The Rambo Myth: How America Turned a War Criminal into a Hero
Rambo began as a brutal critique of war but became a symbol of American exceptionalism and toxic masculinity. This essay exposes how Hollywood rewrote a war criminal into a hero—and what that says about our need for moral clarity and mythic manhood.
Review of Swole: The Making of Men and the Meaning of Muscle by Michael Andor Brodeur
Swole is more than just a book for men, and certainly more than a book about the gym. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt out of place in their own skin, or questioned the messages the world sends about how a body should look.
Rebuilding Manhood: How Collecting GI Joe Helped Me Reclaim a Lost Identity
Collecting GI Joe and He-Man figures helped me reclaim a lost sense of identity, heal childhood wounds, confront masculinity, and rebuild the boy I once was — and the man I’m still becoming.
Masc for Masc? Desire, Discipline, and the Market of Queer Manhood
Commodifying masculinity- how dating apps reinforce norms, and shape desire in queer culture—unpacking the phrase “masc for masc” through an anthropological and critical lens.
What Exactly Does It Mean To Be “Man Enough?”
A personal essay exploring fatherlessness, gender norms, and queer identity—unpacking what it means to be “man enough” in a world that punishes softness and fetishizes masculinity.
Review of Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew Crawford
A powerful reflection on manual labor, identity, and meaning, Shop Class as Soulcraft explores how working with your hands can restore dignity, purpose, and connection in modern life.
He-Man to Hypermasc: The Cultural Mythology of 1980s Boyhood
How 1980s icons like He-Man and G.I. Joe shaped hypermasculine ideals for boys—and how queer kids navigated shame, fantasy, and survival under the shadow of these powerful myths.
Forgiveness Is Not Owed: Thoughts On My Father’s Death
Explore the emotional journey of choosing self-preservation over societal expectations of forgiveness in this poignant reflection on a father's death and a queer individual's fight for healing and self-worth.
Mindfulness in 5 Steps
Discover 5 simple steps to cultivate mindfulness! Reduce stress, boost well-being, and live more fully in the present. Dive in now for a calmer, clearer mind—starting today. Embrace a mindful life today.
How Ganesha Got His Head
Explore Ganesha’s origins revered Hindu deity—from the conflict that caused his beheading to the divine act that crowned him with an elephant’s head, symbolizing wisdom and new beginnings for devotees.
The Chess Set: Lessons With My Grandfather
Inheriting my grandfather’s Civil War chess set taught me lessons in patience, quiet masculinity, and legacy — a reminder that time, like chess, is only valued once it’s been spent.
Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Yoga Class
Discover essential tips for your first yoga class. Learn to honor your body, embrace props, and find confidence on the mat. Yoga is for everyone\u2014no perfection needed, just presence and practice.
Why It Was Wonderful! Earth, And The Promise of Renewal
The Earth returns, unconditionally. In Spring’s renewal, we find holy resurrection—soft blooms from clay, green from dry wood. The Goddess rises, and with Her, the promise of wholeness.
The Eternal Circle: On Unity, Hope, and Shared Destiny
Discover the power of interdependence through the sacred circle—a timeless symbol of unity, hope, and shared destiny. Explore how connection strengthens us and creates a tapestry of collective resilience.