The Art of Manliness podcast

The Art of Manliness

The Art of Manliness Podcast aims to deepen and improve every area of a man's life, from fitness and philosophy, to relationships and productivity. Engaging and edifying interviews with some of the world's most interesting doers and thinkers drop the fluff and filler to glean guests' very best, potentially life-changing, insights.

The Art of Manliness Podcast aims to deepen and improve every area of a man's life, from fitness and philosophy, to relationships and productivity. Engaging and edifying interviews with some of the world's most interesting doers and thinkers drop the fluff and filler to glean guests' very best, potentially life-changing, insights.

 

#1089

Podcast #1,048: The Swiss Army Knife of Fitness — How to Get Lean, Strong, and Flexible With Kettleb...

What if there was one piece of fitness equipment that was affordable, didn’t take up much space, could get you both strong and flexible, and was fun to use? While that might sound too good to be true, my guest, Pat Flynn, would say you can find all those benefits in the old-school kettlebell. Pat, who’s the author of [Strong ON!: 101 Minimalist Kettlebell Workouts to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Boost Flexibility―in 20 Minutes or Less] (https://amzn.to/3ZTm6th) , calls kettlebells the Swiss Army knife  of workout tools and the minimalist’s ultimate secret fitness weapon. Today on the show, we unpack why Pat’s such an advocate for bells, but before we get there, we first take a dive into his background in philosophy and why beginning a workout program takes faith. We then talk about how to use kettlebells to get an all-around fit physique, including the three kettlebell weights that make for an ideal starter set, the two best exercises for building muscle, the pyramid-shaped program that can facilitate body recomposition, how to incorporate progressive overload into kettlebell training, which kettlebell exercise Coach Dan John considers “the fat-burning athlete builder,” the “300 Swings Challenge” that will help you take a Bruce Lee approach to fitness, and much more. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Article: Become Strong Like Bull — The Kettlebell Workout] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/become-strong-like-bull-the-kettlebell-workout/) --- [AoM Article: How to Perform 4 Kettlebell Exercises — An Illustrated Guide] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/kettlebell-exercises/) --- [AoM Podcast #295 — Kettlebells and the Psychology of Training] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-kettlebells-psychology-of-training/) --- [AoM Article: Strength, Power, Conditioning — How to Master the Kettlebell Swing] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/kettlebell-swing/) Connect With Pat Flynn ---------------------- --- [Strong ON! website] (https://strongon.com/) --- [Kettlebell Quickies YouTube Channel] (https://www.youtube.com/@KettlebellQuickies) --- [Pat on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/chroniclesofstrength/?hl=en) ![The book cover showcases a prominent kettlebell on a vibrant orange background. Titled ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/12/81DlAq8l1NL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

18 Dec 2024

50 MINS

50:45

18 Dec 2024


#1088

The Roman Caesars' Guide to Ruling

The Roman caesars were the rulers of the Roman Empire, beginning in 27 BC with Julius Caesar’s heir Augustus, from whom subsequent caesars took their name, and lasting until around the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. The caesars transitioned the Roman Republic to autocratic rule, consolidating vast territories under centralized authority and shaping Western governance, law, and culture. Their reign marked one of history's most influential periods, laying the groundwork for modern empires and enduring legacies in political and architectural innovation. They also left behind some instructive leadership lessons, in both what and what not to do. Here to unpack some of the Roman Empire's most significant caesars as both histories and leadership case studies is Barry Strauss, who is a classicist, professor, military historian, fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, and the author of numerous books, including [Ten Caesars] (https://amzn.to/3ZhA72i) . Today on the show, Barry shares how Augustus consolidated power by initially cleaning house, a redeeming quality of the otherwise infamous Nero, the strategies Vespasian and Severus used to gain legitimacy as outsiders, why Marcus Aurelius was an insightful philosopher but struggled as an emperor, the emperor under whose rule the empire began its decline, what Constantine understood about the idea that if you want things to stay the same, everything must change, and much more. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Barry's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #487 — Leadership Lessons From the 3 Greatest Ancient Commanders] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/leadership/leadership-lessons-alexander-hannibal-caesar/) --- [Barry's forthcoming book: Jews vs. Rome — Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire] (https://amzn.to/3ZgCrIg) --- [AoM Podcast #346: The Fall of the Roman Republic] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/podcast-346-fall-roman-republic/) --- [AoM Podcast #969: The Making of a Stoic Emperor] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/podcast-969-the-making-of-a-stoic-emperor/) Connect With Barry Strauss -------------------------- --- [Barry's website] (https://barrystrauss.com/) --- [Barry's faculty page] (https://history.cornell.edu/barry-stuart-strauss) --- [Barry on LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-strauss-8848702) ![The book cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/813WGJB3MsL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

16 Dec 2024

57 MINS

57:14

16 Dec 2024


#1087

The Winter Mindset: How Norwegians Love the Winter (And You Can Too)

When people think about winter, they often focus on the negatives: the cold, the dark, and the seasonal depression the season can bring. But my guest today questions whether winter really has to be so miserable and says that by changing our mindset, we can actually learn to enjoy and even thrive during this season. Kari Leibowitz is a psychologist and the author of [How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days] (https://amzn.to/3D5VnAB) . She spent a year at the northernmost university in the world in Tromsø, Norway, studying why people living in the Arctic, where the sun doesn't rise for two months, don't suffer from seasonal depression at the rates you might expect. Today on the show, Kari explains how our expectations can create a nocebo effect that makes winter feel worse than it needs to, why breaking winter into three distinct sub-seasons can help us appreciate it more, how Nordic practices like hygge can make darkness feel cozy rather than oppressive, and why getting outside and staying social — even when it's cold and dark — are keys to thriving during the season. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #856: Befriending Winter] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/leisure/podcast-856-befriending-winter/) --- [AoM Article: 8 Things That Can Help You Get More Hygge This Winter] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/leisure/8-things-that-can-help-you-get-more-hygge-this-winter/) --- [AoM Podcast #566: How to Have a Hyggely Christmas and a More Memorable New Year] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/hygge-make-memories-this-christmas-new-year/) --- [AoM Article: How Saunas Can Help Save Your Body, Mind, and Spirit] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-saunas-can-help-save-your-body-mind-and-spirit/) --- [AoM Podcast #801: The Cold Water Swim Cure] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-801-the-cold-water-swim-cure/) --- [Sunday Firesides: Contentment Through Contrast] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-contentment-through-contrast/) --- [Sunday Firesides: No Such Thing as Bad Weather] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-no-such-thing-as-bad-weather/) Connect With Kari Leibowitz --------------------------- --- [Kari's website] (https://www.karileibowitz.com/) --- [Kari on X] (https://x.com/karismatically?lang=en) --- [Kari's Substack — Wintry Mix] (https://wintrymix.substack.com/) ![Cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/12/81xN68pdtL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

