Owning advanced technology and luxurious possessions can inspire us to achieve exceptional things: Understanding the dynamics of influence and recognizing its subtle signs can help us make informed decisions and build stronger, more authentic connections
The things we own, whether it's a snowboard or a luxury vehicle, can inspire us to push beyond our limits and achieve exceptional things. In the case of the all-new Lexus GX, its advanced technology and luxurious interior offer capabilities that broaden horizons and make everyday experiences extraordinary. Similarly, tools like Canva can help us overcome obstacles and present effectively, even when the circumstances seem daunting. But the power of influence goes beyond material possessions. As Jonah Berger explains, humans have an anti-influence system that can blind us to persuasive efforts, making it crucial to be aware of our biases and the tactics used by marketers and influencers. By understanding the dynamics of influence and learning to recognize its subtle signs, we can make more informed decisions and build stronger, more authentic connections.
Help people persuade themselves: Encourage participation in decision-making to increase acceptance and openness to change, rather than trying to persuade directly.
Instead of trying to persuade others to accept our ideas, it's more effective to help them persuade themselves. People have an inherent defense system that detects persuasion attempts, leading them to resist our suggestions. To get around this, we should involve the listener in the process and encourage them to participate in the decision-making. This makes them more likely to buy into the idea and be open to change. A parenting example was given, where a father helped his son earn more Legos by suggesting chores, which the son agreed to do willingly. However, there's a darker side to this, as manipulating someone's emotions to make them act against their best interests can also be a form of persuasion. It's crucial to use this knowledge ethically and respect people's autonomy.
Give people choices instead of pushing them: Providing a menu of options engages people in decision-making, reducing resistance and increasing receptivity to suggested actions
Instead of using a carrot-and-stick approach or pushing people to change their minds, it's more effective to give them choices and shift their focus. This technique, as explained in the discussion, works by engaging the audience or individual in a decision-making process, which in turn activates a different thought pattern and reduces the "anti-persuasion radar" that triggers defenses and resistance. By providing a menu of options, people are more likely to invest in the decision-making process and ultimately be more receptive to the suggested course of action. This approach can be applied to various situations, including persuading children or adults, and is particularly useful when trying to change someone's mind without triggering their defenses. In essence, it's about understanding that people are not like chairs that can be easily pushed, but rather complex beings who respond better to being given choices and a sense of control in the decision-making process.
Understanding resistance to change and the 'forbidden fruit effect': People are more likely to desire something when told not to have it, making public health messaging potentially ineffective. Instead, strategies for encouraging change should address underlying barriers and make the desired behavior appealing and attainable.
Understanding the reasons behind people's resistance to change is crucial. The Tide Pods incident serves as a prime example. Tide aimed to make laundry easier with their Tide Pods, but the product's allure led to unintended consequences when people began eating them. Tide responded by warning against consumption, which paradoxically made the Tide Pods more appealing to some. This phenomenon, known as the "forbidden fruit effect," occurs when people are more likely to desire something when told not to have it. Public health messaging often falls into this trap by instructing people to do or avoid certain behaviors, which can diminish their sense of personal choice and potentially backfire. Instead, effective strategies for encouraging change involve addressing the underlying barriers and making the desired behavior seem appealing and attainable.
People resist when their autonomy is threatened: Understanding reactance can help create authentic messaging that resonates with consumers, while repeated manipulative tactics can lead to resistance and decreased effectiveness.
People experience reactance when they feel their autonomy and freedom are being threatened, leading them to resist the suggested action. This reaction can be stronger than the intended impact of advertising, making it less effective over time. For instance, repeated use of persuasive advertising techniques like "9 out of 10 dentists recommend" can lead to reactance and decrease in effectiveness. Conversely, word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted sources have a more significant impact because people perceive them as genuine and not manipulative. Some campaigns, such as anti-smoking and alcohol campaigns, can even backfire and increase consumption due to reactance. Overall, understanding reactance can help marketers and advertisers create more effective and authentic messaging that resonates with consumers.
Highlighting a gap to change behavior: Effective campaigns create cognitive dissonance by pointing out inconsistencies between attitudes and actions, encouraging individuals to align their beliefs and behaviors.
