The Art of Manliness

We all have things we’ve always wanted to know how to do, but have never gotten around to learning. Speak a foreign language. Play an instrument. Write a book. Take up surfing. Maybe you’ve even started one of these pursuits a few times, only to drop it after a couple of weeks.My guest calls this collection of abandoned or deferred desires your “invisible list” and is the author of a book of the same name.Today on the show, Ravi Gupta presents a plan for tackling the things on your invisible list by picking one hobby-like activity each year and working your way to an intermediate level in it. He explains the different categories these pursuits can fall into, from the liftoff project to the mental marathon to the skillbatical, and how to pick the right one for your season of life. We also discuss how camps for grownups can make skill acquisition more enjoyable, why you should consider taking up an adult-appropriate sport like tennis, why Ravi decided to take the MCAT even though he doesn't plan to become a doctor, and how working on your invisible list can give your life chapters and, over the course of a decade, turn you into a Renaissance-man badass.After the show is over, check out the show notes at aom.is/invisiblelist0:00 — Introduction1:45 — What is the Invisible List?4:38 — Examples & Bucket List Comparison8:46 — Why a Year Creates Life Chapters11:10 — Making Time: Family & Constraints15:44 — Five Rules of the Invisible List18:39 — Why Aim for Intermediate?21:19 — The Five Archetypes26:50 — Liftoff Year: Powerlifting & Journaling37:30 — Skill-Batical: Surfing & Adult Camps43:17 — Age-Appropriate Sports: Tennis45:46 — Mental Marathon: Taking the MCAT See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When people are faced with problems and complexity, our instinct is to add instead of subtract. As a result, we have a tendency to make our work and our lives more and more complex, and less and less effective and fulfilling. Even when what we add is new technology that promises to make us more productive, it often only seems to bog us down and give us even more to do.My guest says that to fight this drift toward complexity, especially in the modern age, you’ve got to be ruthless about cutting out the superfluous and focusing on what’s most important. His name is Jim VandeHei, and he’s the co-founder and CEO of Axios and the co-author of Simplify.Today on the show, Jim explains how to simplify your work and personal life using a three-step process: confront, delete, and amplify. We discuss how to identify the “slop” we’re all inundated with (and he’s not just talking about what’s generated by AI), rules of thumb for what to say no to, why you should spend more time developing your strengths than fixing your weaknesses, and the importance of getting clear on what you want out of life, both personally and professionally.Resources Related to the PodcastJim's Book: Simplify: Do 50 Percent More with 50 Percent LessJim's last appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #987 — The No-BS Secrets of SuccessSmart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with LessAoM Article: The Spiritual Disciplines — SimplicityAoM Podcast #699: The No-Nonsense Guide to Simplifying Every Aspect of Your LifeConnect With Jim VandeHeiJim at Axios0:00 Introduction & Website Redesign0:48 The Problem with Complexity1:56 Interview Begins: Why Another Book on Simplifying?3:00 How AI Makes Life More Complex5:42 The Confront, Delete, Amplify Framework8:14 Why Complexity Creeps Into Everything11:35 Identifying Slop in Work and Life17:43 How to Confront Your Habits24:59 Rules for Saying No29:48 Amplify Strengths Over Weaknesses37:35 Simplifying Communication at Work42:29 Using AI to Simplify Your Life See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Mark Hertling learned he was deploying for Operation Desert Storm, he decided to start a journal.Back then, Mark was an Army major and cavalry officer with two young sons. His unit would be out in front of the main force, and during an intelligence briefing, he was told it could suffer casualties as high as 50 percent. Mark realized there was a real chance he might not come home. So he began writing down what he was experiencing, along with the lessons about life, leadership, and character that he wanted his boys to know if he wasn’t there to teach them himself.Mark did come home, and went on to serve 38 years in the Army, including as an assistant division commander in Baghdad and later commander of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq during the 2007–2008 surge, before finishing his career as commander of U.S. Army Europe.Decades later, that wartime journal became the basis for his new book, If I Don’t Return. Today on the show, retired three-star General Mark Hertling and I talk about the reflections it contains on making every day count, planning for friction, marriage and friendship, handwritten notes, casual profanity, the moral weight of war, and what it means to build a man.Resources Related to the PodcastMy LifeOn War by Carl von ClausewitzAoM Article: Clausewitz on Overcoming the Annoying Slog of LifeGeneral Douglas MacArthur’s Prayer for His SonConnect With Mark HertlingMark on LinkedInMark's faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professor of psychology Angela Duckworth is famous for her work on grit — the combination of passion and perseverance that leads to high achievement. But she’s come to an increasing appreciation for the fact that success isn't just a matter of the qualities inside you; it's also driven by what's outside you — your peers, your mentors, and even your zip code.Today on the show, Angela, whose latest book is Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, shares how our environments play a much bigger role in shaping us than we realize. She explains the three-box model of behavior, why relying on willpower is a fallible strategy for altering your habits, and why the most effective way to change yourself is to change what’s around you. We discuss how different situations bring out different versions of ourselves and how to shape your surroundings to encourage good habits, mitigate bad ones, and become who you want to be — whether that means rearranging what’s on your desk or moving across the country.Resources Related to the PodcastAngela's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #210 — Got Grit?AoM Podcast #887: The Golden Rules of Success With Bob Bowman AoM Podcast #1,023: Is Self-Control Overrated? With Michael InzlichtDying Breed Article: The Power of "I Like," or Why Do People Hate the Idea of Motivation?AoM Article: Alexander Graham Bell’s Secret to Greater ProductivityAoM Article: The Ceiling Word Art of Michel de MontaigneConnect With Angela DuckworthAngela's websiteAngela's faculty pageAngela on LinkedInAngela on IG0:00 Introduction 1:42 From Grit to Situated 4:18 Michael Phelps: Grit Meets Environment 8:43 The Three-Box Model Explained 12:28 Why Willpower Fails 19:18 Multiple Selves & Code Switching 26:30 Saving a Marriage Through Situational Change 31:51 Curating Your Physical Space 38:26 Shaping Your Digital Environment 43:14 Social Environment & Accountability 47:05 Culture, Microcultures & the Flywheel 53:15 Start With Situational Awareness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The ancient Greeks believed the human soul had three parts: reason, appetite, and something called thumos. Thumos is difficult to translate into English. It encompasses anger, noble spiritedness, pride, ambition, a sense of honor, and the drive to act. The Greeks thought it was essential to living a life of manly virtue, and my guest thinks we could use a lot more of it.His name is Mike LeBlanc, and he’s a decorated Marine, a Harvard Business School grad, a tech founder, and the author of What If Anger Is the Answer? Today on the show, Mike and I discuss how the angry energy of thumos can help you close the gap between who you are and who you should be. We discuss why physical training helps cultivate thumos, how it can be an aid in overcoming appetites, overthinking, passivity, and cynicism, and the role it can play in being an effective leader.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: Got Thumos?AoM Article: 10 Movies That Inspire ThumosAoM Article: Soundtrack for Your ThumosAoM Article: How to Make Anger Your AllyAoM Podcast #1,083: Good Anger — Harnessing a Misunderstood EmotionAoM Series: The Life of Jack London as a Case Study in the Power and Perils of ThumosConnect With Mike LeBlancMike's websiteMike on LinkedIn0:00 Introduction1:42 Meet Mike LeBlanc: Marines, Great Books & Robotics5:45 A Letter to His Son: What It Means to Be a Man8:07 Socrates' Metaphor: The Little Man, the Hydra & the Lion15:26 The Attributes of Thumos: Dignity, Pride & Shame17:36 Thumos and Action: The Soul's Three Parts at Work20:19 Thumos in Defending Boundaries25:31 Thumos and the Physical Body31:36 Thumos vs. Overthinking: The 70% Solution36:03 Thumos, Power & Authority in Leadership44:42 Overcoming Cynicism with Thumos49:46 Raising Boys with Thumos & Where to Find the Book See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is a rebroadcast. Have you ever known one of those people who seemed to be able to connect with anyone? The kind of person who had the ability to make others feel understood and smoothly navigate even the trickiest of conversations?Charles Duhigg calls these folks “supercommunicators,” and he’s the author of a new book by the same name. Today on the show, Charles explains that what underlies supercommunicators’ skill in connection is something called the matching principle, and he unpacks how it works and how you can put it to use in your own conversations. We discuss several techniques for how to figure out what kind of conversation you’re having, so you can align your language and energy with the other person. And because emotional conversations can be particularly difficult, we dig into tactics for successfully navigating them, even when they contain a high degree of conflict. We also get into how to carry the skills of connection into your digital conversations.Resources Related to the PodcastCharles’ previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #61: The Power of HabitEpisode #196: The Science of Self-Motivation & ProductivityAoM Podcast #559: How to Handle Difficult ConversationsConnect With Charles DuhiggCharles’ website0:00 — Intro & Rebroadcast Notice0:32 — Why Communication Matters2:08 — The Matching Principle5:07 — Deep Questions & FBI Negotiator Felix Sigala9:50 — Identifying What Kind of Conversation You're Having10:52 — Setting Goals & Preparing for Conversations15:06 — Conversations as Quiet Negotiations19:07 — Navigating Emotional Conversations24:11 — Turning Shallow Questions Into Deep Questions28:00 — Mood, Energy & NASA's Emotional Intelligence Test32:34 — Looping for Understanding & High-Conflict Conversations38:38 — Digital Communication & Closing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remember the old hotel ice machines? The kind where you'd slide your bucket under the chute and hear the avalanche of cubes crashing into it? There was something so fun and strangely gratifying about that thing.Or think about breaking an icicle off the edge of a roof. Such a gratifying feeling from such a small act.My guest has written an ode to the outsized pleasures that arise from these kinds of everyday interactions with the physical world. His name is Ian Bogost, and his new book is The Small Stuff. Today on the show, Ian argues that a fulfilling life isn't built solely by chasing the big components of happiness but also by embracing the small moments of gratification that are woven throughout ordinary life. We discuss how those moments can be found in tactile experiences like shifting a manual transmission, turning a well-made knob, or flipping through the pages of a real menu. We explore how these small opportunities for engagement — for contact, connection, and control— have been disappearing as the world becomes more digitized and automated and everything becomes a touchscreen. And Ian shares how opportunities for "sensory enchantment" can still be found in our increasingly dematerialized world.Resources Related to the PodcastIan's previous appearance on the AoM Podcast: Episode #247 — The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Antidote to Excessive IronyIan's Atlantic article "The End of Manual Transmission"Andy Rooney compilationConnect With Ian BogostThe Small Stuff websiteIan's websiteIan's faculty page0:00 Introduction0:40 Ian Bogost and 'The Small Stuff'2:25 What Kickstarted This Book6:38 Happiness, Satisfaction, and Gratification14:58 Gratification Is Everywhere — But Disappearing18:28 Dematerialization: How the World Is Losing Sensory Richness26:41 How Work Has Become Less Gratifying33:09 How to Reclaim Your Sensory Life38:35 Keep More Junk Around44:38 Talk About Small Pleasures48:17 Living Life Sideways (Orthogonality)50:03 Wrap-Up See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People are told their whole lives how important it is to find their purpose. But many find the search frustrating. They feel there's one true calling or one grand goal they're supposed to be pursuing, but they can't seem to discern what it is.My guest, Jordan Grumet, author of The Purpose Code, says that searching for what he calls your big P purpose can be fruitless and even harmful, and that a better path is to embrace a life of little p purposes. Today on the show, Jordan explains the difference between big P and little p purposes and argues that the former can lead to anxiety while embracing the latter can be the path to meaning, satisfaction, connection, and even the legacy you were looking for in the first place. We discuss how Jordan found his way to this philosophy after burning out as a doctor, practical ways to discover your own little p purposes, what he thinks we get wrong in making family our purpose, and what his work in hospice has taught him about living a life without regret.Connect With Jordan GrumetJordan's websiteJordan's Substack: The Purpose Code 00:00 Intro & Show Overview0:41 Meet Jordan Grumet1:46 From Doctor to Purpose Writer5:00 Big P vs Little P Purpose8:32 Why Purpose Talk Makes People Anxious11:15 What the Research Says13:42 Burnout and Big P Purpose16:18 The Podcasting Example: Process vs Goals19:42 Legacy Through Little P Purpose28:24 Finding Your Purpose Anchors38:01 The Climb: Building Your Purpose43:14 Family, Regrets, and Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the release of Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Odyssey, it seems like everyone's been talking about a 3,000-year-old epic again. But my guest thinks this ancient tale offers a framework for understanding our modern lives that you probably haven't heard before.Patrick Deneen is a professor of political science and the author of American Odyssey. Today on the show, Patrick argues that Odysseus embodies a tension that has defined the human experience, and especially the American experience: we're both home-seeking and exploring, rooted and restless. We long to settle down somewhere, yet we're equally driven to push beyond the horizon in search of something new. Patrick shares how Alexis de Tocqueville made this observation about our country two centuries ago, how Odysseus navigates the temptation to become both more than human and less than human, and the surprising act Patrick thinks is the most heroic thing Odysseus does. We end our conversation with the idea that having a home can give us the confidence to explore, or as David Brooks put it, "All of life is a series of daring explorations from a secure base."Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: 3 Lessons From Homer’s OdysseyAoM Podcast #337: What Homer’s Odyssey Can Teach Us TodayDemocracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord TennysonConnect With Patrick DeneenPatrick's faculty pagePatrick's websiteAmerican Odyssey's page on Creed and Culture's website0:00 Intro & sponsor plugs0:41 Patrick Deneen's American Odyssey & Nolan's film2:28 Nolan's changes to Odysseus's character4:56 Dante's Odysseus in hell7:33 Why Odyssey keeps drawing Patrick back13:02 The most American text: home-seeking vs exploring17:15 Tocqueville's restless Americans20:03 Restlessness as source of American unhappiness21:03 Odysseus vs the temptation to be more/less than human26:14 That temptation in modern American life31:26 Odysseus's underworld talk with Achilles39:41 What today's Americans can take from that41:24 Does Odysseus stay home? The "sequels" to The Odyssey45:49 Home as the foundation for risk-taking and adventure51:14 Where to find the book See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When most people think of negotiation, they picture big, high-stakes moments: haggling over the price of a house, negotiating a starting salary, or hammering out the terms of a business deal. But negotiation is also something we do every day. It’s working out who’s taking on which chores with your spouse, convincing a coworker to help on a project, or even deciding where to go for dinner with friends. The better you understand negotiation — which is really about influencing other people’s decisions — the better you’ll be at navigating conflicts and opportunities both big and small.My guest has spent decades studying the art and science of wielding that influence. John Richardson teaches negotiation at MIT’s Sloan School of Management and is the co-author of Never Settle. Today on the show, John shares what he learned from negotiation legends like Roger Fisher, co-author of Getting to Yes, and FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. He unpacks the skills of master negotiators, including how to build reciprocity, uncover what people actually want, and keep your emotions from hijacking your judgment. We also get into the part of negotiation that makes people the most uncomfortable: the back-and-forth over hard numbers like price and salary and how to handle those conversations with greater confidence and better results.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #234: Haggling and Deal Making Advice From a FBI Hostage Negotiator (With Chris Voss)AoM Podcast #559: How to Handle Difficult Conversations (With Sheila Heen)Influence: The Essential Guide to the Psychology of Influence and Persuasion in Everyday Life by Robert B. CialdiniAoM Article: How Labeling Your Emotions Can Help You Take ControlGetting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger FisherStart with NO…The Negotiating Tools that the Pros Don’t Want You to Know by Jim CampConnect With John RichardsonNever Settle websiteJohn’s faculty page0:00 Everyday Negotiation & Meet John Richardson2:18 John's Path Into Negotiation9:50 Why People Fear Negotiation12:34 Roger Fisher's Philosophy (Getting to Yes)17:46 Chris Voss & Hostage Negotiation Tactics22:54 Give Them a Sandwich (Reciprocity)30:06 Using Someone's Name33:59 Managing Your Emotions39:00 Figuring Out What Everyone Wants46:29 Distributive Negotiation & Anchoring54:52 Alternatives, Saying No & Closing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people assume that if a goal is hard to achieve, getting there has to feel hard too. We tend to believe that extraordinary results require extraordinary suffering.But my guest says the secret to success isn't gritting your teeth; it's making the path enjoyable. His name is Jia Jiang, and in his new book, Easy Discipline, he argues that consistency comes from designing your work and your life so that doing the right thing becomes something you actually want to do. Today on the show, Jia explains the difference between hard and easy discipline, why "eating bitterness" isn't the best way to go after your ambitions, and how to make your work feel more like play without lowering your standards. Along the way, we discuss Soviet hockey, Japanese tea ceremonies, rejection therapy, one-action goals, and the power of pursuing aims that are an expression of who you are.Resources Related to the PodcastJia's previous book: Rejection TherapyJia's 100 Days of Rejection Therapy videos, including asking for a "burger refill"AoM Article: Motivation Over DisciplineAoM Podcast #954: The Feel-Good Method of ProductivityConnect With Jia JiangJia on SubstackJia's websiteJia on LinkedIn0:00 Introduction to the AOM Podcast0:41 Introducing Jia Jiang and Easy Discipline1:36 Welcome Jia Jiang / The Myth of Sisyphus6:05 Hard Discipline vs. Easy Discipline9:36 Eating Bitterness10:44 Soviet Hockey: Tarasov vs. Tikhonov16:02 The EASY Framework: Enjoyment31:02 Artistry and Ichi-go Ichi-e33:54 Systems and One Action Goals41:22 Repetition with Variation44:18 Why: Being True to Yourself52:33 Where to Find Jia Jiang's Work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many of us grow up believing that midlife is when things start going downhill. Your body's breaking down, your best work is behind you, and you may fall into a full-blown existential crisis. But a lot of what we think we know about midlife turns out to be based more on pop culture than actual research.My guest says the reality is much more encouraging. Her name is Margie Lachman. She's a professor of psychology, the Director of the Lifespan Lab at Brandeis University, and the author of Primetime: A New Vision for Midlife. Today on the show, Margie discusses what age range constitutes midlife — and how it's not just a matter of chronological age — and whether people really become less happy and experience a midlife crisis during these years. She explains the surprising ways your mind continues to improve even as some abilities slow down, and why this stage of life often represents a peak combination of creativity and judgment. We also talk about the real challenges that come with midlife and how adopting the right mindset and habits can mitigate those downsides while helping you make the most of what Margie argues can truly be a sweet spot in life — a time when you still have much of your physical and mental vitality, and it's coupled with seasoned experience and wisdom.Resources Related to the PodcastSeasons of a Man’s Life by Daniel LevinsonAoM series on Levinson’s researchTransformations: Growth and Change in Adult Life by Roger GouldPassages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life by Gail SheehyAoM Podcast #598: Journeying From the First to the Second Half of Life With James HollisAoM Podcast #776: How to Shift Out of the Midlife MalaiseConnect With Margie LachmanMargie's websiteMargie's faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

