The State of Men

Summary: 
Today, Aydian and Mike talk about their own journeys with money, while they break down the “breadwinner” mentality.  Aydian unpacks how his early interactions with money ultimately shaped his perception of monetary success as an adult.  While Mike brings his experience of overcoming self-inflicted financing obstacles and understanding his new role as a financial contributor to his family. 

Top Take-Aways: 
  • Is it the amount of money in our bank accounts that really makes us feel secure or is it the feeling of having money that provides security?
  • How did watching our parents handle money during our childhood influence how we handle money now as adults?
  • Where did we learn this concept that the male figure in the home is the one who should be responsible for making all the money?
  • Is money a place of peace in your life or does money cause a great deal of anxiety and stress?
  • Do you have illusions when it comes to money?

What is The State of Men?

The State of Men is hosted by two Elder Millennial work-from-home-Dads, Mike Watts (cis man) and Aydian Dowling (trans man).

A funny and real-life approach to being Men in the 2020s The State of Men is taking a deep dive into masculinity to talk about what we do, and why we do it.

We believe a better future for our world is in part the responsibility of the Men in it. We invite all men to do the work and fix their shit, so we can leave a legacy we are proud of.

Societally, men have been brainwashed into a narrow view of masculinity through which they can't see their full potential. Gender norms are changing, the glass ceiling is shattered, and home life has been reinvented. So what does it mean to be a man in this new world?

The State of Men is a funny, honest, real-world look at the stigmas that exist around men.

The truth is men want to fix their shit, but where do we even start.