The Art of Manliness Podcast aims to deepen and improve every area of a man's life, from fitness and philosophy, to relationships... more
The era of artificially intelligent large language models is upon us and isn't going away. Rather, AI tools like ChatGPT... more
When you scroll through social media feeds today, you’ll find countless posts about “living your truth” and “being authentic.” These... more
Resilience is often touted as the end all, be all of coping with life's challenges and setbacks. But my guest... more
The human urge to explore has taken us to every corner of the planet. From the highest peaks to far-flung... more
When you think about ancient gladiators, you likely have a certain vision that comes to mind: slaves forced to fight... more
Face-to-face socializing in America has declined by more than 20% nationwide. Among some groups, like young adults and unmarried men,... more
People commonly think of time as a fixed, linear, objective structure. But our own experiences belie this belief. We’ve all... more
Pornography is more prevalent and accessible than ever before, yet its effects on relationships, mental health, and human development aren't... more
The idea for the Art of Manliness came to me 17 years ago as I was standing in the magazine... more
A lot of people go into marriage with a 50/50 mindset. Everything in the relationship — from tangible things like... more
For several decades, people's reported sleep quality has declined. This, despite the fact that specially optimized sheets, mattresses, and sleep trackers... more
There has been a lot of cultural discussion of the way digital technologies and social media contribute to things like... more
When people get stuck in their job or personal life, the common response is to either work harder or shrug... more
Think about a time you've had to speak in front of others — maybe during a work presentation, a wedding... more
I first read Man's Search for Meaning by the neurologist, psychologist, and philosopher Viktor Frankl in high school, and I... more
Think about your habits, the things you do automatically without much thought — from brushing your teeth in the morning... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. Most everyone wants to live a good, meaningful life, though we don’t always know what that... more
Think of all the texts, emails, and social media posts you're inundated with each day. Sometimes you read them, and... more
What if there was one piece of fitness equipment that was affordable, didn’t take up much space, could get you... more
The Roman caesars were the rulers of the Roman Empire, beginning in 27 BC with Julius Caesar’s heir Augustus, from... more
When people think about winter, they often focus on the negatives: the cold, the dark, and the seasonal depression the... more
Feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list? Like you're constantly putting out fires but never getting ahead? You're not alone.... more
Sports gambling has exploded in America. You can't watch a game today without being bombarded by ads from betting companies,... more
The Industrial Revolution changed the nature of work, so that many people labored in factories, continuously performing the same task,... more
In an age where a lot of formalized decorum has vanished, the holidays are still a time with rules, traditions, and unspoken... more
Many people think becoming wealthy is all about having the right job, inheritance, or just lucky breaks. And those things... more
Endurance activities, like distance running, have existed since ancient times. But humans' relationship to those pursuits has changed, according to... more
These days, you hear more and more about parents and adult children being estranged from each other. Some individuals have... more
Think about a hot loaf of bread fresh out of the oven. There's a lot going on with that loaf. On one... more
It’s not uncommon for former law enforcement officers and intelligence agents to write self-help books where they share how the... more
When it comes to weight management and all-around good metabolic health, we most often think about what to eat. But... more
In 18th century America, this book was second in popularity only to the Bible. It was a favorite of many thinkers... more
This episode starts off a little differently than others — with a short quiz, something called the Brief Sensation-Seeking Scale,... more
“Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love,” Charlie Brown once said. Indeed, being spurned by... more
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... more
In creating the Jack Reacher character, Lee Child launched a series of books that now boast 100 million copies in... more
Money can't buy happiness. It sounds good as a bumper sticker platitude. But the truth is, money can buy happiness. At... more
Are leaders born or made? Judging by the 50 billion dollar leadership development industry, the answer is definitely the latter.... more
When people think about living more fully and making better use of their time, they typically think of finding some... more
We often think of the difference between a boy and a man as a matter of age. But Brian Tome... more
Imagination is the ability to form mental images and concepts that don't exist or haven’t happened yet, think outside of... more
In an age that doesn't think too much about history, you might be forgiven for thinking that a culture of... more
Do you have trouble feeling comfortable when socializing? Maybe sometimes you do fine, but other times you feel nervous, shy,... more
With over 300 million books sold, Louis L'Amour is one of the bestselling authors of all time. All 120 of... more