George Washington is perhaps the most familiar figure in American history. But most people really only know the image of him they see in marble statues and patriotic paintings. Behind those symbols was a real man: ambitious, self-taught, intensely concerned with honor, and constantly wrestling with the immense responsibilities history placed on his shoulders.In celebration of America's 250th birthday, we're taking an extended look at the life of the man more responsible than anyone else for the nation's founding. Here to unpack that life for us is H.W. Brands, a historian and the author of a new biography of Washington, American Patriarch. Brands traces Washington's journey from a young Virginia surveyor to military commander, founding father, and first president. Along the way, we discuss how Washington's upbringing shaped his character, why he became a surprisingly effective military leader despite losing more battles than he won, how he held together a fragile revolutionary army, how he shaped the presidency through the precedents he set, and whether a leader like Washington could still succeed today.Resources Related to the PodcastH.W.'s previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #696: Theodore Roosevelt, The Last RomanticEpisode #908: Would You Have Been a Patriot or a Loyalist?AoM Podcast #223: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Valiant AmbitionAoM Podcast #366: Teach Yourself Like George WashingtonAoM Podcast #719: The Surprising Pessimism of America’s Founding FathersAoM Article: George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and ConversationConnect With H.W. BrandsH.W. on SubstackH.W.’s faculty page 00:00 Introduction01:53 About the book American Patriarch03:03 Washington's childhood & Virginia gentry upbringing06:54 Self-education, surveying, and early ambition11:47 First military mission to the Ohio country17:11 The French and Indian War & Washington's baptism under fire24:44 Washington marries Martha Custis33:57 Washington takes command of the Continental Army40:17 Military strategy: how Washington won by not losing46:41 Holding the army together at Valley Forge55:57 Washington as first president & setting precedents1:09:56 The Farewell Address & legacy1:10:15 What Washington teaches us today See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The modern idea of retirement was built on a bet that turned out to be wrong. It assumed people would spend most of their lives working and only a relatively short period of time retired. Instead, many Americans now reach 65 healthy, active, and with an entire third of their life ahead of them. Yet we're still using a retirement model designed for a world in which old age was shorter and fewer people expected decades of life after leaving the workforce.My guest says that outdated assumption creates some unfortunate unintended consequences. It causes people to stress excessively about money, postpone meaningful experiences with family and friends, and sometimes sacrifice the very things that make life worth living in the first place. He argues that by rethinking retirement — not necessarily eliminating it, but reimagining it — we can enjoy more of our lives now while actually feeling more secure about the future.His name is Derek Coburn, and he's a financial advisor and the author of Let's Retire Retirement. Today on the show, Derek explains why the traditional retirement model came about, why it may no longer make sense for many people, and how working even a few years past 65 can dramatically change the math of retirement planning. We also discuss the surprising psychological challenges many people face after they stop working, why purpose matters more than leisure, and how thinking differently about retirement can free you up to spend more time on what matters most right now — whether that's traveling, strengthening your marriage, or making the most of the limited summers you have left with your kids.Connect With Derek CoburnDerek's website (including his retirement calculator)Derek on IG0:00 - Introduction1:22 - The Outdated Origins of Retirement (Bismarck's 1889 Social Insurance Plan)4:12 - Why the Traditional Retirement Model Creates Stress and Anxiety6:13 - The "Arrival Fallacy" — Why Retirement Isn't What You Think It Will Be8:42 - The Psychological Crisis of Stopping Work Cold Turkey11:05 - The Math: How Working 10 More Years Cuts Your Savings Requirement by 96%13:21 - Enjoying Life NOW Instead of Deferring It to Retirement14:22 - Maximizing the Limited Summers You Have with Your Kids19:48 - Sponsor Break20:07 - What If You Hate Your Job? Find One You "Don't Hate"22:37 - Side Hustles as an On-Ramp to Work You Love24:09 - Physical Jobs and Mandatory Retirement — What Then?  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all want two things that can seem at odds with each other: to be our own person and to belong. We want to stand apart from the crowd, but we also want to be connected to it. When that balance gets out of whack, we either lose ourselves in tribalism or drift into isolation.My guest today says many of the problems in modern life stem from our inability to hold these two impulses in tension. His name is Luke Burgis, and he’s the author of The One and the 99: Forging Identity in the Age of Social Contagion. Today on the show, Luke explains how becoming a true individual can give you the strength to be a part of a community. We discuss the difference between a solid self and a pseudo self — and what role families and rites of passage can play in moving us toward one or the other — why modern politics feels like a dysfunctional family, the dangers of performative religion, and much more.Resources Related to the PodcastLuke’s previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #714: Why Do We Want What We Want?Episode #910: Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic LifeThe True Believer by Eric HofferEducation of a Wandering Man by Louis L’AmourAoM Podcast #1,025: The Life and Legacy of Louis L’AmourAoM article with L’Amour’s weekly to-do listsAoM article and podcast about C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man and the idea of objective valueThe Courage to Be by Paul TillichThe Quest for Community by Robert NisbetAoM Podcast #847: Overdoing DemocracyAoM Podcast #1,010: How to Resist Group Anxiety and Become a Differentiated SelfAoM Article: Becoming a Well-Differentiated LeaderDying Breed article: A New Kind of Monasticism — The Power of Community to Shape the SoulThe Rule of St. BenedictConnect With Luke BurgisLuke’s websiteTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/MANLINESSTimestamps0:00 Introduction0:54 Guest Intro: Luke Burgis & The One and the 994:48 The Parable of the Lost Sheep & the Book's Framework10:17 Defining the Self (vs. Identity & Soul)14:37 The Pseudo Self Explained19:40 How to Develop a Solid Self25:35 Louis L'Amour & Education for a Solid Self28:18 Curiositas vs. Studiositas (Ordered vs. Disordered Knowledge)44:30 Tribalism, Politics, & the Pseudo Self45:08 How Undifferentiation Fuels Political Dysfunction51:13 Religion, Performative Piety & the Digital World54:15 What Monasteries Teach Us About Community & Solid Selves See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life rarely unfolds according to plan. A relationship implodes. A move or job change doesn't work out. Or you simply fail in a goal you've set for yourself.My guest has spent almost two decades researching and field-testing how to get back on track when smaller slip-ups and larger upheavals knock you off course. His name is Steve Kamb, and he's the founder of Nerd Fitness and the author of How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS. Today on the show, Steve shares practical principles for dealing with life's frustrating and demoralizing setbacks. We discuss why sometimes the best move is to pause rather than push harder, how to accept reality without resigning yourself to it, why treating change as an experiment can help you beat paralysis and take action, why you should treat consistency with your goals the way you do showering, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastSteve's previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #42: Level Up Your Life With Nerd Fitness & Steve KambEpisode #170: Level Up Your LifeSteve's AoM guest posts:Don’t Be That Guy: The Taxonomy of Lousy Male FriendsHow Superheroes, Movies, and Video Games Taught Me to Conquer FearNerd FitnessMuseum of FailureSunday Firesides: Good Times Are Not Around the Corner (And That's Great News!)Sunday Firesides: Treat Life Like an Experiment"Lightning Fields" by the KillersConnect With Steve KambSteve's websiteSteve on IGSteve on LinkedInSteve on Substack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Walking is one of the most powerful health tools we have. It improves cardiovascular fitness, boosts mood, sharpens cognition, and can even be a predictor of how well you'll age. But all those benefits depend on something we rarely think about until it starts hurting: our feet.For many of us, walking is so automatic that we never consider the mechanics that make it possible. Yet the way we move, the shoes we wear, and the strength of the muscles in our feet can have a profound impact on how comfortably and efficiently we walk. When something goes wrong at our physical foundation, the effects can ripple upward, leading to pain not just in the feet, but in the knees, hips, and back.My guest today is Dr. Milica McDowell, a physical therapist and the co-author of the new book Walk. Today on the show, Milica explains why walking speed may be a hidden vital sign, what gives you your signature walking style, and how to spot and address injury-inducing inefficiencies in your gait. We then talk about feet: whether you should worry about pronation, how to rehab plantar fasciitis — and no, it's not stretching — the best kind of shoes to wear, and much more.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: Solvitur Ambulando — It Is Solved By WalkingAoM podcast episode with Manoush ZomorodiAoM Article: I Started Taking a Walk Every Morning. Here’s What Happened to My HealthAoM Article: 20 Rules for WalkingAoM podcast episode with Matt FitzgeraldAltra shoesVivobarefootLems shoes (this is the pair Brett wears)Tyr weightlifting shoeInjinji toe socksToe spacerStudy on calf raise standardsConnect With Milica McDowellMilica's websiteMilica on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is a rebroadcast.A lot of young men today struggle in finding their footing in adulthood. They feel lost, directionless, and unsure of who they are and how to confidently and competently navigate the world.Part of the reason for this is that most young men today lack something which was once a part of nearly every culture in the world, but has now almost entirely disappeared: a rite of passage.My guest today didn’t want his son to flounder on the way to maturity, nor to miss out on having an initiation into manhood, so he set out to create a 6-year journey for him that would help him move from boy to man. His name is Jon Tyson, and he’s the author of The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character. Today on the show, Jon unpacks the components of the years-long journey into manhood he created for his son, beginning with how he brainstormed those components by doing “The Day Your Son Leaves Home” exercise. We then discuss how old Jon’s son was when he started his rite of passage and why it began with him having a “severing dinner” with his mom. We get into what his rite of passage consisted of, from the kickoff ceremony to the challenges, experiences, trips, and daily rituals Jon used to impart values and teach his son the “5 Shifts of Manhood.” Jon shares how moving his son’s focus from being a good man, to being good at being a man, helped him get remotivated to continue the process, why his rite of passage included a gap year after high school, and how Jon celebrated the end of his son’s journey into becoming a man. We also discuss whether Jon did something similar with his daughter. We end our conversation with some key principles any dad can use to start intentionally helping their kids become well-rounded individuals who can confidently step out on their own and into the world.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: The Importance of FathersAoM Article: The Importance of Male Rites of PassageAoM Article: Male Rites of Passage From Around the WorldAoM Article & Podcast: Man’s Need for RitualAoM Series on the origins, elements, and future of manhoodAoM Article: The 7 Habits — Begin With the End in MindAoM Article: The 3 Families Every Young Man Needs to Grow Up WellJames HollisAoM Article: Carry the FireArt of Manliness’ Carry the Fire Zippo LighterAoM Article: What Is Manliness?AoM Podcast #527 With Richard RohrThe Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan HeathThe Way of Men by Jack DonovanAoM Podcast #49 With Jack DonovanAoM Series on the Four Archetypes of the Mature MasculineAoM Article: 100 Skills Every Man Should KnowAoM Article: 80+ Quotes on Men & ManhoodConnect With Jon TysonPrimal PathJon on TwitterJon on IG0:00 Introduction0:29 Guest Introduction: John Tyson & The Intentional Father2:28 The Research on Fatherless Boys4:54 What Men Lack Without a Rite of Passage8:37 The "Day Your Son Leaves Home" Exercise10:47 Building an Asset Map & Community of Fathers13:37 The Severing Dinner with Mom17:10 The Beach Initiation Ceremony at Age 1320:42 Taking Your Son Back to Your Roots28:14 The Five Shifts of Manhood31:52 Daily Morning Talks, Books & Movies42:32 Good Man vs. Good AT Being a Man46:28 The Archetypes: Lover, Leader, Warrior, Brother, Sage50:01 The Life Arc Interview56:03 The Gap Year as the Ordeal1:01:16 The Capstone Ceremony on the Camino de Santiago1:04:44 Doing Something Similar for His Daughter1:09:09 Key Principles Any Dad Can Start With TodayThat's 17 — let me trim to the 12 most distinct:0:00 Introduction & Why Rites of Passage Have Disappeared2:28 The Research on Fatherless Boys4:54 What Men Lack Without a Rite of Passage8:37 The "Day Your Son Leaves Home" Exercise13:37 The Severing Dinner & Beach Initiation Ceremony20:42 Taking Your Son Back to Your Roots28:14 The Five Shifts of Manhood31:52 Daily Talks, Books & Movies42:32 Good Man vs. Good at Being a Man50:01 The Life Arc Interview56:03 The Gap Year as the Ordeal1:01:16 The Capstone Ceremony & Key Principles for Any Dad See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Old Breed is widely considered one of the greatest war memoirs ever written. Penned by Eugene Sledge, a Marine who fought with the 1st Division — the old breed — in the Pacific campaigns of Peleliu and Okinawa, the book is unflinching, deeply human, and so vividly written that you can practically feel the heat, mud, exhaustion, and terror coming off the page.But Sledge wasn't a professional writer. He was a biology professor who started jotting notes on scraps of paper tucked inside the New Testament he carried in his breast pocket. He wrote the book decades later, partly to process his own trauma, partly to leave a record for his sons.One of those sons is my guest today. Henry Sledge has spent years carrying his father's legacy forward, and he's written his own book — The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed — that pairs his father's combat experience with previously unpublished material and his own perspective as Eugene's son. Today on the show, Henry and I talk about why his dad wrote With the Old Breed, what made fighting in the Pacific uniquely hellish, and how Eugene managed to come home and live a full, honorable life despite carrying the war with him for the rest of his days.Resources Related to the PodcastChina Marine: An Infantryman's Life After World War II by E.B. SledgeHBO series The PacificKen Burns' The WarAoM Article: Eugene B. Sledge Puts Your Problems Into PerspectiveAoM Article: Are You Missing the Forbidden City?Connect With Henry SledgeHenry on IGHenry on FBThanks to This Week's Sponsor!Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/MANLINESS0:00 - Introduction0:41 - About With the Old Breed: Eugene Sledge's War Memoir1:15 - Why Eugene Wrote the Book3:07 - How He Kept Notes in Combat4:20 - Writing & Publishing the Book6:03 - Eugene's Writing Style9:44 - Why Eugene Enlisted as a Private16:03 - Boot Camp Training21:35 - Why Peleliu Is the "Forgotten Battle"27:49 - What Made Fighting on Peleliu Hell31:40 - The Japanese as an Enemy43:10 - Life After the War: Coming Home50:00 - Lessons from With the Old Breed See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back in 2019, David Epstein joined me to talk about his book Range and why generalists often thrive in a specialized world. Now he’s back with a new book that explores a seemingly opposite idea: the power of constraints. In Inside the Box, David argues that limits — deadlines, boundaries, and even setbacks — are often the very things that spark creativity, sharpen focus, and help us actually get meaningful work done.Today on the show, David shares how, in a world of endless freedom and options, constraints might actually be the thing you need most. He shares the surprising true story behind the creation of the periodic table, explains how a broken arm changed the course of his own life, and explores why giving people too much leeway can actually kill innovation. We discuss what Pixar did right that doomed companies like General Magic got wrong, why brainstorming sessions are usually ineffective, how to identify the bottlenecks holding back your work and life, and why learning to settle for “good enough” may be the key to getting more great things done.Resources Related to the PodcastDavid’s previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #512 — Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized WorldPixar’s Tin ToyAoM Article: Curing Your Restlessness — Limiting Your ChoicesThe Goal by Eliyahu M. GoldrattDavid’s This American Life Episode: “Something Only I Can See”AoM Article: Via Negativa — Adding to Your Life By SubtractingConnect With David EpsteinDavid’s website0:00 - Introduction0:40 - David Epstein & "Inside the Box": Overview1:50 - How Range and Constraints Are Connected3:14 - The Real Story Behind the Periodic Table7:00 - How a Broken Arm Changed David's Life10:22 - General Magic: What Happens With No Constraints20:14 - Pixar vs. General Magic: Constraints Done Right25:37 - This American Life's Editing Process31:10 - Finding Your Bottlenecks (The Goal)38:10 - Why Brainstorming Doesn't Work (And What Does)43:00 - The Case for Satisficing (Good Enough)51:11 - When Maximizing Makes Sense See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You hear a lot today about how our ample screentime is affecting our mental health. But how is it affecting our bodies, and how is that impact on our bodies affecting, well, our mental health?My guest today will unpack the ways that digital technology is sapping our vitality, and offer a simple protocol to get it back. Her name is Manoush Zomorodi, and she's the host of the TED Radio Hour and the author of Body Electric. In our conversation, Manoush explains why a day spent sitting in front of screens can leave you exhausted, even though you haven't really done anything, and how small bouts of movement throughout the day can counteract that drain and keep you feeling energized and focused. She shares how much activity you need to offset periods of being sedentary, and how to realistically incorporate these movement breaks into your routine. We also get into the specific effects digital technology is having on our eyes and ears — and what you can do to prevent the damage.Resources Related to the PodcastManoush's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #342 — Why Boredom is Good for You"I Sing the Body Electric" by Walt WhitmanKeith Diaz's studiesAoM Article: The Importance of Building Your Daily Sleep PressureConnect With Manoush ZomorodiManoush's websiteManoush on IG0:00 - Introduction0:41 - Meet Manoush Zomorodi & Body Electric1:10 - Why Are We So Tired After Sitting All Day?5:30 - The Physical Effects of Sitting & Screens on the Body10:02 - Walt Whitman, Clerks & the History of Sedentary Work16:42 - Keith Diaz's Study: 5 Minutes of Movement Every 30 Min20:07 - Testing the Protocol: Manoush's Lab Experience21:15 - The Global Clinical Trial Results29:11 - How to Actually Integrate Movement Breaks Into Your Day32:11 - Even Exercise Isn't Enough If You Sit All Day37:50 - What Screens Are Doing to Your Eyes46:10 - What Earbuds Are Doing to Your Hearing49:22 - How Screens Disrupt Sleep (It's Not Blue Light)  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While we often think of life as linear, my guest’s own life, along with a decade of research, has taught him that it’s anything but. In his latest book, What to Make of a Life, Jim Collins unpacks the cyclical pattern life actually unfolds in, and how to navigate it. He explains how we all go through periods of “fog” — times of disorientation and uncertainty — at least three times: in youth, after a life-changing “cliff” event, and as we move through midlife into older age. We find our way out of these fogs by what Jim calls coming into “frame” — aligning what you're built to do with what you actually do in a way that feels enlivening and meaningful. And Jim unpacks the three elements that help you find, and re-find, this frame over the course of your life.Along the way, Jim shares case studies of these principles at work, and we explore the role of luck, the inevitability of drudgery (even in work you love), and how to keep your inner fire lit over the long haul.Resources Related to the PodcastGood to Great by Jim CollinsAll Rise: The Remarkable Journey of Alan Page by Bill McGraneSelf-Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society by John W. GardnerSunday Firesides: You Never Know How Many Chapters Are Still to ComeSunday Firesides: Do the Right Thing, for Right NowAoM Article: The 5 Best AoM Podcast Episodes on Finding Meaning and PurposeAoM series on finding your life's vocationConnect With Jim CollinsJim's website0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview0:41 - What Is "What to Make of a Life"?2:17 - The Three Seeds That Started the Research7:26 - What Are "Encodings"? Finding What You're Built For8:58 - John Glenn & Gordon Cooper: Encodings in Action14:32 - It's Never Too Late to Find Your Frame (Eisenhower & Franklin)19:34 - Multiple Frames: Alan Page's Second Life in Law25:56 - Navigating Cliffs: Expected vs. Shocking Life Changes31:09 - The Fog: Why Feeling Lost Is Normal40:58 - Simplex Stepping: How to Navigate the Fog49:32 - Flipping the Arrow of Money & Building a Flywheel57:34 - Thriving in the Second Half of Life See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Building substantial personal wealth can feel difficult and out of reach. But my guest says that even those with modest means can, with a few simple decisions and strategies, become millionaires, and even multi-millionaires.David Bach is the author of the bestselling, newly updated personal finance classic, The Automatic Millionaire. Today on the show, we talk about the money management framework that will put you on the path to a free, secure, rich retirement. David explains his controversial "Latte Factor" principle, the astonishing power of compounding interest, how setting your finances on autopilot may be the most important financial move you can make, why he still believes in buying a home as an incomparable way to build wealth, the best way to pay down your debt, and more.Resources Related to the Podcastinvestor.gov compound interest calculatorAoM Article: What Every Young Man Should Know About the Power of Compound InterestAoM Article: Know-Nothing Investing — Index Funds For BeginnersAoM Article: Build Your Wealth — Graduate from a Paycheck Mentality to a Net Worth MentalityAoM Article: A Young Man’s Guide to Understanding Retirement Accounts — IRAsConnect With David BachDavid's websiteDavid on IGDavid on FBDavid on XDavid on YouTubeDavid on LinkedIn0:00 - Introduction0:41 - Meet David Bach & The Automatic Millionaire2:18 - The McIntyre Story: How Ordinary Income Built Millions7:37 - The Latte Factor Explained17:37 - The Power of Compound Interest20:27 - The Rule of 72 & Rate of Return23:32 - Why Starting Early Is the Key to Wealth33:55 - How Much to Save: The Millionaire Formula36:05 - Setting Up Automatic Investing (401k & IRAs)44:23 - Why Homeownership Still Builds Wealth50:22 - How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early47:14 - Paying Down Debt While Saving for Retirement See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When people visit a therapist's office for help with their depression, they often don't find the relief they're seeking. That's because much of the counsel that is traditionally given doesn't offer the context people need to make sense of and preserve their mental well-being.Here to share these missing pieces of perspective and strategy is Dr. Scott Eilers, a clinical psychologist and the author of The Light Between the Leaves: 6 Truths Your Therapist Won't Tell You About Healing Depression and Trauma. Today on the show, Scott shares why the world of psychology doesn't always offer the most useful explanations for why people can sometimes feel alienated from their own lives. We then talk about insights Scott has gleaned from science, nature, and lived experience as to the mindset shifts and habits that can help you stay sharp, steady, and engaged in life — whether you're struggling with chronic depression, or just adrift in a low-grade funk.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM series on depressionAoM Podcast #741: The Exercise Prescription for Depression and AnxietyAoM article and podcast on Rick Hanson's method of "hardwiring happiness"Connect With Scott EilersScott's websiteScott's YouTube channelScott on IGScott on FB0:00 - Introduction0:41 - Meet Dr. Scott Eilers & His Book2:09 - Scott's Personal History with Depression6:23 - What Actually Causes Depression?8:28 - Neurotransmitters & the Biology of Mood14:45 - Why Traditional Therapy Falls Short25:50 - The Road to the Cabin: A Mental Health Metaphor30:22 - Sleep, Nutrition & Self-Care as Treatment31:15 - Exercise: The Most Powerful Tool for Depression40:35 - Envy Is Ignorance: You Can't See to the Bottom of Others' Lives44:23 - Pull the Weeds: Removing Invasive Pleasures51:10 - Keep the Water Flowing: The Power of Having Goals  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pooping. Everybody does it, but a lot of people are embarrassed to talk about it. That's a shame, my guest says, not only because your digestive health is incredibly linked to your overall health, but simply for the fact that there is much happiness to be found in an easy, worry-free constitutional.Harvard gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha is the author of You've Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy. Today on the show, Trisha and I have a fun and frank conversation about the art and science of bowel movements, including the color of healthy stools, how often you should be pooping, if laxatives are safe to use, the food to eat that's even better than prunes for getting things going, why you feel the urge to go poop at Barnes and Noble, the wonders of the bidet, the danger of using your smartphone on the toilet, how to get more comfortable pooping in a public restroom, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: The Top 10 Toilet BooksAoM Article: Be a “Regular” Guy — Tips for Improving Your Daily ConstitutionalThe Squatty Potty"Mariko Aoki phenomenon" — where individuals feel an urgent need to use the bathroom when entering a bookstoreAoM Article: You Need to Eat More FiberConnect With Trisha PasrichaTrisha's websiteTrisha on IG0:00 - Introduction0:41 - Meet Dr. Tricia Pasricha & Her Book1:37 - Why We Need to Talk About Poop More6:48 - What Does Healthy Poop Look Like? (Color Guide)12:58 - Shape, Consistency & Why Poop Floats20:44 - How Often Should You Poop?25:05 - What Causes Constipation (& The Laxative Question)28:44 - The Squatty Potty: Does It Actually Work?30:26 - Why You Have to Poop at Barnes & Noble35:07 - Smartphones on the Toilet & Hemorrhoids39:22 - Pooping in Public & While Traveling44:52 - The Case for the Bidet48:41 - Diet for Optimal Gut Health See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Courage is one of our most prized and celebrated virtues. But once you really start exploring it, the nature of courage is surprisingly hard to pin down.Here to help us explore the fascinating complications of courage is William Ian Miller, a historian, professor of law, and the author of The Mystery of Courage. Today on the show, Bill explains how centuries of philosophers, soldiers, and storytellers have approached courage and the hard-to-answer questions its manifestations raise. We discuss why courage has long been ranked among the highest virtues, the relationship between fear and courage, the fuzzy line between courage and cowardice, the association of courage and manhood, whether or not courage is domain specific, the difference between offensive and defensive courage, whether martyrs are courageous, whether deeds with evil ends are courageous, how fear, shame, and honor shape brave action, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastThe Road to Richmond: The Civil War Memoirs of Maj. Abner R. SmallIf I Die in a Combat Zone: Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O'BrienGood-Bye to All That by Robert GravesThe Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. GrantAoM Article: Developing Manly CourageAoM Article: 9 Ways to Become More CourageousAoM Article: Courage Vs. Boldness — How to Live With Spartan BraveryAoM Podcast #380: How to Increase Your Courage and BraveryAoM Article: The 54 Best Quotes on CourageAoM Article: The Cardinal Virtues — CourageAoM Podcast #763: The Perils and Powers of CowardiceAoM series on honorConnect With William Ian MillerBill's faculty pageThanks to This Week’s Podcast SponsorIncogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/manliness0:00 - Introduction0:41 - What Is "The Mystery of Courage"?1:57 - Why Courage Is Hard to Define6:27 - The Good Coward: A Civil War Story14:00 - Why Courage Is Ranked the Highest Virtue17:20 - The Politics of Courage: Who Gets to Claim It23:00 - Offensive vs. Defensive Courage28:27 - Is Courage Domain-Specific?30:04 - Courage, Manhood & The Female Gaze50:34 - Fear, Shame & Honor in Courageous Acts57:00 - Is Courage Finite? Combat & Exhaustion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We tend to think of genius as something you’re born with — a rare trait possessed by the Einsteins and Teslas of the world. But what if many of the abilities we associate with genius — a great memory, quick problem-solving, mental math, creative insight — are actually trainable skills?My guest today says that’s exactly the case. His name is Nelson Dellis, and he's a six-time USA Memory Champion and the author of the book Everyday Genius.In our conversation, Nelson explains why memory is the foundation of thinking well and why having information stored in your head still matters in the age of ChatGPT. He shares a practical technique for improving your memory, how to read with greater focus and retention, and how to study to actually make information stick. We then talk about the importance of developing “number sense” and how to convert imperial measurements to metric in your head, strategies for solving problems more effectively, and even how to gain an edge in the games of Monopoly and Connect Four. At the end of the conversation, we get into more esoteric territory, including intuition, dreams, and the idea of remote viewing.Resources Related to the PodcastNelson's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #546 — How to Get a Memory Like a Steel TrapAoM Article: 10 Ways to Improve Your MemoryAoM Article: How to Speed Read Like Theodore RooseveltAoM Podcast #385: Learning How to LearnAoM Article: Study Tactics of the Successful Gentleman ScholarThe CIA's remote viewing programConnect With Nelson DellisNelson's websiteNelson on YouTubeThanks to This Week’s Podcast SponsorIncogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/manliness0:00 - Introduction0:41 - What Is "Everyday Genius"? Nelson's Background3:47 - How Did Nelson Get Into Memory Competitions?7:34 - Memory as the Foundation of Genius14:22 - The SEE, LINK, GO Memory Framework22:53 - How to Actually Apply the Memory Palace26:10 - Focused Reading: How to Read Faster & Retain More35:15 - How to Study Effectively (Active Recall & Spaced Repetition)27:05 - Mental Math & Number Sense31:19 - Converting Imperial to Metric in Your Head35:45 - Problem-Solving Like a Genius43:20 - Remote Viewing, Intuition & Dream Journaling See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cold exposure has gotten a lot of attention the past few years, with people dunking themselves in ice baths for the sake of their health and well-being. But, good news here, exposing yourself to heat by sitting in the sauna or even a hot tub, might actually be even better for you, not to mention more pleasant.In his new book, Hotwired: How the Hidden Power of Heat Makes Us Stronger, Bill Gifford unpacks the dichotomy of heat: how it can be both a danger and a healer. In the first part of our conversation, we dive into that former side, discussing what happens when your core temperature gets too high, why some people handle the stress of hot temperatures better than others, and how heat tolerance can actually be trained. We then talk about the advantages of heat exposure over cold exposure, and the benefits of heat for both body and mind, including how it can boost athletic performance and heart health, and may even be an effective treatment for depression. We also talk about how to get the most out of your sauna sessions and how Bill and I like to sauna.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: How to Sauna — All the FAQsAoM Article: How Saunas Can Help Save Your Body, Mind, and SpiritAoM Podcast #585: Inflammation, Saunas, and the New Science of DepressionAoM Podcast #724: The Strange Science of SweatStudy reviewing the health benefits of "sauna bathing"Hotter'n Hell Hundred bike raceConnect with Bill GiffordBill on IGBill on XThanks to This Week’s Podcast SponsorIncogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/manliness0:00 - Introduction1:46 - Meet Bill Gifford & Hot Wired3:50 - What Extreme Heat Does to Your Body11:49 - The Korey Stringer Institute & Heatstroke Treatment13:13 - Heat Tolerance: Why Some People Handle It Better16:13 - Heat Training for Athletic Performance17:24 - Cardiovascular Benefits of Sauna19:03 - The Finnish Sauna Heart Study26:30 - Cold Plunges: Overhyped?30:57 - How to Do Sauna Correctly (Temperature & Duration)33:36 - Heat Therapy for Depression41:33 - What Americans Can Learn from Nordic Sauna Culture See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we fail to make desired progress in life, most of us put the blame on physical and environmental limits. But my guest says that what's really holding people back is what's in their heads.Nir Eyal is the author of Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results. Today on the show, he argues that much of how we think about ourselves, our abilities, and what’s possible becomes our reality, and that getting what we want in life often comes down to changing how we perceive it. Drawing on research in neuroscience and psychology, Nir shares the three powers of belief, and how they direct your attention, alter your expectations, shape your sense of agency, and determine whether you stick with hard things long enough to see results. Along the way, he shares ways to identify and challenge the limiting beliefs that can sabotage your goals and relationships.Resources Related to the PodcastNir's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #553 — How to Become IndistractableAoM Article: How Reframing Builds ResilienceAoM podcast episode on William James and pragmatismConnect with Nir EyalNir's websiteThanks to This Week’s Podcast SponsorIncogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/manliness0:00 - Introduction1:41 - Meet Nir Eyal & Beyond Belief2:04 - Nir's 30-Year Struggle with Weight5:04 - The Missing Factor in Motivation (Belief Triangle)7:49 - Beliefs vs. Facts vs. Faith9:16 - Beliefs Are Tools, Not Truths13:15 - Power of Belief #1: Attention (We Don't See Reality Clearly)17:46 - Seeing Isn't Believing — Believing Is Seeing22:46 - Rumination & How It Deepens Limiting Beliefs24:27 - The Turnaround: 4 Questions to Challenge Faulty Beliefs (Nir's Mom Story)36:10 - Power of Belief #2: Anticipation (Placebo Steroids & Wine Study)45:00 - Power of Belief #3: Agency (Internal vs. External Locus of Control) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to building a happy and meaningful life, most of us rely on a grab bag of strategies — habits and goals around work, relationships, and health. But my guest today would argue that in the quest for true flourishing, there’s a deeper element that not only ties together those efforts, but organizes and energizes them: purpose.Vic Strecher is a professor of public health, a behavioral scientist, and the author of Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything. We begin our conversation with Vic's powerful story of how losing his 19-year-old daughter led him to discover how purpose can fundamentally reshape your life. Vic then unpacks the dramatic impact purpose has on your physical and mental health. He shares some guideposts on finding your own purpose, what kinds of aims foster the most fulfillment, why finding purpose isn't a one-and-done process, and why becoming purposeful can make life feel less like a tug-of-war and more like stepping into a strong current that carries you forward.Resources Related to the PodcastThe Purposeful appAoM Article:The Power of PurposeThe 5 Best AoM Podcast Episodes on Finding Meaning and PurposeAoM Podcast #1,051: Man’s Search for Meaning, With Viktor Frankl’s GrandsonConnect with Vic StrecherVic's faculty pageVic on LinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're looking for a way to improve your fitness, boost your mental health, and reconnect with a deeply human activity — all without going to the gym or pounding your knees on a daily run — then rucking may be the practice you've been looking for.Rucking is simple: throw some weight on your back and start walking. But a little context and a few key tips can make it a safer, more effective, and more satisfying experience. Here to unpack those principles and practicals is Michael Easter, author of Walk With Weight: The Definitive Guide to Rucking. Michael and I first explore the evolutionary and military history of carrying load. We then dive into why rucking is perhaps the most accessible form of training for strength and stamina, and such an effective tool for alleviating back pain, building bone health, and fostering fat loss. We get into using a backpack versus a weighted vest, how much weight you should carry, and how you can get started today with stuff you've probably already got lying around.Resources Related to the PodcastMichael's previous appearances on the AoM podcast: Episode #708: Overcome the Comfort CrisisEpisode #930: Break Your Bad Habits by Escaping the Scarcity LoopThe Comfort Crisis by Michael EasterAoM Article: Cardio for the Man Who Hates Cardio — The Benefits of RuckingAoM podcast interview with the founder of GoRuckAoM Podcast #682: Get RuckingAoM Article: Don’t Just Lift Heavy, Carry HeavyAoM Article: How to Take Care of Feet on a Hike or RuckAoM Article: One Weird Trick for Busting Through a Weight-Loss PlateauAoM Article: The Benefits of Hanging for Strength and MobilityAoM Article: Lessons From the Roman Art of WarGoRuckConnect with Michael EasterMichael's Substack: Two PercentThanks to This Week’s Podcast SponsorIncogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/manliness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The awkward silence at work when everyone knows a project is going off the rails.The simmering resentment in a marriage over an issue neither spouse will confront.The dysfunction in a church where certain topics are understood to be off-limits.My guest, Joseph Grenny, says that some of the biggest problems in every organization, from businesses to families, aren't the issues themselves, but people's inability to talk about them. Joseph is a business social scientist and consultant, and the co-author of the bestselling book Crucial Conversations. For decades, he’s studied why people shut down or blow up when the stakes are high, emotions are strong, and opinions differ.Today on the show, we talk about what makes a conversation “crucial,” why our brains betray us in conflict, and how to escape the false choice between maintaining a relationship and speaking honestly. From figuring out what kind of conversation you need to have, to creating the right conditions for connection, to dealing with criticism, we unpack how to have the conversations you’ve been avoiding — at work, at home, and everywhere else.Connect With Joseph GrennyCrucial Learning websiteJoseph on LinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Of all the books in the Bible, Ecclesiastes is arguably the most philosophical. Dark, experiential, existential, and unsparingly honest about the human condition, it wrestles with work, money, ambition, pleasure, time, and death — and it does so in a way that feels uncannily modern. Whether you approach it as sacred scripture or simply as ancient wisdom literature, Ecclesiastes has something to say to anyone who’s ever chased success, gotten what they wanted, and then wondered, Is this really it?Here to unpack this ancient philosophy is Bobby Jamieson, a pastor and the author of Everything Is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes’ Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness. We discuss why Ecclesiastes resonates so strongly in our age of acceleration and control, why so much of life can feel absurd and unsatisfying, and how the book ultimately shows us how to enjoy — and even embrace — what first appears to be vanity of vanities.