11 Dec 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:34

11 Dec 2024


#1086

Undoing Urgency — How to Stop Drowning in Tasks and Start Living With Purpose

Feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list? Like you're constantly putting out fires but never getting ahead? You're not alone. Many people today feel like they're drowning in urgency — filling every minute with tasks that feel critical in the moment but may not truly matter in the long run. Here to help us understand how to escape this cycle is Matt Reynolds, a strength coach, business owner, and the author of [Undoing Urgency: How to Focus on What Matters Most] (https://amzn.to/4f0cuRR) . Today on the show, Matt explains what creates that feeling of being overwhelmed by urgency, how to distinguish between status and true value, and why you can only effectively pursue 2-3 major goals at once. We discuss using the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to identify what tasks truly matter, how to apply the concept of "minimum effective dose" beyond just fitness, and why sometimes the pursuit of a goal matters more than achieving it. We end our conversation with concrete steps you can take today to start undoing urgency in your life. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- ---Matt's previous appearances on the AoM podcast: ------ [Episode #826: From Novice to Advanced — The Weightlifter’s Journey] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-826-from-novice-to-advanced-the-weightlifters-journey/) ------ [Episode #302: My Workout Routine & The Benefits of a Strength Coach] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-302-strength-training-program-used-deadlift-533-pounds/) ------ [Episode #154: Strength Training for Everyone] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-154-strength-training-for-everyone/) --- [AoM Article: The Eisenhower Decision Matrix — How to Distinguish Between Urgent and Important Tasks and Make Real Progress in Your Life] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/eisenhower-decision-matrix/) --- [AoM Article: Motivation Over Discipline ] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/motivation-over-discipline/) Connect With Matt Reynolds -------------------------- --- [Matt's website] (https://ryanmattreynolds.com/) --- [Barbell Logic] (https://barbell-logic.com/) --- [TurnKey Coach] (https://turnkey.coach/) ![The book cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/12/71lEdva3nSL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

09 Dec 2024

56 MINS

56:40

09 Dec 2024


#1085

What Sports Betting Is Really Doing to Players, Games, and Fans

Sports gambling has exploded in America. You can't watch a game today without being bombarded by ads from betting companies, often co-branded with the major sports leagues themselves. It's a dramatic shift from just seven years ago, when these same leagues were unified in their opposition to legalized sports betting. Michael Lewis, the bestselling author of Moneyball, The Big Short, and The Blind Side, has been exploring this transformation in the latest season of his podcast [Against the Rules.] (https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/against-the-rules) Today on the show, Michael explains how we went from prohibition to proliferation, unpacking how a 2018 Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates for an industry that's now seeing over $100 billion in annual bets. We discuss how betting companies use data and psychology to nudge people into making increasingly complex and unfavorable wagers, why young men are particularly susceptible to gambling addiction, and what the rise of "prop bets" means for the integrity of sports. We also get into the concerning public health implications of widespread sports betting and what past addictive epidemics might tell us about where this is all heading. Connect With Michael Lewis -------------------------- --- [Against the Rules podcast] (https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/against-the-rules) --- [Michael's website ] (https://www.michaellewiswrites.com/) --- [Michael on FB] (https://www.facebook.com/michaellewiswrites/) ... Read more

04 Dec 2024

44 MINS

44:25

04 Dec 2024


#1084

Achieve Peak Performance by Learning to Shift the Gears of Your Mind

The Industrial Revolution changed the nature of work, so that many people labored in factories, continuously performing the same task, at the same pace, for the duration of their shift. Two centuries on, even though most folks have moved from working with their hands to working with their heads and from manufacturing set outputs to solving complex problems, generating creative ideas, and processing information, we still tend to work as if we're manning an assembly line. My guest says that being stuck in this factory framework is to our detriment, and that there's a much better way to do knowledge work, one that's less like manning an assembly line and more like driving a car. Mithu Storoni is a Cambridge-trained physician, a neuroscience researcher, and the author of [Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work] (https://amzn.to/3OwEBwX) . Today on the show, Mithu offers a modern approach to achieving peak performance and explains why it's better to impose the natural rhythms of our brains on our work than to impose the rhythms of our work on our brains. She shares why you should treat your brain like an engine with three different gears, how people have different "gear personalities," and how to use environmental cues, specially structured 90-minutes cycles of work, and even caffeine to shift your brain into the optimal gear for different mental challenges. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Mithu's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Podcast #525: How to Stress Proof Your Body and Brain] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-525-how-to-stress-proof-your-body-and-brain/) --- [AoM Podcast #743: How to Get Time, Priorities, and Energy Working in Your Favor] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/career/podcast-743-how-to-get-time-priorities-and-energy-working-in-your-favor/) Connect With Mithu Storoni -------------------------- --- [Mithu's website] (https://www.mithustoroni.com/) --- [Mithu on X] (https://x.com/MithuStoroni?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) --- [Mithu on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/mithustoroni/?hl=en) --- [Mithu on LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithu-storoni-0488872a/) ![Book cover: ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/71csGUMhwL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

02 Dec 2024

50 MINS

50:06

02 Dec 2024


#1083

Flying, Hosting, Regifting, and More — All Your Holiday Etiquette Questions Answered

In an age where a lot of formalized decorum has vanished, the holidays are still a time with rules, traditions, and unspoken expectations. It's also a time of heightened social interactions and increased opportunities to demonstrate warmth, hospitality, and all-around gentlemanly politeness.   Here to help us navigate the many scenarios for practicing good etiquette that the holidays present is Thomas Farley, aka Mr. Manners. Today on the show, Thomas shares the neglected aspects of flying etiquette, how to be a non-annoying houseguest, the paradoxes of party arrival punctuality, whether a dinner party host should accommodate the special dietary restrictions of guests, how to get lingering guests out of your home after a party, how to best navigate an office holiday party, the rules of regifting, guidelines for holiday tipping, and much more. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Thomas' previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #897 — Answers to the FAQ of Modern Etiquette] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/etiquette/podcast-897-answers-to-the-faq-of-modern-etiquette/) --- [AoM Article: How to be the Perfect Houseguest] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/etiquette/manners-etiquette-house-guest/) --- [AoM Article: How to Be a Gracious Host] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/etiquette/how-to-be-a-gracious-host/) --- [AoM Article: How to Be the Ultimate Party Host] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/how-to-be-a-party-host/) --- [AoM Article: A Gentleman Never Arrives Empty-Handed] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/etiquette/a-gentleman-never-arrives-empty-handed-2/) --- [Esquire's Handbook for Hosts: A Time-Honored Guide to the Perfect Party] (https://amzn.to/4fAqxPe) --- [Thomas' TEDx talk on tipping culture] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkjjXQ32TzQ) --- [Sinbad's bit about people ordering at McDonald's] (https://youtu.be/OFHW4p8vuqQ?si=IbgcoWPi6umtZaeB&t=107) Connect With Thomas Farley -------------------------- --- [Thomas' website] (https://mister-manners.com/) --- [Thomas on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/mistermanners/?hl=en) --- [Thomas on X] (https://x.com/mistermanners?lang=en) ... Read more