Effective campaigns often use the principle of highlighting a gap to change behavior. Instead of directly telling people what to do, these campaigns bring attention to the inconsistency between people's attitudes and actions, or what they say they care about and what they're doing. This creates cognitive dissonance, making people question their actions and motivating them to align their beliefs and behaviors. A famous example is the Thai smoking campaign where children asked smokers for lights, which led to a significant increase in quit line calls. This approach is more effective than forcefully imposing facts or rules, as it empowers individuals to make their own decisions and reconcile the gap.
The power of choice and control: People prefer making their own choices, even in complex situations, as it increases satisfaction and feelings of control, leading to better outcomes and greater contentment.
Giving people the ability to make their own choices, even in complex situations, can increase their satisfaction and contentment, as it makes them feel in control of their decisions and destiny. This concept is linked to the idea that humans are hardwired to want choice and control. Studies have shown that people prefer making choices, even when the options are overwhelming or the choices are terrible, as long as they feel they are in the driver's seat. Allowing people to make choices for themselves, rather than having someone else make them, can help reduce reactance and increase agency, leading to better outcomes and greater satisfaction. Techniques for reducing reactance include providing a menu of options, allowing people to decide the order of tasks, and giving them control over their environment or decisions.
Ask questions instead of telling to engage listeners: Encourage listeners to come up with their own ideas and solutions by asking questions instead of telling them what to do. Provide multiple options to compare and choose the best one, fostering collaboration and productivity.
Effective communication involves shifting the role of the listener from being defensive to being engaged. Instead of telling people what to do or pointing out the flaws in their thinking, ask questions that encourage them to come up with their own ideas and solutions. This approach not only makes people feel more invested in the outcome, but it also helps them avoid focusing on what's wrong and instead focus on what's right. Additionally, providing multiple options instead of just one can help prevent people from poking holes in the single option and instead encourage them to compare and choose the best one. This not only saves time but also makes people feel valued and in control of the situation. This principle can be applied in various contexts, from office settings to sales presentations and even in personal relationships. By asking rather than telling and providing a menu of options, you can foster a more collaborative and productive conversation.
Understanding builds rapport and trust: Effective communication and influence starts with understanding the person's situation and concerns to build rapport and trust, making it easier to influence their actions later on.
Effective communication and influence, whether in a business setting or a crisis situation, starts with understanding. Hostage negotiators, for instance, don't jump right into trying to influence the person they're trying to reach. Instead, they start by asking questions and showing genuine interest in the person's situation and concerns. This approach builds rapport and trust, making it easier to influence the person's actions later on. The hostage negotiator's goal is not to impose their will but to guide the person towards a better outcome. This principle can be applied to various situations, from persuading a teenager to eat their vegetables to convincing a boss to adopt a new project. By starting with understanding, we can create a connection and build a foundation for effective communication and influence.
Understanding customer attachment to the status quo: People value things more when they own them, making it hard to persuade them to switch, even for better options. Communicate benefits and address concerns to overcome this attachment.
Understanding your customers' needs, barriers, and motivations is crucial for effective marketing and encouraging change. The concept of loss aversion, or people's tendency to value things more when they already have them, plays a significant role in this. A study using coffee mugs illustrates the endowment effect, which shows that people value things more when they own them. This attachment to the status quo can make it difficult to persuade people to switch, even when the new option may be better. Loss aversion and the endowment effect can increase over time, making it harder to make changes, as seen in long-term relationships. To overcome these challenges, it's essential to effectively communicate the benefits of the new option and address any concerns or perceived losses.
Understanding Loss Aversion: The Pain of Giving Up Old Things: People resist change due to loss aversion, the fear of giving up familiar things, but highlighting hidden costs and creating commitment can encourage change.
People are often resistant to change, even when faced with new and potentially better options, due to the psychological phenomenon of loss aversion. This means that the pain or loss of giving up an old thing can outweigh the potential gains of a new one. This can be seen in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to consumer choices. For instance, people may continue to put up with annoying behaviors from their tennis partners or hold onto old phones despite their limitations, because they value the familiarity and avoid the perceived loss. To encourage people to switch, it's important to help them understand the costs of inaction and the potential benefits of change. This can be done by surfacing the hidden costs of staying with the old thing and highlighting the advantages of the new one. Another approach is to create a sense of commitment or irrevocability, which is sometimes referred to as "burning the ships." This means making the decision to change irreversible, so that people are forced to fully commit to the new thing and leave the old one behind. For example, when Columbus reached the Americas, he ordered his ships to be burned, leaving his crew with no choice but to explore and adapt to their new environment. While this extreme measure may not be practical in most situations, the principle behind it can be applied in more subtle ways to help people overcome the inertia of loss aversion and embrace change.
