Traditional Masculinity
What happened during the Modern Day Knights program in June 2020 and how was it resolved?
In June 2020, a tragic incident occurred when a participant died during a Modern Day Knights session. The family sued for wrongful death, alleging that the program failed to provide necessary medical care when needed. The parties eventually reached a settlement a few years after the incident. In a follow-up interview with NBC News, Eckert (presumably a program representative) declined to discuss details about the tragedy, citing privacy concerns and respect for the unfortunate situation. Despite acknowledging the settlement, Eckert maintained that there was no liability on the part of the program regarding the participant's death.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
NBC News
01:10 - 01:31
How does the Modern Day Knights program help men become better in their personal roles?
The Modern Day Knights program helps men by creating experiences that require them to confront their fears and past traumas head-on. As instructor Steve Eckert explains, the program directly addresses how participants can become better fathers, partners, and men through challenging experiences that foster personal growth. Michael Chernow emphasizes this transformation through his metaphor of 'walking through the fire,' suggesting that sometimes people need to experience difficulty to discover their own resilience. The program's philosophy centers on the idea that facing suffering rather than avoiding it is essential for developing the strength needed to fulfill important roles in life.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)NBC News
03:23 - 03:43
What is the common thread among attendees of the Modern Day Knights Project?
According to the program, the common thread among many attendees is a past colored by abuse and the search for direction. Since its founding in 2019, the Modern Day Knights Project has served as a transformative boot camp where men confront trauma and work toward personal growth. The program has gained significant traction, holding 20 sessions and accumulating millions of views online. Despite raising questions about its purpose, it continues to attract men seeking community and guidance while addressing their personal struggles through intensive experiences and emotional confrontations.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)NBC News
00:53 - 01:10
How does suffering impact men according to the Modern Day Knights program?
According to Program Instructor Steve Eckert, suffering is a transformative catalyst for men who have lost their edge and become stuck in life's routines. When men experience suffering, it unlocks what he describes as 'superpowers' - essential qualities and strengths that may have become dormant or underdeveloped. The program recognizes that many men have 'lost that fire' and need challenging experiences to rediscover their purpose and vitality. This philosophy forms the foundation of their approach, suggesting that controlled adversity is necessary for men to break free from stagnation and reclaim their sense of drive and power.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)NBC News
00:31 - 00:37
How did Michael Chernow's childhood experiences influence his participation in the Modern Day Knights program?
Michael Chernow's participation in the Modern Day Knights program was significantly influenced by his traumatic childhood, particularly his violent and abusive relationship with his father. This difficult experience motivated him to search for father figures elsewhere and ultimately led him to embrace challenges that put him in vulnerable positions where he could explore his deeper issues. Chernow describes having an "inherent warrior mindset" that drives him to run toward difficult things in life, believing that these challenging situations allow him to access his most vulnerable state where real personal growth can occur. Despite being a successful businessman with a stable family life, he was drawn to the program to address and work through his unresolved childhood trauma.
Watch clip answer (00:43m)NBC News
01:51 - 02:35
What is the Modern Day Knights program teaching men about masculinity?
The Modern Day Knights program teaches men to be 'civilized savage servants.' This philosophy balances strength with civility, encouraging men to maintain traditional masculine traits while integrating respectful social behavior. Program instructor Steve Eckert emphasizes that civilized men open doors and use courteous language like 'please' and 'thank you,' while still embracing their inner strength and resilience. The three-day boot camp combines physical challenges with emotional growth opportunities, helping participants develop a balanced approach to modern masculinity that honors both power and politeness.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)NBC News
01:31 - 01:41