The Art of Manliness

エピソード

• 
  The 3-Step System for Simplifying Your Work and Life 15.09.2026 46分

  When people are faced with problems and complexity, our instinct is to add instead of subtract. As a result, we have a tendency to make our work and our lives more and more complex, and less and less effective and fulfilling. Even when what we add is new technology that promises to make us more productive, it often only seems to bog us down and give us even more to do.My guest says that to fight this drift toward complexity, especially in the modern age, you’ve got to be ruthless about cutting out the superfluous and focusing on what’s most important. His name is Jim VandeHei, and he’s the co-founder and CEO of Axios and the co-author of Simplify.Today on the show, Jim explains how to simplify your work and personal life using a three-step process: confront, delete, and amplify. We discuss how to identify the “slop” we’re all inundated with (and he’s not just talking about what’s generated by AI), rules of thumb for what to say no to, why you should spend more time developing your strengths than fixing your weaknesses, and the importance of getting clear on what you want out of life, both personally and professionally.Resources Related to the PodcastJim's Book: Simplify: Do 50 Percent More with 50 Percent LessJim's last appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #987 — The No-BS Secrets of SuccessSmart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with LessAoM Article: The Spiritual Disciplines — SimplicityAoM Podcast #699: The No-Nonsense Guide to Simplifying Every Aspect of Your LifeConnect With Jim VandeHeiJim at Axios0:00 Introduction & Website Redesign0:48 The Problem with Complexity1:56 Interview Begins: Why Another Book on Simplifying?3:00 How AI Makes Life More Complex5:42 The Confront, Delete, Amplify Framework8:14 Why Complexity Creeps Into Everything11:35 Identifying Slop in Work and Life17:43 How to Confront Your Habits24:59 Rules for Saying No29:48 Amplify Strengths Over Weaknesses37:35 Simplifying Communication at Work42:29 Using AI to Simplify Your Life See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  If I Don’t Return: A General's Wartime Journal for His Sons 08.09.2026 48分

  When Mark Hertling learned he was deploying for Operation Desert Storm, he decided to start a journal.Back then, Mark was an Army major and cavalry officer with two young sons. His unit would be out in front of the main force, and during an intelligence briefing, he was told it could suffer casualties as high as 50 percent. Mark realized there was a real chance he might not come home. So he began writing down what he was experiencing, along with the lessons about life, leadership, and character that he wanted his boys to know if he wasn’t there to teach them himself.Mark did come home, and went on to serve 38 years in the Army, including as an assistant division commander in Baghdad and later commander of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq during the 2007–2008 surge, before finishing his career as commander of U.S. Army Europe.Decades later, that wartime journal became the basis for his new book, If I Don’t Return. Today on the show, retired three-star General Mark Hertling and I talk about the reflections it contains on making every day count, planning for friction, marriage and friendship, handwritten notes, casual profanity, the moral weight of war, and what it means to build a man.Resources Related to the PodcastMy LifeOn War by Carl von ClausewitzAoM Article: Clausewitz on Overcoming the Annoying Slog of LifeGeneral Douglas MacArthur’s Prayer for His SonConnect With Mark HertlingMark on LinkedInMark's faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  To Change Yourself, Change Your Situation 01.09.2026 55分

  Professor of psychology Angela Duckworth is famous for her work on grit — the combination of passion and perseverance that leads to high achievement. But she’s come to an increasing appreciation for the fact that success isn't just a matter of the qualities inside you; it's also driven by what's outside you — your peers, your mentors, and even your zip code.Today on the show, Angela, whose latest book is Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, shares how our environments play a much bigger role in shaping us than we realize. She explains the three-box model of behavior, why relying on willpower is a fallible strategy for altering your habits, and why the most effective way to change yourself is to change what’s around you. We discuss how different situations bring out different versions of ourselves and how to shape your surroundings to encourage good habits, mitigate bad ones, and become who you want to be — whether that means rearranging what’s on your desk or moving across the country.Resources Related to the PodcastAngela's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #210 — Got Grit?AoM Podcast #887: The Golden Rules of Success With Bob Bowman AoM Podcast #1,023: Is Self-Control Overrated? With Michael InzlichtDying Breed Article: The Power of "I Like," or Why Do People Hate the Idea of Motivation?AoM Article: Alexander Graham Bell’s Secret to Greater ProductivityAoM Article: The Ceiling Word Art of Michel de MontaigneConnect With Angela DuckworthAngela's websiteAngela's faculty pageAngela on LinkedInAngela on IG0:00 Introduction 1:42 From Grit to Situated 4:18 Michael Phelps: Grit Meets Environment 8:43 The Three-Box Model Explained 12:28 Why Willpower Fails 19:18 Multiple Selves & Code Switching 26:30 Saving a Marriage Through Situational Change 31:51 Curating Your Physical Space 38:26 Shaping Your Digital Environment 43:14 Social Environment & Accountability 47:05 Culture, Microcultures & the Flywheel 53:15 Start With Situational Awareness See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Lost Virtue of Thumos (And Why Men Need It) 25.08.2026 53分

