The Art of Manliness

Steve Hendricks, author of "The Oldest Cure in the World", shares his insights into the transformative power of extended fasting. He delves into fasting's historical roots as a medical treatment, revealing its ability to combat diseases like type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The conversation highlights its potential benefits for mental health and cancer treatment, exploring how fasting can serve as a metabolic reset. Hendricks also provides practical tips for integrating fasting safely into daily life, emphasizing the importance of meal timing for optimal health.

Campbell Walker, an illustrator, animator, and author of "Your Head is a Houseboat," shares his transformative journey with journaling. He explains how to escape journaling ruts through innovative techniques like brain dumps and lifestyle audits. Walker discusses the importance of microjournaling, especially during moments of social media temptation, and how fatherhood changed his journaling approach. He offers practical advice to make journaling a consistent habit, emphasizing its power to enhance clarity and emotional well-being.

In this episode, guest Alex Viada, founder of Complete Human Performance, unveils the often-overlooked benefits of Zone 2 cardio. He discusses its crucial role in improving heart health, metabolism, and overall wellness while debunking common misconceptions about cardio. Listeners learn practical tips for incorporating Zone 2 into their routines, the 'talk test' for intensity, and how this low-intensity workout can enhance athletic performance without the fatigue. Alex also touches on its positive impact on mental health and recovery.

Dr. Ross Ellenhorn, a psychiatrist and author of "How We Change (And Ten Reasons Why We Don’t)", dives deep into the complexities of personal transformation. He argues that understanding why change is hard is crucial to achieving it. The discussion covers the paradox of hope and fear, how social support can empower or hinder change, and the importance of collective and individual accountability. Ellenhorn emphasizes patience, the need to embrace staying the same sometimes, and the intricate relationship between personal goals and societal influences.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Carole Hooven, a Harvard biologist and author of "T: The Story of Testosterone," delves into the powerful influence of testosterone on male identity and behavior. She discusses how T underpins sex differences from prenatal development to adulthood, shedding light on both biological and cultural impacts. Historical cases of castration reveal shocking insights into masculinity, while the hormone's effects on aggression and nurturing are thoroughly examined. Hooven also passionately advocates for celebrating positive masculine traits.

Brian Earl, host of the podcast Christmas Past and author, dives into the fascinating origins of our holiday traditions. He reveals how Christmas evolved from a minor religious observance to a massive cultural celebration. Listeners learn about the surprisingly recent image of Santa Claus, the reasons behind bringing evergreen trees indoors, and the quirky history of fruitcake. Earl also discusses the decline of quaint traditions like roasting chestnuts and shares tips on rekindling the Christmas spirit in today's festive landscape.

Geoffrey Greif, a professor of social work and co-author of Adult Sibling Relationships, delves into the intricate dynamics of sibling bonds. He reveals how these relationships evolve from childhood to old age, marked by affection, ambiguity, and ambivalence. Greif discusses parental favoritism's impact on sibling ties and how parents' own sibling relationships shape their children's dynamics. He also offers insights on enhancing connections among adult siblings, including strategies for forgiveness and navigating emotional complexity.

Adam Nicolson, author of 'Why Homer Matters,' argues that Homer's epics hold timeless relevance. He explores the clash between Hector's civilized life and Achilles' honor-bound aggression, illustrating how this conflict created the complex character of Odysseus. Nicolson examines the themes of violence and compassion, emphasizing their modern implications. He draws parallels between ancient honor cultures and contemporary gang dynamics, ultimately suggesting that Homer's insights into human experience remain deeply significant today.

Micah Mortali, founder of the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, advocates for embracing winter rather than dreading it. He shares how winter can be seen as a time for rest and reflection, encouraging skills like shelter-building and winter foraging to connect with nature. Micah suggests turning inward with practices like hygge, creating cozy environments, and even rethinking sleep routines. He emphasizes the importance of community rituals during the season, urging listeners to appreciate winter's unique offerings.

Jonathan Darman, author of "Becoming FDR: The Personal Crisis That Made a President,” explores how polio transformed Franklin D. Roosevelt from a perceived lightweight into a deeply empathetic leader. Darman reveals how the disease shaped FDR's approach during the Great Depression and WWII, emphasizing resilience and realistic optimism. He discusses FDR’s isolation, the impact of his recovery, and how his personal struggles fostered connection with the American people, showcasing a leader who turned adversity into a powerful force for change.