Outwitting Mediocrity: Rethinking School, Fatherhood & Masculinity with Matt Beaudreau

In this episode of The Last Easy Mile, Josh sits down with Matt Beaudreau—father, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Apogee Strong—to unpack what’s gone wrong with modern education, masculinity, and fatherhood… and how to fix it.

Drawing from his experience as a former public school teacher, private school administrator, Stanford University staff member, and now leader of a national mentorship and educational movement, Matt shares how Apogee Strong is helping families reclaim their values, design their own educational paths, and raise young men and women who are emotionally strong, physically capable, financially literate, and spiritually grounded.

They dive deep into topics like the failure of conveyor-belt schooling, the dangers of mediocrity and digital distractions, and why strong, present fathers are the cornerstone of a thriving society. Matt also shares insights on rites of passage, legacy-building, and how to raise children who are prepared for real life—not just to pass tests.

This is a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation about building resilient families, rethinking what it means to be educated, and leading a life rooted in values, not fear.

Topics Covered:

• Why traditional schooling is broken—and what Matt saw inside California public schools

• The power of homeschooling, co-ops, and alternative education

• What Apogee Strong really is: mentorship, campuses, and full-life family education

• Meta-skills your kids actually need to thrive in the future (hint: it’s not algebra)

• Masculinity redefined: not alpha posturing, but sovereign leadership and service

• How to raise self-aware, spiritually grounded, physically capable young men

• Why rites of passage and family traditions are essential—and how to build your own

• Real stories from the front lines: Stanford, school systems, and starting over

• How fathers and sons can learn together—and why most men need a community too

• Book recommendations and challenges that transform lives, not just check boxes

• Building resilient families that lead with values in an upside-down world

Books Mentioned:

• Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman

Resources:

👉 Learn more: www.apogeestrong.com

👉 Follow Matt on Instagram: @mattbeaudreau

👉 Check out the Apogee Men’s & Father-Son Mentorships