What role does the subconscious play in our lives? What is the most fundamental human need? Can the truth set us free?

In conversation with James, Arnold Van Den Berg shares the hardships and wisdom that shaped his remarkable life.

Born in 1939 to a Jewish family in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Arnold was smuggled to an orphanage as a toddler to hide from persecution. Despite a childhood filled with trauma, he overcame anger and self-doubt to become one of the most successful investors of our time.

Arnold recounts how he leveraged his subconscious mind, pursued truth relentlessly, and tapped into timeless wisdom to build a thriving investment firm after a lack of higher education. His advice goes beyond typical self-help tropes, providing deep insights into the mental frameworks and principles that helped him achieve success against all odds.

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Why are sports important to human thriving? How do sports contribute to personal development? Why do most people quit sports when entering adulthood?

James speaks with Dr. Jordan Goldstein about the role of sports, competition, and physicality in human flourishing. In this discussion, James and Jordan explore physicality through a philosophical lens, discussing the concept of identity death, the role of heroes in society, and much more.

Dr. Goldstein recently left behind his life as a college professor of ancient sports history and philosophy and started Phya Academy to spread a message of optimism through physical challenge. Jordan brings a unique historical and philosophical perspective on the meaning of sport both to the individual and society. He's an accomplished researcher and an ancient and modern sports expert.

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What do we really have control over? What basic needs do all humans have? What is choice theory?

James speaks with Brian Patterson about the works of Dr. William Glasser, an internationally recognized psychiatrist who is best known as the creator of Choice Theory and author of Reality Therapy, a method of psychotherapy he created in 1965 and that is now taught all over the world. Choice Theory states that we have control over our own behavior and that we are driven by five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.

Brian is the Executive Director of the Glasser Institute for Choice Theory and has been involved with Choice Theory and Reality Therapy since 2003. He has seen the effectiveness of Dr. Glasser’s concepts in working with at-risk high school students and various organizations.

In this discussion, James and Brian explore the five basic needs in more detail. They also discuss the 10 axioms of Choice Theory, the concept of "Your Quality World," applying choice theory to relationships, and much more.

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Is there a crisis of leadership in the United States? What role can philosophy play in righting the ship? How does philosophy apply to war and conflicts?

James speaks with Mick Mulroy about the role of ancient philosophy in modern times. Michael “Mick” Patrick Mulroy is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East. He is a retired CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer in the Special Activities Center and a United States Marine. He is a Senior Fellow for the Middle East Institute, an ABC News National Security Analyst, and a Co-founder of Lobo Institute. 

In this wide-ranging discussion, James and Mick discuss the lack of ethics training in the education system and organizational training programs, Socrates as a reluctant war hero, Stoicism for challenging times, and much more.

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How can we raise self-motivated, self-driven children? What effects does stress have on the brain? How much homework is too much?

James speaks with Dr. William Stixrud about his book The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives.

Dr. Stixrud is an expert on the adolescent brain, meditation, and the effects of stress, sleep deprivation, and technology overload on the brain. These areas are becoming more important as stress, anxiety, and depression affect more children.

Dr. William R. Stixrud, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist who has been in private practice since 1985. He is also a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the Children’s National Medical Center, and he holds a faculty appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the George Washington School of Medicine.

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What Makes Life Feel Worth Living?

James speaks with Nick Kemp, a student of the Japanese word Ikigai for decades. Ikigai is a widely misused word, and its essence has been lost in Western translations and adaptations. Nick has been on a mission to understand Ikigai authentically.

Nick founded Ikigai Tribe and is the author of Ikigai Kan - Japanese Wisdom For a Fulfilling and Meaningful Life. The conversation includes the relationship between Ikigai and flow, the importance of the small things, failure, and much more.

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Where do our desires come from? Why do we seemingly act against our personal interests?

James speaks with entrepreneur and philosopher Johnathan Bi to explore the role of René Girard's mimetic theory on human behavior. Johnathan discovered Girard when looking to understand his own behavior better. Girard's insights on the role of imitation led Johnathan to create a 7-part lecture series with David Perell on Girard's thoughts and theories.

Johnathan expertly guides this exploration of desire, power, money, and fame.

What is character? Why is it important?

James speaks with Professor Massimo Pigliucci about his new book The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us About Our Search for Good Leaders. Alcibiades seemed to have it all - a magnetic personality, wealth, good looks, and more - but he lacked the most critical thing, character. Through the relationship of Socrates and Alicibaides, Massimo helps us better understand how we can lead an excellent life.

Massimo Pigliucci is a Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His books include:

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life

A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Ouf of Your Control

Massimo is a thought leader on stoicism, Neoskepticism, and ancient philosophy for modernity. The conversation includes a discussion on the definition of character, money as an indifferent, role ethics, teaching virtue, and more.

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