27 Nov 2024

53 MINS

53:41

27 Nov 2024


#1082

Rich Mind vs. Poor Mind — A Psychologist’s Guide to Building Wealth

Many people think becoming wealthy is all about having the right job, inheritance, or just lucky breaks. And those things can certainly give you a leg up. But according to my guest, the biggest key to building wealth is your mindset, as research shows that even high earners can stay broke forever if they’re trapped in poor thinking patterns, while others can build lasting wealth on modest incomes by developing the right mental approach. Dr. Brad Klontz is a financial psychologist, wealth manager, and professor, and the co-author of [Start Thinking Rich: 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom.] (https://amzn.to/4f130G5) Today on the show, Brad explains the critical difference between being broke and being poor, how learned helplessness keeps people financially stuck, and practical ways to develop an agentic, wealth-building mindset. We also tackle thorny issues like the role of homeownership in building wealth and how to handle relationships that might be holding back your financial future. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Brad‘s previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #529 — The Money Scripts That Are Holding Back Your Financial Future] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/podcast-529-the-money-scripts-that-are-holding-back-your-financial-future/) --- [AoM Podcast #321: How to Think About Money] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/podcast-321-think-money/) --- [AoM Podcast #536: How to Achieve a “Rich Life” With Your Finances] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/ramit-sethi-interview-rich-life/) --- [AoM Article: Taking Control of Your Life] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/building-your-resiliency-part-iii-taking-control-of-your-life/) --- [AoM Article: Avoiding Learned Helplessness] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/boosting-your-resiliency-part-2-avoiding-learned-helplessness-and-changing-your-explanatory-style/) --- [AoM Article: A Young Man’s Guide to Understanding Retirement Accounts — IRAs] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/a-young-mans-guide-to-understanding-retirement-accounts-iras/) --- [Compound Interest Calculator ] (https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator) Connect With BradKlontz ----------------------- --- [Start Thinking Rich website ] (https://www.startthinkingrich.com/podcast?am_id=brett3586) --- [Brad‘s website] (https://www.bradklontz.com/) ![Book cover titled ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/619VMmgEKEL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

25 Nov 2024

40 MINS

40:13

25 Nov 2024


#1081

Tribal Runners, Weekend Warriors, and Our Changing Relationship to Endurance Sports

Endurance activities, like distance running, have existed since ancient times. But humans' relationship to those pursuits has changed, according to time and place. In the West, we've currently turned endurance sports into a science — tracking every metric and chasing personal records through sophisticated technology and personalized training plans. But as my guest, who's spent years studying the running cultures in different societies, knows well, this modern, individualized, data-driven approach isn't the only way to pursue the art of endurance. Michael Crawley is a competitive runner, social anthropologist, and the author of [To the Limit] (https://amzn.to/4i36cUi) . On the show today, we first examine how Western athletes have "workified" running through technology and social media. We then look at how other cultures approach running differently, including why East African runners emphasize group training over individual goals and how the Rarámuri people of Mexico incorporate spiritual dimensions into their running. We end our conversation with how we might rediscover more meaningful, holistic ways to approach our own physical pastimes. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #1,021: You Were Born to Run] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-1021-you-were-born-to-run/) --- [Born to Run by Christopher McDougall] (https://amzn.to/3O8CYFQ) Connect With Michael Crawley ---------------------------- --- [Michael on X] (https://x.com/mphcrawley?lang=en) --- [Michael on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/mikecrawl/?hl=en) --- [Michael's faculty page] (https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/michael-p-crawley/) ![Cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/81jOdCN058L._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

20 Nov 2024

51 MINS

51:00

20 Nov 2024


#1080

What's Behind the Rise of Parent-Child Estrangement?

These days, you hear more and more about parents and adult children being estranged from each other. Some individuals have even decided to go "no contact" with their parents; they don't want anything to do with their mom and/or dad at all. To understand what's behind this phenomenon, today I talk to Joshua Coleman, a psychologist who's spent 40 years counseling families and the author of [Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict] (https://amzn.to/4ezhb4A) . Joshuagoes beyond the typical one-sided narratives around parent-child estrangement that tell the story of parents who got what they deserved or overly entitled adult children who wrongly blame their parents, to unpack the larger cultural context for why these tensions have arisen. We discuss how society has moved from upholding a honor-thy-father-and-mother sense of obligation to prioritizing individuality and optionality, and why despite the fact that we're more child-focused and psychologically aware than ever, familial estrangements are on the rise. We get into the common reasons for estrangement, the role that expanding ideas of what constitutes abuse and trauma and an adult child's therapist can play in it, and how much parents can really be blamed for how their kids turn out. And we get into what parents who are estranged from their children can do to reconcile with them. Even if you're not personally estranged from a family member, the discussion of the underlying dynamics influencing all our modern relationships is a fascinating one. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #788: The Dangers of “Concept Creep”] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/dangers-of-concept-creep-podcast/) --- [AoM Podcast #873: The Myths of Trauma] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-873-the-myths-of-trauma/) Connect With Joshua Coleman --------------------------- --- [Joshua's website] (https://www.drjoshuacoleman.com/) ![Cover of the book ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/61LBbLxw9L._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

18 Nov 2024

56 MINS

56:07

18 Nov 2024


#1079

The Art and Spirituality of Bread

Think about a hot loaf of bread fresh out of the oven. There's a lot going on with that loaf. On one level, it's a literal food that's been created through chemical processes. A delicious — your mouth might be watering right now — form of sustenance. But there's also more to it than that. There's something about bread, the so-called staff of life, that's different from other foods and resonates on a deeper level. There's a reason bread has been a rich symbol throughout times and cultures and figures prominently in religious scriptures. Today on the show, Peter Reinhart will take us on an exploration of the many facets of bread, from the spiritual to the scientific. Peter is a baker, educator, and the author of numerous books, including [The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread] (https://amzn.to/48JSgdm) . In the first half of our conversation, Peter unpacks the deeper, mystical meanings of bread by walking us through the twelve steps of how it's made. We then get into why sourdough is the future and final frontier of bread, and the technical secrets to mixing, fermenting, and baking a killer loaf. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Peter's books] (https://amzn.to/4fwvF6d) ---Peter's recipes for overnight fermented lean dough and more --- [Peter's TED talk] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK8Yk3mEEb8) --- [AoM Article: Bread Baking 101 for Beginners] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/food-drink/bread-baking-101-beginners/) Connect With Peter Reinhart --------------------------- --- [Peter's Pizza Quest website] (https://www.fornobravo.com/pizzaquest/) ![The cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/81XWABBLt3L._SL1200_.jpg) ... Read more

13 Nov 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:04

13 Nov 2024


#1078

An Undercover Cop’s Tips on How to Influence Others and Navigate Life

It’s not uncommon for former law enforcement officers and intelligence agents to write self-help books where they share how the lessons they learned in their professional careers can apply to people in any walk of life. What is rare is for one of these officers-turned-authors to publicly prove they know what they’re talking about and that their tips work, as Derrick Levasseur did by winning the reality show Big Brother. Derrick is a former undercover detective, current private investigator, and the author of [The Undercover Edge: Find Your Hidden Strengths, Learn to Adapt, and Build the Confidence to Win Life’s Game] (https://amzn.to/3AvJiUB) . Today on the show, Derrick shares how he became an undercover police officer, what he learned from that job, how he applied those lessons on Big Brother, and how you can use similar techniques to influence others, know when someone is lying, and bounce back from adversity. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Derrick’s season of Big Brother] (https://amzn.to/4hqvFXr) ---Derrick’s podcasts ------ [Crime Weekly] (https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooaOfUVrrYFxLwYRc6qMFLM4P08MIfc20G0T0H7Qky-F20kDAfT) ------ [Detective Perspective ] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/detective-perspective/id1698439585) --- [The Johari Window] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari_window) --- [AoM Podcast #830: How to Read Minds and Detect Deception] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-830-how-to-read-minds-and-detect-deception/) Connect With Derrick Levasseur ------------------------------ --- [Derrick’s website] (https://www.officialderrick.com/) --- [Derrick on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/derricklevasseur/?hl=en) --- [Derrick on YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@DerrickVLevasseur) ![Cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/11/51mrNEsMbQL.jpg) ... Read more

