We explore how men can move beyond people-pleasing behaviors that create hidden contracts and resentment. Learn to embrace authentic masculinity through genuine vulnerability instead of covert strategies for approval.

Can you create an episode based on these books “No more Mr. Nice guy” by Robert Glover “Self-love workbook for men” by Edgar Wise “The mask of masculinity” by Lewis Howse “To be a man” by Robert Masters “Mating in captivity” by Esther Perel “Life worth making” by Stephen Snyder


From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Nia: Hey there, welcome to another episode of "Redefining Masculinity." I'm Nia, and I'm here with my co-host Lena. Today we're diving into something that might hit close to home for a lot of our male listeners—the "Nice Guy Syndrome."
Lena: Oh, this is such a fascinating topic! Dr. Robert Glover's book "No More Mr. Nice Guy" has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 20 languages. There's clearly something resonating with men about this concept.
Nia: Right? And what's really interesting is how counterintuitive it seems at first. I mean, what's wrong with being nice? Isn't that what we're taught to value?
Lena: That's the million-dollar question! The problem isn't actually about being kind or considerate—it's about men who use "niceness" as a covert strategy to get their needs met while avoiding vulnerability and authentic connection.
Nia: I've definitely known guys who fit that description. They're always doing favors, never saying no, and then they end up resentful when they don't get what they want in return.
Lena: Exactly. And what's fascinating is that Dr. Glover found that these "Nice Guys" often struggle in relationships, career advancement, and even their sex lives because they're operating from these hidden contracts that no one else agreed to.
Nia: So we're not talking about genuine kindness here—we're talking about a pattern that actually prevents men from living authentically and getting what they truly want in life. Let's explore how this "Nice Guy Syndrome" develops and what men can do to break free from it.