Masculinity, Role Models and Fatherless Homes 

I grew up without a father and I had to teach myself how to be a man. Many mistakes made.

Men are suffering. Society doesn’t care. But channels like this, show us that we’re not alone. Men matter. Men’s rights are human rights.

I took on a 16-year-old boy as my son, ( He has no relationship to me at all, Just a strangers son)and I have been his father as his father walked out when he was 4. He is now 27 and has his own family. For my part, I have always been there for him and gave him a father figure to respect. He is now successful and has grown much more with a father in his life. He has admitted having me as his Dad was a changing point in his life and I am happy for that.

First! My father passed away when I was 10 years old and my neighbor who was a Marine, Vietnam War Vet, and biker become my role model. He showed me how to work on cars and motorcycles, construction work, but also he showed me how to be a Man and what is expected of me as a Man, to provide, protect, and to be strong in times of stress. He opened my eyes to different cultures (he is Chinese) he taught me rudimentary Cantonese and every family function I was part of, he also inspired me to join the Marines and he was proud as a Father when he attended my graduation from the Marines and was just as proud as I was when his son, my brother, graduated also from the Marines. He has been a big part of my life and always will be. Great video as always my friend Bjorn it was like the tribe was around the campfire sharing stories and enjoying the company.

What a great combination: wilderness, a campfire, a mug of coffee, and a talk about social problems. A campfire is a perfect place for talking about society.

You forget one thing, Bjorn. Little girls need Fatherly role-model as much as boys. They need to vitness the positive side of masculinity. The protector, provider and fighter if need be so they can orient themselves well when chosing proper partner. Otherwise they too will gravitate towards the pathological men. Otherwise I agree completely!

Men quietly talking around the campfire, drinking coffee/tea instead of getting drunk and shooting bottles from their pickups they never use for hard work should be presented and uplifted as role models. Thank you for your videos.

I lost both my dad and mom when i was 5,5 years old. I was put in a fosterhome that was a big mess to grew up there. That affect me even today 30 years later. I feel emptiness in my life, i have hard to trust people, and i live alone for many years. I got tears in my eyes when i listen to this video. Bra video Björn ett viktigt ämne.

“Learning to be a man is a skill”. This bit blew me away. Never been put so succinctly before.

I didn't appreciate my dad when he was alive. I criticized everything he did for the family. Now older I am grateful for everything he did. I regret not telling him before he passed.

Bjorn, the thoughts you express in these videos are timeless, being rooted in human nature. You seem to be giving voice to what Nature wants to say as you sit by the campfire as men have done for the longest time. All the best, brother Viking.

I love my Dad. My Mum and Dad have stayed married and my two bothers and I have all stayed happily married to our spouses. 2 parents that stay together give their children the best possible chance. I am so grateful to my parents. Dads are important to girls too.

I´m a grown up man, almost 40, who lives alone. As a child I had a father but he was kind of absent and we didn´t talk. So I had and still have to find out for myself how to be a man. My role models and mentors nowadays are Jordan Peterson, David Goggins and Viggo Mortensen. They inspire me. I read a lot and try to become better at my job. 4 years ago I started with running to change my mindset and get out of porn addiction. Two months ago I ran my first half-marathon! This year I founded a support group with other men who also want to become free of porn. I also visit a man in the prison for 11 years on a regular basis. I´m a good singer and support a choir and our local church community. So I learn to be responsible not only for myself but also for others. To be a man means to be responsible. That´s our journey. A man from Austria.

Girls growing up without a father is another thing to think about. Thanks Bjorn for your excellent channel bringing out the things that really need to be talked about.

"If we just try to be good men..." Words to live by!

Thanks for saying what needs to be said. Sadly in the U.S. your words would be called sexist, homophobic, misogynistic and hate speech by the "mainstream". Great video.

I thank god every day the judge awarded my father custody of my sister and I during my parents divorce. I was a 15 year old boy. Now I am almost 30 happily married with 2 young boys. If it wasn’t for my father, i wouldn’t be half the man I am today. I, will pass on to my sons what my father taught me. Your videos are very inspiring. Keep up the great content!

I learned early from my Father as he told me, “I make mistakes and am not perfect but will teach you what I know so that you don’t make the same mistakes.” This is the virtue I raised my Son. A Man makes mistakes, and admits to them.

