Podcast Summary: Lost Boys – "Here's How We Help Young Men Thrive, with Andrew Yang"

Episode Information:

• Title: Here's How We Help Young Men Thrive, with Andrew Yang
• Hosts: Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway
• Guest: Andrew Yang, businessman, author, and politician
• Release Date: June 5, 2025
• Website: www.lostboys.men

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Lost Boys, hosts Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway engage in an in-depth conversation with Andrew Yang, renowned for his 2020 Democratic presidential primary run and his advocacy for universal basic income. The discussion centers on the myriad challenges young men face in America today, encompassing economic struggles, mental health crises, and societal disconnection. The trio explores actionable solutions aimed at fostering resilience and success among young men.

Identifying the Crisis Facing Young Men

Andrew Yang underscores the critical state of young men's well-being in America. Highlighting data trends, he emphasizes the urgent need to address the systemic issues contributing to their struggles.

“We’ve set so many young people up to fail, and then them becoming reactive and angry is somewhat natural.” (12:30)

Anthony Scaramucci adds depth to the conversation by illustrating the economic disparities affecting younger generations, noting a significant transfer of wealth from young to old.

“A person under the age of 40 is 24% less wealthy than they were 40 years ago. Someone over the age of 70 is 72% wealthier.” (10:46)

Policy Recommendations for Empowering Young Men

Andrew Yang proposes several targeted policy initiatives aimed at leveling the economic playing field for young men:

1. Vocational and Apprenticeship Education:

   • Yang advocates for doubling or tripling investments in vocational training programs, which historically see higher participation from men.
   • He emphasizes the resilience of trades like HVAC repair and plumbing against AI and automation.

   “This is very pragmatic. It would take a while even if you were to do a good job. Investing in this would take years to have an impact.” (03:11)

2. Incentivizing Male Educators:

   • Addressing the gender imbalance in teaching, Yang suggests incentives for men to enter the profession, providing young boys with male role models in educational settings.

   “A lot of boys don't see men as role models in the day to day. And if you had a guy in the classroom, it would go further.” (03:11)

3. Universal Basic Income (UBI):

   • Building on his previous advocacy, Yang reiterates the importance of UBI in ensuring economic stability and value for men in a rapidly changing job market.

4. Community and Discipline Programs:

   • Yang humorously proposes free MMA training and national tough man competitions as avenues for young men to channel aggression, build discipline, and foster community.

   “You get them into the dojo. That's where people could get out aggression and learn some discipline, get community, get some fellowship.” (05:51)

National Mandatory Service: Pros and Cons

The discussion shifts to the concept of national mandatory service, where Scott Galloway inquires about Yang’s stance.

Andrew Yang expresses strong support for mandatory service but acknowledges significant implementation challenges:

“If you take an anxious and depressed teen and say, hey, now you're going to do this thing and it's required, maybe that person isn't actually going to be able to contribute.” (05:56)

He stresses the importance of designing such programs to genuinely provide purpose and structure rather than superficial solutions.

Political Dynamics and Their Impact

The conversation delves into the political landscape's role in exacerbating or alleviating young men's struggles.

Andrew Yang criticizes the Democratic Party for sidelining men’s issues in favor of predominantly women's issues during primary campaigns.

“Men are struggling, it's like, well no, it's not here in the Democratic party, it's not about men, it's about women.” (08:32)

He argues that the two-party system creates a toxic dynamic where neither side adequately addresses the root causes affecting young men, leading to increased polarization and disillusionment.

Toxic Masculinity and Role Models

A pivotal segment addresses the influence of figures like the Tate brothers on young men, questioning whether such personalities fill the void left by inadequate support systems.

Andrew Yang and Anthony Scaramucci express concern over the idolization of toxic figures, viewing them as distractions rather than genuine threats.

“The problem with their content is that it starts off strong, be fit, take control of Your life, and then it just comes off the tracks.” — Anthony (19:12)

Yang emphasizes the need for positive alternatives to guide young men:

“It’s on us. It’s one reason why I’m so glad to be with you guys is to provide positive alternatives.” (21:39)

Messaging and Policy Strategy

Scott Galloway proposes a shift away from identity politics towards universal solutions that resonate across different demographics, specifically targeting the needs of young people under 40.

“A decent platform is the unifying theory of everything. ... Make America America again. And we're going to figure out a way for young people to meet, fall in love and have kids and have the economic wherewithal to do that.” (25:24)

Andrew Yang concurs, highlighting the necessity of a positive, independent political movement free from current ideological constraints.

“I think that you need a positive, independent political movement that's free of the current ideologies.” (30:10)

Concluding Thoughts and Future Steps

The episode concludes with a call to action for political candidates and policymakers to prioritize the economic and social well-being of young men. Andrew Yang expresses optimism about future political endeavors and collaboration with the hosts to champion youth issues.

“I tell people all the time I've got another 30 years and there's definitely another run in me at some point.” — Andrew Yang (32:31)

Anthony Scaramucci reinforces the importance of normalizing progressive economic policies to support young men, even if immediate electoral success seems unattainable.

“You could have the same impact around leveling up young people. Even if you don't win, you're articulate, you're powerful, you have a huge following.” (30:54)

Key Takeaways

• Economic Empowerment: Invest in vocational training and apprenticeship programs tailored to young men to provide sustainable career paths resistant to automation.

• Male Representation: Encourage male participation in education and community roles to offer strong, positive role models for young boys.

• Universal Policies: Implement universal basic income and other broad-based economic policies to ensure financial stability for younger generations.

• Positive Alternatives: Develop and promote positive role models and community programs to counteract the allure of toxic figures.

• Unified Messaging: Shift political discourse from identity politics to inclusive, universally beneficial policies that address the core needs of young people.

For More Information: Visit www.lostboys.men for additional resources and upcoming episode details.