ON BOYS Podcast

Helping Boys Find A Path to Manhood

Feb 13, 2025

Paul Cumbo, a veteran educator and author of 'A Path to Manhood,' shares his extensive insights into guiding boys on their journey to manhood. He discusses the unique challenges young men face today, highlighting the importance of support and encouragement. Paul emphasizes that boys need to feel needed and highlights how transformative experiences can shape their growth. He challenges cultural narratives that diminish their self-worth and advocates for meaningful engagement in a world filled with distractions, stressing that joy is more profound than mere happiness.

53:38

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Episode guests

Paul Cumbo

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast emphasizes that each boy's journey to manhood is unique and requires personalized support to navigate challenges.

Encouragement and engagement in meaningful activities are crucial for helping young men connect, feel valued, and find genuine joy.

Deep dives

The Inspiration Behind A Path to Manhood

A significant influence on the creation of A Path to Manhood comes from the author's extensive experience working with teenage boys over the last 25 years as a teacher and mentor. The author reflects on the need for guidance during a time when young men face numerous pressures, including social media influences and outdated perceptions of masculinity. The book emphasizes that adolescents are navigating a complex world and could benefit from encouragement and advice as they forge their unique paths to adulthood. This perspective highlights the author's commitment to helping young men realize their potential and find their individual identities.

Intro

1min

Navigating Manhood: Insights for Young Men

10min

Navigating the Path to Manhood: Conversations and Encouragement

5min

Navigating Fear and Pressure in Modern Manhood

6min

Understanding Young Men's Apathy

6min

Navigating Life's Journeys: Vision and Growth

18min

Navigating the Journey to Manhood

2min

Engaging Teenage Boys with Literature

5min

The Importance of Affirmation: You Matter

3min

How do we help boys along the path to manhood?

That’s a question Paul Cumbo, a veteran educator, has been asking for a long time. It’s one he’s well-positioned to answer too, given that he’s spent the past few decades of his life teaching, educating, and coaching teenage boys and young men. His latest book, A Path to Manhood, offers encouragement and advice to young men.

The available evidence suggests that our boys and young men need support and guidance. Too many have withdrawn from modern life, choosing to spend most of their time online. Too many feel unwanted, useless, and accused. Paul reminds boys and men that they matter. As he writes in the in the first chapter of his book, he doesn’t “buy the cultural narrative that men are simple.” He encourages young men to chart their own path through life, and shares how listeners can help boys on their journey.

Takeaways:

Each person’s path to manhood is unique and must be navigated individually.
Paralysis by analysis is a common issue among today’s youth.
Boys crave to be needed and to contribute meaningfully.
Long-term vision is essential for effective planning.
Backtracking is a natural part of the journey.
Transformative travel can provide profound experiences.
Joy is deeper and more meaningful than mere happiness.
Young men seek challenges and opportunities for growth.
Experiences of genuine joy are crucial for well-being.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

A Path to Manhood: Encouragement and Advice for Young Men, by Paul Cumbo

paulcumbo.com

paulcumbo.substack.com/ — Paul’s Substack newsletter

Camino Institute – info re the Young Men’s International Seminar (Note: there are still some spaces left for the 3rd Annual Young Men’s International Seminar, which runs June 14-21, 2025)

Wilderness Therapy with Paul Cumbo — ON BOYS podcast episode

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