BJORN...MY FAVORITE VIKING FRIEND..I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO MY DAD....HE WORKED IN COAL MINES ON HIS BACK USING A PIC AXE..A DOLLAR A TON IN BELGIUM.. HE NEVER MISSED A DAYS WORK...WE WERE NEVER HUNGRY OR COLD..MY DAD..I MISS YOU..MY HERO💗💗

Skoll Bjorn. I had my farther walk out when I was 5 years old. It's effected me ever since. I'm 54 now. Your words are heart felt. 👍 ✌

Thank you for spending time with us. I'm 50 and barely knew my father growing up. Everything you said was true.

I lost my therapist a while back, because he had to retire. I was pretty lost afterwards and kind of floated around, trying to find some meaning in life. I didn't find it until I came here. If I had to say who my role model is, it would be you Bjorn Andreas Bull Hansen. You have taught me so much and your kind words and just the way you are when you are giving out advice, has impacted my life in so many tremendous ways. I want to thank you for that, so thank you. Keep making videos please. Keep being who you are. Take care friend.

My father died when I was a little boy. My grandpa and my uncle became my role models. I grew up on the farm and those two men taught me the importance of a good work ethic. The importance of whatever you put your hands to, do your best. And to always do the right thing regardless of what others are doing. Over the years I tried my best the pass that down to my children and grandchildren.

My Dad is my role model, he's a scientist, a carpenter and an incredible chess player, I've yet to beat him.

Don’t know what motivates you to do these videos, but I for one truly appreciate the fact that you do. I hope young people watch these and take your words to heart. This is how I grew up and it is sorely missing in most of today’s youth. You’re a good man, keep doing what you’re doing!

Can not emphasise enough how important having a good male role model. Thank you for making this video!

Lost my father to cancer when 4 years old (though kept some memories alive). At 10 years discovered Magnum PI series. Tom Selleck was my quintessential hero-father figure for years.

"make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands.." - 1 Thessalonians 4:11

How... how did you know I needed this today? Due to a combination of the way I was as a child and my parents ruthless divorce, I disconnected entirely from my father around 10 and left his place at 15. I paid for it. Dearly. I am still more or less a 10 year old in a man's body. I started seeing a great girl who has a son. The father has never once seen him, and isn't even on the birth certificate. Doesn't even want to know he exists and hasn't reached out once in ten years of the kid's life. There is something... I feel as though being the father figure I never really had, or even allowed myself to have is showing me how to learn these lessons in manhood ALONGSIDE him, and that irony is not lost on me. Nor is my gratitude for it. His mother even agrees that while she could raise a child the way she was raised, she wouldn't be able to produce a man the way a father could. Very, very few mothers can do that. I hope I'm up to the task, brother. Thank you for the video. I had a bit of a "am I being taken seriously in this role?" breakdown yesterday, which is common amongst stepparents, and I very much needed this to clear the fog from the path ahead.

"They need an image of themselves in the future" is by far the best way I've heard a role model described.

Exactly what I see in sitcoms. They are trying to destroy the family.

“Hard working, kind, and self-aware”....those are excellent qualities, good call. 🇳🇴🏹

I really appreciate this video; I have brought 4 boys up on my own and a daughter who is heart-broken like me because their Dad walked out. I have tried for almost 10 years to find a decent Dad for them; all the boys have struggled and we have suffered greatly because the boys had no role model only rappers talking about selling drugs, using women etc. It has made me ill the whole thing; one boy even moved into a house down the road where an older boy lived and refused to come home; I have been devastated. If only more men thought like Bjorn. If only more men were kind, and concerned with helping boys and single Mums instead of selfish ambition💔

I grew up in the 1960s and 70s in an intact nuclear family where dad was the boss and we knew it. He was firm with my brothers and I, but was kind and gentle when needed. Everywhere we looked, there were plenty of positive role models. Our teachers were Depression/WW2 era people with life skills they never learned from a textbook. The overwhelming majority of families were like ours where the father was under the same roof. There were juvenile delinquents then as there have always been throughout history, and the overwhelming majority of these offenders were from what we used to call “broken homes”, now known as single parent households. Fast forward a few decades, and we see what had happened to men and boys. I used to work with youths, many of which were “at risk”. The common denominator I found was the lack or total absence of positive role models in that child’s life. We had a saying “If you don’t have the time to show a young person the right way, someone with more time on their hands will certainly show them the wrong way in life.” An investment in a young person will pay dividends down the road in ways you can’t imagine. That kid you help out with a problem might seem trivial to you, but it just might be the pivotal point in their life that turns them around. I know I made a difference.