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #956: Feeling Depressed and Discombobulated? Social Acceleration May Be to BlameDying Breed Article: Resonance as an Antidote to Social AccelerationAoM Podcast #1,100: Money and Meaning — What Faith Traditions Teach Us About Personal FinanceThe Uncontrollability of the World by Hartmut RosaJerry Seinfeld on saving timeConnect with Bobby JamiesonBobby on XThanks to Today's SponsorSurfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/manliness or use code MANLINESS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not long ago, the primary concern people had about boys was that they were wild, impulsive, and out of control — getting into fights, pushing limits, and stirring up trouble. Today, the problem has flipped. The more common challenge isn’t reckless behavior, but inert passivity. More and more young men are anxious, apathetic, socially isolated, and seemingly uninterested in doing much of anything at all.Vince Benevento, the founder of Causeway Collaborative — a male-specific counseling center — and the author of Boys Will Be Men: 8 Lessons for the Lost American Male, has spent nearly two decades working on the front lines of this shift. As a therapist, coach, and mentor who specializes in helping young men between the ages of 14 and 30, Vince has worked with both the combustible and the checked-out and developed a clear, experience-honed framework for what actually helps guys get unstuck, take ownership of their lives, and move forward with purpose.In today’s conversation, we unpack what Vince has learned through years of work with boys and men, and how his approach — which is rooted more in action than in talk — can be applied not just in the therapist’s office, but by parents and mentors. We dig into why traditional therapy often fails young men, and how to give them the drive, accountability, and sense of connection they crave. We discuss the importance of teaching young men to build life “brick by brick” and helping them find their wild, their thing, and a good group of friends.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a ManAoM Podcast #926: The 5 Shifts of ManhoodAoM Podcast #1,028: The 5 Marks of a ManAoM Podcast #886: What the World of Psychology Gets Wrong About MenAoM Article: Get Your Son Out of His BedroomAoM Article: How Labeling Your Emotions Can Help You Take Control See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all had that feeling — you meet someone new, and the conversation just flows. You’re in sync. You click. But what’s really happening when that magic occurs?My guest today is journalist Kate Murphy, author of Why We Click: The Emerging Science of Interpersonal Synchrony, and she says this experience isn’t just a vibe, it’s a measurable physiological phenomenon and the most consequential social dynamic most people have never heard of. In our conversation, we dig into what happens when people click, why syncing with others feels so good, and how it influences everything from friendships to teamwork to romantic relationships. We also talk about why some people have a knack for connection, how you can become more “clickable,” and why video calls are the worst.Resources Related to the PodcastDying Breed article: Resonance as an Antidote to Social AccelerationKate's previous book: You're Not ListeningSunday Firesides: Be Someone's Atmospheric GetawayAoM Article: The Importance of Eye Contact See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

American football is so big — so braided into our weekends, our language, and our culture — that it can be hard to see it clearly as a whole.In his new book, Football, Chuck Klosterman helps us see the game from unexpected angles, and argues that football isn’t just a sport, it’s a kind of national operating system. Chuck explains how it became the dominant televised spectacle in America, despite having elements that should count against it. We then explore football as a simulation — of war, of reality, and even of itself — and how its simulation through video games has actually fed back into the sport itself. We also talk about who Chuck thinks is the GOAT (hint: it's not Tom Brady), and the difference between achievement and greatness. At the end of our conversation, Chuck lays out a compelling argument for why football may be headed for a steep and surprising fall.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #248: Why Football MattersAoM Podcast #1,061: Are You Not Entertained? The Myths and Truths About Roman GladiatorsAoM Podcast #1,044: What Sports Betting Is Really Doing to Players, Games, and FansThanks to This Week's Podcast SponsorIncogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/manliness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We usually think of money as something very practical, concrete, and secular; we earn it, save it, spend it, and crunch the numbers behind it. But money is never just about money: it reflects our values, our priorities — and even our spiritual life.My guest today, Tom Levinson, knows this well. He’s a financial advisor who studied religion at Harvard Divinity School and thought about becoming a rabbi. Now, he helps people navigate not just their portfolios, but the deeper questions that come with them.In today’s conversation, Tom shares the greater meaning around money, what the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions say about it, and how financial practices like budgeting can be spiritual disciplines.Resources Related to the PodcastAll That's Holy: A Young Guy, an Old Car, and the Search for God in America by Tom LevinsonAoM Article: The Spiritual Disciplines — SimplicityAoM Podcast #363: Budgeting Doesn’t Have to SuckConnect With Tom LevinsonTom's podcast: Money, Meet MeaningTom on LinkedInThanks to This Week's Podcast SponsorSurfshark VPN. Go to https://surfshark.com/manliness or use code MANLINESS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For decades, fitness culture has tended to break people into two categories: you’re either a strength guy or an endurance guy. You lift heavy or run far — but not both.But my guest today says you don't have to choose; you can excel at both modalities and be ready for anything.Alex Viada is a coach, a physiologist, and the author of The Hybrid Athlete. He’s a powerlifter who's also completed Ironman triathlons, and he's deadlifted 700 pounds and run an ultramarathon in the same week. Even if your goals are much more modest — you'd like to, say, set some weightlifting PRs in the gym and be able to run a decent 5k — Alex's training philosophy can help you combine lifting and endurance in a smart, sustainable way that builds true all-around fitness.In our conversation, Alex explains how to combine training for strength with distance sports like running or cycling, how to test your progress, how to recognize and avoid the two kinds of fatigue, and why becoming a hybrid athlete will help you live more adventurously — and more capably.Resources Related to the PodcastAlex's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #860: Get Fit, Not Fried — The Benefits of Zone 2 CardioAoM Article: A Guide to the Biggest Thing Missing From Your Fitness Routine — Zone 2 TrainingAoM Podcast #970: The Misconceptions of HIIT (And the Role It Can Play in Your Fitness Routine)AoM Podcast #787: Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow)AoM Podcast #777: Becoming a Hybrid AthleteConnect With Alex ViadaComplete Human PerformanceAlex on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most of us chase goals — starting a business, running a marathon, getting a promotion — without ever asking: What are the actual odds this will work?My guest today says those odds aren’t just graspable — they’re hackable.Kyle Austin Young is a strategy consultant and the author of Success Is a Numbers Game. He argues that every goal comes with a hidden probability of success or failure, and by thinking strategically — rather than just hoping for the best — you can tilt the odds in your favor.In the first part of our conversation, Kyle explains the three common ways people pursue goals and their potential downsides. We then unpack how to approach your goals through probability hacking. We discuss how to spot the weak links in your plan, how to map out a “success diagram” that helps you avoid common pitfalls and pursue goals more intelligently, and how to use these same principles to know when you should quit a goal.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #387: Think Like a Poker Player to Make Better DecisionsAoM Podcast #840: When to QuitAoM Podcast #490: Can You Learn to Be Lucky?Connect With Kyle Austin YoungKyle's websiteKyle on LinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is a rebroadcast. Happiness is the subject of thousands of articles, podcasts, and scientific studies. Yet all this focus on happiness doesn’t seem to be making people any happier. In fact, the more they try to be happy, especially by fighting to get rid of bad feelings and cling to good ones, the more unhappy people often become.My guest would say that the first step in escaping this negative cycle is redefining what happiness even means — thinking of it not as a state of feeling good but of doing good.His name is Russ Harris and he’s a therapist and the author of The Happiness Trap.Today on the show, Russ explains how struggling against difficult feelings and thoughts just makes them stronger — amplifying instead of diminishing stress, anxiety, depression, and self-consciousness — and how simply obeying your emotions doesn’t work out any better. He then unpacks the alternative approach to happiness espoused by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. With ACT, you allow both hard and pleasant feelings to coexist, and unhook from the latter so that they no longer jerk you around. This allows you to focus on taking action on your values to create a meaningful, flourishing life, or in other words, real happiness.Resources Related to the EpisodeAoM Podcast #614: Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life With the Founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Steven HayesAoM Article: From Overwhelmed to Empowered — How Labeling Your Emotions Can Help You Take ControlConnect With Russ HarrisRuss’ Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Books are everywhere. They're so common, they're easy to take for granted. But my guest argues that they’re worth fully appreciating — because the book isn’t just a container for content; it’s a revolutionary technology for shaping culture and thought.Joel Miller is a former publishing executive, an editor, a book reviewer, and the author of The Idea Machine: How Books Built Our World and Shape Our Future. Today on the show, Joel argues that to appreciate the power of the book, you have to look at its design: how it's constructed, how we interact with it, and how its evolution transformed the way we think, learn, and communicate. He walks us through a fascinating history of the book as a physical object, from Augustine reading under a fig tree, to medieval monks introducing word spacing and punctuation, to the printing press’s world-altering explosion of information. We also explore how novels changed our emotional and social intelligence, how silent reading birthed individual interpretation, and why, even in an age of video and AI, books still matter.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM book-related archivesDying Breed Article: Why I Hate Making (and Watching) Online VideosAoM Article: Why Men Should Read More FictionAoM Article: Fiction for Men as Suggested by Art of Manliness ReadersAoM Podcast #1,057: The Power of the Notebook — The History and Practice of Thinking on PaperConnect With Joel MillerMiller's Book Review See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most of us know what we should do to be healthier: eat better, move more, sleep well. The real challenge? Actually following through.On today’s show, I talk to behavioral psychologist Amantha Imber, author of The Health Habit, who argues that the missing piece in most health advice isn’t more information — it’s learning how to bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.Amantha first outlines four “habit hijackers” that sabotage your best-laid plans and shares practical, research-backed tactics to overcome each one. We then dive into some specific health habits that will give you a lot of transformative bang for your buck. We discuss how restricting your sleep can help you sleep better, the truth about the popular 10,000 steps a day recommendation, the underrated power of an after-dinner walk, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastHijacker Survey LinkRelated AoM Podcasts:The Psychology of Effective Weight LossHow to Hack the Habit Loop to Build a Better LifeThe Microbiome Master KeyRelated AoM Articles: Unlocking the Science of HabitsThe Science of Drive: 5 Theories of MotivationThe Power of Temptation BundlingThe 10 Best Ways to Make Exercise an Unbreakable HabitThe Importance of a Good Start: Using Temporal Landmarks to Achieve Your GoalsAoM “Sleep” archivesAoM “Habits” archivesThe Power of Implementation IntentionsThe Digestive Power of an After-Dinner WalkThe Existential in Red Dead Redemption 2 Sleep Restriction and Cognitive Behavioral TherapyStudy: Holding the Hunger Games Hostage at the GymStudy: “I Don’t” vs “I Can’t” Study: The Fresh Start EffectStudy: Designing More Effective Goals by Using Emergency Reserves (“Hall Passes”) Study: Untapping the Health Enhancing Potential of Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA)Study: Reduced exertion high-intensity interval trainingConnect With Amantha ImberAmantha's websiteAmantha on LinkedInAmantha on InstagramAmantha's podcast, How I Work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a lot of debate these days about what it means to be a man. But maybe the answer is simpler than we think, and a lot of masculinity just comes down to confident competence. A broad set of know-how. The ability to get stuff done. The capacity to move through the world with purpose and skill.As someone who's lived several lives in one, Elliot Ackerman certainly embodies that ethos. He's a decorated Marine, a former CIA paramilitary officer, a National Book Award-nominated novelist, and now the writer of A Man Should Know, a column at The Free Press that explores the small but significant skills that shape a man’s life.Today on the show, Elliot and I talk about why young men are struggling, how intention, discipline, and competence can change the way a man carries himself, and a few of the specific skills a man should know — from how to wear a watch to how to give a eulogy.Resources Related to the PodcastElliot's novelsElliot's "A Man Should Know:" columns:How to Introduce YourselfHow to Be a FriendHow to Own a WatchFields of Fire by James WebbThe Things They Carried by Tim O'BrienThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. SalingerAoM Article: 100 Skills Every Man Should KnowAoM Skills ArchivesAoM Podcast #307: Make Your Bed, Change the WorldAoM Article: 10 Ways to Be a Better Husband TodayAoM Article: How to Choose a WatchAoM Article: How to Give a EulogyAoM Article: A Eulogy for My Grandfather, William D. HurstThe Poetics of Manhood: Contest and Identity in a Cretan Mountain Village by Michael HerzfeldAoM Article: MacGyver Manhood and the Art of Masculine ImprovisationFree Press discount code: subscribe at thefp.com/manliness, and save 10% off your first yearConnect With Elliot AckermanElliot on IGElliot on X See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is a rebroadcast. It’s a tough job to manage a household. Things need to be regularly fixed, maintained, and cleaned. How do you stay on top of these tasks in order to keep your home in tip-top shape?My guest knows his way all around this issue and has some field-tested, insider advice to offer. Charles MacPherson spent two decades as the major-domo or chief butler of a grand household. He’s also the founder of North America’s only registered school for butlers and household managers and the author of several books drawn from his butlering experience, including The Butler Speaks: A Return to Proper Etiquette, Stylish Entertaining, and the Art of Good Housekeeping.In the first part of our conversation, Charles charts the history of domestic service and describes why the practice of having servants like a butler and maid ebbed in the mid-20th century but has made a comeback today. We then turn to what average folks who don’t have a household staff can do to better manage their homes. Charles recommends keeping something called a “butler’s book” to stay on top of household schedules and maintenance checklists. We then discuss how to clean your home more logically and efficiently. Charles shares his golden rules of house cleaning, the cleaning task you’ve probably neglected (hint: go take a look at the side of the door on your dishwasher), his surprising choice for the best product to use to clean your shower, how often you should change your bedsheets, and much more.