🎙 In this Special Edition episode of the "Books for Men” podcast, host Douglas Vigliotti shares his pop-up essay, “What is a Birthday Anyway?” Reflecting on his 39th birthday, he explores the meaning of birthdays, aging, ego, and societal pressure to feel “not enough.” Douglas encourages listeners to celebrate life itself, embrace self-acceptance, and reminds them to keep reading—and living—fully.

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🗣️ If you liked this episode, check out episode #252 | From the Vault: Morning After #7 - A Letter to Love!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Special Edition Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the special edition, explains the concept of "pop up essays," and the inspiration behind this episode.
• Newsletter Plug and Podcast Anniversary (01:37) - Brief reminder about the companion newsletter and mention of the podcast’s third anniversary and recent featured authors.
• Reading the Pop-Up Essay: "What is a Birthday Anyway?" (02:48) - Douglas reads his essay reflecting on birthdays, aging, ego, and shifting perspectives on life and self-worth.
• Societal Pressures and the Meaning of Birthdays (03:54) - Discussion on societal constructs, feeling "not enough," nostalgia, and how ego shapes our birthday experiences.
• A New Paradigm: Celebrating Life (05:04) - Proposes a mindset shift to appreciate birthdays as a celebration of life, quoting Hemingway, and embracing being enough.
• Closing Remarks and Ways to Connect (06:17) - Douglas shares how to connect with him, plugs his new book, and thanks listeners, with reminders about the newsletter and website.