11 Nov 2024

46 MINS

46:36

11 Nov 2024


#1077

When to Eat — The Optimal Schedule for Metabolic Health

When it comes to weight management and all-around good metabolic health, we most often think about what to eat. But my guest would say that it's also crucial to think about when to eat, Emily Manoogian is a chronobiologist and clinical researcher at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Today on the show, Emily shares how to create an optimal schedule for a healthy metabolism by aligning your eating schedule with your circadian rhythm. She explains when to start eating after waking, when to stop eating before bed, the importance of sticking to a set schedule, and what happens to your metabolism when you don't follow these timing guidelines. We also talk about how to best distribute your calorie intake throughout the day and how to eat to mitigate the metabolic problems that come with being a shift worker. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [The Salk Institute] (https://www.salk.edu/) --- [My Circadian Clock app] (https://www.mycircadianclock.org/) --- [AoM Podcast #1,016: Unlock Better Sleep and Health by Harnessing Your Circadian Rhythm] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-1016-unlock-better-sleep-and-health-by-harnessing-your-circadian-rhythm/) Connect with Emily Manoogian ---------------------------- --- [Emily on LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymanoogian) --- [Emily on X] (https://x.com/emilymanoogian?lang=en) ... Read more

06 Nov 2024

40 MINS

40:48

06 Nov 2024


#1076

A Bible for Heroes — The Influential Book Read By History's Eminent Men

In 18th century America, this book was second in popularity only to the Bible. It was a favorite of many thinkers and leaders throughout history, including Emerson, Napoleon, Machiavelli, Nietzsche, and even President Truman. Yet, you probably haven't read it. It's Plutarch's [Parallel Lives] (https://amzn.to/40quAJ3) . If you're not familiar with Plutarch's Lives, you're in for a treat, as today's episode offers a great intro. My guest, Alex Petkas, found that even though he's a former classicist and professor, Plutarch's Lives is still a tough read, which is why he started a podcast, The Cost of Glory, to make it more accessible to people. He does the same thing on today's episode, sharing the background on Plutarch's set of biographies and its major themes. Alex explains why Plutarch thought that biography was a powerful way to transmit morals and how the Homeric virtue he had in mind differed from that of just having good, upstanding character. Alex then gives us a taste of Plutarch as we discuss the lives of two obscure Greek and Roman figures. We end our conversation with how to get started studying Plutarch yourself. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Cost of Glory website] (https://costofglory.com/) --- [Alex's resource on how to read Plutarch's Lives, with links to the mentioned Penguin editions] (https://costofglory.com/how-to-read-all-of-plutarchs-lives/) ---Alex's recommended episodes of the Cost of Glory podcast: ------ [Pompey I: Kid Butcher] (https://costofglory.com/episode/83-pompey-i-kid-butcher/) ------ [Crassus I: Richest Man in Rome] (https://costofglory.com/episode/71-crassus-1-richest-man-in-rome/) --- [AoM Article: An Intro to Envy] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/what-is-envy/) --- [AoM Article: Envy, Ressentiment, and the Inversion of Values] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/envy-ressentiment-and-the-inversion-of-values/) --- [AoM Podcast #949: Unpacking The Emotion No One Likes to Talk About] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-949-unpacking-the-emotion-no-one-likes-to-talk-about/) --- [Sulla] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulla) --- [Eumenes] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eumenes) --- [Sertorius] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quintus_Sertorius) --- [Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West by Hampton Sides] (https://amzn.to/4eWJTOb)  +  [AoM podcast episode about the book] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/podcast-681-the-epic-exploits-of-kit-carson/) Connect with Alex Petkas ------------------------ --- [Alex on LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-petkas-50836b33) --- [Alex on X] (https://x.com/costofglory) --- [Alex on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/alexpetkas/) ... Read more

04 Nov 2024

52 MINS

52:51

04 Nov 2024


#1075

Are You a Thrill Seeker or a Chill Seeker?

This episode starts off a little differently than others — with a short quiz, something called the Brief Sensation-Seeking Scale, which will tell you whether you're what psychologists call a high sensation-seeker or a low sensation-seeker. Read the following eight statements, and then pick a number from 1 to 5 that corresponds to your level of agreement, where 1 is "Not at all like me," 2 is "Not like me," 3 is "Unsure or both like and not like me," 4 is "Like me," and 5 is "Very much like me." 1--I would like to explore strange places. 2--I would like to take off on a trip with no pre-planned routes or timetables. 3--I get restless when I spend too much time alone. 4--I prefer friends who are excitingly unpredictable. 5--I like wild parties. 6--I would love to have new and exciting experiences, even if they are illegal. 7--I would like to try bungee jumping. 8--I would like to do frightening things. Now add up all the numbers together. If you scored between 8 and 16, you are a low sensation-seeker. If you scored between 16 and 28, you're about average for sensation-seeking. If you scored over 28, you're a high sensation-seeker. Today on the show, I unpack what these categories of personality mean with Dr. Kenneth Carter, a clinical psychologist, a professor, and the author of [Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies] (https://amzn.to/3YiomYQ) . Ken explains how sensation-seeking exists on a spectrum between chill seekers, who like safety and calm routine, and thrill seekers, who enjoy chaos, risk, and novelty. He shares how there are actually four components to high sensation-seeking, and which two tend to get people in trouble. And we talk about whether being high or low sensation-seeking is a matter of nature or nurture, how high sensation-seekers fare in romantic relationships and what they should consider in choosing a career, and what the world's chill seekers can learn from its thrill seekers. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [40-Question Sensation-Seeking Scale Test] (https://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/sensation/) Connect with Ken Carter ----------------------- --- [Ken's website] (https://www.drkencarter.com/) --- [Ken on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/drkencarter/?hl=en) --- [Ken on X] (https://x.com/drkencarter) --- [Ken's faculty page] (https://app.oxford.emory.edu/WebApps/Directory/index.cfm/view/28) ![Silhouette of a person jumping on a yellow book cover with trees at the bottom. Title: ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/81YUKpuWl5L._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

30 Oct 2024

32 MINS

32:25

30 Oct 2024


#1074

Ouch! That Stings! Why Rejection Hurts So Much (And How to Deal With It)

“Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love,” Charlie Brown once said. Indeed, being spurned by one's crush, or, for that matter, by a friend or potential employer, not only ruins the taste of one's favorite sandwich spread, but causes great psychological distress and even physical pain. Here to walk us through one of life's worst feelings is Mark Leary, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, and the editor of [Interpersonal Rejection] (https://amzn.to/3UrDRN1) . Today on the show, Mark unpacks the experience of social rejection, including why we're so sensitive to it and the emotions and behaviors it causes, which can be positive and prosocial or maladaptive and even violent. We discuss the role that is played by the sociometer, a concept Mark originated, in monitoring our social acceptance and rejection and what influences its sensitivity to fluctuations in your relational value. And Mark offers advice on how to remove some of the sting of rejection and civilly reject others. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Mark's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #725 — The Curse of the Self] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/the-curse-of-the-self-podcast/) --- [Simpsons' episode where Lisa breaks Ralph's heart] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bPbhCWtZmM) --- [AoM Article: Honor in the American South] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/manly-honor-part-v-honor-in-the-american-south/) Connect With Mark Leary ----------------------- --- [Mark's faculty page] (https://scholars.duke.edu/person/leary) ![Book cover titled ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/81f7bqWFz1L._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

