The Art of Manliness

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosophy professor and author of "The Quest for Character," delves into the ancient views on virtue. He discusses how the Greeks and Romans believed that virtue could be taught, highlighting cases like Socrates with Alcibiades and Aristotle mentoring Alexander the Great. The complexities of ethical education and mentorship illustrate the trials of instilling virtue in leaders. Pigliucci also connects these age-old insights to modern psychology, revealing practical ways to cultivate better character through relationships and self-reflection.

Vanessa Van Edwards, a communications expert and author of 'Cues,' dives into the secrets of charisma in this engaging discussion. She reveals how an optimal mix of warmth and competence can significantly enhance social interactions. Learn how your body language, the distance between your earlobes and shoulders, and vocal habits like uptalk affect perceptions of power. Vanessa also shares tips on using compelling imagery for dating profiles and emphasizes the importance of mindful dressing to align style with authenticity, boosting your overall charisma.

Dr. Earle Labor, the world's leading authority on Jack London, reflects on London's transformative literary contributions. He discusses the evolution of London's reputation from adventure writer to literary figure, exploring themes of survival and the human spirit. Labor contrasts the tension between sentimentality and authentic adventure in London's works. He also delves into the complexities of London’s personal relationships, the influence of Jungian concepts in his characters, and the embrace of life's experiences through adventure.

Nick Maggiulli, Chief Operating Officer at Ritholtz Wealth Management and author of "Just Keep Buying," dives into personal finance controversies with data-driven insights. He discusses the importance of saving versus investing and introduces the "2X Rule" for guilt-free spending. Maggiulli debunks myths about debt and homeownership while explaining the benefits of dollar cost averaging. He encourages a long-term mindset, emphasizing the need for diversified income and the right approach to financial decision-making in volatile times.

Dimitris Xygalatas, an anthropologist and author of "Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living," dives into the fascinating world of rituals. He discusses how rituals differ from habits and their crucial role in building trust and community. Through examples like sports events and rites of passage, he reveals how rituals enhance well-being and help manage stress. Dimitris also explores the evolutionary aspects of rituals, emphasizing their significance in shaping identity and fostering social connections.

Tessa West, a professor of psychology and author of "Jerks at Work," dives into the seven types of workplace jerks: the kiss-up/kick-downer, credit stealer, bulldozer, free rider, micromanager, neglectful boss, and gaslighter. She provides insights into their behaviors and discusses how they disrupt team dynamics. Tessa highlights strategies for dealing with each type, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and conflict resolution skills. Her research-backed advice offers listeners practical tools to navigate these challenging personalities at work.

Marcus Brotherton, author of "A Bright and Blinding Sun," shares the extraordinary story of World War II soldier Joe Johnson Jr., who enlisted at just 14 to escape a troubled home. He recounts Joe’s love for a teenage prostitute named Perpetua and their daring escape from her harsh life. The conversation dives into Joe's harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war, including torture and survival. Brotherton also reflects on the lasting trauma Joe faced after the war and the profound lessons learned from his resilience and journey of healing.

Dandapani, a Hindu priest and former monk, shares profound insights on concentration from his ten years of monastic training. He distinguishes between mind and awareness, emphasizing how attention shapes our lives. Dandapani discusses the importance of making daily activities a practice in focus, rather than relying solely on meditation. He highlights the connection between awareness and emotional energy, advocating for the cultivation of concentration to foster meaningful connections and enhance overall happiness.

Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander and author, dives deep into the hidden drivers of optimal performance. He explains the crucial difference between skills and attributes, highlighting how attributes like resilience and adaptability shape success. The discussion spans the nuances of grit, the balance between self-discipline and discipline, and the complex nature of narcissism in leadership. Rich emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in personal development, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses to achieve their goals.

Join economist Russ Roberts, author of "Wild Problems," as he uncovers the flaws in conventional decision-making when facing life's toughest choices. He explores the transformative nature of decisions like marriage and parenthood, highlighting the emotional maze they create. Delve into the significance of tradition as a moral compass, the profound nature of covenants in relationships, and Aristotle's views on flourishing. Russ emphasizes that navigating uncertainty requires reflection on personal values and a willingness to experiment.