I just stumbled across your Substack through the app’s “Explore” feature. FWIW the tv series Stella had its run just as I was finishing college. Part of the reason friends & I enjoyed it (and it had that effect of each of us buying the dvd, and sharing it with others ad infinitum) was because it had a level of underlying gentleness to it. The three of you jumping up & down saying yaaay, or showing outsized childish emotions like grumping, that demonstrated older-but-(relatively)-cool men displaying an innocence that was rarely seen in media. Thank you.
I enjoyed this essay and I, too, have thought a great deal about it. I created a podcast called “How to be a Man.” Forgive me for the appearance of marketing by reflective popularity but I don’t have a contact email.
"No one is any one thing". If more people realized the truth of this profound state, hate would decrease exponentially. Kindness shows strength rather than weakness.
I truly wish that more men felt comfortable with sitting in their discomfort of vulnerability. And to be honest I think a lot of women would benefit from an examination of their pressing on men that structure of “wimp” or not. But it still doesn’t excuse that you suggest Gallery Espresso as your coffee place of choice in town and forget to mention Perc.
Then all is forgiven. They’re on Broad Street and the best part is they roast the beans there - it’s less hipster a little more Gen Z-esque but the coffee is superior, the seats are not as cushy. They also serve the best local pastries from Auspicious bakery.
I always felt, and now I know, that this Michael Ian Black writing this sub wasn’t shallow, insincere or any of the other dark lights we might cast upon a sardonic comedian. You’re a good man. I read your book. It’s never too late to grow, or move into Nike Lebron shoes. Those lebrons got some game.
Michael, you are a great writer. Your choice of language, tone and ability to translate thoughts into fluid paragraphs is a real skill. Keep up the tremendous work.
I just stumbled across your Substack through the app’s “Explore” feature. FWIW the tv series Stella had its run just as I was finishing college. Part of the reason friends & I enjoyed it (and it had that effect of each of us buying the dvd, and sharing it with others ad infinitum) was because it had a level of underlying gentleness to it. The three of you jumping up & down saying yaaay, or showing outsized childish emotions like grumping, that demonstrated older-but-(relatively)-cool men displaying an innocence that was rarely seen in media. Thank you.
i greatly appreciate the thoughtful person you seem to be❤️
Loved this man. Inevitably your stacks remind me of things from my childhood. You hit home.
That surprises me, if only because you seem like such a classic manly man. All laconic and shit.
Isn't that funny. I was raised in house filled with women. The youngest and only boy. Grew with lots of fear and insecurity and quite introverted.
Wouldn't have guessed that about you. I also grew up in a household headed by women. Also the youngest boy. Perhaps this is why we're simpatico.
I enjoyed this essay and I, too, have thought a great deal about it. I created a podcast called “How to be a Man.” Forgive me for the appearance of marketing by reflective popularity but I don’t have a contact email.
https://open.substack.com/pub/breakingdownthelaw/p/how-to-be-a-man-in-hollywood-featuring?r=c8c1n&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Thank you ❤️❤️
beautiful
This made me smile. Thank you, Michael.
"No one is any one thing". If more people realized the truth of this profound state, hate would decrease exponentially. Kindness shows strength rather than weakness.
I loved "A Better Man" and enjoy your more sentimental, pensive, and thoughtful side!
Absolutely incredible.
This essay is excellent but dont you think it's annoying when a comedy movie turns sappy 2/3rds of the way through?
Two posts in as many days... one might think you’re back here in Redding CT snowed in with the rest of us. If so, LMK. We can cuddle.
I truly wish that more men felt comfortable with sitting in their discomfort of vulnerability. And to be honest I think a lot of women would benefit from an examination of their pressing on men that structure of “wimp” or not. But it still doesn’t excuse that you suggest Gallery Espresso as your coffee place of choice in town and forget to mention Perc.
I don't know Perc!
Then all is forgiven. They’re on Broad Street and the best part is they roast the beans there - it’s less hipster a little more Gen Z-esque but the coffee is superior, the seats are not as cushy. They also serve the best local pastries from Auspicious bakery.
I always felt, and now I know, that this Michael Ian Black writing this sub wasn’t shallow, insincere or any of the other dark lights we might cast upon a sardonic comedian. You’re a good man. I read your book. It’s never too late to grow, or move into Nike Lebron shoes. Those lebrons got some game.
Michael, you are a great writer. Your choice of language, tone and ability to translate thoughts into fluid paragraphs is a real skill. Keep up the tremendous work.
Your writing continues to surprise, delight, and move me. Thank you for being your whole self in these posts.