How to Avoid Death by Comfort

How to Avoid Death by Comfort

Author: The Art of Manliness October 23, 2024 Duration: 56:37
The Art of Manliness
SocietySociety & CultureCultureEducationPhilosophy

Note: This is a rebroadcast.

Nietzsche's maxim, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," isn't just a sound philosophical principle. It's also a certifiable physiological phenomenon; toxins and stressors that could be deadly in large doses, actually improve health and resilience in smaller, intermittent ones. The ironic thing, my guest points out, is that it's the fact that we're not getting enough of this sublethal stress these days that's really doing us in.

Paul Taylor is a former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer, an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and neuroscientist, and the author of Death by Comfort: How Modern Life is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It. Today on the show, Paul discusses the science of hormesis, how small doses of intermittent stress can make us more resistant to chronic stress, and why you need to embrace what Paul calls "discomfort harvesting." We talk about some now-familiar topics like fasting and cold and heat exposure with fresh inspiration as to how important they are to practice and how to do them effectively. We discuss how hot a sauna needs to be to get the benefits of heat exposure, Paul's suggestion for how to make an ice bath on the cheap, what may be the single best type of food to eat to improve your gut's microbiome, a form of fasting that's got anti-cancer benefits but is so accessible it won't even feel like fasting, what supplement to take to mitigate the effects of a bad night's sleep, and much more. We end our conversation with how to use what Paul calls a "ritual board" to stick with your healthy habits and resist the "soft underbelly" of modern life.

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You'll find conversations here that cut through the noise, focusing on what it means to live a substantive life. The Art of Manliness features in-depth discussions with historians, authors, coaches, and philosophers, exploring timeless ideas and practical skills. Each episode is built on the belief that character and competence are cultivated through deliberate practice and reflection. Rather than offering quick fixes, this podcast delves into the principles behind everything from building physical resilience and fostering deeper friendships to navigating ethical dilemmas and managing time with purpose. The conversations are grounded, often pulling lessons from history, classic literature, and the firsthand experiences of remarkable individuals. It’s a resource for anyone interested in the ongoing project of self-improvement and understanding their role in society and culture. By focusing on actionable wisdom over abstract theory, the show provides a steady stream of thoughtful content that challenges listeners to reconsider their daily habits and long-term goals. Tune in for a consistently engaging blend of the philosophical and the intensely practical, all aimed at helping you develop a more intentional and effective approach to your life's work and relationships.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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