What does it really take for guys to connect? In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I chat with Geoffrey Greif, a distinguished professor and author of Buddy System, about the ups and downs of male friendships and their link to men’s mental health. We talk about the challenges men face in keeping strong connections and why having the right mix of friends can be key in avoiding depression or even a mental breakdown.

Geoff breaks down his four types of friends—must, trust, rust, and just—and shares practical tips for building stronger connections, even when life’s hectic. We talk about why trust matters, spotting signs of depression in your friends, and how partners can help the men in their life build better friendship groups. Whether you’re dealing with depression or just trying to figure out how to stay close with your buddies, this episode is packed with relatable advice for improving mental health and friendships.
1.16: Introductions
4.35: The state of male friendships
8.02: The 4 types of male friendships
16.11: The key characteristics of a strong male friendship
18.11: The importance of trust
20.19: Why men can struggle to build and maintain friendships
22.38: Misconceptions around male friendships
26.35: How partners can help men build friendships
29.10: How to reconnect with old friends
33.17: How to initiate new friendships if I'm not socially confident