
SOLVED with Mark Manson
Welcome to SOLVED, the podcast where life’s hardest questions get the full treatment. No fluff, no filler—just brutal honesty and evidence-based insight. Hosted by Mark Manson, three-time #1 New York Times bestselling author, each episode is obsessively researched, thoughtfully delivered, and designed to be the last podcast you’ll ever need on the topic. From values to procrastination to confidence, we cut deep. New episodes drop on the 1st of every month.
Latest episodes

306 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 53min
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Mental Health (ft. Lori Gottlieb)
In this captivating discussion, Lori Gottlieb, a therapist and best-selling author, challenges the effectiveness of modern mental health practices. She argues that an obsession with self-awareness may contribute to more mental health issues rather than alleviate them. Gottlieb highlights the crucial need for applying therapeutic insights to daily behavior, warns against misconceptions of vulnerability, and examines the detrimental impact of social media on mental well-being. Her insights offer a thought-provoking perspective on navigating emotional growth and effective therapy.

209 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 33min
3 Questions That Determine 99% of Your Happiness
Happiness may be easier to achieve than you think. Small lifestyle changes can have profound impacts on mental well-being. The connection between physical health and emotional regulation is pivotal, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships. Discover that passion isn't the only path to career satisfaction—skill development plays a crucial role. Plus, reflections on navigating sobriety in a party culture and the challenges of fostering connections ensure a thoughtful exploration of contemporary well-being.

103 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 32min
The Self-Improvement Paradox: When Trying to Get Better Feels Worse
What happens when self-improvement makes you feel worse? The hosts dive into the complexities of growth, discussing the stigma men face in seeking help and the fear of judgment. They explore the awkward 'try hard' phase of developing social skills, where discomfort is essential for mastery. The balance between self-acceptance and the drive to improve is dissected, revealing how emotional vulnerabilities can shape relationships. With a light-hearted approach, they share insights on the journey of embracing imperfections while striving for betterment.

80 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 53min
Sex, Drugs, and Money Might Actually Make You Happier (ft. Sonja Lyubomirsky)
Sonja Lyubomirsky, a leading happiness researcher, dives deep into the science of happiness. She shares surprising insights on what truly enhances well-being, revealing the significance of meaningful relationships over money. The discussion covers the transformative impact of kindness, the complexities of romance, and the therapeutic use of psychedelics for emotional struggles. They explore how self-care and emotional diversity play a role in joy, while also addressing the nuanced challenges of parenthood and the pursuit of personal goals.

105 snips
Jan 17, 2024 • 40min
5 Life-Changing Lessons From Visiting 75 Countries
Discover the transformative power of intentional travel as the host shares personal stories from living abroad. Learn how moving to Latin America sparked self-discovery and cultural appreciation. Explore the therapeutic insights gained from solo travel and the importance of mental well-being. Reflect on how experiences across 75 countries reveal the inherent goodness of individuals, despite the shortcomings of political systems. This journey encourages embracing travel as a means of personal growth and expanding worldviews.

417 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 52min
Why Everyone's Social Skills Are Getting Worse (ft. David Brooks)
David Brooks, a renowned journalist and author known for his insights on morality, joins the discussion to explore the growing loneliness in our hyper-connected world. They tackle how technology and social media are robbing us of genuine connections. The conversation moves through the effects of family dynamics, geographic shifts, and economic inequality on social skills. Ultimately, they emphasize the struggle for meaningful relationships and the quest for purpose beyond mere success, revealing the deeper human need for connection in today’s fragmented society.

211 snips
Jan 4, 2024 • 40min
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Goals
As 2024 kicks off, the discussion dives into the pitfalls of goal setting and shares personal stories of goal-related disasters. Listeners learn about the importance of realistic expectations and how to sustain motivation beyond the third week. The conversation emphasizes the value of intrinsic motivation and the need for achievable, structured goals. From navigating language learning struggles to insights on marathon training, the hosts highlight essential habits for personal transformation and invite listeners to share their own ambitions.

704 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 49min
How to Enjoy Doing Hard Things (ft. Ali Abdaal)
In this enlightening conversation, Ali Abdaal, a former doctor now thriving as a YouTuber and author, shares his insights on redefining productivity. He challenges the hustle culture, suggesting that enjoyment and creativity should be prioritized over mere hard work. Abdaal discusses the importance of intrinsic motivation, balancing struggle with joy, and making fitness a fun community experience. He emphasizes humor's role in professional settings and encourages viewing life as a series of experiments, ultimately advocating for 'feel-good productivity' for lasting fulfillment.

484 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 40min
How to Stop Wasting Your Life (ft. Oliver Burkeman)
Join renowned journalist and author Oliver Burkeman as he explores the art of truly using our time. He challenges traditional views on productivity, suggesting that embracing limitations can enhance fulfillment. Burkeman discusses how cultural perspectives shape our relationship with time and encourages prioritizing meaningful tasks over societal expectations. Delve into concepts from Zen and Buddhist philosophies that emphasize presence and joy over mere goal-chasing, and discover the importance of viewing goals as tools rather than defining one's identity.

174 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 36min
7 Paradoxes That Will Change How You See Everything
Dive into the intriguing world of paradoxes that reveal life-changing truths. Discover how too many choices can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction. Learn how commitments in relationships paradoxically offer freedom and help combat decision paralysis. Embrace discomfort as a stepping stone to personal growth, unlocking true passions often overshadowed by fear. Reflect on how hyper-connectedness can dilute genuine relationships, and appreciate how contemplating mortality enriches our lives by prioritizing what truly matters.