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: How to Establish a Simple Cleaning Routine and Stick to ItAoM Article: How to Clean Your Entire House in 30 MinutesAoM Article: How to Clean Like a ManAoM Article: Keep Your House in Tip-Top Shape — An Incredibly Handy Home Maintenance ChecklistAoM Article The Butler’s Book: How to Create the Instruction Manual For Your HomeAoM Article: Towards a Philosophy of Household ManagementThe Book of Household Management by Isabella BeetonConnect With Charles MacPhersonCharles’ website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When people think of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, they often picture tweedy Oxford professors and beloved fantasy authors. But their writing wasn't drawn only from their bucolic days teaching at Oxford and walking in the English countryside; it had a darker, deeper backdrop: the trenches of World War I and the cataclysm of World War II. Lewis and Tolkien weren't just fantasy writers — they were war veterans, cultural critics, and men with firsthand knowledge of evil, heroism, and sacrifice.In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joseph Loconte, returning to the show to discuss his latest book, The War for Middle Earth. We explore how both world wars shaped the perspectives of Tolkien and Lewis, found their way into works like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, and infused their literary masterpieces with moral weight, spiritual depth, and timeless themes of resistance, friendship, and redemption. We also talk about the legendary friendship between Tolkien and Lewis, the creation of the Inklings, and how the men demonstrated the countercultural power of imaginative storytelling.Resources Related to the PodcastRelated AoM podcasts:#178: The Inklings Mastermind Group#272: Lewis, Tolkien, and the Myth of Progress (Loconte’s first appearance on the AoM podcast)#430: Why You Need to Join the Great Conversation About the Great Books#499: A Fascinating Primer on Norse Mythology #594: How Churchill (and London) Survived the Blitz of 1940#723: Men Without Chests#765: C.S. Lewis on Building Men With Chests#951: The Hobbit VirtuesRelated AoM articlesThe Power of Conversation: A Lesson from CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Lessons in Manliness from Viking Mythology Lessons in Manliness: The HobbitMen Without Chests“Blood, Sweat, and Tears” speech by Winston Churchill4 Classic Chapter Books to Read Aloud With Your KidsRelated outside articles:Tolkien’s Deadly Dragons Munich AgreementOwen BarfieldTolkien books mentioned:The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Beowulf translated by Tolkien The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings Beren and Luthien Letters from Father Christmas Lewis books mentioned:The Letters of C.S. Lewis The Collected Poems of C.S. Lewis The Pilgrim’s RegressThe Chronicles of NarniaThe Great DivorceThe Screwtape Letters The Space Trilogy The Four LovesMere Christianity The Reading Life Related books by other authors:Tolkien and the Great War by John GarthThe Somme by Martin GilbertThe Guns of August by Barbara TuchmanThe Future of an Illusion by Sigmund FreudThe Aeneid by VirgilPhantastes by George MacDonaldThe Vinland SagasThe Iliad and The Odyssey by HomerThe Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas MaloryConnect With Joseph LoconteJoseph's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we think about what shaped our life trajectory, we often focus on the way our parents raised us. But what about our siblings? What role do they play in who we become?My guest today makes the case that siblings may be just as influential as parents in impacting how we turn out.Her name is Susan Dominus, and she’s a journalist and the author of The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success. Susan and I start our conversation by unpacking the broader question of what drives human development more — nature or nurture. We then dig into how siblings shape us, from the impact of birth order to how rivalry can raise our ambitions and alter our life paths. Along the way, we also explore the influence parents do have on their kids — and why it may not be as strong as we often think.Connect With Susan DominusSusan's websiteSusan's faculty pageSusan at the NYT See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a story from ancient Greek philosophy, Hercules faces a choice between two paths: one promising pleasure and ease; the other, hardship and struggle — but also growth and greatness. According to today’s guest, this ancient parable is more relevant than ever.Dr. Paul Taylor, a psychophysiologist and the author of the new book The Hardiness Effect, returns to the show to argue that comfort has become our default mode — and it’s making us mentally and physically sick. To reclaim health and meaning, we must actively choose the path of arete — a life of effort, engagement, and challenge.Paul first outlines the four traits that define a psychologically hardy person and how we grow by embracing and even relishing discomfort. We then dive into the physiological side of hardiness. We discuss how intentionally seeking stressors can strengthen both body and mind and some of the practices and protocols that lead to optimal health. We end our conversation with what tackling heroic, Herculean labors looks like today.Resources Related to the PodcastPaul's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #941 — How to Avoid Death by ComfortAoM Podcast #1,087: Why You Need the Good Stress of SocializingAoM Podcast #793: The New Science of Metabolism and Weight Loss with Herman PontzerThe Choice of Hercules AoM podcast on the benefits of sunlight"Don't Die: Eat More Small Fish" by Michael EasterAoM Article: Nature’s Prescription — The 20-5-3 Rule for Spending Time OutdoorsNorwegian 4X4 HIIT ProtocolAoM article on Zone 2 CardioOmega-3 testingConnect With Paul TaylorPaul's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We live in a culture that does everything it can to keep death at a distance. We hide it behind hospital curtains, euphemize it in conversation, and hustle through grief like it's just another item on the to-do list. We don't want death to get in the way of living.But my guest would say that making friends with death is the key to fully embracing life. Joanna Ebenstein is the founder of Morbid Anatomy, a project that uses exhibitions, lectures, and classes to explore how death intersects with history and culture. She's also the author of Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life. Today on the show, Joanna shares why we lost a more intimate relationship with death and the life-stifling consequences of that disconnect. We discuss practices for coming to terms with death and removing our fear of it, including looking at memento mori art, meditating on death, talking to the dead, and simply taking care of the practicalities surrounding our inevitable departure.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: What Man Understands That He Is Dying Daily? (This Is Your Life)AoM Article: Memento Mori — Art to Help You Meditate on Death and Become a Better ManAoM Article: A Primer on Advance DirectivesAoM Article: How To Protect Your Legacy — A 3-Step Guide to Estate PlanningSunday Firesides: Look Into the TombSunday Firesides: As I Am NowVictorian Memorial HairworkThe Dance of DeathVanitas artThe Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise by Martín PrechtelSleeping Beauty: Memorial Photography in America by Stanley B. Burns Death: A Graveside Companion by Joanna EbensteinConnect With Joanna EbensteinMorbid Anatomy websiteJoanna's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you went to high school in America, you probably read Moby-Dick — or, more likely, you skimmed the CliffsNotes and wondered why this dense, whale-obsessed novel was considered a classic.That was me in 10th grade.But earlier this year, I decided to revisit Moby-Dick in midlife, and it hit me completely differently. What once seemed like a tedious story about a guy chasing a whale revealed itself to be a profound meditation on free will, perception, self-reliance, leadership, and obsession. It’s now one of my favorite novels.To help unpack why Moby-Dick endures — and why it might be worth picking up again— I’m joined by Mark Cirino, a professor of American literature. Today on the show, we discuss why Moby-Dick was initially overlooked, the novel’s major themes, and the timeless mystery of Captain Ahab’s monomaniacal quest.Resources Related to the PodcastMark's previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #786: The Writing Life of Ernest HemingwayEpisode #922: For Whom the Bell TollsOne True PodcastThe Norton Library PodcastMark's Norton Library Edition of A Farewell to ArmsConnect With Mark CirinoMark’s faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There's been a lot of talk about morning routines in the last few years. But the idea is hardly new; famous men from Thomas Aquinas to Benjamin Franklin structured their mornings to accomplish great deeds and live flourishing lives.A modern advocate of this age-old practice is Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning, first published nearly twenty years ago. Long before morning routines became a trend, Hal was experimenting with his own — researching and refining what actually works. Through his experiences and those of the millions who’ve tried his approach, he’s cut through the aspirational noise to offer a doable, effective framework for starting your day right. Today on the show, Hal shares the six practices of the Miracle Morning routine, why he chose them, and how they set up your day for success. We also discuss how long the routine takes and how a shortened version can be done in just six minutes, as well as how to make it work if you're not a morning person. Along the way, I share what my own morning routine looks like.Resources Related to the PodcastThe Stockdale ParadoxAoM Article: Bookend Your Day — The Power of Morning and Evening RoutinesAoM Article: How to Hardwire Your HappinessConnect With Hal ElrodHal's websiteHal on IGHal on FBHal on XHal on LinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean to be a man? It’s a timeless question that's been answered in different ways across the ages. For the ancient Romans, the word for manliness was virtus — the root of our word virtue. To be a man meant living a life of virtuous excellence.Waller Newell takes up that same definition in his book The Code of Man, first published twenty years ago and now released in a new edition. Today on the show, Waller, a professor of political science, argues that we need to recover an older vision of manhood rooted in the traditions of Western antiquity. He shares the five paths that, in his view, form the classical code of manliness and how they can continue to be lived out today.Resources Related to the PodcastWaller's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #104 — The Code of Man With Waller NewellAoM Article: What Is Manliness?AoM series on the origins and nature of manhoodAoM Podcast #1,028: The 5 Marks of a ManAoM Podcast #926: The 5 Shifts of ManhoodAoM Article: Got Thumos?AoM Article: What Is a Man? The Allegory of the ChariotAoM Podcast #871: Jane Austen for DudesSunday Firesides: Climb the Ladder of LoveConnect With Waller NewellWaller's websiteWaller's faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You may have heard of hormesis — the idea that intentionally embracing small stressors activates the body’s repair and defense systems, building resilience, improving how the body and even the microbiome function, and ultimately protecting against the harms of chronic stress.We typically think of these hormetic stressors in terms of things like exercising, taking ice baths, sitting in a sauna, and ingesting certain plant compounds. But you ought to consider adding socializing to that list.As my guest today explains, while we tend to avoid socializing as we do all stressors — even the good ones — it's something that can strengthen our health, resilience, immunity, and sense of meaning. Jeffrey Hall, professor of communication studies and co-author of The Social Biome: How Everyday Communication Connects and Shapes Us, joins me to discuss why relationships are harder to build in the modern world, how our adolescent approach to making friends needs to evolve, and why we must intentionally “exercise” our social muscles in a world where they'll otherwise atrophy.Resources Related to the PodcastJeffrey's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #772 — How Long Does It Take to Make Friends (And How Does That Process Work, Anyway)?AoM Article: 3 Things No One Ever Told You About Making Friends in AdulthoodAoM Article: The Importance of Developing and Maintaining Your Social FitnessAoM Podcast #863: Key Insights From the Longest Study on HappinessAoM Article: Love Is All You Need — Insights from the Longest Longitudinal Study on Men Ever ConductedConnect With Jeffrey HallKU’s Relationships and Technology LabJeffrey's faculty pageJeffrey on LinkedInJeffrey on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you’ve never stepped foot in a weight room or you’ve been lifting for years without seeing significant results, figuring out how to get big, strong, and jacked can feel overwhelming. There are endless programs, conflicting opinions, and a lot of noise about what actually works.Today on the show, Paul Horn offers a grounded, field-tested take on what really helps average guys get stronger and more muscular — without burning out. Paul is a strength coach and the author of Radically Simple Strength and Radically Simple Muscle. We discuss why you need to get strong before you get shredded, how and why Paul modified the classic Starting Strength program, the strength benchmarks men should be able to hit, when to shift from powerlifting to bodybuilding-style training, why you should train your lower body like a powerlifter and your upper body like a bodybuilder, the physique signal that shows you're in shape, the body fat percentage every man should get down to at least once in his life, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #154: Strength Training for EveryoneAoM Podcast #302: My Workout Routine & The Benefits of a Strength CoachAoM Podcast #826: From Novice to Advanced — The Weightlifter’s JourneyAoM Article: The Re-Rise of the MachinesAoM Article: Getting Ripped vs. Getting StrongPaul's video on how to stretch your shoulders for the low-bar back squatStarting Strength by Mark RippetoeAoM barbell training videos with Mark RippetoeConnect With Paul HornPaul's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For generations, the path to adulthood was straightforward: go to college, get a job, build a life. But many young men are beginning to question the college component of that path; tuition keeps rising, A.I. has made the professional landscape more uncertain, and there's just a sense that after four years at college, guys graduate feeling like they haven't been very challenged, haven't much changed, and haven't gained a lot of real confidence, competence, and concrete know-how.My guest today, Matt Smith, has created an alternative to college — a 4-year, 16-cycle curriculum designed to shape participants into Renaissance Men: skilled, self-reliant, and grounded in character. Matt co-authored The Preparation with his son Maxim, who is currently working his way through the program.In the first half of our conversation, Matt shares what kickstarted this idea and what's lacking in the education model for young men today. We then turn to the nuts and bolts of The Preparation, and Matt walks us through several of the program’s hands-on cycles — including earning EMT certification, building a house, and training as a fighter in Thailand — and how gaining these real-world skills prepares a young man for whatever is next in life.After the show is over, check out the show notes at aom.is/thepreparation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Modern medicine has given us incredible tools to peer inside the body and spot disease earlier than ever before. But with that power comes a problem: the more we look, the more we find — and not everything we find needs fixing.My guest today, neurologist Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan, argues that our culture of over-diagnosis is leaving many people more anxious, more medicalized, and sometimes less healthy. In her book The Age of Diagnosis: How Our Obsession with Medical Labels Is Making Us Sicker, she explains how screening tests, shifting definitions of “normal,” and the rise of mental health labels can turn ordinary struggles or idiosyncrasies into problems in need of treatment. We dig into everything from cancer and diabetes to Lyme disease and ADHD and discuss how diagnosis really works, why screening can sometimes harm as much as it helps, and how to know when a label is and isn't useful. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people think of anger as a problem — something to avoid or repress. It’s irrational, immature, and best left behind.But what if anger isn’t bad? What if it can actually be an incredibly positive, productive, energizing life force?My guest argues we’ve misunderstood anger — and that doing so has made us more anxious, depressed, and stuck. His name is Sam Parker, and he’s a journalist and the author of Good Anger: How Rethinking Rage Can Change Our Lives. Today on the show, we explore the surprising psychology and philosophy of anger. Sam explains how anger should be understood as a neutral emotion that imparts valuable information. He shares why we confuse anger with aggression, how anger can point to unmet needs and violated boundaries, and why repressing it might be damaging our health. We also talk about anger’s role in work, creativity, and relationships, and how to channel anger to help us achieve more, maintain our self-respect, and live a more grounded life.If you’ve ever thought anger was something to outgrow, this conversation may just change your mind.Resources Related to the PodcastMarcia Reynolds' TEDx Talk: How to Use Anger as a Force for GoodAoM Podcast #489: How to Get a Handle on Your AngerAoM Article: How Labeling Your Emotions Can Help You Take ControlConnect With Sam ParkerSam's websiteSam on XSam's Substack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you picture a gunfighter, you probably think of a Hollywood cowboy — spurs jangling, six-shooter on his hip, squaring off at high noon in a dusty frontier town. But gunfighters weren’t just products of Hollywood. They were real men who lived and died by a code: one rooted in a particular sense of honor.My guest today is Bryan Burrough, author of The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild. We dig into the true story behind America’s gunfighting era — how it grew out of the South’s dueling culture, was intensified by the violence of post–Civil War Texas, and spread across the frontier via the cattle drive. We explore why so many gunfights had less to do with crime and more to do with reputation, why the Colt revolver transformed personal conflict into deadly spectacle, and how young men came to see violence as a rite of manhood. Along the way, Bryan also explores how gunfighters went from frontier figures to pop culture icons — and which films, in his view, captured their essence best.Resources Related to the PodcastJohnny RingoJohn Wesley HardinWild Bill HickokGunfight at the O.K. CorralFight scene in Gangs of New YorkAoM Article: The Best Western Movies Ever MadeAoM Article: 21 Western Novels Every Man Should ReadAoM series on honor, including What Is Honor? and Honor in the American South See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The ancient art of rhetoric has shaped political policies, influenced social movements, structured legal arguments, and molded cultural narratives throughout history. It's been used for three thousand years to persuade other people to change their lives.But what if you could use it to persuade yourself?My guest today says you can. Jay Heinrichs is the author of Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion, and he explains how the same rhetorical techniques that great leaders and orators have used for millennia can be turned inward to help you change your life. We discuss how to identify your "soul" as your internal audience, use the concept of kairos to turn chaos into opportunity, create hyperbolic moonshot goals that inspire action even if you fall short, and employ ethos, pathos, and logos to achieve the habits and goals you aspire to. Along the way, we talk about how Jay used these self-leadership tools to go from barely being able to walk to attempting an athletic feat physiologists told him was impossible.Resources Related to the PodcastJay's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #639 — Why You Should Learn the Lost Art of RhetoricAoM series on Rhetoric 101Connect With Jay HeinrichsJay's websiteArgueLab See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making big decisions can feel paralyzing. Whether it's choosing a new job, moving to a different city, or deciding if you should break up with someone, these choices can keep you agonizingly stuck, forever cycling through pros and cons.My guest can help you finally choose and move forward. That's what she does for a living. Nell Wulfhart is a professional decision coach who has all her clients reach a decision within a one-hour session. Today on the show, she explains why people get stuck when faced with big choices, why we often take way longer than we need to make a decision, and how this actually makes our lives worse. Nell then walks us through two practical exercises she uses with her clients to home in on the right option, and shares her tips on overcoming the paralysis that often attends making a big decision, as well as how to deal with the regret that inevitably comes with making tough choices.Maybe by the time our hour together is over, you'll have finally made the big decision that's been weighing on your mind. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a world that often feels dominated by technology and constant change, it’s easy to forget that some people are still living by the rhythms of ancient traditions. James Rebanks, an author and shepherd, is one of them, and in today's episode, he shares what following a way of life that has endured for thousands of years can teach us about modern life and the things that matter.James offers a glimpse at the often ignored and misunderstood world of pastoral life in England's Lake District, which isn't just about working with sheep and cattle but maintaining a deep connection to past generations, a commitment to community, and a sense of purpose. He takes us through the life of a fell shepherd, where the timeless values of hard work, seasonality, stewardship, and stillness still get lived out day to day.Resources Related to the PodcastJames' booksGrazing SchoolThe Poetics of Manhood by Michael HerzfeldBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererDying Breed article: 5 Things Farmers Have Taught Me About Work, Life, and LegacyWendell Berry's booksRegeneratist Allen WilliamsRegeneratist Greg JudyConnect With James RebanksJames on XJames on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're on an airplane that crash lands. Smoke fills the cabin, and you've got only seconds to react. How would you respond? Would you immediately take action — or freeze in place?While you might think you know how a scene like this would play out from watching movies, the reality of what occurs in the aftermath of a disaster is quite a bit different. And that knowledge gap could prove deadly.My guest, Amanda Ripley, spent years researching how humans actually respond in emergencies, interviewing their survivors, as well leading researchers. In her book, The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why, she uncovers the myths and realities of survival psychology and explores the individual and structural factors that shape people's outcomes in unexpected crises. Today, Amanda explains why the biggest threat during an emergency isn't panic but passivity — and how to overcome the tendency to be overly complacent and compliant. We discuss why you might actually want to read the airplane safety card, what we can learn from the surprising calm that prevailed in the World Trade Center towers on 9/11, how to improve your risk assessment, what influences if you'll act heroically in an emergency, and much more. This episode will give you plenty to think about — and could even make the difference in how you respond if you're ever faced with the unthinkable.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM article on how to develop situational awareness AoM article on why people respond passively to emergencies Box breathing Beverly Hills Supper Club fire Rick Rescorla Connect With Amanda RipleyAmanda's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've heard the advice that to build wealth, you need to earn more, spend less, and invest consistently. But what if there was a clearer way to understand exactly where you stand financially — and what steps you should take to reach the next level?My guest, Nick Maggiulli, offers just such a framework. Nick is the creator of the Of Dollars And Data blog, the Chief Operating Officer at Ritholtz Wealth Management, and the author of The Wealth Ladder. Today on the show, he unpacks the Wealth Ladder concept, taking the complex, often overwhelming concept of personal finance and distilling it into six easy-to-understand wealth levels, each tied to specific net-worth milestones and financial freedoms.Nick walks us through each rung of the Wealth Ladder, from getting out of financial instability to achieving restaurant and travel freedom, and eventually reaching upper levels of significant financial independence. We discuss the distinct strategies you should utilize on each rung to make the most of that level and move on to the next. And we get into why your spending decisions should be based on your net worth rather than your income, how wealth allocation changes dramatically as you climb the ladder, and why increasing your earning potential becomes more important than penny-pinching as you progress.Whether you're just getting started or well on your financial journey, this episode provides actionable insights and practical wisdom for climbing the Wealth Ladder and securing a life of greater freedom and fulfillment.Resources Related to the Podcast Nick's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #836 — Data-Backed Answers to Personal Finance Controversies Nick's previous book: Just Keep Buying: Proven Ways to Save Money and Build Your Wealth Nick's article: What is Coast FIRE? The Ultimate Guide to Semi-Retirement The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions Connect With Nick Maggiulli Of Dollars and Data blog Nick on X Nick on LinkedIn Nick on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you think of the microbiome, you probably think of your gut. But bacteria live all over your body. And they’re incredibly numerous; you play host to about as many microbes — a hundred trillion of them — as you do human cells.As my guest will explain, these microbial ecosystems are not only ubiquitous but hugely influential for your health — impacting everything from your weight and mood to your risk of developing many diseases.Dr. Brett Finlay is a microbiologist and the co-author of The Microbiome Master Key. Today on the show, Brett explains what the microbiome is, how modern life — including our overemphasis on hygiene — has damaged it, and how the quality of your microbiome is connected to nine of the top ten leading causes of death, as well as everything from depression to Parkinson’s. Brett also shares how we can boost the health of our microbiome, including whether probiotic supplements are effective, how something as simple as flossing your teeth can cut your risk of Alzheimer’s by 50%, and why you might want to let your dog lick you in the face.Resources Related to the Podcast Let Them Eat Dirt documentary AoM Article: How and Why to Eat More Fiber AoM Article Don’t Be a Stick in the Mud — Why You Should Let Your Kids Get Dirty Probiotic gum Connect With Brett FinlayBrett’s faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All the neurochemicals in the brain have to do with life in the present. Except for one: dopamine. Dopamine is the one neurochemical that looks to the future. It anticipates what may be to come and drives you towards it.That can be a good thing — dopamine is one powerful motivator — but it also has its downsides. Here to help us understand how the most important chemical in the brain works and how to deal with its pitfalls is Michael Long. Michael is a trained physicist turned writer whose latest book is Taming the Molecule of More. Mike and I discuss how dopamine, for better and worse, makes you want what you don't have. He shares what causes low dopamine activity, how to know if you're experiencing it, and what increases dopamine. We then talk about how to deal with the consequences of dopamine in some of the scenarios in which it plays a role — like losing the spark in a relationship and getting stuck in a smartphone scroll habit — and why so much of taming dopamine comes down to living in the here and now. We end our conversation with why The Great Gatsby is really a novel about dopamine and the fundamental answer to not letting the dopamine chase lead you around.Resources Related to the Podcast Mike's previous appearance on the AoM podcast AoM Article: How to Do a Dopamine Reset AoM Podcast #745: Do You Need to Take a Dopamine Fast? AoM Article: Your Life Explained Through Dopamine Connect With Michael Long  Taming the Molecule website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is a rebroadcast.A lot of self-improvement advice and content feels empty. And there’s a reason for that. It often offers routines and habits to practice, but doesn’t offer a strong, overarching reason to practice them.That’s why the self-improvement advice of the Founding Fathers is particularly compelling. Though they were imperfect men, they had a clear why for trying to become better than they were. For the Founders, life was about the pursuit of happiness, and they equated happiness with excellence and virtue — a state that wasn’t about feeling good, but being good. The Founders pursued happiness not only for the personal benefit in satisfaction and tranquility it conferred, but for the way the attainment of virtue would benefit society as a whole; they believed that political self-government required personal self-government.Today on the show, Jeffrey Rosen, a professor of law, the president of the National Constitution Center, and the author of The Pursuit of Happiness, shares the book the Founders read that particularly influenced their idea of happiness as virtue and self-mastery. We talk about the schedules and routines the Founders kept, the self-examination practices they did to improve their character, and how they worked on their flaws, believing that, while moral perfection was ultimately an impossible goal to obtain, it was still something worth striving for.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM’s series on Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues Ben Franklin Virtues Journal available in the AoM Store AoM Article: Young Benjamin Franklin’s Plan of Conduct AoM Article: Thomas Jefferson’s 10 Rules for Life AoM Article: The Libraries of Famous Men — Thomas Jefferson’s Recommended Reading AoM Article: The Best John Adams Quotes AoM Article: George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation AoM Podcast #366: Teach Yourself Like George Washington AoM Article: The Spiritual Disciplines — Study and Self-Examination Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero The Golden Verses of Pythagoras  Connect With Jeffrey Rosen The National Constitution Center website  We the People podcast Jeffrey’s faculty page Jeffrey on X See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you’re feeling stressed, burnt out, and anxious — when you’re striving and achieving but still finding yourself persistently dissatisfied with life — you might start looking for answers beyond what’s offered by contemporary self-help.One ancient philosophy that can cast light on the sources of and solutions to our seemingly modern dilemmas is Buddhism. If you’ve ever been intrigued by Buddhism but admittedly only have a vague sense of what it’s all about, Brendan Barca — co-author of The Daily Buddhist: 366 Days of Mindful Living — will walk you through its foundational principles.We begin our conversation with how Buddhism is similar to and different from other ancient philosophies like Stoicism, and Brendan offers an accessible introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. In the second half of our conversation, we explore how Buddhist principles and practices can be applied to our everyday modern lives and help you deal with the anxiety created by living in an impermanent world, shift your perspective on daily challenges, and cultivate greater compassion and patience. We discuss different meditation methods, the real purpose of meditation, and how to get started with it as a beginner. We end our conversation with the Buddha’s final words and what it means to “strive with vigilance.”Resources Related to the Podcast Shamatha Meditation Vipassana (Insight) Meditation Tonglen Meditation AoM Article: A Primer on Meditation Connect With Brendan Barca The Daily Buddhist website The Daily Buddhist on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the traits you’ve been taught to suppress your entire career are actually the very qualities that separate those who get what they want from those who stay stuck waiting for recognition that never comes?Today on the show, Jenny Wood argues that most of us are living in what she calls “an invisible cage” created by an overabundance of caution, and that the biggest lie you’ve been told in your career is to keep your head down and let your work speak for itself.Jenny is a former Google executive who developed a career development program used by 56,000 people in nearly 100 countries, and she’s the author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. In our conversation, Jenny explains how traits that have a negative rap can be used for positive ends that will advance your career. We discuss how being shameless, reckless, nosy, manipulative, obsessed, and more can help you overcome your success-hindering fears, take bolder action, and achieve your goals.Calm the chaos of order fulfillment with the shipping software that delivers. Go to shipstation.com and use code MANLINESS to sign up for your FREE trial.Connect With Jenny WoodJenny’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Rick Burgess was growing up, his father, Bill Burgess, was also his football coach. But Bill was a mentor on and off the field not only for his own son but for the many young men he coached at both the high school and collegiate level. Though Bill has passed on, his lessons remain timeless and valuable for all men. Today on the show, Rick shares some of his old-school wisdom with us. Rick is a radio host, a men's ministry leader, and the author of Men Don't Run in the Rain: A Son's Reflections on Life, Faith, and an Iconic Father. In our conversation, he discusses what his dad taught him through football and beyond, including why men don't run in the rain and why you need to get out of the stands, avoid being stupid, refuse to rest on your laurels, understand the difference between confidence and arrogance, and take full responsibility for your life without making excuses. We also talk about how Rick drew upon his father's wisdom when tragedy struck his life.  After the show is over, check out the show notes at aom.is/rain See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That Dwight D. Eisenhower became Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe, orchestrating the largest amphibious invasion in history on June 6, 1944, was far from inevitable.He came from the middle of nowhere — Abilene, Kansas — had never led men in battle, spent most of his career as a staff officer, and didn’t make general until he was in his fifties.How, then, did he become the leader on whom the fate of the world would rest?Today, we trace the making of Ike with Michel Paradis, author of The Light of Battle. We talk about how Eisenhower’s Midwestern upbringing shaped his character, and how his most important education happened outside the classroom. Michel shares how crucial mentors were in Ike’s development, and how Eisenhower made the most of those relationships. We discuss the books that were most formative in shaping his thinking, including what he got from Nietzsche. We also get into some of the practices Eisenhower used to lead effectively, including how he budgeted his time to maintain his morale while under the pressure of planning D-Day and what he did the evening before the invasion to deal with the stress.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Podcast #641: How Eisenhower Led — A Conversation with Ike’s Granddaughter AoM series on Eisenhower’s leadership AoM Podcast #996: Remembering D-Day 80 Years Later The Line Man’s Bible: A Football Textbook of Detailed Instruction by Ernest Graves. Sunday Firesides: You Never Know How Many Chapters Are Still to Come Fox Conner The Czar of Halfaday Creek by James B. Hendryx Connect With Michel Paradis Michel on LinkedIn Michel's faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The British just seem like a classier bunch. Part of it is that winning accent. But it's also because English culture has long been steeped in the tradition of learning and practicing etiquette.Here to share some of the essentials of modern etiquette that are important no matter which side of the pond you live on is William Hanson, a British etiquette expert and the author of Just Good Manners. William shares the difference between manners and etiquette, and why young people are especially interested in both. He then takes us through how to introduce yourself and others, the history behind the "no elbows on the table" mantra, the rules of small talk, some overlooked guidelines for table manners, how to enter a conversational circle at a party, considerations for elevator etiquette, and much more. Whether you're dining at a fancy restaurant or just want to navigate social situations with more confidence, William's insights will help you present yourself with the panache of a proper English gentleman.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Podcast #897: Answers to the FAQ of Modern Etiquette AoM Podcast #422: Men & Manners — Tipping, Emojis, and Much More AoM Article: The Importance of Good Manners AoM Article: How to Acquire Good Manners AoM Article: A Man’s Guide to Dining Etiquette and Proper Table Manners AoM Article: How to Make Introductions Like a Gentleman AoM Article: How to Make Small Talk AoM's Complete Guide to Giving a Great Handshake Connect With William Hanson William's website William on TikTok William on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Uncertainty is a constant of human existence. How will market conditions affect your new business venture? What will be the results of the medical test you just took? Will a new relationship work out?For most of us, situations of uncertainty trigger anxiety, even fear. But the stress of uncertainty doesn't have to overwhelm you. You can learn to navigate it with secure, adaptable confidence so you can keep thriving and progress towards your ultimate goals.Today on the show, Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander, returns to share insights from his new book Masters of Uncertainty. He first explains why thinking that life will be predictable keeps people from realizing their potential. He then walks us through practical techniques for dealing with uncertainty like "moving horizons," creating meaningful goals that work with our brain chemistry, and de-stressing your body so you can be more resilient and make better decisions under pressure. We also discuss how understanding your unique attributes will help you understand how you react to uncertainty and how teams can implement "dynamic subordination" to adapt in rapidly changing environments.Resources Related to the Podcast Rich's previous appearance on the AoM podcast — #738: The Character Traits That Drive Optimal Performance AoM Article: 5 Tools for Thriving in Uncertainty AoM Article: The Best Books to Read in Uncertain Times The Physiological Sigh Connect With Rich Diviney The Attributes website Rich on LinkedIn Rich on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Community is one of life's most valuable but increasingly scarce resources. While we hear about a supposed epidemic of male loneliness, many men still resist joining groups or struggle to maintain involvement after initial enthusiasm wanes.Today on the show, Frank Schwartz will help us understand the barriers to building male community and how to overcome them. Frank is the CEO of F3, a free, all-volunteer men's leadership organization that uses workouts to bring men together and supports hundreds of decentralized chapters worldwide.In the first half of our conversation, Frank explains the psychology behind men's hesitation to join groups, how to navigate the "wish dream" of idealized community, and why expecting perfection kills participation. We then discuss what makes leadership in a decentralized group different from traditional hierarchies, the importance of embracing messiness, and why allowing men to make their own decisions creates stronger leaders than giving them a rulebook to follow. We end our conversation with Frank's perspective on cultivating patience as a leader and how to measure success when building a community of men.Resources Related to the Podcast F3 AoM Podcast #324: How Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith Are the Cure for Sad Clown Syndrome QSource: The F3 Manual of Virtuous Leadership by David "Dredd" Redding AoM article on phronesis/practical wisdom Dying Breed article on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's vision of community Connect With Frank Schwartz Frank on LinkedIn Frank on X See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Figuring out the pitfalls and best practices of adulthood can be tricky. It's helpful to have some pearls of wisdom to guide you along the way.My guest today has spent decades collecting these kinds of helpful truths and has crafted her own guiding mantras of maturity.Gretchen Rubin is the author of numerous bestselling books, including The Happiness Project, and her latest, Secrets of Adulthood. Today on the show, Gretchen shares how she came to write hundreds of aphorisms on how to navigate life, and we dig into some of my favorites of these concise, sage sayings. Amongst many topics, we discuss why "happiness doesn't always make us feel happy," the best strategy for changing ourselves, a very useful heuristic for making