Justin Baldoni is a name that carries weight in multiple realms—Hollywood, literature, podcasting, and advocacy. But beyond his roles as an actor, filmmaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Baldoni is a man deeply invested in reshaping the conversation around masculinity. His work, from co-hosting The Man Enough Podcast to directing the upcoming film It Ends With Us, co-starring Blake Lively, challenges the rigid confines of what it means to be a man in today’s world. In an exclusive sit-down for Gent’s Talk this past November in LA, Baldoni opened up about his personal journey, the importance of vulnerability, and why healing is not a linear path.
The Journey to Self-Awareness
Baldoni’s exploration of masculinity didn’t come overnight—it was shaped by his upbringing, life experiences, and, most importantly, an unrelenting desire to grow. Raised by a loving but emotionally guarded father, he had to navigate the unspoken expectations of manhood, ones that encouraged strength but shunned emotional expression. “I had a father who told me he loved me, showed me affection, but was never truly vulnerable,” he shared. “I never saw him cry.”
Like many men, Baldoni wrestled with the conditioned resistance to emotional openness. “Men are hard to reach because we’re hard to reach,” he said, acknowledging that even something as simple as reading a book about masculinity—his own included—often requires a push from the women in their lives. “I’d bet 60-70% of the people who bought Man Enough were women giving it to the men in their lives.”
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Yet, resistance is often the first step to growth. As Baldoni points out, unlearning deeply ingrained behaviors requires consistent effort and a willingness to face discomfort. “Healing isn’t linear,” he said. “If you don’t have setbacks, if you don’t have plateaus, you don’t have the opportunity to regroup and push forward.”
The Fear of Vulnerability—and Its Power
One of Baldoni’s most poignant reflections came when discussing how men often shy away from showing their true emotions. He recounted a moment when he removed a heart-shaped tag from his partner’s luggage, later realizing his inner child had equated hearts with femininity. “There’s still parts of me unlearning,” he admitted. “And that’s okay.”
Vulnerability, he argues, is often seen as a weakness, when in reality, it’s a profound strength. “The first time another man was vulnerable with me, it felt like I was finally given permission to do the same,” he said. “And once you experience it, you can’t go back.”
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For many men, the idea of opening up still carries an inherent fear of judgment or rejection. That’s why Baldoni is careful with his language. He consciously avoids terms like “toxic masculinity,” not because he denies the harm of extreme masculine traits, but because he believes the phrase alienates the very men who need to hear the message most. “If you tell a man he’s toxic, he’ll retreat or fight back,” he said. “Neither response fosters unity.”
Instead, he focuses on reframing masculinity as something fluid, adaptable, and inclusive of vulnerability, empathy, and self-awareness.
It Ends With Us
As the director of It Ends With Us, Baldoni knew he had a unique opportunity to reach men with a powerful, often-avoided message: violence against women is not a women’s issue—it’s a men’s issue. The film explores generational trauma and emotional regulation, showing how unresolved pain can manifest in destructive ways.
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When asked what he hopes men take away from the film, Baldoni was direct: accountability. “Men need to stop asking ‘Why did she stay?’ and start asking ‘Why did he hurt her?’” he said.
His approach to playing the character of Ryle—separating his personal beliefs from the role—was critical. He wanted men to see themselves in the character, to feel the weight of unchecked emotions, and to understand how the cycle of trauma perpetuates if left unaddressed. “Hurt people hurt people,” he said. “And no amount of ‘I’m sorry’ will undo that.”
The ultimate goal? For men to recognize behaviors in themselves or their peers and intervene. “If one man watches this film and chooses to get help instead of hurting someone, it was worth it,” he said.
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Forgiveness and Breaking Cycles
One of the most touching moments in our conversation was Baldoni’s reflection on his relationship with his father. Despite past frustrations, he has learned to view his father through a lens of compassion rather than criticism. “My dad didn’t model vulnerability because he didn’t know how,” he said. “Maybe that’s my job.”
For his 40th birthday, Baldoni invited his father to an intimate men’s retreat, designed to break down emotional walls. There, amidst deep conversations and personal revelations, his father looked at him and said, “I’m so sorry. Will you forgive me?”
The weight of those words was immense. “I noticed that same part of me show up—the part that struggles to reach out,” Baldoni said. “But I looked at him, saw his tears, and realized how much he loved me. And I forgave him.”
His message to other men is clear: we have the power to break cycles. “We can’t carry resentment forever. We have to set it free. Not just for ourselves, but for the men who come after us.”
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The Road Ahead
Baldoni’s work is a testament to the belief that masculinity is not something to be torn down, but rather rebuilt with a stronger foundation. He urges men to ask themselves the hard questions: Who am I outside of societal expectations? What brings me joy? What fears hold me back?
His final piece of advice is one that applies to all men, at any stage of their journey: “You don’t have to be perfect to be loved.”
That, perhaps, is the most freeing realization of all.
Where to watch Gent’s Talk, season 9 episode 137?
The Gent’s Talk podcast is powered by Gent’s Post, a STAMINA Group Production. Season 9, episode 137 is now available to stream on all podcast platforms including, Youtube, Spotify, Apple iTunes/Podcasts, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Audible, Amazon Music and Google Podcasts! Seasons 1-8 are on board Air Canada flights via the in-flight entertainment system, with limitations on select aircraft types. Please make sure to like, follow and subscribe. Your continued support throughout this journey is greatly appreciated.
