Archive of Men's Journal Magazine Articles

DECEMBER 2011

Dawes' American Classic

Our favorite new band, L.A. '70s rock revivalists Dawes, have built an intense, growing fan base precisely because of their dedication to a dated aesthetic: no-frills craftsmanship, big-lunged choruses, and songs about guys with big hearts and bummed-out thoughts.

A Drunken Afternoon With Anthony Bourdain

By the time he turned 40, Anthony Bourdain was convinced he'd never be a top chef or a great writer and he'd never realize his dream of traveling the world. A decade later he's writing bestsellers, criss-crossing the globe as TV's best-fed hedonist, and spending more time at the bar than in the kitchen.

NOVEMBER 2011

Ahmet Ertegun, the Record Man

A new biography recounts the life of Ahmet Ertegun, who signed Ray Charles, partied with the Stones, and called Kid Rock "my young Elvis."

How Muhammad Ali Conquered Fear and Changed the World

Before he was boxing's greatest champion, Ali channeled the fears of African-American youth in the segregated South into a fierce energy, propelling himself to an easy world heavyweight championship title. Then, just as suddenly, he turned that prominence into a political stand, redefining what it meant to be a black athlete in America. This is his story.

The Testosterone Dilemma

Toxins, obesity, and even fatherhood could be causing a drop in testosterone. But do you really need hormone therapy?

Elon Musk’s Risky Business

How America's boldest entrepreneur doubled down on his dreams – of rockets and electric cars – and nearly lost them all.

OCTOBER 2011

Rich Rodriguez Sounds Off on College Football

The former University of Michigan coach speaks about Denard Robinson, Joe Paterno, and why he'll never rule out a return to West Virginia.

Scott Hatteberg, Moneyball’s Secret Weapon

In 'Moneyball,' the film version of Michael Lewis's study of the legendary 2002 Oakland A's, one of the most intriguing stories is that of the left-handed batter Scott Hatteberg.

Big Men, Little Needles: Acupuncture in the NFL

Many of the NFL’s toughest players are looking to acupuncture to stay strong and healthy. Can it help the rest of us, too?

The Novelist: A Q&A with Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen, America's greatest writer, talks about bird watching, college football, and discovering his athletic ability in life.

The Mobster Who Brought Down the Mob

How an associate of the ultra-violent Colombo crime family became a federal witness and set up one of the biggest Mafia sweeps in history.

Plaxico Burress Takes Another Shot

After serving 20 months for putting a slug in his own leg, the star receiver is getting a second chance. He says he’s a different man now. He also says he got a raw deal.

The (Not So Hard) Truth About Hair Loss Drugs

Propecia may be able to save your hair, but will it cost you your sex life in the process?

Last of the Blue-Water Hunters

Spearfishing is about taking the fight to the fish – a pursuit as dangerous as it is macho. But this trip had one advantage: the guidance of the sport’s most legendary figure.

Tomorrow’s Better Bulbs

A new law dooms incandescent bulbs as energy-burning clunkers. It also paves the way for a host of new, longer-lasting, high-tech lights.

AUGUST 2011

Mike Leach, the Writing Coach

Nearly two years after he was excommunicated from college football, Mike Leach is stating his case. And while he won't win over everybody, nobody is ignoring 'Swing Your Sword,' his New York Times best-selling memoir.

Steve Harrigan on Reporting From the Frontlines in Libya

Middle East correspondent Steve Harrigan checks in from the Libyan capital.

Pro Sports' New Gay Agenda

As on-court slurs draw headlines (and fines), players are increasingly taking a stand against gay bashing.

Bryan Cranston, Breaking Badass

In 'Breaking Bad,' Bryan Cranston has one of the hardest jobs on TV — playing an occasionally homicidal crystal-meth dealer on a downward slide, and somehow making him noble.

Confessions of an NFL Hitman

Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been labeled the scourge of football — a one-man concussion machine. But he says he plays the game the way it's meant to be played, and he doesn't care what anyone thinks — especially the commissioner.

JUNE 2011

Longboarding's Long Ride

Once dismissed as the slackers of skateboarding, longboarders are tearing down the hills of towns from Vancouver to Laguna Beach at over 60 mph, and finally gaining some respect.

MAY 2011

NBA All-Stars Turn to Soccer

In the off-season, soccer rules supreme for basketball's finest.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Cosmic Punishment

Martial arts helped him overcome his failures. Now he just has to figure out how to overcome his success.

Dave Duerson: The Ferocious Life and Tragic Death of a Super Bowl Star

For years ex-Bear Dave Duerson had a hand in turning down scores of disability claims of retired players – though he likely suffered from brain injuries himself. In February, 2011, he shot himself in the heart. Was it because he couldn't bear to admit his betrayal?

Father Knows Jack: 'Modern Family's' Ty Burrell

After years of getting by on failed pilots and 'Law & Order' guest spots, 'Modern Family's' clueless dad, Ty Burrell, is suddenly the funniest guy on the funniest show on TV.

APRIL 2011

The World's Oldest Man

Walter Breuning on heartache, neckties, and death.

Is This Man Too Smart for Baseball?

Buck Showalter has an obsessive mind for the game. That's been both his greatest strength – and his undoing.

The Ghost Park

If you think global warming is some distant threat, come visit Yellowstone, our most beloved national park. Acres of trees are dying, trout runs are disappearing, and starving bears are attacking campers. It's an ecosystem in collapse, and things are only getting worse.

MARCH 2011

The Last Word: Bear Grylls

The 'Man vs. Wild' host, 36, tries to survive a sixth season, now on Discovery.

Q&A: Jimmie Johnson

The five-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champ just might be the smartest, most gifted driver ever. So why is it that so many people – fans, fellow drivers – want to see him lose? On the eve of the 2011 Daytona 500, the native Californian, who is married to a former model and snowboards when he’s off the track, talks down the haters, and even gives away a few secrets.

The Pirate Looks Back

Keith Richards on fatherhood, Mick, and becoming an icon.

Plus: Violence Erupts on Mount Everest

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