  The ancient Greeks believed the human soul had three parts: reason, appetite, and something called thumos. Thumos is difficult to translate into English. It encompasses anger, noble spiritedness, pride, ambition, a sense of honor, and the drive to act. The Greeks thought it was essential to living a life of manly virtue, and my guest thinks we could use a lot more of it.His name is Mike LeBlanc, and he’s a decorated Marine, a Harvard Business School grad, a tech founder, and the author of What If Anger Is the Answer? Today on the show, Mike and I discuss how the angry energy of thumos can help you close the gap between who you are and who you should be. We discuss why physical training helps cultivate thumos, how it can be an aid in overcoming appetites, overthinking, passivity, and cynicism, and the role it can play in being an effective leader.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: Got Thumos?AoM Article: 10 Movies That Inspire ThumosAoM Article: Soundtrack for Your ThumosAoM Article: How to Make Anger Your AllyAoM Podcast #1,083: Good Anger — Harnessing a Misunderstood EmotionAoM Series: The Life of Jack London as a Case Study in the Power and Perils of ThumosConnect With Mike LeBlancMike's websiteMike on LinkedIn0:00 Introduction1:42 Meet Mike LeBlanc: Marines, Great Books & Robotics5:45 A Letter to His Son: What It Means to Be a Man8:07 Socrates' Metaphor: The Little Man, the Hydra & the Lion15:26 The Attributes of Thumos: Dignity, Pride & Shame17:36 Thumos and Action: The Soul's Three Parts at Work20:19 Thumos in Defending Boundaries25:31 Thumos and the Physical Body31:36 Thumos vs. Overthinking: The 70% Solution36:03 Thumos, Power & Authority in Leadership44:42 Overcoming Cynicism with Thumos49:46 Raising Boys with Thumos & Where to Find the Book See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Secrets of Supercommunicators 18.08.2026 45分

  Note: This is a rebroadcast. Have you ever known one of those people who seemed to be able to connect with anyone? The kind of person who had the ability to make others feel understood and smoothly navigate even the trickiest of conversations?Charles Duhigg calls these folks “supercommunicators,” and he’s the author of a new book by the same name. Today on the show, Charles explains that what underlies supercommunicators’ skill in connection is something called the matching principle, and he unpacks how it works and how you can put it to use in your own conversations. We discuss several techniques for how to figure out what kind of conversation you’re having, so you can align your language and energy with the other person. And because emotional conversations can be particularly difficult, we dig into tactics for successfully navigating them, even when they contain a high degree of conflict. We also get into how to carry the skills of connection into your digital conversations.Resources Related to the PodcastCharles’ previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #61: The Power of HabitEpisode #196: The Science of Self-Motivation & ProductivityAoM Podcast #559: How to Handle Difficult ConversationsConnect With Charles DuhiggCharles’ website0:00 — Intro & Rebroadcast Notice0:32 — Why Communication Matters2:08 — The Matching Principle5:07 — Deep Questions & FBI Negotiator Felix Sigala9:50 — Identifying What Kind of Conversation You're Having10:52 — Setting Goals & Preparing for Conversations15:06 — Conversations as Quiet Negotiations19:07 — Navigating Emotional Conversations24:11 — Turning Shallow Questions Into Deep Questions28:00 — Mood, Energy & NASA's Emotional Intelligence Test32:34 — Looping for Understanding & High-Conflict Conversations38:38 — Digital Communication & Closing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Joy of Touching Grass (and Knobs, Buttons, and Boarding Passes) 11.08.2026 51分