What if there was a supplement that could build muscle, maintain bone health, fortify the brain against cognitive decline due... more
Self-control, the ability to resolve a conflict between two competing desires, is frequently touted as the golden key to success.... more
For decades, some researchers have argued that the notable human capacity for endurance evolved from the hunting practices of our... more
In a family, a lot of the dynamics around devices and screens are reactive in nature. Kids bug for their... more
Although they may call it different things and approach its attainment in different ways, many of the world’s religions and... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. Over the last year, my 12-year-old son has been doing one challenge every week as a rite of... more
As you get older, you can start to feel like you'll never achieve your dream or receive recognition for your... more
Your relationship with your mother is likely the first and most foundational connection in your life. At its best, this... more
You probably know your body follows a circadian rhythm, and probably think of it as primarily regulating your sleep/wake cycle,... more
A fair amount of gear is involved in making a camping or backpacking trip a success, and choosing that gear... more
You may know Nate Silver as an election forecaster. But he’s a poker player as well. And his experiences operating... more
To train the body, strengthening its muscles, increasing its cardiovascular health, and improving its agility, you need to do exercises... more
If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or manager who lives, loves, and works with tweens, teens, and 20s-somethings, you know... more
When many people try to lose weight, they choose a specific, cookie-cutter diet that claims to be the one true... more
When we think about anxiety, we typically think of something that is generated and felt within an individual. But Murray... more
Do moments where you run up against your dependence on modern technology get you wondering about the ways some of... more
You have a relationship with family, with friends, with a romantic partner. You may not have thought about it this... more
Kelly Starrett, a doctor of physical therapy, has trained professional athletes, Olympians, and military special operators, helping them unlock peak... more
The journey of personal development, of becoming a more excellent and extraordinary individual, can sometimes seem a little abstract. That’s... more
Filling out paperwork. Making travel reservations. Paying bills. Shopping for groceries. Returning packages. These are all examples of life admin —... more
There has been a lot of media coverage and dialogue about the struggles men are facing in the modern day.... more
You probably think of the health effects of sunlight as a mixed bag. On the one hand, sun exposure helps... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. When men think about optimizing their hormones, they tend only to think about raising their testosterone.... more
A lot of self-improvement advice and content feels empty. And there's a reason for that. It often offers routines and... more
Friendships are a central part of the lives of both men and women. But from personal observation, you've probably noticed... more
Businesses and individuals often feel overwhelmed and stretched — that they can't get done all the work they need to.... more
Fifteen years and more than 200 million downloads later, this episode marks the 1,000th installment of the Art of Manliness... more
Plenty of famous explorers and frontiersmen emerged from America's periods of expansion and exploration, and today the likes of Daniel... more
As compared to mothers, fathers are sometimes thought of as a secondary, almost superfluous, parent. But my guest says that fathers... more
Everyone has heard about the incredible benefits that come to mind, body, and spirit from having strong relationships. The quality... more
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, 160,000 troops participated in the invasion of Normandy. Today just a few thousand of these... more
Over a decade ago, I remember reading a story that stuck with me. I think it was connected to the... more
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. Matthew Dicks wears a lot of hats. Among other things, he’s a storyteller, communications consultant, writer,... more
There are a lot of unspoken challenges and hidden battles that men face in modern society. They often manifest themselves... more
General George S. Patton is known for his aggressive, action-oriented tactical brilliance. His character was also marked by a lesser-known but... more
We often think happiness will be found in the completion of a goal. We often think happiness will be found... more
If you didn’t grow up doing your own laundry, once you headed out on your own, you probably just figured... more
Life revolves around learning—in school, at our jobs, even in the things we do for fun. But we often don’t... more
When you’re lifting weights, you might be thinking about setting a new PR or doing your curls for the girls. But... more
Jim VandeHei didn’t have an auspicious start in life. His high school guidance counselor told him he wasn’t cut out... more
There are different philosophies one can have when it comes to money. Jared Dillian’s is built around eliminating as much... more
Have you ever noticed the guy in a fighting stance on the Art of Manliness logo? That’s not just some... more
Do you sometimes walk to another room in your house to get something, but then can’t remember what it was... more
