The Art of Manliness

Hampton Sides, an expert in military history and author of "On Desperate Ground," dives deep into the Korean War's overlooked significance. He discusses the ambitious yet flawed strategies of General Douglas MacArthur that trapped U.S. troops in extreme conditions. Highlighting the incredible bravery of 20,000 Marines during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, Sides paints a vivid picture of their desperate fight against 300,000 Chinese soldiers amidst frigid temperatures. The conversation also reflects on the lasting impact of these events on modern geopolitics.

Joseph Burgo, a clinical psychologist and author, dives deep into the intricate nature of shame. He argues that while shame often carries a negative connotation, some forms can actually foster personal growth. Burgo discusses the difference between toxic and productive shame, the roots of shame in childhood experiences, and how societal expectations, especially around masculinity, complicate emotional responses. He offers insights on transforming shame into a catalyst for self-improvement and addresses the dangers of online shaming in today’s culture.

Erwan Le Corre, founder of the MovNat system and author of "The Practice of Natural Movement," shares his insights on rediscovering our innate physical capabilities. He discusses how modern lifestyles limit our movement, turning us into 'zoo humans.' Erwan emphasizes the mental and physical health benefits of natural movement, advocating for a return to diverse, instinctual activities. He offers practical tips for integrating these movements into everyday life, encouraging listeners to reclaim their freedom and vitality through active engagement with their environment.

Paul Napper, a psychologist and co-author of The Power of Agency, discusses how to reclaim personal agency in a world filled with distractions and anxiety. He explains that many feel overwhelmed not just due to stress but a diminished sense of control. Napper outlines seven principles to enhance decision-making and promote self-confidence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of positive relationships and physical well-being in nurturing agency. Practical strategies for combating procrastination and perfectionism are also highlighted, offering listeners hope and actionable insights.

Roger Love, a renowned voice coach who has trained famous singers and speakers, shares his insights on how to improve your speaking voice. He explains the importance of a clear and confident vocal presence in professional success. Love discusses common vocal habits that can sabotage your effectiveness, such as voice fry and uptalk. He offers practical techniques to achieve a fuller sound and eliminate nasality, all while helping listeners discover their authentic voice for better communication.

William Ayotte, a poet and ritual leader, discusses the crucial role of rituals in men's lives and society. He shares how the decline of these practices has led to a lack of meaning in modern life. Ayotte highlights the importance of rites of passage and how they can foster deeper emotional connections and community support. He suggests practical daily rituals to bring enchantment to existence and offers insights on establishing men's groups, emphasizing that it's never too late to embrace these transformative practices.

Jared Ward, an Olympic marathoner and statistics professor at BYU, reveals the secrets behind his impressive athletic journey. He shares how he juggles training for the Olympics with family life, offering insights into effective workout strategies and the importance of strength training. Listeners will learn about vital recovery techniques, nutrition tailored for endurance athletes, and the mental resilience required to compete at high levels. Jared also dives into practical advice for amateur runners, helping them navigate their own paths to success.

Aaron Edelheit, author of "The Hard Break: The Case for a 24/6 Lifestyle," shares his journey from entrepreneur burnout to embracing a weekly day of rest inspired by the Sabbath. He discusses the detrimental effects of constant connectivity and workaholism on mental health and productivity. Aaron provides practical tips for incorporating a Sabbath practice, highlighting its transformative impact on creativity and well-being. He emphasizes that taking intentional breaks can lead to greater success and fulfillment, regardless of one’s beliefs.

Talking to new people can lead to making new connections and learning interesting things, and simply makes both you and the person you talk with happier. Yet many of us have a very difficult time striking up a conversation with strangers. Why is this?My guest today has done studies to find out. Her name is Gillian Sandstrom and she's a professor of social psychology at the University of Essex. Gillian's research has explored both why people have such a hard time talking to strangers, and why it's beneficial to do so. Today we dig into common barriers to talking to new people, including the "liking gap," where we believe people find us less interesting than they do. We then talk discuss the benefits of talking to strangers (which go for both introverts and extroverts), and Gillian's best tips for getting better at it.Get the show notes at aom.is/talktostrangers.

Allen J. Lynch, a Medal of Honor recipient for his courageous actions in Vietnam, shares his transformational journey from a bullied kid in Chicago to a decorated hero and advocate for veterans. He reflects on the bullying that haunted his youth, his early struggles in the Army, and the emotional impact of losing friends in combat. Allen discusses his battle with PTSD and his dedication to serving others, illustrating how focusing on community and empathy has been key to his healing and the healing of fellow veterans.