GQ’s Will Welch on the Future of Magazines (and Men)

In this episode of Talk Easy, Sam Fragoso interviews Will Welch, the global editorial director of GQ, about the magazine's latest issue, "The State of the American Male." They discuss the evolution of masculinity since GQ's 2019 issue, the impact of the Me Too movement, and the anxieties and aspirations of young men in 2025. Welch shares insights from a survey of nearly 2,000 men, addressing the "crisis of masculinity" and the influence of social media. The conversation shifts to Welch's personal journey, including his upbringing in Atlanta, his early career in music magazines, and his road to recovery from alcoholism, highlighting the spiritual awakening that shaped his vision for GQ. They also delve into Welch's career, his approach to celebrity interviews, and his vision for GQ's future as a culturally impactful men's fashion magazine.