Striving to better yourself is a noble pursuit, and there are plenty of legitimate resources to help you navigate this journey. But how do you protect yourself against the unscrupulous shysters lurking in the shadows looking to exploit you at this vulnerable juncture? Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Globally, the self-help industry brings in nearly $60 billion per year. But how much of this is generated by programs that actually help people better themselves? Under the surface, many so-called self-help groups are nothing more than cults that use coercive tactics — or even abuse — to keep their "customers" in line. These groups cultivate dependency among the flock while escalating the price of admission. A healthy dose of skepticism and genuine connection with the outside world will help guard against such exploitation. Therapy, research, and self-guided approaches are better bets for promoting genuine well-being. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know! Connect with David at his website, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/850 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

Should you believe without question that the mild-mannered cousin you've known your whole life is a rapist, as your friend alleges, or should you take into consideration that this friend's past lapses in credibility may cast a shadow of doubt over this narrative? We'll try to find answers to this and more here on Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in! On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss: Is it Jordan answering your comments on social media, or is it an AI chatbot? Beep? Boop? Bop? A friend's rape allegation against your cousin has you weighing the latter's mild-mannered reputation against the former's sometimes questionable credibility. How can you achieve financial and emotional independence from an abusive father while maintaining relationships with the family members who still live with him? What can you do to help your brother untangle himself from an unhinged ex who seems capable of committing acts of extreme retribution — against him and his family — if he does anything to displease her? Is there a professional way to tell a client they either need to up their hygiene game or lower their fragrance game because your olfactory senses go haywire whenever they're within smelling distance? Because you were raised by a narcissist and married to a narcissist, you wonder if maybe you've become too good at listening and less good at being a person to whom others want to listen? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/849 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at

Yuval Noah Harari (@harari_yuval) is a historian and the bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. His latest book, Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World, is out now. What We Discuss with Yuval Noah Harari: At a time when information is unlimited, has the idea that "knowledge is power" become obsolete? It all depends on how careful we are about ingesting the right kind of information — and knowing which kind to avoid. Religious texts and nation-defining constitutions are only as useful as their human interpretations — which can shift radically over the course of generations. In what ways might technology like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering threaten a humanist-centered approach to the future? How algorithms that guess new ways to sell us things we don't need can be modified to put us on the hit lists of authoritarian governments. What humanity really needs to do in order to avert climate crisis and World War III. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/848  This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals  Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!  Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Award-winning journalist and podcaster Andrew Gold joins us for this edition of Skeptical Sunday to examine the spread of conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to COVID-19 and debunk these claims with actual science. On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: 5G is the latest generation of wireless technology that offers significantly faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased network capacity — leading to enhanced connectivity and improved efficiency in our daily lives. Conspiracy theories linking 5G to COVID-19 have gained significant attention and, like the virus itself, spread across the world — helped by Russian state-backed media outlet RT. Misinformation and conspiracy theories tend to exploit newsworthy events to further ulterior agendas. Conspiracy theorists often seek comfort and certainty during uncertain times, leading to the popularity of such theories. The good news: there is no credible evidence or scientific basis supporting the idea that 5G radiation depletes the immune system or spreads COVID-19. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know! Connect with Andrew on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/847 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

72-year-old Dad seems clueless that the young and comely third-wheel Jezebel who's been stealing his attention away from Mom might be up to something less than seemly. How do you defuse the spell that's been cast over him by this manipulative muse? We'll try to find an answer to this and more here on Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in! On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss: Was Dark Jordan right in his episode 828 advice to the listener whose neighbors were eavesdropping on Zoom therapy sessions through a paper-thin wall? How do you get your 72-year-old dad to see that — much to the chagrin of your mom and the rest of the family — the comely young woman who's been giving him attention might have ulterior motives? Does listening to this podcast potentially jeopardize your safety while traveling to Xi Jinping's China? [Thanks to Laowhy86 for chiming in on this one!] Your tween son wants to slap a controversial sticker about a political leader on his binder that he takes to public school — in Washington, DC — every day. Considering how politically polarized our country is right now, is it prudent (or even safe) to let him? You've been looking to up the efficiency of your self-improvement game after pulling yourself out of a funk and getting fit. How might you optimize your routine without getting distracted by the minutiae of the tools you're using? You were adopted in later childhood by a kind and loving teacher, but you're finding it difficult to make the transition from calling her by her first name to "Mom." How can you do it without making it weird? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/846 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our...

