Best Stephen Lyman Podcasts (2025)

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#1010 - Bernie Sanders - Who Actually Runs the US Government? 1:09:03

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13h ago1:09:03

1:09:03

Bernie Sanders is a US Senator, former presidential candidate, political activist and an author. What happened to the Democratic Party? After a brutal defeat to Trump in 2024, the Left looks lost, divided, leaderless, and unsure of its future. Bernie Sanders breaks down what went wrong, how Democrats are trying to recover, and whether they’ve learn…

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International Shochu Day (ep. 91) 24:16

3d ago24:16

24:16

In episode 91, our hosts explain the history of International Shochu Day (Nov. 1) as well as run through some upcoming events surrounding this annual celebration.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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#1009 - Bugzy Malone - Harsh Lessons in Unorthodox Strategy 2:31:35

3d ago2:31:35

2:31:35

Bugzy Malone is a British rapper, actor, and entrepreneur from Manchester, England. From gang life to greatness, Bugzy Malone’s rise is a story of struggle, survival, and self-belief. As one of the most defining voices in UK rap, his journey is equal parts pain and power. Expect to learn why being a role model takes it’s toll on some people, the li…

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#1008 - Angelo Somers - Why Life Feels So Pointless (and what to do) 2:13:25

5d ago2:13:25

2:13:25

Angelo Somers is a content creator, YouTuber, and author. Why does life sometimes feel like it’s lost its meaning? Everyone hits moments where optimism fades and the world starts to look a little darker. You’re not broken for feeling that way; it happens to the best of us. But why does this quiet pessimism seem to be growing, and how do we find our…

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#1007 - Dr K HealthyGamer - The Toxic Fuel That’s Destroying Your Motivation 2:53:41

8d ago2:53:41

2:53:41

Dr K is a psychiatrist, Harvard Medical School instructor, co-founder of Healthy GamerGG, Twitch streamer and a YouTuber. Why are we driven by what destroys us? Using anger or jealousy can spark our motivation, but when it goes too far, it consumes us. What are healthier ways to stay motivated, and how do we find peace instead of pressure Expect to…

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#1006 - Chris Bumstead - Life After Olympia: Fatherhood, TRT & Finding Purpose 2:00:05

11d ago2:00:05

2:00:05

Chris Bumstead is a professional bodybuilder, 6x Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title holder, and a business owner. From 6× Mr. Olympia to full-time business owner and stay-at-home dad, it’s safe to say Chris Bumstead’s been enjoying retired life. So what’s he been up to this past year, what’s changed most for him, and what’s he looking forward to ne…

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21. Question Time: The Retreat from Burma 1:12:42

10d ago1:12:42

1:12:42

This week Jack and Rob answer your questions that have built up over the last 20 weeks! At the end Jack and Rob also give a quick run down of the future of the pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#1005 - Warren Smith - J.K. Rowling & The Cost of Speaking Freely 1:15:28

12d ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Warren Smith is a filmmaker, educator, and host of the “Secret Scholar Society” YouTube channel. If freedom of speech can be shouted down, does it really exist? When every debate turns into partisan noise, what does honest discourse even look like? If we can’t talk about our problems without resorting to anger or violence, how can we ever solve the…

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#1004 - Sam Corcos - Inside DOGE, The IRS & How to Scam the US Government 2:56:09

15d ago2:56:09

2:56:09

Sam Corcos is an entrepreneur, CEO of Levels, and a special advisor to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What’s really happening inside the U.S. government? For the first time, a DOGE insider exposes the chaos, corruption, and dysfunction plaguing Washington. How did America’s most powerful system lose its way, and can we climb out of…

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#1003 - Konstantin Kisin - The Forces Behind Britain's Downfall 2:17:56

18d ago2:17:56

2:17:56

Konstantin Kisin is a podcaster, a speaker and an author. Is the UK facing its breaking point? Once the world’s greatest empire, the UK now finds itself engulfed in political chaos and cultural upheaval. From leadership crises to deep divisions, what’s really happening on the front lines, and can Britain be saved from itself? Expect to learn why th…

