In this episode, host Becky Dawson sits down with researcher and academic Lewis Wedlock to explore the complex landscape of masculinity in education. Lewis discusses his work in bridging the gap between academic theory and the lived experiences of young men from marginalized communities. The conversation delves into the "performance" of masculinity, the importance of fostering curiosity over fury, and how educators can create safe spaces for young people to express their true selves.

Lewis shares insights from his book, Masculinity in Schools, emphasizing that supporting wellbeing for boys requires moving beyond binary labels like "toxic" or "healthy". By modeling wholeness and vulnerability, staff can help students navigate the "duality strain" between societal expectations and their authentic identities. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to implement a more empathetic, relationship-led approach to behavior management and student development.

• Curiosity over Fury: Approach challenging conversations with a desire to understand rather than a need to condemn; it is impossible to be truly curious and furious at the same time.
• Modeling Wholeness: Educators should demonstrate that human beings are "works in progress," replacing the pressure of perfectionism with authentic human connection.
• Navigating Duality Strain: Recognize the tension boys feel between who they actually are and the performance of masculinity they feel they must project to others.
• The "And And" Approach: Schools can address the realities of harm, such as violence against women and girls, while simultaneously supporting the mental health and emotional needs of boys.
• Intention over Reaction: Move away from "knee-jerk" responses to viral trends or media; instead, build long-term, transformational culture through intentional, trauma-informed dialogue.
• Mendable Masculinity: Treat identity like tailoring—allow young people the autonomy to "mend" and adjust their understanding of themselves as they grow and evolve.

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Chapters

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Lewis Wedlock and the focus on wellbeing .

01:01 - Research vs. Practice - The balance between academic data and working with young people .

02:29 - Personal Journey - Lewis’s background in social psychology and lived experience .

05:03 - Masculinity in Schools - Discussing Lewis's book and the current educational climate .

07:53 - Modeling Wholeness - Moving beyond the "black and white" binary of "good vs. bad" .

10:04 - The Performance of Masculinity - Unpacking behavior management and "duality strain" .

13:41 - Curiosity vs. Fury - How to handle challenging ideas without shutting down dialogue .

16:39 - Advice for Non-Specialists - Tips for teachers on facilitating understanding without a script .

21:18 - Communal Invitation - Addressing harm without labeling all boys as "bad" .

28:51 - Intention vs. Reaction - Avoiding "band-aid" fixes for radical change in school culture .

32:13 - Mendable Masculinity - Reimagining the human experience as a "work in progress" .

38:33 - Embracing Humanity - The power of accountability and the relationship between staff and students .