AMP #68 Brendan Schaub on Submitting The Ego

Evolving Views

The discussion begins with Brendan Schaub and Aubrey Marcus examining how perceptions of masculinity have shifted over time. Brendan reflects on the culture in sports environments, where athletes are often not encouraged to pursue intellectual growth. He shares his personal experience of feeling pressured to focus solely on sports during college, rather than academics 1. Aubrey agrees, noting that societal expectations are evolving to embrace a more well-rounded individual.

   

Breaking Norms

They then tackle the issue of breaking traditional male stereotypes. Aubrey enjoys challenging people's expectations by blending intellectual and physical pursuits 2. Brendan discusses his struggle with the 'meathead' stereotype and how he's made changes to his appearance to feel more authentic. Aubrey emphasizes that humans often create games with rules that favor their strengths, but true growth comes from embracing a diverse set of skills and attributes.

   

Holistic Identity

The conversation highlights the importance of embracing a new form of masculinity that values both physical prowess and intellectual depth. Brendan notes that today's 'gentleman' is well-read, knowledgeable about nutrition, and capable of both intellectual and physical feats 2. Aubrey adds that this shift is partly driven by changing societal expectations, where even women are looking for partners who are more than just physically strong 1.