In every culture in every historical age, there has been interest in some version of psychic phenomena. But is it "real," or delusion? And how can it help us in our quest for answers?

I receive an email from a guy who feels like he needs a career change. He is considering the military, but doesn't know if it is the right thing to do.

What traits and habits enabled men to survive extreme physical danger or adversity? We look for some answers in accounts of the First World War.

A reader emails me and says that although he has found success in his life and career, something is lacking. Something is missing. He says that he is lacking a real sense of higher purpose.

I know that this is a problem faced by many of us today, and so I try to offer my thoughts on the matter.

A reader is troubled by where he is at in his life right now. He wants to make major life changes involving career and residence, but doesn't know if the time is right.

I offer some suggestions.

How can a person develop or sustain motivation? We examine the following:

1. The nature and quality of motivation.

2. The five sources of motivation.

3. Two incentives for positive mental change.

4. The mechanics of refining and polishing one's motivation.

A reader of FOTM emails me to say that lately he's been oppressed by fears of death and dying. It's concerning him, and he wants to know what the Stoics would have said about it.

I provide some suggestions.

I interview the co-founder of Delta2Alpha, a homegrown Canadian knife manufacturing business started by two regular guys with vision and guts. They're attracting attention for their design philosophy, product performance, and dedication to the highest quality. A motivating story.

A young wrestler writes and asks how he can cultivate his aggressive spirit. He has strong willpower, but something could be holding him back in his recent matches. What's happening? And how can he break through this barrier?

In this episode I talk with Lucas Temple, proprietor of www.banterloud.com. He decided to marry in his 20s and have a large family. I talk with him about this views on life, values, family, and education.