In this book, Esther Perel explores the paradoxical union of domesticity and sexual desire, arguing that our cultural penchant for equality, togetherness, and absolute candor can be antithetical to erotic desire. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a couples therapist, Perel uses case studies and lively discussions to demonstrate how more exciting, playful, and poetic sex is possible in long-term relationships. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence, mystery, and the space between self and other to sustain desire.
The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a young boy from Kabul, and his friend Hassan, the son of his father's servant. The narrative explores their childhood, the betrayal Amir commits against Hassan, and Amir's later attempts to redeem himself. The story spans several decades, including the fall of Afghanistan's monarchy, the Soviet invasion, and the rise of the Taliban. Themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of father-son relationships are central to the novel. Amir's journey involves confronting his past and making amends, particularly through his efforts to rescue Hassan's son, Sohrab, years after the initial betrayal.
Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].
This book, inspired by Raffi Grinberg's 'Adulting 101' course at Boston College, provides a comprehensive guide to the skills young adults need to navigate the real world. It covers topics such as launching a career, managing finances, and building fulfilling relationships, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes to help readers thrive in their twenties.
Set in London during and after World War II, 'The End of the Affair' delves into the complexities of a love triangle between Maurice Bendrix, Sarah Miles, and her husband, Henry. When Sarah abruptly ends her affair with Maurice, he becomes consumed by jealousy and hires a private detective to uncover the truth. The narrative explores themes of religious faith, skepticism, and the destructive nature of obsessive love. As Maurice unravels the secrets surrounding Sarah's decision, he confronts his own beliefs and grapples with the possibility of divine intervention. Greene's novel is a profound exploration of human relationships and the search for meaning in a world torn apart by war and personal turmoil.
In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.
I’m joined by Raffi Grinberg who is the Co-Founder of The Constructive Dialogue Institute (with Jonathan Haidt), an educator who created the wildly popular Adulting 101 course at Boston College, and an author who wrote How To Be A Grown Up, which was recommended by Oprah. We discuss juicy hacks on how to excel in life, in your career, in your relationships, with money, and so much more.
These tips and advice will change how you view yourself and the world in this super inspiring conversation. Raffi also shares the most comforting perspective I’ve heard if you’re feeling like the world today is getting more chaotic and scary.
In this episode, we get into:
- Building a meaningful life
- Relationship tips
- An easy way to earn more money
- Finding your best career
- How to talk to people with different political views
- Why you shouldn’t be afraid of AI
- Networking hacks
- Navigating a new dynamic with your parents
- How to love rejection
For more from Raffi Grinberg, visit raffigrinberg.com. Check out Raffi Grinberg’s popular book, How to Be a Grown Up: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Just Now) .
Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz’s book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now!
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The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.
Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.
This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
The Liz Moody Podcast Episode 341.
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