28 Oct 2024

40 MINS

40:00

28 Oct 2024


#1073

How to Avoid Death by Comfort

Note: This is a rebroadcast. Nietzsche's maxim, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," isn't just a sound philosophical principle. It's also a certifiable physiological phenomenon; toxins and stressors that could be deadly in large doses, actually improve health and resilience in smaller, intermittent ones. The ironic thing, my guest points out, is that it's the fact that we're not getting enough of this sublethal stress these days that's really doing us in. Paul Taylor is a former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer, an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and neuroscientist, and the author of [Death by Comfort: How Modern Life is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It] (https://amzn.to/45UXRus) . Today on the show, Paul discusses the science of hormesis, how small doses of intermittent stress can make us more resistant to chronic stress, and why you need to embrace what Paul calls "discomfort harvesting." We talk about some now-familiar topics like fasting and cold and heat exposure with fresh inspiration as to how important they are to practice and how to do them effectively. We discuss how hot a sauna needs to be to get the benefits of heat exposure, Paul's suggestion for how to make an ice bath on the cheap, what may be the single best type of food to eat to improve your gut's microbiome, a form of fasting that's got anti-cancer benefits but is so accessible it won't even feel like fasting, what supplement to take to mitigate the effects of a bad night's sleep, and much more. We end our conversation with how to use what Paul calls a "ritual board" to stick with your healthy habits and resist the "soft underbelly" of modern life. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoMPodcast #708: Overcome the Comfort Crisis] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-708-overcoming-the-comfort-crisis/) --- [AoM article/video on the benefits of cold showers] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/cold-shower-benefits/) --- [AoM Podcast #801: The Cold Water Swim Cure] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-801-the-cold-water-swim-cure/) --- [AoM Podcast #603: The Physical Keys to Human Resilience] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-603-the-physical-keys-to-human-resilience/) --- [AoM Article: How Saunas Can Help Save Your Body, Mind, and Spirit] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-saunas-can-help-save-your-body-mind-and-spirit/) --- [AoM Article: How to Sauna — All the FAQs] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/how-to-sauna-all-the-faqs/) --- [AoM Podcast #585: Inflammation, Saunas, and the New Science of Depression] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-585-inflammation-saunas-and-the-new-science-of-depression/) --- [AoM Podcast #862: Heal the Body With Extended Fasting] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/extended-fasting-to-heal-the-body/) --- [AoM Podcast #328: The Pros and Cons of Intermittent Fasting] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-intermittent-fasting/) --- [AoM Podcast #581: The Tiny Habits That Change Everything] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/habits/podcast-581-the-tiny-habits-that-change-everything/) --- [AoM Podcast #425: Action Over Feelings] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-425-action-over-feelings/) --- [The NOVA Food Classification System] (https://ecuphysicians.ecu.edu/wp-content/pv-uploads/sites/78/2021/07/NOVA-Classification-Reference-Sheet.pdf) --- [Stanford study on the effect of fiber and fermented food on the microbiome] (https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/07/fermented-food-diet-increases-microbiome-diversity-lowers-inflammation) ---Research on  [creatine as a neurotransmitter] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10578925/)  and  [creatine's effect on brain health] (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33578876/)  (including impact when sleep deprived) Connect With PaulTaylor ----------------------- --- [Paul's website] (https://www.paultaylor.biz/) --- [Paul on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/paultaylor.biz/) --- [Paul on LinkedIn] (https://au.linkedin.com/in/paultaylor1971) --- [Paul's podcast] (https://www.paultaylor.biz/podcast) --- [Paul's mental fitness course for coaches and health professionals] (https://www.mentalfitnessproject.com.au/) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2023/11/71uQ44drIOL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

23 Oct 2024

56 MINS

56:37

23 Oct 2024


#1072

Lee Child the Writer, Jack Reacher the Character, and the Enduring Appeal of Lone Wolves

In creating the Jack Reacher character, Lee Child launched a series of books that now boast 100 million copies in print and have been turned into movies and a popular Amazon streaming series. Today on the show, I talk to Lee about what makes Reacher so compelling and much more. We first discuss how Lee didn't get started with writing until he was almost forty, and what prompted him to change careers. We then unpack the Reacher character, discussing the ancient, archetypal roots of this vigilante, drifter detective, what he has in common with the knight errant, and the enduring appeal of the lone wolf. We also talk about Lee's writing process, why midlife is the best time to write, and why, after writing more than two dozen Reacher novels, he's chosen to hand off the series to his brother and fellow writer, Andrew. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [The latest Reacher novel: In Too Deep] (http://in%20too%20deep/) --- [The Reacher streaming series ] (https://amzn.to/3zS3XSu) --- [Jack Reacher website] (https://www.jackreacher.com/us/) ![Book cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/41oXDdn3pkL._SY445_SX342_.jpg)   - ... Read more

21 Oct 2024

47 MINS

47:45

21 Oct 2024


#1071

Money CAN Buy Happiness (If You Use It In These Ways)

Money can't buy happiness. It sounds good as a bumper sticker platitude. But the truth is, money can buy happiness. At least sometimes. In certain circumstances. If we view it and use it in the right ways. Here to unpack the conditions under which money can buy happiness and facilitate our flourishing is Dr. Daniel Crosby, a psychologist and behavioral finance expert and the author of [The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning] (https://amzn.to/3NpxxBI) . Today on the show, Daniel shares the minimum income level at which money buys happiness, at least in the sense of avoiding pain. We talk about how to purchase material things in a way that increases happiness, while avoiding materialism, and the value of using your money to buy health and freedom. And we discuss the importance of finding an overarching why that guides the way you allocate your money and doing a values audit to see if your purpose and spending habits are aligned. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- ---Daniel's previous appearances on the AoM podcast: ------ [Episode #222: The Laws of Wealth] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/podcast-222-the-laws-of-wealth/) ------ [Episode #511: Mastering the Psychology of Investing] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/psychology-of-investing/) --- [AoM Podcast #659: Do You Want to Be Rich or Wealthy? (And Why the Difference Matters)] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/podcast-659-the-psychology-of-money/) --- [AoM Podcast #321: How to Think About Money] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/wealth/podcast-321-think-money/) --- ["Experiences Won’t Make You Happier Than Possessions"] (https://every.to/p/buying-experiences-doesn-t-make-you-happier-than-possessions) --- [Die with Zero by Bill Perkins] (https://amzn.to/3YeoSZc) Connect With Daniel Crosby -------------------------- --- [Daniel on X] (https://x.com/danielcrosby) --- [Daniel's podcast, Standard Deviations] (https://www.standarddeviationspod.com/bio) --- [Daniel on LinkedIn] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcrosby) ![Cover of ] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/71hbMCLf2L._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

