Redefining Masculinity: Vulnerability, Connection & Building New Communities

IN THIS EPISODE

Two therapists unpack how masculinity is shaped by social policing, reflect on their own experiences of being shamed for vulnerability, and introduce a new men’s group dedicated to exploring more expansive and emotionally authentic forms of masculinity.

TOPICS

masculinity, vulnerability, therapy, community, connection, men’s groups

KEY FIGURES

Jesse Romo, Liam DeGeorgio, Kindman & Co.

SUMMARY

In this episode, therapists Jesse and Liam revisit the theme of masculinity, reflecting on the ways boys and men are taught early in life to suppress tenderness and vulnerability. They share personal stories of being policed for showing emotion and describe how aggression and “boys will be boys” attitudes were rewarded, even as they caused long-term harm.

The conversation explores how patriarchy limits everyone, including men themselves, and why vulnerability and emotional honesty are not weaknesses but deeper forms of strength. Liam introduces his new group, Redefining Masculinity, which provides a supportive space for masc-presenting individuals to affirm one another, experiment with new ways of expressing themselves, and challenge harmful norms together.

Together, Jesse and Liam highlight the ripple effect of healing—how individual men learning to express vulnerability can influence friends, partners, families, and future generations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Masculinity often discourages tenderness and vulnerability while rewarding aggression, leading to isolation and emotional harm.
  

• Early childhood experiences of shame and policing shape how men learn to perform masculinity.
  

• Vulnerability and emotional honesty are acts of courage that foster deeper connection and resilience.
  

• Groups like Redefining Masculinity create space for men to unlearn limiting norms and model new ways of being.
  

• Healing within community ripples outward, inspiring change in families, friendships, and society.
  

KEY QUOTES

• "From a young age, boys are taught to police each other into a narrow version of masculinity." — Liam
  
• "If you start crying, people will call you a girl. But if you get angry, people don’t make fun of you — they’re afraid of you. That’s how I adapted." — Jesse
  
• "Patriarchy convinces men that the easy way out is to avoid feelings. But the real work — the stronger path — is being vulnerable, accountable, and uncomfortable." — Jesse
  
• "Nobody’s born a hyper-alpha male who doesn’t want connection. Those parts of us get shut down — and it’s about reviving them." — Liam
  
• "Groups like this matter because they give us space to explore without shame, to ask questions instead of being told: ‘Don’t go there, dude.’" — Liam
  
• "Change ripples outward. When men embrace vulnerability, it impacts their partners, their families, and the next generation." — Jesse

CALL TO ACTION

Look out for the transcript of this episode on the Kindman & Co. blog and sign up for the Kindman & Co. newsletter to stay connected.

Interested in Liam’s Redefining Masculinity group? Follow this link to visit the group’s page on our website.