Crisis of Masculinity
A conversation with Erik Anderson, licensed marriage and family therapist
In this interview, I was joined by my friend Erik Anderson, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles, California. Erik is also a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a close personal friend. In our conversation, we delved into a variety of topics, including the effectiveness of therapy and whether discussing our feelings all the time is inherently beneficial for our well-being and flourishing.
We also explored the subject of masculinity: What qualities define a good man? Can a man who is in touch with his aggression and channels it in healthy ways be a positive force for his family, friends, and country?
One of the reasons I value Erik’s friendship is his openness to challenging conventional taboos, pushing boundaries, and tackling issues that are often left unspoken. I find Erik to be an exceptionally insightful therapist.
We also have a standing bet: I challenged Erik to prove that he could tap Reid into unconsciousness, and I’m willing to wager that he can’t. We’ll find out when we next meet up in LA.
Always good stuff.
The problem with men is that they’re not more like neurotic, entitled, bourgeois feminists with book deals.
They all seem so well adjusted and happy.