Ep 21: Strength, Grief and Trust with Dr Anna Whitwham

We were discussing Anna's most recent book: "Soft Tissue Damage" 

Also check out her novel: "Boxer Handsome"

Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @beahappierparent and find videos of these episodes on YouTube @alexindadland

Keywords

masculinity, identity, vulnerability, shame, literature, parenting, relationships, emotional health, gender roles, self-discovery

Summary

In this conversation, Anna and Alex delve into the complexities of masculinity, exploring its constructs and representations in literature, the evolution of male identity, and the role of vulnerability and shame. They discuss the importance of female perspectives in understanding masculinity and the significance of building supportive networks for future generations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional health and the impact of relationships on personal growth.

Takeaways

Identity is a construct, and masculinity can take many forms.
Literature reflects the evolution of male identity over time.
Vulnerability is a crucial aspect of masculinity.
Shame can lead to destructive patterns of behavior.
Care and support are essential in male friendships.
Finding strength in vulnerability can lead to personal growth.
Female perspectives are vital in understanding masculinity.
Witnessing experiences is crucial for emotional health.
Building a supportive network is important for children.
The dynamics of female friendships differ from male friendships. 

Titles

The Many Faces of Masculinity
Literary Reflections on Male Identity

Sound bites

"Identity is construct, right?"
"You have to learn not to fight."
"This is a book about healing."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Masculinity in Literature
04:31 The Evolution of Male Protagonists
07:20 The Impact of War on Masculinity
10:10 Shame and Vulnerability in Men
13:00 The Role of Alcohol in Masculine Identity
15:54 Understanding Shame and Forgiveness
18:02 The Gendered Experience of Shame
21:04 Parenting and Masculinity
23:33 The Intersection of Boxing and Identity
26:24 Navigating Relationships and Violence
28:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Sport
35:28 The Comfort of Kebab and Vulnerability
36:10 The Female Perspective on Masculinity
38:35 Conversations on Care and Masculinity
40:53 Healing Through Boxing and Loss
43:19 Understanding Aging and Care
46:41 The Role of Witnessing in Relationships
49:26 Navigating Mortality and Parenthood
52:42 The Dynamics of Female Friendships
54:55 Blending Families and Modern Relationships
54:55 Introduction to Soft Tissue Damage
54:55 Exploring Anna Witwam's Works