Robert Kerbeck (@robertkerbeck) is the founder of the Malibu Writers Circle, and the author of the award-winning Malibu Burning: The Real Story Behind L.A.'s Most Devastating Wildfire. His latest book, Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street, is out now. What We Discuss with Robert Kerbeck: Why actors are naturally adept at the social engineering skills required to be a successful corporate spy. What kinds of information do corporate spies try to finagle from their marks? The importance of research and blending at least a grain of truth into every lie if you're trying to sell a story as a corporate spy. How do corporate spies find poachable talent that doesn't want to be found — and determine they're worth poaching? Do all corporations hire corporate spies (and would they admit to it)? And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/845 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Your family tree has a few branches that are a little more entwined than most — outside of old-world royalty and down-home banjo duelists. You happen to know a particularly dark secret about a troubled cousin's parentage, but you're wondering if telling him would be helpful or hurtful. What should you do? We'll try to find answers to this and more here on Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in! On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss: Would it be helpful or hurtful to disclose an incestuous family secret to the cousin it most affects? You've been deemed "unfit for duty" after attempting suicide. While you consider yourself lucky to be alive, you're wondering how to get a new job — and maintain insurance to cover meds and the help you need — with this on your record. Your fiancée's ongoing involvement with a "business" contact feels a lot like an emotional affair — something you endured in a past relationship and aren't eager to repeat. How do you address this before trust in your betrothed has irrevocably eroded? How do you help your mother move on from the death of your father when she's vehemently opposed to the idea of therapy? [This segment is sponsored by BetterHelp. Big thanks to Haesue Jo, Head of Clinical Operations at BetterHelp!] When traveling, what is the most tactful way to tell someone in a neighboring seat that their disgusting habits are unacceptable? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/844 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

Elie Honig (@eliehonig) is a CNN senior legal analyst, former federal and state prosecutor, Emmy nominee, podcast host, and columnist. He is the bestselling author of Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor’s Code and Corrupted the Justice Department, and his latest book is Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It. What We Discuss with Elie Honig: How the rich and powerful exploit flaws in the justice system to evade accountability while being able to afford lengthy trials and secure better plea deals. Why using wiretaps and flipping complicit parties are essential tactics for gathering evidence against the people at the top. How intermediaries are used to shield the rich and powerful from being held responsible for crimes committed in their name. Why donations to political candidates can lead to special treatment during prosecution, indicating potential corruption. Why we shouldn't completely abandon faith in the justice system despite its numerous imperfections. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/843 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

You have evidence that your 17-year-old girlfriend's stepfather sent himself copies of her nude photos when he confiscated her phone. Knowing this, now she's got to spend time alone with him when her mother goes out of town. What should she do? We'll try to find answers to this and more here on Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in! On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss: Hey! Where the heck has David C. Smalley been? An underage girl discovered her stepfather sent himself copies of her nude photos when he confiscated her phone, and now she's got to spend time alone with him when her mother goes out of town for a few weeks. What should she do? Marrying into a family and its business — which you've been told your spouse will eventually take over — has you wondering how to ensure your own financial security if it turns out other relatives want a piece of the business somewhere down the line. After suffering a brain injury in a terrible car accident, many aspects of your personality have changed — including a fresh perspective about how your dysfunctional family and the religious cult in which you were raised have been neglectful and abusive. How should the "new" you face the future? You've been waiting for nearly a decade to exit an unhappy marriage until your youngest kid turns 18, which will happen soon. Unfortunately, you and your spouse work in a full-time religious ministry, and divorce will mean dismissal, loss of income, disappointing the family and community, and surfacing of past transgressions you'd rather not revisit. What's your least disastrous path forward? How do you effectively network without feeling like some kind of manipulative phony? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/842 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:

Adam Bornstein (@BornFitness) is the founder of Born Fitness, an award-winning writer and editor in the fitness space, and a bestselling author. His latest book is You Can't Screw This Up: Why Eating Takeout, Enjoying Dessert, and Taking the Stress out of Dieting Leads to Weight Loss That Lasts. What We Discuss with Adam Bornstein: Why are more than 70 percent of Americans overweight or obese despite 40 percent of men and 60 percent of women observing multiple diets per year? The common misbeliefs and flawed mindsets around fitness and weight loss perpetuated by a wellness industry that prioritizes its profits over the people it purports to help. How the wellness industry inflates bogus "sciencey" claims in order to fool us into buying routines, diets, and supplements that, at best, do nothing for us. What calorie restriction really does to the brain. How extreme, all-or-none beliefs make us fail our fitness goals, and what we can do to actually move the progress needle forward. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/841 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!