Inside an exclusive ‘man camp,’ where one woman is trying to save men from themselves
Inside an Exclusive ‘Man Camp,’ Where One Woman is Trying to Save Men from Themselves
Inside an exclusive man camp where – California’s Napa Valley is no stranger to resilience. The region’s volcanic terrain has long shaped the fate of its vineyards, where the delicate balance between patience and timing determines the quality of the harvest. Grapes, like human beings, face a precarious existence: harvested too soon, they lose their sweetness; left too long, they shrivel under the sun. This vulnerability mirrors the experiences of the men gathered in a secluded estate, where a five-day retreat is reshaping identities. For these participants, the journey is not just about survival—it’s about transformation. They’ve invested thousands of dollars in a chance to confront their emotions, rebuild connections, and redefine what it means to be a man. Yet, the stakes here are as high as the hills surrounding the property, where the air hums with the tension of self-discovery.
A Woman’s Vision in a Masculine World
Lori Jean Glass, the architect of this retreat, has spent over a decade guiding men through the labyrinth of modern masculinity. Her camps, nestled behind an imposing gate in Sonoma, are designed to challenge the stoic norms that have long defined male behavior. While her retreats initially drew men hesitant to admit vulnerability, spurred by their partners’ encouragement, demand has grown. Now, participants arrive not just as patients but as seekers, drawn by a society that increasingly prioritizes emotional toughness over emotional intelligence.
“Men are struggling,” Glass explains, her voice carrying the urgency of someone who has seen the consequences of silence. She points to a growing disconnection—a culture where loneliness has become a defining trait for many. A Gallup study revealed that one in four young American men felt isolated the day before, a stark contrast to the 2021 Survey Center on American Life report, which found that nearly one in six men claimed to have no close friends, five times the rate seen three decades prior. These statistics underscore a crisis: despite being less likely to receive a depression diagnosis, American men are four times more likely to die by suicide, a disparity that hints at unseen battles beneath their stoic exteriors.
Emotional Growth in the Shadow of the Manosphere
Yet, the path to renewal is not without its adversaries. The manosphere—a hyper-online movement that glorifies dominance, wealth, and misogyny—has become a formidable counterforce. With figures like Andrew Tate, Adin Ross, and Myron Gaines leading the charge, the concept of the “alpha male” has surged back into popularity. These influencers promote a vision of masculinity that equates strength with emotional detachment, framing vulnerability as weakness. For Glass, this ideology is a threat: “It’s like a boisterous brigade of rivals,” she says, describing the challenge of reshaping traditional views in a landscape dominated by such narratives.
Her retreats aim to dismantle these rigid definitions. Through a blend of yoga, group therapy, and creative exercises, participants are encouraged to embrace their feelings rather than suppress them. The process is intensive, with schedules packed from dawn to dusk. Morning sessions begin with guided meditation, followed by one-on-one counseling and collaborative activities designed to foster emotional intimacy. Later, they engage in art therapy and role-playing, tools Glass believes can help men confront their inner conflicts. “This isn’t just about crying or hugging,” she insists. “It’s about understanding the roots of their struggles and reimagining what it means to be emotionally strong.”
A Journey Through Grief and Transformation
The three men in Glass’s latest cohort represent a spectrum of life’s challenges. Matt Sanders, 61, arrived after the death of his father, a loss that forced him to reevaluate his own sense of purpose. Jason Owens, 52, came following the passing of his wife, grappling with the emotional weight of his grief. Both men had previously been shaped by the ideals of the manosphere—proud of their achievements but distant from their own emotions. Their participation in the camp, however, marks a turning point.
“The process is about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Glass says, her tone reflective. For participants, the retreat is a test of courage. They are asked to confront their fears, share their vulnerabilities, and redefine their relationships with themselves and others. The experience is grueling, yet transformative. As the days pass, the men shed their former personas, learning to communicate, connect, and heal. Glass’s vision is clear: to create a space where masculinity is not a performance but a foundation for authenticity.
Testing the Waters: A Reporter’s Perspective
CNN reporters Rob Picheta and David Culver recently joined the program to observe its impact firsthand. Glass granted access only after they committed to the “Pivot process,” immersing themselves in the retreat alongside the men. The first day was a mix of curiosity and doubt. The luxurious setting, with its rolling hills and modern amenities, felt almost indulgent. The $5,000 fee per participant raised questions about accessibility, and the emphasis on unconventional methods—like art therapy and emotional roleplay—seemed far removed from traditional self-help models.
Still, the camp’s structure was undeniably rigorous. Each day unfolded with a rhythm that balanced structure and spontaneity. Sessions delved into the psychology of self-reliance, exploring how societal pressures have shaped men’s behaviors. The coaches, many of whom are women, brought a unique perspective, blending empathy with analytical rigor. “It’s not about being weak,” one of them remarked, “it’s about being whole.”
As the retreat progressed, the skepticism of the reporters began to waver. The men’s willingness to open up revealed a deeper narrative: a generation of fathers, sons, and friends who had been conditioned to hide their emotions. Through shared stories and guided reflection, they began to see the value in vulnerability. For Glass, this is the heart of her mission. She hopes to instill a new understanding of masculinity in every high school, countering the pull of the manosphere with a more inclusive vision. “If we can reach the next generation,” she says, “we can change the way men see themselves.”
But the fight is far from easy. For every five men who embrace her approach, millions are influenced by the manosphere’s promise of power and control. Glass’s camps are a small but determined effort in a larger cultural battle. As the sun sets over the vineyards, the men leave with a sense of possibility, having traded the rigidity of their past for the openness of their present. Whether this shift will endure remains to be seen, but for now, the retreat stands as a beacon of change—a place where men are learning to break free from the myths that have defined them.
“I would sure love to try,” Glass says, her voice tinged with both determination and hope. “If we can teach boys to embrace their emotions early, we can build a stronger, more connected future.”