Underestimating the Cost of Seemingly Insignificant Tasks: People often overlook the time and effort spent on minor tasks, leading to complacency and potential losses. Strive for improvement and be aware of the true costs.
People often underestimate the time and effort spent on seemingly insignificant tasks, leading to complacency. This was discussed in the context of email signatures and investing. A minor injury, such as spending a few seconds on an email signature each time, can add up to a major cost when aggregated over time. Similarly, not investing one's money may seem like a safe option, but the opportunity cost of not investing in the stock market can result in significant losses. The concept of "good is the enemy of great" was introduced, suggesting that people tend to stick with what is good enough instead of striving for something better. This can impede progress and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Additionally, the influence of social norms and trends can go unnoticed, as illustrated by the examples of people naming their children with popular names without realizing it. By surfacing the true costs of our actions and making us aware of the potential losses, we can be encouraged to take action and make improvements.
The Power of Invisible Influences: Our decisions can be shaped by external influences without us realizing it, such as popular culture, marketing, and past experiences. Understanding these influences can help us make more informed decisions and improve critical thinking skills.
We all desire to be unique, but we often end up making the same choices without realizing it due to invisible influences. These influences can come from various sources such as popular culture, marketing, or even our own past experiences. The more we're exposed to something, the more we like it, a phenomenon known as the mere exposure effect. This can lead us to make decisions that we believe are our own, when in fact, they've been shaped by external influences. The challenge is that we're often not aware of these influences and their impact on our behavior. Additionally, there's a cultural stigma against being influenced, making it difficult for us to acknowledge and harness the power of influence. An example of this is priming, where exposure to certain stimuli can affect our perceptions and decisions without us even realizing it. Brands use priming techniques all the time, but it's not just limited to marketing. It's a part of our daily lives and can significantly impact our thoughts and actions. Understanding the role of influence in our lives can help us make more informed decisions and improve our critical thinking skills.
How our environment primes our thoughts and actions: The environment influences our judgments and choices by shaping what we attend to or think about. Marketers and advertisers use priming to make their products or ideas more salient and accessible to consumers, striking a balance between familiarity and novelty.
Our environment subtly shapes our behavior through the concept of priming. Priming refers to the influence of the surroundings on our thoughts, decisions, and actions. By shaping what people attend to or think about, we can influence their judgments and choices. For instance, a salesman or an ad can focus our attention on a specific attribute of a product, making it more significant in our decision-making process. The environment can also activate different thoughts and ideas in our minds. For example, voting in a church versus a school may influence how we perceive and vote on certain issues. These primes don't change our inherent feelings but rather guide our uncertain judgments. Advertisers and marketers use priming to make their products or ideas more salient and accessible to consumers. Repetition and consistency in messaging can bring a product to mind, making it more likely to be purchased. However, there's a balance to be struck between familiarity and novelty. While we're attracted to new things, we can also become tired of them. The key is to strike the optimal balance between fitting in and standing out, which is known as optimal distinctiveness. In summary, priming is a powerful concept that shows how our environment influences our thoughts, decisions, and actions. By understanding this concept, we can use it to our advantage in various aspects of life, from marketing and advertising to interpersonal relationships.
The balance between fitting in and standing out: Understanding the intricate balance between similarity and difference, and the role repetition plays in our lives, can help us make informed decisions in various aspects, from fashion to marketing.
People have a natural desire to both fit in and stand out. We strive for similarity to be part of a group, but also seek uniqueness to differentiate ourselves. This dynamic plays out in various aspects of life, from fashion and music to experiences and branding. The value of repetition also varies, depending on the complexity of the stimulus and the time elapsed between exposures. In fashion and branding, for instance, elite brands use subtle signals to differentiate their high-end products from mass-market items, while still signaling status. This subtlety allows consumers to both fit in and stand out, demonstrating the intricate balance between similarity and difference. Moreover, the concept of repetition and its impact on value is a fascinating area. Some stimuli, like a complex museum experience, can be repeated numerous times without losing value, while others, like a repetitive jingle, can quickly become frustrating. The key lies in the complexity of the stimulus and the amount of time that passes between exposures. Ultimately, understanding this balance between similarity and difference, and the role repetition plays in our lives, can help us make more informed decisions in various aspects of our lives, from fashion choices to marketing strategies.
