In this conversation, Matt Beaudreau, a former educator and founder of Apogee Strong, dives into the alarming decline in men's health, wealth, and purpose. He discusses the potential benefits of dismantling the Department of Education, advocating for community support over government systems. Matt highlights the importance of mentorship, particularly for young men from single-parent households, and emphasizes that purpose must be forged, not found. He also addresses the loneliness men face and the essential role of connection and intentional personal development in overcoming these challenges.
The decline in men's health, wealth, and fulfillment underscores a broader societal issue rooted in educational shortcomings and early life experiences.
Mentorship for young men, particularly those lacking father figures, is crucial for developing the skills needed to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Building intentional connections among men can combat feelings of isolation and encourage personal growth through supportive networks that inspire development.
Deep dives
The Decline of Modern Man
Many men today are perceived to be falling behind in health, wealth, and fulfillment compared to women. This trend is attributed to a gradual decline in their traditional roles of protecting, providing, and presiding over their lives and families. The conversation highlights how this downward spiral often begins early in life, particularly within the education system, which may not adequately prepare young men for the challenges they face. The importance of addressing this decline and understanding its roots is essential for motivating men to reclaim their roles in society.
Reconsidering the Department of Education
The potential dismantling of the Department of Education is met with both support and skepticism. While some view it as an opportunity to return control of education to local states, others express concerns about the implications for equitable education. The conversation suggests that funding is not the primary solution to educational issues, as the decline in education standards has been ongoing since the department's inception in 1979. The need for deeper discussions on what defines success in education, particularly from economic and societal perspectives, is emphasized.
The Importance of Male Mentorship
Addressing the absence of father figures in many young men's lives is a pressing concern that requires action from society. The discussion underscores the significance of mentorship, particularly for boys who may lack strong male role models at home. Initiatives to connect boys with mentors can provide valuable guidance and support, helping them develop essential skills and navigate life's challenges. It is important to recognize and facilitate opportunities for mentorship and community involvement to foster healthy growth in boys.
Creating Opportunities for Growth
The conversation stresses the need for creating more opportunities and environments that promote growth and development for young men. Educational alternatives that emphasize practical life skills, personal development, and community involvement can significantly impact young men's lives. By exploring different models of education and interaction beyond traditional schooling, individuals can find ways to cultivate healthy, engaged men who can thrive in society. Programs like Apogee Strong exemplify initiatives aimed at forging young men into well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their communities.
The Role of Intentional Connections
The discussion highlights the power of intentional connections among men and how building strong relationships can combat feelings of isolation. Many men fall into the trap of surrounding themselves with others who may not inspire growth, leading to stagnation and loneliness. It's essential for men to consciously choose to associate with those who challenge and uplift them, creating a supportive network that encourages personal development. This intentionality not only enhances individual growth but also fosters a collective uplift among peers.
Choose a metric regarding the health, wealth, and fulfillment of men and it’s easy to see that men are either falling drastically behind our female counterparts or, at a minimum, on a downward spiral. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s a contest between the sexes (That would suggest that it’s a zero-sum game. It’s not). But it’s a glimpse into modern man’s gradual decline in his ability to protect, provide, and preside in his life and the lives of those he cares about.
Matt Beaudreau joins me on the podcast today to talk about why this is the case and how our steady decline starts at a young age and inside the halls of academia. We talk about Trump’s desire to shut down the Department of Education, how government and academia have distracted us from true learning, why you’ll never find your purpose – you must forge it, living a life by design – not default, and the importance of the “Hero’s Journey.”
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:40 - Dismantling the Department of Education: A Good Move? 03:17 - Defining Success: Beyond Standardized Tests 07:13 - Should We Lower the Bar for Everyone? 10:55 - Do People Give Enough to Charity? 14:23 - How Crisis Brings Out the Best in People 17:44 - Creating Opportunities for Young Men 23:17 - A Bold Idea: Free Mentorship for Boys from Single-Mother Homes 27:10 - The Real Purpose of Education 31:27 - Why Men Feel Isolated and Alone 37:58 - Do Men Find Their Purpose, or Do They Forge It? 47:32 - The Natural Drive to Do More 53:30 - Learning from Personal Crisis: The Hero’s Journey 54:14 - Fired Up: Turning an Idea into Action 56:17 - The Power of Intentionality in Men’s Lives