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What does it mean to be a man?

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

We asked Iowans what it means to be a man in 2025.

This week we've been minding the gender gap. We've delved into the gender gap in politics and online communities, education, healthcare and safety.

On this episode, we discuss how men and boys are struggling in ways that hurt everyone in our society.

We also hear from a variety of Iowans who identify as men reflect on what it means to be a man at this moment.

Guests:

  • Cody Howell, student care coordinator, University of Iowa
  • Giorgi Gagua, senior, Iowa State University
  • Rev. Abraham Funchess, Jr., human rights director, City of Waterloo
  • Chuy Renteria, author, arts and culture editor, Little Village
  • Romen Borsellino, comedy writer
  • JJ Kapur, PhD candidate, University of Iowa
  • Kevin Nordmeyer, principal architect, BNIM
  • Bill McAnally, energy efficiency consultant and former carpentry instructor
  • Evander Ellsbury, musician and caretaker
  • Andre Wright, co-founder of Humanize My Hoodie and executive director, Wright House of Fashion
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Katherine Perkins is IPR's Executive Producer of Talk Shows and Program Director for News/Talk. Since 2014, Perkins has managed the broadcast schedule and sound of the news and information service of Iowa Public Radio, as well as has directed the long-term planning and oversight for IPR's talk shows, Talk of Iowa and River to River. Perkins has a masters degree from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois – Springfield).