In this follow-up to Bonus Episode 6 – Men Are Not OK, Dr. Fredrick D. Lee II sits down with Te’Ana (she/her) — an esthetician from McKinney, Texas — for a raw, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the emotional conditioning of men and its impact on relationships, leadership, and mental health.

Drawing from Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and observational learning, Dr. Lee explores how cultural modeling teaches boys to hide their emotions — and how that message, reinforced through generations, becomes an identity built on suppression rather than self-awareness.

Te’Ana shares her lived experience growing up in a community where men were told that emotional vulnerability was “feminine” or “gay,” reflecting the silent pain behind those beliefs and the relational cost of emotional disconnection. Together, they unpack how women experience that silence, how it affects communication and trust, and how both men and women can begin to rewrite the script.

This candid discussion challenges outdated gender norms and invites listeners into a new definition of strength — one grounded in courage, empathy, and authenticity.

🎯 Strength isn’t the absence of emotion. It’s the courage to feel.

🧭 Episode Highlights

• How Social Cognitive Theory explains men’s emotional conditioning
• Why “Boys Don’t Cry” is more than a phrase — it’s a lifelong script
• The emotional and relational cost of suppression in men
• A woman’s perspective on what it’s like to love and support emotionally guarded men
• The power of modeling vulnerability and creating emotional safety
• How men and women can build “emotional equity” together

⚙️ Change Moves (Takeaways)

1. Normalize Emotion as Human, Not Gendered – Feelings are universal, not masculine or feminine.
2. Create Emotional Safety in Relationships – Replace interrogation with curiosity.
3. Model the Behavior You Wish to See – Lead with openness; others will mirror it.
4. Redefine Masculine Strength – Courage is the ability to face emotion, not suppress it.
5. Heal in Community, Not Isolation – Vulnerability builds connection; connection builds strength.

💬 Memorable Quote

👥 Guest

Te’Ana (she/her) – Esthetician from McKinney, Texas
Known for her humor, honesty, and insight, Te’Ana brings lived experience to the conversation on men’s emotional health. She’s seen firsthand how societal conditioning shapes the men around her — and why unlearning silence begins with awareness, compassion, and courage.

🔗 Listen & Subscribe

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Visit leadershiplessons.transistor.fm for more episodes on emotional intelligence, healing, and human-centered leadership.