The Arthur Brooks Show

Simon Sinek and Arthur Brooks discuss the impact of contempt in modern society, the dangers of tribalism in politics, the role of social media in demonizing opposing ideas, the importance of understanding motivations in peace talks, the limitations of social media in fostering meaningful conversations, and the need for intellectual independence and empathy in promoting positive change.

Bishop Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles and founder of Word on Fire, joins Curt Thompson, a psychiatrist and author specializing in neurobiology and spirituality. They explore what it truly means to love the divine, examining how our childhood experiences shape our adult spiritual relationships. The conversation tackles the rise of secularism and its threats to spiritual well-being, as well as the fine line between devotion and fanaticism. Through insights from philosophy and theology, they encourage a deeper connection with God's love.

Though seemingly straightforward, the question, “Do you love your country?” has taken on added significance in recent years. So what does it mean to love one’s country? And how should we love our country? Arthur takes a closer look at the debate over the appropriate places of patriotism and nationalism, and the virtues and vices of each. Featuring conversations with Brown University political science professor Prerna Singh, Georgetown University international affairs professor Paul Miller, and National Review editor Rich Lowry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the teachings of Buddha and Jesus on loving enemies, with a focus on personal transformation and forgiveness. Dive into the power of tenderness and compassion in dissolving resentment, understanding political motive attribution, and the importance of loving enemies through a comedic story with Chucho the leftist dog.

By many measures, Americans have fewer friends and feel lonelier than ever before. Arthur explores the decline of intimate friendship in the U.S., the consequences of loneliness, and how we can build the kinds of friendships that we most deeply desire. Featuring conversations with Doug Nemecek, Chief Medical Officer for Behavioral Health at Cigna, Julia Bainbridge, host of The Lonely Hour podcast, and Vivek Murthy, former surgeon general of the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you love your job? Many of us don’t – and it’s beginning to show. Arthur looks at why many Americans are disengaged at work, why our jobs often leave us dissatisfied, and how a different approach to work and success can give us a greater sense of purpose and life satisfaction. Featuring conversations with organizational psychologist and host of the TED WorkLife podcast Adam Grant, Gallup Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton, bestselling author William Deresiewicz, and Arthur’s son Carlos Brooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taking a risk for love - this is ‘romantic entrepreneurship’. And these days, there’s a lot less of it. Arthur talks about generational differences in romantic risk-taking, our preoccupation with emotional safety, and the benefits of taking risks with your heart, even when things don’t work out. Featuring conversations with Arthur’s wife Ester Munt-Brooks, Romel Nicholas, and San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arthur Brooks is back this Valentine's Day with a new season on love: why you need it and how to get it. But not just romantic love – love for all of the other important areas of our lives, too. Arthur explores what it means to find meaning in our work, the significance of loving one's country, our longing for better friendships in an age of loneliness and how to love your enemies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast, the host explores the importance of moral consensus in our debates and conversations. They discuss bridging the divide, the value of challenging ideas, finding common ground, the impact of contempt in disagreement, and wrap up by acknowledging their team and sponsors.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number and scope of crises we constantly see flashing across our phones and television screens. In fact, our brains – and our hearts – aren’t built to process conflicts on such a massive scale. In this episode, Arthur looks at ‘thinking small,’ the notion that by focusing on what is individual, local, and within our sphere of influence, we can paradoxically bring about more change, disagree more productively, and become happier people. Hear conversations with Paul Slovic, Professor of Psychology at the University of Oregon, and James and Deborah Fallows, who share stories from their journey across the country for their book “Our Towns.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices