Podcast Summary: "And, This is How The Left Fails Young Men with Richard Reeves" Release Date: July 30, 2025
Title: This is Gavin Newsom
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

In this compelling episode of "This is Gavin Newsom," Governor Gavin Newsom engages in a profound conversation with Richard Reeves, founder and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, moderated by Scott Galloway. The discussion delves deep into the systemic challenges facing young men in America, exploring themes of economic inequality, mental health crises, and the cultural shifts that have left many young men feeling isolated and undervalued.

1. Introduction to the Crisis Facing Young Men

The episode opens with Scott Galloway highlighting the emerging theme of male and adolescent disenfranchisement:

Scott Galloway [03:25]: "What is going on with our men and boys, increasingly isolated, increasingly feeling disengaged, disconnected, depressed."

Galloway cites alarming statistics, noting that men account for 80% of suicides and face higher dropout and suspension rates compared to their female counterparts. He emphasizes the urgent need to address these issues beyond electoral politics.

2. Richard Reeves’ Journey and Insights

Richard Reeves shares his academic and personal journey that led him to focus on the plight of boys and men:

Richard Reeves [06:11]: "I was working on issues around economic inequality and noticed that boys and men, especially from working-class backgrounds and men of color, were driving much of the economic disparities."

Reeves highlights the lack of attention given to the male gender in policy discussions and the personal impact of raising three sons in an affluent household, which contrasted with the struggles he observed among less privileged young men.

3. The Misconception of a Zero-Sum Game

Galloway challenges the notion that focusing on young men detracts from women's issues:

Richard Reeves [10:48]: "We can do two things at once... there’s a bunch more stuff we need to do for women and girls... but we can also look at the fact that the suicide rate among young men has risen by a third since 2010."

Reeves argues that addressing the needs of both young men and women simultaneously benefits society as a whole, dismantling the false dichotomy that advocating for men equates to being anti-women.

4. The Impact of the Manosphere and Online Culture

The conversation shifts to the influence of online communities and the manosphere on young men's perceptions of masculinity:

Richard Reeves [26:40]: "I've come to think that the term 'manosphere' is not helpful because it just lumps together people who are doing very different things."

Reeves differentiates between various online masculinist groups, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding rather than broad generalizations that paint all as misogynistic or reactionary.

5. Economic and Educational Shifts

Reeves discusses the economic transformations that have undermined traditional male roles:

Richard Reeves [29:34]: "They are looking for an answer to the question, how should I be a man today? ... the traditional role of breadwinner has, to a very large extent, disappeared."

He connects the decline in male-dominated professions, like teaching and social work, to broader economic changes and the resulting identity crises among young men.

6. Policy Solutions and Institutional Changes

The dialogue moves towards actionable solutions, with Reeves advocating for policies that support male involvement in education and mental health:

Richard Reeves [66:02]: "If we can do for HEAL—health and education jobs for men—what we did for women in STEM, it would be a huge win."

Reeves emphasizes the importance of increasing male representation in caregiving and educational roles, suggesting that public policy should incentivize men to enter these fields to provide role models and alleviate feelings of unneededness among young men.

7. The Democratic Party's Oversight

Reeves critiques the Democratic Party's neglect of male issues, attributing it to a strategic focus on women's concerns:

Richard Reeves [55:32]: "The Democrats were very determined to be seen, particularly by women, as the party that was supporting them. ... there was nothing on the Democrat side."

He argues that this oversight allowed Republicans to effectively attract young male voters by addressing their concerns, leading to significant political shifts.

8. The Urgency of Addressing Young Men's Mental Health

The conversation underscores the critical need to prioritize mental health support for young men:

Richard Reeves [44:47]: "They aren’t sure that the economy needs them, they're not sure that their family needs them, they're not sure their community needs them."

Reeves highlights the importance of creating environments where young men feel valued and needed, suggesting that community involvement and mentorship can play pivotal roles in reducing suicide rates and fostering a sense of purpose.

9. Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Governor Newsom concludes the episode by acknowledging the significance of the discussion:

Scott Galloway [73:46]: "This is not political, this is about community. This is about who we are. It’s about the commonwealth more broadly."

The episode serves as a clarion call to policymakers, communities, and individuals to recognize and address the multifaceted challenges facing young men, advocating for a balanced approach that supports both men's and women's evolving roles in society.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Reeves [10:48]: "Men are struggling in our economy and struggling in our society. It's bad for everybody if young men and boys are struggling."

• Richard Reeves [29:34]: "They are looking for an answer to the question, how should I be a man today?"

• Richard Reeves [55:32]: "The Democrats... there was nothing on the Democrat side."

• Richard Reeves [44:47]: "We need to find a way to supply that sense to many men that we still need you."

Conclusion: This episode of "This is Gavin Newsom" sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of young men in contemporary society. Through the insightful dialogue between Newsom and Reeves, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the economic, social, and cultural factors contributing to the current crisis. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of inclusive policies and community efforts to support young men, highlighting the interconnectedness of gender issues and the broader implications for societal well-being.