Episode 62

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Published on:

12th Feb 2026

'Fit, Strong, Virile': How Masculinity Disciplines Men's Bodies - Prof Brendan Gough

Many men are now engaging in a variety of behaviours traditionally associated with femininity – such as trying to make their bodies look good, worrying about their fertility, and opening up about their emotions. But what is driving these shifts? And to what extent do such practices challenge conventional norms of masculinity, or reinforce them? In this episode, Prof Brendan Gough discusses his wide-ranging research on contemporary constructions of masculinity. 

We explore the pressures patriarchal societies place on men: to be fit and healthy, lean and muscular, sexually virile, and self-reliant, and how these combine with neoliberal expectations that disciplining our bodies and having good wellbeing is an individual responsibility. We also discuss the ways in which these norms are being subtly challenged and changed, for example through efforts to encourage men to be open and honest about their feelings and struggles such as depression, and provide support to one other, including in online communities. Brendan reflects on what can help to steer this change in healthy directions – and how spaces such as the Manosphere may be exacerbating men’s insecurities about their bodies. He also considers the strengths and weaknesses of the UK government’s new men’s health strategy and health promotion efforts aimed at men.

Brendan is a critical social psychologist and qualitative researcher based at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Over several decades, he has published a wealth of research on men and masculinities, particularly in relation to health, lifestyle, and wellbeing.

Episode timeline

  • Intro
  • What sparked Brendan’s interest in masculinity (02:08-05:40)
  • The positives as well as harms of online spaces (05:40-09:36)
  • Men’s complex current relationship with gender equality (09:36-13:44)
  • ‘Healthism’ and its connections to masculinity (13:44-15:40)
  • The use of masculine norms in health promotion (15:40-19:55)
  • The UK govt’s men’s healthy strategy (19:55-24:29)
  • Break
  • Men’s struggles with body image (24:41-28:53)
  • How attention towards appearance is rationalised in masculine terms (28:53-32:00)
  • ‘Metrosexuality’ and grooming practices (32:00-34:01)
  • Pressures to have a lean and muscular body (34:01-36:18)
  • The impact of infertility on men (36:18-41:39)
  • Men’s bodies as machines (41:39-42:34)
  • What helps men share their experiences of depression (42:34-45:58)
  • The use of ‘masculine capital’ to legitimise vulnerability (45:58-47:57)
  • The value of peer support (47:57-49:45)
  • The influence of the manosphere (49:45-51:40)
  • Conclusion (52:12-01:00:30)

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About the Podcast

Now and Men
Changing Masculinities, Challenging Norms
What role can men play in achieving gender equality?
Why is feminism good for men?
How are rigid ideas about masculinity holding back our lives—and how are people around the world challenging them?

These are the questions at the heart of Now and Men, a podcast hosted by social researchers Dr Stephen Burrell (Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, Australia) and Sandy Ruxton (Independent Researcher and Honorary Fellow at Durham University, UK).

We explore masculinity and change in the lives of men and boys today, diving into issues such as gender-based violence, fatherhood, men’s health, politics and the environment. Grounded in feminist thinking, our conversations connect big ideas to everyday experiences—showing how gender shapes all of us, and how men can be part of building a more equal world.

At a time when regressive versions of masculinity are resurging—amplified by political leaders, online influencers, even podcasters—we spotlight the people pushing back. Each episode features inspiring voices working to engage men and boys in positive, transformative ways and imagining feminist futures.

New episodes drop every month. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts, and join us in exploring what healthy, caring, equitable paths forward can look like for men. Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you at nowandmen@gmail.com.

About your hosts

Stephen Burrell

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I am a Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Melbourne. I'm originally from the UK, and moved to Australia at the beginning of 2024. My research is about men, masculinities, and violence. I am particularly interested in the prevention of men's violence - especially violence against women, and violence against the environment - and promoting care as an alternative. I'm a big fan of feminism, drinking tea, connecting with nature, eating vegan snacks, and listening to heavy metal.

Sandy Ruxton

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Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology at Durham University (UK). Independent researcher, expert on men and masculinities. Previous policy work on human rights, children and families, poverty and social exclusion, and asylum and migration. Programme experience with boys and young men in schools, community, and prisons. Steering Committee member, MenEngage Europe. Volunteer for OX4 Food Crew. Chess-player, bike-rider, tree-hugger. Great grandfather edited Boy's Own Paper, but was sacked.