🎙 In this special 'From the Vault' episode, Douglas Vigliotti invites you on a journey of personal growth and personal change through his reflective essay, 'A Letter to Love.' This unique episode explores the impact of literature on love, as Douglas pens a heartfelt letter to love itself—questioning how stories shape our understanding of this powerful emotion. As Douglas revisits this piece amidst significant personal changes and growth in his own life, he reveals the oversized role that stories and literature play in how we experience love. If you're interested in how personal change intersects with the stories we tell ourselves—and the influence of books and media on our perceptions of love—this episode is for you. (Original pub date: 2/14/20)

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📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

📖 Read the original article: Morning After #7 - A Letter to Love!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction and Book Promotion (00:09) - Douglas introduces the episode, mentions his "Morning After" column, and promotes his book "Aristotle for Novelists."
• Life Changes and Alcohol Reflection (01:12) - Douglas discusses relocating to Manhattan and reflects on his three-year abstinence from alcohol and possible reintroduction.
• The Role of Alcohol and Personal Growth (02:27) - He explores the trade-offs of abstaining from alcohol, the importance of balance, and societal trends toward sobriety.
• Origins of the "Morning After" Column (03:39) - Douglas explains the inspiration behind his "Morning After" column and how his views on alcohol and creativity have evolved.
• Revisiting Old Writings and the Power of Stories (05:06) - He shares his discomfort with rereading old work, but notes some pieces still resonate, especially regarding the impact of stories.
• Love, Literature, and Podcast Themes (06:30) - Douglas connects recent podcast themes—love, loss, relationships—to the upcoming reading of "A Letter to Love."
• Reading: "A Letter to Love" (07:49) - He reads his reflective piece, questioning the true nature of love versus its portrayal in stories and media.
• Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement (09:07) - Douglas wraps up, encourages subscribing, shares contact info, and promotes his book and newsletter.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into Hattie Williams’ debut novel, "Bitter Sweet," ahead of its July 2025 release. Douglas unpacks the story of Charlie, a young book publicist at a London publishing house entangled with a famous, much older, married novelist, and the complexities of her emotional journey. He highlights the novel’s themes of grief, loss, desire, power asymmetry, and the addictive nature of love and forbidden fruit, praising Williams’ intimate and vulnerable writing style and encouraging male listeners to sprinkle in more women’s fiction for one very specific reason.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

📖 Read Hattie's Substack on Complicated Men!

🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to this one: #178: Big Swiss | Jen Beagin!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Episode and Book Announcement (00:09) - Host introduces the podcast, announces "Bitter Sweet" by Hattie Williams, and mentions his own book.
• About the Author: Hattie Williams (01:12) - Background on Hattie Williams, her artistic journey, and connection to the host.
• Context of "Difficult Men" and Book’s Male Lead (02:33) - Comparison of Hattie's writing on complicated men to the book’s male character, Richard Aveling.
• Book Overview and Main Characters (03:42) - Summary of the plot, protagonist Charlie, and the relationship with Richard Aveling.
• Charlie's Emotional Journey and Addiction Analogy (04:59) - Exploration of Charlie’s emotional struggles and the addictive nature of her relationship.
• Takeaways: Opening Scene and Writing Style (06:01) - Host discusses the novel’s cinematic opening and praises Hattie’s intimate, vulnerable prose.
• Value of Women’s Fiction for Male Readers (07:14) - Reflection on the importance of men reading women’s fiction to understand different perspectives.
• Complexity of Emotions and Power Dynamics (08:28) - Discussion of Charlie’s conflicted feelings, performance in relationships, and power asymmetry.
• Relatability and Human Nature (09:49) - Host shares a favorite quote, relating to universal human experiences and the allure of the forbidden.
• Desire, Comfort, and Central Conflict (11:00) - Analysis of the novel’s central theme: the tension between risk/desire and comfort/safety.
• Bittersweet Aesthetic and Episode Wrap-Up (12:19) - Reflection on the meaning of "bittersweet" and closing remarks, including how to connect with the host.

