The Art of Manliness

Join Anna Schaffner, a cultural history professor and life coach, as she delves into the rich history of self-improvement. She uncovers how ancient philosophies shaped modern practices and critiques the shift towards individualism in self-help. Anna emphasizes the timeless principles of self-control and virtue, balancing emotional regulation with community needs. She also introduces acceptance and commitment therapy techniques, blending Eastern philosophies with modern psychology for effective personal growth. It's a fascinating journey through the philosophies that shape who we are!

Rich Cohen, author of "The Adventures of Herbie Cohen: World’s Greatest Negotiator," shares insights from his father's life as a legendary negotiator. He recounts colorful anecdotes from Herbie's Brooklyn childhood and military basketball coaching. The discussion dives into key negotiation tactics, highlighting how power is often just perception. Rich emphasizes the importance of caring without becoming overly attached and brings to life humorous stories like an ice cream adventure, illustrating the playful side of negotiation.

Tiago Forte, author of "Building a Second Brain," shares his insights on managing the overwhelming flow of information in today's world. He introduces the concept of a "second brain"—an external system for organizing thoughts and ideas. Tiago discusses the practicality of technologies, like smartphones, in capturing information effectively. The conversation covers the PARA framework for prioritizing insights and how personal knowledge management enhances creativity and productivity. Discover tools and strategies to improve your digital organization and decision-making.

Mark Vande Hei, an American astronaut who spent 355 consecutive days in space, shares his incredible journey from Army soldier to record-setting explorer. He delves into the rigorous training process to become an astronaut and the unique challenges of living aboard the International Space Station. Mark discusses the importance of exercise in zero gravity, the intricacies of spacewalks, and the emotional impacts of returning to Earth after such a long mission. He reflects on life after space, highlighting his desire to focus on family and outdoor activities.

In this engaging discussion, Bo Seo, a two-time world champion debater and author of "Good Arguments," shares his insights on effective arguing. He highlights the historical significance of debate and why it's a lost art in education. Bo explains the three types of disagreements—facts, judgments, and prescriptions—and emphasizes the importance of identifying what’s at stake in any argument. He also introduces his three P's for persuasive rhetoric, offering listeners practical strategies to enhance their debate skills and foster constructive dialogue.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Fried, author of 'Rush: Revolution, Madness, and Benjamin Rush, the Visionary Doctor Who Became a Founding Father', shines a light on Benjamin Rush, a key yet often forgotten Founding Father. He reveals Rush's roles as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a medical innovator, and a bridge-builder between Jefferson and Adams. Listeners learn about Rush's suppressed memoir, his revolutionary approaches to medicine, and the challenges he faced, including his strained relationship with George Washington.

Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist and author of "Insight," reveals that while 95% of people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually are. She discusses how self-awareness forms the foundation for success and happiness, emphasizing the dual aspects of internal and external knowledge. Tasha shares the seven pillars of self-awareness and the common pitfalls of introspection and journaling. Tips include asking 'what' instead of 'why' and embracing constructive feedback from others to cultivate a clearer self-perception.

In this insightful conversation, Chef Daniel Holzman, co-author of "Food IQ," shares expert advice for home cooks. He clarifies the importance of ingredient selection, like the types of onions and potatoes to use, and whether frozen vegetables are acceptable. Discover the secrets to salting dishes perfectly, mastering staples like spaghetti, scrambled eggs, and steak, and efficient cooking techniques, including convection baking. Plus, he addresses food safety concerns with humor and warmth, making the culinary journey enjoyable for everyone.

Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights and author of "Take More Vacations," shares his travel expertise. He emphasizes the value of a "Flight First" approach over a destination focus. Keyes reveals the "Goldilocks" window for snagging cheap flights and explains how flexibility can unlock incredible deals. He also unravels common myths about airfare pricing and introduces his innovative "Greek Islands Strategy" to maximize savings. His insights promise to make traveling more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Jon Tyson, author of "The Intentional Father," shares his insights on raising sons with courage and character. He designed a six-year rite of passage for his son, starting with a significant dinner that marked a transition. Tyson discusses the importance of intentional parenting, embedding family narratives, and guiding boys to navigate adulthood. He emphasizes experiential learning and the five shifts of manhood to prepare young men for life’s milestones, urging fathers to create structured paths for their sons' growth.