Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski on Beautiful and Complex Masculinity

2024-05-21

Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski is a researcher and educator, specializing in the social emotional development and well-being of boys and men. He discusses his own influences and beliefs about masculinity, including the church, his father, and Lord of the Rings. He shares how his PhD research on masculinity has led to personal healing and a desire to guide and support young men. Brendan emphasizes the complexity of masculinity and the harmful aspects of emotional suppression, self-reliance, and dominance. He also highlights the importance of understanding context and adaptive responses. The conversation explores the complexities of teenage boys' emotional experiences and the impacts of overlooking their challenges. It emphasizes the need for understanding and empathy in our conversations around masculinity and the importance of creating space for emotional expression. The conversation also discusses the expanding definition of safety and the role of fathers and parents in supporting the thriving of young boys. It concludes with a reflection on hope for the future of men and boys and the importance of face-to-face interactions.

Learn more about Brendan: https://remasculine.com/

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest's Background

02:24 Influences on Beliefs about Masculinity

03:55 Exploring Masculinity and Emotional Expression

10:07 Restrictive Masculinity and Shame around Dancing

19:44 The Power of Positive Masculinity

23:03 Complexity and Contradictions in Boys and Men

24:25 Harmful Aspects of Masculinity: Emotional Suppression, Self-Reliance, and Dominance

25:22 Understanding Context and Adaptive Responses

26:20 Guidance and Support for Young Men

27:47The Need for Complexity in Conversations around Masculinity

28:46 The Impacts of Overlooking Boys' Challenges