The Art of Manliness

David Brooks, a renowned author known for titles like 'How to Know a Person,' shares compelling insights on the importance of social skills in cultivating moral character. He discusses the decline of moral formation in society and how practicing social skills can address alienation. Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of meaningful conversations, asking thoughtful questions, and being present for others. He also highlights the significance of understanding personality types to deepen connections, all while providing practical strategies for enhancing social engagement.

Don Layman, a professor emeritus of nutrition and a leading expert on dietary protein, shares insights on the critical role of protein in our diet. He argues that animal-based proteins are superior to plant-based options and critiques collagen supplements as ineffective. Layman explains how protein needs differ by age and activity level, emphasizes optimal intake for losing weight, and addresses misconceptions about excessive protein consumption. He also discusses the protein leverage hypothesis, linking protein intake to dietary choices and trends in obesity.

Max Brooks, author of "World War Z" and the "Minecraft" series, discusses how zombies and gaming can teach resilience and adaptability in uncertain times. He shares insights from his unique journey into fiction and national security, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Max explores how Minecraft can educate kids on economics while promoting creative problem-solving. From facing fear of the unknown to learning from historical lessons, he illustrates the necessity of cooperation in navigating a rapidly changing world.

Jeff Goodrich, author of "Dude and Duder: How My Dog Saved My Life," opens up about his inspiring journey through midlife challenges. At 49, he faced dissatisfaction until Duder the Dog entered his life, sparking a transformative journey. Jeff shares how daily dog walks led to losing 70 pounds, revitalized his marriage, and boosted his self-esteem. He emphasizes the mental and physical benefits of dog ownership, urging others to embrace companionship, especially during midlife transitions, and to consider adopting shelter dogs.

Alexandra Hudson, author of "The Soul of Civility," dives into the essential contrast between civility and mere politeness. She argues that true civility often requires uncomfortable honesty and genuine dialogue over surface-level etiquette. Exploring historical examples and the interplay of civility with democracy, Hudson emphasizes the importance of self-control and personal responsibility in fostering respectful communities. She also highlights how kind-hearted gestures create positive ripple effects, redefining our interpersonal interactions.

Paul Carter, a seasoned bodybuilding and strength coach with over two decades of experience, dives into the science behind muscle hypertrophy. He clarifies the distinction between building size versus strength and debunks prevalent myths surrounding muscle growth. Paul champions machine workouts over free weights for better results and shares insights on effective training strategies, emphasizing shorter, intense sessions for maximum impact. Tune in for practical tips on optimizing your training for greater muscle gains!

Kevin Hood Gary, a professor specializing in the philosophy of education and author of "Why Boredom Matters," explores the depths of existential boredom. He distinguishes situational boredom from a more profound life's dissatisfaction, emphasizing the need for meaningful leisure. The conversation touches on ancient wisdom, the contrast between amusement and authentic engagement, and the transformative power of epiphanies. Gary also highlights how love and interpersonal connections can reignite joy, making even mundane moments worthwhile.

Join psychologist Joseph Ferrari, a leading expert on procrastination, as he delves into the deeper psychological roots of this common behavior. He explains how fears of failure and perfectionism fuel procrastination and differentiates between regular and chronic procrastination. With insights on family influences and the self-handicapping strategies people use, he offers cognitive behavioral techniques to combat procrastination. Discover practical approaches like temptation bundling that can help counteract indecision and enhance motivation.

Michael Easter, author of 'Scarcity Brain' and 'The Comfort Crisis', dives into the psychology of bad habits driven by the 'scarcity loop'. He reveals how our evolutionary instincts lead us to overconsume in a world full of abundance. The discussion also tackles the impact of under-stimulation, addiction as a symptom rather than a disease, and how gamification skews our experiences. Ultimately, Easter encourages listeners to cultivate an abundance mindset and redirect cravings towards more fulfilling pursuits.

Elizabeth Dunn, a social psychology professor and author of 'Happy Money,' delves into the science behind happiness. She exposes the replication crisis in happiness studies, challenging the effectiveness of popular strategies like meditation and exercise. Dunn highlights unique findings, showing that spending money on time-saving services can boost happiness more than material goods. She emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to well-being, shaped by individual personality traits, and discusses the emotional fulfillment of generosity.