"The greatest divide in America is between folks who feel heard vs. folks who feel unheard": John Della Volpe on Young Men's Economic Anxiety and the Crisis of Isolation

Earlier this week on Endless Urgency, I hosted John Della Volpe, the data mind behind the Speaking with American Men project and longtime leader of the Harvard Youth Poll. We talked about the numbers: how Democrats lost 10–12 points with younger men in just four years. But more importantly, we unpacked why—and what we can do about it.

Key points we covered:

• The empathy gap: Why many men feel Democrats lecture instead of listen—and how that drives them into the arms of the right.

• Masculinity, shame, and identity: How economic anxiety, cultural shame, and isolation are shaping male identity—and who's filling the vacuum.

• Solutions that connect: From mental health access to after-school programs, how to reforge connection, dignity, and community for young men.

This wasn’t a "let’s fix men" episode. It was a "let’s listen" episode. What we found was striking: men want to protect and provide. They want to show up for their families, their communities—and they want leaders who get that. Who can talk with them, not at them. Who show up in their spaces and speak to their values without condescension or judgment.

John’s research confirms it: when Democrats lead with policy and presence—mental health care, affordable housing, after-school programs, space for real conversations—we rebuild trust. When we create forums for honest, vulnerable dialogue, we start winning hearts before we win votes.

This is essential listening for anyone who gives a damn about democracy—and about not ceding an entire gender to the worst people on the internet.

And if this resonated with you, if you're tired of yelling into the void and ready to be part of something that listens, organizes, and wins—become a paid subscriber today.

With urgency,

Mike