The Art of Manliness

Bryan Schatz, a reporter, and Patrick Hutchison, a copywriter, made the leap from desk jobs to cabin builders, sharing their journey of ambition and disaster. They laugh about how a joke turned into a reality and detail the unexpected challenges they faced, including construction mishaps and managing a friendship under pressure. From the frustrating process of procuring materials to the emotional highs of completing their cabin, they reflect on the personal growth and lessons learned through this chaotic adventure.

Sam Weinman, a sportswriter and author of "Win at Losing," explores the often-overlooked benefits of losing. He discusses how losing can be more enriching than winning, offering lessons in humility, growth, and resilience. Weinman shares powerful stories from notable figures like Greg Norman and Susan Lucci, illustrating how setbacks can lead to personal transformation. He also reflects on how these insights shape his approach to parenting, helping his kids navigate their own challenges with a positive mindset.

Saul David, a military historian and author of "The Force," shares the riveting history of the 1st Special Service Force, also known as the "Devil's Brigade." He uncovers how this elite unit, comprised of rugged men from diverse backgrounds, transformed into a formidable fighting force through rigorous training. The discussion highlights their daring missions during WWII, including the capture of a Nazi stronghold, and explores their innovative strategies for winter warfare. Saul also reflects on their overlooked legacy, which paved the way for today's special operations forces.

Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist and author of "Insight," dives into the intriguing world of self-awareness. She reveals that while 95% of people think they are self-aware, only 10-15% truly are. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing internal and external self-knowledge, and offers insights on the barriers to self-awareness, including biases and excessive introspection. Eurich also discusses how engaging with social media as an 'in-former' rather than a 'me-former' can enhance personal insight and connections.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Weiner, author of "The Socrates Express," shares his unique journey traveling by train to the intellectual haunts of notable philosophers. He reflects on the wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius, explaining how his daily motivations can inspire us. Weiner delves into Thoreau's teachings on observation, Gandhi's take on manliness, and Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence that encourages us to cherish life. He also touches on Montaigne's pragmatic insights on death, blending philosophy with personal growth and introspection.

Ken Rusk, a construction entrepreneur, life coach, and author of "Blue Collar Cash," shares his inspiring journey from digging ditches to building a multi-million dollar business. He highlights the untapped potential and financial rewards of blue-collar work, urging young people to consider vocational careers over traditional college paths. Ken emphasizes the growing demand for skilled trades and the personal fulfillment that comes from embracing this path. He also discusses the importance of creativity in blue-collar entrepreneurship and reframing societal perceptions of these careers.

John Zeratsky, co-author of 'Make Time,' shares his insights on time management and productivity, born from his experience in tech and feelings of life's blur. He introduces a simple 4-step framework and emphasizes selecting a daily 'highlight' to prioritize what truly matters. John discusses overcoming distractions from 'infinity pools' and the significance of energy management. He also explores how intentional living can enhance daily experiences, advocating for flexibility in prioritizing tasks to enrich our lives with memorable moments.

Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower and author of "How Ike Led," shares her unique insights on the legendary leader. She discusses her personal relationship with Ike, emphasizing his commitment to responsibility and effective delegation during pivotal moments like D-Day. Susan explains Ike's strategic mindset, his emotional resilience, and how he navigated complex political dynamics. Her reflections reveal how his love for history shaped his decision-making and underlined the importance of optimism and morale in leadership.

Ben Aldridge, author of "How to Be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable," shares his unique approach to self-improvement through his anti-bucket list concept. He discusses how his battle with anxiety led him to embrace a year of challenges, facing discomfort head-on, from cold showers to learning Japanese. Aldridge highlights how Stoic philosophy and personal trials can foster resilience and discipline. He also explores creative challenges and the transformative power of embracing discomfort, showcasing the growth experienced through adversity.

Jay Heinrichs, an expert in language and persuasion and author of "Thank You for Arguing," passionately advocates for reviving the art of rhetoric in modern education. He explores the essential elements of effective communication, emphasizing the difference between arguing and fighting. Heinrichs dives into Aristotle's tools of ethos, pathos, and logos, highlighting the importance of establishing trust with your audience. He shares techniques for memorizing presentations and offers a fun game to boost rhetorical skills, making the case for why mastering this lost art is vital today.