The Meaning of Men

What do you do when staying where you are feels safer—but moving forward is the only way to survive?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by Marine Corps veteran Jeremy Stalnecker to explore the life-defining philosophy of March or Die. Drawing from Jeremy’s combat experience in Iraq and his work supporting veterans, first responders, and men in crisis, this conversation goes deep into identity, trauma, resilience, and responsibility.

We unpack what happens when men tie their sense of self to a role, a past version of themselves, or a traumatic experience—and how that can quietly destroy relationships, purpose, and hope. Jeremy shares why victimhood can feel comforting, why doing nothing is often the most dangerous choice, and how true resilience is built before crisis hits. This episode is essential listening for men navigating transition, burnout, loss, or the quiet feeling of just existing rather than truly living.

In this episode you will learn:

Why “marching” is a daily decision, not a one-time breakthrough

How identity loss fuels anger, isolation, and hopelessness

The hidden comfort of staying stuck—and how to break free

Why responsibility is the gateway to freedom

How men can move forward even when the future feels unclear

Hear more from Jeremy:

Jeremy’s social media:

https://www.facebook.com/jeremystalneckerofficial

https://www.instagram.com/jeremystalnecker/

https://x.com/jstalnecker

https://www.youtube.com/@MightyOaksFoundation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-stalnecker-63a2a17/

 

Jeremy’s website:

https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/

 

Timestamps:

03:47: The Journey from Military to Ministry
06:35: Reconnecting with Identity and Purpose
09:43: The Work of Mighty Oaks Foundation
12:46: March or Die: A Military Philosophy
15:35: Choosing to Move Forward
18:34: The Power of Decision-Making
21:32: Victim Mentality vs. Survivor Mindset
24:22: Identity and Trauma
27:28: The Challenge of Defining Masculinity
30:19: Understanding Trauma and Identity
36:17: The Importance of Preparation for Adversity
42:08: Navigating Change and Decision-Making
45:35: Finding Hope and Purpose in Life

What is misogyny really all about, and why do rigid ideas of masculinity harm boys and make them vulnerable to radical narratives?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I'm joined by Cynthia Miller-Idriss, one of the world’s leading experts on extremism, gender, and online radicalisation, to explore the deeper meaning of misogyny and why it matters for men’s mental health, belonging, and purpose.

Together, we unpack how misogyny often lays the cultural groundwork for extremist beliefs, hate-fuelled violence, and rigid models of masculinity that leave boys and men isolated, angry, and vulnerable. This conversation goes beyond blame, asking harder questions about loneliness, grievance-based online content, the influence of algorithms, and why so many men are searching for meaning in unhealthy places.

In this episode you will learn:

How misogyny becomes a gateway to extremism and mass violence

The hidden damage rigid masculinity does to boys — and why it fuels radicalisation

How influencers, algorithms, and grievance culture pull men down dark paths

Why loneliness and lost purpose leave men vulnerable — and what actually protects them

What “calling men in” really looks like, and how to build healthier paths to meaning

Hear more from Cynthia:

Book: Man Up - The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691257549/man-up

 

Timestamps:

00:59: Cynthia's Journey and Academic Background
04:31: Understanding Misogyny and Its Broader Implications
08:46: The Link Between Misogyny and Extremism
12:04: Exploring Influencers and Their Impact on Men
16:39: The Man Box: Conditioning and Its Consequences
23:07: Finding Healthier Forms of Belonging
28:28: The Importance of Meaning and Purpose for Men
33:56: Hope for the Future: Engaging Conversations and Solutions

Why are men so often discouraged from caregiving roles?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Joss Cambridge Simmons (aka Jossy Care), a male nanny and caregiver who is redefining what it means to be a man in today’s world. Together, we explore the rarely discussed role of male nannies, the stigma men face in caregiving roles, and why love, presence, and emotional safety are not weaknesses, but essential human strengths.

