S1, Ep1: The Meaning of Friendships.

What does it really take for guys to connect? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I chat with Geoffrey Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System, about the ups and downs of male friendships and their link to men’s mental health. We talk about the challenges men face in keeping strong connections and why having the right mix of friends can be key in avoiding depression or even a mental breakdown. 

 

Geoff breaks down his four types of friends—must, trust, rust, and just—and shares practical tips for building stronger connections, even when life’s hectic. We talk about why trust matters, spotting signs of depression in your friends, and how partners can help the men in their life build better friendship groups. Whether you’re dealing with depression or just trying to figure out how to stay close with your buddies, this episode is packed with relatable advice for improving mental health and friendships.

1.16: Introductions

4.35: The state of male friendships

8.02: The 4 types of male friendships

16.11: The key characteristics of a strong male friendship

18.11: The importance of trust

20.19: Why men can struggle to build and maintain friendships

22.38: Misconceptions around male friendships

26.35: How partners can help men build friendships

29.10: How to reconnect with old friends 

33.17: How to initiate new friendships if I'm not socially confident