  Remember the old hotel ice machines? The kind where you'd slide your bucket under the chute and hear the avalanche of cubes crashing into it? There was something so fun and strangely gratifying about that thing.Or think about breaking an icicle off the edge of a roof. Such a gratifying feeling from such a small act.My guest has written an ode to the outsized pleasures that arise from these kinds of everyday interactions with the physical world. His name is Ian Bogost, and his new book is The Small Stuff. Today on the show, Ian argues that a fulfilling life isn't built solely by chasing the big components of happiness but also by embracing the small moments of gratification that are woven throughout ordinary life. We discuss how those moments can be found in tactile experiences like shifting a manual transmission, turning a well-made knob, or flipping through the pages of a real menu. We explore how these small opportunities for engagement — for contact, connection, and control— have been disappearing as the world becomes more digitized and automated and everything becomes a touchscreen. And Ian shares how opportunities for "sensory enchantment" can still be found in our increasingly dematerialized world.Resources Related to the PodcastIan's previous appearance on the AoM Podcast: Episode #247 — The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Antidote to Excessive IronyIan's Atlantic article "The End of Manual Transmission"Andy Rooney compilationConnect With Ian BogostThe Small Stuff websiteIan's websiteIan's faculty page0:00 Introduction0:40 Ian Bogost and 'The Small Stuff'2:25 What Kickstarted This Book6:38 Happiness, Satisfaction, and Gratification14:58 Gratification Is Everywhere — But Disappearing18:28 Dematerialization: How the World Is Losing Sensory Richness26:41 How Work Has Become Less Gratifying33:09 How to Reclaim Your Sensory Life38:35 Keep More Junk Around44:38 Talk About Small Pleasures48:17 Living Life Sideways (Orthogonality)50:03 Wrap-Up See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Big P vs. Little P Purpose: Why You Don't Need to Find Your One True Calling 04.08.2026 50分

  People are told their whole lives how important it is to find their purpose. But many find the search frustrating. They feel there's one true calling or one grand goal they're supposed to be pursuing, but they can't seem to discern what it is.My guest, Jordan Grumet, author of The Purpose Code, says that searching for what he calls your big P purpose can be fruitless and even harmful, and that a better path is to embrace a life of little p purposes. Today on the show, Jordan explains the difference between big P and little p purposes and argues that the former can lead to anxiety while embracing the latter can be the path to meaning, satisfaction, connection, and even the legacy you were looking for in the first place. We discuss how Jordan found his way to this philosophy after burning out as a doctor, practical ways to discover your own little p purposes, what he thinks we get wrong in making family our purpose, and what his work in hospice has taught him about living a life without regret.Connect With Jordan GrumetJordan's websiteJordan's Substack: The Purpose Code 00:00 Intro & Show Overview0:41 Meet Jordan Grumet1:46 From Doctor to Purpose Writer5:00 Big P vs Little P Purpose8:32 Why Purpose Talk Makes People Anxious11:15 What the Research Says13:42 Burnout and Big P Purpose16:18 The Podcasting Example: Process vs Goals19:42 Legacy Through Little P Purpose28:24 Finding Your Purpose Anchors38:01 The Climb: Building Your Purpose43:14 Family, Regrets, and Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Restless, Rooted: What the Odyssey Reveals About Americans' Divided Souls 28.07.2026 52分

  With the release of Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Odyssey, it seems like everyone's been talking about a 3,000-year-old epic again. But my guest thinks this ancient tale offers a framework for understanding our modern lives that you probably haven't heard before.Patrick Deneen is a professor of political science and the author of American Odyssey. Today on the show, Patrick argues that Odysseus embodies a tension that has defined the human experience, and especially the American experience: we're both home-seeking and exploring, rooted and restless. We long to settle down somewhere, yet we're equally driven to push beyond the horizon in search of something new. Patrick shares how Alexis de Tocqueville made this observation about our country two centuries ago, how Odysseus navigates the temptation to become both more than human and less than human, and the surprising act Patrick thinks is the most heroic thing Odysseus does. We end our conversation with the idea that having a home can give us the confidence to explore, or as David Brooks put it, "All of life is a series of daring explorations from a secure base."Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: 3 Lessons From Homer’s OdysseyAoM Podcast #337: What Homer’s Odyssey Can Teach Us TodayDemocracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord TennysonConnect With Patrick DeneenPatrick's faculty pagePatrick's websiteAmerican Odyssey's page on Creed and Culture's website0:00 Intro & sponsor plugs0:41 Patrick Deneen's American Odyssey & Nolan's film2:28 Nolan's changes to Odysseus's character4:56 Dante's Odysseus in hell7:33 Why Odyssey keeps drawing Patrick back13:02 The most American text: home-seeking vs exploring17:15 Tocqueville's restless Americans20:03 Restlessness as source of American unhappiness21:03 Odysseus vs the temptation to be more/less than human26:14 That temptation in modern American life31:26 Odysseus's underworld talk with Achilles39:41 What today's Americans can take from that41:24 Does Odysseus stay home? The "sequels" to The Odyssey45:49 Home as the foundation for risk-taking and adventure51:14 Where to find the book See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Secret Skills of Master Negotiators 21.07.2026 1時間

  When most people think of negotiation, they picture big, high-stakes moments: haggling over the price of a house, negotiating a starting salary, or hammering out the terms of a business deal. But negotiation is also something we do every day. It’s working out who’s taking on which chores with your spouse, convincing a coworker to help on a project, or even deciding where to go for dinner with friends. The better you understand negotiation — which is really about influencing other people’s decisions — the better you’ll be at navigating conflicts and opportunities both big and small.My guest has spent decades studying the art and science of wielding that influence. John Richardson teaches negotiation at MIT’s Sloan School of Management and is the co-author of Never Settle. Today on the show, John shares what he learned from negotiation legends like Roger Fisher, co-author of Getting to Yes, and FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. He unpacks the skills of master negotiators, including how to build reciprocity, uncover what people actually want, and keep your emotions from hijacking your judgment. We also get into the part of negotiation that makes people the most uncomfortable: the back-and-forth over hard numbers like price and salary and how to handle those conversations with greater confidence and better results.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #234: Haggling and Deal Making Advice From a FBI Hostage Negotiator (With Chris Voss)AoM Podcast #559: How to Handle Difficult Conversations (With Sheila Heen)Influence: The Essential Guide to the Psychology of Influence and Persuasion in Everyday Life by Robert B. CialdiniAoM Article: How Labeling Your Emotions Can Help You Take ControlGetting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger FisherStart with NO…The Negotiating Tools that the Pros Don’t Want You to Know by Jim CampConnect With John RichardsonNever Settle websiteJohn’s faculty page0:00 Everyday Negotiation & Meet John Richardson2:18 John's Path Into Negotiation9:50 Why People Fear Negotiation12:34 Roger Fisher's Philosophy (Getting to Yes)17:46 Chris Voss & Hostage Negotiation Tactics22:54 Give Them a Sandwich (Reciprocity)30:06 Using Someone's Name33:59 Managing Your Emotions39:00 Figuring Out What Everyone Wants46:29 Distributive Negotiation & Anchoring54:52 Alternatives, Saying No & Closing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Art of Easy Discipline 14.07.2026 53分

  Most people assume that if a goal is hard to achieve, getting there has to feel hard too. We tend to believe that extraordinary results require extraordinary suffering.But my guest says the secret to success isn't gritting your teeth; it's making the path enjoyable. His name is Jia Jiang, and in his new book, Easy Discipline, he argues that consistency comes from designing your work and your life so that doing the right thing becomes something you actually want to do. Today on the show, Jia explains the difference between hard and easy discipline, why "eating bitterness" isn't the best way to go after your ambitions, and how to make your work feel more like play without lowering your standards. Along the way, we discuss Soviet hockey, Japanese tea ceremonies, rejection therapy, one-action goals, and the power of pursuing aims that are an expression of who you are.Resources Related to the PodcastJia's previous book: Rejection TherapyJia's 100 Days of Rejection Therapy videos, including asking for a "burger refill"AoM Article: Motivation Over DisciplineAoM Podcast #954: The Feel-Good Method of ProductivityConnect With Jia JiangJia on SubstackJia's websiteJia on LinkedIn0:00 Introduction to the AOM Podcast0:41 Introducing Jia Jiang and Easy Discipline1:36 Welcome Jia Jiang / The Myth of Sisyphus6:05 Hard Discipline vs. Easy Discipline9:36 Eating Bitterness10:44 Soviet Hockey: Tarasov vs. Tikhonov16:02 The EASY Framework: Enjoyment31:02 Artistry and Ichi-go Ichi-e33:54 Systems and One Action Goals41:22 Repetition with Variation44:18 Why: Being True to Yourself52:33 Where to Find Jia Jiang's Work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Beyond Midlife Myths: Why Middle Age Can Be Your Prime Time 07.07.2026 50分

  Many of us grow up believing that midlife is when things start going downhill. Your body's breaking down, your best work is behind you, and you may fall into a full-blown existential crisis. But a lot of what we think we know about midlife turns out to be based more on pop culture than actual research.My guest says the reality is much more encouraging. Her name is Margie Lachman. She's a professor of psychology, the Director of the Lifespan Lab at Brandeis University, and the author of Primetime: A New Vision for Midlife. Today on the show, Margie discusses what age range constitutes midlife — and how it's not just a matter of chronological age — and whether people really become less happy and experience a midlife crisis during these years. She explains the surprising ways your mind continues to improve even as some abilities slow down, and why this stage of life often represents a peak combination of creativity and judgment. We also talk about the real challenges that come with midlife and how adopting the right mindset and habits can mitigate those downsides while helping you make the most of what Margie argues can truly be a sweet spot in life — a time when you still have much of your physical and mental vitality, and it's coupled with seasoned experience and wisdom.Resources Related to the PodcastSeasons of a Man’s Life by Daniel LevinsonAoM series on Levinson’s researchTransformations: Growth and Change in Adult Life by Roger GouldPassages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life by Gail SheehyAoM Podcast #598: Journeying From the First to the Second Half of Life With James HollisAoM Podcast #776: How to Shift Out of the Midlife MalaiseConnect With Margie LachmanMargie's websiteMargie's faculty page See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  George Washington: The Man Behind the Monument 30.06.2026 1時間 13分

