Podcast Summary: "And, This is Who Actually Raises Our Young Men" with Scott Galloway

Podcast Information:

• Title: This is Gavin Newsom
• Host: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: And, This is Who Actually Raises Our Young Men With Scott Galloway
• Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "This is Gavin Newsom," Governor Gavin Newsom engages in a deep and insightful conversation with renowned business professor and public commentator, Scott Galloway. The discussion delves into the pressing issues facing young men in America today, examining the intersection of technology, education, economic policies, and political dynamics. Galloway offers a critical perspective on how societal changes and corporate behaviors are impacting the mental and economic well-being of young men, while also proposing actionable solutions to address these challenges.

1. The Shifting Political Landscape for Young Men

Gavin Newsom opens the conversation by highlighting a significant political trend: "In 2020, Donald Trump won roughly 41% of the vote with young men. In 2024, he increased that share to 56%" (01:01). This dramatic shift raises questions about the underlying factors influencing young men's political affiliations and their increasing support for Trump.

Scott Galloway attributes this shift to the neglect of young men by traditional institutions, including the Democratic Party. He emphasizes that young men are feeling disenfranchised and disconnected, leading them to gravitate towards candidates who resonate with their frustrations and sense of loss of opportunity.

Notable Quote:

"The Democratic Committee losing to an insurrectionist. And this is how we managed to steal defeat from the jaws of victory." (56:26)

2. The Dominance and Impact of Big Tech

Galloway provides a scathing critique of major tech companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), Amazon, and Google. He argues that the concentration of power in these corporations is detrimental to societal well-being, particularly for young men.

Key Points:

• Concentration of Power: "One company controls 50% of e-commerce, Amazon. One company controls 90% of search, Google. And one company owns 2/3 of social media globally" (02:38).
• Algorithmic Influence: Galloway explains how algorithms prioritize content that generates rage and engagement, leading to increased polarization and mental health issues among youth.
• Antitrust Concerns: He advocates for breaking up these monopolies to foster competition and reduce their negative societal impacts.

Notable Quote:

"If you bring on somebody who says an MRNA vaccine alters your DNA... these algorithms have figured out that if we elevate that content beyond its natural organic reach, it creates enragement because people will weigh in and go that's nonsense and that's not true." (02:38)

3. Economic Policies and Generational Inequality

The conversation shifts to economic policies that perpetuate generational inequalities. Galloway discusses how current policies favor older generations at the expense of young people, particularly young men.

Key Points:

• Minimum Wage: Galloway proposes a minimum wage of $25 per hour, arguing it would significantly improve the economic prospects of young people without harming businesses.
• Tax Policies: He criticizes the regressive nature of current tax policies, which benefit the wealthiest Americans while placing disproportionate burdens on young workers.
• Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: The discussion highlights how trillions of dollars are being transferred from young to old, exacerbating financial instability for the younger generation.

Notable Quote:

"We're just transferring opportunity away from the recent graduate... It's criminal how the stock market stays high and you, and I stay wealthy while young people bear the costs." (55:15)

4. The Crisis of Masculinity and Mental Health

Galloway addresses the profound crisis of masculinity and mental health among young men in America. He links this crisis to various societal shifts, including the rise of digital connections over face-to-face interactions and the lack of male role models.

Key Points:

• Decline in Relationships: "51% of American men age 18 to 24 have never asked a woman out in person" (18:34).
• Mental Health Issues: Young men face higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and incarceration compared to their female counterparts.
• Impact of Technology: Excessive use of social media and online platforms contributes to social isolation and exposure to harmful content.

Notable Quote:

"If a man doesn't have a relationship by the time he's never cohabitated or been married by the time he's 30, there's a one in three chance he's going to be a substance abuser." (19:17)

5. Education System's Role in Shaping Young Men

Galloway critiques the education system for being biased against males, contributing to their academic and emotional struggles.

Key Points:

• Access to Education: "UCLA's admissions rate has gone from 76% to 9%" (29:17), making it difficult for average students to gain higher education.
• Vocational Training Decline: The removal of programs like wood shop and metal shop has limited practical pathways for young men who may not thrive in traditional academic settings.
• Behavioral Biases: Boys are more likely to be suspended for the same infractions as girls, indicating a systemic bias that hinders their academic success.

Notable Quote:

"The educational system is now biased against men... We need more males involved in K through 12 education." (35:51)

6. Proposed Solutions for Empowering Young Men

Galloway offers a range of solutions aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by young men:

• National Service: Mandatory national service programs to foster camaraderie, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
• Increase Minimum Wage: Raising the minimum wage to $25 per hour to enhance economic stability.
• Affordability in Housing: Creating more affordable housing options to ensure young adults can establish independent households.
• Male Role Models: Encouraging more men to take on mentorship roles and participate in programs like Big Brothers.
• Educational Reforms: Revitalizing vocational training and reducing biases in the education system to support diverse learning paths.

Notable Quote:

"The ultimate expression of masculinity is to get involved in the life of a child that isn't yours... We need more men involved." (43:41)

7. Critique of the Democratic Party's Strategy

Galloway critiques the Democratic Party for its focus on identity politics at the expense of addressing the economic and social needs of young men. He argues that this oversight has led to significant political shifts and voter disenchantment.

Key Points:

• Identity Politics vs. Economic Policies: The party's emphasis on identity issues has marginalized the concerns of young men.
• Electoral Strategy Failures: Failure to engage with and support young men has resulted in their increased support for candidates like Trump.
• Policy Recommendations: Shift focus to policies that enhance economic opportunities and social support for young men, rather than primarily addressing identity-based issues.

Notable Quote:

"The Democratic Party needs to move away from identity politics and focus really on one thing... If you're young and you're a good kid, you should be able to have a job that pays a certain wage." (60:49)

8. Personal Reflections and Background of Scott Galloway

Galloway shares his personal journey, highlighting how support from the University of California system and access to education were pivotal in his success. His story underscores the importance of institutional support in enabling upward social mobility.

Key Points:

• Background: Raised by a single immigrant mother, faced economic hardships, but overcame barriers through education.
• Impact of UC System: Gratitude towards UCLA and UC Berkeley for providing opportunities that were instrumental in his personal and professional growth.
• Empathy for Young Men: His own experiences inform his understanding and empathy towards the struggles faced by young men today.

Notable Quote:

"The smart thing I ever did was to be born in America, specifically in California." (29:17)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a call to action for both political parties and societal institutions to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by young men. Galloway emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies that promote economic stability, mental health support, and social engagement to empower young men and ensure their successful integration into society.

Final Quote:

"Let's help the people. Let's use the full faith and resources of the greatest experiment in history... to help the poor." (60:49)

Takeaways:

• The deepening crisis among young men in America is a multifaceted issue influenced by technology, economic policies, education systems, and political strategies.
• Concentration of power in Big Tech and the neglect of young men's needs have significant negative impacts on their mental and economic well-being.
• Comprehensive policy reforms, including increased minimum wage, enhanced educational support, and fostering male role models, are essential to address these challenges.
• Political parties, particularly the Democratic Party, need to pivot from identity politics to focus on economic and social policies that support young men and promote widespread prosperity.

End of Summary