What truly defines being a man today? In this episode of The Meaning of Men we sit down with Richard Reeves, one of the world’s leading thinkers on the challenges facing boys and men today. Richard is the founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, chair of the UK Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, and author of Of Boys and Men. We explore why this moment represents a turning point in how society understands masculinity. Richard shares how conversations have shifted from simply proving there’s a problem to building real solutions—whether that’s tackling education gaps, improving male mental health, or creating systems that better support fathers. We discuss why progress for men does not have to come at the expense of women, the importance of role models in countering negative online influences, and the urgent need to reconnect men with purpose through work, family, and community. Richard also reflects on why fatherhood is not just vital for children, but equally transformative for dads themselves. This is a conversation about solutions, cultural change, and hope for the next generation. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be a man today, this episode is a must-listen.Hear more from Richard:Book - Of Boys & Men: https://www.brookings.edu/books/of-boys-and-men/ Organisation - The American Institute for Boys & Men: https://aibm.org/Timestamps: 03:43: The Evolving Conversation on Boys and Men 06:35: The Thermometer of Societal Conversations 09:45Z: ero Sum Game: A New Perspective 12:30: Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Men 15:31: The Need for New Masculine Scripts 18:27: Agency and Confidence in Modern Masculinity 21:39: Mental Health Challenges Facing Men 33:37: The Cumulative Impact of Male Suicide Rates 39:52: The Gender Gap in Education 45:24: Addressing Developmental Differences in Boys 47:22: The NEET Crisis: Young Men Disconnected 52:35: The Importance of Fatherhood 01:01:26: Advocating for Boys and Men: Policy Changes