The Jordan Harbinger Show

Jack Schafer, a retired FBI special agent and assistant professor, shares fascinating insights into human behavior and social dynamics. He reveals why happy individuals aren't ideal for spy recruitment and introduces the Friendship Formula for building strong connections. Learn how to counter manipulative tactics and recognize signals from others to protect yourself against manipulation. Plus, he uncovers the psychological nuances behind social interactions and the art of persuasion, all while sharing amusing anecdotes from his espionage days.

This week, the hosts tackle the dilemma of dealing with a freeloading family member who's a total drain on household resources. They offer practical advice on setting boundaries to restore harmony at home. The emotional rollercoaster of fertility struggles is also examined, encouraging listeners to reflect on their journeys to parenthood. Plus, there's a humorous take on a flea infestation caused by in-laws, reminding us of the delicate nature of family relationships. A lively banter ties it all together!

Jessica Tracy, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia and author of 'Take Pride,' dives deep into the dual nature of pride. She distinguishes between authentic pride, which fuels success, and hubristic pride, marked by arrogance. Tracy discusses how pride correlates with grit and influences our responses to others. She reveals fascinating insights on how pride can impact dynamics of dominance and prestige, ultimately emphasizing the importance of cultivating healthy pride for personal growth and meaningful relationships.

Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, discusses how happiness is a skill we can actively cultivate rather than a mere emotional state. She explains the surprising happiness of Olympic bronze medalists compared to silvers and delves into the paradox of lottery wealth, which often brings unhappiness. Santos highlights how our mindset matters, the value of gratitude, and the harmful effects of social media comparisons on self-esteem. Practical strategies for enhancing happiness in everyday life are also shared.

A listener grapples with her friend's mysterious fiancé, who seems overly present and might have controlling tendencies, prompting a discussion about consensual power dynamics in relationships. The hosts also delve into why height and salary are artificially linked, alongside exploring the emotional complexities of property sales among siblings faced with neighborly sabotage. They highlight the delicate balance between supporting loved ones and maintaining boundaries while navigating career transitions and the unique challenges posed by freelancing.

Will Storr, an award-winning investigative journalist and author of The Status Game, explores the fascinating dynamics of social status. He discusses how status has evolutionary roots that impact survival and innovation. Storr breaks down the three status games—dominance, virtue, and success—and reveals their psychological consequences, including links between low status and depression. The conversation touches on why job titles can outweigh salaries in terms of happiness, inviting listeners to reconsider their own status pursuits.

T-Pain, a trailblazing rapper and producer, shares his incredible journey from financial highs to lows, including how he faced losing $90 million. He dives into the quirky reasons behind his love for Fitbits over Rolexes and the significance of his tattoos. T-Pain reflects on balancing fame with family life and what it truly means to win a Grammy. He offers candid insights on finding contentment beyond external validation and the transformative power of personal connections.

The discussion dives into the complexities of childhood trauma and self-forgiveness, particularly about not reporting parental abuse. Listeners explore strategies for overcoming self-hatred tied to familial manipulation. A weight loss journey is also examined, emphasizing the challenge of external influences on personal goals. The conversation touches on legal complexities following a loved one's death and the struggles of young people seeking internships in a competitive job market, wrapped in a supportive and reflective atmosphere.

In this engaging conversation, Mickey Royal, a former pimp and bestselling author, shares his unique experiences from a life of crime. He discusses how his mental health challenges gave him an edge in the manipulative world of pimping. Royal elaborates on the importance of networking and how emotional detachment complicates relationships. He dives into the roles of 'bottom women' in the pimping hierarchy and analyzes the psychology behind manipulation and power dynamics, offering a fascinating insight into human behavior.

Mickey Royal, a former gangster and bestselling author, dives into his tumultuous life in the criminal underworld. He shares how mental health struggles played unique roles in his work. Mickey reveals the inner workings of his organized stable of prostitutes, likening it to a Fortune 500 company. He discusses the challenges of seeing people purely as tools for manipulation, complicating normal relationships, and delves into the haunting effects of trauma. His candid stories and reflections shed light on the dark realities of his past and the morality of choices made.