decisions, why you should wear a favorite sweater more often, and even why big top tables at restaurants are one of my pet peeves.Resources Related to the Podcast Gretchen's books Gretchen's "What's the next new habit that will make you happier?" quiz AoM Article: The Self-Deception Destroying Maxims of Francois de La Rochefoucauld AoM Article: Nietzsche’s 66 Best Aphorisms AoM Article: Just Go to Sleep Sunday Firesides: Life Is for Living Connect With Gretchen Rubin Gretchen's website Gretchen on IG Gretchen on FB Gretchen on LinkedIn   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feelings of burnout and boredom have become prevalent in modern life. To understand the roots of and solutions to these issues, we can turn to both ancient philosophers and contemporary thinkers. Among the latter is Korean-German philosopher Byung-Chul Han, whose thought-provoking analyses are gaining increasing recognition.If you’re not yet familiar with Han’s philosophy, Steven Knepper, a professor at the Virginia Military Institute and the co-author of a new critical introduction to this modern philosopher’s work, will take us on a tour of some of Han’s key ideas. In the first part of our conversation, Steven unpacks Han’s concept of the “burnout society” and why so many of us feel tired from participating in what he calls “auto-exploitation” and “positive violence.” We then discuss how our burnout society is also a “palliative society” that tries to avoid suffering at all costs and how our obsession with health has turned us into a modern version of Nietzsche’s “last man.” We end our discussion with some of Han’s ideas for resisting the pitfalls of modernity, including embracing ritual, contemplation, and an openness to the mystery of others.Resources Related to the Podcast Byung-Chul Han’s books, including The Burnout Society and The Palliative Society Shop Class as Soulcraft and The World Beyond Your Head by Matthew B. Crawford New Verse Review Steven’s work at The Lamp Dying Breed Article: Resonance as an Antidote to Social Acceleration Dying Breed Article: What Nietzsche’s Typewriter Brain Can Tell Us About Twitter Brain Sunday Firesides: Protect the Sanctum Sanctorum of Selfhood Sunday Firesides: We Need as Much Meaning Extension as Life Extension Connect With Steven KnepperSteven at VMI See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you have a goal to lose weight? If so, you're probably thinking about how you need to exercise more. And that can certainly help. But what about the 23 hours a day you're not at the gym? How much you move during those hours — from walking to the mailbox to fidgeting at your desk — can be just as important in winning the battle of the bulge.Here to explain the importance of what's called non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, is Dr. James Levine, a professor, the co-director of the Mayo Clinic's Obesity Solutions Initiative, the inventor of the treadmill desk, and the author of Get Up!: Why Your Chair Is Killing You and What You Can Do About It. James explains how much more sedentary we are than we used to be and what happens to your body when, as the average American does, you spend two-thirds of your day sitting. He shares how doing the lightest kinds of physical activity, even standing more, can help you lose a significant amount of weight and improve other aspects of health, from your sleep to your mood. And we talk about how to easily incorporate more NEAT into your day.Resources Related to the Podcast Role of Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis in Resistance to Fat Gain in Humans — James' overfeeding study AoM Article: The Digestive Power of an After-Dinner Walk AoM Podcast #552: How to Optimize Your Metabolism AoM Article: The Importance of Building Your Daily Sleep Pressure See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The era of artificially intelligent large language models is upon us and isn't going away. Rather, AI tools like ChatGPT are only going to get better and better and affect more and more areas of human life.If you haven't yet felt both amazed and unsettled by these technologies, you probably haven't explored their true capabilities.My guest today will explain why everyone should spend at least 10 hours experimenting with these chatbots, what it means to live in an age where AI can pass the bar exam, beat humans at complex tests, and even make us question our own creative abilities, what AI might mean for the future of work and education, and how to use these new tools to enhance rather than detract from your humanity.Ethan Mollick is a professor at the Wharton business school and the author of Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI. Today on the show, Ethan explains the impact of the rise of AI and why we should learn to utilize tools like ChatGPT as a collaborator — a co-worker, co-teacher, co-researcher, and coach. He offers practical insights into harnessing AI to complement your own thinking, remove tedious tasks from your workday, and amplify your productivity. We'll also explore how to craft effective prompts for large language models, maximize their potential, and thoughtfully navigate what may be the most profound technological shift of our lifetimes.Connect With Ethan Mollick Ethan's faculty page One Useful Thing Substack Ethan on LinkedIn Ethan on Bluesky Ethan on X See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you scroll through social media feeds today, you’ll find countless posts about “living your truth” and “being authentic.” These ideas feel so natural to us now that we rarely stop to ask where they came from or what they really mean.The concept of identity — how we understand ourselves — has undergone a radical transformation over the centuries. What once was defined primarily by external markers like family, profession, and community has shifted dramatically toward inner feelings, desires, and psychological experiences.Today on the show, Carl Trueman unpacks this profound change and how we got to the lens through which we view ourselves today. Carl is a professor, theologian, and the author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Throughout our conversation, he explores the insights of three key thinkers — Charles Taylor, Philip Rieff, and Alasdair MacIntyre — who have mapped the historical and cultural shifts that have transformed our ideas of identity. We discuss how this transformation has reshaped politics, education, and religion, while considering whether we’ve lost something essential in moving from a shared understanding of human nature to an increasingly individualized conception of self.Resources Related to the Podcast The Triumph of the Therapeutic: Uses of Faith After Freud by Philip Rieff Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity by Charles Taylor After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory by Alasdair MacIntyre The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis AoM Podcast #723: Men Without Chests AoM Article: 3 Essential Books for Understanding Our Disorienting Modern World AoM Article: Why Are Modern Debates on Morality So Shrill? Carl’s writing at First Things Connect With Carl TruemanCarl’s faculty page  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Resilience is often touted as the end all, be all of coping with life's challenges and setbacks. But my guest knows from her studies, executive coaching, and her own life that sometimes resilience just isn't enough. You need an even more durable source of strength.Dr. Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist and researcher and the author of Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos. Today on the show, Tasha explains why the concept of resilience rose to prominence in the 2010s, how resilience can be improved a little as a skill, but is largely an exhaustible capacity, and how you know when you're hitting your "resilience ceiling." We then talk about the more sustainable skillset and strength of becoming shatterproof. We discuss the potential to grow forward instead of simply bouncing back, the psychological needs that have to be met to become shatterproof, and research-backed tools for thriving in life instead of just surviving.Resources Related to the Podcast Tasha's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #644 — How to Develop Greater Self-Awareness AoM Article: On Becoming Antifragile Self-determination theory Sunday Firesides: You Don't Have the Time, Not to Take the Time Connect With Tasha Eurich Tasha's website Shatterproof website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The human urge to explore has taken us to every corner of the planet. From the highest peaks to far-flung islands to even the deepest dimensions of an idea, our species has an innate drive to venture into the unknown.But what exactly drives this need to explore? Is it genetic, cognitive, or something else entirely?Here to unpack this question is Alex Hutchinson, author of The Explorers Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map. Today on the show, Alex shares the fascinating science behind our exploratory tendencies, from the dopamine-driven "explorer's gene" that varies across populations to the universal cognitive frameworks that govern how we navigate both physical and mental landscapes. He explains the delicate balance between exploring new possibilities and exploiting what we already know, and why we sometimes find meaning in difficult challenges. We also discuss why younger people explore more than older people do, how this decline in exploration doesn't have to be inevitable, and how to keep exploring throughout your entire life.Resources Related to the Podcast Alex’s previous appearances on the AoM podcast: Episode #382: How to Lift More, Run Faster, and Endure Longer Episode #538: Research-Backed Answers to All Your Fitness FAQs Episode #1,021: You Were Born to Run AoM Podcast #534: How Navigation Makes Us Human The Wundt Curve Connect With Alex HutchinsonAlex’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you think about ancient gladiators, you likely have a certain vision that comes to mind: slaves forced to fight to the death for the entertainment of bloodthirsty Romans.But much of what we think we know about gladiators is actually wrong.Today on the show, Alexander Mariotti will separate the just-as-fascinating fact from popular-culture-derived fiction when it comes to gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome. Alexander is a historian and an expert on gladiators who's served as a consultant for shows and films like Spartacus and Gladiator II.In our conversation, Alexander explains how gladiatorial games evolved from funeral rites into professional sporting events featuring the greatest superstar athletes and sex symbols of the day. We discuss the different types of gladiators, their rigorous training regimens, why gladiators fought in their underwear, and whether they actually fought to the death. Alexander describes what a day at the Colosseum was really like, complete with elaborate special effects, halftime shows, souvenirs, and even concessions. And we talk about the connections between the gladiatorial games and the sports and spectacle culture of today, and why, despite the passage of two millennia, these ancient athletes continue to captivate our imagination.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: Lessons in Manliness from Gladiator AoM Article: The Men in the Arena–A Primer on Roman Gladiators Gladiator Gladiator II Spartacus series "Gladiator 2 History Consultant Hits Back at Inaccuracy Claims" Connect With Alexander MariottiAlexander's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Face-to-face socializing in America has declined by more than 20% nationwide. Among some groups, like young adults and unmarried men, the drop is closer to 40%.But strangely, this hasn’t led to the loneliness epidemic that you hear so much about. Instead, we’re seeing a new phenomenon: rising aloneness without rising loneliness.Today on the show, Derek Thompson will help us understand this puzzling disconnect and its profound implications. Derek is a staff writer at The Atlantic who recently wrote a piece entitled “The Anti-Social Century.” In the first half of our conversation, Derek unpacks the cultural shifts and technological developments — and no, it’s not just the smartphone — that have created what he calls the “convenience curse.” We then get into why even self-described introverts are often happier when forced to socialize, the concerning trend of young men settling further and further into isolating, sedentary leisure, and practical ways we can strengthen our atrophied social muscles to become better, happier people.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: The Importance of Developing and Maintaining Your Social Fitness AoM Podcast #742: The Power of Talking to Strangers AoM Article: Introversion as an Excuse AoM Podcast #176: The Vanishing Neighbor & The Transformation of American Community AoM Article: Use Technology Like the Amish Connect With Derek ThompsonDerek on X See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People commonly think of time as a fixed, linear, objective structure. But our own experiences belie this belief. We’ve all been in situations where time has seemed to drag on or speed up, and there are even whole periods of our lives that seem to have gone by slower or faster.As my guest Steve Taylor will explain, time is a lot more fluid and moldable than we often recognize. Steve is a psychologist and the author of Time Expansion Experiences: The Psychology of Time Perception and the Illusion of Linear Time. Today on the show, he unpacks the four laws of psychological time. He discusses the theories as to why time speeds up as we get older and what factors slow down and speed up time. We delve into the way time particularly expands in accidents and emergencies, giving people the ability to take life-saving measures. And we discuss why some people are more likely to have time expansion experiences than others, and what you can do to slow down time and make your life feel longer as a result.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: Be a Time Wizard — How to Slow Down and Speed Up Time AoM Article: More Footage — Take the One-Month “Do Something New Every Day” Challenge Connect With Steve TaylorSteve’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pornography is more prevalent and accessible than ever before, yet its effects on relationships, mental health, and human development aren't popularly well understood. Discussions on the topic are often engaged in from an emotional or religious point of view; less typical is a discussion of pornography from an empirical frame.My guest today, Dr. Brian Willoughby, a social scientist who has spent the past 15 years studying porn's impacts, will unpack what the research actually says about how it affects personal well-being, relationship satisfaction, and sexual expectations. We discuss the latest data on porn use across different demographics, how porn impacts religious versus non-religious populations differently, and how exposure affects kids. Brian shares whether using porn causes erectile dysfunction and depression, what parents should know about talking to their kids about porn, the main risk of porn that's typically under-discussed, and more.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM's series on porn and how to quit it (also available as an ebook) NYT article that Brian was interviewed for: "It’s Time to Talk About Pornography, Scholars Say" Most People With Addiction Simply Grow Out of It NYT article: "The Teen Trend of Sexual Choking" Brian's research Connect With Brian Willoughby Brian's faculty page Brian at the Wheatley Institute See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The idea for the Art of Manliness came to me 17 years ago as I was standing in the magazine section of a Borders bookstore. As inspiration struck, I took my Moleskine out of my pocket and jotted down some notes, like potential names — I considered things like “The Manly Arts” before settling on “The Art of Manliness” — categories of content, and initial article ideas. Almost two decades later, the fruits of those notebook jottings are still bearing out.That’s the power of a pocket pad’s possibilities, something Roland Allen explores in The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper. Today on the show, Roland traces the fascinating history of notebooks and how they went from a business technology for accounting to a creative technology for artists. We talk about how famous figures from Leonardo da Vinci to Theodore Roosevelt used notebooks, the different forms notebooks have taken from the Italian zibaldone to the friendship book to the modern bullet journal, and why keeping a personal diary has fallen out of favor. Along the way, we discuss ways you can fruitfully use notebooks today, and why, even in our digital age, they remain an irreplaceable tool for thinking and creativity.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: 100 Ways to Use Your Pocket Notebook AoM Article: The Manly Tradition of the Pocket Notebook AoM Article: The Pocket Notebooks of 20 Famous Men AoM Podcast #194: The Field Notes of Theodore Roosevelt AoM Article: The Right and Wrong Way to Journal AoM Article: Finally Understand How to Keep a Bullet Journal Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks Charles Darwin’s notebooks John Locke’s Method for Commonplace Books Connect With Roland AllenRoland’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot of people go into marriage with a 50/50 mindset. Everything in the relationship — from tangible things like childcare and chores to intangible things like the effort and energy needed to keep the partnership going — is supposed to be divided equally.The 50/50 approach to relationships is all about fairness. And that seems sensible and rational.But, my guest says, it actually sabotages relational happiness.Nate Klemp is a former philosophy professor and the co-author, along with his wife, of The 80/80 Marriage: A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Relationship. Today on the show, Nate shares how cognitive biases skew our perception of our contributions to a relationship, what happens when couples get stuck in the 50/50 mindset of domestic scorekeeping, and how shifting to an 80/80 model of “radical generosity” can create an upward spiral of connection and appreciation. And we discuss practical ways to divide household responsibilities, decide how much time to spend with each spouse’s respective parents, and establish values that will guide your partnership as you navigate life changes and work towards a spirit of shared success.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM article and podcast on how to hold a weekly marriage meeting AoM Article: Towards a Philosophy of Household Management AoM Article: Beware the Tit for Tat Trap Connect With Nate Klemp 80/80 Marriage website Nate’s website Nate on LinkedIn Nate on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For several decades, people's reported sleep quality has declined. This, despite the fact that specially optimized sheets, mattresses, and sleep trackers have emerged during that time, and despite the fact that the amount of time people are sleeping hasn't decreased for over fifty years.In other words, people aren't sleeping less than they used to, but are less happy about their sleep than ever before.My guest would say that to improve our experience of sleep, we'd be better off looking past the reams of modern advice out there and back in time — way, way back in time.Today on the show, Dr. Merijn van de Laar, a recovering insomniac, sleep therapist, and the author of How toSleep Like a Caveman: Ancient Wisdom for a Better Night's Rest, will tell us how learning about our prehistoric ancestors' sleep can help us relax about our own. He explains that the behaviors we think of as sleep problems are actually normal, natural, and even adaptive. We talk about why hunter-gatherers actually sleep less than we think we need to, how their natural wake periods during the night might explain our own sleep patterns, the methods they use to get better sleep, and why our modern efforts to optimize sleep could be making it worse. Merijn shares when it's okay to use a smartphone before bed, the myth that you have to get eight hours of sleep a night, how to intentionally use sleep deprivation to improve your sleep, and more.