What if?

Two words. That’s it. And they control everything.

Your anxiety. Your hope. Your future. Your present. The life you’re building or the life you’re avoiding.

Let me explain.

Anxiety Lives in “What If”

Anxiety, by definition, is fear of something fictitious that may happen in the future. We start building problems up in our minds that might take place. Problems that don’t exist yet. Problems that might never exist.

What if I can’t pay my bills this month?
What if I don’t get that job?
What if she doesn’t love me anymore?
What if I can’t lose this weight?
What if my dreams don’t come to fruition?

And here’s the thing: when those problems actually arrive? The anxiety is gone. You turn on your machine and handle it. Because that’s how we’re wired as humans.

The fear lives in the “what if.” Not in the reality.

But “What If” Works Both Ways

What if I just flipped the question?

What if these things did happen?
What if the opposite took place?
What if all my dreams came true?
What if I woke up today and forced a smile on my face?
What if I did five extra push-ups?
What if I ran three extra miles?
What if all the wild dreams in my heart actually came to fruition?

Just that simple switch is something we can all benefit from. All it takes is a reframe of two words.

You can change “What if” as it pertains to anxiety to “What if” as it pertains to optimism.

And what is optimism? Being hopeful about the future. Being hopeful about the present. Being hopeful.

Hope Is a Seed

In my experience, when I’ve invoked hope into my life, it doesn’t necessarily grow right away. But you notice in retrospect that hope breeds.

It really does.

Because optimism is a foundation. And hope is a seed you plant in that foundation. And anytime I’ve maintained some level of hope—even on a small scale—if I look back, all that hope actually grew into more hope. Into something I could touch, feel, smell, taste, and live.

For example:

I remember before I was a father, I always wondered, “What if I’m never going to be a father?” Well, the thing is, I am one now. And it is such a joy. I just drove my son to school this morning. I made him put his phone down, and I asked him what his lunch table was like, who sat at it, what they talked about, if they were all as silly as he was.

Being a father defined me. But I used to sit there and think, “What if I never get a chance to do that? What would my life look like?”

But what if it did? And it did.

I remember thinking, “What if I never get a chance to pay off my debt?” And guess what? I just did.

It was the hope that I planted—that these things would come to fruition—that ultimately arrived at the thing that did come to fruition.

And the same goes for anxiety. If you maintain the anxious “what if,” nothing truly ever happens.

Fear vs. Hope

Fear is anxiety. Hope is power.

They’re both kind of fictitious. You can’t necessarily touch those feelings or emotions. But you can definitely experience and touch what they grow or diminish into.

One can turn you toward depression, shame, and behaviors associated with those things.

One can turn you toward a future that is bright, filled with smiles, and truly is a cure for suffering.

The human condition is suffering. I’m not saying life is all suffering. But anxiety feeds it. Hope starves it.

So Why Not Lead With Hope?

Why not believe the fictitious thing that grows and materializes rather than the one that diminishes it?

This week, every time you catch yourself asking “What if” from a place of fear, flip it.

What if it worked out?
What if you already had what you needed?
What if hope was enough?

Try it. See what grows.

— Matt McManus
Co-founder, Gents Journey

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

ANNOUNCING

The Gents Weekly Podcast

The manliest podcast on the internet.

Listen & subscribe on
Substack | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Subscribe now

📝 THE MESSAGE

A timely piece from the gents.
↓

10 tips to become a more presentable man

There’s a trend happening on the internet right now.

It’s called “looksmaxxing.”

Looksmaxxing • noun | LOOKS-mak-sing
An online self-improvement practice, primarily practiced amongst men, that is focused on the process of maximizing one’s own physical attractiveness.

In today’s issue, we’re going to be looking at a few simple things you can do to “max-out” your own looks.

Here are 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Define your jawline with facial exercises. My favorite is the “jaw chin up”. Here’s how to do it:

   • With your mouth closed, push your lower jaw out and lift your lower lip.

   • You should feel a stretch build just under the chin and in the jawline.

   • Hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds, then relax.

   • Perform 3 sets of 15.

2. Get a tan. When it comes to putting your best foot forward, a nice tan goes a long way. Get some sunless tanner and put it around your cheek bones and jawline to accentuate both. Tan your body to give your muscles a bit more definition.

