KEYNOTES & TALKS
Brendan offers keynote addresses, guest lectures, and customized talks designed to inspire, challenge, and (re)connect audiences–to themselves, their emotions, their values, and to each other. Grounded in research and brought to life through engaging stories and real-world examples, his talks spark reflection, encourage fresh perspectives, and foster meaningful dialogue on issues of gender dynamics, masculinity, mental health, and social-emotional wellbeing. Each talk is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs of three core audiences:
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Core Audiences
Each talk is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs of three core audiences:
ORGANIZATIONS & GENERAL PUBLIC
BUSINESSES | NON-PROFITS | COMMUNITY GROUPS | CONFERENCES
Talks on masculinity, relational and emotional intelligent leadership, wellbeing, mental health in the workplace, cultural shifts around gender, purpose and performance etc.
EDUCATORS & PARENTS
TEACHERS | SCHOOL LEADERS | PARENT GROUPS | EDUCATION CONFERENCES
Talks on boys’ development, masculinity in education, supporting emotional growth for all students/children of all genders, bridging gender divides in schools, homes, and society.
YOUTH & STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL | HIGH SCHOOL | POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS
Interactive, age-appropriate talks on self-awareness, emotional skills, mental health, masculinity, healthy relationships, and navigating cultural pressures.
Featured Talks
DISCONNECTED: HOW GENDER CAN SUPPRESS OUR SELVES, OUR RELATIONSHIPS, & OUR PURPOSE–AND THE JOURNEY TO RECONNECTION
Do you remember when you started disconnecting from authentic parts of yourself? Every teenage boy in my PhD research did. This talk is a compassionate, introspective exploration of personal identity, grounded in research on psychological and social-emotional development. This talk highlights how gender expectations often lead to suppressed or disconnected parts of ourselves and identifies critical developmental periods when this can happen. Learn why reconnection matters, how to cultivate it, and why it’s both an individual and collective journey.
When Boys Feel Like “Problems” (and Why That Story is About All of Us)
WHAT PRETEENS AND TEENS WISH YOU KNEW (EVEN IF THEY’LL NEVER TELL YOU)
Today’s preteens and teenagers are navigating an unprecedented mix of opportunity, pressure, and confusion. Across all genders, young people face both shared and distinct challenges shaped by shifting cultural expectations, social media, mental health stressors, and a growing sense of disconnection. There are unique social-emotional challenges and considerations that boys experience, that girls experience, and that gender expansive, non-binary youth experience. This talk offers an insightful look at the complex social-emotional world of today’s youth–helping parents, educators, and organizations understand what young people aren’t always saying but deeply need you to know. This talk will expand your perspective on what today’s youth truly need to thrive.
THE PAIN AND PURPOSE OF MASCULINITY: REALISTIC PATHS FORWARD FOR CULTURAL CHANGE AND BRIDGING GENDER DIVIDES
Explore the evolving landscape of masculinity and gender dynamics as this talk unpacks how societal shifts have led to increasingly polarized views about men and gender equality. Discover hidden opportunities, real challenges, and practical pathways for transformation, empowerment, and healing as individuals, teams, and societies navigate learning, unlearning, and relearning together.
Common Talk Themes Include:
- Masculinity and male identity development across life stages
- Purpose, responsibility, and meaning in boys’ and men’s lives
- The influence of the Manosphere (Red Pill, Incel, Influencers)
- Emotional wellbeing and mental health
- Loneliness, anxiety, depression, substance use, suicide ideation
- Social media and screen culture
- Our relationship with emotions (shame, anger etc.)
- Building empathy, accountability, and repair across relationships
- Consent, boundaries, and respectful relationships
- Gender dynamics in schools, families, and organizations
- Reassessing our relationships with masculinity, emotions, power, and change
Don’t see your exact topic listed?
All talks are tailored to your audience’s unique needs and context.
If you’d like to learn more or explore how Brendan can create a talk specifically for your event, feel free to reach out—he’d love to connect.