🎙 Discover the keys to personal growth in this episode as Douglas Vigliotti unpacks Phil Stutz’s transformative book, 'True and False Magic.' Dive deep into Stutz’s core philosophy—embracing pain, uncertainty, and constant work, known as the three absolutes of human life—and learn how these principles can help you create real magic in your own life. Douglas shares powerful, actionable insights from the book, explores the role of faith and belief, and explains why choosing creativity over competition leads to a more meaningful and authentic existence. Whether you’re seeking lasting change or practical self-help strategies, this episode will inspire you to face discomfort, embrace uncertainty, and commit to ongoing personal growth.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #165: Tom Collins | Douglas Vigliotti!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction and Book Promotion (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, promotes his new book, and sets up the episode’s focus.
• About Phil Stutz and His Work (01:13) - Background on Phil Stutz, his career, previous books, and his unconventional approach to therapy.
• Overview of "True and False Magic" (02:22) - Description of the book’s style, co-author, and introduction to Stutz’s three absolutes: pain, uncertainty, constant work.
• Stutz’s Core Philosophy and Creativity (03:34) - Explains Stutz’s philosophy on action, creativity, belief, and the importance of creating something from nothing.
• Faith, Belief, and Spirituality (05:00) - Discussion on the necessity of belief in something beyond oneself and the role of spirituality in Stutz’s approach.
• Facing Avoidance: Fear and Laziness (06:26) - Explores avoidance, its roots in fear and laziness, and the concept of “eating the death cookie.”
• Proactive Therapy and Taking Action (07:40) - Contrasts Stutz’s proactive therapy with traditional psychotherapy, emphasizing motion and directness.
• Universe One vs. Universe Two (09:25) - Introduces Stutz’s concepts of universe one (competition) and universe two (creation), and their implications.
• The Need for Constant Work (10:37) - Discusses the illusion of comfort, the necessity of ongoing effort, and the infinite nature of meaningful work.
• Pain and Self-Deception (12:02) - Addresses the inevitability of pain, self-deception, and the importance of building tolerance for discomfort.
• Uncertainty and the Power of Faith (13:27) - Explores uncertainty, the limits of logic, and the value of choosing faith over doubt.
• Conclusion and Listener Reminders (14:48) - Wraps up the episode, encourages feedback, and provides information on how to connect and learn more.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores "We the Animals" by Justin Torres, a coming-of-age novel that tackles the intricate themes of family, identity, and personal growth. Douglas sheds light on the author’s background and the book's narrative, which follows a young protagonist as he navigates complex family dynamics and his emerging sexuality. With a focus on the book's emotional depth and minimalist storytelling, Douglas shares his reflections, inviting listeners to join the conversation and embrace the subtle richness of literary fiction.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #95: Miles from Nowhere | Nami Mun!

🗣️ Listen to episode #244: 'Reasons to Live'—Why What Isn't There Is Just as Important as What Is!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to "We the Animals" (00:09) - Douglas introduces the book "We the Animals" and its themes of family and identity.
• Author Background (01:17) - Discussion on Justin Torres, his writing career, and his connection to the book.
• Book's Adaptation (02:31) - Mention of the indie film adaptation of "We the Animals" released in 2017.
• Themes of the Story (03:36) - Exploration of the book's themes of family life, childhood longing, and the protagonist's coming out.
• Complexity of Emotion (05:00) - Insight into the emotional complexities in the story, compared to works by Amy Hempel.
• Growth is Painful (06:13) - Discussion on the protagonist's painful journey of growth and self-discovery.
• Meaning of the Title (08:51) - Analysis of the title "We the Animals" and its symbolic significance in the narrative.
• Closing Remarks (10:24) - Douglas encourages listeners to subscribe, rate the podcast, and connect with him.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into Daniel Kahneman's influential nonfiction book, "Thinking, Fast and Slow." Vigliotti outlines Kahneman's background and his pioneering work in behavioral economics, including his Nobel Prize-winning prospect theory. The episode explores key concepts from the book, such as the two systems of thinking—fast, intuitive System 1 and slow, deliberate System 2—and various cognitive biases and heuristics that shape human decision-making. Tune in to learn why you think the way you do.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #148: From the Vault | A Chat with Annie Duke (Part 1)!