3. Wear clothes that fit properly. This alone can be a complete game changer if you’re not sartorially inclined. Lose the baggy jeans and oversized shirts. Look for pants that fit properly (look for “slim fit” or “tailored” fits). Get t-shirts that hug your biceps. Have your suits tailored.

4. Exercise. Lift weights for muscle gains at least three days a week. Incinerate those love handles with 20–40 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio at least three days a week.

5. Moisturize. Putting lotion on your skin isn’t gay or girly. It’s healthy. Grab yourself a bottle of unscented Kiehl’s and go HAM. If you’re looking for a low-budget option: use a bit of organic unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil.

6. Wear quality shoes. Your shoes are one of the first things women notice about you. And that shitty old pair of cracked leather loafers ain’t gonna cut it. At an absolute minimum, you need three types of shoes: a pair of training shoes for the gym, a sophisticated pair of casual shoes, and a sharp pair of dress shoes. My top picks:

   • Trainers: ON Men’s Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers

   • Casual: Allbirds Men’s Wool Lounger, Everyday Slip-On Sneakers

   • Gucci Horsebit Loafers

7. Stay hydrated. Drink enough water every day. Hydration reduces puffiness and helps flush out toxins that can cause your face to look bloated and chubby. A toxin-free system reflects in the face, making it look slimmer and clearer.

8. Keep a light beard. Stop shaving your face completely and keep a crisp-looking 5-o’clock shadow instead. Here’s how: Use an electric razor to maintain a bit of stubble. Shave your neckline to make your jawline pop. Keep the top of your beardline neat by lining it up with a regular razorblade.

9. Get rid of those dark circles with a quality under eye cream.

10. Eat well. Have a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and lots of green leafy vegetables. Eating clean whole foods will show in your appearance. Use Athletic Greens to fill any nutrition gaps.

—
Co-founder, Gents Journey

Share this with a friend who could use it.

Share

📰 THE MOMENT

Sh*t that’s happening now, ICYMI
↓

This Week’s AI Prompt: Dress for Success

What would happen if you dressed like you already made it?

Here’s the truth: most guys dress like they don’t give a shit.

Not because they don’t care. But because at some point, “dressing well” felt like it was for other people. Like trying too hard. Like something you do when you’re trying to impress someone, not when you’re just living your life.

But how you dress changes how you show up. It changes how people treat you. It changes how you treat yourself.

You don’t need a stylist or a huge budget. You just need to stop wearing clothes that don’t fit, shoes you’re embarrassed by, and the same hoodie you’ve had since 2015.

This prompt helps you figure out how to dress like the man you’re trying to become—without overthinking it or turning into the guy who owns 47 pairs of sneakers.

THE PROMPT:

Copy everything below and paste it into ChatGPT or Claude:

I want to upgrade how I dress so I look like I have my shit together—without trying too hard or spending a fortune.

Help me:

1. Audit my current wardrobe honestly
   - What do I wear most often? (Be real—not what's hanging in the closet, what I actually wear)
   - How do I feel when I get dressed? Confident? Indifferent? Like I'm just grabbing whatever's clean?
   - What clothes do I own that I feel great in vs. clothes I'm just tolerating?
   - What's one thing I wear that I know I should replace but keep putting off?

2. Define what "dress for success" means to me
   - What does success look like in my life? (Not a suit if I work from home, not joggers if I'm in client meetings)
   - Who's a guy I see and think, "That dude looks sharp"? What is it about how he dresses?
   - What's my context? (Office job, creative field, entrepreneur, stay-at-home dad, etc.)
   - What do I want people to think when they see me? (Put together, confident, approachable, professional, creative?)

3. Identify what's holding me back
   - Is it money? Not knowing where to shop? Thinking "it doesn't matter"?
   - Am I wearing clothes that don't fit because I'm waiting to lose weight?
   - Am I telling myself I'm "too old" or "too casual" to care about this?

4. Build a simple wardrobe upgrade plan
   - What are the 5-7 core pieces every guy needs that work for my life? (Jeans that fit, clean shoes, a jacket, etc.)
   - What's ONE thing I could buy or upgrade this week that would make the biggest difference?
   - What's ONE thing I need to throw out or donate because it's not serving me anymore?