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20. Reflecting on the Retreat 53:49

18d ago53:49

53:49

This week Rob and Jack welcome the fascinating David Tanner - author of Burma 1942: Memories of a Retreat, the Diary of Ralph Tanner, KOYLI. David co-wrote the book with his father who was with 2 KOYLI in the retreat in 1942, but also worked in Japan in the 1970s and 80s, where his father visited. This is a fascinating chat reflecting on the retrea…

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#1002 - Andrew Doyle - Political Violence & The Lunatics of Your Own Side 2:33:01

20d ago2:33:01

2:33:01

Andrew Doyle is Titania McGrath, host of GB News, a comedian and a writer. The world has shifted dramatically over the past few years, and the pace of change has only accelerated in recent months. Ideas that once lived outside the mainstream have quickly entered the Overton Window, while others have been pushed out. So what does the future hold for…

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#1001 - Ryan Holiday - Stoicism’s Lessons on Becoming Wise 1:52:43

22d ago1:52:43

1:52:43

Ryan Holiday is a podcaster, marketer and an author.If intelligence were enough, the smartest among us would also be the wisest. Yet time and again, they stumble over life’s simplest lessons. Wisdom isn’t about knowing more; it’s about seeing deeper. So how do we shed the illusion of being ‘smart,’ and actually grow into wisdom?Expect to learn what…

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#1000 - Matthew McConaughey - The Art of Living a Courageous Life 1:58:00

24d ago1:58:00

1:58:00

Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award-winning actor, producer and an author. Expect to learn why Matthew says life often “rhymes”, why it’s okay if you do everything right and still not get the result you want, how Matthew views the role courage plays in his life, how to learn to deal with failure, the difference between a nice guy and a good man…

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19. Eric Lambert: Saviour of 5th Army 1:16:40

25d ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Rob hit gold when he was recently gifted an unpublished memoir/diary by Eric Lambert, who, among other things, played a fascinating role in helping get the Chinese 5 Army out of the Hukawng Valley - the Valley of Death. This week Rob and Jack discuss his chapter on this topic, and the retreat of Chinese 5 Army. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

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#999 - 21 Lessons from 999 Episodes - Naval Ravikant, Roger Federer & Vincent van Gogh 1:55:05

27d ago1:55:05

1:55:05

To celebrate 999, almost 1000, episodes of Modern Wisdom, I broke down some of my favourite lessons, insights and quotes from the last hundred episodes. Expect to learn how 999 episodes of Modern Wisdom have reshaped my understanding of happiness, success and relationships, what i've learned on losing points from Naval Ravikant & Roger Federer, the…

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#998 - Zack Telander - Everything You Want Is On The Other Side Of Cringe 1:47:33

29d ago1:47:33

1:47:33

Zack Telander is a musician, weightlifter, coach & YouTuber. Why are we so afraid of being cringe? If being cringe online is the price of success, why don’t more people pay it? So how do you train yourself past criticism and actually do what needs to be done in your life, whether people are watching you or not? Expect to learn why getting over bein…

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#997 - Bonnie Blue & Louise Perry - The Modern Sex Work Debate 2:13:37

1M ago2:13:37

2:13:37

Louise Perry is a writer, Press Officer for the campaign group We Can’t Consent To This and an author. Bonnie Blue is a British pornographic actress and online content creator. Louise is the author of The Case Against The Sexual Revolution and Bonnie is the world’s most extreme example of the sexual revolution in action, so I figured it might make …

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18. Exodus Burma and the human cost of war 1:09:09

1M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

This week Jack and Rob discuss the human cost of the retreat in 1942 with the wonderful Felicity Goodall, author of Exodus Burma! The British Escape Through the Jungles of Death. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#996 - Stephen J. Shaw - Why Population Collapse is Closer Than You Think 2:53:10

