Breaking the Silence: Mental Health, Masculinity & Personal Growth | Nikhil Taneja

In this podcast episode, Nikhil Tania discusses the pressing issues surrounding masculinity, including the emotional struggles men face due to societal expectations and outdated beliefs. He emphasizes the need for men to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and nurturing, both for themselves and in their relationships.

👇 About the guest

Nikhil Taneja is a Mumbai-based writer, producer, storyteller with over a decade of experience in the media and entertainment industry. He has been instrumental in creating some of India's most acclaimed digital content at Y-Films, including Bang Baaja Baaraat, Se3 Chat with Pappu and Papa, Man's World (India’s first UN-associated series), Ladies Room (recognized by IndieWire as one of the world’s best web series), and 6-Pack Band, India’s first transgender pop band and Cannes Grand Prix Glass Lion winner.

👇 Highlights

- 🎙️ Toxic Masculinity: Nikhil highlights how traditional beliefs about masculinity contribute to men's emotional struggles, leading to loneliness and a lack of nurturing relationships.

- 💔 Emotional Vulnerability: The need for men to express their emotions and seek support from one another is emphasized, challenging the notion that vulnerability is a weakness.

- 📺 Media Influence: The podcast critiques Bollywood's portrayal of men, arguing that it often reinforces harmful stereotypes and calls for more diverse and positive representations of masculinity.

👇 Timestamps

[00:00] - Exploring masculinity, mental health, and emotional struggles among men.

[02:26] - Nikhil Taneja discusses the importance of addressing masculinity and societal issues.

[06:49] - Chasing societal milestones leads men to neglect self-understanding and nurturing.

[08:56] - Men often struggle to form and nurture deep relationships

[13:13] - Exploring how perceptions of mothers and fathers shape views on masculinity.

[15:39] - Cultural shifts affect male bonding and female empowerment dynamics.

[19:35] - Encouraging boys to listen creates safe spaces.

[21:33] - Discussing the complexities of masculinity

[25:21] - Encouraging empathy in discussions about gender rights.

[27:08] - Personal success doesn't shield against mental health issues.

[30:56] - Societal expectations hinder personal growth and authentic storytelling.

[32:44] - Struggles with anxiety stemming from societal expectations and personal achievement.

[36:08] - Anxiety manifests like constant turbulence, affecting daily experiences.

[38:10] - Anxiety can severely impact performance and self-worth.

[41:38] - Personal growth in masculinity.

[43:15] - Men's mental health requires partnership and societal change.

[47:18] - Media shapes perceptions of masculinity and its impact on youth.

[49:01] - Media narratives shape perceptions of masculinity and femininity.

[52:51] - Positive masculinity can thrive in popular media despite violent portrayals.

[54:29] - Depicting secure masculinity in film fosters positive narratives for men.

[58:19] - Embrace self-compassion to foster kindness towards others.

[1:00:10] - Traveling and kindness create positive experiences and personal growth.

[1:04:09] - Travel and fiction shape personal growth and character inspiration.

[1:06:16] - Father-son bond through cinema shapes personal growth.

[1:10:10] - Friendship and emotional support in masculinity.

👇 Connect with Nikhil Taneja

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanejamainhoon/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanejanikhil/

Twitter: https://x.com/tanejamainhoon

👇 Connect with Rodrigo and Something Bigger

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Web: ⁠https://www.somethingbigger.com⁠

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