Author Jon Birger on Dating, Men and Women, Family Life, and Raising Boys
Dec 8, 2023
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The podcast discusses the gender imbalance in the dating market due to more women graduating from college. It explores changing communication and parenting goals, delaying kindergarten, and the struggles of first-time parents. The impact of COVID-19 on education and the importance of adaptive reading apps are also discussed. The host expresses gratitude for the guest and their influence on self-confidence and dating.
The author Jon Birger discusses the lopsided gender ratios in colleges across the US and its impact on the dating market, revealing that this issue exists nationwide and globally.
John Berger advises against putting too much pressure on young children to achieve academic milestones early on, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the basics and reducing anxiety around academic achievements.
Deep dives
The Education Gap and Dating Imbalance
In this podcast, the author John Berger discusses the education gap between men and women and its impact on the dating market. He noticed that many successful women were struggling to find suitable partners, leading him to investigate the lopsided gender ratios in colleges across the US. Contrary to the common belief that it is an urban problem, Berger reveals that the issue exists nationwide and globally. The dating market is divided into a white-collar segment with an excess of women and a blue-collar segment with an excess of men. Berger's first book, 'Data Nomics,' delves into this phenomenon, while his latest book, 'Make Your Move,' offers dating solutions for women.
Delaying Kindergarten and Early Learning
The topic of early learning and its impact on children's education is discussed in this podcast. The host mentions parents' concerns about starting their children's educational journey at a very young age, with a specific focus on learning math. However, John Berger advises against putting too much pressure on young children to achieve academic milestones early on, especially in subjects like math. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that developmental stages vary for each child and that not meeting specific benchmarks within a certain timeframe does not indicate parental failure. Berger suggests focusing on the basics, such as responsibility and kindness, and reducing anxiety around academic achievements.
Importance of Music Education
The podcast explores the importance of music education, particularly in school curricula. John Berger highlights the role of music in developing essential skills like math, creativity, and collaboration. He mentions the significance of music programs in schools and expresses concern over the cutting of such programs. Berger's son, an elementary school band teacher, shares insights into the positive effects of music education on students. The ability to play an instrument or participate in a band or orchestra helps children understand their role in a group setting and nurtures creativity. The host and guest advocate for promoting music education to enhance math and sciences and overall cognitive development.
Increasing Lifespan and Financial Planning
John Berger shares an interesting observation about the increasing number of centenarians in our society, which ties into his work in retirement planning. He mentions that his company alone has over a thousand clients who are 100 years or older. This revelation leads to discussions on advancements in medicine, eliminating harmful factors like smoking and lead from gasoline, and the impact on human longevity. Berger suggests that longer lifespans should be considered in financial planning for retirement, as individuals need to stretch their savings for a more extended period of time.
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Time Codes
00:00:00 — Introduction: Manisha introduces Jon Birger and his work
00:01:02 — Jon Birger's journey from economics to dating dynamics and its surprising connection to education
00:03:05 — Discussing the education gap
00:014:30 — Birger's insights on the challenges of first-time parenting and setting realistic expectations
00:17:30 — Debunking myths around early education: Is starting earlier really better?
00:25:21 — The impact of COVID-19 on children's education and overcoming learning gaps
00:29:00 — The evolving role of music and arts in education
00:32:06 — The future of education: adapting to changes and embracing new methodologies
00:35:40 — Birger's current interests and studies outside of education and dating dynamics
00:38:00 — Closing thoughts and reflections on the conversation
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at