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E86: Hey Brother | Johnny Cole on Healthy Masculinity, Brotherhood, and Raising Better Men - Real Men, Real Conversations
Description
In this episode of Aspire, host Alex Prout and student co-host Ryan N. sit down with Johnny Cole, founder of Hey Brother Company and co-founder of the Hey Brother House. Johnny shares why he’s passionate about helping young men rethink masculinity, build stronger relationships, and feel more comfortable being themselves.
Johnny looks back on his early work with Men Opposing Violence Everywhere at the University of Rochester. He also talks about how expectations to always appear tough can get in the way of genuine connection and contribute to sexual violence.
For Johnny, change starts with what young men see in the people around them. Mentors, coaches, fathers, and friends all have a role to play, especially when it comes to showing that vulnerability is a strength, not weakness. Drawing on his own experience growing up in an abusive household, Johnny explains why creating the kind of supportive community he needed as a young man has become such an important part of his work.
Ryan and Johnny also explore how encouragement can be more effective than shame when it comes to changing behavior. Sometimes, making a difference starts with something small, like speaking up when a friend crosses a line or letting someone know they’re valued.
Johnny shares how that same approach informs his “Brothercore” content and the Hey Brother House, where young male content creators come together to build friendships, open up about their experiences, and challenge the messages about masculinity often promoted by the manosphere.
At its heart, this conversation is about making room for a different kind of masculinity, one grounded in care, connection, and respect for others.
To learn more about Johnny Cole and Hey Brother Company, follow @heybrotherjohnny and @heybrotherhouse on Instagram.
To learn more about I Have the Right To’s programming on consent, healthy relationships, digital safety, and leadership, email takeaction@ihavetherightto.org.
Aspire is produced by BenHudakProductions.com