  George Washington is perhaps the most familiar figure in American history. But most people really only know the image of him they see in marble statues and patriotic paintings. Behind those symbols was a real man: ambitious, self-taught, intensely concerned with honor, and constantly wrestling with the immense responsibilities history placed on his shoulders.In celebration of America's 250th birthday, we're taking an extended look at the life of the man more responsible than anyone else for the nation's founding. Here to unpack that life for us is H.W. Brands, a historian and the author of a new biography of Washington, American Patriarch. Brands traces Washington's journey from a young Virginia surveyor to military commander, founding father, and first president. Along the way, we discuss how Washington's upbringing shaped his character, why he became a surprisingly effective military leader despite losing more battles than he won, how he held together a fragile revolutionary army, how he shaped the presidency through the precedents he set, and whether a leader like Washington could still succeed today.Resources Related to the PodcastH.W.'s previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #696: Theodore Roosevelt, The Last RomanticEpisode #908: Would You Have Been a Patriot or a Loyalist?AoM Podcast #223: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Valiant AmbitionAoM Podcast #366: Teach Yourself Like George WashingtonAoM Podcast #719: The Surprising Pessimism of America’s Founding FathersAoM Article: George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and ConversationConnect With H.W. BrandsH.W. on SubstackH.W.’s faculty page 00:00 Introduction01:53 About the book American Patriarch03:03 Washington's childhood & Virginia gentry upbringing06:54 Self-education, surveying, and early ambition11:47 First military mission to the Ohio country17:11 The French and Indian War & Washington's baptism under fire24:44 Washington marries Martha Custis33:57 Washington takes command of the Continental Army40:17 Military strategy: how Washington won by not losing46:41 Holding the army together at Valley Forge55:57 Washington as first president & setting precedents1:09:56 The Farewell Address & legacy1:10:15 What Washington teaches us today See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  The Retirement Trap: Should You Really Stop Working at 65? 23.06.2026 33分

  The modern idea of retirement was built on a bet that turned out to be wrong. It assumed people would spend most of their lives working and only a relatively short period of time retired. Instead, many Americans now reach 65 healthy, active, and with an entire third of their life ahead of them. Yet we're still using a retirement model designed for a world in which old age was shorter and fewer people expected decades of life after leaving the workforce.My guest says that outdated assumption creates some unfortunate unintended consequences. It causes people to stress excessively about money, postpone meaningful experiences with family and friends, and sometimes sacrifice the very things that make life worth living in the first place. He argues that by rethinking retirement — not necessarily eliminating it, but reimagining it — we can enjoy more of our lives now while actually feeling more secure about the future.His name is Derek Coburn, and he's a financial advisor and the author of Let's Retire Retirement. Today on the show, Derek explains why the traditional retirement model came about, why it may no longer make sense for many people, and how working even a few years past 65 can dramatically change the math of retirement planning. We also discuss the surprising psychological challenges many people face after they stop working, why purpose matters more than leisure, and how thinking differently about retirement can free you up to spend more time on what matters most right now — whether that's traveling, strengthening your marriage, or making the most of the limited summers you have left with your kids.Connect With Derek CoburnDerek's website (including his retirement calculator)Derek on IG0:00 - Introduction1:22 - The Outdated Origins of Retirement (Bismarck's 1889 Social Insurance Plan)4:12 - Why the Traditional Retirement Model Creates Stress and Anxiety6:13 - The "Arrival Fallacy" — Why Retirement Isn't What You Think It Will Be8:42 - The Psychological Crisis of Stopping Work Cold Turkey11:05 - The Math: How Working 10 More Years Cuts Your Savings Requirement by 96%13:21 - Enjoying Life NOW Instead of Deferring It to Retirement14:22 - Maximizing the Limited Summers You Have with Your Kids19:48 - Sponsor Break20:07 - What If You Hate Your Job? Find One You "Don't Hate"22:37 - Side Hustles as an On-Ramp to Work You Love24:09 - Physical Jobs and Mandatory Retirement — What Then?  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Belonging Without Conforming: The Path From Pseudo Self to Solid Self 16.06.2026 58分

