EPISODE · Sep 2, 2025 · 1H 5M
S3, Ep5: The Meaning of Boys & Men (ft Richard Reeves) | Reconnecting men with purpose and identity
from The Meaning of Men · host Simeon Atkins
What truly defines being a man today? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men. Richard is one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today, offering insights into how society can better support male development, wellbeing, and purpose. In this episode you will learn: Why this moment represents a turning point in how masculinity is understood and discussed How solutions are being built to tackle education gaps, male mental health, and systems that support fathers Why progress for men does not have to come at the expense of women The importance of positive role models and countering negative online influences on boys and men How work, family, and community can help men reconnect with purpose Why fatherhood is transformative not only for children but for men themselves This conversation offers insight into men’s wellbeing, masculinity, fatherhood, and creating cultural solutions that empower the next generation. It is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it means to be a man today. Hear more from Richard Reeves: Book - Of Boys & Men: https://www.brookings.edu/books/of-boys-and-men/ Organisation - The American Institute for Boys & Men: https://aibm.org/ Timestamps: 03:43: The Evolving Conversation on Boys and Men 06:35: The Thermometer of Societal Conversations 09:45Z: ero Sum Game: A New Perspective 12:30: Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Men 15:31: The Need for New Masculine Scripts 18:27: Agency and Confidence in Modern Masculinity 21:39: Mental Health Challenges Facing Men 33:37: The Cumulative Impact of Male Suicide Rates 39:52: The Gender Gap in Education 45:24: Addressing Developmental Differences in Boys 47:22: The NEET Crisis: Young Men Disconnected 52:35: The Importance of Fatherhood 01:01:26: Advocating for Boys and Men: Policy Changes
What this episode covers
What truly defines being a man today? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men. Richard is one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today, offering insights into how society can better support male development, wellbeing, and purpose. In this episode you will learn: Why this moment represents a turning point in how masculinity is understood and discussed How solutions are being built to tackle education gaps, male mental health, and systems that support fathers Why progress for men does not have to come at the expense of women The importance of positive role models and countering negative online influences on boys and men How work, family, and community can help men reconnect with purpose Why fatherhood is transformative not only for children but for men themselves This conversation offers insight into men’s wellbeing, masculinity, fatherhood, and creating cultural solutions that empower the next generation. It is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it means to be a man today. Hear more from Richard Reeves:Book - Of Boys & Men: https://www.brookings.edu/books/of-boys-and-men/ Organisation - The American Institute for Boys & Men: https://aibm.org/Timestamps: 03:43: The Evolving Conversation on Boys and Men 06:35: The Thermometer of Societal Conversations 09:45Z: ero Sum Game: A New Perspective 12:30: Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Men 15:31: The Need for New Masculine Scripts 18:27: Agency and Confidence in Modern Masculinity 21:39: Mental Health Challenges Facing Men 33:37: The Cumulative Impact of Male Suicide Rates 39:52: The Gender Gap in Education 45:24: Addressing Developmental Differences in Boys 47:22: The NEET Crisis: Young Men Disconnected 52:35: The Importance of Fatherhood 01:01:26: Advocating for Boys and Men: Policy Changes
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S3, Ep5: The Meaning of Boys & Men (ft Richard Reeves) | Reconnecting men with purpose and identity
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