The Art of Manliness

Join author Alex Kershaw as he unveils the complex character of General George S. Patton, a military genius whose aggressive tactics were matched by deep spiritual beliefs. Discover how Patton’s commission of a prayer for better weather rallied his troops during the crucial Battle of the Bulge. Kershaw delves into Patton's reading habits, leadership style, and unique blend of assertiveness and mysticism. Insightful anecdotes highlight how faith and strategy intersected in Patton's military successes during World War II.

Dr. Adam Fraser, a peak performance researcher and author of "Strive: Embracing the Gift of Struggle," dives into the transformative power of challenges in our lives. He argues that true happiness isn't found in ease but in embracing the 'strive state,' where growth stems from discomfort. Adam discusses the dangers of making life too easy for children, stressing the importance of resilience. He emphasizes that fulfillment arises from navigating struggles and taking courageous actions towards meaningful goals.

Patric Richardson, the "Laundry Evangelist" and laundry expert, shares his wisdom on effective laundry techniques. He reveals the one cycle and water temperature you can use for all clothes, stressing less detergent is key. Discover why dryer sheets are a no-go and what to use instead. Patric busts myths about washing wool suits at home and discusses innovative methods for removing stains, even yellow pit stains. His tips promise to save you time, money, and hassle, making laundry less of a chore!

In this engaging conversation, Scott Young, a writer and entrepreneur known for his books on mastery and ultralearning, shares strategies for skill improvement. He emphasizes learning by imitation and extracting valuable insights from experts rather than just seeking straightforward advice. Scott discusses the necessity of temporary setbacks and challenges, arguing that sometimes you have to get worse before you can get better. He also highlights the importance of structured feedback and gradually increasing task difficulty to enhance learning.

Joe Lombardo, a strength enthusiast and writer, delves into the philosophical dimensions of physical fitness. He discusses how ancient Greeks viewed fitness as essential to personal and social virtues, highlighting a neglect of the body as a moral failing. The conversation also touches on early Christianity's complex relationship with exercise and the muscular Christianity movement. Lombardo shares insights from Yukio Mishima, exploring how strength training connects to confronting mortality and achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Jim VandeHei, co-founder of Politico and Axios, shares his remarkable journey from struggling in school to leading major media platforms. He emphasizes the transformative power of matching passion with opportunity and surrounding oneself with positive influences. Jim discusses the importance of understanding different leadership styles, particularly in challenging times, and how to cultivate a 'happiness matrix' in life. He also underscores the value of mentorship and the balance between technology and human creativity in the evolving media landscape.

Jared Dillian, a former Lehman Brothers trader and author of 'No Worries,' shares his philosophy on stress-free finances. He discusses how debt and risk can be the main sources of financial anxiety. Dillian emphasizes the importance of managing major purchases like cars and homes wisely to avoid stress. He introduces the concept of an 'awesome portfolio' for risk mitigation and critiques viewing homes solely as investments. The conversation also touches on the challenges of student loans and the role of alternative investments like cryptocurrency in financial stability.

Stayton Bonner, author of 'Bare Knuckle,' shares riveting insights into the gritty world of bare-knuckle boxing, chronicling its rise, fall, and unexpected resurgence. He discusses the thrilling underground fights that echo historic traditions and introduces Bobby Gunn, an undefeated champion embodying the spirit of this raw sport. Bonner explores the primal human attraction to fighting, the cultural significance among the Irish Travelers, and how this once-shadowy sport is now becoming the world's fastest-growing combat sport.

Charan Ranganath, a neuroscientist and psychologist specializing in memory research, dives into the complexities of memory. He explains how attention and environmental shifts impact our recall abilities. Charan discusses the reminiscence bump, highlighting why vivid memories from our late teens often outshine more recent ones. He offers strategies for improving memory, such as mindful photography and seeking novelty in experiences. The fascinating interplay between memory, imagination, and the effect of reading formats on retention is also explored.

Dr. Joe Alton, a retired surgeon and co-author of The Survival Medicine Handbook, discusses critical medical skills needed for long-term disasters when professional help is unavailable. He emphasizes building comprehensive first aid kits and the importance of training to manage injuries and sanitation. Joe also covers innovative techniques like using super glue for wounds and addressing dental issues. He shares insights on community preparedness and personal care, reinforcing the reality of self-reliance in crisis situations.