  We all want two things that can seem at odds with each other: to be our own person and to belong. We want to stand apart from the crowd, but we also want to be connected to it. When that balance gets out of whack, we either lose ourselves in tribalism or drift into isolation.My guest today says many of the problems in modern life stem from our inability to hold these two impulses in tension. His name is Luke Burgis, and he’s the author of The One and the 99: Forging Identity in the Age of Social Contagion. Today on the show, Luke explains how becoming a true individual can give you the strength to be a part of a community. We discuss the difference between a solid self and a pseudo self — and what role families and rites of passage can play in moving us toward one or the other — why modern politics feels like a dysfunctional family, the dangers of performative religion, and much more.Resources Related to the PodcastLuke’s previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #714: Why Do We Want What We Want?Episode #910: Thick Desires, Political Atheism, and Living an Anti-Mimetic LifeThe True Believer by Eric HofferEducation of a Wandering Man by Louis L’AmourAoM Podcast #1,025: The Life and Legacy of Louis L’AmourAoM article with L’Amour’s weekly to-do listsAoM article and podcast about C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man and the idea of objective valueThe Courage to Be by Paul TillichThe Quest for Community by Robert NisbetAoM Podcast #847: Overdoing DemocracyAoM Podcast #1,010: How to Resist Group Anxiety and Become a Differentiated SelfAoM Article: Becoming a Well-Differentiated LeaderDying Breed article: A New Kind of Monasticism — The Power of Community to Shape the SoulThe Rule of St. BenedictConnect With Luke BurgisLuke’s websiteTake your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/MANLINESSTimestamps0:00 Introduction0:54 Guest Intro: Luke Burgis & The One and the 994:48 The Parable of the Lost Sheep & the Book's Framework10:17 Defining the Self (vs. Identity & Soul)14:37 The Pseudo Self Explained19:40 How to Develop a Solid Self25:35 Louis L'Amour & Education for a Solid Self28:18 Curiositas vs. Studiositas (Ordered vs. Disordered Knowledge)44:30 Tribalism, Politics, & the Pseudo Self45:08 How Undifferentiation Fuels Political Dysfunction51:13 Religion, Performative Piety & the Digital World54:15 What Monasteries Teach Us About Community & Solid Selves See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  How to Try Again 09.06.2026 55分

  Life rarely unfolds according to plan. A relationship implodes. A move or job change doesn't work out. Or you simply fail in a goal you've set for yourself.My guest has spent almost two decades researching and field-testing how to get back on track when smaller slip-ups and larger upheavals knock you off course. His name is Steve Kamb, and he's the founder of Nerd Fitness and the author of How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS. Today on the show, Steve shares practical principles for dealing with life's frustrating and demoralizing setbacks. We discuss why sometimes the best move is to pause rather than push harder, how to accept reality without resigning yourself to it, why treating change as an experiment can help you beat paralysis and take action, why you should treat consistency with your goals the way you do showering, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastSteve's previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #42: Level Up Your Life With Nerd Fitness & Steve KambEpisode #170: Level Up Your LifeSteve's AoM guest posts:Don’t Be That Guy: The Taxonomy of Lousy Male FriendsHow Superheroes, Movies, and Video Games Taught Me to Conquer FearNerd FitnessMuseum of FailureSunday Firesides: Good Times Are Not Around the Corner (And That's Great News!)Sunday Firesides: Treat Life Like an Experiment"Lightning Fields" by the KillersConnect With Steve KambSteve's websiteSteve on IGSteve on LinkedInSteve on Substack See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Built to Walk: How Modern Shoes and Weak Feet Are Holding You Back 02.06.2026 58分

  Walking is one of the most powerful health tools we have. It improves cardiovascular fitness, boosts mood, sharpens cognition, and can even be a predictor of how well you'll age. But all those benefits depend on something we rarely think about until it starts hurting: our feet.For many of us, walking is so automatic that we never consider the mechanics that make it possible. Yet the way we move, the shoes we wear, and the strength of the muscles in our feet can have a profound impact on how comfortably and efficiently we walk. When something goes wrong at our physical foundation, the effects can ripple upward, leading to pain not just in the feet, but in the knees, hips, and back.My guest today is Dr. Milica McDowell, a physical therapist and the co-author of the new book Walk. Today on the show, Milica explains why walking speed may be a hidden vital sign, what gives you your signature walking style, and how to spot and address injury-inducing inefficiencies in your gait. We then talk about feet: whether you should worry about pronation, how to rehab plantar fasciitis — and no, it's not stretching — the best kind of shoes to wear, and much more.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: Solvitur Ambulando — It Is Solved By WalkingAoM podcast episode with Manoush ZomorodiAoM Article: I Started Taking a Walk Every Morning. Here’s What Happened to My HealthAoM Article: 20 Rules for WalkingAoM podcast episode with Matt FitzgeraldAltra shoesVivobarefootLems shoes (this is the pair Brett wears)Tyr weightlifting shoeInjinji toe socksToe spacerStudy on calf raise standardsConnect With Milica McDowellMilica's websiteMilica on IG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  How to Turn a Boy Into a Man 26.05.2026 1時間 12分

