Minister for Boys and Men?

Minister for Boys and Men?

Author: Dr Justin Coulson March 23, 2026 Duration: 23:24

What if the biggest threat to families right now is something no one wants to talk about?

Boys and men are struggling - and the ripple effect is hitting homes, relationships, and entire communities. In this confronting and deeply important conversation, Justin and Kylie unpack what’s really going wrong, why it matters for every parent, and what we can actually do to raise boys who thrive.

KEY POINTS

  • Boys and men are overrepresented in violence, suicide, addiction, and disengagement
  • When men don’t thrive, everyone around them is impacted
  • Focusing only on “fixing behaviour” misses the deeper issues
  • Boys need a clear model of healthy masculinity: making others feel safe and strong
  • Key areas for change: mental health, education, fatherhood, and purpose
  • Ignoring boys’ struggles can lead to resentment, division, and long-term social consequences

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Help boys become men who make the people around them feel safer and stronger.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

  • Boys by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

  • Talk openly with your son about emotions, purpose, and identity
  • Model and reinforce what healthy masculinity looks like at home
  • Prioritise connection - especially with fathers or father figures
  • Watch for signs of withdrawal, anger, or disengagement and respond early
  • Encourage pathways into education, skills, or meaningful work

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Finding a clear path through the chaos of family life can feel overwhelming. Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families steps into that space with grounded, relatable conversations. Hosted by parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie, this podcast feels like a honest chat with friends who truly understand the daily grind. Together, they draw from their own life raising six daughters, offering a common-sense perspective that resonates with parents everywhere. The discussions move beyond theory, focusing on practical strategies you can apply immediately to navigate common challenges and strengthen your relationships at home. Each episode aims to cut through the noise of conflicting advice, providing thoughtful insights that address real-world situations with empathy and evidence-based wisdom. Tuning into this podcast is like finding a moment of calm reflection in a busy week, a resource for building a more connected and joyful family culture. It’s a place where the complexities of parenting, culture, and society are explored through the lens of everyday experience, making the journey feel a little less solitary and a lot more manageable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
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