Johnny Cole is the founder of Hey Brother Co., a men's work organization dedicated to redefining masculinity through emotional skill-building, community, and accountability. From leading retreats and youth mentorship programs to building an online brotherhood through virtual men's groups, Johnny's work invites men and boys to unlearn the harmful scripts of patriarchal masculinity and reclaim their emotional sovereignty. As a survivor of childhood domestic violence and a former college rugby player, Johnny blends lived experience with academic grounding—having studied gender studies, international relations, and economics, and worked in domestic violence intervention—to create spaces where men can show up fully, vulnerably, and with purpose.

Since launching Hey Brother Co., Johnny has consulted with schools, nonprofits, and companies to develop gender-inclusive programs and policies, facilitated emotional wellness programming for over 50 high school boys, and cultivated a growing online community of men seeking a healthier vision of manhood. His social media presence challenges red pill narratives by modeling brotherhood, care, and self-awareness—often with humor, storytelling, and data. Whether mentoring boys, training facilitators, or designing healing-centered curriculum, Johnny's mission is clear: to help men & boys be more connected, accountable, and free—and to ensure the next generation of boys doesn't have to unlearn what we never should've been taught in the first place.

Key Topics Discussed:

• From Trauma to Purpose - How growing up with a father in the South African Special Forces and experiencing domestic violence shaped Johnny's understanding of toxic masculinity and led to his healing journey
• Redefining Patriarchy and Feminism - Breaking down misconceptions about these terms and explaining how patriarchy harms men through emotional self-mutilation and rigid masculine expectations
• The High School Revolution - Johnny's innovative mentorship program at Oberlin High School where he teaches teenage boys emotional intelligence, consent, and healthy masculinity, leading to measurable culture change
• The Men's Work Landscape - A comprehensive overview of different approaches to men's work, from traditional archetypal models to spirituality-based programs to feminist-informed practices

Resources:

• Johnny's Instagram: instagram.com/heybrotherjohnny
• Hey Brother Co. on Instagram: instagram.com/heybrotherco
• Johnny's TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@heybrotherjohnny
• Hey Brother Co. virtual community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/heybrother/about?ref=b796bdf6365f4276b34b230666750f7b
• "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love" by bell hooks (free audiobook on YouTube)
• State of American Men Report by Equimundo
• Global Boyhood Initiative research