Why Traditional Masculinity Is Failing Modern Relationships

In this episode, host Dana Skaggs sits down with Kristal Desantis to talk about why traditional masculinity is struggling in modern relationships. Kristal describes what she calls the “broken script,” where old-school roles of men as sole protectors and providers clash with today’s need for emotional partnership. This leaves a lot of men caught in a “masculinity trap”—criticized for being too stoic but judged when they open up. The two dive into topics like emotional safety, touch starvation, and the pressure to measure up to narrow definitions of worth. Kristal also shares her “STRONG” model, a down-to-earth framework to help men move past performative roles and create healthier, more genuine connections.

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