The "Leading in a Mosaic World" podcast, hosted by Susan Popoola, explores the realities of modern life through conversations with diverse voices and experiences. This episode forms part of a special series exploring the question: “What does it mean to be a man in today’s world?” through conversations with men from different backgrounds, professions, and cultures. The series contributes to the wider mission of creating Gender Harmony in a Mosaic World, a world where men are able to fully be themselves, live fulfilled lives, and add value to others.

Today’s guest is Dr Rebecca Owens, known as Becky, an evolutionary psychologist and Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Sunderland, with a particular focus on male psychology. Her research explores the biological and evolutionary influences on men’s experiences, behaviours, and wellbeing, including relationships, mating preferences, body image, and masculinity. Becky also teaches male psychology and is a men and boys champion for the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys. She has contributed to public discussions about masculinity and the influence of the manosphere on young men, including commentary accompanying the Netflix documentary Louis Theroux’s Inside the Manosphere.

In this episode, Becky reflects on growing up in Sunderland and Peterlee, exploring how the North East’s industrial heritage and mining communities shaped values such as hard work, trust, loyalty, and camaraderie. She and Susan discuss how the decline of traditional community spaces has affected men’s sense of belonging and why some young men are drawn to online communities, including the manosphere, in search of connection and understanding.

The conversation also explores how simplified messages about masculinity can overlook the complexity of men’s experiences. Becky discusses the importance of distinguishing between positive online communities and harmful spaces, recognising warning signs when young men may be absorbing misogynistic ideas, and challenging harmful behaviour without shaming or alienating them. She also shares why she questions the term “toxic masculinity” and highlights the need for more nuanced conversations about men’s mental health, depression, suicide, postnatal depression, and andropause.

You can connect with Dr Rebecca Owens via Linkedin and her work through the University of Sunderland and explore

the work of the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys.

You can also connect with the host, Susan Popoola, the CEO of Mosaic Fusions, a specialist in human value optimisation, via LinkedIn. Learn more about her work on her Mosaic Fusions website and publications on Mosaic Gold Ltd.

This series of the podcast is produced by Rafiat Akinwande.

Keywords: MosaicWorld, MenInTodaysWorld, GenderHarmony, Men, MaleActualisation, Success, Fulfilment, Boys, Adolescent, Manosphere, Masculinity, PositiveMasculinity, MensWellBeing, YoungMen, HumanValue, SusanPopoola, RebeccaOwens, BeckyOwens, MalePsychology, EvolutionaryPsychology, MensMentalHealth, BoysWellbeing, MaleIdentity, ToxicMasculinity, OnlineCommunities, Belonging, MaleSuicide, Andropause, PostnatalDepression, EmotionalWellbeing, Community, MaleFriendship, SocialConnection, CentreForPolicyResearchOnMenAndBoys

Chapters 

01:12 Introduction to Male Psychology and Community Dynamics

03:46 The Impact of Industrial Heritage on Masculinity

06:34 Community and Belonging in Historical Contexts

09:08 Exploring the Manusphere: Positive and Negative Aspects

11:49 Understanding the Tipping Points in Online Communities

14:24 Navigating Misogyny and Masculinity in Society

16:54 The Role of Communication in Addressing Toxic Masculinity

19:16 The Complexity of Incel Culture and Belonging

21:45 The Need for Nuance in Discussions of Masculinity

24:11 The Fulfilled Man: Beyond Success and Achievement

37:32 Understanding Male Psychology

40:10 The Importance of Gender Perspectives

44:25 Mental Health Nuances Between Genders

47:06 The Role of Women in Men's Conversations

49:14 Empowering Messages for Men

50:57 Challenging Societal Norms

54:32 Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations