The Art of Manliness

Join John Colapinto, author of 'This Is the Voice,' as he unpacks the intricate world of the human voice. Discover how our voices develop from infancy, what draws us to certain vocal traits, and the cultural significance of accents. John dives into modern vocal trends like vocal fry and uptalk while emphasizing the emotional weight carried by our voices. He also discusses the degradation of voice with age and encourages embracing its unique qualities. It’s a captivating exploration of identity through sound!

Elliot Aronson, a renowned social psychologist and co-author of "Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me)," dives deep into the tricky terrain of self-justification and cognitive dissonance. He discusses how our brains resist admitting mistakes due to the need to preserve a positive self-image. The conversation highlights the 'pyramid of choice' that makes us stick to our decisions, emphasizing the emotional challenges of acknowledging wrongs in relationships. Aronson advocates for embracing our errors as essential for personal growth and fostering compassion toward others' missteps.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Pressfield, acclaimed author known for his insights on war and art, explores his latest novel, 'A Man at Arms.' He shares why he returned to ancient storytelling after a 13-year hiatus. The conversation dives into the warrior archetype embodied by the protagonist Telamon and his transformative journey towards integrating love with strength. Pressfield reflects on the duality of life’s stages—discovering talents in the first half and finding purpose in the second—relatable for artists and entrepreneurs alike.

Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard professor and author of 'Exercised', sheds light on our complex relationship with exercise by examining our human ancestors. He debunks myths surrounding their physicality, emphasizing that exercise was about survival, not fitness. Lieberman critiques modern fitness trends and discusses the dangers of sedentary behavior, advocating for healthier sitting practices. He also highlights the importance of enjoyment and social engagement in physical activity, encouraging us to rethink how we approach exercise in our lives.

Shannon Lee, daughter of the iconic Bruce Lee and author of "Be Water, My Friend," shares her father’s profound lessons that go beyond martial arts. She recalls personal stories of grief and self-discovery after losing her brother, enriching our understanding of resilience. The discussion dives into Bruce’s reading habits and his philosophical principle of 'being like water,' emphasizing flexibility in life. Shannon also highlights her father's journey of turning adversity into action, offering inspiration that blends contemplation with proactive living.

Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author of "A World Without Email," discusses the productivity pitfalls of constant digital communication. He highlights the 'hyperactive hive mind' that drains focus and well-being. Newport shares practical strategies for improving workflows by prioritizing structure over messaging and embracing complexity in communication. He advocates for hiring support staff and creating friction to foster deep work. Newport also provides insights on how to implement these changes, even without authority, to boost workplace satisfaction.

Todd Fox, founder of Close Protection Corps and author, shares his expertise in personal protection. He discusses the vital soft skills and mindset needed for safety, emphasizing risk assessment and situational awareness. Todd explores techniques like the OODA Loop and the Cooper Color Code to enhance self-defense strategies. He also highlights the importance of being proactive and prepared, whether for VIPs or average citizens, detailing how to become a 'hard target' and the essential skills everyone should learn to protect themselves.

In this engaging discussion, psychologist Ethan Kross, director of the Emotion & Self Control Lab, explores the fascinating world of our inner dialogue, or 'chatter.' He reveals how this self-talk can influence our emotions and relationships, and offers insights into harnessing it for personal growth. Kross emphasizes the importance of distancing oneself from negative thoughts and shares tools like mental time travel and immersing in nature as effective ways to manage anxiety. Discover how to tame that inner voice for better well-being!

Cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert, a professor of psychology and co-author of "Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom," delves into the complexities of boredom. He argues that boredom is a neutral signal prompting us to engage more effectively with the world. The conversation covers its historical context, how personality affects susceptibility, and even connects boredom to political extremism. James also highlights the importance of reframing our approach to boredom as a tool for growth rather than a state to be avoided.

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and decision-making expert, shares her insights on how to make better choices. She discusses the importance of overcoming biases like hindsight bias and introduces 'knowledge tracking' to improve decision quality. With practical tools, she explains when to make quick decisions and when to take your time. Duke also emphasizes the need for decision-making education in schools and presents the 'only option test' to navigate hard choices. Get ready to enhance your decision-making skills!