5. Create my "Dress for Success" rules
   - What does my daily uniform look like when I'm showing up at my best?
   - How do I make getting dressed effortless but intentional?
   - What's my go-to outfit when I need to feel sharp?

Here's what my wardrobe looks like right now: [Describe what you wear daily]

Here's what success looks like in my life: [Describe your work/lifestyle context]

Don't let me overcomplicate this. Give me simple, actionable upgrades that fit my life and budget.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The AI is going to help you build a wardrobe that fits your actual life—not some fantasy version of yourself.

By the end, you’ll have:

• A clear audit of what’s working and what’s not

• A list of core pieces you actually need

• One upgrade you can make this week

• Simple rules to make getting dressed effortless

WHY THIS MATTERS

How you dress is how you show up.

When you wear clothes that fit, shoes you’re proud of, and put even minimal effort into how you look, you walk into rooms differently. You handle meetings differently. You respect yourself differently.

This isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about looking like the version of yourself you’re trying to become.

You don’t need a huge budget. You don’t need to follow trends. You just need to stop settling for “good enough” and start dressing like you give a shit.

Run this prompt. Upgrade your wardrobe. Show up sharper.

Drop one thing you’re going to upgrade or throw out this week. Let’s see who shows up looking like they mean business.

— Matt McManus
Co-founder, Gents Journey
Dress Like You Already Made It

👊 THE MOVES

Media for men.
↓

Watch | How to Tie a Double Windsor Knot

Be sure to subscribe to our Gents Journey YouTube channel

(Watch the video above first.)

The Mirror Doesn’t Lie

There's a scene I come back to often. I'm standing in my bathroom before a big meeting — tie on, shoes shined — and I look in the mirror and think: Yeah. I'm ready.

Watch the video above on how to tie a Double Windsor knot. My stepdad, Tom, taught me that one.

He said the simple Windsor was fine, but the double showed class and character. He was right. And I still think about him every time I pull that knot tight.

The Double Windsor knot is two loops instead of one, creating a thick, symmetrical triangle that sits perfectly in your collar. It takes an extra thirty seconds and signals something most guys never bother to — that the details matter.

Top 10 and Lower 10

Too many guys spend energy worrying about what others think instead of focusing on how they feel about themselves.

And here’s the thing — confidence is visible. Women will tell you that unprompted.

In college, my roommate and I had a simple system: the Top 10 and the Lower 10. Think of it as Pareto’s Law applied to your appearance. The 20% that makes 80% of the impression.

The Top 10 is everything from your neck up — your hair, your smile, your eyes, and yes, your tie. Get a haircut every four to six weeks. Make eye contact. Smile like you mean it. These aren’t small things. They’re the things people remember.

The Lower 10 is your shoes. Shine them. Replace the insoles before a big meeting. And if you’re wearing Crocs anywhere outside the four walls of your own home, we need to have a different conversation.

Here’s a question from our Journey Deck: What gifts do you give yourself to look and feel your best?

Invest In Yourself

Today, stand in front of a mirror and do an honest audit of your Top 10 and Lower 10.

Pick one thing and do something about it. A haircut. A new tie for your meeting.

A fresh pair of Johnston & Murphy’s — they look like dress shoes and feel like running shoes, best of both worlds.

Then, before you walk into that room, look in the mirror and say it out loud: “I look good, damnit.”

Here’s your one takeaway: when you invest in how you show up, you show up differently.

You are the Top 10%. It’s time to start dressing like it.

If you have any other suggestions on tips or tricks to look and feel amazing, drop in the comments below.

Together we raise each other higher!

—
Co-founder, Gents Journey

🔗 MEANINGFUL MENTIONS + MAGIC LINKS

Fun stuff you’ll dig about our theme of the week.

↓

• Johnston & Murphy (the world’s most comfortable dress shoes)

• Pre-Order 52 Conversation Card Deck by Journey Deck

• Check out Dean’s time management & productivity challenge

💻 REAL MEN HAVE A COACH IN THEIR CORNER

Stop playing small, step into the man you know you are.
_

We’re looking for ten men who want coaching and guidance to level up in life + work. If that’s you, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

Until next week,
—The Gents

Inspired? Share this newsletter with another Gent you think it could help.

Share

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

ANNOUNCING

The Gents Weekly Podcast

The manliest podcast on the internet.

Listen & subscribe on
Substack | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Tune into episode #1 of the NEW Gents Weekly Podcast
👇

Subscribe now

📝 THE MESSAGE

A timely piece from the gents.
↓

Your Life, Your Rules—The Time Management Issue

“When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.”

I’ve been a full-fledged productivity nerd for nearly two decades. Over the years, I’ve tried every task-management app out there. I’ve read all the productivity books. And I’ve tested every “system” available for getting things done.

There’s a lot of great advice out there for managing your time and becoming more productive.

But none of the approaches I’ve come across over the years were the right fit - at least not for me.

So about ten years ago, I ended up creating a productivity framework of my own…

It’s called the 1-2-5 Method™ – and it’s a simple and astonishingly effective way to get your most important things done on a daily basis.

Here’s how to use it.

Start each day by writing down your most important things to work on or accomplish, using the following structure:

• 1 Big Thing (1BT) – First, identify and write down the ONE most important thing you need to work on or accomplish today. This is usually something that requires 60+ minutes of your time. There can only be ONE most important thing.
  Examples:

  • Deep work on Acme Project

  • Write the first draft of a report

  • Prepare for a major presentation

• 2 Medium Things (2MT) – Next, write down two medium-priority things to do. These should each take you 60 min. or less.

  Examples:

  • Spend an hour researching my new business idea.

  • Virtual doctor’s appointment.

  • Do 30 min. of yard work.

• 5 Little Things (5LT) – Finally, jot down five small tasks that take you 30 min. or less.
  Examples:

  • Call Brandon.

  • Meditate for 10 minutes.

  • Pickup meds at CVS Pharmacy.

By the time you’re done creating your 1-2-5 list, it should look something like this:

Now, all you’ve got to do is get to work.

Keep your list nearby throughout the day so you can see it and check things off as you get them done.

Lastly, be sure to always tackle your 1-2-5 priorities sequentially, starting with your 1 BIG Thing of the day first. Until that’s done, nothing else matters.

—
Co-founder, Gents Journey

Share this with a friend who could use it.

Share

📰 THE MOMENT

Sh*t that’s happening now, ICYMI
↓

This Week’s AI Prompt: Time Management

Everyone says they don’t have time.

No time to work out. No time to call a friend. No time to work on that thing they keep saying they’ll get to. No time to just sit and think.

But here’s the truth: you have the same 24 hours as everyone else. The problem isn’t time. It’s how you’re spending it.

Most guys have no idea where their time actually goes. They think they’re productive, but they’re just busy. They think they’re prioritizing what matters, but their calendar tells a different story.

This prompt helps you audit where your time is actually going—and redesign your week so you’re spending it on what actually matters.

THE PROMPT:

Copy everything below and paste it into ChatGPT or Claude:

I want to figure out where my time is actually going and how to take it back.

Help me:

1. Audit my last week honestly
   - What did I actually spend my time on? (Work, scrolling, TV, meetings, family, workouts, etc.)
   - How much time did I waste vs. invest?
   - What did I say was a priority that I didn't make time for?
   - If someone tracked my week, what would they say I care about most?

2. Identify my time thieves
   - What's draining my time without giving me anything back? (Social media, pointless meetings, saying yes to things I don't want to do, etc.)
   - Where am I confusing "busy" with "productive"?
   - What obligations am I keeping out of guilt that I should drop?

3. Define what I actually want to make time for
   - If I had 3 extra hours this week, what would I do with them?
   - What's something I keep saying I'll "get to eventually" that I actually care about?
   - What would make me feel like I'm winning the week instead of just surviving it?

4. Design my ideal week
   - What does a week I'm proud of actually look like?
   - How much time do I want to spend on: work, family, fitness, friendships, rest, personal projects?
   - What needs to be scheduled vs. what can be flexible?

5. Create a 7-day time reclaim plan
   - What's ONE thing I'm going to stop doing to free up time?
   - What's ONE thing I'm going to start protecting time for?
   - How do I say no to things that don't serve me without feeling guilty?

