What Plato's Republic Has to Say About Being a Man

The Art of Manliness website broadcasted What Plato’s Republic Has to Say About Being a Man on April 3, 2019.

This podcast was shared with me from a member of my personal Board of Directors. For those not familiar with this concept I encourage you to read the Harvard Business Review’s article, Forget Mentors: Employ a Personal Board of Directors.

Often history, more specifically, historical events are cited as a path to learning and a means of preparation for future complexities. In reality though, how many of us take the time to read those histories or truly examine the details surrounding particular events for application today. While I believe that examination of our past is worth of time and energy that belief is not always transformed into action. However, a couple weeks ago I was introduced to episode #496 in The Art of Manliness podcast with ever interesting topic of Ancient Greece and how their thoughts and actions are applicable today. Professor of philosophy, Jacob Howland spends one hour covering Socrates, his impact on thinking, and what his journey can teach us about manliness.

For those not familiar with Plato’s The Republic, his text is more like reading literature than dissecting language and philosophy while pondering algebra. His text differs in that he makes the philosopher the center of the story as opposed to the philosophy which, to me, helps to illustrate key points within his stories.

Brett McKay, the podcasts host and website founder brings the discussion surrounding Plato’s The Republic to a wonderful conclusion an intended outcome the “The Republic teaches us of the need to possess not only physical courage, but the courage to think for oneself and stand up for one’s beliefs.”

This is a conversation worth your investment. Sit in your favorite chair, mix your favorite beverage and immerse yourself!

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Ted Talks Education presents Angela Lee Duckworth and her talk on the subject of Grit. This talk originally aired April 2013

In under six minutes, if you are willing to not count the thanks you and applause, Professor Angela Lee Duckworth speaks before a TED Talk audience and presents her finings on how people succeed. She briefly runs through the students she researched, the West Point cadets she observed, the teachers and private companies she partnered with, all to try and answer the question, why does one succeed when another fails to thrive. What her talk suggests, it is no the education, IQ, money, strength, or social intelligence. Rather, the key component found among all high achievers was their Grit.

Spend the next couple minutes (it is only six minutes long), listening to what Angela has to say. If you are inspired for more try Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.

Maslow's Human Needs

The Ted Radio Hour rebroadcasted Maslow’s Human Needs on November 2, 2017. This episode originally aired April 17, 2015

Self actualization is one of the most talked about and yet least applied skills in self/leader development. Many developmental programs focus on improvement or development of certain skills or the modification of individual traits. However, if there is a lack of understanding where our own baseline rests with regard to skills, talents or needs then the desire to grow. In this Podcast, 6 TED speakers will explore Maslow’s hierarchy and break down just how necessary and interlocked this model is.

Spend some time self-actualizing and reflecting and see where you come out.

Coach George Raveling - A Legend on Sports, Business, and the Great Game of Life

The Tim Ferriss Show posted episode #332, Coach George Raveling — A Legend on Sports, Business, and The Great Game of Life

Again, the Tim Ferriss network of networks connects this exceptional podcaster/interviewer with another amazing individual. In episode #332, Tim speaks with George Raveling. Who is George? Only an 80 year old man who viewed his Grandmother as infallible, was offered the opportunity to attend a catholic boarding school, earned a basketball scholarship to Villanova, possesses a sizable and rare collection of 19th and 20th century racist memorabilia (figurines, postcards etc.), coached the 1984 Olympic basketball practice squad of college players (which beat the Dream Team in their opening scrimmage), a passionate and veracious reader/note taker, possessor of the original copy of Dr. King’s, “I have a dream” speaking notes (given to him by Dr. King himself), author of several books on the art of basketball rebounding, and possessing a long and distinguished experience with the transformation of Nike (from college sponsorship to the creation of Jordan brand).

This is a podcast that should not be missed! There is something for almost everyone in this discussion, and so much more. You will not be disappointed.

The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team

The Learning Leader podcast posted February 25, 2018, Episode 246: Patrick Lencioni – The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team

The team at Greater Application recently stumbled over Ryan Hawk’s podcast The Learning Leader Show. A wealth of conversations covering the spectrum of leadership topics.

The title of episode 246 is a bit misleading. Ryan and Pat’s discussion does not specifically address the five dysfunctions of a team. but the conversation is wonderful and insightful. They open with sports draft actions in comparison to organizational success. The conversation moves on to people, talks vs presentations, leadership as a responsibility vs reward, organizational behavior as its relation to culture, and the importance if long term success vs short term gains. This hour long talk is a wonderful jumping off point for any a leadership development opportunity.