Signaling elite status through subtle signals and exclusive items: High-status individuals and those seeking exclusivity use rare or hard-to-find items as subtle signals of their identity within their communities, creating an exclusive club recognized only by insiders.
High-status individuals and those looking to differentiate themselves use subtle signals and exclusive items as a form of communication within their respective communities. This can include rare or hard-to-use items, such as vintage sneakers or expensive, subtle luxury goods like Birkin bags. This "dog whistle fashion" is a way to signal an identity that sets them apart from the masses, creating an exclusive and elite club recognized only by insiders. It's a form of status signaling that is more tasteful and less in-your-face compared to traditional luxury goods with big logos. Additionally, there's a concept called reverse influencer marketing, where individuals are paid to not wear or use certain brands, further emphasizing the importance of exclusivity and the power of subtle signals.
Impact of Influence on Brands: Companies paid individuals to avoid promoting their brands to protect against negative public image. This shows the power of influence and importance of managing public perception.
The behavior of certain individuals, in this case, members of the reality TV show "Jersey Shore," became so notorious that companies paid them to avoid wearing or promoting their brands. This negative branding strategy was used to prevent the association of their brands with the negative public image of these individuals. This shows the power of influence and how it can impact brands, both positively and negatively. Companies were willing to pay to keep their brands away from these individuals, demonstrating the importance of managing public perception. This strategy of paying individuals to avoid promoting a brand is an unusual but effective way to protect a company's image. This discussion highlights the impact of influence and the importance of managing public perception for businesses.
414: Jonah Berger | How to Change Anyone's Mind
Recent Episodes from The Jordan Harbinger Show
1051: Tu Lam | From Refugee to Real American Hero
From refugee to elite soldier to Call of Duty character: Green Beret Tu Lam shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose.
What We Discuss with Tu Lam:
- Tu Lam escaped Vietnam as a child on a dangerous boat journey, enduring extreme hardship before eventually making it to the United States as a refugee.
- He faced significant racism and challenges growing up in America, but was determined to prove himself and joined the military, eventually becoming a Green Beret.
- Tu Lam served in elite special forces units for over 20 years, participating in dangerous missions around the world including hostage rescues and counterterrorism operations.
- After leaving the military, he struggled with PTSD and drug addiction, but was able to heal through various methods including psychedelic therapy.
- Tu Lam's journey shows how we can overcome extreme adversity and trauma through perseverance, seeking help when needed, and finding positive ways to channel our experiences. His story inspires us to face our own challenges with courage and to use our struggles as motivation to help others.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1051
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1050: Lisa Kaltenegger | In Search of Alien Life and Livable Worlds
Are we alone in the universe? Alien Earths author Lisa Kaltenegger joins us to discuss new discoveries in humanity's hunt for extraterrestrial life.
What We Discuss with Lisa Kaltenegger:
- The universe contains billions of stars and galaxies, with an estimated one out of five stars having a planet that could be similar to Earth in terms of potential habitability.
- Scientists use various methods to detect exoplanets, including observing changes in starlight and analyzing the light spectrum of planets to detect signs of life-sustaining elements like oxygen and methane.
- The search for extraterrestrial life involves looking for planets in the "habitable zone" or "Goldilocks zone" around stars, where conditions might allow for liquid water on the surface.
- The observable universe is limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe (approximately 13.7 billion years), meaning we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang.
- Anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery by staying curious, learning about new discoveries, and supporting science education. Even simple actions like looking up at the night sky and wondering about our place in the universe can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1050
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1049: Friend Was a Creeper But You're Not His Keeper | Feedback Friday
A friend's arrest for a dark crime has you shaken. Can you protect your career and sanity from association with this monster? Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday:
- How did "The Thing" that Soviets used to spy on Americans during the Cold War (as described in episode 1027: Jonna Mendez | A Woman’s Life in the CIA) actually work? Some of our science-minded listeners have written in with fascinating answers!