Here's how I spent last week: [Be brutally honest about where your time went]

Here's what I wish I had time for: [List what you're not making time for]

Don't let me make excuses. Show me where I'm wasting time and help me take it back.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The AI is going to show you exactly where your time is going—and it’s probably not where you think.

By the end, you’ll have:

• A clear picture of where your time actually went last week

• A list of time thieves you need to eliminate

• A redesigned week that prioritizes what actually matters

• A 7-day plan to reclaim your time

WHY THIS MATTERS

Time is the only resource you can’t get back. You can make more money. You can fix relationships. You can get in shape.

But time? Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Most guys spend their lives reacting to other people’s priorities instead of protecting their own. They say yes when they should say no. They scroll when they should create. They survive the week instead of designing it.

This prompt helps you stop letting time happen to you and start taking it back.

Run this prompt. Audit your time. Reclaim your week.

Drop one thing you’re going to stop doing this week to free up time for what matters. Let’s hold each other accountable.

— Matt McManus
Co-founder, Gents Journey
Your Time Is Yours—Act Like It

👊 THE MOVES

Media for men.
↓

Watch | The Pomodoro Technique - Our Favorite Productivity Tool

Be sure to subscribe to our Gents Journey YouTube channel

(Watch the video above first.)

Work in Sprints, Not Marathons

Most men don’t have a time problem — they have a focus problem.

Your inbox pings. The phone buzzes. A coworker stops by “real quick.”

And somewhere along the way, the morning disappears, and nothing meaningful gets done.

The Pomodoro Technique is one of the simplest systems for reclaiming your focus. Twenty-five minutes of locked-in, distraction-free work.

Then a five-minute break. Repeat. No distracted projects. No multitasking.

Just one thing at a time, done with intention.

Multitasking isn’t a superpower; it’s a liability.

You’re not doing two things at once — you’re doing two things badly. Research shows it drops your effective IQ by as much as 15 points.

The Pomodoro method forces you to commit and then show up. For one task.

Honestly, it’s not really a productivity hack, but how to respect your own time.

Set the Boundary

For many of us, spring break with the kids just ended.

Think about getting ready to leave and trying to prepare and cram it all in.

You cleared your inbox, handled lingering tasks, set expectations, and got more done in two days than you had in the previous two weeks.

Why?

Because the deadline was real and the stakes were real. Get it done, or pay the price later.

Here’s a question from our Journey Deck: What’s one book that has profoundly influenced your life?

One of mine is The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss.

It’s not a book about working less, but working with extreme, uninterrupted intention.

Ferriss argues that most people do their best work right before a vacation because they finally treat their time like it has a hard edge.

What if you set a hard edge (or boundary) every week?

Try This: Set an out-of-office reply, not when traveling, but as a standing practice.

Stop letting other people’s urgency become your emergency.

You might even consider having a remote or AI assistant answer emails for you, and categorize them for later. If it’s really important, they’ll call you.

Bowing to every request isn’t being helpful. It’s being reactive.

Reactive men don’t build; they respond, and we know that’s not you.

Your Own Private 30 Minutes

Open your calendar right now and block 30 minutes a day.

Label it whatever you want. What matters is that it belongs to you — and that you actually keep it.

Don’t let meetings overlap, don’t wake up late, and don’t quit on yourself.

Performance isn’t about working more hours, but bringing your full self to every hour.

You cannot do that when you’re half-distracted and fully at the mercy of everyone else’s timeline.

Your one key takeaway: A boundary isn’t a wall, it’s a foundation.

The man who protects his time protects his potential.

Do this right now: Block that 30 minutes. Your name. Your time.

Show up for yourself the way you’d show up for anyone who counted on you.

—
Co-founder, Gents Journey

🔗 MEANINGFUL MENTIONS + MAGIC LINKS

Fun stuff you’ll dig about our theme of the week.

↓

• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss.

• Pre-Order 52 Conversation Card Deck by Journey Deck

• Check out Dean’s time management & productivity challenge

💻 REAL MEN HAVE A COACH IN THEIR CORNER

Stop playing small, step into the man you know you are.
_

We’re looking for ten men who want coaching and guidance to level up in life + work. If that’s you, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

Until next week,
—The Gents

Inspired? Share this newsletter with another Gent you think it could help.

Share

We launched this podcast to help men live better, work better, and BE better - both in life and in business.

