In this episode of With Love, Men, co-hosts Jake Fishbein and Nick Papadopoulos explore why men chase money—and what they're really seeking beneath the surface.

Nick argues men are chasing self-worth and validation, measuring themselves against others to prove "I'm okay, I'm a real man." Jake adds that economic shifts have stripped away traditional pathways: only 15% of 30-year-olds own homes today (down from 50% in 1960), women graduate college at twice the rate of men, and younger generations face stagnating wages. Many men feel their masculinity and purpose eroding.

The hosts examine the toll: never being present, missing relationships, playing an endless game with no finish line. Nick quotes Pink Floyd—"dig that hole, forget the sun"—as the perfect metaphor for this exhausting chase.

Their solution? Ask better questions. Help men define what matters on their own terms, not what they've been told should matter.

🔑 Topics Covered

• What men are actually chasing: self-worth, validation, worthiness
• How economic shifts impact men's identity and sense of purpose
• The cost of chasing external validation: disconnection and exhaustion
• Why asking questions beats prescribing solutions

💡 Reflective Prompt
What are you actually chasing when you pursue financial success? Is it on your terms—or someone else's game?

📍 Links + Resources

• Jake's website: www.jakefishbein.com
• Nick's website: www.coachnick.com
• The Arena Men's Group: www.arenamensgroup.com
• Novel "The Men's Group: A Novel of Messy Friendships" (June 9, 2026)

💼 Connect: Jake Fishbein & Nick Papadopoulos on LinkedIn

With Love, Jake & Nick