Adam (“Flez”) leads our discussion of Book 6: “Dienekes”  from Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of The Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield.

 * What are your thoughts on the theme of sacrifice in this book? (0:38 - 6:31)
 * What’s an example of something that you have seen the level of effort and sacrifice correlate to success in your life? (6:32 - 10:28)
 * What are your thoughts on the interaction between Xeones and Diomache? Do you agree with her perception of the world? (10:29 - 20:07)
 * What examples of leadership stuck out to you in this book? What character traits are the most important in a leader? (20:08 - 25:28)
 * What were your overall thoughts on this book? (25:29 - 29:32)

Next week we’ll discuss Book 7: “Leonidas” (pages 315 - 356).

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

S6.E6 - Gates of Fire - Book 6

Adam “Flez” leads our discussion of Book 5: “Polynikes” from Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of The Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield.

 * How do we as men relate to the burden of leadership and weigh this responsibility in our professional and personal lives (0:42 - 15:22)
 * What does courage look like in everyday life for men today? What personal challenges have required courage from you, even in the face of fear? (15:23 - 21:06)
 * What is the opposite of fear, and how do you overcome fear? (21:07 - 30:17)
 * How do you balance the tension between love and duty in your own life? Do you feel the tension between personal desires and responsibilities in your relationships? (30:17 - 39:06)

Next week we’ll discuss Book 6: “Dienekes” (pages 243 - 314).

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

S6.E5 - Gates of Fire - Book 5

Garrett leads our discussion of Book 4: “Arete” from Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel ofHe Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield.

- 0:38 - 7:35: Garrett recaps the book

- 7:36 - 18:32: The guys discuss their thoughts on the book. 

- 18:33 - 26:25: What was more honorable, Arete lying to keep the baby alive, or remaining silent and the child being killed?

Next week we’ll discuss Book 5: “Polynikes” (pages 187 - 241).

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

S6.E4 - Gates of Fire - Book 4

Adam (Stehlin) leads our discussion of Book 3: “Rooster” from Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of The Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield.

 * The guys discuss the contrast between Rooster’s and Xeones’ drastically different dispositions towards Sparta in light of their different upbringings (0:38 - 8:39)
 * Thoughts on Polynikes’ berating of Alexandros and his view on the purpose and value of war? Are there any applications to this today? (8:40 - 23:03)
 * Thoughts on Dienekes’ leadership style in Spartan culture - is he an exception or does he embody Spartan culture? (23:04 - 29:52)
 * The guys discuss the quote: “Habit will be your champion” (29:53 - 34:35)

Next week we’ll discuss Book 4: “Arete” (pages 161 - 186).

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

S6.E3 - Gates of Fire - Book 3

Adam (Stehlin) leads our discussion of Book 2: “Alexandros”  from Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of The Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield.

 * Book 2 recap (0:41 - 3:17)
 * What are your thoughts on the value of brotherhood in the development of a Spartan warrior? (3:18 - 6:52)
 * How does the brotherhood of Spartan culture compare to today? (6:53 - 21:41)
 * The guys share some of their hardest training sessions and whether brotherhood was involved (21:42 - 26:51
 * The guys share their experiences of mentorship and the benefits they’ve experienced in their lives (26:52 - 30:07)
 * What are your thoughts on Leonidis’ leadership style? How does it compare to how you view your own leadership style? (30:08 - 35:13)

Next week we’ll discuss Book 3: “Rooster” (pages 119 - 159).

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

S6.E2 - Gates of Fire - Book 2

Welcome back to Season 6 AND Year 2 of the Books Brothers Podcast!

Robb leads our discussion of Book 1: “Xerxes”  from Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of The Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield.

 * The guys discuss the character “Tripod” who died in training during a whipping for not calling off the beating and the idea of someone belonging to a cause greater than oneself (1:06 - 10:59)
 * What are necessary causes in today’s day and age to fight for? (11:00 - 23:52)
 * The guys share examples of experiences turning a weakness or limitation into a strength (23:53 - 35:03)
 * What does “honor” and “legacy” mean to you, and how do these words influence your actions? (35:04 - 42:47)

Next week we’ll discuss Book 2: “Alexandros” (pages 63 - 118).

You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

S6.E1 - Gates of Fire - Book 1

We’re approaching one full year of the Books Brothers Podcast! As we prepare for the next book, we look back at some of the highlight discussions from the past year. Today’s episode is our last episode from Season 2, when we read Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter.

 * Chapter 11: “Happiness” - (4:24 - 41:15)

When would you say that you’ve been the happiest in your life? (4:24 - 20:46)

When have you relied most on prayer in your life?  How did that make you feel/increase your faith? (20:47 - 33:09)

What did you find particularly interesting in the Benedictine monks’ view of work and purpose? (33:10 - 41:15)

 * Epilogue: “What We Do Now” - (41:16 - 1:06x:07)

Our next book is Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next week! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

Scarcity Brain Replayed - Chapters 11-Epilogue

We’re approaching one full year of the Books Brothers Podcast! As we prepare for the next book, we look back at some of the highlight discussions from the past year. Today’s episode is all the way back from season 1, The Mask of Masculinity by Lewis Howes. Revisit the guys’ discussion on “The Sexual Mask” chapter from the book.

