Aging & men of different generations - PathForge Discussion Group

Masculinity is supposedly in crisis. Is it? What does that mean to you and for the world? Meanwhile, everybody talks about Adolescence and it seems like all the podcasts and shows are about men all of the sudden. Do you have thoughts? Want to share and discuss?
Honestly, it's refreshing that people are finally noticing that it can be pretty confusing to be a guy in the modern world. The rules keep changing, we get conflicting messages, and it's easy to feel stuck wondering where we fit. And there's always someone just waiting to criticise us for something in the name of tearing down old power structures. It would be nice if all this tearing down would go in pair with building something new - and something that works for men, too.
This event series is about that building part. It's about figuring it all out, for ourselves and for the world. It's about finding our place, creating connections, working out how to be, and distinguishing all that others want of us, from what we want ourselves. It's about figuring out what's broken in the society, how it affects us, and how to change it.
Aging, and men of different generations. How do we deal with the inevitable passage of time? How do we find a common language with men younger and older than us?
What to expect:
Regular discussion-style meetings with men who like to explore a topic in-depth. Brainstorming ideas that might help us in our lives, but also that might help others, with a dash of big talk on society and systemic changes. Topics include:

1. “Strength” Revisited - What does being “strong” look like beyond physical power? How do we balance resilience with openness?
2. Friends After 30 - Why is male friendship hard to maintain? What models (old or new) can keep bonds alive?
3. Emotional Fluency Without the Cringe - How can we talk feelings in a way that feels authentic, not forced? Practical tools that actually help.
4. Work: Breadwinner, Care‑giver, or Both? - With jobs shifting and remote work rising, how do we redefine success and contribution at home and on the job?
5. Porn, Gaming, and Dopamine - Where’s the line between harmless escape and life‑draining habit? What healthier swaps exist?
6. Healthy Conflict - From bar debates to boardrooms, how do we argue without blowing up relationships or shutting down?
7. Bodies, Aging, and Self‑Image - Bulking, bio‑hacking, dad‑bod pride, how do we make peace with changing bodies while staying fit and confident?
8. Fatherhood (Actual or Future) - What kind of dads do today’s boys need? How do we parent differently from, or similar to, our own fathers?
9. Power & Accountability - How can men use influence responsibly, at work, in relationships, online, without feeling we’re “losing ground”?

This group is for men who want to:

• Explore what it means to be a man these days
• Have deep, fascinating discussions
• Take action and make the world better

About me:
I'm a philosopher, I lecture in applied ethics, run PathForge, an NGO focused on helping men grow, and sit on the Steering Committee of MenEngage Europe, contributing to the discussion around men and masculinities across the continent. I started the Man's Compass blog and video channel to help men reach their full potential, drawing on scientific research and my experience.