16 Oct 2024

47 MINS

47:38

16 Oct 2024


#1070

The Problems With the Cult of Leadership

Are leaders born or made? Judging by the 50 billion dollar leadership development industry, the answer is definitely the latter. From schools to workplaces, everyone is seen as a potential leader and expected to become one by undergoing leadership training. My guest questions the assumptions underlying this phenomenon, which he calls "the leadership industrial complex," and says that the cult of leadership, and its idea that everyone can and should become a leader, can create burnout and unhappiness. Elias Aboujaoude is a Stanford professor of psychiatry and the author of [A Leader's Destiny: Why Psychology, Personality, and Character Make All the Difference] (https://amzn.to/402v9IN) . Today on the show, Elias describes the state of the leadership industrial complex, the mathematical impossibility it forwards that everyone can be a leader and no one is a follower, and the primary presumption it makes that leadership can be taught. Elias argues that, in fact, a lot of what makes for good leadership is innate and potentially unchangeable. We discuss the implications of this fact, and why it's actually okay not to want to be a leader. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #838: Can Virtue Be Taught?] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-838-can-virtue-be-taught/) --- [AoM Article: Don’t Just Lead Well, Follow Well] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/leadership/dont-just-lead-well-follow-well/) --- [AoM Article: Are You a Strategist or an Operator? ] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/career/are-you-a-strategist-or-an-operator/) Connect With Elias Aboujaoude ----------------------------- --- [Elias' website] (https://www.eliasaboujaoude.com/) --- [Elias' Stanford profile page] (https://profiles.stanford.edu/elias-aboujaoude) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/7147NcqcksL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

14 Oct 2024

35 MINS

35:02

14 Oct 2024


#1069

Treat Your To-Do List Like a River, and Other Mindset Shifts for Making Better Use of Your Time

When people think about living more fully and making better use of their time, they typically think of finding some new organizational system they can structure their lives with. Oliver Burkeman says that what you really need instead are perspective shifts — small, sustainable changes in how you view and approach your day-to-day life. He provides those mindset shifts in his new book, [Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts] (https://amzn.to/3Yn6I7T) . And we talk about some of them today on the show, including why you should view life's tasks and problems like a river instead of a bucket, stop feeling guilt over your "productivity debt," make peace with your decisions by embracing an unconventional reading of the poem "The Road Not Taken," aim to do your habits "dailyish," be more welcoming of interruptions, and practice "scruffy hospitality." Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [Oliver's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #748 — Time Management for Mortals] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/time-management-for-mortals/) --- [AoM Article: Autofocus — The Productivity System That Treats Your To-Do List Like a River] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/autofocus-the-productivity-system-that-treats-your-to-do-list-like-a-river/) --- [AoM Podcast #956: Feeling Depressed and Discombobulated? Social Acceleration May Be to Blame] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-956-feeling-depressed-and-discombobulated-social-acceleration-may-be-to-blame/) --- [Sunday Firesides: To-Dos, the Rent We Pay For Living] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-to-dos-the-rent-we-pay-for-living/) --- [AoM Podcast #962: The Case for Minding Your Own Business] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-962-the-case-for-minding-your-own-business/) --- [AoM Podcast #821: Routines Are Overrated] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-821-routines-are-overrated/) --- [AoM Article: Routines Not Working For You? Try a Daily Checklist] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/habits/routines-not-working-for-you-try-a-daily-checklist/) --- [Sunday Firesides: Life Is for Living] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/sunday-firesides-life-is-for-living/) --- [Resonance: A Sociology of Our Relationship to the World by Hartmut Rosa] (https://amzn.to/3RNzD0b) --- ["The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost] (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken) --- [The Road Not Taken: Finding America in the Poem Everyone Loves and Almost Everyone Gets Wrong by David Orr] (https://amzn.to/4gQu5O3) --- ["The Road Less Traveled" — great, short podcast on the alternate interpretation of Frost's poem] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-road-less-traveled/id1493453604?i=1000530730891) Connect With Oliver Burkeman ---------------------------- --- [Oliver's website] (https://www.oliverburkeman.com/) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/71ts3TtS5oL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

09 Oct 2024

51 MINS

51:35

09 Oct 2024


#1068

The 5 Marks of a Man

We often think of the difference between a boy and a man as a matter of age. But Brian Tome says that there can be 15-year-old men and 45-year-old boys, and that the real difference maker in being grown up isn't a matter of the number of years you accumulate but the qualities, behaviors, and mindset you possess. Brian is a pastor and the author of [The Five Marks of a Man] (https://amzn.to/3BymrrC) . Today on the show, Brian unpacks what he thinks are the marks of mature manhood. We talk about the need to have a vision and how life-giving hobbies can create that vision. Brian argues that manhood requires staking out a minority position, being part of a pack, and creating more than you consume. And we discuss the ways men can still be protectors in the 21st century. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #78: The Myth of Following Your Passion] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/career/art-of-manliness-podcast-78-the-myth-of-following-your-passion/) --- [AoM Article: The Ultimate List of Hobbies for Men — 75+ Ideas For Your Free Time] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/leisure/hobbies-for-men/) --- [AoM series on the 3 P's of Manhood: Protect, Procreate, Provide ] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/the-3-ps-of-manhood-a-review/) --- [AoM Podcast #926: The 5 Shifts of Manhood] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/manly-lessons/podcast-926-the-5-shifts-of-manhood/) --- [AoM Podcast #810: How to Turn a Boy Into a Man] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/how-to-turn-a-boy-into-a-man/) --- [AoM Article: Why Are Female Friendships the Ideal? (‘Cause Dude Friendships Also Rock)] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/relationships/why-are-women-s-friendships-the-ideal/) --- [AoM Article: Modern Maturity — Create More, Consume Less] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/modern-maturity-create-more-consume-less/) --- [Brian's Man Camp] (https://www.mancamp.us/) Connect With Brian Tome ----------------------- --- [Brian's website] (https://www.briantome.com/) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/61AxoDiKXL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

07 Oct 2024

50 MINS

50:56

07 Oct 2024


#1067

The Imagination Muscle — Where Good Ideas Come From (And How to Have More of Them)

Imagination is the ability to form mental images and concepts that don't exist or haven’t happened yet, think outside of current realities, and form connections between existing ideas to create something new and original. If the number of movie sequels and the outsized popularity of music made decades ago is any measure, our current age is suffering from a deficit in imagination. And indeed, tests show that creativity, which takes the possibilities generated in the mind and produces something with them, has been in decline for many years now — a phenomenon that has repercussions for our personal edification, professional advancement, and societal flowering. But if our imagination has indeed atrophied, the good news is that it can be strengthened. So argues my guest, Albert Read, the former managing director of Condé Nast Britain and the author of [The Imagination Muscle: Where Good Ideas Come From (And How to Have More of Them)] (https://amzn.to/47X3meU) . Today on the show, Albert shares his ideas on how our imagination can be built back up. We discuss how to get better at observation and how to use a commonplace book and the way you structure your reading to cross-pollinate your thinking and generate more fruitful ideas. We also discuss how to overcome the unthinking habit, resist stagnation as you age, and embrace imaginative risk. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #432: How to Achieve Creative Success] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-432-how-to-achieve-creative-success/) --- [AoM Podcast #683: How to Think Like a Renaissance Man] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/think-like-renaissance-man/) --- [AoM Podcast #357: How to Be a Creative Genius Like da Vinci] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/manly-lessons/da-vinci-walter-isaacson-interview/) --- [AoM Podcast #874: Throw a 2-Hour Cocktail Party That Can Change Your Life] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/2-hour-cocktail-party/) Connect With Albert Read ------------------------ --- [Albert's website ] (https://albertread.com/) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/10/817IyBw0eCL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

