What Pulls a Good Man into the Manosphere? with Patrick Valero

What pulls a good man into the manosphere, and what helps him find his way back?After Louis Theroux’s documentary, I’ve been sitting with that question a lot. And if I’m honest, there was a time I would have rolled my eyes at it.But that, my judging, only built a wall.This conversation is a bridge.I sit down with my cousin Patrick - a bodybuilder, an ex-soldier - who shares his experience of being drawn into the manosphere and, more importantly, what helped him step away.In this episode, we talk about:* How the voices of the manosphere can become appealing to good men* How blame and feminism can be a pathway in* The role of tech platforms and patriarchal systems in shaping behaviour* How parenting and role models influence young boys and men* Inner reckoning and therapy as tools for change* How we help our young men choose a different path* What healthier, more grounded masculinity can look likePat speaks so openly about his willingness to face the parts of himself that needed to change. And in doing so, he offers something powerful: an alternative to the manosphere, a masculinity rooted in both strength and humility.If you’re raising boys, supporting young men, or simply trying to make sense of the world we’re living in, I think this conversation will speak to you. And if you’re grappling with the same question I have - what pulls a good man into the manosphere - this one’s for you.More than anything, this conversation reminded me how important it is that we hear each other. And, yes, I consider myself a feminist, so there were a few moments where I could feel the part of me that judges wanting to perk up. But I put her aside so I could hear, truly hear, the humanity behind Pat’s story. And in setting aside my judgement, I felt nothing but compassion.That’s why I really admire my cousin Pat for sharing his story, especially knowing it may be heard by people who may judge him.But this is what he said: “If it helps even one man or young boy choose a different path, then I’m all in.”So let’s jump in and build a bridge.Heads-up: we do drop an F-bomb or two, so headphones are recommended if you’re listening near kids.🔗 Subscribe to Deeper Threads for more conversations, reflections and to ask questions: laracharles.substack.com🔗 Follow Patrick on socials: Instragram🔗 Get my memoir, Joy, Regardless: https://laracharles.com/joy-regardless/ Get full access to Deeper Threads at laracharles.substack.com/subscribe