And it kick things off, we couldn’t think of a better first guest than John Lee Dumas, host of the legendary business podcast, Entrepreneurs on Fire.

In this premier episode, we bypass the usual business talk and dive straight into the deep end: what makes life meaningful as a man today.

John gets candid about his personal life, navigating family dynamics, and why stepping away from the hustle of the city to build a more traditional, grounded life was a game-changer.

Here’s a glimpse of what we unpack in Episode #001:

• The Modern Provider - We explore the unique dynamics of being a full-time provider while balancing the demands of family and business, and how those roles look vastly different depending on where you live.

• The Power of the Mastermind - Why the old adage “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” is absolute truth. We discuss why men desperately need a tight-knit brotherhood for support, accountability, and camaraderie—especially after leaving highly structured environments like the military.

• “This Too Shall Pass” - John shares his mindset for navigating the inevitable peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship and life.

• Why Retirement is a Trap - We discuss why losing your purpose and relevancy is the “number one killer” for men, and why finding joy in meaningful work should be a lifelong pursuit.

• Daily Non-Negotiables - A look into the simple, grounding routines—like a 3-mile walk with the dog and some Caribbean sunshine—that keep JLD anchored and focused.

About John Lee Dumas

What if I just quit my job?

Many men experience this same thought.

And due to a fear mindset, they often tell themselves that they “have to go to work” versus telling themselves they “get to go to work.”

Nearly 60% of U.S. workers feel detached, unfulfilled, or unhappy at work.

This comes with great stress, burden, and the expectation that you must be the one who provides for your family.

If you’re tired of spending 90% of your day doing things you don’t enjoy and only 10% doing what you love, then you definitely need to listen to this brief talk with John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire.

After serving as an active-duty Army Officer for four years, Dumas tried law school (and dropped out after the first semester), corporate finance, and commercial real estate, yet still found himself drained and unfulfilled.

His journey included a lot of struggle and searching, as many of ours do too.

However, all it takes is one day, one decision, one introduction to change your life.

For John Lee Dumas, that one moment came when he decided to help others by launching the Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast.

Eventually, it grew into a thriving community where he inspires entrepreneurs to break out of complacency and start building the life they’ve always dreamed of.

Key takeaways & links from this episode:

• The Common Path to Uncommon Success by John Lee Dumas

• Write down your goals.

• “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with” — Jim Rohn

• John’s podcast: Entrepreneurs on Fire

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Read more

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Read more

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Read more

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Subscribe now

Read more

• Date: March 18th

• Time: 12 pm (ET) / 9 am (PT)

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Location: Zoom

Take 30 seconds to register now (it’s free)

Register + Join

Hey Gents,

Our next monthly men’s meeting is on Wednesday, March 18th, and we’ll be talking about a core pillar of manhood: Fitness. You’re not gonna wanna miss this one.

Details below:

• Date: March 18th

• Time: 12 pm (ET) / 9 am (PT)

• Location: Zoom

Register Here

We’ve decided to do something crazy and give EVERY attendee a FREE 30-MIN COACHING SESSION (Regularly $500) as part of our 2026 initiative to help as many men as possible. Be sure to RSVP here.

Why We Started These Meetings

For the past five years, the three of us at Gents Journey—Dean, Matty, and Stephen—have met regularly to support each other, stay accountable, and talk through the real challenges of life as men.

One topic kept coming up again and again: fitness.

We realized that staying physically strong isn’t just about looking good—it’s about having the energy, discipline, and resilience to show up for our work, our families, and ourselves. When one of us was slipping on workouts or health habits, the others stepped in with encouragement and accountability.

That simple support made a huge difference.

So we decided to open these meetings to other men who want the same thing: a place to stay motivated, talk honestly about life, and keep each other on track—especially when it comes to health and fitness.

Once a month, we meet on Zoom. Sometimes we focus on a theme like health, fatherhood, finances, or discipline. Other times, we just talk about what’s going on in our lives.

Because the truth is, life throws challenges at all of us. And having a group of men who have your back makes those challenges a lot easier to face.

These meetings are free for any man who wants to join.

Show up, connect, and commit to becoming stronger—physically and mentally. 💪

Are you Ready to Level Up?

