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

Author: Aaron Machbitz
Published: Tue 11 Mar 2025
Episode Link: https://JaxonStone.podbean.com/e/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