1M ago2:53:10

2:53:10

Stephen J. Shaw is a data scientist and filmmaker. Birth rates in Western countries are collapsing, a trend even Elon Musk calls an existential threat. But what’s the true cause? Is it economics, fear of the future, cultural shifts, or something deeper? And more importantly, can anything actually reverse the decline? Sponsors: See me on tour in Ame…

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#995 - Lionel Page - Born to Lie: How Humans Deceive Ourselves & Others 1:43:13

1M ago1:43:13

1:43:13

Lionel Page is a professor at the University of Queensland and an author. Why is human communication so complicated? For something we rely on every day, you’d think it would be simple, but language, tone, and context make it one of the most complex skills we have. So what makes communication so difficult, and what are some practical ways to get bet…

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#994 - Sam Sulek - The Endless Pursuit of Progress 2:10:19

1M ago2:10:19

2:10:19

Sam Sulek is a professional bodybuilder and YouTuber. From zero to millions of fans, Sam Sulek’s rise has been nothing short of explosive. In just a few years, he’s become one of social media’s most-watched and talked-about creators. Sit back as we dive into the story of the man behind some of the internet’s most beloved vlogs, fueled by hefty scoo…

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17. The Jungle War 52:37

1M ago52:37

52:37

This week Rob and Jack welcome Hannah Watson, author of The Jungle War, to discuss the retreat from Burma and the challenges of presenting the subject in a book aimed at children and adults alike! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#993 - Katie Herzog - A Controversial New Cure for Alcohol Dependence 1:35:35

1M ago1:35:35

1:35:35

Katie Herzog is a journalist, podcaster, and writer. What does it take to get sober in today’s world? From traditional paths like AA to the grit of going cold turkey, the old methods of sobriety may no longer be enough. But what if counterintuitive, cutting-edge approaches, backed by modern science, offer new ways to manage alcohol use? And what do…

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#992 - Dr Sarah Hill - The Period Brain: How Hormones Change Women’s Behaviour 1:39:28

1M ago1:39:28

1:39:28

Dr Sarah Hill is a professor at TCU, a research psychologist, expert in women’s hormones and brain science, and an author. Each month, women experience hormonal changes that go far beyond the clichés of PMS. These shifts can influence mood, stress response, and even how women relate to others. So how can recognizing these patterns make it easier fo…

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#991 - Dr John Delony - The Blueprint for Better Relationships & a Peaceful Life 1:48:10

2M ago1:48:10

1:48:10

Dr. John Delony is a mental health expert, author, YouTuber, and speaker. How you we build a thriving relationship in the modern world? With constant distractions and endless options at our fingertips, trust between partners can feel harder than ever. So what does it really take to create a relationship rooted in trust, intimacy, and growth in toda…

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16. Grandfather Longlegs: Hugh Seagrim GC 1:11:32

2M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

This week Jack and Rob interview historian Philip Davies, author of Lost Warriors, about Major Hugh Seagrim GC and also Ras Pagani. - two of the most courageous men of the Second World War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#990 - Dr Tara Swart - How to Use Your Intuition as a Superpower 1:24:39

2M ago1:24:39

1:24:39

Dr Tara Swart is a neuroscientist, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan, and an author. What is intuition? We’ve all heard the phrase “trust your gut,” but where does that feeling actually come from? Is it grounded in neuroscience or something more mysterious? And most importantly, can you rely on it, and how do you get better at listening to it? Expect to…

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#989 - James Kimmel Jr. - Why Violence & Revenge Fantasies Feel Good 1:38:57

2M ago1:38:57

1:38:57

James Kimmel Jr. is a professor at Yale, a psychiatrist, and an author. Why are we drawn to revenge? From playground grudges to epic betrayals, the urge to strike back is universal. But is it a survival mechanism, or an ancient drive that no longer fits the modern age? Expect to learn why the feeling of revenge exists and how it is adaptive, what t…

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#988 - Dr Rahul Jandial - Brain Surgeon: Inside The Dreaming Brain 2:05:09