- Your close friend was arrested for possessing and distributing child abuse material, leaving you and your friend group in shock. You're grappling with feelings of betrayal, questioning your judgment, and worrying about potential impacts on your career as a preschool teacher. What steps can you take to cope with this crisis and safeguard your professional reputation?
- As the new Director of Nursing Care, you're tasked with improving staff performance after years of lax management. You find yourself constantly disciplining employees and dealing with petty complaints, feeling more like a punitive boss than a supportive leader. How can you maintain positivity while addressing these challenges?
- Your wife's family is fraught with tension due to her sisters' problematic marriages, including allegations of abuse and sexual assault. Fresh to the family, you're not sure where you fit into its overall structure yet. Can you help mend family bonds or should you keep your distance?
- You're a Jewish doctor in a relationship with a Catholic woman, struggling to balance your religious practices with your desire to be with her. After a breakup and reconciliation, you discover she's still in contact with her ex. How do you address this without compromising your values or losing her?
- Recommendation of the Week: Love on the Spectrum
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- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram...
1048: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part Two
Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 2/2 — find Pt 1 here!]
What We Discuss:
- The extreme brutality and inhumane conditions in the United States prison system, including rampant violence, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate medical care.
- The complex and dangerous social dynamics within prison, including racial segregation, gang politics, and the constant threat of violence.
- The psychological impact of long-term incarceration, including the difficulty of reintegrating into society and the lasting trauma experienced by both inmates and their families.
- The systemic issues within the American prison system, particularly the profit-driven motives of private prisons that perpetuate a cycle of crime and recidivism rather than focusing on rehabilitation.
- The power of personal transformation and education, as demonstrated by Shaun's journey from drug kingpin to advocate for prison reform. His story shows that even in the darkest circumstances, individuals can find ways to grow, learn, and ultimately use their experiences to make a positive impact on society.
- And much more — be sure to check out part one of this conversation here if you haven't already!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1048
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1047: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part One
Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 1/2]
What We Discuss:
- Shaun Attwood, a former stockbroker turned drug dealer, recounts his journey from the UK to Arizona, where he became involved in the rave scene and eventually established a large ecstasy distribution network.
- Shaun's story involves interactions with dangerous individuals, including members of the Mexican Mafia and associates of former show guest Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, highlighting the violent and unpredictable nature of the drug trade.
- The narrative illustrates the gradual escalation of criminal activities and the blurring of moral boundaries as Shaun became more deeply entrenched in the drug world.
- Shaun describes the intense paranoia and constant threat of violence that accompanied his lifestyle, demonstrating the high personal cost of his choices.
- Despite the dark nature of the story, Shaun's experiences offer valuable insights into the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making positive life choices. His journey towards redemption, which will be further explored in part two later this week, serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change course and seek a better path in life.
- And much more — be sure to tune in to part two of this conversation here later this week!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1047
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?
And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!
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1046: Hydrotherapy | Skeptical Sunday
Ice plunges, hot soaks, and eight glasses a day: Jessica Wynn splashes cold water on hydrotherapy myths and explores potential benefits on Skeptical Sunday!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Hydrotherapy, which includes various uses of water for health purposes, lacks substantial scientific evidence for many of its claimed benefits, especially for generally healthy individuals.
- The popular belief that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth perpetuated by beverage companies. Our bodies are well-equipped to signal thirst when we need hydration.
- Extreme temperature changes in hydrotherapy, such as alternating between hot and cold water, can be dangerous and potentially lead to fainting, heart problems, or drowning.
- Many of the alleged benefits of hydrotherapy, such as improved circulation or muscle recovery, can often be achieved through other, potentially safer methods like exercise or breathing techniques.
- Hydrotherapy does show promise in specific medical contexts, such as pain management for fibromyalgia, easing labor during childbirth, and assisting with certain rehabilitation exercises. If you're interested in exploring hydrotherapy for health reasons, consult with a medical professional to determine if it's appropriate for your individual needs and how to practice it safely.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Jessica Wynn.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1046
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Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee...
