Mobile nav search icon Mobile nav toggle icon Mobile nav close icon
JJ Bola

The Write Stuff

JJ Bola – Caring Men interview

Masculinity

In Partnership with

LAB Series

An interview with JJ Bola, author of 'Mask Off: Masculinity Redefined' and a role model for anyone who wants to spread the love...

What have been the highlights of your year?

One highlight was having my book Mask Off published. It was such a difficult journey writing it, not just in terms of the years of reflection, reading and unravelling it took to get to begin writing it, but the actual physical process of doing so. Such much struggle, research and digging. However, the feedback has been wonderful. A lot of men, and everyone else, have reached out to say just how necessary this book is and how much its impacted them.

What are you gearing up to do next year?

I’m hoping to launch a Mask Off – podcast. This is all I can say at the moment, so look out for it. Hopefully it comes into fruition. I’m also working on my next novel. But that’s another conversation.

What does caring mean to you?

To me, Caring means empathy, compassion and understanding. It means, knowing that everyone is going through something at any given time, so always showing kindness and love to each. But also, showing kindness and love to yourself; after all, you can’t pour from any empty cup.

Do you have any self-care tips for our ‘Self-Care at Christmas’ guide?

Reflection is the biggest self-care tip that I offer to anyone around this time of year. Take some time out from the everyday distractions and gratifications and spend some time with yourself; reflect on your year, on the choices and decisions that you have made, particularly those when you felt low, and vulnerable. And make some plans for the year to come, what version of yourself would you like to see in the new year? And then put goals/actions in place to work towards that.

Also, regardless of whatever you do, take care of yourself.

The Caring Men of the Year

Check out the other Caring Men of the Year...

Read next

Stewart Roberts – Caring Man inter...

Masculinity 4 years ago

Clay mask

Read next

Face Mask Psychedelic Playlist

Grooming 4 years ago

Related articles


Masculinity

Olly HawesOlly Hawes: is it even possible to be a good man?

Martin Robinson

2 weeks ago

Masculinity

MescalinityThe New Mescalinity

Martin Robinson

2 weeks ago

Masculinity, Relationships

Katy PerryShould men receive BJs for doing the housework?

Martin Robinson

3 months ago

Masculinity

Toxic Masculinity‘Toxic Masculinity’: The Problem With ...

Martin Robinson

4 months ago

Masculinity

Sex TalksSex Talks take on toxic tropes in positive masculi...

Martin Robinson

5 months ago

Masculinity

paul mescalPaul Mescal and The New Cool

Martin Robinson

10 months ago

Health, Masculinity

penis galleryThe Penis Gallery 2024

Martin Robinson

10 months ago

Masculinity, Style

Jeremy Allen White's shootJeremy Allen White’s campaign: why is it ok ...

Martin Robinson

10 months ago

Masculinity

Penis fillersThe Penis Gallery is back

Martin Robinson

11 months ago

Masculinity

what is the sassy man apocalypseWhat is the Sassy Man Apocalypse?

Martin Robinson

1 year ago