02 Oct 2024

43 MINS

43:11

02 Oct 2024


#1066

5,000 Years of Sweat: Lost Workout Wisdom From the History of Physical Culture

In an age that doesn't think too much about history, you might be forgiven for thinking that a culture of exercise only emerged in the 20th century. But the idea of purposefully exercising to change one's body — what folks used to call "physical culture" — likely goes back to the very beginnings of time. Here to unpack the origins, evolution, and future of fitness is Dr. Conor Heffernan, a Lecturer in the Sociology of Sport at Ulster University and the author of [The History of Physical Culture] (https://amzn.to/4ehTnTE) . Today on the show, Conor takes us on a fascinating and wide-ranging tour of physical culture, from the ancient Egyptians, who made their pharaohs run around a pyramid to test their fitness to rule, to the ancient Greeks who used their gymnasiums for both bodily training and intellectual philosophizing, to modern strongmen who became proto fitness influencers, and many periods and societies in between. We discuss how training practices changed over time, where they may be going next, and the evergreen principles from past eras that we could still learn from today. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Podcast #988: Of Strength and Soul — Exploring the Philosophy of Physical Fitness] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-988-of-strength-and-soul-exploring-the-philosophy-of-physical-fitness/) --- [AoM Podcast #939: What Lifting Ancient Stones Can Teach You About Being a Man] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-939-what-lifting-ancient-stones-can-teach-you-about-being-a-man/) ---Rogue documentaries on stone lifting in  [Scotland] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhQlNwxn5oo) ,  [Iceland] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Tcsg2Yac8) , and  [Spain] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vck32S27RmM) --- [AoM Podcast #39: Eugen Sandow, Victorian Strongman] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/the-art-of-manliness-podcast-39-eugen-sandow-victorian-strongman-with-david-waller/) --- [AoM Podcast #624: The Crazy, Forgotten Story of America’s First Fitness Influencer, Bernarr MacFadden] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/bernarr-macfadden-fitness-guru/) --- [AoM Article: An Introduction to Indian Club Training] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/an-introduction-to-indian-club-training/) --- [AoM Video: Intro to Indian Club Training] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkFtaw9LB6I) --- [De Arte Gymnastica] (https://gallery.library.vcu.edu/exhibits/show/flaxcollectionofphysiatry/highlights-from-the-flax-lib/de-arte-gymnastica) --- [Johann GutsMuths] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Christoph_Friedrich_GutsMuths) --- [Friedrich Ludwig Jahn] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Ludwig_Jahn) --- [Turnvereine gymnastic system ] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turners) --- [The Strongman Project ] (https://strongmanproject.com/) Connect With Conor Heffernan ---------------------------- --- [Physical Culture Study website] (https://physicalculturestudy.com/) --- [Conor's faculty page] (https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/c-heffernan) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/09/61gHicnCnL._SL1360_.jpg) ... Read more

30 Sep 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:45

30 Sep 2024


#1065

What's Going on With Your Social Anxiety?

Do you have trouble feeling comfortable when socializing? Maybe sometimes you do fine, but other times you feel nervous, shy, and awkward. Or maybe socializing always feels like a struggle. Either way, you know how frustrating and even debilitating social anxiety can be. It cannot only lead to avoiding potentially enriching experiences and a failure to make desired connections, it can sometimes be hard to understand. So what's going on when you socially misfire? Here to unpack that question is Thomas Smithyman, who is a clinical psychologist and the author of [Dating Without Fear: Overcome Social Anxiety and Connect] (https://amzn.to/4ey8S9R) . Today on the show, we get into the dynamics of social anxiety in both romantic and platonic contexts. Thomas explains what defines social anxiety, how it exists on a spectrum from mild shyness to an outright disorder, and what causes it, from genetics to faulty thinking. We talk about the protection strategies people often use to avoid the pain of social judgement, and why they actually backfire. We then get into what you can do to be more socially comfortable and confident, including a key to effective flirting, why you should try to make a "mediocre first impression," and how to find your way into what Thomas calls the "warm social world." Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM series on overcoming shyness ] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/help-for-the-shy-guy-step-1-understand-the-nature-of-your-shyness/) --- [AoM Article: Introversion as an Excuse] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/introversion-as-an-excuse/) --- [AoM Article: How to Overcome Phone Shyness] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/how-to-overcome-phone-shyness/) --- [Sunday Firesides: Want to Solve Your Social Problems? Get Over Your Self] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/social-skills/sunday-firesides-want-to-solve-your-social-problems-get-over-your-self/) Connect With Thomas Smithyman ----------------------------- --- [Thomas' website] (https://thomassmithyman.com/) --- [Thomas' YouTube channel] (https://www.youtube.com/@DrThomasSmithyman) ![image] (https://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2024/09/717yiA9MtWL._SL1500_.jpg) ... Read more

25 Sep 2024

55 MINS

55:51

25 Sep 2024


#1064

The Life and Legacy of Louis L'Amour

With over 300 million books sold, Louis L'Amour is one of the bestselling authors of all time. All 120 of his books remain in print. But the greatest story L'Amour ever penned was his own. He spent the early part of his life traveling in a circus, working as a lumberjack and miner, circling the world as a seaman, winning over 50 fights as a professional boxer, and serving in WWII. Today on the show, I talk about both the personal and professional aspects of Louis' life with his son, Beau L'Amour. We discuss some of Louis' adventures and the autodidactic education he gave himself by way of a voracious reading habit. We then turn to how Louis got started as a writer and how he cut his teeth writing for pulp magazines before breaking through as a Western novelist and becoming a blockbuster success in his sixties. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- ---Louis L'Amour works mentioned in the show: ------ [Education of a Wandering Man: A Memoir] (https://amzn.to/3MOhoWp) ------ [Hondo] (https://amzn.to/47tjqon) ------ [Yondering] (https://amzn.to/4e3424B) ------ [No Traveller Returns] (https://amzn.to/3XoSQbn) ------ [The Walking Drum] (https://amzn.to/3Bhyjhi) ------ [Last of the Breed] (https://amzn.to/4eo3GFw) ------Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures, [Volume 1] (https://amzn.to/47IgxjK) and [Volume 2] (https://amzn.to/3XH88IO) --- ["Holding Her Down" by Jack London] (https://americanliterature.com/author/jack-london/short-story/holding-her-down/) --- [AoM Article: How and Why to Become a Lifelong Learner] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/how-and-why-to-become-a-lifelong-learner/) --- [AoM Article: The Libraries of Famous Men — Louis L’Amour] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/living/reading/libraries-famous-men-louis-lamour/) Connect With Beau L'Amour ------------------------- --- [The Louis L'Amour website] (https://louislamour.com/) --- [Beau's website] (http://beaulamour.com/) ... Read more