🗣️ Listen to episode #149: From the Vault | A Chat with Annie Duke (Part 2)!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Podcast (00:09) - Overview of the podcast's purpose and introduction to the book "Thinking, Fast and Slow."
• Author Introduction (01:12) - Discussion of Daniel Kahneman's background and his significant contributions to behavioral economics.
• Kahneman's Achievements (02:16) - Highlighting Kahneman's Nobel Prize and Presidential Medal of Freedom awards.
• Overview of the Book (03:27) - Explaining the main concepts of "Thinking, Fast and Slow" and its two systems of thinking.
• Strengths and Weaknesses of Thinking (04:51) -0 Exploration of how the two thinking systems shape decision-making and judgments.
• Heuristics, Biases, and Effects (05:48) - Introduction to the twelve heuristics, biases, and effects discussed in the book.
• Focusing Illusion (06:16) - Description of the cognitive bias of overestimating the importance of single factors in happiness.
• WYSIATI (06:16) - Explanation of the "what you see is all there is" concept and its implications.
• Loss Aversion (07:24) - Discussion on the pain of losing versus the pleasure of gaining.
• Endowment Effect (07:24) - Explaining the tendency to overvalue owned items.
• Diminishing Sensitivity (07:24) - Impact of gains and losses diminishing as sizes increase.
• Reference Dependence (08:52) - Need for references in decision-making based on current state versus absolute.
• Probability Weighting (08:52) - Overvaluing rare events while underestimating common ones.
• Sunk Cost Fallacy (09:51) - Tendency to continue investing in losing propositions due to prior commitments.
• Anchoring Bias (10:17) - Overvaluing the first piece of information received in decision-making.
• Confirmation Bias (10:17) - Tendency to seek information that confirms existing beliefs.
• Framing Effect (10:17) - How the presentation of choices influences decisions.
• Overconfidence Bias (11:23) - Tendency to overestimate personal abilities and knowledge.
• Hindsight Bias (11:23) - Belief that outcomes were predictable after they have occurred.
• Closing Thoughts and Quotes (12:34) - Final reflections on Kahneman's insights and the importance of storytelling in persuasion.
• Podcast Engagement (13:40) - Encouragement to subscribe, rate the podcast, and provide feedback.

🎙 In this Special Edition episode, Douglas Vigliotti unveils his book selection and curation process, sharing insights into his reading habits, the methodology behind his recommendations, and the importance of a "consumption diet" for mental health. Douglas outlines three pillars for curating his reading list, shares his reading statistics from the last five years and current "to be read" list, and encourages listener feedback and suggestions for future Special Edition episodes.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #182: Special Edition | Part 2: 10 Reasons to Read (Fiction)!

