Brett McKay: Cultivating Your Manliness (for a Better World)

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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