The State of Men

Today, Aydian and Mike talk with Mike’s Mom, Michelle Watts. In this episode, we get some more details on how Mike grew up. Michelle raised her three kids, while her husband traveled for work, and after moving many times ended up long-term in Indiana. We get some insights on what it was like as a Mid-West Mom, raising a firecracker like Mike, and how much things have changed with raising kids since she was a full-time Mother. 

Top Take-Aways: 
  • Do you ever talk to your Mom about what it was like for her, raising you? Maybe you’re missing out on some critical information by hearing her experience.
  • Have times really changed? Can you recall what it’s like when you were growing up compared to how kids grow up now? Do you think it’s better or worse?
  • Did your parents shelter you? Was that impactful in how you expressed yourself or tried to find answers to things you didn’t know about?
  • Was there ever a time you wished someone had asked you if you needed help? 
  • Do you think parents are more protective of their daughters vs their sons?

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.