Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I now provide. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com or you can email me at brian@modernhusbands.com.

For today’s podcast we welcome Melissa Hogenboom, an award-winning journalist and editor at the BBC who is the author of Breadwinners.

In this episode of the Modern Husbands podcast, we delve into the intricate dynamics of gender roles and economic anxiety. We explore the challenges faced by female breadwinners, the psychological impact of economic instability on men, and the evolving expectations of masculinity. Through insightful discussions, we uncover how societal norms and financial pressures shape relationships and individual well-being. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these pressing issues and discover actionable steps to foster equality and resilience in modern partnerships.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
02:44 What motivated you to write the book, Breadwinners?
04:36 Can you define what it means to be a breadwinner, and distinguish between sole and primary breadwinners?
07:49 Why do some men experience anxiety and stress when their wives are the breadwinners?
09:46 What are the traits and attitudes men possess that lead to high marital satisfaction when he is married to a female breadwinner?
13:29 Why is it that women who earn more often feel the need to overcompensate at home?
17:54 Can you explain the concept of 'exchange-bargaining’ and how money becomes a bargaining chip in domestic labor?
22:09 Can you describe financial control as a form of power that can easily veer into manipulation?
27:53 How do societal expectations differ for same-sex couples when it comes to earning and domestic responsibilities?
32:05 What does the science say about the benefits—for children and couples—of dads taking on caregiving roles?
37:03 What are the traits of the men who stay home and take advantage of parental leave, or do not have problems when their wife is the breadwinner?
40:50 What are the consequences of one partner with a low sense of power in the relationship?
42:48 You mention that too little power creates stress, but too much reduces empathy. How can couples find the right balance of shared influence in their relationship?
46:39 What are the small, actionable steps listeners can take today to start shifting power imbalances in their own relationships?

Purchase the book: https://melissahogenboom.com/breadwinners-2/

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I now provide. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

For today’s episode we welcome Dr. Julie Wayne, a Professor of Management at the Wake Forest University School of Business, specializing in work-family scholarship. Her research focuses on how work and personal lives intersect, examining work-family enrichment, the meaning and measurement of work-life balance, and the "invisible family load". Wayne has been recognized with the 2024 Kanter Award for Excellence in Work-Family Research for her significant contributions to the field.

In this episode, Dr. Wayne breaks down the concepts of mental and emotional load—and why they so often go unseen in relationships. She explains how these hidden responsibilities impact men and women differently, and shares practical strategies for couples to notice, share, and reduce the invisible load at home. Whether you're managing careers, kids, or both, this conversation offers actionable insights to strengthen your partnership. Enjoy the show.

Questions

00:00 Introduction
02:05 Where does your passion for your work originate?
03:32 What exactly is the “mental load,” and why do people call it invisible?
06:02 What does the mental load have to do with the intersection of work and home?
13:02 How does it generally show up differently for men and women?
18:17 How does the emotional load differ from the mental load, and why is it particularly challenging?
22:37 What are some practical ways husbands and partners can notice, share, or reduce the emotional labor at home?
31:17 Beyond the household, how can workplaces, policies, or broader societal expectations help men and women balance mental and emotional responsibilities more equitably?
35:49 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you want to share with our listeners?

Subscribe or follow Modern Husbands on social media!

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I now provide. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com or you can email me at brian@modernhusbands.com.

For today’s podcast we welcome Dr. Jenny Olson, an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. Dr. Olson just released research examining how people predict happiness from buying something, what actually happens, and whether how poor or rich you are impacts how we feel about it. Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Fast overview of her previous groundbreaking research on joint bank accounts
03:45 Judging people in poverty who spend money
07:45 The findings from her research
09:50 What her research has to do with our basic needs
13:00 How to interpret the research and suggestions
14:32 How do common misconceptions about income levels affect people’s expectations from happiness from their experiences
17:05 What can dual career couples do to enhance their own happiness
19:46 The line between spending and compulsive spending for happiness
21:05 Examples of consumption experiences that she found drive happiness
22:03 Self care: people prioritize the self care of others before themselves
25:27 How has your research influenced your own views
29:09 One piece of practical advice people can use now in their lives based on your research

Subscribe or follow Modern Husbands on social media!

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