The Art of Manliness

Ryan Bush, a systems designer and author of "Become Who You Are," delves into the nuances of happiness and depression. He introduces an intriguing third dimension of happiness—admiration for oneself—through his virtue self-signaling theory. Ryan argues that recognizing personal virtues can enhance happiness and reduce feelings of depression. He discusses the importance of purpose, self-reflection, and living in line with one’s values, offering insights on how actions, not just affirmations, contribute to true self-esteem and well-being.

Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective and hostage negotiation expert, shares riveting insights from his career and his book, "Order Out of Chaos." He explains how to navigate difficult conversations by creating a personal "red center" for emotional clarity. Walker discusses strategic separation in negotiations, stressing the importance of differentiating between the decision-maker and communicator. He also delves into emotional management techniques and the necessity of empathy, offering tools to transform high-stress situations into opportunities for constructive dialogue.

Brent Underwood, owner of the historic Cerro Gordo ghost town, shares his adventurous journey of transforming this abandoned site. He discusses his motivations for escaping the 9-5 grind, tapping into a deeper purpose. Brent unpacks the importance of taking action, understanding historical context, and the dangers of short-term thinking, using lessons from figures like William Mulholland. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the joys of high-agency living and the fulfilling challenges of restoring a ghost town, offering listeners new perspectives on personal growth.

Marc Zao-Sanders, CEO of filtered.com and author of "Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time," reveals the transformative productivity method of timeboxing. He explains how setting specific time limits for tasks can enhance focus and reduce anxiety. The conversation dives into practical tips for capturing your to-dos, managing distractions, and turning daily chaos into intention. Zao-Sanders shares personal anecdotes that showcase how timeboxing can also serve as a valuable record of life's moments, helping you reclaim control over your time.

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor and author of 'Midlife: A Philosophical Guide,' tackles the real challenges of midlife malaise beyond typical stereotypes. He delves into how societal pressures can evoke feelings of inadequacy, and guides listeners through the philosophy of reframing regrets into opportunities for growth. Setiya emphasizes the importance of finding meaning through personal passions and relationships, encouraging a shift from goal-oriented thinking to valuing the journey itself for greater fulfillment.

James Kaplan, author of "Three Shades of Blue", dives into the lives of jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans, the creative force behind the iconic album 'Kind of Blue'. He unpacks their personal struggles and artistic journeys, exploring how their collaboration redefined jazz. Kaplan also sheds light on the era of bebop, the rise of cool jazz, and how addiction shaped the legacies of these music giants. This insightful conversation reveals the profound impact these musicians had on the evolution of jazz music.

Charles MacPherson, a former chief butler and founder of a butler training school, shares invaluable household management tips drawn from his extensive experience. He dives into the evolution of domestic service, explaining its decline and resurgence. MacPherson emphasizes the importance of a 'butler's book' for home organization, offers surprising cleaning tips, and highlights often-overlooked tasks like dishwasher maintenance. He also discusses the benefits of a systematic cleaning approach and how to effectively manage household essentials for a well-run home.

Cal Newport, a Professor of Computer Science and author renowned for his insights on productivity, discusses the rise of 'pseudo-productivity’ in modern work. He argues for a transformative shift towards 'slow productivity,' where doing less in the short term leads to greater long-term accomplishments. Newport critiques conventional productivity methods, emphasizing the importance of seasonal work patterns and meaningful engagement over relentless output. He suggests that quiet quitting can enhance work-life balance, making productivity more humane and fulfilling.

Ben Guttmann, a marketing educator and author of "Simply Put," shares insights on crafting clear and effective messages amidst our media-saturated world. He discusses the importance of simplicity, highlighting benefits over features to better connect with audiences. Guttmann offers actionable strategies like replacing "and" with "so" to enhance clarity and the Jenga tower analogy to illustrate minimal messaging. His tips aim to help anyone—from parents to entrepreneurs—craft influential communications without falling into the trap of complexity.

Dr. Martin Gibala, a Kinesiology professor and HIIT expert, shares insights on high-intensity interval training. He debunks myths about HIIT, clarifying that it's not all-out maximum effort and can be tailored to individual fitness levels. The podcast covers the unique benefits of sprinting for aerobic fitness, challenges the afterburn effect's validity, and discusses HIIT's comparison with steady-state cardio. Gibala suggests practical HIIT workouts, including easier options for older adults or those with health concerns, emphasizing HIIT as a versatile fitness approach.