The Art of Manliness

Elliot Ackerman, a decorated Marine and former CIA officer turned novelist, dives deep into the essence of masculinity and confident competence. He explores why many young men struggle today and emphasizes how intentional skills can reshape one's presence and purpose. From practical advice on wearing a watch to giving a heartfelt eulogy, Elliot highlights the importance of small, everyday skills. He also discusses the value of empathy gained from intelligence work and the role of discipline in writing, ultimately connecting competence to meaningful relationships and growth.

In this discussion, Charles McPherson, a veteran butler and founder of North America's only registered butler school, shares his expert insights on household management. He traces the history of domestic service and explains its modern resurgence. Learn why maintaining a 'butler's book' can simplify home upkeep, discover essential cleaning tips, and hear surprising recommendations, like keeping your bedsheets fresh and optimizing shower care. Charles also highlights 'little luxuries' that can elevate everyday life.

Susan Dominus, a journalist and author of The Family Dynamic, engages in a compelling discussion about how family culture and sibling dynamics shape success. She reveals how parents set the tone, but siblings drive competition and ambition. Dominus highlights fascinating concepts like the 'replacement child effect' and the influence of birth order on achievement. The conversation probes into how these factors evolve over time and offer strategies for nurturing dreams without pressure. It's an insightful look into what truly motivates high achievers.

In a captivating discussion, journalist Susan Dominus, author of The Family Dynamic, delves into the profound influence of siblings on our lives. She argues that siblings can shape our paths as powerfully as parents do, exploring themes like birth order, sibling rivalry, and how families like the Kennedys foster ambition through competition. Susan also highlights the significance of environmental factors and how sibling relationships evolve throughout adulthood, all while reassuring parents of their limited control over outcomes.

Dr. Paul Taylor, a psychophysiologist and author of The Hardiness Effect, explores the ancient choice of Hercules as a modern metaphor for personal growth. He discusses how today's comfort-driven lifestyles make us mentally and physically fragile. Taylor outlines the traits of psychologically hardy individuals and shares that embracing stress can boost resilience. He emphasizes the importance of social connections and offers practical strategies to train the body and mind for optimal health, ultimately urging listeners to engage fully in life.

Joanna Ebenstein, founder of Morbid Anatomy and author of 'Memento Mori,' explores how our detachment from death affects our lives. She discusses the shift from intimate cultural practices to hospital-centered mourning, highlighting the psychological costs of avoiding mortality. Joanna shares rituals that embrace death, the significance of memento mori art, and the benefits of contemplating mortality. She emphasizes the value of personal transformation through death acceptance, reinforcing how understanding death can enhance our appreciation for life.

In this insightful discussion, Mark Cirino, a professor of American literature and Melville expert, dives deep into Moby-Dick. He explores why this monumental work was initially overlooked and unpacks its major themes, including free will, obsession, and the complexities of perception. Cirino highlights Captain Ahab's charismatic yet destructive leadership, dissecting the cost of vengeance and the haunting symbolism of the white whale. This conversation invites listeners to reconsider Melville's masterpiece with fresh eyes, revealing its timeless relevance.

Hal Elrod, an inspiring author and speaker known for The Miracle Morning, shares his transformative morning routine. He delves into the six key practices: silence for mindfulness, effective affirmations, and visualization techniques that foster success. Elrod emphasizes the importance of brief exercise to energize your day and offers insights on choosing meaningful reading. He also explains how scribing enhances clarity and gratitude. Whether you're a morning person or not, he provides tips for gradually adopting this powerful routine.

Waller Newell, a political science professor and author of The Code of Man, explores the classical and biblical traditions of manhood. He argues for a return to a deeper understanding of masculinity rooted in virtue. Newell discusses the five paths of virtuous manhood: love, courage, pride, family, and country, emphasizing their relevance today. He highlights the importance of balance in masculinity, the perils of modern toxic masculinity, and the need for civic engagement. His insights aim to inspire a more meaningful, noble approach to being a man.

Jeffrey Hall, a communication studies professor and co-author of The Social Biome, dives into the health benefits of socializing as a 'good stressor'. He explores how social connections not only enhance resilience and immunity but also predict longevity. Hall discusses the challenges of forming relationships in today's world, driven by busy lives and cultural shifts towards solitude. He emphasizes the need for intentional socializing and offers practical tips to maintain friendships, highlighting that showing up consistently can rejuvenate our social health.