Podcast Summary: Lost Boys – What Does Masculinity Mean Today?

Episode Information:

• Title: What Does Masculinity Mean Today?
• Hosts: Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway
• Release Date: June 12, 2025
• Website: www.lostboys.men

Introduction

In this insightful episode of the Lost Boys podcast, hosts Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway delve into the evolving definition of masculinity and its profound impact on young men in contemporary America. Addressing critical issues such as rising suicide rates, declining wages, and social disconnection, Scaramucci and Galloway aim to provide a comprehensive playbook for resilience, ensuring that young men understand they are not alone and that their setbacks do not define their future.

Redefining Masculinity: Concentric Circles

Professor Scott Galloway introduces a novel framework for understanding masculinity through the concept of concentric circles. He emphasizes that masculinity extends beyond traditional stereotypes of strength and stoicism, incorporating elements of self-care and community responsibility.

Professor Scott Galloway [03:56]: "We have to think about who we are as people and how we want to define ourselves inside of our families and our communities."

Anthony Scaramucci builds on this by outlining the layers of masculinity:

1. Self-Care: The foundational layer where men must prioritize their mental and physical health. Scaramucci states, "You got to take care of yourself. You got to be strong, you got to be mentally healthy" ([03:56]).

2. Immediate Family: Once self-care is achieved, the next circle involves taking care of one's immediate family, ensuring their well-being and support.

3. Extended Family and Community: The outer circles extend to the broader community and, ultimately, to societal contributions.

4. Legacy Building: The outermost ring represents the ultimate expression of masculinity—contributing to the greater good without expecting anything in return, akin to planting trees for future generations.

Anthony Scaramucci [06:03]: "And then the ultimate outer ring, the ultimate expression of masculinity is that you plant trees, the shade of which you will never sit under."

Surplus Value in Manhood

A pivotal concept discussed is surplus value as a measure of true manhood. Scaramucci argues that masculinity should be assessed by the value one adds to society rather than material success or status.

Professor Scott Galloway [10:35]: "I like this notion of masculinity being kind of defined as surplus value."

He explains that contributing more to the community and economy than one takes aligns with authentic masculinity. This entails creating jobs, paying more in taxes than one consumes in services, and actively solving problems rather than creating them.

Professor Scott Galloway [16:19]: "You're adding negative value right now. ... When you cross over into manhood is when you have, on a net basis, are adding surplus value."

The Importance of Male Role Models

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critical need for male role models in the lives of young men. Scaramucci shares personal anecdotes illustrating the long-term benefits of mentorship and positive male influence.

Anthony Scaramucci [19:32]: "I went up to the Bronx, met the 13-year-old boy, got him into the Monsignor Scanlon Catholic School... now he's in Hudson Yards working security with a wife and three kids."

He underscores that boys often look up to peers or indifferent figures when absent a strong male presence, leading to emotional and psychological weaknesses.

Anthony Scaramucci [30:24]: "But you realize this is what I do for a living. I get, I'm boasting now. I get, I get a large number of young men asking me for help. Do you think my son's ever asked me for advice? No way. Dad's an idiot. Dad doesn't know."

Vulnerability and Self-Worth

The conversation shifts to the theme of vulnerability in masculinity. Both hosts acknowledge the societal pressure on men to associate self-worth with financial success and traditional masculine achievements, often at the expense of personal well-being.

Anthony Scaramucci [30:43]: "How much is it tied to your philosophy, your principles, your parenting, your money? ... I get 90% of my self-esteem from my money. It's pathetic."

Scaramucci reflects on his personal journey of redefining self-worth beyond monetary measures, striving to focus on relationships and purposeful living.

Anthony Scaramucci [31:13]: "It has been a severe focus of mine. ... my self-worth is not my story. It can write certain chapters, it can make certain chapters burn brighter."

Community Involvement and Collective Responsibility

Both hosts emphasize the necessity of community involvement to support young men lacking male role models. They advocate for proactive measures in families, workplaces, and communities to integrate positive male influences.

Anthony Scaramucci [22:19]: "You think, well, I'd like to help, I'm one of those men. ... find a single mother at your workplace, amongst your friends, your extended family, wherever it is, or a boy who is struggling. And ask the mom or even the dad or the parents, is it cool if I hang out with this kid?"

They call for a cultural shift where traditional support systems such as coaches and after-school programs are revitalized to ensure boys have access to nurturing male figures.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on the multifaceted nature of masculinity, urging men to balance self-care, family responsibility, community involvement, and legacy building. Scaramucci and Galloway advocate for a redefined masculinity that values emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and societal contribution over outdated stereotypes and superficial achievements.

Professor Scott Galloway [34:25]: "If we want better men, then we have to be better men, that we have to immediately move in."

The hosts encourage listeners to embrace these principles, fostering a supportive environment for young men to thrive and redefine what it truly means to be masculine in today’s world.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefinition of Masculinity: Emphasizes self-care, family, community, and legacy.
• Surplus Value: True manhood is measured by the value one adds to society.
• Male Role Models: Crucial for the emotional and psychological well-being of young men.
• Vulnerability: Encouraging men to associate self-worth with more than just financial success.
• Community Responsibility: Collective effort needed to support and mentor young men.

Notable Quotes:

• Professor Scott Galloway [03:56]: "We have to think about who we are as people and how we want to define ourselves inside of our families and our communities."
• Anthony Scaramucci [06:56]: "The ultimate expression of masculinity is that you plant trees, the shade of which you will never sit under."
• Professor Scott Galloway [16:19]: "You're adding negative value right now."
• Anthony Scaramucci [31:10]: "I get 90% of my self-esteem from my money. It's pathetic."

For more episodes and in-depth discussions, visit www.lostboys.men and subscribe to the Lost Boys podcast on your preferred platform. Share this episode with friends and family who care about the challenges faced by young men today.