Undefining Masculinity: How Patriarchy Harms Men and the Path Forward | Jake Stika

Jake Stika is the co-founder and executive director of Next Gen Men, where he's passionate about changing how we see, act, and think about masculinity. He's spoken at the United Nations, co-authored a children's book about masculinity, and recently became the new publisher of Voice Male magazine, continuing a 40-year legacy of the pro-feminist men's movement. Currently completing his master's in social business and entrepreneurship through the London School of Economics.In this episode, we explore:The "paper cuts of patriarchy" - How boys are systematically disconnected from emotional intimacy and physical touch from early childhood, creating the foundation for men's mental health struggles later in lifeWhy "undefining" masculinity matters more than redefining it - Moving beyond toxic vs. healthy masculinity binaries toward recognizing 4 billion different ways to be a man, as long as they don't cause harmThe self-improvement trap vs. community-based growth - How the culture of individual optimization and extreme challenges can perpetuate isolation, and why sustainable change happens through consistent community practicesBuilding authentic male friendships and challenging social norms - Practical strategies for creating deeper connections while navigating the tension between authenticity and belonging in male peer groupsResources - Find Jake's Work:Next Gen Men: nextgenmen.caSocial: @NextGenMen on major platformsVoice Male Magazine (new publisher)