Joss shares his personal journey into childcare, how caregiving shaped his understanding of masculinity, and what children, families, and society gain when men show up with softness and intention. This conversation goes far beyond childcare — touching on fatherhood beyond biology, purpose-driven work, resilience in the face of judgement, and the importance of positive male role models in children’s lives.

Whether you’re a father, a caregiver, or a man questioning traditional expectations and masculinity, this episode offers insight, challenge, and inspiration for living with deeper meaning.

In this episode you will learn:

Why caregiving is a powerful expression of masculinity

How male nannies challenge outdated gender norms

The impact emotionally present men have on children

How love and softness build resilience in men

Why purpose often lies beyond society’s expectations

Hear more from Joss:

www.instagram.com/jossycare

 
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Timestamps:
 

01:50: Becoming a Male Nanny: A Unique Path
05:09: Challenging Misconceptions of Men in Caregiving
10:07: Demand for Male Nannies and Societal Shifts
18:20: Redefining Masculinity
23:13: The Role of Love in Personal Growth
29:47: Navigating Parenting Challenges
35:22: Creating Safety Over Discipline
40:14: Encouraging Male Involvement in Childcare

Why is it still so hard to believe that men can be victims of sexual abuse?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I sit down with Duncan Craig OBE, founder of We Are Survivors, the leading UK charity supporting male survivors of sexual violence. Together, we explore the hidden reality of sexual abuse, exploitation, and violence experienced by boys and men—and why silence, stigma, and outdated assumptions keep so many suffering alone.

Duncan shares his personal journey as a survivor, the work he’s done supporting thousands of men each year, and the cultural myths that frame men solely as perpetrators rather than victims. This conversation challenges ideas around masculinity, shame, power, and vulnerability, while examining how systems, language, and policy continue to fail male survivors.

In this episode you will learn:

Why men often take over 20 years to disclose sexual abuse

How stigma and masculinity silence male survivors

What sexual exploitation of men actually looks like today

Why current laws and policies fail boys and men

How permission and safe spaces can save lives

Hear more from Duncan

www.wearesurvivors.org.uk

Timestamps

00:00: Understanding Male Survivorship
03:31: Duncan's Journey: From Survivor to Advocate
06:26: The National Landscape of Male Sexual Abuse
09:09: Breaking the Stigma: Male Victims Speak Out
12:12: The Complexity of Male Sexual Exploitation
14:57: Permission to Speak: The Emotional Landscape
17:44: Patterns of Disclosure: How Men Share Their Stories
20:28: The Role of Policy in Supporting Male Survivors
23:45: Creating Safe Spaces for Men
26:25: The Importance of Value and Self-Worth
29:23: Hope and Healing: Encouraging Men to Seek Help

What if the data shaping our understanding of gender equality is telling only half the story?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, we’re exploring some of the most uncomfortable—and most necessary—questions in the conversation about men and boys. I’m joined by George TheTinMen whose work in this space has become a lightning rod for honest, data-led conversations about men, boys and gender equality. 

Together, we take a 30,000-foot view of the state of men’s health and wellbeing today, looking at everything from mortality and mental health to the scale of domestic violence against men and common media narratives that often distort gender data and reinforce myths over truth.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why men experience worse outcomes across health, mortality and wellbeing

How the Global Gender Gap Report heavily skews the public debate around gender equality

The overlooked reality of domestic violence against men

What’s really driving young men toward figures like Andrew Tate

Why listening to boys may be the key to long-term cultural change

Hear more from George TheTinMen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetinmen/

Timestamps:

07:50: The State of Men's Health and Wellbeing
10:31: Understanding Domestic Violence Against Men
22:34: The Manosphere and Its Impact
24:43: Understanding the Void for Boys and Men
28:06: Listening to Boys: A New Approach
30:33: The Misconceptions of Andrew Tate and Misogyny
37:04: Critique of the Global Gender Gap Report
48:39: Positive Changes for Boys and Men
53:46: Closing Thoughts and Call to Action