Episode Summary: "Can Young Men Find Happiness? (A Lost Boys Special)"

Podcast: The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Host: Scott Galloway
Guest: Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier
Release Date: August 8, 2025

1. Introduction to Lost Boys Series

In this special episode of Lost Boys, hosted by Scott Galloway and co-host Ryan Reynolds, the discussion centers on the growing anxiety and mental health challenges faced by young men today. The episode features Dan Harris, renowned journalist and author of 10% Happier, who brings his expertise on mindfulness and mental well-being to the conversation.

Scott Galloway [01:37]: "Today's episode is a conversation with Dan Harris... we can all manage the stress and anxiety in our lives, something that's very important for young men today."

2. The Current State of Young Men's Mental Health

Scott Galloway sets the stage by highlighting alarming statistics related to young men's mental health, emphasizing the increased rates of suicide, incarceration, homelessness, and addiction.

Dan Harris [04:26]: "4 out of 5 suicides are male, 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, 3 times more likely to be homeless or addicted."

Harris notes a pivotal shift in societal dialogue, where various groups, including mothers, feminists, and political factions, have begun to openly address the struggles of young men, making the conversation more productive and less stigmatized.

3. Causes of Rising Anxiety Among Young Men

The conversation delves into the factors contributing to the surge in anxiety among young men. Ryan Reynolds emphasizes the role of technology and social isolation:

Ryan Reynolds [07:09]: "We are isolated, lonely, disconnected, stuck in our own little worlds on our phones... if we don't have this social connection, if we don't have positive relationships, we wither."

Dan Harris adds that the COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated social anxiety, with a significant uptick observed post-pandemic.

Dan Harris [09:23]: "There's a 35% uptick in social anxiety among young people with COVID lockdowns."

4. Redefining Masculinity and Its Impact

Scott and Dan explore the concept of masculinity and its toxic manifestations. Reynolds expresses concern over how "toxic masculinity" has been weaponized, potentially alienating men from open discussions about their struggles.

Ryan Reynolds [11:53]: "I don't love that phrase because I do feel like it has been weaponized a little bit to make men feel bad about being men."

The discussion touches upon healthier models of masculinity that emphasize courage, emotional openness, and self-compassion over dominance and suppression of emotions.

5. Practical Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety

Dan Harris shares actionable advice for young men grappling with anxiety and panic attacks:

• Volunteering and Community Engagement: Encouraging individuals to engage in meaningful activities that foster connection and a sense of purpose.

  Ryan Reynolds [11:30]: "The number one piece of advice is to volunteer, get out there, do something useful for somebody else."

• Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Facing fears through manageable steps and practicing self-compassion to replace negative self-talk with supportive inner dialogue.

  Ryan Reynolds [22:09]: "Learning to talk to yourself the way you would talk to a good friend... is a trainable skill for anyone and extremely helpful."

• Facing Panic Triggers: Using exposure therapy with professional support to confront and manage specific anxieties, such as Reynolds' personal experience with claustrophobia.

  Ryan Reynolds [20:48]: "I would literally ride elevators at the Westchester mall with my shrink... and it really helped."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Real-Life Applications

Dan Harris recounts a poignant story of coaching a young man dealing with anxiety related to potential STDs, illustrating the immediate relief that comes from taking proactive steps.

Dan Harris [30:01]: "Action absorbs anxiety... You got a problem, start to address it and you immediately feel better."

Reynolds and Galloway also share personal insights, emphasizing the importance of modeling positive masculinity and fostering healthy relationships for the next generation.

7. Concluding Insights and Takeaways

The episode wraps up with the affirming message that taking action, no matter how small, can significantly alleviate anxiety. Both hosts reinforce the idea that proactive engagement in one's community and personal growth are key to finding happiness.

Ryan Reynolds [29:59]: "Action absorbs anxiety... The world is filled with opportunities to be helpful."

Dan Harris [32:37]: "The thing you were going to regret in your life is not getting fired... it's how much anxiety and punishment you put yourself through."

Scott Galloway highlights the central lesson from the episode:

Scott Galloway [33:43]: "If people get out of it, that one sentence, the whole thing is worth it to me."

Key Quotes

• Dan Harris [04:26]: "4 out of 5 suicides are male, 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, 3 times more likely to be homeless or addicted."

• Ryan Reynolds [07:09]: "We are isolated, lonely, disconnected, stuck in our own little worlds on our phones."

• Ryan Reynolds [22:09]: "Learning to talk to yourself the way you would talk to a good friend... is a trainable skill for anyone and extremely helpful."

• Dan Harris [30:01]: "Action absorbs anxiety... You got a problem, start to address it and you immediately feel better."

Final Thoughts

"Can Young Men Find Happiness? (A Lost Boys Special)" offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration of the mental health challenges facing young men today. Through candid dialogue and practical advice, Scott Galloway, Ryan Reynolds, and Dan Harris illuminate pathways toward resilience, connection, and genuine happiness. The episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking to understand and support the well-being of the young men in their lives.

For more information and resources discussed in this episode, visit www.lostboys.men.