Rylan: How to Be a Man
4.2/5
Critic Rating
Rylan Clark opens up the fault lines of masculinity at a time when many are struggling to define what it means to be a man in the 2020s - it's never been a more confusing time for the male of the species. Rylan talks to a range of celebrities and prominent figures to gain insights into their unique perspectives.Rylan: How to Be a Man explores toxic masculinity, old-fashioned male stereotypes, gender identity, body image, role models, cultural differences, parenthood and how we educate the next generation. Rylan's unique take makes for lively, revealing and sometimes shocking conversations.
Critic Reviews
Score: 5
Charlie Lindlar • The Guardian • Sep 27, 2023
"...this compelling podcast on modern masculinity....immediately sees each one hit its stride from the jump. …"
Score: 2
James Marriot • The Times UK • Jun 9, 2023
"The podcast is prefaced with some earnest blather about how masculinity has undergone “radical change”...random assortment of celebrities. None of them, one feels, is from the top drawer of fame and influence. The experience of listening to Rylan: How to Be a Man has deeply reinforced my belief that men should simply not talk about being men. We’re not good at it. And it only leads in two directions. One direction is Rylan: How to Be a Man, which is bad enough."
Score: 5
Patricia Nicol • The Times UK • May 28, 2023
"I approached this series with caution, even cynicism, but was swiftly won over. Rylan skilfully puts his interviewees at ease, then — often half-joking — asks probing questions that elicit candid answers. This is a thoughtful, at times moving, inspiring podcast. A teenager would almost certainly find it embarrassing to listen with a parent...but might be grateful to be steered towards it."
Score: 4.9
Fiona Sturges • Financial Times • May 21, 2023
"...big-hearted, funny, with a clear awareness of the absurdity of the showbiz world he now inhabits....Rylan, however, doesn’t mess about. It’s a reflection of the smart choice of guests and Rylan’s skill as an interviewer that each of these short episodes (roughly 30 minutes each) digs deep and ends up where you don’t expect. Rylan is refreshingly direct, listens carefully and instinctively knows when to let a person speak and when to press them..."