🗣️ Listen to episode #202: Special Edition: Audiobooks vs Books (Or, 7 Reasons Why Listening is Not Reading)!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the special edition episode about his book selection and curation process.
• Encouragement for Listener Engagement (00:40) - He invites listeners to share questions and suggestions for improving the podcast.
• Promotion of New Book (01:26) - Douglas discusses his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists," and its relevance to storytelling.
• Importance of Curation (02:35) - He emphasizes the significance of being intentional about what one consumes in literature and media.
• Reading Deficit Concept (02:35) - Douglas explains the idea of a perpetual reading deficit and its implications for readers.
• Consumption Diet (02:35) - He introduces the concept of a "consumption diet," stressing the importance of quality input.
• Intimacy of Reading (03:47) - Douglas highlights the unique intimacy of reading compared to other media forms.
• Methodology Behind Recommendations (05:03) - He asserts that he only recommends books he has read in their entirety.
• Curating Reading Choices (06:10) - Douglas outlines his three pillars for curating reading material: interest, adjacency, and relationships.
• Interest as a Pillar of Curation (06:10) - He discusses how personal interests guide his reading choices.
• Adjacent Interests (08:30) - Douglas explains how books related to his interests help expand his knowledge and understanding.
• Relationships in Book Selection (09:52) - He talks about the importance of trusting recommendations from others and authors.
• Statistics on Reading Habits (12:05) - Douglas shares his reading statistics for 2023 and previous years, including books read and DNFs.
• Current To Be Read List (15:16) - He concludes with details about his current "to be read" list and its significance.
• Closing Remarks (16:27) - Douglas encourages listener feedback and promotes his new book and social media.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives deep into Leo Tolstoy's timeless masterpiece, "Anna Karenina." Discover why Tolstoy stands as a giant in Russian literature as Douglas unpacks the novel's rich themes, from the fiery pursuit of passion to the comforting embrace of duty. Journey through the contrasting tales of Anna's tumultuous affair and Konstantin Levin's search for joy in family life. Douglas offers insightful reflections on the novel's complex characters and sprawling narrative style, hopefully inspiring men to explore the world of classic literature.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #141: The Godfather | Mario Puzo!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to "Anna Karenina" (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast episode and discusses the classic novel "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy.
• About the Author (01:13) - An overview of Leo Tolstoy's life and literary contributions, emphasizing his influence and notable works.
• Setting and Narrative Structure (02:20) - Discussion about the novel's setting in Russia and its narrative told from multiple character perspectives.
• Iconic Opening Line (03:29) - Exploration of the famous opening line of "Anna Karenina" and its thematic significance regarding family dynamics.
• Character Arcs: Anna and Levin (04:49) - Analysis of the two main character arcs, contrasting Anna's tragic story with Levin's comedic journey.
• Tolstoy's Architectural Pride (06:01) - Tolstoy's reflections on the internal cohesion of "Anna Karenina" and the structure of the narrative.
• Takeaway: Passion vs. Duty (07:22) - Discussion on the novel's message about the consequences of following passion versus the importance of duty.
• Narrative Style: Omniscient Perspective (08:33) - Examination of Tolstoy's omniscient narrative style and its impact on character development and reader experience.
• Character Complexity and Themes (09:46) - Insight into the unlikability of characters and the deeper themes of morality, relationships, and societal expectations.
• Cohesion in Style and Theme (11:03) - Reflection on how the narrative style enhances the themes and messages Tolstoy conveys in the novel.
• Length and Approachability of Epics (12:18) - Discussion on the pros and cons of lengthy novels and their accessibility to modern readers.
• Conclusion and Encouragement (13:25) - Douglas concludes the episode, encouraging listeners to read "Anna Karenina" and engage with classic literature.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Eric Hoffer's thought-provoking nonfiction book, "The True Believer." Uncover the secrets of extremism, fanaticism, and mass movements as Douglas unravels Hoffer's life and aphoristic writing style, showcasing the book's timeless relevance and lasting influence on political thought. Discover Hoffer's intriguing insights on hope, the power of collective unity, the role of individual responsibility, and the value of a common enemy in driving mass movements.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Podcast (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast and the book "The True Believer" by Eric Hoffer.
• Background on Eric Hoffer (01:08) - Discussion on Hoffer's life, his journey as a longshoreman, and his writing career.
• Overview of "The True Believer" (02:09) - Exploration of the book's themes on extremism, fanaticism, and mass movements.
• Thesis of the Book (03:40) - Hoffer's argument that all mass movements share similarities despite their differences.
• Controversy and Reception (05:08) - Discussion on the varied reactions to Hoffer's ideas and the book's influence in political circles.
• Historical Context (06:21) - How the book relates to historical events like WWII and revolutions.
• Takeaways on Hoffer's Writing Style (07:27) - Analysis of Hoffer's aphoristic and provocative writing style.
• Importance of Understanding Mass Movements (08:37) - The relevance of Hoffer's insights to contemporary political dynamics.
• Key Quotes from Hoffer (09:58) - Sharing impactful quotes that illustrate Hoffer's ideas on hope and mass movements.
• The Role of Hatred in Mass Movements (11:20) - Discussion on Hoffer's assertion that hatred is essential for unifying mass movements.
• Collective Unity vs. Individual Independence (12:36) - Exploration of Hoffer's views on loyalty within mass movements.
• Conclusion and Final Thoughts (13:48) - Douglas wraps up the episode, encouraging listener engagement and promoting his new book.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the gripping world of Nicolas Ferraro's foreign crime novel, "My Favorite Scar." Originally published in 2021 and making its English debut in 2024, the story follows Ambar, a young girl entangled in a life of crime with her father, as she navigates trauma and personal growth. Vigliotti praises Ferraro's lean style and emphasis on the emotional journey of his protagonist, and he shares why foreign fiction can be a refreshing contrast to American fiction.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #123: The Thief | Fuminori Nakamura!

