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Bridging the Gender Gap
with Richard Reeves

special segments

Description
Brookings Institution scholar and acclaimed author Richard Reeves tackles the pressing issue of young men falling behind, on a mission to uplift them without jeopardizing women’s rights. In this compelling and personal conversation, Richard delves into his book, Of Boys and Men, revealing insights on the growing education gap, the push for men in care professions, and the quest for diverse examples of “non-toxic” masculinity that differ from traditional femininity. Join us as we discuss redefining gender roles, fostering equality, and reevaluating the term “toxic masculinity” for a more inclusive future.
 

In This Episode

  • 0:00 Richard started to see his own masculinity as the problem
  • 04:00 Introducing Brookings Institution Scholar Richard Reeves
  • 07:25 How Richard’s dad shaped how he shows up as a father and husband now
  • 09:21 Richard’s wife challenged him to reclaim the positivity of his masculinity
  • 12:09 Supporting boys and men is an emotional project as much as a scholarly project
  • 15:50 Ending zero sum thinking in feminism; making equality erotic
  • 28:40 Why we can’t call what’s happening to boys “inequality”?
  • 36:09 How are studies of boys and men taking boys of color into account?
  • 46:26 Who benefits from Andrew Tate’s platform and others like him?
  • 52:55 Working class and middle class men are doing the worst
  • 1:00:00 Why Dads Matter
  • 01:15:32: Justin’s New York Times Bestseller book made Richard feel “not enough”
  • 01:19:18 What does it mean to be Man Enough?

Episode Transcript

Select Richard Reeves Quotations from the Episode

“I had thought that in order to be a good feminist I needed to become less…I think that’s a part of a larger societal challenge that we need to rise together, we don’t need one sex to become less for the other to become more.”
 
“How do we make equality erotic?”
 
“I have yet to find anybody that can define non-toxic masculinity in a way that is distinct from femininity.”
 
“It’s incredibly early in a revolution, we’ve had half a revolution if that, in terms of gender.”
About Richard Reeves
Richard Reeves is a Brookings Institution scholar and renowned author and social commentator, known for his insightful analysis of contemporary social issues, particularly those affecting boys and men in today’s rapidly changing world.
 
Read Of Boys And Men 
In Of Boys and Men, Richard Reeves explores the changing dynamics between men and boys in contemporary society. The book delves into the various social, economic, and educational factors that contribute to these changes. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the challenges facing boys and men as it calls for greater understanding, support, and intervention to help them overcome these obstacles and build a more equitable and successful future.
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About the Man Enough Podcast

The Man Enough Podcast explores what it means to be a man today and how rigid gender roles have affected all people. The goal is to create a safe, open environment for a range of perspectives to come together and stay at the table, moving from systems and language that polarize and demonize men and masculinity, into those that invite all humans to participate and thrive in the world. Each episode engages in honest conversations with celebrities, thought leaders and change-makers, exploring topics such as relationships, body image, privilege, fatherhood, sex, success, mental health and so much more. 

THE HOSTS

Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, producer, entrepreneur and changemaker whose efforts are focused on creating impactful media and entertainment. Baldoni is the co-founder of Wayfarer Studios, an independent financial and production engine pioneering purpose-driven, multi-platform film and television productions that elevate and speak to the human spirit. He is also the founder of Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit which seeks to change the way communities see and respond to unhoused populations. Learn more about his debut book, Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity at manenough.com/books. 

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Liz Plank is an award-winning journalist, author of For the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity, and the executive producer and host of several critically acclaimed digital series at Vox Media and NBC News. She’s the CEO of Liz Plank Productions and is a columnist for MSNBC and has been listed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Mediaite’s Most Influential in News Media, and Marie Claire’s Most Powerful Women, and was named one of the World’s Most Influential People in Gender Policy by Apolitical. She’s built a loyal following on numerous social media platforms, but her proudest accomplishment by far remains being blocked by the 45th president of the United States.

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Jamey Heath is a prolific and versatile songwriter, musician and producer, he has co-written and/or produced songs for many artists, including Andy Grammer, Idina Menzel, Solange, Chaka Khan, Rahsaan Patterson, Randy Jackson, Dionne Farris, Guy Sebastian, Tamia, Tevin Campbell, Shanice, Az Yet, Yasmeen, Jody Watley, Ray J, Changing Faces, Janet Jackson, Kenny Lattimore, Babyface, Eric Benet, Take 6, and many others. He has been a part of many multi platinum selling records and singles earning him two Grammy Nominations with one win for his work on Gladys Knight’s, “At Last” album.

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