The Art of Manliness

Jesse Singal, author of 'The Quick Fix,' critiques the oversimplification of social psychology in tackling societal issues. He discusses how the rise of behavioral science, influenced by TED talks, has led to misguided solutions. Singal highlights the replication crisis that questions the legitimacy of popular psychological studies, such as the self-esteem movement and power posing. He exposes the shortcomings of positive psychology in military settings, particularly for PTSD, and ultimately contends that there are no shortcuts to solving life’s complex problems.

Bobby Maximus, a world-renowned trainer and author of Maximus Body, dives deep into the psychology of fitness. He emphasizes the mental barriers that often hold us back, sharing innovative tips like using little green dots to visualize goals. Bobby discusses the importance of managing expectations and the necessity of strength training before endurance work. He also highlights the significance of recovery and a positive mindset, blending fitness with motivational insights to inspire personal growth beyond the gym.

H. W. Brands, a historian and author of T.R.: The Last Romantic, dives into the life of Theodore Roosevelt through the lens of Romanticism. He reveals how Roosevelt's childhood, shaped by his father's influence and love for nature, inspired his adventurous spirit and political ambitions. Brands discusses Roosevelt's family life, marked by personal tragedy, and how he balanced his romantic ideals with the pragmatism required in politics. The conversation paints Roosevelt as a heroic figure who left an indelible mark on American history.

Joanna Nylund, author of "Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage," dives into the Finnish concept of sisu, a blend of bravery, resilience, and grit. She shares how this philosophy was exhibited during Finland's Winter War against Russia, emphasizing its cultural roots. Nylund offers practical advice to cultivate sisu, like embracing discomfort and seeking solitude in nature. She also discusses fostering resilience in children and the unique Finnish approach to communication, highlighting how these elements contribute to a strong and cohesive community.

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.