After watching the Netflix series Adolescence, I was left gutted, moved, and full of questions—just like many of you who reached out. “I watched it. I was shocked. I was moved… but now what do I do with these big feelings I’m having and this information?” Whether you’re raising a boy or a girl, this show forces us to reckon with disconnection, violence, and parenting in the digital age.

In this conversation, I sit down with Ruth Whippman and Dr. Zabina Bhasin to explore what the show reveals about masculinity, emotional disconnection, and how boys are often left emotionally starved in today’s culture. We talk about parenting, school systems, and online influences—and most importantly, how we can start doing better for our kids.

We discuss:

How the Netflix series Adolescence reflects the emotional isolation many boys experience—and why it’s a cultural crisis.
How masculinity, parenting, school systems, and online influences shape how boys express (or suppress) their feelings.
Practical, compassionate strategies to help parents, educators, and adults raise emotionally safe, connected boys in today’s world.

To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman, check out all her resources at http://www.ruthwhippman.com/, join her Substack: I Blame Society and purchase her book Boy Mom. Ruth Whippman has previously been on the PedsDocTalk Podcast: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/masculinity-and-politics-exploring-the-connection-between-gender-ideals-and-voting-trends/

https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/raising-boys-and-redefining-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-friendships-and-emotional-health/

To connect with Dr. Zee follower her on Instagram @drzee_md and @listen2thekidz_, and check out all her resources at https://www.dr-zee.com/

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 Introducing Guests: Ruth Whippman and Dr. Z – Experts on masculinity, emotional safety, and parenting.

00:02:59 Themes from the Show

00:06:06 Cultural Crisis

00:07:28 Emotional Starvation

00:09:43 Nature vs. Nurture

00:11:51 Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys

00:15:17 Cultural Messaging

00:20:00 Behavioral Conditioning vs. Biology

00:24:11 Friendships, Brotherhood, and Vulnerability

00:30:44 Teaching Emotional Literacy

00:35:40 Hope for the Future

00:42:10 The Need to Be Seen

00:50:11 Action Steps for Parents

00:56:00 Closing Reflections

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.

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Intro

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