  Note: This is a rebroadcast.A lot of young men today struggle in finding their footing in adulthood. They feel lost, directionless, and unsure of who they are and how to confidently and competently navigate the world.Part of the reason for this is that most young men today lack something which was once a part of nearly every culture in the world, but has now almost entirely disappeared: a rite of passage.My guest today didn’t want his son to flounder on the way to maturity, nor to miss out on having an initiation into manhood, so he set out to create a 6-year journey for him that would help him move from boy to man. His name is Jon Tyson, and he’s the author of The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character. Today on the show, Jon unpacks the components of the years-long journey into manhood he created for his son, beginning with how he brainstormed those components by doing “The Day Your Son Leaves Home” exercise. We then discuss how old Jon’s son was when he started his rite of passage and why it began with him having a “severing dinner” with his mom. We get into what his rite of passage consisted of, from the kickoff ceremony to the challenges, experiences, trips, and daily rituals Jon used to impart values and teach his son the “5 Shifts of Manhood.” Jon shares how moving his son’s focus from being a good man, to being good at being a man, helped him get remotivated to continue the process, why his rite of passage included a gap year after high school, and how Jon celebrated the end of his son’s journey into becoming a man. We also discuss whether Jon did something similar with his daughter. We end our conversation with some key principles any dad can use to start intentionally helping their kids become well-rounded individuals who can confidently step out on their own and into the world.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Article: The Importance of FathersAoM Article: The Importance of Male Rites of PassageAoM Article: Male Rites of Passage From Around the WorldAoM Article & Podcast: Man’s Need for RitualAoM Series on the origins, elements, and future of manhoodAoM Article: The 7 Habits — Begin With the End in MindAoM Article: The 3 Families Every Young Man Needs to Grow Up WellJames HollisAoM Article: Carry the FireArt of Manliness’ Carry the Fire Zippo LighterAoM Article: What Is Manliness?AoM Podcast #527 With Richard RohrThe Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Chip and Dan HeathThe Way of Men by Jack DonovanAoM Podcast #49 With Jack DonovanAoM Series on the Four Archetypes of the Mature MasculineAoM Article: 100 Skills Every Man Should KnowAoM Article: 80+ Quotes on Men & ManhoodConnect With Jon TysonPrimal PathJon on TwitterJon on IG0:00 Introduction0:29 Guest Introduction: John Tyson & The Intentional Father2:28 The Research on Fatherless Boys4:54 What Men Lack Without a Rite of Passage8:37 The "Day Your Son Leaves Home" Exercise10:47 Building an Asset Map & Community of Fathers13:37 The Severing Dinner with Mom17:10 The Beach Initiation Ceremony at Age 1320:42 Taking Your Son Back to Your Roots28:14 The Five Shifts of Manhood31:52 Daily Morning Talks, Books & Movies42:32 Good Man vs. Good AT Being a Man46:28 The Archetypes: Lover, Leader, Warrior, Brother, Sage50:01 The Life Arc Interview56:03 The Gap Year as the Ordeal1:01:16 The Capstone Ceremony on the Camino de Santiago1:04:44 Doing Something Similar for His Daughter1:09:09 Key Principles Any Dad Can Start With TodayThat's 17 — let me trim to the 12 most distinct:0:00 Introduction & Why Rites of Passage Have Disappeared2:28 The Research on Fatherless Boys4:54 What Men Lack Without a Rite of Passage8:37 The "Day Your Son Leaves Home" Exercise13:37 The Severing Dinner & Beach Initiation Ceremony20:42 Taking Your Son Back to Your Roots28:14 The Five Shifts of Manhood31:52 Daily Talks, Books & Movies42:32 Good Man vs. Good at Being a Man50:01 The Life Arc Interview56:03 The Gap Year as the Ordeal1:01:16 The Capstone Ceremony & Key Principles for Any Dad See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Inside With the Old Breed: A Conversation With Eugene Sledge’s Son 19.05.2026 58分

  With the Old Breed is widely considered one of the greatest war memoirs ever written. Penned by Eugene Sledge, a Marine who fought with the 1st Division — the old breed — in the Pacific campaigns of Peleliu and Okinawa, the book is unflinching, deeply human, and so vividly written that you can practically feel the heat, mud, exhaustion, and terror coming off the page.But Sledge wasn't a professional writer. He was a biology professor who started jotting notes on scraps of paper tucked inside the New Testament he carried in his breast pocket. He wrote the book decades later, partly to process his own trauma, partly to leave a record for his sons.One of those sons is my guest today. Henry Sledge has spent years carrying his father's legacy forward, and he's written his own book — The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed — that pairs his father's combat experience with previously unpublished material and his own perspective as Eugene's son. Today on the show, Henry and I talk about why his dad wrote With the Old Breed, what made fighting in the Pacific uniquely hellish, and how Eugene managed to come home and live a full, honorable life despite carrying the war with him for the rest of his days.Resources Related to the PodcastChina Marine: An Infantryman's Life After World War II by E.B. SledgeHBO series The PacificKen Burns' The WarAoM Article: Eugene B. Sledge Puts Your Problems Into PerspectiveAoM Article: Are You Missing the Forbidden City?Connect With Henry SledgeHenry on IGHenry on FBThanks to This Week's Sponsor!Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MANLINESS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/MANLINESS0:00 - Introduction0:41 - About With the Old Breed: Eugene Sledge's War Memoir1:15 - Why Eugene Wrote the Book3:07 - How He Kept Notes in Combat4:20 - Writing & Publishing the Book6:03 - Eugene's Writing Style9:44 - Why Eugene Enlisted as a Private16:03 - Boot Camp Training21:35 - Why Peleliu Is the "Forgotten Battle"27:49 - What Made Fighting on Peleliu Hell31:40 - The Japanese as an Enemy43:10 - Life After the War: Coming Home50:00 - Lessons from With the Old Breed See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  How Constraints Help You Focus, Create, and Finish 12.05.2026 45分

  Back in 2019, David Epstein joined me to talk about his book Range and why generalists often thrive in a specialized world. Now he’s back with a new book that explores a seemingly opposite idea: the power of constraints. In Inside the Box, David argues that limits — deadlines, boundaries, and even setbacks — are often the very things that spark creativity, sharpen focus, and help us actually get meaningful work done.Today on the show, David shares how, in a world of endless freedom and options, constraints might actually be the thing you need most. He shares the surprising true story behind the creation of the periodic table, explains how a broken arm changed the course of his own life, and explores why giving people too much leeway can actually kill innovation. We discuss what Pixar did right that doomed companies like General Magic got wrong, why brainstorming sessions are usually ineffective, how to identify the bottlenecks holding back your work and life, and why learning to settle for “good enough” may be the key to getting more great things done.Resources Related to the PodcastDavid’s previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #512 — Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized WorldPixar’s Tin ToyAoM Article: Curing Your Restlessness — Limiting Your ChoicesThe Goal by Eliyahu M. GoldrattDavid’s This American Life Episode: “Something Only I Can See”AoM Article: Via Negativa — Adding to Your Life By SubtractingConnect With David EpsteinDavid’s website0:00 - Introduction0:40 - David Epstein & "Inside the Box": Overview1:50 - How Range and Constraints Are Connected3:14 - The Real Story Behind the Periodic Table7:00 - How a Broken Arm Changed David's Life10:22 - General Magic: What Happens With No Constraints20:14 - Pixar vs. General Magic: Constraints Done Right25:37 - This American Life's Editing Process31:10 - Finding Your Bottlenecks (The Goal)38:10 - Why Brainstorming Doesn't Work (And What Does)43:00 - The Case for Satisficing (Good Enough)51:11 - When Maximizing Makes Sense See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• 
  Why Screen Time Leaves You Exhausted: And How to Reverse Its Effects 05.05.2026 50分

  You hear a lot today about how our ample screentime is affecting our mental health. But how is it affecting our bodies, and how is that impact on our bodies affecting, well, our mental health?My guest today will unpack the ways that digital technology is sapping our vitality, and offer a simple protocol to get it back. Her name is Manoush Zomorodi, and she's the host of the TED Radio Hour and the author of Body Electric. In our conversation, Manoush explains why a day spent sitting in front of screens can leave you exhausted, even though you haven't really done anything, and how small bouts of movement throughout the day can counteract that drain and keep you feeling energized and focused. She shares how much activity you need to offset periods of being sedentary, and how to realistically incorporate these movement breaks into your routine. We also get into the specific effects digital technology is having on our eyes and ears — and what you can do to prevent the damage.Resources Related to the PodcastManoush's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #342 — Why Boredom is Good for You"I Sing the Body Electric" by Walt WhitmanKeith Diaz's studiesAoM Article: The Importance of Building Your Daily Sleep PressureConnect With Manoush ZomorodiManoush's websiteManoush on IG0:00 - Introduction0:41 - Meet Manoush Zomorodi & Body Electric1:10 - Why Are We So Tired After Sitting All Day?5:30 - The Physical Effects of Sitting & Screens on the Body10:02 - Walt Whitman, Clerks & the History of Sedentary Work16:42 - Keith Diaz's Study: 5 Minutes of Movement Every 30 Min20:07 - Testing the Protocol: Manoush's Lab Experience21:15 - The Global Clinical Trial Results29:11 - How to Actually Integrate Movement Breaks Into Your Day32:11 - Even Exercise Isn't Enough If You Sit All Day37:50 - What Screens Are Doing to Your Eyes46:10 - What Earbuds Are Doing to Your Hearing49:22 - How Screens Disrupt Sleep (It's Not Blue Light)  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.