I'm one of the lucky ones. I've always had a strong relationship with my father. He is strong, stoic, knowledgeable, cheerful, compassionate and centred. I turned thirty recently. A large part of me wants to have a family one day, but I'm not convinced that society, the law or women reward the values of my father anymore. They just seem to want you to be compliant and entertaining. I've known men that have lost their families to divorce and the thought of joining them terrifies me. The rise in so-called 'Toxic Masculinity' runs in parallel with the rise of fatherless homes. I believe mothers can raise children to adulthood, but I don't believe they can raise boys to men.

My mother left my father when I was 11. I was mostly raised by my father, and I am grateful. He was an awesome Father and teacher and I was raised on the earth and remain in touch with nature.

I agree with what you are saying. It can also be hard for a girl when the father is absent and lead to a whole series of unfortunate issues 😔

My father was my role model. He taught me to be honest, kind, understanding, and to be a good listener among other things. I agree that boys need good role models but so do girls. Fathers can show young girls and boys how to be strong and protective providers for their families. It is sad that there are so many broken homes which make it much harder to provide those male and female qualities for young children to learn and observe. Thanks for your great video!

3:24 "...It's not the greatest campfire I've built, but it will do." Something about that small statement is just so inspirational.

Excellent, thanks for these videos. I really appreciate them. I'm 48yo, my dad was in the military and because of his job we often moved every 6 months,a new school. Often going with my parents but sometimes going to live with my grandparents. I used to wish I had a different upbringing, but as I got older and hopefully wiser I realized it taught me to be self reliant and responsible. Wouldn't change anything. I learned from my mistakes and my elders around me. To always be the student in life, always growing and learning. I was lucky to have several real men as role models besides my dad. My grandfather, a family friend, a great pastor and later, as I got married young,a father in law. I raised two great young men and an awesome daughter, all have integrity, self reliance and loyalty. I'd like to take credit for that but they were born with great hearts and independence. I saw the kids they grew up with in school and saw how my kids stood out. I was never bothered by calls to the school. Not once did they start a fight or a problem. In fact often it was in defense of others. I don't live in fear of anything but I am concerned about the future and other children, where society is headed. Political correctness stifling free speech, the narrative of dependence on the state being pushed instead of self reliance. So I know what you're saying is extremely important.We have to be out there being the mentors, the examples or within a small amount of time it could be lost on society in general. It doesn't take much to set a young man on the path to becoming a man. Just a few wisdom tools that'll serve them well or being there for the questions but the biggest one is being the example of a righteous man, with convictions, independence, responsibility, standing an ethical line and a code to live by. Personally my walk with YEHOVAH really helps me to be a better example. Always using independent thought and discernment. Never justifying anything, never compromising my code. Being fearless (brave when you can't), being steadfast while growing in my soul. Having love for everyone without supporting or justifying any evil they might do. Never judging others while having discernment about them. It's simple, not complicated. It's never hypocritical or negative. Just the opposite and I find I don't have many if any problems that I can't figure out or work thru. We have to pass on these values and traits to the next generations. Because this dependency and fear wrangling is like a cancer, diluting character and self awareness.

Correct me if i am wrong but these are 4 things that make men. Commitment. Integrity. Kindness. Strength.

This video makes me think of my dad. I owe who I am today to how he and my mother raised me. I'm going to call him and thank him for not letting me float the easy life, teaching me how to survive this world. Thanks Bjorn

Growing up in an abusive relationship with my father and then loosing him when I was seventeen has been very hard. My mother always done her best to provide but she couldn't replace dad. She also had trouble with his drinking and abusive manner. After he died I looked for other men (three) to use as a father figure. Increasing in my faith as I study, I realize that my one true role model is Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, and has guided me with His Holy Spirit all along because of prayers from mom and other men in our church body. Thank you sir for the videos you make. I do enjoy watching you.

Well said. And as a mother it's important to invite and help the father to be present and a good role model for the children - married or divorced - as much as you ever can. He is key to their wellbeing.

To the women who have men who leave you to raise children, my sympathy.

These videos seem to reset my conscience, if that makes sense, gets me focused on the things that matter

Good morning from Wisconsin, U.S. Thank you for the videos on mens mental health, I find my peace when I'm able to spend time in the woods! We're forecasted to get 6 to 10 inches of snow today into tmrw. Mother earth time of cleansing.

I see so many people talking and criticizing modern men as being child like, yet still no help nor input. Seems like you all are too fixed on the tragic side rather than the resolve. Here’s some tips I’ve made for myself and some I got from my own dad: Stay ahead of your settling nature. Don’t let life get easy for you and challenge yourself if you find yourself too complacent. Don’t be easily persuaded and investigate life on your own, learn critical thinking as much as you know empathy for others. Make new goals even on a whim. Don’t let any moment of life slip away. Create something anything new to fill your mind. Give yourself mindfulness by reading and writing. I love reading philosophy as it really gets to the basis of human understanding and experience itself. Don’t turn to hatred and always know that love of life is more powerful than the most black of evil and hatred humans can ever create.

