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Need Better Role Models for Masculinity? Try The Knicks

June 16, 2026 / 01:18

This episode discusses masculinity in America, focusing on the need for positive role models and the impact of political narratives. Key topics include the perception of masculinity, the influence of sports figures, and the contrasting views between Democrats and Republicans.

The conversation highlights how a segment of America feels that traditional masculinity has been sidelined. It emphasizes the importance of providing aspirational examples of masculinity, contrasting this with the negative portrayals often associated with Republican narratives.

Participants discuss the recent decline in support for Trump among young men, suggesting that a healthier version of masculinity can be found in sports figures like Jalen Brunson, who prioritize teamwork and inclusivity.

The discussion touches on the significance of community and connection among men, particularly in addressing issues like male loneliness. The hosts agree on the importance of showcasing positive masculine traits through public figures.

Overall, the episode presents a critical view of current masculine ideals and the need for a shift towards more constructive representations.

TLDR

The episode critiques masculinity in America, urging for positive role models amid political narratives.

Episode

1:18
00:00:00
There is still a large segment of America that wants to embrace some form of masculinity and feels like it's been
00:00:05
shoved aside. And if Democrats can't come up with some sort of symbolism or role models that demonstrate strength
00:00:12
and service as masculinity, then the Republicans have filled that hole with violence and misogyny, which is exactly
00:00:18
what they're doing. Unfortunately, it not only highlights this performative weird dominant misogynistic form of
00:00:23
masculinity that is just >> Mhm. >> um in my opinion, the absolutely the terrible role model for young men. It
00:00:30
highlights to me that Democrats haven't been able to identify anything around an
00:00:34
aspirational viewpoint of around masculinity. >> I'm going to push back. Trump is down
00:00:38
10% among young men over the past few months. >> It's not because of this event.
00:00:42
>> No, I'm just saying it's just I think this version masculinity, you know what
00:00:45
a better version were the Knicks. >> Mhm. Yep, agreed. >> guy Brunson, he gave up a big pile of
00:00:50
money to have other people on the team included Karl-Anthony Towns. >> The difference of the watch parties was
00:00:57
really rather significant. >> Agreed. Yeah, I agree. >> And so if you want a version of
00:01:01
masculinity, that's a version of masculinity that is very sporty, very masculine, did a lot to heal the male
00:01:07
loneliness epidemic. Have you seen people out in the street like that, men out in the street like that?
00:01:11
>> I absolutely love it.

Episode Highlights

  • The Crisis of Masculinity
    A discussion on how masculinity is perceived and represented in politics today.
    “If Democrats can't come up with role models that demonstrate strength, Republicans will fill that hole.”
    @ 00m 19s
    June 16, 2026
  • Changing Trends Among Young Men
    Trump's declining support among young men raises questions about masculinity's evolution.
    “Trump is down 10% among young men over the past few months.”
    @ 00m 38s
    June 16, 2026
  • Healing Male Loneliness
    Exploring how a sporty version of masculinity can address male loneliness.
    “A version of masculinity that is very sporty... did a lot to heal the male loneliness epidemic.”
    @ 01m 03s
    June 16, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • Democrats haven't been able to identify anything around an aspirational viewpoint of masculinity.
    Need Better Role Models for Masculinity? Try The Knicks
  • Trump is down 10% among young men over the past few months.
    Need Better Role Models for Masculinity? Try The Knicks

Key Moments

  • Crisis of Masculinity00:19
  • Trump's Decline00:38
  • Sporty Masculinity01:03