The Art of Manliness

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.

Erling Kagge, an adventurer, philosopher, and author of 'Silence' and 'Walking', offers intriguing insights on the profound connection between walking and the human experience. He argues that walking fosters reflection and enhances memory, while advocating for embracing voluntary hardship for personal growth. Kagge highlights walking's role in problem-solving and its philosophical ties, illustrating how embracing simplicity can enrich modern life. With a nod to the transformative power of movement, he encourages listeners to step outside and explore their surroundings.

Sheila Heen, co-author of "Difficult Conversations" and a negotiation expert from the Harvard Negotiation Project, shares her insights on navigating tough talks. She highlights common difficult conversations, from asking for a raise to discussing sensitive issues with friends. Sheila explains the difference between intentions and impacts, revealing how to share emotions effectively without being emotional. By embracing empathy and self-reflection, she advocates for transforming combative exchanges into meaningful dialogues, fostering understanding in personal and professional relationships.

Ryan Swanson, a sports history professor and author of "The Strenuous Life," dives into Theodore Roosevelt's dynamic engagement with physical fitness and sports. Discover how Roosevelt's own struggles with health ignited his passion for vigorous living and inspired a national movement in the late 19th century. Swanson also reveals Roosevelt's pivotal role in preserving football, his thoughts on baseball, and how he embodied the 'strenuous life' even in the White House, promoting a legacy of athletic engagement in American culture.

Scott Young, author and renowned for completing an MIT computer science degree in under a year, shares his groundbreaking approach to ultralearning. He discusses how to master skills efficiently without traditional education. Key strategies include active learning, effective feedback, and planning. Young emphasizes the importance of self-directed study in today's job market and the personal growth that comes from pursuing passion-driven projects. Dive into techniques for skill mastery and discover how to navigate challenges in your learning journey!

Gregg Levoy, author of "Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life," discusses how callings are intuitive nudges we often ignore. He explains the difference between callings and vocations, emphasizing the need to respond to these inner prompts. Levoy highlights ways to discover your calling, including self-reflection, community, and rites of passage. He also addresses the challenges of pursuing callings and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth. By staying connected to our true selves, we can better navigate life's meaningful decisions.