Inside the training camps for “alpha males”

The conversation explores the phenomenon of men's masculinity camps and the appeal of the "alpha male" concept. Charles Bethea, a New Yorker staff writer, shares his experiences embedding in these camps, revealing that beneath the surface of warrior posturing lies loneliness and a search for connection. He contrasts programs like RISE, which attempts therapeutic approaches, with more toxic online influencers who promote dominance and aggression. The discussion touches on the historical context of hypermasculinity, the distortion of the "alpha male" concept, and the vulnerability of men seeking guidance in these spaces, highlighting a crisis of connection and mental health.