If you read most first aid guides, the last step in treating someone who’s gotten injured or sick is always:... more
Over the last decade, there's been an increase in the number of people, particularly young adults, who struggle with low... more
When we think of rituals, we tend to think of big, inherited, more occasional religious or cultural ceremonies like church... more
Millions of young adults know what it's like to graduate from college with student debt. For some, it's a frustrating... more
Jake Knapp loves tech. He grew up using Apple II and then Mac computers, browsing bulletin boards, and making his... more
Happiness and depression can feel like slippery and befuddling things. We can do the things we've been told will make... more
In resolving hundreds of kidnap-for-ransom cases involving gang leaders, pirates, and extortionists, Scott Walker, a former Scotland Yard detective, has... more
In the 19th century, Cerro Gordo, which sits above Death Valley, was the largest silver mine in America, a place... more
From work to chores to entertaining distractions, there are many options for what you can be doing at any moment... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast When you think about someone having a midlife crisis, you probably think of a man getting... more
Even if you're not very into jazz, you probably know Kind of Blue, the jazz album that's sold more copies... more
It's a tough job to manage a household. Things need to be regularly fixed, maintained, and cleaned. How do you... more
The last several years have seen the rise of a sort of anti-productivity movement. Knowledge workers who feel burned out... more
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or entrepreneur, you want to be able to persuade your students, children, and customers with... more
You've probably heard of HIIT — high intensity interval training. In fact, you may feel so familiar with the idea... more
Perhaps you’ve read Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, a book many turn to to learn and internalize the teachings of Stoic philosophy.... more
Have you ever known one of those people who seemed to be able to connect with anyone? The kind of... more
In my twenties and early thirties, I was a regular journaler. Several years ago, however, I stopped journaling almost entirely because I... more
The marriage rate has come down 65% since 1970. There are multiple factors behind this decrease, but one of them... more
If you’ve ever read the classic book Endurance, you probably shivered and shuddered as you wondered what it would have... more
When you really stop to think about it, it’s an astonishing fact that we spend a third of our lives... more
When people think of the plays of Shakespeare, they tend to think of his comedies and tragedies that spotlight interpersonal... more
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur but don’t have an idea for a business? Or have you been... more
Attend the graduation of a college senior, and the commencement speech is likely to include a few themes: Do something... more
Forty years ago, now retired professor of sociology Daniel Chambliss performed a field study in which he observed an elite... more
When Sam Rosenberg was 20 years old and working as a bouncer in a bar, a disgruntled patron pointed a... more
Reflect on something for a second: when was the last time you had fun? Are you having trouble remembering, and... more
You're probably familiar with the American mafia, at least through its portrayal in popular culture. But how did this infamous... more
Brian Grazer is a Hollywood producer whose films and television shows have been nominated for 43 Academy Awards and 217... more
The social theorist Charles Taylor says that part of what characterizes a secular age is that there are multiple competing... more
Do you have a goal to lose weight? If so, you're probably thinking about how you need to exercise more.... more
When we think about getting more done, we tend to think about working harder, exerting more willpower, and buckling down;... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. When it comes to losing weight, you can find plenty of complicated programs that involve long,... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. You want to declutter. You want to downsize. You want to live more simply. So... more
The Battle of the Bulge commenced on the morning of December 16, 1944. The Allies were ill-prepared for this last,... more
Watching a holiday movie is a great way to get into the spirit of the season and has become an... more
Virtue ethics is an approach to life, a framework for developing character and making moral decisions. To learn about virtue... more
Mark is the author of Building: A Carpenter's Notes on Life & the Art of Good Work, and today on... more
Of all the emotions, there's one that people are arguably the most reluctant to talk about and admit to feeling. Envy. Not... more
Why are so many social, business, and classroom interactions so dang dull? This state of affairs isn't only a bummer... more
Anxiety is typically thought of as a disease or a disorder. My guest has a very different way of looking... more
There are a lot of popular ideas out there around marriage, family, and culture, like, for example, that living together... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. Charisma can make everything smoother, easier, and more exciting in life. It’s a quality that makes... more
A focus on gratitude is typical this time of year. But more often than not, the cognitive or behavioral nods... more
