In this episode of Mastering the EDGE Mindset, I react to a thought-provoking interview between Andrew Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist and biohacker, and Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor. Their conversation shed light on a growing issue that many of us see but often struggle to address: the mental health crisis among young men.

Young men today face unprecedented challenges. The messages I receive daily from men struggling with depression, a lack of confidence, and a loss of purpose confirm this reality. The world has changed dramatically, and so has the traditional framework that once helped men find direction and meaning. Huberman and Ryan dive deep into this issue, offering insights that every man—and every parent—needs to hear.

The Absence of Strong Father Figures
One of the most powerful moments in the interview is when Huberman quotes Robert Bly, who famously said, “Demons will fill the void” when father figures are absent. A father’s role goes far beyond financial stability. As Bly and Huberman explain, fathers are essential for providing emotional support, setting an example, and guiding their children to become stable, confident adults. Without this foundation, young men often seek meaning in unhealthy or destructive ways, leading to feelings of emptiness and disconnection.

The Role of Emotional Support
Huberman and Ryan emphasize that financial security alone isn’t enough to raise well-rounded, emotionally healthy men. Fathers (and mentors) must teach emotional resilience, self-awareness, and how to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. These lessons are often overlooked, leaving young men to face their struggles alone.

Emotional support doesn’t just mean solving problems for your children—it’s about being present, listening, and providing guidance. It’s about teaching them to process their emotions rather than suppress them. This kind of support not only helps young men develop a strong sense of self but also gives them the tools to navigate the complexities of modern life.
This isn’t to say that men without strong father figures are doomed—far from it. But it does highlight the critical need for role models and emotional support systems, both of which are sorely lacking in the modern world.