Hi all, Mark here with a re-introduction of sorts. I still have this account where some people show up to learn about Other Men (Need Help). I’m the creator and executive editor of the whole operation. The goal from the start was building a magazine and video series — “Sesame Street about masculinity.” That kernel transformed into a podcast, which is currently under construction (the whole Other Men operation is, in fact). From 2025 to now, I’ve returned to the video and publication origins, while working on next steps for the podcast.
For now, I write once a week on our Substack to connect directly with you in a format closer to the podcast’s spirit. Lately, that’s been essays, stories, and contributions each week. The link above takes you to the latest piece.
If you’re here on IG or subscribe to the podcast feed for the show, while it may be quiet right now, I’m so happy to have you. The updates and stories will show up soon enough. For all immediate Other Men needs, subscribe to the Substack, and I’ll have you covered.
This project is still independent in spirit and funding—by reading, sharing, and staying connected, you keep this space alive. Thank you, friend.
American men are in a friendship recession. 👯
Compared to a few decades ago, five times as many men have no close friends. So what’s going on? Anita talks with Mark Pagan, creator and host of the podcast “Other Men Need Help,” about what makes close friendships among men so fraught — and what we can do about it.
They talk about everything from why Mark loves secret handshakes to his ongoing journey of making himself say the hard stuff out loud. 💬
🎧 To listen to “Beyond Bromance: Building Deeper Male Friendship” click the link in bio!
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#malefrienship #maleloneliness #malelonelinessepidemic #malefriends #masculinity
From the Other Men archives, comes this Other Mini, circa 2020. Mark talks food, shoulder touches, and eating hot peppers for male attention in this week’s Substack.
👆🏼link above 👆🏼
This week, we share an end of year bonus episode—a special conversation between @markpagan and @asrao from the show @embodiedwunc . Together, they unpack how shame can limit male friendship, why many men funnel emotional needs into romantic relationships, and what it looks like to practice a different kind of closeness—one ritual, text thread, or brave conversation at a time. It’s where ya pod, and don’t forget to find Embodied—hopefully, your new podcast crush in 2026 🥂
NEW BONUS EP! I sat down with writer Jason Bailey to talk about his beautiful new book on James Gandolfini—the man, the myth, the tender tank behind playing THE iconic mob boss. We dig into masculinity, vulnerability, and why Gandolfini still hits so hard.
🎧 Find Other Men Need Help where you pod
🎁 And don’t miss this year’s Other Men Gift Guide (link in bio)