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: 22 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep AoM Article: What Every Man Should Know About Sleep AoM Article: What to Do When You Can’t Sleep AoM Article: The Importance of Building Your Daily Sleep Pressure AoM Podcast #661: Get Better Sleep by Stressing About It Less AoM Podcast #736: Could Sleeping in Separate Beds Improve Your Relationship? Study: Hadza sleep biology — Evidence for flexible sleep-wake patterns in hunter-gatherers Connect With Merijn van de LaarMerijn's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There has been a lot of cultural discussion of the way digital technologies and social media contribute to things like political polarization and adolescent depression.But as I'll explore with Nicholas Carr, the author of Superbloom, our digital tools are also changing our ability to connect with others and our sense of self in less appreciated ways.Today on the show, Nicholas unpacks why the optimistic idea that more communication is always better hasn't panned out and how the speed and volume of modern communication is overwhelming our human capacity to process information and maintain meaningful relationships. We discuss why the "messiness" of pre-digital communication might have actually been better for us, how email has evolved from thoughtful letters to rushed messages, and why seeing more of people online often makes us like them less. Nicholas also explains why having different versions of ourselves for different contexts was actually healthy and the simple rubric for better managing our relationship with digital communication tools.Resources Related to the Podcast Nicholas' previous appearances on the AoM podcast: Episode #276: Utopia is Creepy Episode #632: How the Internet Makes Our Minds Shallow Charles Horton Cooley AoM Article: More Than Ever, the Medium Is the Message Connect With Nicholas Carr Nicholas' website Nicholas' Substack, New Cartographies See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When people get stuck in their job or personal life, the common response is to either work harder or shrug and accept that "that's just the way things are."My guest today has a much better solution to getting moving and making progress again.Dan Heath is a bestselling author whose latest book is Reset: How to Change What's Not Working. Today on the show, Dan shares how to escape from ineffective systems and the inertia of continuing to do things the way they've always been done by pressing on leverage points — places where a little bit of effort yields disproportionate returns. Dan explains why you need "to go and see the work," why meaningful change requires "restacking resources," how short, focused "bursts" of effort often accomplish more than prolonged campaigns, how sometimes being inefficient can actually make us more effective, and more. Along the way, Dan shares plenty of stories and examples that illustrate how to implement these principles into your work, relationships, and family.Resources Related to the Podcast Dan's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #591 — Solve Problems Before They Become Problems AoM Article: You Need a Reset Day AoM Podcast #896: The Art and Science of Getting Unstuck YouTube video: Spotify Engineering Culture Connect With Dan HeathDan's website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think about a time you've had to speak in front of others — maybe during a work presentation, a wedding toast, or even on a first date. Did you struggle with using too many filler words, such as "um" and "like," talk too fast, or awkwardly ramble?Most of us try to fix these saboteurs of speech by giving ourselves mental mantras: "Slow down"; "Think about what you want to say."But my guest would say that becoming a more engaging and effective speaker comes down to realizing that it's a very physical act that requires getting out of your head and into your body.Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication coach who has worked with everyone from presidential candidates to business executives, is the author of Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. Today on the show, Michael explains why you need to treat speaking as a sport and shares embodied drills and exercises — from playing with Legos to talking with a wine cork in your mouth to throwing a ball against a wall — that will fix common delivery problems, including eliminating ums, enhancing vocal variety, and managing your gestures.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: Becoming Well-Spoken — How to Minimize Your Uhs and Ums AoM Podcast #698: The Secrets of Public Speaking From History’s Greatest Orators AoM Podcast #732: Tips From a Top TED Talker on How to Be Heard Connect With Michael Chad Hoeppner GK Training Don't Say Um website  Michael on LinkedIn Michael on X See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I first read Man's Search for Meaning by the neurologist, psychologist, and philosopher Viktor Frankl in high school, and I have re-read it several times since. It's one of the books that's had the biggest impact on my life, so it was a real treat to speak with Alexander Vesely, Frankl's grandson, about his grandfather's ideas and legacy.Today on the show, I talk to Alexander, who is a documentarian, and like his grandfather, a psychotherapist, about Frankl's life, his development of logotherapy, a type of meaning-centered therapy, and how that approach to the psyche was tested during Frankl's time in the concentration camps. We discuss why Frankl said that "everyone has their own Auschwitz," how a lack of existential meaning can create depression, the three ways to actualize meaning in your life, whether meaning is something that is objective or subjective, the freedom we have to choose our attitude in all circumstances, including suffering, and more.Resources Related to the Podcast Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl The Doctor and the Soul by Viktor Frankl Viktor and I: The Life and Work of Viktor Frankl — Alexander's documentary about his grandfather Living Logotherapy by Elisabeth Lukas and Heidi Schönfeld Logotherapy Online Academy Viktor Frankl Institute  Connect With Alexander Vesely Alexander at the Viktor Frankl Institute Alexander on LinkedIn Alexander on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think about your habits, the things you do automatically without much thought — from brushing your teeth in the morning to scrolling social media before bed.There’s a lot going on with these behaviors.On one level, they’re just routines and actions wired into our brains through repetition. But there’s also more to it than that. Our habits shape who we are, influence our health and happiness, and determine much of our success in life. There’s a reason changing habits is one of the most powerful ways to transform ourselves.Today on the show, Dr. Gina Cleo will help us understand the science of habit formation and how we can harness it to build better behaviors. Gina is a researcher with a PhD in habit change and the author of The Habit Revolution: Simple Steps to Rewire Your Brain for Powerful Habit Change. Gina and I discuss the three elements of the habit loop and how to hack them to develop good habits and break bad ones. Along the way, we talk about why micro-habits are so effective for creating lasting change, the differences between men and women when it comes to forming habits, how long it really takes for a habit to stick, and much more.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: Unlocking the Science of Habits — How to Hack the Habit Loop AoM Podcast #470: A Proven System for Building and Breaking Habits AoM Podcast #581: The Tiny Habits That Change Everything AoM Article: Disenchant Your Bad Habits Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff Connect With Gina Cleo Gina’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Note: This is a rebroadcast.Most everyone wants to live a good, meaningful life, though we don’t always know what that means and how to do it. Plenty of modern self-improvement programs claim to point people in the right direction, but many of the best answers were already offered more than two thousand years ago.My guests have gleaned the cream of this orienting, ancient-yet-evergreen advice from history’s philosophers and shared it in their new book, The Good Life Method: Reasoning Through the Big Questions of Happiness, Faith, and Meaning. Their names are Meghan Sullivan and Paul Blaschko, and they’re professors of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. Today on the show Meghan and Paul introduce us to the world of virtue ethics — an approach to philosophy that examines the nature of the good life, the values and habits that lead to excellence, and how to find and fulfill your purpose as a human being. We discuss how to seek truth with other people by asking them three levels of what they call “strong questions” and engaging in civil and fruitful dialogue. We then delve into why your intentions matter and why you should use “morally thick” language. We also examine the role that work and love has to play in pursuing the good life, and how the latter is very much about attention. We end our conversation with how a life of eudaimonia — full human flourishing — requires balancing action with contemplation.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM article and podcast on phronesis or practical wisdom Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre AoM Article: Why Are Modern Debates on Morality So Shrill? Sunday Firesides: Virtue Isn’t Virtue Til It’s Tested Iris Murdoch AoM Article: Why Men Should Read More Fiction The Road by Cormac McCarthy AoM podcast on The Road AoM article on contemplative self-examination, including instructions on how to do the examen of St. Ignatius Connect With Meghan and Paul Meghan’s Faculty Page Paul’s Faculty Page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think of all the texts, emails, and social media posts you're inundated with each day. Sometimes you read them, and sometimes you swipe them away, telling yourself, perhaps not so honestly, that you'll revisit them later.If you're the sender of such missives and memos or the creator of content, you hope the recipient has the first response, that, instead of deep-sixing your message, they take the time to engage and take action on it.How do you increase the odds of that happening? Rather than just guessing at the answer, Todd Rogers has done empirical experiments to discover it. Todd is a behavioral scientist, a professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and the author of Writing for Busy Readers: Communicate More Effectively in the Real World. Today on the show, Todd explains the four-stage process people use in deciding whether to engage with your writing, whether in a personal or business context, and how influencing these factors not only comes down to the style of your writing, but its overall design. Todd offers tips to improve both areas, so that you can effectively capture people's attention.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Podcast #971: The 5 Factors for Crafting Simple (Read: Effective!) Messages AoM Podcast #666: The Power of Brevity in a Noisy World AoM Podcast #580: Why People Do (Or Don’t) Listen to You Connect With Todd Rogers Todd on X Todd's faculty page Writing for Busy Readers website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if there was one piece of fitness equipment that was affordable, didn’t take up much space, could get you both strong and flexible, and was fun to use?While that might sound too good to be true, my guest, Pat Flynn, would say you can find all those benefits in the old-school kettlebell. Pat, who’s the author of Strong ON!: 101 Minimalist Kettlebell Workouts to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Boost Flexibility―in 20 Minutes or Less, calls kettlebells the Swiss Army knife of workout tools and the minimalist’s ultimate secret fitness weapon.Today on the show, we unpack why Pat’s such an advocate for bells, but before we get there, we first take a dive into his background in philosophy and why beginning a workout program takes faith. We then talk about how to use kettlebells to get an all-around fit physique, including the three kettlebell weights that make for an ideal starter set, the two best exercises for building muscle, the pyramid-shaped program that can facilitate body recomposition, how to incorporate progressive overload into kettlebell training, which kettlebell exercise Coach Dan John considers “the fat-burning athlete builder,” the “300 Swings Challenge” that will help you take a Bruce Lee approach to fitness, and much more.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Article: Become Strong Like Bull — The Kettlebell Workout AoM Article: How to Perform 4 Kettlebell Exercises — An Illustrated Guide AoM Podcast #295 — Kettlebells and the Psychology of Training AoM Article: Strength, Power, Conditioning — How to Master the Kettlebell Swing Connect With Pat Flynn Strong ON! website Kettlebell Quickies YouTube Channel Pat on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Roman caesars were the rulers of the Roman Empire, beginning in 27 BC with Julius Caesar’s heir Augustus, from whom subsequent caesars took their name, and lasting until around the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. The caesars transitioned the Roman Republic to autocratic rule, consolidating vast territories under centralized authority and shaping Western governance, law, and culture. Their reign marked one of history's most influential periods, laying the groundwork for modern empires and enduring legacies in political and architectural innovation.They also left behind some instructive leadership lessons, in both what and what not to do.Here to unpack some of the Roman Empire's most significant caesars as both histories and leadership case studies is Barry Strauss, who is a classicist, professor, military historian, fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, and the author of numerous books, including Ten Caesars. Today on the show, Barry shares how Augustus consolidated power by initially cleaning house, a redeeming quality of the otherwise infamous Nero, the strategies Vespasian and Severus used to gain legitimacy as outsiders, why Marcus Aurelius was an insightful philosopher but struggled as an emperor, the emperor under whose rule the empire began its decline, what Constantine understood about the idea that if you want things to stay the same, everything must change, and much more.Resources Related to the Podcast Barry's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #487 — Leadership Lessons From the 3 Greatest Ancient Commanders Barry's forthcoming book: Jews vs. Rome — Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire AoM Podcast #346: The Fall of the Roman Republic AoM Podcast #969: The Making of a Stoic Emperor Connect With Barry Strauss Barry's website Barry's faculty page Barry on LinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When people think about winter, they often focus on the negatives: the cold, the dark, and the seasonal depression the season can bring. But my guest today questions whether winter really has to be so miserable and says that by changing our mindset, we can actually learn to enjoy and even thrive during this season.Kari Leibowitz is a psychologist and the author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. She spent a year at the northernmost university in the world in Tromsø, Norway, studying why people living in the Arctic, where the sun doesn't rise for two months, don't suffer from seasonal depression at the rates you might expect. Today on the show, Kari explains how our expectations can create a nocebo effect that makes winter feel worse than it needs to, why breaking winter into three distinct sub-seasons can help us appreciate it more, how Nordic practices like hygge can make darkness feel cozy rather than oppressive, and why getting outside and staying social — even when it's cold and dark — are keys to thriving during the season.Resources Related to the Podcast AoM Podcast #856: Befriending Winter AoM Article: 8 Things That Can Help You Get More Hygge This Winter AoM Podcast #566: How to Have a Hyggely Christmas and a More Memorable New Year AoM Article: How Saunas Can Help Save Your Body, Mind, and Spirit AoM Podcast #801: The Cold Water Swim Cure Sunday Firesides: Contentment Through Contrast Sunday Firesides: No Such Thing as Bad Weather Connect With Kari Leibowitz Kari's website Kari on X Kari's Substack — Wintry Mix See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list? Like you're constantly putting out fires but never getting ahead? You're not alone. Many people today feel like they're drowning in urgency — filling every minute with tasks that feel critical in the moment but may not truly matter in the long run.Here to help us understand how to escape this cycle is Matt Reynolds, a strength coach, business owner, and the author of Undoing Urgency: How to Focus on What Matters Most. Today on the show, Matt explains what creates that feeling of being overwhelmed by urgency, how to distinguish between status and true value, and why you can only effectively pursue 2-3 major goals at once. We discuss using the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to identify what tasks truly matter, how to apply the concept of "minimum effective dose" beyond just fitness, and why sometimes the pursuit of a goal matters more than achieving it. We end our conversation with concrete steps you can take today to start undoing urgency in your life.Resources Related to the Podcast Matt's previous appearances on the AoM podcast: Episode #826: From Novice to Advanced — The Weightlifter’s Journey Episode #302: My Workout Routine & The Benefits of a Strength Coach Episode #154: Strength Training for Everyone AoM Article: The Eisenhower Decision Matrix — How to Distinguish Between Urgent and Important Tasks and Make Real Progress in Your Life AoM Article: Motivation Over Discipline  Connect With Matt Reynolds Matt's website Barbell Logic TurnKey Coach See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sports gambling has exploded in America. You can't watch a game today without being bombarded by ads from betting companies, often co-branded with the major sports leagues themselves. It's a dramatic shift from just seven years ago, when these same leagues were unified in their opposition to legalized sports betting.Michael Lewis, the bestselling author of Moneyball, The Big Short, and The Blind Side, has been exploring this transformation in the latest season of his podcast Against the Rules. Today on the show, Michael explains how we went from prohibition to proliferation, unpacking how a 2018 Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates for an industry that's now seeing over $100 billion in annual bets. We discuss how betting companies use data and psychology to nudge people into making increasingly complex and unfavorable wagers, why young men are particularly susceptible to gambling addiction, and what the rise of "prop bets" means for the integrity of sports. We also get into the concerning public health implications of widespread sports betting and what past addictive epidemics might tell us about where this is all heading.Connect With Michael Lewis Against the Rules podcast Michael's website  Michael on FB See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Industrial Revolution changed the nature of work, so that many people labored in factories, continuously performing the same task, at the same pace, for the duration of their shift.Two centuries on, even though most folks have moved from working with their hands to working with their heads and from manufacturing set outputs to solving complex problems, generating creative ideas, and processing information, we still tend to work as if we're manning an assembly line.My guest says that being stuck in this factory framework is to our detriment, and that there's a much better way to do knowledge work, one that's less like manning an assembly line and more like driving a car.Mithu Storoni is a Cambridge-trained physician, a neuroscience researcher, and the author of Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work. Today on the show, Mithu offers a modern approach to achieving peak performance and explains why it's better to impose the natural rhythms of our brains on our work than to impose the rhythms of our work on our brains. She shares why you should treat your brain like an engine with three different gears, how people have different "gear personalities," and how to use environmental cues, specially structured 90-minutes cycles of work, and even caffeine to shift your brain into the optimal gear for different mental challenges.Resources Related to the Podcast Mithu's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Podcast #525: How to Stress Proof Your Body and Brain AoM Podcast #743: How to Get Time, Priorities, and Energy Working in Your Favor Connect With Mithu Storoni Mithu's website Mithu on X Mithu on IG Mithu on LinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.