Dr. Brendan Kwiatkowski on Beautiful and Complex Masculinity

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 35:12 Expanding the Definition of Safety 41:54 Supporting the Thriving of Young Boys 43:53 Hope for the Future of Men and Boys 44:51 Practical Strategies for Parents   www.daringtodad.com