The book tells the story of the Oakland Athletics' 2002 season, where General Manager Billy Beane and his assistant Paul DePodesta used advanced statistical analysis, known as sabermetrics, to assemble a competitive team despite a limited budget. The approach, pioneered by Bill James, focused on metrics such as on-base percentage and slugging percentage rather than traditional measures like batting average and runs batted in. This data-driven strategy allowed the Athletics to compete with teams having much larger payrolls, like the New York Yankees, and achieve significant success, including a 20-game winning streak and a playoff appearance[2][3][5].
The Adventures of Herbie Cohen is a heartfelt and humorous biography by Rich Cohen, detailing his father's life as a negotiator, dealmaker, and raconteur. The book follows Herbie from his youth in Brooklyn, where he befriended figures like Larry King, to his later years as a consultant to presidents and corporations. It offers a mix of tall tales, wisdom, and insights into negotiation and life.
This book tells the fascinating story of Samuel Zemurray, who started as a roadside banana peddler and eventually built a sprawling empire involving banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen. Rich Cohen's narrative explores Zemurray's rise to power, his involvement in overthrowing Central American governments, and his complex role in American history. The book delves into Zemurray's personal life, his business exploits, and the moral implications of his actions, painting a nuanced portrait of a man driven by an indomitable will to succeed.
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living[1][5].
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
This book, written by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss and co-author Tahl Raz, provides a masterclass in influencing others through negotiation. It distills the Voss method, revealing skills such as establishing rapport, creating trust with tactical empathy, and transforming conflict into collaboration. The book is filled with real-life examples from Voss's career, illustrating how these techniques can be applied in both professional and personal life to achieve goals and defuse potential crises.
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is a satirical novel by Mordecai Richler, published in 1959. It follows the story of Duddy Kravitz, a young Jewish man from Montreal, as he navigates his way through adolescence and early adulthood with a singular focus on achieving success and owning land. The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the complexities of growing up in a multicultural community.
Rich Cohen's 'Tough Jews' delves into the lives of infamous Jewish gangsters like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel, tracing their journey from Brooklyn's streets to the heights of organized crime. The book blends vivid storytelling with historical insight, challenging stereotypes and exploring the allure of these figures for Jewish-American communities.
In 'Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent', Rich Cohen delves into the intense world of youth hockey, chronicling a season with the Ridgefield Bears in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The book blends memoir and sports exploration, highlighting the love for the game and the complex dynamics between parents and their children in competitive youth sports.
In 'Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football', Rich Cohen crafts a vivid portrait of the iconic team that dominated the NFL in 1985. The book delves into the personalities, strategies, and cultural significance of the Bears, offering a fan's perspective on their triumphs and challenges. It also explores the broader themes of sports, identity, and community in America.
The Price is a two-act play by Arthur Miller, exploring the strained relationship between two brothers, Victor and Walter Franz, as they reunite to settle their father's estate. The play delves into themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of past decisions, all set in the confined space of an old Manhattan brownstone attic. It was nominated for two Tony Awards and continues to be a powerful exploration of family conflicts and the American Dream.
In 'When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead', Jerry Weintraub shares his quintessentially American journey through the entertainment industry. With wit and wisdom, he recounts his experiences from working with Elvis Presley to producing films like 'Ocean's Eleven'. Co-written with Rich Cohen, the book offers insights into Weintraub's remarkable career and the lessons he learned along the way.
Ryan reads today’s daily meditation and talks to author RIch Cohen about his new book The Adventures of Herbie Cohen: World's Greatest Negotiator, how to be a great negotiator, his fathers legacy, and more.
Rich Cohen is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse and Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football. Rich is also the author of a book we carry here in the store, Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent, where he chronicles the journey of his son’s elite Pee Wee hockey team and his experience as a former player and a devoted hockey parent. This time, Rich and I talk about another father-son relationship - the one he shares with his own father, Herbie Cohen. Rich’s new book The Adventures of Herbie Cohen: World's Greatest Negotiator, which was released last week, is an ode to a remarkable man by an adoring but not undiscerning son, and a treasure trove of hilarious antics and counterintuitive wisdom.
Rich is also a co-creator of the HBO series Vinyl and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. He has written for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Harper’s Magazine, among other publications. His stories have been included in The Best American Essays and The Best American Travel Writing.
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The Jordan Harbinger Show is one of the most interesting podcasts on the web, with guests like Kobe Bryant, Mark Manson, Eric Schmidt, and more. Listen to one of Ryan's episodes right now (1, 2), and subscribe to the Jordan Harbinger Show today.
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