2M ago2:05:09

2:05:09

Dr Rahul Jandial is a brain surgeon, neuroscientist, and an author. Why do we dream? For centuries, people have debated their meaning. Are they hidden messages, random brain activity, or something else entirely? Today, modern neuroscience is uncovering how the brain creates, processes, and remembers dreams, and what they may reveal about the inner …

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15. Burma Army's Swansong - retreat into India 1:24:46

2M ago1:24:46

1:24:46

This week Jack and Rob finish the narrative of the retreat from Burma, discussing the final retreat across the Chindwin, and into safety in India. The Burma Army's swansong, but fear not dear listener, for there are still some more episodes, interviews, and a Q+A to come! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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#987 - Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett - The New Science Of Emotions, Anxiety & Brain Health 1:29:07

2M ago1:29:07

1:29:07

Lisa Feldman Barrett is a professor at Northeastern University, psychologist, and a neuroscientist. Why do we feel emotions? From happiness and joy to anger, anxiety, and sorrow, emotions shape how we experience life. But what purpose do they serve, and how can we learn to manage them more effectively? Expect to learn the unique way each of us expe…

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#986 - Esther Perel - How Love Dies: The Psychology of Cheating & Attraction 1:24:50

2M ago1:24:50

1:24:50

Esther Perel is a psychotherapist, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author. Why do modern relationships feel so difficult? Even the happiest couples on the outside often hide unspoken rules and silent expectations that slowly erode intimacy. Resentment grows, trust fractures, and love feels harder to sustain. So how can men and women build…

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#985 - Dr David Spiegel - Hypnosis, Brain Hacking, & Mental Mastery 1:33:36

2M ago1:33:36

1:33:36

Dr. David Spiegel is a psychiatrist, Stanford professor, and leading authority on hypnosis and stress-related health. What exactly is hypnosis? Most of us picture it as a magician’s trick, when someone dangles a watch, your eyes get heavy, and suddenly you’re suggestible. But that barely scratches the surface. The real question is, what’s the true …

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14. Elephants, and novelising the retreat 58:54

2M ago58:54

58:54

This week Rob and Jack were joined by the brilliant journalist and novelist John Sweeney. Aside from his work all over the world and covering all sorts of topics, including Trump and Putin, John also wrote the novel Elephant Novel, set during the retreat from Burma in 1942, and partly inspired by 'Elephant Bill' Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast…

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#984 - Coltan Scrivner - Why We’re Drawn to Death, Crime, & Danger 1:06:47

2M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Coltan Scrivner is a behavioral scientist, an expert on morbid curiosity in horror and true‑crime media, and an author. Why are humans so curious about death? From car accidents to scary stories, roller coasters, and horror movies, some people are fascinated while others are repulsed. What draws us toward the very things we should naturally want to…

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#983 - Gay Hendricks - Deeply Connected Relationships 1:32:04

2M ago1:32:04

1:32:04

Gay Hendricks is a psychologist, teacher, and an author renowned for his work on relationship transformation. Conscious loving is about more than just romance, it’s about clarity, commitment, and growth. With endless advice on the internet on how to optimize your love life, what if the real answer is aligning your expectations and evolving together…

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#982 - Jesse Michels - UFOs, Aliens, Antigravity & Government Secrets 2:10:23

2M ago2:10:23

2:10:23

Jesse Michels is a YouTuber and show host, exploring subjects like UFOs, consciousness, and reality. For nearly a century, UFOs have captured our imagination as one of humanity’s greatest mysteries. Are they secret technology, alien visitors, or something else entirely? Who is behind them, what has been concealed, and what has been revealed about t…

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13. Through the Jungle of Death by Stephen Brookes - Book Review 1:15:36

2M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

This week Rob and Jack review the excellent Through the Jungle of Death by Stephen Brookes. A wonderful, if traumatic, book about his families escape on foot out of Burma in 1942. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#981 - MacKenzie Price - Alpha School: A New Approach To Education 1:11:21

