In this week's episode, Dr. Marcus C. Shepard breaks down the Institute for Family Studies' 2025 survey (https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/americas-demoralized-men-part-1) of over 2,000 young men (ages 18–29), exploring how definitions of adulthood are changing and how economic and educational shifts are reshaping life milestones.

The episode covers major findings on how many young men delay traditional markers like full-time work and formal education, most remain open to dating and want marriage/children, college ambivalence, and surprising role model results (parents and teachers outrank online influencers). It also highlights that young men largely associate manhood with responsibility and sacrifice rather than extremist "manosphere" views.

Dr. Shepard ties the data to interpersonal communication implications—how subjective adulthood criteria create confusion, how financial insecurity delays relationship milestones, and why clear communication and defined personal metrics matter.

The episode closes with an Ask Dr. Shepard segment offering practical advice to a listener torn between an ex who wants to reconnect and someone they are currently dating.

In this episide, Dr. Shepard examines a recent Institute for Family Studies/YouGov survey (https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-one-role-gen-z-women-still-want-men-to-play) of 18–29-year-olds about dating and gender roles. The episode summarizes key findings showing that most Gen Z men and women prefer egalitarian dating arrangements, which include sharing date costs and household responsibilities, while still broadly agreeing that men should play a protective role.

Dr. Shepard highlights ideological differences: liberal young adults are less likely to endorse traditional roles, and liberal women are most likely to value shared political views. The episode also discusses what qualities Gen Z prioritizes in partners and the gender gaps on some items.

Dr. Shepard also explores the meaning of "protection" and urges listeners to consider the cultural systems that make protection necessary, encouraging efforts to change harmful norms. He advises early conversations about big topics like children, work, and public health to ensure long-term compatibility.

The show closes with an Ask Dr. Shepard segment about whether disliking a partner's friends is a red flag, recommending clear boundaries, honest conversations, and trust-building while recognizing that different relationship cultures work for different couples.

In this latest episode, Dr. Shepard breaks down the Institute for Family Studies' national survey of 5,275 unmarried young adults (ages 22–35) and shares what the data reveals about today’s dating landscape. The episode highlights key findings: 86% of young adults expect marriage but only about one-third are actively dating. Major barriers include finances, low self-confidence, and negative past experiences, while most men and women still prefer dating cultures focused on serious relationships and emotional connection.

Dr. Shepard explains how weak interpersonal skills, app-driven consumerism (rosters and endless swiping), and lack of real-world dating practice contribute to the problem, and he offers practical advice: build communication and emotional skills, be intentional (focus on one person at a time), set non-negotiables, try low-cost or free dates, role-play to reduce anxiety, and work on self-confidence.

The episode closes with action steps listeners can use to improve their dating experience and navigate the modern “dating recession.”