23 Sep 2024

49 MINS

49:09

23 Sep 2024


#1063

The Safe, Effective Supplement That Can Improve Your Body and Brain

What if there was a supplement that could build muscle, maintain bone health, fortify the brain against cognitive decline due to age and stress, and alleviate depression, has been proven safe, and comes with almost no side effects? Well, there is such a supplement, it's been around a long time, and it isn't even expensive. It's creatine. Here to unpack the myths, benefits, and recommended ways to use creatine is Darren Candow, a professor of exercise physiology and nutrition who supervises the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory at the University of Regina. Darren specializes in studying creatine and has published over 70 papers on the subject. Today on the show, Darren explains how a supplement often associated with bodybuilders may actually be beneficial for just about everyone — athletes and non-athletes and the young and old alike. He unpacks what creatine does in the body, and how its benefits extend beyond the body and into the brain. He offers recommendations on the formulation of creatine to use, a suggested dosage and whether it should increase with age, and how to avoid the bloating effect. He also shares what we know about creatine's safety, including its effects on the kidneys, and whether it can cause hair loss. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- --- [AoM Article: Creatine — A Primer on Its Benefits and Use] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/creatine-faq/) --- [AoM Article: A Primer On Muscle-Building Supplements — Which Work and Which Don’t?] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/a-primer-on-muscle-building-supplements-which-work-and-which-dont/) --- [AoM Podcast #878: The Fitness Supplements That Actually Work] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-877-the-fitness-supplements-that-actually-work/) --- [AoM Podcast #585: Inflammation, Saunas, and the New Science of Depression] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-585-inflammation-saunas-and-the-new-science-of-depression/) --- [AoM Podcast #852: The Brain Energy Theory of Mental Illness] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/health/podcast-852-the-brain-energy-theory-of-mental-illness/) --- [Darren's studies] (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iUYFaeoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao) Connect With Darren Candow -------------------------- --- [Darren's faculty page] (https://www.uregina.ca/kinesiology-health-studies/directory/faculty/darrencandow.html) --- [Darren on IG] (https://www.instagram.com/dr.darrencandow/) ... Read more

18 Sep 2024

43 MINS

43:19

18 Sep 2024


#1062

Is Self-Control Overrated?

Self-control, the ability to resolve a conflict between two competing desires, is frequently touted as the golden key to success. But many of the most popular ideas about self-control are actually at odds with how it really operates. Here to unpack some of the lesser-understood and counterintuitive ideas around discipline and willpower is Michael Inzlicht, a professor of psychology who has studied the nature of self-regulation in depth. In the first part of our conversation, Michael unpacks the popular ego depletion model of willpower and how it hasn't held up to scientific scrutiny. We then turn to the surprising fact that the people who seem to exhibit a lot of self-control don't actually exercise a lot of discipline and restraint in their lives, that the achievement of goals is more a function of having virtuous desires, and what contributes to having those desires. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- ---Related studies: ------ [Perceived Mental Fatigue and Self-Control] (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-42630-010) ------ [A Multilab Preregistered Replication of the Ego-Depletion Effect] (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-42630-010) ------ [Everyday Temptations: An Experience Sampling Study of Desire, Conflict, and Self-Control] (https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0026545) ------ [New Zealand Study on Trait Self-Control] (https://dunedinstudy.otago.ac.nz/) ------ [The Moralization of Effort] (https://gwern.net/doc/economics/2022-celniker.pdf) ------ [The Mundanity of Excellence] (https://academics.hamilton.edu/documents/themundanityofexcellence.pdf) ------ [The Identity Model of Self-Regulation] (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1047840X.2017.1343069) ------ [The Effort Paradox: Effort Is Both Costly and Valued] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172040/) --- [AoM Podcast #961: The Mundanity of Excellence] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-961-the-mundanity-of-excellence/) --- [AoM Article: Motivation Over Discipline] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/motivation-over-discipline/) --- [AoM Article: ¿Tienes Ganas?] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/tienes-ganas/) --- [Sunday Firesides: What Looks Like Grit, Is Often Fit] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/habits/sunday-firesides-what-looks-like-grit-is-often-fit/) --- [AoM Article: What Do You Want to Want?] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/what-do-you-want-to-want/) Connect With Michael Inzlicht ----------------------------- --- [Michael's website] (https://michaelinzlicht.com/#lab-view) --- [Michael's faculty page] (https://utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/person/michael-inzlicht) --- [Michael on X] (https://x.com/minzlicht?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) ... Read more

16 Sep 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:24

16 Sep 2024


#1061

You Were Born to Run

For decades, some researchers have argued that the notable human capacity for endurance evolved from the hunting practices of our ancestors, which produced physiological adaptations that make us uniquely well suited for running. But this theory has always had its detractors. As my guest explains, a new study addresses these long-standing criticisms and adds evidence that, indeed, we were all born to run. Alex Hutchinson is a journalist who covers the science of endurance and fitness, and today on the show, he explains what those criticisms were and how this new research counters them. We talk about the role running held amongst peoples of the past, how running is not only primal but cultural and even spiritual, and why we continue to run today, even though we’re not hunting for food. And we discuss how, even if we are born to run, that doesn’t mean everyone will always enjoy running all of the time, and how to get into running if you’re someone who doesn’t feel an innate desire for it. Resources Related to the Podcast -------------------------------- ---Alex’s previous appearances on the AoM podcast: ------ [Episode #382: How to Lift More, Run Faster, and Endure Longer] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/secrets-of-greater-endurance/) ------ [Episode #538: Research-Backed Answers to All Your Fitness FAQs] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-538-research-backed-answers-to-all-your-fitness-faqs/) --- [“Why You (Yes, You) Were Born to Run” by Alex Hutchinson] (https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/persistence-hunting-and-evolution/) --- [“Ethnography and Ethnohistory Support the Efficiency of Hunting Through Endurance Running in Humans”] (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38740986/) --- [Indian Running: Native American History and Tradition by Peter Nabokov] (https://amzn.to/3Z6Fxyz) --- [The Hunting Hypothesis by Robert Ardrey] (https://amzn.to/4eokagX) --- [“The Energetic Paradox of Human Running and Hominid Evolution” — 1984 paper by David Carrier] (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273047446_The_Energetic_Paradox_of_Human_Running_and_Hominid_Evolution) --- [Why We Run by Bernd Heinrich] (https://amzn.to/3AJEgDE) --- [AoM Podcast #691: What You Can (Really) Learn About Exercise from Your Human Ancestors With Daniel Lieberman] (https://www.artofmanliness.com/health-fitness/fitness/podcast-691-what-you-can-really-learn-about-exercise-from-your-human-ancestors/) --- [Born to Run by Christopher McDougall] (https://amzn.to/3AIdWdc) --- [“Reexamining the Mythology of the Tarahumara Runners” by Alex Hutchinson] (https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/tarahumara-runners-study/) --- [To the Limit: The Meaning of Endurance from Mexico to the Himalayas by Michael Crawley] (https://amzn.to/3X6UhuW) Connect With Alex Hutchinson ---------------------------- --- [Alex’s website] (https://alexhutchinson.net/) --- [Alex at Outside] (https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/alex-hutchinson/)   - ... Read more

11 Sep 2024

40 MINS

40:05

11 Sep 2024