“What happens when boys are taught to survive instead of feel?

In this episode of Riffin’ About Life, psychologist Gloria Vanderhorst shares what decades of clinical work with boys, men, and fathers have revealed about emotional development and the quiet cost of masculinity.

This one’s for parents, partners, and anyone who wants men to thrive, not just cope.

In this eye-opening episode of Riffin’ About Life, Brian sits down with psychologist Gloria Vanderhorst, whose work unexpectedly led her from preschool classrooms into the deeply complex emotional lives of men and fathers.

What she discovered may challenge everything you’ve believed about masculinity.

From being labeled “too much” as little boys…
to becoming emotionally disconnected men…
this conversation uncovers the invisible process shaping male emotional identity and why it matters now more than ever.

But here’s the real question:
What happens when those buried emotions don’t stay buried?

If you’ve ever wondered why so many men struggle to express themselves—or why emotional connection can feel so difficult—this episode doesn’t just explain it, it invites you to rethink everything.

• Why boys are often misunderstood from as early as preschool
• The surprising truth about boys’ natural emotional range
• How emotional suppression becomes a survival strategy
• What most people get wrong about anger
• Why many men feel disconnected—and don’t know why
• The subtle ways culture reshapes masculinity (and not always for the better)
• What it actually takes to reconnect with your emotions

Whether you’re raising a boy, loving a man, or trying to better understand yourself, there’s something in this episode that will challenge you.

• Website: www.drvanderhorst.com
• Substack + additional resources available via her site

If this episode made you think—even a little—don’t stop there.

Listen to the full episode now or share it with someone who needs this perspective