Modern Wisdom

Sam Corcos, former CEO of Levels and current CIO at the U.S. Treasury, unveils the striking realities within the government. He discusses the chaos in IRS modernization, shedding light on outdated practices like reliance on fax machines. Sam shares his journey into politics, misconceptions about government operations, and the challenge of implementing meaningful change amid bureaucracy. He also tackles the complexities of procurement, the importance of retaining technical talent, and how to effectively navigate the murky waters of waste and fraud.

In this engaging conversation, comedian and author Konstantin Kisin tackles Britain's tumultuous state. He argues that the UK's migration crisis is more practical than moral, emphasizing the stark contrasts between UK and US immigration attitudes. Kisin critiques multiculturalism, suggesting it's a failed experiment without genuine integration. He also delves into the limits on free speech in the UK, linking the country’s current challenges to economic decline and social cohesion issues. Insightful and thought-provoking, his views stimulate a necessary debate on national identity.

Andrew Doyle, comedian and creator of the satirical character Titania McGrath, dives deep into today's cultural wars. He discusses the alarming rise of political violence and the risks posed by extreme voices within movements. Doyle argues that wokeness is in decline, driven by a backlash against its authoritarian tendencies. He highlights the detrimental impact of cancel culture on free speech and the importance of returning to classical liberal values. Plus, he critiques how identity politics has shifted focus away from pressing class issues.

Ryan Holiday, an author and marketing strategist known for his insights on Stoicism and resilience, explores the nuanced difference between intelligence and wisdom. He shares lessons from his near-death experience and how daily habits contribute to acquiring wisdom over time. Ryan discusses the value of humility, the importance of learning from classic stories, and the need for emotional regulation. He emphasizes that true wisdom is gained through lived experiences, urging listeners to invest in wisdom early rather than relying on shortcuts.

In this engaging discussion, Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey shares insights on courage, faith, and masculinity. He explores the concept of 'life rhymes,' emphasizing the importance of serendipity. McConaughey reflects on forgiveness and personal responsibility and how one can remain hopeful amidst failure. He distinguishes between being nice and being good, advocates for a balance between ambition and humility, and stresses the value of injecting humor into life. Finally, he discusses the essence of confidence and the vital role of belief.

Discover how lowering your threshold for joy can boost emotional resilience and the implications of busyness on mental health. Explore Viktor Frankl's paradox of meaning versus pleasure and why sanity trumps relentless ambition for creative success. Delve into the challenges men face balancing ambition with self-acceptance, and how pop culture influences romantic choices. Learn practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of taking action, and why starting without validation, like Van Gogh, can lead to fulfillment.

Zack Telander, a musician, weightlifter, and YouTuber, dives into the fear of being perceived as 'cringe'. He discusses how critics project their insecurities and how sincerity can often be overshadowed by irony in online interactions. Zack explores the balance between gratitude and ambition, sharing insights from his experience of running for 100 days. He also reflects on the nature of 'coolness' and the challenges of public critique, urging listeners to embrace vulnerability for authentic engagement.

Bonnie Blue is a British porn star and OnlyFans creator, while Louise Perry is a writer and critic of the sexual revolution. They engage in a lively debate about the implications of sex work on feminism and societal norms. Bonnie shares her motivations and challenges in the industry, while Louise discusses the cultural impact of normalizing sex as a hobby versus personal consent. Their conversation digs into issues like online consent, the trade-offs of sexual liberation, and the psychological costs associated with their choices.

In this insightful discussion, data scientist and filmmaker Stephen J. Shaw delves into the alarming trends of collapsing birth rates in Western countries. He explores potential causes, from cultural shifts to economic pressures, and questions whether this decline can be reversed. Shaw highlights the increasing challenges of parenthood and the generational differences surrounding family planning. He also examines antinatalist ideologies and the broader societal implications, urging a reevaluation of policies to support young families.

Lionel Page, a professor at the University of Queensland and author, delves into the fascinating world of self-deception and human communication. He discusses how our reasoning often prioritizes persuasion over truth, revealing everyday examples of self-deception like overconfidence and conflict resolution. Page explores the complexities of communication, emphasizing the role of ambiguity and social dynamics. He examines gender differences in social networks and reinterprets politics as a coalition game, shedding light on how we navigate social interactions and the implications for empathy.