Register now for this upcoming Wednesday, March 18th, at 12 pm ET to dive deeper into our core pillar of manhood: Fitness. It’s NOT to be missed!

Details below:

• Date: March 18th

• Time: 12 pm (ET) / 9 am (PT)

• Location: Zoom

Again, each attendee gets a free 30-min coaching session (Regularly $500) simply for attending. Be sure to RSVP here. We can wait to see you all!

— Dean Bokhari, Matt McManus, Stephen Seidel

Co-Founders, Gents Journey

Every Monday, we broadcast a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Read more

But this assumes we’re asking ourselves a…

Read more

Welcome to issue #8 of The Gents Weekly, a newsletter for the modern man.

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Subscribe now

Read more

Welcome to The Cartoon.

This isn’t a course. It’s a game. There are no boards, screens, or dice, but there is a get-out-of-jail-free card. I’m handing it to you right now.

You’re about to follow arrows, not steps. Arrows force you to look and possibly head in a particular direction, but it’s up to you. This is Phase One. There are eight arrows. Once accomplished, I’ll introduce Phase Two.

The Goal?

You’ll uncover that moving forward and backward. My goal was to find my character. I have. Now I have access to The Cartoon again. I could explain, but that would make this less fun. If played correctly, you’ll answer all your questions.

Here’s what you need to know:

The first time you heard the word “Character,” you were most likely watching a cartoon. And in that beautiful, elastic reality, anything was possible. The concept of character was attached to an infinitely possible world.

As adults, we’re told that our character defines us. That to succeed, one must have “Good Character.” It became attached to responsibility, morality, our identity.

The fun got sucked out of Character, didn’t it?

We left the Cartoon, along with magical pieces of ourselves (gems) back there. It’s time to go back and bring them to us and to now.

Let’s go get you.

What is Character?

Intro: Welcome to the game.

This video walks you through how The Cartoon works, what the arrows are, and what you’re about to experience. Think of this as your game manual.

Now, follow the arrows...

ARROW ONE: NEW SNEAKS. NEW HAIRCUT.

Planting seeds for who you’re becoming.

ARROW TWO: SWEAT AND SMILE

Sweat gets things out of the brain no therapist could dream of.

ARROW THREE: COOL

Breadcrumbs back to the versions of yourself you left behind.

Read more

Welcome to issue #7 of The Gents Weekly, a newsletter for the modern man.

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Read more

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

Brought to you by the men of Gents Journey — , , and .

Let’s dig in…

Get 14 day free trial

Read more

🏷️ Limited time offer
Get 50% off on your annual membership to Gents Journey when you join or upgrade today.

Get 50% off forever

Read more

Welcome to issue #4 of The Gents Weekly, a newsletter for the modern man.

Every Monday, you’ll receive a weekly roundup of inspiring ideas + products to help you become a better man.

And whether you’re a founder, father, or simply seeking friendship, we are here to help you level up in life, in a way that’s both healthy and impactful.

Brought to you by t…

Read more

A Message From Coach Matt

Hi guys, my name is Matt McManus, one of the founders of Gents Journey. I’m 45 years old and I’m in really good shape. Not decent shape—really good shape. But it takes a lot of work.

I’ve been putting this workout together for about 20 years. It’s intense, it’s quick, and I do it every other day. I call it my High-Rep, Mid-Weight, Full-Body Workout. On alternate days, I do cardio—swimming, running, or hiking for at least 45 minutes.

Here’s the thing: if you want a body like mine and you’re probably in the same age bracket, the key is staying agile. That’s what I focus on. If you can stay agile between 35 and 45, you’re kind of on autopilot after that. I mean, it’s always going to take work, but that decade is when your body’s testing you to see if you have what it takes to age healthily.

So let’s get into it. But first—stretch. Standard stretches. Arms behind you, touch your toes. Hold them longer than you think you need to. If you’re skipping this, you’re going to hate yourself tomorrow.

WARM-UP (Do This Circuit 5 Times)

This is crucial. Don’t skip the warm-up.

