#102 | David Bahnsen

Like most people, Paul Millerd was taught to place conventional, full-time work at the center of his life—but it made him miserable. Now, he’s a freelance blogger, consultant, career coach, and online course creator—and he’s much more satisfied with his life. In The Pathless Path, Millerd encapsulates his non-traditional approach to career success and lifelong happiness: deprioritizing work and pursuing a more meaningful, creative life through freelancing instead.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the historical trends that have led most Americans to prioritize work, the disadvantages of prioritizing work, and an alternative to this way of life—freelancing. You’ll also learn how and why Millerd shifted from the traditional workforce to the world of freelancing and his advice for making the transition yourself. In our commentary, we’ll talk about other perspectives on work and what makes life meaningful, and we’ll provide additional tips for those interested in freelancing.

Dive into the engaging dialogue of "Wiser Than Me," where Julia Louis-Dreyfus, along with her esteemed guests Fran Lebowitz and Isabel Allende, spearheads profound conversations on the treasure trove of wisdom offered by age. This podcast trailer teases an intimate exploration into the life lessons harvested from women who have embraced their age, pairing it with the respect it rightfully commands. From Lebowitz's advocacy for the unparalleled knowledge of the older generation to Allende's insights into the gravity of owning one's life journey, "Wiser Than Me" promises to bridge the generational wisdom divide, offering listeners a chance to absorb invaluable life experiences.

Listeners can anticipate a celebration of life's stages as "Wiser Than Me" brings together Hollywood luminaries like Jane Fonda and down-to-earth anecdotes from Julia's mother, Judy. These authentic narratives promise humor, intimacy, and a candid look at the natural progression of life, including the challenges and learnings it encompasses—ranging from frank discussions on the taboo topic of aging to light-hearted exchanges on fitness and style. Subscribe to join Julia Louis-Dreyfus on this empowering exploration of wisdom, eagerly awaiting the official release of a podcast poised to reshape our understanding and appreciation of growing wiser with time.

We love tales of geniuses and underdogs who rise to success through extraordinary talent and hard work—but this isn’t the whole story. In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell argues that these stories of supposedly self-made men and women mislead us into thinking that success is an individual achievement. But in reality, every successful person had circumstances that contributed to their success.

In this guide, we’ll explain why uncontrollable factors like when you’re born, how you’re raised, and the culture you grow up in impact your success just as much as personal attributes. We’ve also included commentary that adds context to the case studies, provides nuance to the principles, and offers alternative explanations for Gladwell’s conclusions.

Embark on a poignant journey through American history with the "Shawn Ryan Show," as host Shawn Ryan dives deep into the life and tales of World War II hero Don Graves. In this episode, Graves reveals the stark realities of growing up during the Great Depression in Detroit, where a combination of sparse resources and simple pleasures paved the road to his military destiny, subsequently leading to acts of valor during the famed Battle of Iwo Jima. His early exposure to the prestige of the Marines, inspired by his father's service in World War I, set the stage for a lifetime of dedication to his country.

Graves's tale extends beyond the war, delving into his challenging reintegration into civilian life while educating the next generation of Marines and facing his own psychological battles. His compelling narrative also offers a critical examination of modern America, lamenting the loss of patriotism and unity he experienced in his youth. The episode not only chronicles Don Graves's sacrifices and those of his contemporaries but also imparts profound reflections on leadership, the essence of service, and the vital importance of honoring our veterans—a stirring reminder of the enduring spirit of the "greatest generation." Join the Shawn Ryan Show for an inspirational account that transcends time, told by a man whose indomitable spirit symbolizes true American resilience and pride.

In a time when Americans were divided on their wish for liberation from England, Common Sense provided a persuasive argument to leave England and their model of governance for a republic directly elected by the people. While it deals largely with the American case, it also considers larger topics of political philosophy—anti-monarchism, theories that republics will engage in less conflict, and discussions of the state of nature and how the first societies were created. Common Sense answers the question: What does the ideal government look like? In these ways, it is more relevant today than ever.

A Promised Land is Barack Obama’s memoir of his early political career and the first two years of his presidency. Obama takes us on his journey from relative obscurity as a biracial kid from Hawaii to becoming a transformative figure as the nation’s first African-American president. At every step of his career, Obama was guided by a deep faith in the fundamental unity of Americans; the potential and promise of America; the necessity of compromise and seeking common ground; and above all, the power of the democratic system to heal our divisions and effect real change for ordinary people.