For the last 15 years, William Vanderbloemen has run an executive search firm that helps non-profit organizations find leaders. Over... more
When we think of Western philosophers who pondered questions about the good life, we typically think of the classical era... more
To figure out what will happen in the future, we typically make guesswork predictions and look to particular periods in... more
Nietzsche's maxim, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," isn't just a sound philosophical principle. It's also a certifiable physiological... more
People often think of failure in one of two ways: as something that hinders the pursuit of success, or as... more
For millennia, stone lifting was an important part of cultures around the world, and its significance went far beyond feats... more
If you've wanted to develop your character, you've probably thought about strengthening virtues like courage, humility, and resolution. But my... more
Protein, along with fat and carbohydrates, make up one of three basic macronutrients of the human diet. Yet for something... more
In order to thrive in a world that’s constantly in flux, you have to learn to overcome your fear of... more
Maybe you're in a midlife slump. Maybe you're unhappy in your job and marriage. Maybe you're inactive and overweight. Maybe... more
It often seems like we live in a very inconsiderate, indifferent, and ill-mannered time and that the cure for what... more
A lot of guys would like to build bigger muscles. And they may have heard that in order to do so,... more
It’s one thing to be bored by having to wait in line or sit through a dry lecture. It’s another... more
If you or someone you know has a problem with procrastination, you've probably chalked it up to a deficiency in... more
Everyone has some bad habits, and they nearly always involve doing something too much. Eating too much, drinking too much,... more
How to be happier is a topic covered in countless books, blogs, and podcasts. Consume enough of this content and... more
According to some estimates, only 5% of people in the West get the recommended amount of daily physical activity. Is... more
Ever wondered why, after hours of reading and highlighting, you still feel unprepared for that big test? Or why, shortly... more
In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, “When I was a child, I spoke as a... more
While there may be some heated rivalries in today's NBA, the ferocity of competition doesn't compare to the hard-hitting contests... more
Change is a constant. Changes big and small are always happening in our lives, while the world also changes around... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. Do you ever get to feeling kind of down, dejected, and anxious come Sunday evening?... more
When an organization wants to get more productive and better reach its goals, it typically looks to retool its leadership,... more
Ernest Hemingway's classic novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, is often designated as one of the greatest books about war... more
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are certain principles like timing, leverage, and positioning that practitioners must master to successfully overcome an... more
Over the last decade, cannabis use has been legalized in more states. At the same time, the idea that marijuana... more
If you want insight on how to make love last, you might ask friends, family, a therapist, or a pastor... more
Dr. Srini Pillay is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, a brain-imaging researcher, and the author of Tinker Dabble Doodle Try: Unlock the... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. In the quiet moments of our lives, we can all sense that our hearts long for... more
Note: This is a rebroadcast. When most people think about losing weight, they think about the details of a diet plan — what... more
Personality tests sometimes come in for criticism these days for not being very accurate or helpful or for putting people... more
We often suppose that wars are fought over things like resources, border disputes, and ideologies. My guest calls this "the... more
When someone asks us to do something we don’t want to do, we often say yes even though we want... more
As you move through time, you exist as a present self who makes decisions, an in-between self who should carry... more
While studying history back in the 1990s, Neil Howe and the late William Strauss noticed something: there seemed to be... more
Lately, I've been talking to my son Gus about considering a career in the trades. A lot of the white... more
If you’re an athlete, you know that it can be helpful to get psyched up before a big game. But... more
The last time we had entrepreneur, professor, and author Luke Burgis on the show, he discussed the concept of mimetic desire,... more
Throughout each day, all of us make little shifts in our roles and responsibilities; we take off one hat and... more
When Americans think back to the War of Independence, most are apt to feel that, had they lived back then,... more
When you’re walking in the woods, you’re often surrounded by trees. But you probably don’t notice them much, and when... more
My flight was awful. The restaurant's service was terrible. The traffic was horrible. My boss is the worst. Our culture... more
Working out at any time of day is great. But my guest says there are distinct benefits to doing it... more
Once a year, I read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It’s a cathartic annual ritual for me. What is it... more
When we think about Stoic philosophers, we typically think about the thinkers of ancient Greece and Rome, like Epictetus and... more
In 1980s America, gritty streets were filled with crime, the threat of Cold War hovered in the air, and action... more
When people think about survival and preparedness, they tend to think of dealing with an end-of-the-world kind of scenario. But... more
To be successful at their craft, magicians must possess the well-honed technical skills to pull off their mystifying tricks and... more
You might think we’re heading into a low time of year for suicides because they peak during the cold, dark... more
Have you been languishing in the same role at work, frustrated that you haven't been promoted to a higher position... more
When people think of the paratroopers of World War II, they tend to think of the European theater — the... more
The charge to be well-mannered, to treat others with civility, kindness, and respect, is perennial. But the rules for how... more
Do you feel stuck in life — that you aren’t making progress in a relationship, job, or goal and you... more
America’s national parks are one of the country’s greatest treasures, and many people have it on their bucket list to... more
We don't often think of work when we think of Henry David Thoreau. We think of Thoreau living with his... more
When men think about optimizing their hormones, they tend only to think about raising their testosterone. But while increasing T... more
When Daniel Zia Joseph decided to join the Army at the unusually late age of 32, he solicited advice from... more
Writing an email while on a Zoom call. Talking on the phone while walking. Scrolling through social media while watching... more
Different generations love to cast aspersions on each other. Boomers think Millennials and Gen Zers are fragile narcissists. Those younger... more
When John Bowe learned that his extremely reclusive cousin, who had lived for decades in his parents' basement, had moved... more
When most people think of psychopaths, they think of uniformly monstrous characters who lack empathy and conscience. But my guest says... more
There's plenty of advice out there about how to have a better daily routine. But what's just bunk and what... more
You know Michael Phelps, the most successful and decorated Olympic swimmer of all time who won a record 28 medals,... more
Several years ago, the American Psychological Association issued a set of guidelines for psychologists working with boys and men. Guideline... more
Kelly Starrett, a doctor of physical therapy, has trained professional athletes, Olympians, and military special operators, helping them unlock peak... more
If you've ever waited, and perhaps are now currently waiting, to hear whether or not you've tested positive for a... more
Whether you see some deer, have a fox cross your path, or spot a moose, there’s something disportionately delightful about encountering... more
We live in a chatter-filled world. People will talk your ear off when you see them in person and everyone... more
If you've had some contact with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, there's a good chance you found it abstract, heady,... more
You get really excited about an idea to start an exercise program, or become a better partner, or get organized.... more
Many a man has been impressed by the ingenuity of secret agent operations, and intrigued by the subterfuge, gadgets, and... more
You may think of anxiety as a reaction, a feeling, or a disorder. My guest today says that perhaps the... more
In your journey towards becoming stronger, fitter, and healthier, there often comes a point where you wonder if taking some... more
You heard about The Art of War, and it sounded pretty cool. So you picked up a copy to read.... more
What albums and songs are getting a lot of play on your Spotify or iTunes app currently? My guest would... more
Influence comes down to a person's level of authority. When someone is perceived as having power, status, and worth, others... more
When Nick Gray moved to New York City, he was a shy introvert with few friends. But he wanted to... more
Among people who experience some sort of trauma, what percentage do you think go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder?... more
You've probably heard of Ernest Shackleton, and his ill-fated Antarctic expedition. The Endurance, the ship on which he and his crew sailed, famously... more
Years ago, I was flipping through TV channels and came across Hugh Laurie, of Dr. House fame, decked out in... more
Twenty years ago, it didn't seem like a burdensome task to write a handwritten letter to a loved one. Fifteen... more
Surviving in the wild can seem like a romantic proposition, at least as it often plays out in popular culture... more
Happiness is the subject of thousands of articles, podcasts, and scientific studies. Yet all this focus on happiness doesn't seem... more
Dante's Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest works of literature ever written. The poem not only imagines the... more
When we think about the benefits of exercise, we tend to think of what it does for our body, making... more
Within the space for just three decades, monumental episodes of exploration and expedition, politics and violence, including the mapping the Oregon Trail,... more
Over the last year, my 12-year-old son has been doing one challenge every week as a rite of passage and chance to... more
In a world that celebrates overnight success, it's easy to forget that very often, achieving your dreams takes a heck... more
Surviving in the wild can seem like a romantic proposition, at least as it often plays out in popular culture and our... more