In this episode of Let’s Talk Love, Robin sits down with sociologist Dr. Brendan K. Hartman, whose work focuses on the social-emotional development of boys and men, and how this connects to mental health, relationships, and wellbeing across all genders.

Together, they explore the growing gender divide, the rise in loneliness and disconnection, and how early emotional socialization shapes the way we show up in relationships later in life. Dr. Brendan shares insights from his work in schools and research with youth, including the key developmental stages where boys and girls are most at risk of disconnecting from their emotions and what that means for emotional intelligence, communication, and connection.

Dr. Brendan shares real-time skills we can model for our children, such as “emotional broadcasting” in order to grow emotional intelligence.

They unpack why many boys are taught to suppress emotions like sadness and fear, how this impacts emotional regulation, and why so many boys and men grow up craving deeper connection but don’t feel safe expressing it. They also talk about the mental health challenges facing young people today, including anxiety, shame, and the pressure to perform or “fit in.”

This conversation offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, and anyone wanting to build stronger relational skills.

Links:

https://remasculine.com/

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Dr. Brendan K. Hartman - Why Boys Are Struggling