The Art of Manliness

Joseph Liu, a seasoned consultant and coach specializing in career transitions, shares his insights on navigating career changes. He outlines the "7 Stages of Career Change," guiding listeners from doubt to reflection. The conversation dives into emotional struggles and the common pitfalls one faces when contemplating a switch. Liu emphasizes the need for self-reflection, discusses financial considerations, and offers practical strategies for making a successful transition. He highlights the importance of maintaining relationships and having a contingency plan.

Robin Dreeke, a former FBI behavioral analyst and author of "Sizing People Up," shares his expertise on trust and behavior prediction. He discusses the high stakes of misjudging trustworthiness and introduces a framework for evaluating relationships. Listeners will learn the six key signs to assess whether someone is trustworthy, including recognizing genuine support versus self-interest and the importance of emotional stability. Dreeke emphasizes that understanding motivations and maintaining objectivity is crucial for successful personal and professional connections.

John Kaag, a philosophy professor, stumbled upon a forgotten library in New Hampshire filled with rare texts from American thinkers like Emerson and James. He discusses how this discovery reignited his passion for philosophy during a difficult time. Kaag delves into the significance of American philosophy, exploring transcendentalism and pragmatism as responses to existential questions. He also highlights the influence of European and Asian philosophy on American thought, emphasizing the crucial interplay between individuality and societal responsibilities.

Michelle Segar, a behavioral scientist and author of No Sweat, shares insights on transforming exercise into a sustainable habit. She reveals that traditional motivators like weight loss often fail and emphasizes the need for immediate positive experiences. Segar introduces her MAPS framework—Meaning, Awareness, Permission, and Strategy—to help change perceptions of physical activity. By prioritizing enjoyment and flexible decision-making, she encourages listeners to redefine their relationship with exercise for long-term success.

In this engaging conversation, John Tierney, co-author of "The Power of Bad," dives into the intriguing concept of the negativity effect and its profound impact on human behavior. He explains why bad experiences outweigh good ones and shares how this bias influences parenting, criticism, and even religious beliefs. The discussion highlights strategies for effectively delivering and receiving feedback, the contagious nature of negativity, and the challenges posed by social media. Throughout, Tierney offers insights on harnessing the power of bad while mitigating its effects.

Charlie Gilkey, a former Army officer and PhD in philosophy, shares his expertise on productivity. He delves into common roadblocks like prioritization issues and mental clutter that prevent project completion. The conversation highlights the importance of confronting 'head trash' and overcoming 'thrashing' behaviors. Gilkey also discusses effective goal-setting with the SMART framework, the concept of momentum planning, and how community support can bolster personal achievements. Tune in for practical insights on getting things done!

Rich Karlgaard, author of "Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement," dives into the often-overlooked advantages of being a late bloomer. He challenges the societal obsession with early success, offering examples of historical figures who thrived later in life. The conversation highlights qualities like resilience and self-awareness that late bloomers possess. Rich argues that embracing self-doubt can actually foster growth, redefining the path to personal and professional success.

Admiral James Stavridis, a former commander of NATO and current dean at Tufts, delves into the essence of character in leadership through profiles of ten historic admirals. He shares fascinating insights about figures like Themistocles and Horatio Nelson, highlighting their admirable qualities and flaws. The discussion reveals how character influences decision-making and leadership success. Stavridis emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and moral integrity, offering timeless lessons applicable to both personal and professional development.

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.