It’s always nice to see you taking your beard for a walk. As usual, excellent content.

Such simple truths, but so meaningful. I'm a divorced Dad. It was such a blow to have my role as a Dad diminished for no good reason. My children have all thanked me for giving them a good work ethic. It warms my heart to know I have been a good role model for them. Thank you so much for your talks Bjorn. You are the friend that I need.

I've been living in a certain way for a couple of years now, I've taken every decision based on everyone else's opinion of what I should do, instead of following my guts and not giving up on my dreams of studying psichology, instead of doing that I've done what people have told me, and my life has been filled with mistakes, from which at least I have learned a lot. Now I am starting to listen to my guts and to ignore everyone else, I also started meditating and I have to say, things are starting to look better, at least my mental state has improved tremendously since I started listening to myself, instead of everyone around me. Life will be good, one way or another, I'll find my way and won't get off it.

A good message Bjorn and I Thank You! I've seen young men with tattoos of famous gangsters on their arms and backs and chests. What a role model? I saw my father as superman growing up. He seemed to be able to do anything. I believe he inspired me to work with my hands as I do to this day. But he also taught me integrity, kindness and that real men are not thugs. He was very generous to we his family but to everyone. We had lots of Love in our family and I am very blessed to have had this growing up. We had support as well. My father once said to me when I was young, "I don't care what you decide to do in life, even if it's a garbage man. But be the best garbage man you can be". He also said that whatever I decide to do be would stand behind me. And he did indeed. My father would have been 100 years old today. He passed away only two years ago and my Mother 7 months before him. They were married 76 years and never fell out of love. When I think of kids lacking a parent or have none at all, it say much about how our society has lacked. So your message is an excellent one indeed and I Thank You Again! And in sharing your beautiful land with us all! DaveyJO in Pannsylvania

I used to be a scoutmaster and outdoor-education instructor, and among the thousands of kids I worked with, the boys were often drawn to me, especially the ones raised by single mothers. I think it's always important to remember that the boys who come into your life are human, and will make mistakes. As a mentor/role-model, you have to recognize the faults you have, and to accept the boy's experiments with growing-up. At some point, he may reject you (at least, for a while) in favour of other role-models, but if you meant anything to him, he'll look to your example again.

I grew up without a father since the divorce...that's 12 years ago. He was never really there to begin with, always doing something else and all that absence of fatherly examples do show. I had to acquire manly skills by observing my friends, by watching videos like yours and even though they help, wouldn't have it been better if our real fathers could be there for us? That's a strong bond. A bond I will work hard to strengthen with my future kids.

As a young man who grew up with out a father figure this video really meant a lot to me. Thank you so much Bjorn for sharing your thoughts. Keep up the good work. And enjoy the the rest of your day. Amazing sunrise by the way. 👍🏻🌲🔥

You hit the nail on the head. We are confused no one showed us anything.

I never had a father. It totally affected negatively my life but it made me very independent - I didn't have anybody to teach me things, I had to learn and figure out things by myself. I still would like to have a father though.

Good video! My daughter loves spending time with her father and although we're divorced and live on different coasts, we share custody. She's spending her last year of elementary school with him! Great father's should be commended and supported because they leave a permanent imprint on the hearts of the children that love them!

Heading out into the woods tomorrow Bjorn! Hoping taking a day out of my week to be with nature will improve my focus.

Very good video Bjorn! The word I use for what you describe around 8:30 is “man-children”. I know many of them, and while they are capable enough at reproducing, they have no bearing on how to proceed once the children are born, and prefer to focus more on games (video or sports) or other past times. Not that I believe raising children is the only way to define masculinity. But by not taking care of their responsibilities they are not caring for or honoring their tribe, a fundamental masculine virtue. You also said it very well that being a man is like building a skill set. It reminds me of Jack Donovan’s far off and unreachable star that you set your sights on. As you said, no one is perfect, but you still have to strive to get as close as you can to perfect in the masculine virtues: strength, honor, courage, mastery and creation. I find myself more and more only spending my time and energy in endeavors that improve on those virtues, and scrapping everything else.

