Masculinity
What I learned about becoming a "Real Man"
As a young man, Michael was schooled in the ways of becoming a "Real Man" by a father who adhered to a very traditional form of masculinity. One that demanded men be strong, unemotional, and ready to fight.
Pursuing this model of manhood saw Michael hitting the gym at an early age to build himself up physically. At the same time, he learned to hide his emotions for fear of being seen as weak or vulnerable.
As he got older his physical size increased, the emotional barriers he surrounded himself with became stronger, and he became more angry and aggressive.
It wasn't until his 30's that he was exposed to a different model of manhood by a couple of key men in his life. One was his Father-in-Law, Emile Rider, an ex-professional wrestler, who showed him a gentler way to be a man. The other was a senior Naval officer; a monster of a man who modeled a softer, more confident form of masculinity.
These influences set Michael on a course of self-reflection and discovery that continues today. He shares his findings openly, challenging his audiences to question their views of masculinity, and how they impact themselves and the world around them.