After watching the Netflix series Adolescence, I was left gutted, moved, and full of questions—just like many of you who reached out. “I watched it. I was shocked. I was moved… but now what do I do with these big feelings I’m having and this information?” Whether you’re raising a boy or a girl, this show forces us to reckon with disconnection, violence, and parenting in the digital age.
In this conversation, I sit down with Ruth Whippman and Dr. Zabina Bhasin to explore what the show reveals about masculinity, emotional disconnection, and how boys are often left emotionally starved in today’s culture. We talk about parenting, school systems, and online influences—and most importantly, how we can start doing better for our kids.
We discuss:
How the Netflix series Adolescence reflects the emotional isolation many boys experience—and why it’s a cultural crisis.
How masculinity, parenting, school systems, and online influences shape how boys express (or suppress) their feelings.
Practical, compassionate strategies to help parents, educators, and adults raise emotionally safe, connected boys in today’s world.
To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman, check out all her resources at http://www.ruthwhippman.com/, join her Substack: I Blame Society and purchase her book Boy Mom. Ruth Whippman has previously been on the PedsDocTalk Podcast: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/masculinity-and-politics-exploring-the-connection-between-gender-ideals-and-voting-trends/
https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/raising-boys-and-redefining-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-friendships-and-emotional-health/
To connect with Dr. Zee follower her on Instagram @drzee_md and @listen2thekidz_, and check out all her resources at https://www.dr-zee.com/
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00:00 Introducing Guests: Ruth Whippman and Dr. Z – Experts on masculinity, emotional safety, and parenting.
00:02:59 Themes from the Show
00:06:06 Cultural Crisis
00:07:28 Emotional Starvation
00:09:43 Nature vs. Nurture
00:11:51 Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys
00:15:17 Cultural Messaging
00:20:00 Behavioral Conditioning vs. Biology
00:24:11 Friendships, Brotherhood, and Vulnerability
00:30:44 Teaching Emotional Literacy
00:35:40 Hope for the Future
00:42:10 The Need to Be Seen
00:50:11 Action Steps for Parents
00:56:00 Closing Reflections
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