Join us for another thought-provoking episode of "Learning English with Human Beans" as we examine the modern masculinity crisis and the myths surrounding traditional manhood. Discover how cultural expectations of what it means to "be a man" impact mental health, relationships, and society while expanding your English vocabulary around gender studies and social psychology. Perfect for English learners interested in contemporary social issues and anyone questioning traditional gender roles in the 21st century.

Sources:

American Psychological Association, Boys and Men Guidelines Group. (2018). APA guidelines for psychological practice with boys and men. American Psychological Association.

Beauvoir, S. de. (1989). The second sex (H. M. Parshley, Trans.). Vintage Books. (Original work published 1949).

Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829–859. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243205278639

Faludi, S. (1999). Stiffed: The betrayal of the American man. William Morrow and Company.

Gazalé, O. (2017). Le mythe de la virilité : Un piège pour les deux sexes. Robert Laffont.

Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20105

Lerner, G. (1986). The creation of patriarchy. Oxford University Press.

Pascoe, C. J. (2007). Dude, you're a fag: Masculinity and sexuality in high school. University of California Press.

Explore how we tell stories about our minds in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." George and Alice unpack the evolving classifications of mental health, the crucial difference between medical recovery and personal healing, and the fascinating link between creativity and psychological conditions. Discover how our understanding of mental health reflects cultural narratives while building essential vocabulary for thoughtful discussions in English.

Sources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Cyrulnik, B. (2001). Les Vilains Petits Canards. Odile Jacob.

Frances, A. (2013). Saving Normal: An Insider's Revolt Against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis. William Morrow.

Jamison, K. R. (1993). Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. Free Press.

Kyaga, S., Lichtenstein, P., Boman, M., Hultman, C., Långström, N., & Landén, M. (2013). "Mental illness, suicide and creativity: 40-year prospective total population study." Journal of Psychiatric Research, 47(1), 83-90.

Slade, M. (2009). Personal Recovery and Mental Illness: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Cambridge University Press.

Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). "Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence." Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1-18.

Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.

Explore the fundamental human search for meaning in this episode of "Learning English with Human Beans." Join George and Alice as they unpack how we create significance in our lives, understand "closure" as a vital psychological need, and learn how our personal stories shape our sense of purpose. Through everyday examples and psychological insights, discover why meaning-making may be our most essential human journey—while building vocabulary to discuss life's deeper questions in English.

Sources:

Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.

Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.

Yalom, I. D. (1992). When Nietzsche Wept. Basic Books.

Neimeyer, R. A. (2001). Meaning Reconstruction & the Experience of Loss. American Psychological Association.

Baumeister, R. F. (1991). Meanings of Life. Guilford Press.

Bibliography