a Men’s Issue and How You Can Make a Difference https://jacksonkatz.substack.com/p/every-man-why-violence-against-womenSupport the showAspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com