2M ago1:11:21

1:11:21

MacKenzie Price is an entrepreneur, podcaster, and co-founder of Alpha Schools. Just how broken is education? For fifty years, lofty promises in education have yielded dismal results. Now, with AI, infinite knowledge at our fingertips, and personalized one-on-one learning, how radically different could the school of the future look? Expect to learn…

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12. VJ DAY SPECIAL! With Lord Slim, Sylvia May, and Alex Bescoby 1:05:48

2M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Jack and Rob have a surprise VJ Day Special for listeners - bringing together a panel to discuss what is happening to support the memory, and spread knowledge of, of the Burma Campaign through their various work. Joining the FWP team are Lord Slim representing the Burma Star Memorial Fund, Sylvia May of the Kohima Educational Trust, and Alex Bescob…

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#980 - David Pinsof - This is Your Brain on Bullsh*t 1:12:26

2M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

David Pinsof is a research scientist at UCLA, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity, and an author. Everything is bullshit. Your opinions, your arguments, even your thoughts. Most of it’s manufactured, borrowed, or absorbed without question. So if all that’s fake, what’s real? And if we can’t trust our own minds, or anyone else’s, what can we trust?…

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#979 - Dwarkesh Patel - AI Safety, The China Problem, LLMs & Job Displacement 2:45:59

2M ago2:45:59

2:45:59

Dwarkesh Patel is a writer, researcher & podcaster. The rise of AI marks the next great technological revolution, one that could reshape every aspect of our lives in just a few years. But how close are we to its golden age? And what warnings does the global AI race hold about the double-edged nature of progress? Expect to learn what Dwarkesh has re…

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11. The Evacuation of Burma 1:08:11

2M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

In this week's episode Rob and Jack do something a little different. They discuss the civilian evacuation of Burma, including a number of eyewitness accounts from a variety of sources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#978 - Spencer Greenberg - How Much Does IQ Matter? 1:28:59

3M ago1:28:59

1:28:59

Spencer Greenberg is a mathematician, founder, CEO & creator of ClearerThinking.org How much does IQ really matter? Most of us have met people on both ends of the spectrum and wondered where we stand and what that means for our future. But is IQ truly fixed, or can it be shaped in some very surprising ways? Expect to learn how much IQ matters in al…

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#977 - Dr Robert King - Why Does The Female Orgasm Exist? 1:32:32

3M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

Dr Robert King is a psychologist, professor at University College Cork, and researcher on the evolutionary function of female orgasm. What makes the female orgasm so mysterious? For generations, men across the globe have sought to decipher it, and many women share their curiosity as well. So why does the female orgasm even exist? What’s its evoluti…

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#976 - Ray Dalio - The Changing World Order: How Countries Go Broke 1:26:09

3M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, billionaire investor, philanthropist and an author. How do countries actually go broke? In a world of abundance, it’s easy to think the good times will last. But with global debt soaring, we may be nearing an unprecedented economic reckoning. History shows these cycles repeat; the question is, can…

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10. Archie Wavell with Victoria Schofield 1:11:04

3M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

This week Jack and Rob welcome Archie Wavell's biographer Victoria Schofield onto the pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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#975 - James Bloodworth - The Manosphere, Pickup Culture & Male Loneliness 1:18:16

3M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

James Bloodworth is a journalist reporting on working-class life and society, podcaster, and an author. The manosphere isn’t what you think. Even though it is often labeled as toxic and extreme, the truth is a bit more complicated. So what’s really going on with men, dating, and masculinity as of today? Expect to learn what the current state of the…

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#974 - Joe Folley - Existential Philosophy, Nietzsche, Suffering & Self-Awareness 1:25:56

3M ago1:25:56

1:25:56

Joe Folley is a philosopher, writer, and host of the Unsolicited Advice YouTube channel. Philosophy has a way of finding us in one form or another, sometimes in a book, sometimes in a moment of crisis. Thinkers like Nietzsche and Camus have helped shape how we see life, death, and everything in between. But can these ideas truly help us live better…