1. 10 Pull-Ups or Chin-Ups (with knee raises for lower abs—bring them up 5 times straight, then 5 times to each side)

2. 10 Push-Ups (elbows behind you, back behind your nips—do them right)

3. 10 Shoulder Touches (in push-up position, alternating, stay stabilized, don’t move your core)

4. 10 Mountain Climbers (bring your knee to your opposite nip)

5. 10-Second Plank (with spider-mans—bring knees to chest on either side)

Do this 5 times back-to-back. You are done with your warm-up.

CIRCUIT 1: Shoulders & Arms

Equipment: 20-25 lb dumbbells (start with 15-20 lbs if you’re new)

1. 10 Shoulder Presses (”Jesuses”) – Start with elbows in front of your face, move out to T-position, push bells together overhead

2. 10 Bicep Curls – Go right into these after shoulder presses

Do this 3 times.

CIRCUIT 2: Triceps & Back

Equipment: 40-50 lb dumbbell (one weight for triceps, then switch to two for back pulls)

1. 10 Overhead Tricep Presses (”Skull Crushers”) – Arms as close to your head as possible, then straight up, engaging triceps

2. 10 Single-Arm Back Pulls (each side) – Kneel on bench with one leg on the floor, pull weight from ground up to side of body, strengthening entire side from armpit to butt cheek (yes, that’s the technical term)

Do this 3 times.

CIRCUIT 3: Chest & Abs

Equipment: 40-50 lb dumbbells (two weights)

1. 10 Bench Presses – Focus on making your chest as big and Superman-like as possible. It’s summertime all the time in my head.

2. 10 Ab Leg Extensions – Sit on edge of bench, bring knees to chest

Do this 3 times.

CIRCUIT 4: Shoulders & Legs

Equipment: Same 40-50 lb dumbbells

1. 10 Shoulder Shrugs – Lift them up, stay straight, don’t move your back, keep your core engaged

2. 10 Bodyweight Squats – Put weights down, go right into squats (poised, graceful, like a gazelle)

Do this 3 times.

CIRCUIT 5: The Crazy One

Equipment: 10-20 lb dumbbells

This is a circuit. Get ready because you’re going to do it 3 times.

1. 5 Front Raises – Arms straight out in front like Jesus

2. 5 Lateral Raises – Arms out to the side

3. 5 Overhead Extensions – Bend over, extend arms behind you for triceps

4. 5 Overhead “Big Jesus” – Kneel down, bring weights behind you to engage triceps, then big overhead press

5. 5 Bicep Curls – You’re sweating. You’re in the zone. You’re listening to gangsta rap.

6. 5 Bent-Over Back Extensions – Bent down, really engaging the top of your back (this is the hardest part)

Do this 3 times.

CIRCUIT 6: Barbell Complex

Equipment: Barbell (no weight on it)

1. 10 Bent-Over Rows – Pull bar up to chest

2. 10 Overhead Presses – Stand up, push bar over shoulders

3. 10 Back Squats – Place bar on neck, keep your back straight (if you don’t keep your back straight, you’re going to hurt your back)

4. 10 Bicep Curls – Look at daddy go. He’s a freaking superhero with a full head of hair and a heart of gold.

Do this 3 times.

COOL-DOWN (Do This Circuit 3 Times)

Same as the warm-up, but we added abs because we’re not messing around.

1. 5 Pull-Ups or Chin-Ups

2. 5 Leg Lifts (engaging those lower abs—that’s where all the beer goes, you gotta get rid of that)

3. 10 Push-Ups

4. 5 Shoulder Touches (back and forth)

5. 5 Mountain Climbers

6. 5 Spider-Mans (in plank position, knees to chest)

7. 10-Second Plank

8. 5 Standard Sit-Ups

9. 5 Scissors (crunch and twist)

10. 5 Toe Touches (legs should be straighter but I’m in a rush and someone’s filming me)

11. 5 Leg Raises (bring your butt off the ground, engage that core)

Do this 3 times. You’re done!

The Real Talk

This is something I’ve developed over time. It’s tried and true. If you alternate this with cardio every other day, you will have a very agile, chiseled body that you are proud of.

It takes work. But it’s so fun to get new shirts and to get checked out in public. Even if you’re in a relationship, people want to see that what you bring to the menu smells good. And trust me, it will if you do this for a month.

There’s lots of stuff to look forward to. It’s more fun to look forward to it if you’re ripped.

— Matt McManus
Co-founder, Gents Journey
Golden God in Progress