Men Don't Run in the Rain — And 7 Other Essential Lessons for Being a Man
When Rick Burgess was growing up, his father, Bill Burgess, was also his football coach. But Bill was a mentor on and off the field not only for his own son but for the many young men he coached at both the high school and collegiate level. Though Bill has passed on, his lessons remain timeless and valuable for all men. Today on the show, Rick shares some of his old-school wisdom with us. Rick is a radio host, a men's ministry leader, and the author of Men Don't Run in the Rain: A Son's Reflections on Life, Faith, and an Iconic Father. In our conversation, he discusses what his dad taught him through football and beyond, including why men don't run in the rain and why you need to get out of the stands, avoid being stupid, refuse to rest on your laurels, understand the difference between confidence and arrogance, and take full responsibility for your life without making excuses. We also talk about how Rick drew upon his father's wisdom when tragedy struck his life.  After the show is over, check out the show notes at aom.is/rain
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The Making of a Supreme Commander — How Eisenhower Became the Leader Who Delivered Victory on D-Day
That Dwight D. Eisenhower became Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe, orchestrating the largest amphibious invasion in history on June 6, 1944, was far from inevitable.He came from the middle of nowhere — Abilene, Kansas — had never led men in battle, spent most of his career as a staff officer, and didn’t make general until he was in his fifties.How, then, did he become the leader on whom the fate of the world would rest?Today, we trace the making of Ike with Michel Paradis, author of The Light of Battle. We talk about how Eisenhower’s Midwestern upbringing shaped his character, and how his most important education happened outside the classroom. Michel shares how crucial mentors were in Ike’s development, and how Eisenhower made the most of those relationships. We discuss the books that were most formative in shaping his thinking, including what he got from Nietzsche. We also get into some of the practices Eisenhower used to lead effectively, including how he budgeted his time to maintain his morale while under the pressure of planning D-Day and what he did the evening before the invasion to deal with the stress.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #641: How Eisenhower Led — A Conversation with Ike’s GranddaughterAoM series on Eisenhower’s leadershipAoM Podcast #996: Remembering D-Day 80 Years LaterThe Line Man’s Bible: A Football Textbook of Detailed Instruction by Ernest Graves.Sunday Firesides: You Never Know How Many Chapters Are Still to ComeFox ConnerThe Czar of Halfaday Creek by James B. HendryxConnect With Michel ParadisMichel on LinkedInMichel's faculty page
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How to Have the Manners and Charm of a Proper English Gentleman
The British just seem like a classier bunch. Part of it is that winning accent. But it's also because English culture has long been steeped in the tradition of learning and practicing etiquette.Here to share some of the essentials of modern etiquette that are important no matter which side of the pond you live on is William Hanson, a British etiquette expert and the author of Just Good Manners. William shares the difference between manners and etiquette, and why young people are especially interested in both. He then takes us through how to introduce yourself and others, the history behind the "no elbows on the table" mantra, the rules of small talk, some overlooked guidelines for table manners, how to enter a conversational circle at a party, considerations for elevator etiquette, and much more. Whether you're dining at a fancy restaurant or just want to navigate social situations with more confidence, William's insights will help you present yourself with the panache of a proper English gentleman.Resources Related to the PodcastAoM Podcast #897: Answers to the FAQ of Modern EtiquetteAoM Podcast #422: Men & Manners — Tipping, Emojis, and Much MoreAoM Article: The Importance of Good MannersAoM Article: How to Acquire Good MannersAoM Article: A Man’s Guide to Dining Etiquette and Proper Table MannersAoM Article: How to Make Introductions Like a GentlemanAoM Article: How to Make Small TalkAoM's Complete Guide to Giving a Great HandshakeConnect With William HansonWilliam's websiteWilliam on TikTokWilliam on IG
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Become a Master of Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a constant of human existence. How will market conditions affect your new business venture? What will be the results of the medical test you just took? Will a new relationship work out?For most of us, situations of uncertainty trigger anxiety, even fear. But the stress of uncertainty doesn't have to overwhelm you. You can learn to navigate it with secure, adaptable confidence so you can keep thriving and progress towards your ultimate goals.Today on the show, Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander, returns to share insights from his new book Masters of Uncertainty. He first explains why thinking that life will be predictable keeps people from realizing their potential. He then walks us through practical techniques for dealing with uncertainty like "moving horizons," creating meaningful goals that work with our brain chemistry, and de-stressing your body so you can be more resilient and make better decisions under pressure. We also discuss how understanding your unique attributes will help you understand how you react to uncertainty and how teams can implement "dynamic subordination" to adapt in rapidly changing environments.Resources Related to the PodcastRich's previous appearance on the AoM podcast — #738: The Character Traits That Drive Optimal PerformanceAoM Article: 5 Tools for Thriving in UncertaintyAoM Article: The Best Books to Read in Uncertain TimesThe Physiological SighConnect With Rich DivineyThe Attributes websiteRich on LinkedInRich on IG
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Building Tribe — How to Create and Sustain Communities of Men
Community is one of life's most valuable but increasingly scarce resources. While we hear about a supposed epidemic of male loneliness, many men still resist joining groups or struggle to maintain involvement after initial enthusiasm wanes.Today on the show, Frank Schwartz will help us understand the barriers to building male community and how to overcome them. Frank is the CEO of F3, a free, all-volunteer men's leadership organization that uses workouts to bring men together and supports hundreds of decentralized chapters worldwide.In the first half of our conversation, Frank explains the psychology behind men's hesitation to join groups, how to navigate the "wish dream" of idealized community, and why expecting perfection kills participation. We then discuss what makes leadership in a decentralized group different from traditional hierarchies, the importance of embracing messiness, and why allowing men to make their own decisions creates stronger leaders than giving them a rulebook to follow. We end our conversation with Frank's perspective on cultivating patience as a leader and how to measure success when building a community of men.Resources Related to the PodcastF3AoM Podcast #324: How Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith Are the Cure for Sad Clown SyndromeQSource: The F3 Manual of Virtuous Leadership by David "Dredd" ReddingAoM article on phronesis/practical wisdomDying Breed article on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's vision of communityConnect With Frank SchwartzFrank on LinkedInFrank on X
The Art of Manliness Podcast aims to deepen and improve every area of a man's life, from fitness and philosophy, to relationships and productivity. Engaging and edifying interviews with some of the world's most interesting doers and thinkers drop the fluff and filler to glean guests' very best, potentially life-changing, insights.
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