🗣️ Listen to episode #216: Fuminori Nakamura: Subtle, Dark, Complex—Maybe the Most Underrated Author in America!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast and the foreign crime novel "My Favorite Scar" by Nicolas Ferraro.
• Author Background (01:13) - Discussion about Nicolas Ferraro, his literary background, and his connection to crime fiction.
• Plot Overview (02:16) - Summary of the novel's plot focusing on Amber's life of crime and her father's quest for revenge.
• Themes of Coming of Age (03:32) - Exploration of the coming-of-age theme and its significance in Amber's journey.
• Questions of Identity and Truth (04:45) - Key questions Amber faces about her past and the cost of discovering the truth.
• Thematic Depth of Trauma (06:20) - Discussion on how trauma influences personal growth and the narrative's deeper themes.
• Appreciation for Foreign Crime Fiction (07:27) - Douglas shares his love for foreign crime fiction and its refreshing absence of political bias.
• Literary Style and Minimalism (08:42) - Insights on the minimalistic style of foreign crime fiction compared to American counterparts.
• Comparison to Other Works (10:06) - Comparison of "My Favorite Scar" to "She Ride Shotgun," emphasizing its literary focus.
• Conclusion and Call to Action (11:26) - Douglas wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to read the book and engage with the podcast.

🎙 In this Special Edition episode, Douglas Vigliotti shares "10 Random Quotes That Will Inspire You to Create Boldly” from influential artists and writers like Leonard Bernstein, Francis Ford Coppola, and Jerry Seinfeld. Vigliotti discusses their relevance to the creative process and emphasizes embracing creativity, persistence, and authenticity. The episode aims to inspire listeners to pursue their creative passions boldly.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ Listen to episode #183: Owning Up | George Pelecanos!

🗣️ Listen to episode #134: Is This Anything? | Jerry Seinfeld!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to Special Edition (00:09) - Douglas introduces a special edition episode featuring ten quotes to inspire creativity.
• New Book Announcement (00:40) - He mentions his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists," and invites listeners to visit the website.
• Note-Taking Habit (01:19) - Douglas shares his habit of taking notes and collecting quotes from various media.
• Quote 1: Steve Guttenberg (02:33) - Guttenberg discusses the ruthless nature of show business through a humorous anecdote.
• Quote 2: Francis Ford Coppola (03:54) - Coppola emphasizes that not everyone will appreciate bold creativity, paired with Rubin's insights.
• Quote 3: Rick Rubin (04:56) - Rubin highlights how initial dislike can lead to appreciation for groundbreaking work.
• Quote 4: Leonard Bernstein (06:35) - Bernstein states that art provokes questions rather than providing answers, emphasizing artistic tension.
• Quote 5: Willem Dafoe (07:55) - Dafoe remarks that the work itself is what sustains an artist, not financial rewards.
• Quote 6: George Pelecanos (09:13) - Pelecanos critiques audience demands, using pornography as a metaphor for storytelling constraints.
• Quote 7: David Geffen (10:42) - Geffen reflects on self-invention and the importance of dreaming big in personal reinvention.
• Quote 8: Derek Sivers (11:16) - Sivers asserts that mastery is earned through hard work, unaffected by wealth or privilege.
• Quote 9: Tom Wolfe (12:04) - Wolfe suggests that receiving hate is an indicator of pushing artistic boundaries.
• Quote 10: Jerry Seinfeld (12:54) - Seinfeld shares advice on embracing failure in creative endeavors to maintain authenticity.
• Bonus Quote: David Chase (13:09) - Chase discusses the persistence needed in the creative process before achieving success.
• Conclusion and Call to Action (14:17) - Douglas wraps up the episode, encouraging subscriptions and sharing thoughts on the podcast.