Intro and chapter reading recap (1:38 - 4:31)

“The Sexual Mask” discussion (4:32 - 51:24)

 * What was your viewpoint of Neil Strauss’ story? How did you perceive him and the purpose that his book set out to accomplish? (4:32 - 22:02)
 * How have we been a sounding board with each other to talk about our struggles with the sexual mask? How have our relationships helped heal both ourselves and others?  (22:07 - 42:31)
 * What are some freedoms we have experienced from removing the sexual mask? (42:31 - 51:24)

Our next book is Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next time! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

The Sexual Mask Replayed - The Mask of Masculinity

The guys bring on two healthcare professionals to share their career experiences and their thoughts on The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt. Our guests today are Dr. Brooke Mueller, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, and Jamie Heimos, M. Ed, LPC, NCC, a licensed professional mental health counselor.

 * The guys introduce the two guest panelists. The panelists share why they chose their career fields, as well as embarrassing stories about the guys (1:25 - 14:06)
 * As health care professionals, what are some of your biggest takeaways from the book? (14:07- 18:07)
 * Can you share some examples of extreme social media use behavior with your patients/clients? What practical guidance do you give them in response? (18:08 - 26:45)
 * What is your average weekly screen time usage? (26:46 - 30:43)
 * In your respective practices, how have you seen the transition from play-based childhood to phone-based childhood? (30:44 - 35:57)
 * Is social media addiction similar to alcohol addiction, where the younger you start drinking alcohol, the more likely you are to deal with alcoholism? (35:58 - 43:16)
 * The panelists share their experience seeing the influence the “Great Rewiring” is having particularly with your female clients (43:17 - 53:01)
 * In light of the author’s comments related to the “Digital Divide”, the panelists share their experience witnessing and treating patients in marginalized communities that are experiencing this exacerbated educational inequality as it pertains to phone and social media use (53:02 - 58:03)
 * The panelists share remarkable stories of their patients/clients taking action towards healthier social media use. They also share collection action steps parents and individuals can make to positively affect their lives and the lives of their children and communities. (58:04 - 1:08:11)
 * Jamie Heimos shares what she’s doing in the community and how you can get involved! (1:08:12 - 1:09:19)

How to Connect with Jamie

 * Jamie’s Instagram: @balanceandbloomstl [https://www.instagram.com/balanceandbloomstl/]
 * Website: http://www.balanceandbloomcounselingstl.com/
 * Register for the Novel Neighbor’s second book club meet-up in St. Louis, MO, to discuss The Anxious Generation here [https://thenovelneighbor.com/events/856120241021].

Additional resources

 * Wait Until 8th: here [https://www.waituntil8th.org/]
 * Link to Let Grow: here [https://letgrow.org/program/anxious-generation/]
 * Link to aligned organizations to Let Grow: here [https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/aligned-orgs]

Our next book is Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you next time! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

Panel Discussion - The Anxious Generation

The Books Brothers’ best discussions from The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt.

Introduction and Part 1: A Tidal Wave (1:14 - 36:34)

 * What are your thoughts on the author’s metaphor of “Kids [today] growing up on Mars”?
 * When did you receive your first smartphone?
 * The guys share their own negative experiences and consequences from their own phone use / screen time through the years.

Part 2: “The Backstory: The Decline of the Play-Based Childhood” (36:35 - 54:20)

 * What are your thoughts on the author’s comments that there has been a decrease of risky play in the physical world but an increase in risky play in the virtual world?

Part 3: “The Great Rewiring: The Rise of the Phone-Based Childhood” (54:21 - 1:09:08)

 * What are some specific ways you’ve combated against letting your phone and other technologies affect your spiritual life?

Part 4:  “Collection Action for Healthier Childhood” and the Conclusion (1:09:09 - 1:29:28)

 * How much do you agree or disagree with the statement Haidt addresses as it relates to technology / social media use: “I agree with making changes, but it’s too late”, and why?
 * What is one thing you plan to apply from this book in your community (family, church, neighborhood, school, etc)?
 * The guys share what’s next for the podcast, including our first ever panel interview, as well as the next book.

Additional resources

 * Link to Let Grow: here [https://letgrow.org/program/anxious-generation/]
 * Link to aligned organizations to Let Grow: here [https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/aligned-orgs]
 * September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We all can help prevent suicide. Learn how here [https://988lifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/].
 * If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained crisis counselor. You can also text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

We’ll see you next week for our first ever panel interview! Join us as we speak with a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Pediatrician to discuss topics from The Anxious Generation even further.

When we return in October, we’ll read Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield. You can buy the book on Amazon by clicking here [https://a.co/d/g0btRe9].

You can also borrow it at your local library. Don’t have a library card, or unsure where your local library is? Search on Google Maps, or find your local library by clicking here [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-libraries.aspx].

Follow us on Instagram @booksbrotherspodcast [http://www.instagram.com/booksbrotherspodcast]

Email us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com

Please subscribe and give us a review! We would really appreciate it.

See you in two weeks! Until then - read, reflect, and connect.

Best of The Anxious Generation

Read. Reflect. Connect.  Long-time friends and fraternity brothers Adam (“Stehlin”), Adam (“Flez”), Garrett, Matt, Robb, and Thomas decided to record and share their bookclub as a podcast. You can join alongside them as they read, reflect, and connect to become better men.

Connect with us at connect@booksbrotherspodcast.com. 