Searching For Answers on Masculinity | Michael Ian Black on Manhood, Strength, Vulnerability

The concept of masculinity is straight-up intimidating to even begin to comprehend. There’s no real cut-and-dry definition. Like so many big concepts, it’s far easier to throw your hands up and say, “it’s too complicated!” rather than commit to understanding the topic more deeply. Luckily for us, comedian Michael Ian Black has spent countless hours exploring masculinity. In his book A Better Man, he approaches what it means to be masculine through an open letter to his teenage son. His musings pave a clear path for any father, son, mother, daughter (or, incidentally, saber-tooth tiger) to approach the subject with an open mind and heart.

Episode 66 of Modern Dadhood open with Marc reflecting on his recent experience with Covid, and a belated Happy Mother's Day wish to all of the moms, before the guys throw it to the second half of the chat with Michael Ian Black. Michael is a father of two college-age children, Elijah and Ruthie, and is best known for his roles in Wet Hot American Summer, The State, and the comedy troupe Stella. Additionally, he hosts the podcasts "Obscure," "How To Be Amazing", and Topics (with Stella cohort Michael Showalter). Michael has written books for grown-ups and kids, and his 2020 book A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son, which balances the exploration of topics like "toxic masculinity" and gender inequality with personal anecdotes from his childhood and career in comedy. Conversation topics include:
• Emotional strength and vulnerability
• The value of men expressing when they need help
• Why the concept of masculinity is hard to define
• Various ways to approach thinking about masculinity
• The cultural importance of A Better Man
• The importance of demonstrating healthy masculinity to our children
• And more!
This is part two of a two part conversation.

LINKS:
Michael Ian Black (official)
Michael Ian Black (Instagram)
A Better Man (book)
Obscure (podcast)
Stella
Michael & Michael Have Issues
Caspar Babypants
Red Vault Audio
Spencer Albee
Stuffed Animal

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