Off the Clock’s first Locker Room Special processes Nicki’s Story and The Aftershow, featuring a panel of four tradesmen (Trevor, Anthony, Jason and Steven) pushing back on concepts around toxic masculinity and rape culture. The speakers reflect on the discomfort they felt after watching Nicki's Story and The Aftershow, noting that it forced them to examine their own past behaviors and perceptions of women. They emphasize the importance of self-evaluation and taking ownership of past mistakes, noting that this process is vital for personal growth and becoming a "safe man".

 

Discussion evolves into the realization that men are not just a threat to women, but men are also a threat to other men. The crew talk about how aligning choices and behaviours with their core values truly makes them a man, versus following norms from popular or worksite culture.

​

The conversation winds up highlighting the importance of being an ally and moving beyond being a bystander, cautioning against problem solving with fists. They agree that the most rewarding aspect of being a man is knowing that others feel safe in their presence. Takeaways are to be curious, ask women how they would like support, and commit to modelling better behaviour.