In this episode of It’s Okay, Man, Christopher, co-host of the Failure to Franchise Podcast, and I explore how film and media have become the unspoken teachers of masculinity playing an unavoidable role in shaping how men see themselves, express emotion, and define strength.

From stoic heroes and violent saviors to emotionally repressed fathers and broken antiheroes, Hollywood has written the script for what it means to be a man. But what happens when those roles no longer fit?

Through a deep dive into pop culture and psychological reflection, we look at how cinematic portrayals influence real-world expectations — and how men can begin rewriting their own stories beyond the screen.

This conversation is about understanding how deeply it informs our inner narratives and what it means to build a new model of manhood that’s authentic, vulnerable, and human.

Key themes:

• How film and media define “real men”
• The emotional cost of the stoic hero archetype
• Masculinity as performance vs. identity
• Why representation matters — and what’s missing
• Reclaiming vulnerability as strength
• Rewriting the modern male narrative

Find Tyrone: https://hellotyrone.ca

Find Christopher: https://failuretofranchise.libsyn.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It’s Okay, Man, I sit down with Matt Naismith, host of The Sowers Podcast, to explore masculinity through the lens of faith, leadership, and family.

Matt shares his definition of masculinity as “servant leadership” — a concept rooted in humility, responsibility, and love. Together, we unpack how this idea connects to modern fatherhood, faith, and the evolving expectations of men in today’s world.

From the dangers of apathy to the quiet strength found in emotional presence, we explore what it really means to lead — not through dominance, but through service. Matt also speaks candidly about balancing masculine and feminine energies, apologizing to his children, and finding freedom in faith and authenticity.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to be both strong and kind, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate perspective on modern masculinity — one that invites reflection, humility, and hope.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Intro

03:00 – Defining Masculinity: The Servant Leader

10:00 – Faith, Redemption, and the Search for Purpose

18:00 – Masculinity in Modern Culture: Finding the Middle Ground

25:00 – Fatherhood, Presence, and Emotional Awareness

33:00 – Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy

41:00 – Apology, Humility, and the Power of Example

50:00 – Closing Reflections: Keep Going, You Are Loved

Find Tyrone: https://hellotyrone.ca

Find Matt: https://www.instagram.com/thesowerspod/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It’s Okay, Man, I sit down with licensed therapist Steph MacDonald for a deep and heartfelt conversation on masculinity, maturity, and what it really means to be human.

We explore how our understanding of masculinity evolves with life experience, illness, and self-reflection — and how labels like “masculine” and “feminine” often limit the deeper truths about who we are. Steph shares her story of surviving cancer, redefining her identity, and finding purpose in helping others explore their own “matters of the heart.”

Together, we unpack the difference between positive and harmful masculinity, the importance of emotional expression, and the courage it takes to build an authentic relationship with yourself.

EDIT: At 24:47 Steph labels herself as a "Clinical Counsellor". For ethics and transparency it should be noted that she misspoke and is a "Canadian Certified Counsellor."

Find Tyrone: https://hellotyrone.ca

Find Steph: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/stephanie-macdonald-calgary-ab/1441197

00:00 – Solo Intro: Why This Conversation Matters

03:00 – Redefining Masculinity Through Maturity

09:00 – Vulnerability, Labels, and the Human Experience

15:00 – Steph’s Journey: Illness, Growth, and Acceptance

23:00 – The Meaning of Legacy and Living Fully

31:00 – Men, Therapy, and Finding the Right Fit

39:00 – Building Emotional Awareness in Modern Masculinity

46:00 – Closing Reflections: Deepening the Relationship With Yourself

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.