The Art of Manliness

Join James K. A. Smith, a professor and author, as he dives into the relevance of St. Augustine's wisdom for our modern lives. They explore deep feelings of restlessness and existential angst that haunt us today, echoing Augustine's own struggles. Smith contrasts Augustine's insights on true freedom through dependence on God with existentialist philosophies. The conversation touches on themes of ambition, identity, and the vital role of grace, shedding light on how these age-old ideas can help us find meaning and fulfillment in an often chaotic world.

In this engaging discussion, Don Greene, a stress coach and sports psychologist with a rich background coaching Olympic athletes and traders, shares his expertise on performing under pressure. He reveals why individuals choke, highlighting the mental battles at play. Don discusses how to harness adrenaline to improve performance and emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and thought monitoring. Listeners learn practical strategies to manage anxiety, reframe stress positively, and cultivate empowering self-talk for resilience in high-stakes situations.

Gina Perry, author of "The Lost Boys: Inside Muzafer Sherif's Robbers Cave Experiment," dives into the infamous 1954 study that examined group dynamics among boys at summer camp. She reveals how innocent competitions escalated into conflict, mirroring themes akin to William Golding's "Lord of the Flies." The discussion also uncovers the researchers' hidden agendas and ethical concerns, along with surprising outcomes where the boys united against manipulation rather than competing. Perry's insights challenge long-held perceptions of tribalism in human nature.

Bill Rawlins, a dedicated professor and author specializing in friendship dynamics, dives into the intricacies of friendships. He highlights why these relationships are often overlooked yet crucial to our lives, and discusses the unique tensions that arise, such as independence vs. dependence and judgment vs. acceptance. Bill also contrasts the nature of male and female friendships and reveals how these relationships evolve through different life stages. His tips for cultivating friendships as adults are both insightful and practical, making it clear that nurturing connections is essential.

In this engaging discussion, Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and author of insightful books on hygge, shares how to make the holiday season cozier and more memorable. He explains the Danish concept of hygge and how it helps create a warm atmosphere, particularly through decorations, scents, and festive traditions. Wiking also explores the power of lasting memories, suggesting ways to curate joyful experiences. From candlelit gatherings to embracing tolerance during family interactions, he offers tips for a more fulfilling holiday season.

Ryan Holiday, an esteemed author known for his works on Stoicism, dives into the transformative power of stillness. He discusses how historical figures like JFK and Churchill harnessed calm during chaos, and shares practical tips on achieving mental clarity through journaling and limiting media distractions. Ryan challenges the myth that relationships hold you back, revealing how they can promote achievement and inner peace. He also emphasizes the necessity of hobbies for balance, making a compelling case for stillness in all aspects of life.

Bryce Hoffman, author of "Red Teaming: How Your Business Can Conquer the Competition by Challenging Everything," joins to dive into the transformative strategy of red teaming. He explores its military origins and how businesses can leverage it to confront hidden biases and sharpen decision-making. Hoffman highlights techniques like pre-mortem analysis for anticipating failures and the significance of constructive criticism in fostering innovation. By embracing red teaming, individuals can gain a competitive edge while breaking free from limiting assumptions.

Tristan Gooley, an outdoorsman and author of 'The Nature Instinct', shares insights on our inherent ability to read nature's signs. He discusses how our ancestors navigated and understood their environment and argues that we can reclaim this lost skill. The conversation covers techniques to anticipate animal behavior, find water sources, and predict weather changes simply by observing nature. Tristan emphasizes the importance of engaging with our surroundings, helping us forge deeper connections and see the world from a new perspective.

Aaron Sloan, a registered nurse and owner of Engine Room Boxing gym, discusses how boxing can serve as a powerful treatment for Parkinson's disease. He highlights research showing vigorous exercise's benefits, especially boxing's role in improving motor skills and boosting confidence. Aaron shares inspiring success stories from his Ready to Fight program, illustrating the life-changing effects of boxing for patients. They also tackle the misconception that boxing causes Parkinson's, promoting it as a supportive therapy instead.

Eric Kapitulik, founder of The Program and a leadership expert with military roots, shares invaluable insights on team dynamics and personal accountability. He emphasizes the importance of defining core values to address common team challenges. Discover the critical distinction between goals and standards, and why focusing on the latter fosters a stronger culture. Eric also discusses the necessity of holding team members accountable, the essence of true kindness in leadership, and the excuses we must eliminate for personal growth.