My dad was superman, I'd take him my apple and he would break it half with his hands, I was in awe

New subscriber here. And I too am a novel writer. I loved the truthfulness, simplicity, and positivity of this channel. And I am always fascinated by Norway and the Vikings, and the heroic and simplistic nature of things. This video hits a special spot in my heart, as I was raised by very strong women in my family, and ironically, not very skilled in education, but on the contrary, the men in my family are very submissive and weak. Raised in such an environment, I grew up very rebellious and bitter, not attracted to the heroic figures, like Superman, but the more cynical ones, and I enjoy it that way, being the edgy guy, indifferent and sarcastic. So, I do consider myself growing up without a strong father figure, and yet, now in my early 20s, I came to the realization that I lack kindness and decency, that a boy needs when he's growing up, and every boy has a deep heroism in his heart, and I, sadly, only came to discover it. Agreeing to your comment about the public idolization of negativity, it is awful, and positive energy is always needed, it is what a good man should possess. As a novel writer, I projected that theme onto one of my main characters as well, who is a young man growing up without a father figure, and sadly, looks for one. I enjoy your thoughtful conversations, they do inspire me a lot. It looks like I found the right channel.

I’m in my mid 40’s. I was very lucky to have several great Role Models in my life growing up. In today’s society It’s very hard for good men to be role models, because of fear of prosecution caused by political correctness. It’s truly a shame how society has suppressed the good things it takes for a man to be a good role model.

I was listening along with you and I said "personal awareness" 3 seconds before you did. We share ancestors. There is great wisdom in your words. I'm grateful for your insights and the way you share so generously. Skål bror.

my role model is my dad. he ain't perfect, but he's a good man. the older i grow, the more i respect everything he's built his person around.

Bjorn, I want to thank you for taking the time to share these videos. I relate to most of them. I grew up without a father, yet he popped back up into my life after my mother passed right after I turned 19. Since then he is on and off the streets, as well as in and out of my life. However, I still have a small desire to reach out to him from time to time to try and understand topics such as my heritage and who my grandparents were, etc. I can relate to that void. I do not look up to him at all, but sometimes I wish he would notice how much he missed out on. Often he boasts about my step-brother, which always seemed to bother me because it made me feel like he cared about him and not myself. I just turned 30 and I still relate to the things you speak of. I know that one day when and if I'm blessed with having my children they will never go through what I went through growing up. I have been searching for some of these answers, as to what it means to be a man. Due to such nonsense that comes from "modern society" I have often found myself questing what it really means. You make it simple to understand and I can't tell you how much I appreciate coming home after a long day and hearing someone who I can relate to and speaks positivity through the truths you speak. I hope more people listen to you and the wisdom you share. Take care brother!

You're an awesome guy. Thanks for sharing what a lot of us feel.

My dad was in the home, but very emotionally and physically abusive. I ended up marrying an abusive man later on due to low self esteem. I had to leave him later on because I was afraid for our kids and my safety. He didn't become abusive until after I got pregnant. There are so many situations like this. I didn't want to be a single mom or have a fatherless home for my kids, but I would rather us be alive than the alternative.

Didn't grow up with a role model for long I lost my greatest role model when I was a boy, my father abandoned us, and grandad (the greatest man I knew and looked up to as a boy) passed away when I was 7, but I have you and Jordan Peterson as my role models so I guess not all is bad you loose and gain in life

Bjorn, I just want to thank you. The realization of turning 50 has rendered me somewhat depressed for a couple years now. I all-but quit spending time around a campfire or hiking through the woods. I lost some of my ‘drive’ at work, even feeling a little left-behind. Medication seemed to take away the lows, but also the highs (if that makes any sense). I even bought a convertible! Nothing seemed to make me happy anymore. My wife has been telling me to get out in the woods more, but even the few times I’ve sat alone by a fire making coffee (like you) the drive to do it again subsided within a day or two. I just couldn’t seem to make my hikes a routine again. I’m even a Cub Scout leader, but almost dreaded taking the boys out for even short hikes. While I’ve been a subscriber here for about a month, your videos just couldn’t even push me off the computer chair (and I love watching them!). This all changed a couple weeks ago. I wasn’t feeling well at work and decided to go home. On my way home, I started to have severe problems! My heart was beating out of my chest, numbness in my extremities, trouble breathing. When I started blacking-out, I pulled to the side of the road and called an ambulance. In the ER, each test kept coming back good. I even started joking around with the nurses, more like normal. My ER doctor was a younger gentleman, but very intelligent. We had a great conversation about my life. When discussing the medication I was taking, he questioned why my family doctor had been giving me one in particular, at all. It didn’t seem to fit the reason. And as I told him more of my story, it actually seemed to make sense why I had been feeling so low/lazy/lacking ambition. I was taking mood stabilizers to sleep. Digging into it a little later it seems like my whole body chemistry is out of whack. Today my mind/body is still ‘withdrawling’ (for lack of a better word), but I’m actually feeling some of the happiness and ambition start to return since stopping those pills. I’ve started taking my lunchtime walks at work again. Today is cold/rainy, and I’m still walking. I even put my pack together again. But I can feel the woods calling stronger than it has in a long time. Soon. I go to the doctor tomorrow morning. Afterwards, I’m heading for a couple-mile trip into the woods for a cup of coffee. I thank you because I have been living vicariously through your videos. I used to do nearly the exact same thing you do, hike into the woods, build a little fire for coffee or lunch, sometimes sit in a hammock just staring off into the woods, sometimes talking to the camera. I know that I will again do that soon. Much like your discussion today, and even though I am in my early 50s, you are functioning as my role model Bjorn. I need to get woods time back in my life. I know you understand.

