Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, producer, entrepreneur, author and changemaker whose efforts are focused on creating impactful media and entertainment. He is the creator and director of CW’s “My Last Days,” an uplifting documentary series about life as told by courageous people living with a terminal illness, and the creator of “Man Enough,” the dinner conversation series which dives into traditional masculinity. Baldoni made his feature film directorial debut in March 2019 with “Five Feet Apart” for CBS Films and Lionsgate, which went on to become CBS Films’ third highest-grossing film of all time earning over $91 million worldwide. Most recently, Baldoni established Wayfarer Studios to further create purpose-driven content. He directed and produced Wayfarer Studios’ first film project, “CLOUDS,” which is now streaming on Disney+. The film is Disney’s first-ever narrative acquisition on its global platform. Next, Baldoni is set to direct “Hold Back the Stars” for Lionsgate. Justin also serves as founder and chairman of The Wayfarer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the way communities see and respond to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
Man Enough is a movement founded on the belief that by undefining traditional roles and traits of masculinity, men will be able to realize their potential as humans and their capacity for connection. With bold vulnerability and brave transparency, the movement combines the personal stories and collective experiences of men from many backgrounds as we aim to build bridges from our heads to our hearts, and between one another.
Man Enough: Undefining My Masculinity, written by Justin Baldoni, takes a deep and vulnerable dive into the messages of masculinity that he has received throughout his childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. Using personal anecdotes, he wrestles with how the narrow definitions of masculinity have played out in his behavior, thought patterns, career, and relationships – from friendships to family, to romantic relationships, but possibly most notably, his relationship with himself.
Justin takes a deep and vulnerable dive into the messages of masculinity that he has received throughout his childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. Using personal anecdotes, he wrestles with how the narrow definitions of masculinity have played out in his behavior, thought patterns, career, and relationships – from friendships to family, to romantic relationships, but possibly most notably, his relationship with himself.
Each chapter tackles traits and subjects that have long been associated with traditional masculinity like bravery, confidence, body size, success, sex, marriage and fatherhood. As a sensitive, emotional boy Justin shares the ways he struggled to fit into the masculinity mold and how he began severing his feelings, his heart, from his head so that he could be accepted by the boys, and eventually other men. He often writes of the armor he has put on little by little throughout his life—armor that he didn’t even know he was wearing until the last few years—in an attempt to distance himself from who he really is and become who the world tells him he needs to be in order to be considered “man enough.”
By giving readers a bold and transparent look into his life, Justin invites us to connect with who we are underneath the armor and in doing so, helps us to reimagine what it means to be a man, and more importantly what it means to be a human, in our world today. More than just an intensely personal journey, Justin writes about how this disconnect extends beyond our own selves as he tackles prevalent social issues like racial justice, privilege, gender equality, bullying, sexuality, and pornography with the same brave and compassionate reflections.
Learn more from the author himself, Justisn Baldoni this Sunday night August 8th at 8 or 11 eastern time with Books That Make You host Desiree Duffy on MyStar95.com
