What other word than "toxic" can we use for negative traits of masculinity?

My conversation with Olympic Boxer Harry Garside was nothing short of revelatory...

I’ve been thinking a lot about masculinity recently. 

Reflecting on my own journey as a man, the journey my son is embarking on, and the paths that other men in my life choose to take. 

Some I aspire to.

Others, I perhaps want to distance myself from. 

I disagree with the idea of ‘toxic’ masculinity. 

It perhaps started as a way to describe incredibly unhealthy and anti-social behaviour by a man - however quickly became a way to describe so many aspects of manhood which are valid expressions of what it is to be a man. 

For a long time, I preferred to use the terms healthy or unhealthy masculinity. 

Until I spoke with Harry Garside. 

Harry is a powerhouse boxer, a Commonwealth and Olympic medalist, and spoke with me only a month after he returned from the 2024 games in Paris. 

Harry is an immensely powerful young man, very comfortable in his skin, and very comfortable challenging norms of masculinity - from wearing nail polish on his fingers to absolutely serving on a red carpet wearing a skirt and jacket. 

Listen here or where you listen to podcasts.