Discussion on Podcast Number 1,085: The Preparation - A thrilling, skill-focused educational pathway for young men, serving as a college alternative
In the ever-evolving landscape of education and career development, a new movement is gaining traction. Matt Smith, a renowned figure, has created an alternative to the traditional college path - a 4-year, 16-cycle curriculum called "The Preparation".
First introduced in September 2025, in Donnersbachwald, Austria, and various other locations in Austria, this program is designed to prepare young men for real-world challenges. The aim is to foster real confidence, competence, and concrete know-how, qualities that many graduates feel they lack after completing their college education.
The program consists of hands-on cycles, including earning Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, building a house, and training as a fighter in Thailand. This practical approach is a stark contrast to the theoretical learning often associated with college education.
Matt Smith's innovative curriculum aims to shape participants into Renaissance Men: skilled, self-reliant, and grounded in character. The program has garnered attention due to the rising tuition fees for college, the uncertain professional landscapes influenced by AI, and a growing sense among young men that they are not being adequately challenged or gaining practical skills during their college years.
The Art of Manliness podcast has discussed "The Preparation" in an episode, providing insights into the program's inception and its impact. Other podcast episodes delve into topics such as Overdiagnosis and its impact on health, living life in crescendo, the power of wonder, holiday etiquette questions, and more.
Listeners can subscribe to the podcast on various platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, CastBox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and via RSS. The show notes for each episode, including links to download or stream the podcast, can be found at aom.is/thepreparation.
Matt Smith, the architect of this innovative program, co-authored "The Preparation" with his son Maxim, who is currently working his way through the program. The Preparation and Maxim Smith also have separate Substack newsletters, offering regular updates and insights into the program and its progress.
As the debate surrounding the effectiveness and cost of traditional college education continues, "The Preparation" offers a fresh perspective, providing a practical, hands-on approach to preparing young men for the challenges of the real world.
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