Listening from the Gulf Coast of Alabama. I visited the northern fjords above Tromso many years ago. It was a very beautiful country where I was and plenty of snow. I experienced my first blizzard in Norway. Excellent Video As Always. 💯👍👍😎🇺🇸

While our so-called "modern" society has many ills and is overtly antagonistic towards men and masculinity, every cloud still has a silver lining if you make sure to look for it. One of the upsides of today's modern age is that the internet makes it possible to find such positive role models when there might not be any in your immediate social circles. I'm 31 and have been intensely interested in these issues since my mid-20's, but even when you're actively seeking such positive role models who exhibit the values and traits you want to emulate, it can be very difficult to find any. Lord knows, it's hard to find real men these days, let alone real men who embody the positive, healthy attributes of masculinity & manhood, but the internet makes it possible to connect with people all over the world, and find your tribe even when it may not exist in your physical vicinity. That's exactly why I'm so grateful to have found your channel Björn, because you're setting an example of many traits I aspire to. Like you say, the epidemic of fatherlessness and demonising of good, masculine men has led to the pervasive warped perspective of of younger generations, who think masculinity is violent, aggressive, destructive, or otherwise harmful. We've forgotten what real men even are, and it's so, so, SO important that we revive the aspirational ideal of manhood as the foundation of a strong, supportive, and nurturing community. I also have Scandinavian blood - my Danish grandfather had a written family tree going all the way back to the 13th century, which sadly disappeared after his death - and I've always felt a strong affinity, much like you've described, for that part of the world and the Viking age, which makes watching your videos really feel like connecting with my tribe at a deep, visceral level. From the bottom of my heart Björn, thank you for not just being an example of such a a man, but for putting yourself out there and having the courage to speak plainly and directly about what truly matters. That shouldn't be something that requires courage, but we live in a culture that has gone truly mad. I believe all your viewers would agree with me in saying we're indebted to you for taking a stand against the madness and being a desperately-needed voice of sanity. Much love and respect to you from the opposite side of the globe in Melbourne, Australia. *Skål!*

My father was always my roll model as a very young boy but when he and my mother broke up and got divorced I had to stay with my mother and I always felt like my mother's partner was a kind of imposter into our family if you will and from then on I really didn't have a positive roll model because my father began a battle with alcohol and who he used to be was overcome and consumed by his alcoholism. Five years ago having resented my father and what he'd become I finally grew up and realised what was happening in my life and things that had happened to both myself and my father and I began to learn psychology and it was learning this what ultimately saved my relationship with my father and helped me to sit down with him and talk with him about the what I'd learnt and all of the influences and patterns which had lead him down his destructive path. I think the biggest turning point for him was when I made him realise that although it was he who was drinking it wasn't his fault he just had had alcohol around his entire life growing up and even his father my grandfather drank four pints of stout right upto the day he died at 81 years old. I had to make my father realise that it wasn't his fault that he'd sercommed to alcohol he'd just not realised nor had he been properly councolled on better ways of dealing with his particular traumatic experiences. I believe I became his roll model and I was showing him how he can be better and have a better life for himself. Thankfully he recognised every word I was telling him and he turned his life around and every day I speak to him I tell him I'm proud of him and what he's accomplished especially when the overwhelming majority of his closest what he believed were his friends had died of the very same alcoholism. After over 17 years of him not driving I paid for his drivers licence and got him back on the road and out of the house where he'd lost so much of his life and just recently he's had his teeth pulled due to their condition and is getting proper dentures and hopefully in the new year he will be moved into more appropriate accommodation for his medical requirements. Of course 30 years of drinking has not only impacted his physical health but also his mental health and I really can't put into words how difficult it is to see who as you correctly pointed out as being your once hero who could do anything be reduced to a absolute shell of their former self and literally needing myself his son who's not had a role model to learn how to be a man and learn human psychological behaviour and influence so that I could sit down with him and make meaningful changes with him. I can't tell you how difficult that is because words just can't do it justice. I wish I knew what was my turning point and what drove me to stop my resentment and be the father figure to my father that he very desperately needed, all I can say is it was an act of God and that he must have been looking down on me and guiding me to the things I needed to learn because my father now has completely turned his life around and he's gone from getting drunk every day to no drink and even driving a brand new can and when he feels up to it going fishing with me. I did this without a role model which is why I call it an act of God because I don't know what was guiding me but I learnt and helped save my father's life. I'm a proud man, but more than anything I just wanted my father to be proud of me and even to this day he hasn't shown me that he is which I won't lie to you is so hard but I know what neurological damage alcohol can do over that space of time. I know he'll never be the same man again and a part of him was taken many years ago. It's a terrible thing and something I have to live with. If you're having this same battle please don't give up because just like me and my father you can pull through (Daniel)

