Join Dr. Ben Bayer as he discusses the complexities of news consumption, the psychology of conspiracy theorists, and the inviolable nature of the right to abortion. Explore the global shifts in abortion laws, the role of education in societal change, and the significance of personal growth and like-minded communities. Get a sneak peek into Dr. Bayer's upcoming book critiquing the moral standard of altruism and encouraging a reevaluation of our ethical compass.

Guest Luke Travers explores the concept of undying love in literature, art, and relationships. They discuss the fusion of romantic love and undying love, the challenges of eternal affection, and explore a painting depicting a forbidden love affair. They also reflect on the desire for everlasting love portrayed in a well-known poem.

Joining us is Ann Ciccolella, artistic director of Austin Shakespeare, as we celebrate O. Henry's timeless tales. We discuss translating literature to the stage, enlivening narratives with multi-role casting, music, and dance. We touch on the impact of reading with children and the importance of language development. A must-listen for literature lovers and theater enthusiasts!

Former submarine officer turned MBA student, Mike White, discusses the pursuit of financial happiness, the wisdom of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', the transformative power of financial literacy, living in an RV, the importance of saving and budgeting, long-term perspective in real estate investing, the role of finances in pursuing a fulfilling life, and the potential impact of Bitcoin.

Explore the complexities of Andrew Marvell's 'The Definition of Love' and 'To His Coy Mistress,' delving into themes of despair and impossibility. Reflect on the enduring nature of love's portrayal and the challenges of 17th-century poetry. Discover the transformation of chivalric codes into modern-day courtship. Champion a balance that honors profound connections while staying grounded in reality.

Explore the essence of beauty and truth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 54, revealing the harmony between inner and outer attractiveness. Delve into the significance of integrity and honesty, and the relationship between canker blooms and roses. Reflect on the rarity of finding inner beauty and celebrate the decay of canker blooms. Discover how a rose metaphor conveys the concept of inner beauty and truth, as outer beauty fades.

Explore the emotional landscape of Tennyson's 'In Memoriam, A-H-H' and delve into themes of grief, loss, and renewal. Reflect on the need for change and living a noble life amidst chaos. Embrace hope and renewal through Tennyson's words and find inspiration for the new year.

Send us a textDoes becoming a parent condemn you to a less joyful marriage? Jesse McCarthy joins us to unravel the complexities of parental happiness and the dynamics between raising children and marital satisfaction. Our conversation moves beyond the common narrative that contentment dwindles post-children, probing into whether this decline is a parenting inevitability or a sign of unpreparedness. Along the way, we dissect perspectives on pro-natalism, the transformative potential of parenting for personal growth, and the delicate art of integrating children into the quest for a fulfilling life.Embark on a journey of self-reflection and educational evolution with us as we sift through the Montessori method's impact on independence and family appreciation. Jesse McCarthy, with his expertise, guides us through the philosophical embrace of memento mori and its capacity to deepen familial bonds. We also consider the spectrum of personal growth that parenting initiates, the role of coaching, and the growth mindset in navigating life's undulating terrain. The episode promises not merely to navigate the challenges of parenting but to offer a lens through which we might better understand ourselves and the enduring happiness we seek.As we wrap up this episode, we delve into strategies for cultivating positive friendships in children and the developmental advantages of experiencing different roles within a classroom setting. Our dialogue underscores the importance of modeling healthy relationships, respectful communication, and creating an environment ripe for learning—lessons aimed not only at children but at ourselves, too. We conclude with heartfelt thanks to Jesse McCarthy for enriching our discussion and invite our listeners to explore his resources for further enlightenment on the art of parenting and education.

A podcast exploring the holiday spirit through art, poetry, and heartwarming tales. Topics include an enigmatic painting, symbols of joy and benevolence, Luke Travers' latest book release, personal anecdotes of rekindling ties, acts of kindness, professional success and personal fulfillment, Scrooge's transformation, and the ripple effect of happiness spreading to others.

Jake Nuno, a certified financial planner, joins hosts Jake and Kirk to discuss money scripts and their impact on our relationship with money. They explore different money personalities and how they shape financial decisions. They also highlight the importance of understanding money scripts in relationships and the role of communication in financial matters. The episode concludes with a discussion on common money scripts in the younger generation and the value of a financial planner in making informed decisions.