What does prison reveal about toxic masculinity? with Dr Terry Kupers

In episode 1 of Season 3, I talk to one of the main figures responsible for the spread of the term “toxic masculinity,” Dr Terry Kupers, an academic, psychiatrist, expert witness, and former doctor for the LA chapter of the Black Panthers. (He’s led quite the life.)

Terry’s research on the violent conditions he saw in US prisons helped spread the term “toxic masculinity” beyond its hippie origins (more on those origins later this season). While I was only able to include a few quotes from him in a recent article I wrote for GQ, I knew I wanted to share his story at greater length.

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Further reading:

My article on the history of the term toxic masculinity

“Toxic Masculinity as a Barrier to Mental Health Treatment in Prisons,” by Dr Terry Kupers that helped popularize the term.

A recent New York Times article on solitary confinement in Rikers that quotes Dr. Kupers.

Climate change and extreme heat are making prisons even more miserable and dangerous.