Wow. I love watching your videos everyday. I'm a musician and my role models growing up as a very awkward teenager were Marc Bolan from TRex and David Bowie. Go figure. I survived after I discovered them. They taught me how IMPORTANT it was to be yourself, and to be completely unafraid to be yourself. No matter what.

Love your channel Bjorn, you say exactly what i'm thinking brother, love from the UK.

I've also thought of this many times. If only our young men had better role models. Thank you for all the work you put into creating these videos Bjorn, its great to see you outside once again enjoying a fresh snowfall. It's a great feeling, cheers. Skol

A child without a father is like a boat without a compass, no direction.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Bjorn, I too have a broken heart too see what has happened to boys and young men today, Its a big problem.

100 percent boys and even girls need both a mum and dad. Without one its defintley tougher on them

A good and fine talk one that needs to be shared and I think a real problem in America today. My role model was my dad he was a stern man while I was growing up but now time has given me perspective as to why. My dad grew up during the great depression and he knew what it was like to make due with what you have and the value of hard work. I think back on the things I learned from my dad and they are alot. My dad was a good man and father I was lucky to have had him. I love my dad and miss him everyday now that hes gone. I would give all for one more day with my dad.

Lovely talk on being a role model and the need for one. Your backyard Bjorn is awesome. Love the serenity and quiet of your videos

#1 - Thank you. You videos are well spoken, and from a wise man. #2 - Please don't apologize for the campfire. It's a far better fire than the vast majority of the worlds population could create. #3 - As a child of the 70's, I didn't look up to my Father as a "hero" (at the time) although a few decades later, I see he was "molding me". I thank him for that. Now. Many year after he's been gone. ("Thanks Dad") #4 - Also, as a child of the 70's, I also had O.J. Simpson and Bruce Jenner as role models. I couldn't be more sad. #5 - I've done my best to guide, teach, educate, and mold my children with the beliefs I know you'd understand and appreciate. #6 - The world needs more men like you, Sir. Thank you. I hope to shake your hand some day.

There are no rites of manhood, anymore. Rites of strength, speed, intellect- all of which could be found in the first hunt, the transition from boy to warrior (a protector of himself, his family, and his community). There used to be good shows on television that respected the roles of parents. Father Knows Best, My Three Sons, Andy Griffith, and a few others.

My goodness did this video hit home with me. I never knew my father. I had bad role models growing up. Everything you said was correct. After a divorce and losing my family, substance abuse, etc. I realized that I went down that path on my own, and that only I can bring myself back by being the best that I could be. Every day. Always and forever. Thank you for the video.

Thank you so much for this excellent discussion. I rejected the type of masculinity my father projected at an early age and formed my own direction. Only at 30+ yrs did I learn I had failed to base my self on a role model. I am 60+ now and sincerely wish I had discovered, identified & understood the diversities of masculinity at an earlier age. Please keep up the valuable work you are doing :)

I am a woman, and I had a single father. My dad did his best but he was also absent a lot and looking back I see how lack of positive role models [both father and mother] has definitely affected me, especially as a child growing up. Luckily I have realized this, and have made a lot of progress in my life to be a good role model for others, and be my best, a person of morals and strength. It has not been easy, and often I wonder how much different my life would have been had I been able to experience good role models and support in life. I agree with this whole video. You are an upstanding human and it makes me very happy to see your videos, and to know that others also feel this way in life. Society is so hurt right now and it your videos and the people who comment on them give me hope. Thank you!

"Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing" - John Stuart Mill, 1867

I feel Bjorn's voice resonates a soul that has seen humanity for several hundred years..His voice,his poise and his wisdom..combined with the magic of the forests and woods,the open fire and the sounds of Nature is pure bliss❤️❤️

I wish we lived closer! You come across as a genuine friend. Everything you say rings true with me. You have a good heart my friend!

I truly had a superhero DAD. I will always remember him for his generous heart and spirit, and for his positive, cheerful and thoughtful character. Thank you too Bjorn for remembering the young boys and young men who have had to make it on their own, without their father's by their sides for guidance and faithful instruction. May they all find their way to happiness and success, in spite of their loss.

Thank you much! You are a voice in the wilderness and a prophet for this generation that so needs good and decent men. I love your videos and deeply appreciate you doing all you can to set the standard high for us all. My father was not only my role model, he was very selfless in inviting many other strong men into my life. Growing up was like having a pantheon or heroic men cheering me on and driving me toward all I could become. The important thing now is to pass on what they have taught us and do all we can to be good men.

My youngest son grew up without a father figure around because his Dad left to set up.home with a work colleague. . . .he introduced me to your channel which I enjoy very much as well !!! So well done Bjorn !! Hoping he picks up on your wise words and outlook. . God Bless you.

I often just boil the water at home and take it along in a thermal bottle, so I can make coffee and soup.

My role models are my Father, Mother and my two brothers. Through much adversity have we all come through as better people, and my parents - having adopted me and my twin brother and fostered my little brother - are the most selfless and incredible people I know. Each day that goes by, I am proud and honoured that they call me their son and I love them all with every inch of my being. Thankyou for another great video, Bjorn 🙂

Your videos are a great relief to my soul.thankyou

I like that you're never in a rush to get your point across...instead you take the time to choose your words carefully. I can respect that...

Just this morning I was rewatching your video 'I fix everything', where you talked about what means to you to be a father, and now this one...I very much agree with it. Being an adult, being a man, and most of all being a father (which I am not) all takes one thing, responsibility. It's true, when you are a kid you see your role models as some sort of super humans who know how to sort things out, how to fix problems, how to do all those grown up things...and then you discover that adults don't magically know how to solve all the problems...and that you have to try and learn, paying for the mistakes you are gonna make, and no matter what happens you gotta always do your best because it's your responsibility as an adult, to do that.

God kveld, min inspirerende venn. I wanted to extend a Thank you for your channel videos. They are quite inspirational. I happened upon your channel while searching for educational videos, specifically directed towards learning the Norwegian language with knowledge of known ancestry from over your way with a kinship of inborn character traits of current and past Norwegian cultures. They are numerous and things that I have always gravitated to. I find your videos quite meaningful. They hit home where it matters. This particular video had pulled at some heart strings. You are seven years my senior. I am age 40. I never had such role models in my immediate personal life. None that I could look towards in such manners. My life has been a lengthy struggle. Yet, I have survived. I am finding piece of mind and peace of mind. Over the last few days having found your channel by chance, I find myself going to your videos daily. I've had to look elsewhere for proper role models throughout my life, even against the grain. I have still remained true to my truths. Honestly, I have found a bit of that in your videos. Most importantly, I have found a bit of that which I have searched for in such ways in you. Please continue doing these for as long as you feel fit. Even at 40 years of age in my solitary life and lifestyle today, I still search for these types of things. It is natural and inborn. And, I wanted to thank you for that. If I were to be able to meet you in person amidst the natural elements, the fire and speak with you in understanding, I certainly would. This is the method that I have to do so. I hope read this and it finds you well. You are a good man. That is plain to hear and to see. And, I felt my gratitude was worth sharing. Takk skal du ha, Mr. Bull-Hanson. Jeg setter pris pa hva du gjor. (From memory, I hope I typed that correctly. American-English computer is not all it's cracked up to be.)

My young friend, todays dialog is deeply reaching, and sadly very spot on. Throughout America today, I see examples of all those wrong role models you describe herein. Absent, and/or falling short Of much of the numerous needs you’ve touched upon. I am so glad that I happened along to discover you. Thank you for just being the man you are , you are a good person and that Is the very foundation of being a good role model. Were I that much younger man, still with children at home...I would be I believe deeply appreciative of you and your sincere words of wisdom, As much as your sound values. Hell, even at 73 I sincerely appreciate you and your wisdom. I would be proud to call you my son Bjorn.

I have no words man, I simply love you, the way you speak, the way you transmit wise and the way you are...