🎧 Episode 34: Men, Intimacy, and Becoming Relational Again with Hayden Lindsey, LPC
📝 Episode Summary:
Today's conversation is one for our generation to tune into. If you're in a relationship to a guy, or if you identify with the male experience personally, it's incredibly important to tune into the conversation today with Hayden Lindsey, LPC and relationship expert. Liz and Hayden discuss the gendered socialization of boys and men, The Man Box, and deepen our understanding of the impact these societal influences have on men's ability to be relational, intimate, and have healthy self-esteem. Check this one out and as always, leave us a review!
💬 Episode Notes:
Men are not socialized to be skilled at intimacy — society doesn’t equip them to connect deeply.
A growing number of men are pursuing therapy for both individual healing and relational growth.
Cultural conditioning distorts intimacy for everyone, though women are still taught to value it more.
Boys are often “turned into men” through experiences of injury, pain, and suppression.
Masculinity is often performative — an identity built on proving instead of being.
Many men express relationships through microaggressions rather than emotional vulnerability.
Shame is the central force within “The Man Box” — and shame is incompatible with intimacy.
Both shame and grandiosity push people away from healthy relational connection.
The personal work toward healthy masculinity and connection is lifelong — it’s never “finished.”
The three primary shame types for men are: **Provider Shame**, **Protector Shame**, and **Lover Shame**.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
Explore Hayden’s practice: Austin Intimacy Solutions
Listen to Hayden’s podcast: Therapy on Tap
Follow Hayden on Instagram: @mensintegrationwork
Learn more about The Man Box by Paul Kivel
🔗 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @millenniallifecounseling
Facebook: Millennial Life Counseling
Website: www.millenniallifecounseling.com