Welcome to the curated archive of all books mentioned by Chris and his guests.
These selections reflect the intellectual and philosophical depth that defines the Modern Wisdom podcast.
Welcome to the curated archive of all books mentioned by Chris and his guests.
These selections reflect the intellectual and philosophical depth that defines the Modern Wisdom podcast.
Rick Glassman is a comedian, actor, and podcaster. Why do humans act so complicated? We’re simple creatures — farts are funny, everyone does awkward stuff, yet we all pretend we don’t. Maybe life gets better when you lean into the weird instead of hiding it. So how do you embrace being different and find the fun instead of stressing about it? Expect to learn how Rick’s brain works, what his favourite show and jokes are and how they shaped him, the top things that are difficult to look cool while doing, why using “condoms” with friends are useless, how to handle our people pleasing tendencies for good, why humans are so hard to interact with at times, the awkward feelings of becoming intimate with someone, the biggest message Rick Glassman wants to give out in the world and much more… ...
James Sexton is a New York-based divorce attorney and author, known for his expertise in family law and insights on marriage and divorce. What does it actually take to avoid divorce? In a world where most marriages don’t last, it’s easy to assume you’ll be the exception, until reality hits. So how do you prepare for a great marriage… and, if things don’t work out, make sure you’re equipped to handle a clean separation? ...
I hit 4.1 million Subscribers on YouTube!! To celebrate, I asked for questions from YouTube, X, and Instagram, so here’s another 90ish minutes of me trying to answer as many as possible. Expect to learn if Chris ever tried the Carnivore Diet, advice for feeling lost in life, if being sober is really worth it in the long run, the current state of Chris’ health issues, the biggest issues with hustle culture, if there really is a secret forearm routine, if and when Chris will write a book and much more ...
Matthew Hussey is the world’s #1 dating coach, a YouTuber, public speaker and an author. How do you know if you’re with the right person — or if you’re just telling yourself you are? If you’re questioning the relationship more than enjoying it, Matthew Hussey might have the clarity you need. So what does finding your person actually look like, and what signs should you pay attention to? Your browser does not support the audio element. Mentioned Books “Anxiously Attached” by Jessica Barnes “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl “Safe” by Jessica Barnes “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” by Eric Jorgenson Finding Nemo Guardians of the Galaxy Here are the books and essays clearly referenced or strongly implied in the transcript: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson The transcript also references works by Phil Stutz, Barry Michels, and Jordan Peterson, but without specific titles
Dr Paul Eastwick is a psychologist, professor, and a researcher. Much of what we think we know about relationships comes from an evolutionary psychology lens, but what if that framework is flawed? In his groundbreaking new research, Dr Paul Eastwock challenges long-held assumptions, turning evolutionary psychology on its head. So where did it go wrong, and what new models replace it? Expect to learn where the Evo Psych community may have been wrong about mating and relationships, the biggest problem with the term “mating market”, how accurate people’s opinions are and ideas at their “type” or mate preferences, what men find appealing in women and visa versa, what Paul’s definition of attachment in adulthood via safe haven (support in adversity) and secure base (support in growth) is, why masculinity needs reimagining and much more… ...
Morgan Housel is a partner at The Collaborative Fund, an investor and an author. Why is spending money well a skill most people never learn? In a world obsessed with saving, why does saying “it’s okay to spend” still feel taboo? What can high performers teach us about investing not just money, but time, energy, and attention wisely? Expect to learn why it’s important to talk about how to spend money well when learning about personal finance, why good financial ideas struggle to spread while bad ones travel effortlessly, what Morgan’s definition of success is, how much modern dissatisfaction comes from comparing ourselves to people we don’t actually want to be like, the real relationship between money and happiness with nuance, why it’s so hard to find people who have managed to be wealthy, successful, happy and peaceful, and much more… ...
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 does that say about the value of the old ways? Expect to learn why drinking might be a viable route to going sober, why white knuckling alcohol isn’t a great option, If AA were invented today what methods would be its first step, the difference between getting sober and living sober, the different reasons people drink and the underlying reasons why people tend to drink more than others, advice for people who need to quit but don’t want to stop, and much more… ...
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 for both men and women to navigate relationships when things don’t feel normal? ...
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 the biggest triggers of the desire for revenge is, why revenge and revenge fantasies make us feel good, the difference between revenge seeking and self defence or boundary setting, if some people happen to be more vengeful than others, if you should be lauding to forgive rathe than seek revenge, the steps to move through forgiveness, and much more… ...
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 partnerships that endure in today’s ever-changing world? Expect to learn what the “Mankeeping” trend is that is going on with women right now, how women can support emotional openness in men without mothering or emasculating them, why there is an adversarial and tribal dynamic between men and women in the modern world, why women get bored with monogamy more quickly than men, if companies should rethink their approach to workplace romance and much more… ...