The Art of Manliness

Will Bardenwerper, a journalist and author who attended Army Ranger School twice, shares gripping insights from his unique experiences. He breaks down the intense physical and mental challenges of the course, including its three demanding phases: Benning, Mountain, and Swamp. Will discusses the differences between graduating from the school and being an official Ranger, the emotional toll of the training, and the ongoing debate around gender inclusion. His reflections on resilience underscore the soldier's journey through one of the military's toughest challenges.

Stephen Cope, a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and author of The Great Work of Your Life, dives deep into the quest for life's purpose through the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. He discusses the importance of discerning your true calling and how that may often be quietly impactful rather than flashy. Cope emphasizes the necessity of pursuing your calling fully while practicing deliberate action. He also highlights the significance of letting go of outcomes and aligning passions with duties, using examples from history to illustrate these profound concepts.

Rebecca Newton, an organizational psychologist and executive coach, shares her insights on developing authentic gravitas. She breaks down the myths surrounding gravitas, explaining it’s more about connection than charisma. Discover how to effectively engage your audience and enhance your presence in meetings or presentations. Newton emphasizes the importance of self-leadership and personal reflection, and offers practical tips for improving communication, whether in-person or online. Learn to harness self-awareness and authenticity to stand out in your professional life.

Steven Hayes, a professor of psychology and the founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding traditional mental health treatments. He highlights that confronting difficult thoughts instead of avoiding them can lead to greater psychological flexibility. Hayes critiques the over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, advocating for holistic approaches. He emphasizes the power of acceptance in personal growth and how fostering self-awareness can transform relationships and help individuals navigate life's challenges effectively.

Michael Stevenson, a military historian and author of "The Last Full Measure: How Soldiers Die in Battle," dives deep into the evolution of warfare and its deadly realities. He explores how technological advancements like gunpowder reshaped combat strategies and the soldier's experience. Insights on the psychological and cultural pressures motivating soldiers to fight are also discussed, along with the grim truths of casualties throughout history. This conversation emphasizes a humane reflection on the often-ignored complexities of war and death on the battlefield.

Join Matt Moore, a food writer and grilling expert behind 'Serial Griller,' as he shares his adventures discovering grilling secrets across the nation. Discover the importance of the Maillard reaction for perfect browning and tips for choosing the right fuels and tools. Moore spills his surprising burger and steak grilling techniques while ensuring chicken stays juicy and fish doesn’t fall apart. Plus, he unveils a mouth-watering grilled peach cobbler recipe that will elevate your summer cookouts!

Join therapist Marcia Naomi Berger, author of 'Marriage Meetings: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relationship You've Always Wanted,' as she shares insights into enhancing marital bonds. Discover the transformative power of weekly marriage meetings, focusing on appreciation, chore management, and planning enjoyable moments. Marcia emphasizes structuring discussions to foster clarity and connection, providing tips on how to communicate effectively and overcome objections from partners. Learn how just 15 minutes can spark lasting change!

Laurence Gonzales, a pilot and journalist known for his book Deep Survival, dives deep into the psychology of survival. He explores why some people thrive in disasters while others falter, revealing insights from his father's WWII survival story. Gonzales discusses the dangers of emotional decision-making and outdated mental models during crises. Surprisingly, he argues that rule breakers often have a higher chance of survival. The conversation wraps up with the paradox of balancing hope and realism in life-threatening situations.

Mark McConville, a family clinical psychologist and author of 'Failure to Launch,' discusses the challenges young adults face in transitioning to independence. He defines 'failure to launch' and explores the concept of 'emerging adulthood,' emphasizing that maturity takes time. McConville outlines three crucial tasks for young people: embracing responsibility, shifting parental roles from supervision to consultation, and treating life like a climbing wall. He also shares strategies for parents to motivate their kids in this journey toward adulthood.

Murray Carpenter, author of "Caffeinated," dives deep into our daily habit of caffeine consumption. He unpacks how caffeine impacts our brain, enhances alertness, and even how we often underestimate our daily intake. The conversation explores the rich history of caffeine from ancient rituals to the modern coffee culture, and the rise of energy drinks. Carpenter also discusses caffeine's role in sports performance and the delicate balance of its benefits and potential downsides, leaving listeners rethinking their morning coffee.