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If you’re at all familiar with the world of men’s websites, you’ve probably heard of today’s guest—Brett McKay of the Art of Manliness.
Brett started the Art of Manliness in 2008 and has grown it into the largest independent men’s interest magazine on the web.
In this episode, we discuss the challenges that men face in the 21st century, why the term “manliness” is often misunderstood, the importance of mentorship and rights of passage, what it means to live well as a man, and much more.
Manliness isn’t just macho chest-beating, it is being a well-rounded, complete man.”
Brett McKay
Brett grew up in Edmond, OK, a suburb of Oklahoma City, and attended the University of Oklahoma. He took a break in college to live in Tijuana, Mexico for two years doing service. After graduating with a BA in Letters, he then went on to pursue his lifelong goal of going to law school. While attending the University of Tulsa College of Law, Brett started the Art of Manliness as something fun to do in his spare time. When he’s not working, he enjoys barbell training and spending time outdoors with his family.
Manhood is never complete. It’s always being tested and challenged.”
Episode Highlights
- How Brett started the men’s magazine he would want to read
- Manliness as synonymous with virtue
- A boy consumes more than he produces; a man produces more than he consumes
- The importance of properly channeling your masculinity
- How modern men struggle because they lack positive ideals of what it means to be a man
- Combatting the anxiety about what you “should” do
- How young men can seek out modern day mentors
- Why Teddy Roosevelt is the patron saint of AOM
- The unique challenges and nuances of male friendship
- Leveraging Aristotle’s phronesis (practical wisdom) in your day-to-day life
Resources Mentioned
- Menfluential Conference
- The Frugal Law Student
- The AOM Manhood Series
- The Naval War of 1812, by Teddy Roosevelt
- The Museum of Natural History
- The Strenuous Life
- “How to Gird Your Loins (An Illustrated Guide)”
- “How to Poop Like a Samurai”
- “Stop Hanging Out with Women and Start Dating Them”
- Starting Strength, by Mark Rippetoe
- “Books So Good I’ve Read Them 2X (Or More!)”
- Lonesome Dove, by Larry McMurtry
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey
- Man’s Search for Meaning, by Victor Frankl
- Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle
Connect With Brett
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