#347 - Steph McFarland - Breaking Down Gender Roles: A New Perspective on Masculinity

Steph McFarland joins Something For Everybody this week. Steph is a masculinity researcher and speaker. In this conversation, Steph and I explore the complexities of masculinity, gender roles, and emotional intelligence. Steph shares her experiences as a single mother and her evolving views on masculinity shaped by traditional gender roles. We discuss the importance of vulnerability and emotional awareness, particularly in educational settings, and how action empathy can facilitate deeper connections in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for men to express their emotions and the role of shared experiences in fostering openness and understanding. - Timestamps: 00:00 Navigating Life as a Single Parent 03:09 Evolving Perspectives on Masculinity 06:04 The Impact of Traditional Gender Roles 08:48 Emotional Intelligence and Vulnerability 12:02 Teaching Emotional Awareness in Education 15:04 The Role of Action Empathy 17:56 Building Bridges Through Shared Experiences 23:13 The Art of Validating and Appreciating Vulnerability 25:15 Navigating Conversations: From Validation to Action 26:00 Understanding the Man vs. Bear Analogy 27:51 The Impact of Societal Narratives on Masculinity 30:11 Accountability in Relationships: A Two-Way Street 31:29 The Importance of Vulnerability in Male Relationships 33:08 Defining Masculinity: Warrior vs. Poet 35:31 The Role of Partners in Emotional Support 37:31 The Need for Male Friendships and Support Systems 39:37 Authenticity in Masculinity 41:54 Addressing Male Sexual Abuse: A Critical Conversation - See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://everybodyspod.com/deals/ - Shop For Everybody Use code SFE10 for 10% OFF 👉 https://shopforeverybody.com/ - AMARE GLOBAL: The Mental Wellness Company – On a mission to create a holistic mental wellness platform of products, programs, and people. Go to https://www.amare.com/155249/en-us/ for $10 off your next order. (use code: EVERYBODY) - Steph’s Links: Website: https://www.niyamgmt.com/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mcstephiebee - Get my free guide of 4 things to quit to transform your life here: https://aaronmachbitz.com/quit/ - To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/AaronMachbitz (Recorded on January 22nd, 2025) Edited by Ben Rogerson (@BenRogerson_) Intro music by Residual Audio (Residualaudio.com) - Episodes You Might Enjoy: #320 - Exploring Youth Identity, Gender Affirming Care & Mental Health - Sasha Ayad, LPC https://everybodyspod.com/ayad/ #338 - How to Create a Life You Are Excited About - Joanna Horton McPherson https://everybodyspod.com/joanna/ - Get in touch: iG: https://www.instagram.com/AaronMachbitz X: https://x.com/AaronMachbitz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMachbitz/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AaronMachbitz Email: https://www.aaronmachbitz.com/contact/