1045: Helping Pal Who Paid Cost for Offing His Boss | Feedback Friday
We all joke about offing the boss. Your friend actually did. He'll soon leave prison, but you're unsure how to receive him. Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:
- We've all fantasized about offing the boss, but your friend actually did it. Now he's done his time in prison and is returning home. How do you help him rejoin society without ignoring the gravity of his crime?
- You opened a bakery with your partner, but the building owner across the street turned your parking spaces into a dumpster area, including rotting fish from a sushi restaurant. Your attempts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful. How can you save your business from this smelly situation?
- Your sister-in-law is neglecting her nine-year-old daughter, keeping her out of school and leaving her alone all day. The child's father is unreliable, and you're unsure about intervening. How can you protect your niece without causing more chaos?
- Your wife suddenly claimed to be a lesbian, cheated on you, and left the family. After two years apart, you've reconciled, but things aren't going well. She's depressed, anxious, and isolating herself. Can this marriage be saved, or is it time to move on?
- Recommendation of the Week: iPhone users should consider changing default camera settings for optimal high-res photos. Here's how — with more tips here!
- As a Jewish public servant, you've faced increasing antisemitism and violence at work, even requiring hospital visits. Your progressive values are being challenged by the harsh realities of your job. How can you reconcile your ideals with your experiences?
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1045
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please <a...
1044: Dan Harris | From Breaking News to Breaking Habits
Is happiness a learnable skill? 10% Happier author Dan Harris is here to share techniques for managing stress and finding contentment in a hectic world.
What We Discuss:
- Dan Harris shares his experience as a war correspondent and his struggle with anxiety and drug use that culminated in a panic attack on live television.
- The intense and often toxic work environment in network news, particularly during Dan's early career at ABC News.
- Dan's journey from cocaine addiction to discovering meditation and mindfulness as tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- The concept of "Papañca" (mental proliferation) and how it contributes to unnecessary suffering through overthinking and projection.
- Happiness is a learnable skill. Through various practices like meditation, therapy, exercise, and mindfulness, we can train our minds to be more resilient, peaceful, and content. As Dan emphasizes, we're not stuck with our current traits as if they're unalterable factory settings — they are trainable skills that we can improve upon throughout our lives.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1044
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1043: Andrew Gold | Unveiling the Psychology of Secrets
Are secrets a burden or social glue? Psychology of Secrets author Andrew Gold delves into the evolutionary roots and modern impacts of hiding information.
What We Discuss with Andrew Gold:
- Keeping secrets can be physically and emotionally painful for humans. This evolved as a mechanism to encourage social cohesion and information sharing within tribal communities.
- There's a difference between secrets and privacy. What is considered a secret versus private information often depends on societal norms and can change over time.
- Technology is making it increasingly difficult to keep secrets, with devices like smartwatches and phones potentially revealing information we'd rather keep hidden.
- Virtue signaling and victim signaling are common behaviors, especially on social media, where people may pretend to hold certain beliefs or experiences for status or attention.
- Sharing appropriate secrets can increase intimacy and strengthen relationships. By thoughtfully opening up to others, we can build deeper connections and foster trust, leading to more meaningful interactions and a stronger support network.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1043
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1042: Sex Trafficking | Skeptical Sunday
Is sex trafficking really a global crisis or just an overblown conspiracy theory? Andrew Gold reveals truths and misconceptions on this Skeptical Sunday.
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by On the Edge host Andrew Gold!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Sex trafficking knows no borders, and the United States stands out as a particularly active region for this crime. It victimizes individuals regardless of age — notably, more than a fourth of those trafficked are minors.
- The scale of sex trafficking is difficult to determine accurately, with estimates varying widely. This uncertainty stems from the underground nature of the crime and challenges in data collection.
- Sex trafficking victims often suffer severe physical and mental health consequences, including STIs, injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues. The average lifespan of women in prostitution is tragically short at around 34 years.
- The issue of sex trafficking is frequently politicized and weaponized, sometimes exaggerated for political gain. However, it remains a serious problem that ruins thousands of lives through organized crime networks and individual traffickers.
- Education and awareness are key tools in combating sex trafficking. By learning about the issue, discussing it openly, and spreading accurate information, we can help inform potential victims about the dangers and contribute to prevention efforts. Everyone can play a role in this by staying informed and sharing knowledge with others.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!
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Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1042
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Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!