137. The Manhood Crisis (Why So Many Men Feel Lost)

In this episode I explore the themes of manhood and the significance of rites of passage in a man's life. I reflect on my personal experiences and my own lack of intentional initiation into manhood, which continues to haunt many men today. I dive into the importance of having wise elders to guide men through their journeys and the impact of not having these figures in our lives.

ELEVATE 2025: https://bryanreeves.com/elevate

Takeaways

• Many men have never undergone a true rite of passage.
• The absence of initiation can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Rites of passage involve separation, threshold, and return.
• Men often seek validation from women, which is unsustainable.
• Elder support is crucial for personal growth and maturity.
• Pseudo initiations do not provide the same benefits as true rites of passage.
• Adolescence can persist into adulthood without proper guidance.
• Mature men take responsibility for their impact on others.
• Intimate relationships can become containers for ongoing initiation.
• The journey of manhood is often lonely without support.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Manhood and Initiation

20:07 The Importance of Rites of Passage

26:01 Seeking Support and Guidance in Manhood