Podcast Summary: Lost Boys – Episode: "Of Money and Young Men"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Lost Boys
- Hosts: Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway
- Description: Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway explore the multifaceted challenges young men face in modern America, delving into economic, social, and psychological hurdles that hinder their progress. The podcast seeks to provide actionable strategies for resilience, ensuring young men understand they are not alone and can navigate their setbacks towards success.
- Episode: Of Money and Young Men
- Release Date: May 27, 2025
- Website: www.lostboys.men
Introduction
In the "Of Money and Young Men" episode, Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway tackle the pressing economic and professional challenges that young men in America are encountering. They examine how these issues differ significantly from those faced in previous generations, shedding light on the unique stressors that contribute to a sense of inadequacy and disconnection among young males today.
Intergenerational Economic Struggles
Anthony Scaramucci opens the discussion by highlighting the unprecedented economic difficulties young men face compared to their parents' experiences at the same age. He notes a demographic focus on individuals aged 12 to 30, emphasizing the heightened stress levels in this group.
Quote:
"There's a tremendous amount of stress that young people are experiencing today, frankly, versus you and I."
— Anthony Scaramucci [01:21]
Scott Galloway elaborates, identifying the core issue as the fact that, for the first time in U.S. history, a 30-year-old today is worse off economically than their parents were at 30. This economic downturn is fueling broader societal issues like polarization, anxiety, and depression.
Quote:
"If you were to reverse engineer everything that ails us... a 30-year-old man or woman isn't doing as well as his or her parents were at 30. That has never happened before."
— Scott Galloway [02:57]
The Impact of Social Comparison and Wealth Distribution
The hosts discuss the pervasive influence of social media, where constant exposure to others' successes exacerbates feelings of inadequacy among young men. Scott Galloway points out that wealth is increasingly concentrated, with the top 0.1% leading significantly different lifestyles compared to the past, amplifying the sense of failure among the broader population.
Quote:
"It's about outrunning everybody. Now, I'm not suggesting you do that, but if you look at men who break up fights at bars, they're generally big, strong men."
— Scott Galloway [07:48]
Coping with Perceived Failure and Building Resilience
Anthony Scaramucci shares a personal anecdote about a centimillionaire feeling underachieving despite his success, illustrating the deep-seated issues of self-worth tied to comparisons and societal expectations.
Quote:
"By staying in the game is the number one thing. I think it's a big message for these people... it's okay to fail."
— Anthony Scaramucci [38:48]
Scott Galloway addresses the philosophy of self-forgiveness, arguing that much of one's success is uncontrollable and that young men should focus on consistent, small efforts in areas like fitness, earning money, and social engagement to build resilience.
Quote:
"The first thing I tell young men is, forgive yourself. As long as you're trying... a lot of it is out of your control."
— Scott Galloway [08:11]
The Downside of Meritocracy
Scott Galloway critiques the American meritocracy, explaining that while it encourages hard work and talent, it also unfairly blames individuals for systemic failures. This mindset leads to increased shame and rage among those who struggle despite their efforts.
Quote:
"If you don't, it's your fault. It means if you aren't providing... it means it's your fault you screwed up."
— Scott Galloway [08:11]
Biological and Educational Challenges
The conversation shifts to biological factors, noting that boys are maturing later than girls, which impacts their social and academic performance. Scott Galloway highlights that educational systems are often biased against boys, leading to higher suspension rates and lower college attendance compared to females.
Quote:
"Women are more likely to drop out... 50% of 18 to 24 year old men have never asked a woman out in person."
— Scott Galloway [29:31 - 33:48]
Societal and Economic Factors
Scott Galloway discusses broader societal issues, including the decline of vocational training and the rise of an education system that favors female-dominated behaviors. Additionally, the challenges of online dating dilute traditional social interactions, making it harder for young men to develop essential interpersonal skills.
Quote:
"We have a real issue here around how do we level up young men such that they're more attractive to women, they're more confident, they get out more, they're better workers, they're more patriotic, they're stronger, they're more fit."
— Scott Galloway [33:48]
The American Ethos of Risk-Taking
In comparing the U.S. with other countries, Scott Galloway attributes America's unique entrepreneurial spirit to its cultural embrace of risk-taking. This ethos has fueled significant innovations and economic growth, particularly in regions like California.
Quote:
"In the US, what you have is a DNA of risk taking that is unparalleled anywhere in the world."
— Scott Galloway [26:20]
Personal Stories of Failure and Resilience
Both hosts share personal experiences of failure to underscore the importance of resilience. Scott Galloway recounts multiple business failures, personal setbacks, and the emotional turmoil of not meeting his own high expectations. This vulnerability serves to normalize failure as a stepping stone to success.
Quote:
"My superpower is the ability... to move through failure without losing my sense of enthusiasm."
— Scott Galloway [21:24]
Anthony Scaramucci echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that persistence and the ability to remain engaged despite failures are critical for long-term success.
Quote:
"It's okay to fail. I failed. Scott has failed. All those people you're looking up to have failed, and you got to just stay in the game."
— Anthony Scaramucci [38:48]
Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with a powerful message that embracing failure and building resilience are essential for young men to overcome current societal and economic challenges. The hosts advocate for small, consistent efforts in personal development areas such as fitness, financial independence, and social engagement to foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Quote:
"We're going to take human capital out of your phone and we're going to reinvest it in fitness, a little bit of money, and being social."
— Scott Galloway [08:11]
Anthony Scaramucci encourages listeners to share the podcast and spread awareness of these critical issues, highlighting the importance of community and support in addressing the challenges faced by young men today.
Closing Remarks:
"Lost Boys is a production of Salt Media and the Casablanca Strategy Group. Barbara Fedita and Keith Summa are executive producers..."
— Anthony Scaramucci [38:49]
Key Takeaways:
- Economic Decline: Young men today are experiencing worse economic conditions than their parents did at the same age, leading to increased stress and feelings of inadequacy.
- Social Media Impact: Constant exposure to others' successes on social media exacerbates feelings of failure among young men.
- Meritocracy's Downside: The belief in a true meritocracy unfairly blames individuals for systemic issues, increasing shame and rage.
- Biological and Educational Barriers: Boys mature later biologically and face educational biases, resulting in lower academic and professional outcomes.
- Resilience Through Small Efforts: Building resilience through consistent efforts in fitness, earning money, and social engagement is crucial.
- Embracing Failure: Normalizing failure as a part of the journey to success is essential for mental well-being and long-term achievement.
Resources:
- Website: www.lostboys.men
- Next Episode Preview: Discussions on masculinity, family, and strategies to help young men thrive with guest Andrew Yang.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and personal anecdotes shared by Anthony Scaramucci and Scott Galloway in the "Of Money and Young Men" episode of Lost Boys. It provides a clear understanding of the economic, social, and psychological challenges faced by young men today and offers actionable advice for building resilience and overcoming these hurdles.