toxic masculinity

“The best way to raise resilient children is to be the safe space where they can express every emotion freely, knowing they are loved no matter what.”

Do you dread the day your bubbly boy stops expressing his feelings?

Unfortunately, society often pressures boys to adhere to rigid rules of masculinity - suppress emotions and avoid sensitivity. This promotes anger, anxiety, and isolation instead of authentic self-expression.

Our children deserve the chance to develop into their most wholehearted selves, don't they?

What if we parented to encourage ongoing emotional openness? What if sensitivity became their superpower rather than weakness?

Joining us is Dr. Elia Gourgouris, “The Happiness Doctor” and father figure to Juanique, plus her husband Ryan Grover – two stellar models of strong yet sensitive men leading by example. In this episode, they discuss "divine masculinity" – transforming harmful norms around manliness into empathy and emotional intelligence instead. Explore practical tools to nurture healthy self-expression in our kids while modeling openness ourselves.

Let’s equip the next generation with the emotional awareness and skills they need to thrive. Tune in to Episode 4 of Season 3 today!

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Episode Start
04:45 - The hidden costs of teaching our kids to suppress their emotions 
08:10 - Can men be strong leaders and emotionally expressive?
10:00 - An undervalued quality that is just as crucial as a winner’s mindset 
11:05 - The reason behind why most men struggle to connect emotionally 
17:05 - A case for men being protectors of women instead of a source of threat
18:34 - How "divine masculinity" supports and celebrates female empowerment
19:49 - Learn how emotional awareness creates true masculine power
22:58 - How firm, loving parenting can modify emotionally reactive behaviors
26:59 - Helping "big-feeling" kids through "borrowed regulation”
32:45 - The secret to calming kids' meltdowns (it’s not through punishment!)
34:36 - Explore the link between toxic masculinity and violence
38:49 - Why labeling emotions as "good" or "bad" can harm our children’s self-esteem
41:09 - Navigating challenges without resorting to victim mode, blame, or fear
49:41 - The difference between true confidence and arrogance
54:47 - The journey to divine masculinity or femininity has to start with you 
55:41 - Why praising your child's character is equally as important as saying “I love you”
1:01:21 - How to raise boys to be emotionally intelligent, caring, and strong leaders
1:06:27 - How play can help kids get in touch with their wise side
1:11:48 - The healing power of apologizing to your child 

Important Links: 

• Gutsy Health Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/gutsyhealthpodcast/
• Gutsy Health Academy - https://www.mygutsyhealth.com/
• Seven Keys to Navigating a Crisis by Dr. Elia Gourgouris - https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Navigating-Crisis-Practical-Emotionally/dp/1734943815
• 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness: Happiness the Ultimate Success in Life by Dr. Elia Gourgouris - https://www.amazon.com/Paths-Lasting-Happiness-Ultimate-Success/dp/0996229000

Check out recent episodes with Dr. Elia Gourgouris on the Gutsy Health Podcast:

• Dr. Elia Gourgouris | How to Navigate A Crisis With The Happiness Doctor - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elia-gourgouris-how-to-navigate-crisis-happiness/id14

In our final episode of season 1, Tara & Tandia talk with Graeme from Sacred Sons.  The Sacred Sons are a group that help men grow and awaken to their true power through circles, workshops, retreats, and online courses.    In our conversation, we talk about what it means to be a male feminist, why its important men find a space to share and connect with other men, the importance of modelling behaviour and what a culture of consent could look like with the male perspective.   

For more information on this group please check out https://www.sacredsons.com 

After our conversation with Graeme, we reflect on the past month and our key takeaways from Sexual Violence Awareness Month.   

For Tandia it was that it’s never too early to teach consent, “no” is a full answer, and the importance of setting personal boundaries.  For Tara it was the importance of modelling this behaviour, calling it out when we see consent not being respected in the media and the impact of practicing everyday consent in daily life.   

We are thrilled with the response to our first season and look forward to another in the near future.  If you have ideas or would like to collaborate with us please reach out.   We can be reached through our website www.harmonyproject.ca  

The Harmony Project’s diverse stakeholders through expertise and experience are working together to end sexualized violence in the Bow Valley.  The Harmony Project is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services on behalf of the Government of Alberta. 

For more information please check out harmonyproject.ca