More In Common Podcast

In this episode, Keith Richardson, Gerren Taylor, and Nicholas Miller unpack the confusion, pressure, and possibility surrounding modern masculinity. As social expectations shift, many men are left asking: What am I supposed to do now?

Rather than framing masculinity as something broken, this conversation reframes it as evolving—and explores how healthier models of masculinity can foster connection, purpose, and emotional resilience. The episode examines male identity, privilege, vulnerability, and the importance of supportive male relationships, while challenging shame-based narratives that leave men isolated. Through personal stories and sociological insight, the hosts offer a grounded, human approach to masculinity that prioritizes listening, growth, and belonging.

🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 — Introduction Why masculinity feels confusing right now 02:03 — Masculinity in a Changing World What happens when social expectations shift without a roadmap 06:45 — “What Am I Supposed to Do?” The emotional cost of uncertainty for men 09:52 — Privilege, Backlash, and Defensiveness Understanding positional power without shame 14:20 — Masculinity Isn’t Broken Why masculinity evolves instead of disappears 15:52 — Healthier Models of Masculinity Strength paired with empathy and accountability 20:43 — Male Friendship and Community Why men struggle to build emotionally supportive relationships 24:10 — Listening Without Fixing The power of presence over performance 27:51 — Finding Belonging Beyond Bars and Gyms Rethinking how men connect socially 31:44 — Closing Reflections What growth-oriented masculinity can look like moving forward

🧠 Key Takeaways Masculinity isn’t broken—it’s evolving Men are navigating shifting expectations without clear guidance Vulnerability strengthens connection, not weakness Privilege is positional, not personal Listening without fixing is a critical relational skill Healthy masculinity requires community and support

💬 Memorable Quotes “Masculinity isn’t broken—it evolves.” “We don’t need less masculinity, we need healthier models of it.” “Sometimes, you just need to listen without fixing.”

🔑 Keywords & Topics modern masculinity, male identity, men’s mental health, privilege, vulnerability, gender roles, emotional intelligence, male friendship, masculinity studies, social connection, More In Common Podcast

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

Keywords

masculinity, code-switching, social connections, loneliness epidemic, impression management, gender roles, community building, emotional literacy, fatherhood, societal expectations

Summary

This conversation delves into the complexities of masculinity, exploring themes of code-switching, societal expectations, and the importance of community. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how men navigate their identities in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the need for emotional literacy and connection to combat loneliness and isolation.

Takeaways

Code-switching is a form of impression management in social contexts. Masculinity is often defined by societal expectations and personal experiences. The loneliness epidemic among men is linked to a lack of social connections. Men often struggle to find their place within traditional masculine roles. Mentorship from older generations can provide valuable perspectives on masculinity. Community building is essential for men's mental health and well-being. Emotional literacy should be viewed as a vital skill for modern masculinity. Men need to adapt their definitions of masculinity to meet evolving societal norms. The influence of media and culture shapes men's understanding of masculinity. Navigating masculinity involves recognizing and embracing vulnerability.

Sound bites

"Life is a game. It's all dramaturgy." "Men heal in community." "Men need to meet the moment."

Chapters

00:00 The Complexity of Masculinity and Code-Switching 07:13 Navigating Masculinity Through Personal Experiences 15:17 The Influence of Family Dynamics on Masculinity 20:02 Exploring Community and Connection in Masculinity 27:51 Redefining Masculinity for Modern Relationships

About the Guest Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact.

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

In this episode of More In Common, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson sit down with sociologist and systems-change strategist Nicholas Miller to explore the evolving meaning of masculinity in today’s world.

Using public conversations around modern masculinity—including ideas popularized by Scott Galloway—as a starting point, the group examines how masculinity has always been shaped by economic systems, social expectations, and access to opportunity. They discuss why narratives around rugged individualism, dominance, and self-reliance no longer serve most men—and never truly served everyone equally.

The conversation addresses the growing male loneliness crisis, the misdirection of resentment toward women and immigrants, and why redefining masculinity isn’t about blame—but about reconnection. Rather than offering a single definition, the episode makes space for multiple masculinities rooted in care, accountability, protection, and community.

This episode launches a multi-part series exploring masculinity, identity, and what it means to belong in a rapidly changing world.

• Masculinity is socially constructed, not biologically fixed

• There has never been one “correct” way to be a man

• Economic systems shape identity more than we admit

• Loneliness is a structural issue, not a personal failure

• Blame narratives distract from systemic causes

• Protection, care, and accountability are undervalued masculine traits

• Redefining masculinity is essential for healthier relationships and communities

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Why Masculinity Is Having a Moment 02:45 – What People Mean When They Say “Masculinity Is Broken” 06:10 – Masculinity as a Social and Economic Construction 10:55 – Rugged Individualism: Who It Served and Who It Didn’t 15:30 – The Male Loneliness Epidemic 19:40 – Why Resentment Gets Misplaced 24:10 – Patriarchy, Feminism, and Misunderstanding Power 28:50 – Multiple Masculinities Across Race and Class 33:20 – Protection vs. Domination 38:10 – Redefining Masculinity Through Connection 42:30 – Why This Conversation Is Just Beginning

Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact.

More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod