Our conversation with James (NLN) kicks off with the topic of Afghanistan and the US exit therefrom, regarding which he quips, "If you wait until the last minute it only takes a minute." Deeper in we discuss the benefits and problems that come from youthful (and adult) insecurity, and how the threat you are preparing yourself for might not be the one you confront. And speaking of illness, we talk through cancer, treatment compliance, smokers outside the cancer ward, and take a brief look at the Why of longevity. Over the course of the discussion we address the potential benefits of trauma and its ability to fix chronic stress, the failure of Box Breathing to address the stagnant weight of bureaucracy, and the notion that chronic pain makes you a shitty person. Finally, for the sake of positivity we chat about which shape or form the apocalypse will take ...

"If the point of manipulating you is for personal advantage that's evil but if the point of manipulating you is for your own good that's called leadership."