S2, Ep4: The Meaning of Better Boys, Better Men.

What does it really take to raise boys into good men in today’s world?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men Andrew Reiner—author of Better Boys, Better Men, discusses the evolving landscape of masculinity and what young men are up against today.

We dive into why so many boys are struggling in school, withdrawing emotionally, and falling behind—not just academically, but socially and mentally. Andrew shares powerful insights on “the boy code”—a set of unspoken rules that teach boys to suppress vulnerability, avoid asking for help, and always appear in control. 

We talk about everything from fatherhood to men's mental health, from emotional resilience to the long-term impact of those “man up” messages we throw around so casually. Andrew also reflects on how his own journey—and becoming a father—led him to challenge old beliefs and rewrite the script on masculinity.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Why do boys shut down emotionally?

• What does healthy vulnerability look like for men?

• How do we break the cycle of depression in men and build a better path forward?

…this episode is for you.

 

Timestamps:

06:14: Inspiration Behind 'Better Boys, Better Men'

18:10: The Boy Code and Its Impact on Mental Health

22:32: The Impact of Testosterone on Male Brain Development

28:33: Challenges for Single Mothers Raising Boys

34:03: Unlearning Damaging Behaviours in Men

41:17: The Importance of Emotional Resiliency in Boys