This event is exclusive to Friends of Tortoise
Tortoise Lates is an evening of conversation, ideas and entertainment, new and exclusively for Tortoise members.
Tortoise Lates: Masculinity tries to make sense of maleness and masculinity: what it looks like, how it works and how it affects us.
What does it mean to be a man today? The term ‘toxic masculinity’ can describe aggression, lack of empathy and emotional illiteracy. It’s also been used to explain why mental ill-health amongst men, particularly younger men, is on the rise. How can we have a better conversation about what masculinity means today?
Part two: Fathers and sons, with Tom Allen
The relationship between fathers and sons can be complicated. A boy or man’s relationship, or lack thereof, with his father can play a defining role in his mental health, emotional intelligence, professional life, and future relationships.
When Tom Allen’s father died suddenly at the end of 2021, he had to find a way to face that loss and come to terms with their imperfect relationship. Join Tom in conversation with James Harding, as he talks about his recent book ‘Too Much’ and we explore his journey to being an adult and struggling with manhood – whatever that means – now his much-loved role model is gone.
Part three: The Tortoise Interview with Richard Herring
Richard Herring is an author, award-winning comedian and podcaster who rose to fame as one half of the comedy act Lee and Herring, with Stewart Lee. In 2021, Richard published The Problem with Men, in which he took on sexist internet trolls to tackle big questions around the battle for gender equality. At the start of 2021, Richard was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In his book ‘Can I Have My Ball Back?’, he explores how his diagnosis and subsequent treatment forced him to reflect on his own mortality and masculinity. Join Richard for a candid conversation about his personal story, and what defines masculinity and maleness today.
editor and invited experts
James Harding
Editor and Founder
Liz Moseley
Editor
Mark St Andrew
Head of ThinkIns, Tortoise
Ashley Hickson-Lovence
Author
Richard Herring
Author, comedian and podcaster
Sam Delaney
Journalist and broadcaster
Tom Allen
Author and comedian