In this episode of Conversations for the People, Matthew Solomon hosts Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a clinical and forensic psychologist, to explore the impact of patriarchy on male loneliness, intimacy, and emotional development. From understanding power dynamics in relationships to breaking down the emotional walls that isolate men, this conversation dives deep into the personal and societal structures that affect connection and intimacy.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction to Patriarchy and Intimacy in Relationships

0:52 Matthew Solomon Introduces Dr. Kate Balestrieri

3:17 Dr. Balestrieri on Her Background and Approach to Intimacy

7:06 Social Justice and Systemic Issues in Therapy

9:55 The Impact of Wealth and Safety on Mental Health

12:42 Power Dynamics in Romantic Relationships

14:05 Sex, Intimacy, and Gendered Power Struggles

20:44 The Epidemic of Male Loneliness and Emotional Disconnection

32:57 How Men Can Cultivate Connection and Vulnerability

38:11 Where to Find Dr. Kate Balestrieri Online

38:59 Dr. Balestrieri’s Vision of Liberation

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into building a future rooted in dignity and justice.

Connect with Matthew:

Matthew Solomon’s Website: https://matthewsolomonconsulting.com

Follow Us:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/conversationsforthepeople

Instagram: https://instagram.com/conversationsforthepeople

Watch: Reimagining Safety Movie: https://reimaginingsafetymovie.com

Follow Dr. Kate Balestrieri:

Modern Intimacy Website: https://modernintimacy.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drkatebalestrieri

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drkatebalestrieri

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernIntimacy

#maleloneliness, #patriarchy, #masculinity, #emotionalhealth, #mentalhealthawareness, #relationships, #vulnerability, #intimacy

In this episode of Conversations for the People, host Matthew Solomon sits down with Daii Dreamiin—activist, organizer, and artist with General Strike U.S. in Detroit. Daii and Matthew explore the transformative power of community support, mutual aid, and revolutionary art. Daii shares their journey through activism, organizing for the unhoused, and building Detroit communities with initiatives like food sovereignty and mutual aid for artists.

Daii’s powerful storytelling highlights the need to divest from oppressive systems and uplift community-led solutions, with a unique lens on how art and spirituality support liberation. This inspiring conversation also touches on the impact of the documentary Reimagining Safety and how its screenings continue to mobilize Detroit communities. Tune in to discover how you can support these vital initiatives and help shape a just future.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview

02:45 - Welcome Daii Dreamiin and General Strike U.S. Detroit

03:07 - Building Community Through Local Coalitions

04:04 - Daii’s Journey into Activism and Organizing

05:24 - The Interconnectedness of Struggles and Social Movements

06:58 - The Role of Art and Music in Revolution

13:15 - Daii’s Music Journey and Evolving Consciousness

18:27 - Supporting Revolutionary Art and Artists

22:53 - Reimagining Safety and the Detroit Community Screening

26:01 - Where to Find and Support Daii Dreamiin’s Work

27:23 - Spirituality, Enlightenment, and Awakening

30:35 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Guest Links:

Daii Dreamiin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daiidreamiin

General Strike U.S.: https://generalstrike.us

General Strike U.S. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generalstrikeus

Show Links:

Follow Conversations for the People on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationsforthepeople

Watch Reimagining Safety: https://reimaginingsafetymovie.com

Reimagining Safety on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingsafetymovie

#conversationsforthepeople #daiidreamiin #mutualaid #generalstrikeus #detroitactivism #reimaginingsafety #decolonize #foodsovereignty #supportthearts #enlightenmentjourney #communitysupport

🎧 How can we navigate grief, hold space for others, and create a world where humanity thrives?

In this episode, Matthew Solomon sits down with veteran war journalist, activist, and author Ash Gallagher to explore how we navigate grief, confront systems of violence, and integrate our emotions to live more fully. Drawing from her experiences covering war zones, Ash shares powerful lessons about holding space for grief and joy, acknowledging systemic harm, and moving toward collective healing.

Key Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] Holding Space for Grief in Challenging Times: Why grief is essential, how we’ve been socialized to suppress it, and why integrating it enriches our lives.
• [5:59] Lessons from War Zones: How Middle Eastern communities taught Ash to integrate grief, joy, and daily life.
• [14:35] The Role of Technology in Isolation and Connection: How digital spaces can both help and hinder our sense of community.
• [20:02] Life as a War Journalist: What drew Ash to combat journalism and how it shaped her activism and healing journey.
• [31:30] Breaking the Cycles of Violence: Exploring systemic violence, its roots, and how we can disrupt harmful patterns through acknowledgment and recognition.

Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Ash Gallagher’s Work:
• Website: https://www.ashgallagher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthrevolution
• Medium: https://medium.com/@ashgallagher
• Substack (Bodies in Resistance): https://ashgallagher.substack.com
• Reimagining Safety Documentary:
• Website: https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingsafetymovie

Takeaways from Ash:

• “Joy holds room for grief. They coexist and enrich our humanity.”
• “Acknowledgment is the first step toward breaking cycles of harm. See the pain, honor it, and create space for healing.”

Join the conversation and connect with Ash to explore the intersection of grief, activism, and personal growth.