The Jordan Harbinger Show

Uncertainty rules modern life — from work to technology to education. Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame explores how embracing it might be the key to success! What We Discuss: Humans crave certainty, which can lead us to look for patterns that aren't there and make poor decisions. Being completely certain about something often indicates a problem in our thinking. Podcasting and media have evolved significantly, with success now requiring authenticity and strong relationships rather than just technical skills. The most valuable people often bring in business through relationships rather than direct work. The student debt crisis and college costs are systemic issues that won't be solved by debt forgiveness alone — the underlying problem is that education has become too expensive while not necessarily preparing students for available jobs. Modern technology and constant connectivity can prevent us from properly processing difficult decisions and uncomfortable situations. Sometimes we need to disconnect to think clearly. Success often comes from doing the basics well: showing up on time, taking initiative, and doing the right thing when no one is looking. These fundamental work habits can put you ahead of 90% of people and are skills anyone can develop with practice. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1083 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

From shelf life to shelf appeal, Jessica Wynn explores the science and psychology of food packaging on this week's Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Food packaging evolved from natural containers (shells, leaves) to complex materials, fundamentally changing how we store and consume food. The industrial revolution particularly accelerated this evolution. Modern food packaging is heavily regulated, with strict requirements for nutritional labeling, ingredients lists, and safety standards. The FDA didn't mandate standardized nutrition facts panels until 1990. Package design psychology significantly influences consumer behavior — colors (red/yellow stimulate appetite), placement, and imagery affect purchasing decisions within 90 seconds of viewing. Smart packaging technology is emerging, with developments like RFID tracking and nanosensors that can detect food freshness, contamination, and proper storage conditions. Consumers can make a positive impact on this industry by supporting companies using sustainable packaging alternatives and staying informed about packaging innovations — this helps drive industry change while maintaining food safety and convenience. 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 at Instagram and Threads, and subscribe to her newsletter: Between the Lines! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1082 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Co-parenting with a narcissistic ex in prison wasn't part of the plan. Now he wants phone calls with your son. What could go wrong? This is 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: You're co-parenting with your ex who is currently in prison for multiple crimes including drugs, guns, and stolen property. Your young son misses his dad and wants phone calls, but you're concerned about your ex's narcissistic tendencies and potential for retaliation. How do you protect both your son's heart and your safety? You've been a loyal employee for 11 years, but after your company was acquired, you discovered new hires are making significantly more than you. With a recent acquisition of an Indian company making everyone nervous about job security, how do you advocate for fair pay without rocking the boat? Your nephew's friend fell victim to a devastating online scam involving compromising photos, leading to tragic consequences. As these scams targeting young people become more prevalent, what can parents and communities do to prevent similar tragedies? Your fiancée bought a house without your input, following her parents' wishes rather than your shared plans. Now she wants to live alone first and might not give you space for your belongings. Is this just about the house, or is there something deeper going on? Recommendation of the Week: Portuguese Reggae Music You're torn between joining the Marine Corps and pursuing graduate studies in Milan, Italy. Having experienced both the military culture and European life, you're struggling to choose between duty and adventure. Which path leads to your authentic self? 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/1081

Technology is rewiring our brains and relationships. Dr. Alok Kanojia explains how modern conveniences make us less resilient and what we can do about it! What We Discuss with Dr. Alok Kanojia: Technology and apps have become like an invasive species — our brains haven't evolved to handle them properly, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming relationships. Cultural conditioning that only validates male anger while dismissing other emotions results in psychological difficulties and destructive behaviors. The proliferation of convenience apps and services is diminishing our natural resilience and problem-solving abilities. Many young people struggle with purpose because external pressures and technology have drowned out their internal signals and emotional awareness. The good news is these issues can be addressed through intentional work on social skills, emotional awareness, and reducing technology dependence. Studies show even small interventions like watching educational content can improve mental health outcomes by ~10%, and more structured programs can show significant improvement in just three or four months. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1080 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

From beached whales to human heart disease, noise pollution is worse than we thought. Jessica Wynn sounds the alarm here on Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Noise pollution is significantly more harmful than commonly recognized, contributing to approximately 48,000 new cases of heart disease in Europe annually and ranking second only to air pollution as the most harmful environmental exposure to public health. The impact on wildlife is severe — noise pollution disrupts animal communication, breeding patterns, and navigation, particularly affecting marine life. For example, increased shipping noise has led to whale beachings and is threatening species like the Narwhal with extinction. Noise pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities, who often live near flight paths, highways, and factories, with limited options for relocation despite the serious health impacts. The US has largely abandoned federal noise control efforts since 1981 when the Reagan administration defunded the Office of Noise Abatement and Control, leaving communities without comprehensive protection against harmful noise levels. There are several effective ways individuals and communities can take action against noise pollution: supporting local noise ordinances, using quieter electric alternatives to gas-powered equipment, incorporating sound barriers in construction projects, and being mindful of our own noise contributions. Small changes in our daily habits can help create quieter, healthier environments for everyone. 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 and subscribe to her newsletter: Between the Lines! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1079 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign...

The love of your life's drinking keeps derailing your plans. When does supporting become enabling and love become liability? 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 have an update on the listener from episode 1066 whose boyfriend's ex accused him of molesting her son and his own children! You're in what feels like a dream relationship with a partner who showers you with affection, but they're struggling with alcoholism and financial dependency. You've invested in a second home banking on their renovation skills, but their sobriety keeps wavering. How do you balance love with responsibility? You're an entry-level kitchen designer dreaming of working at a full-service residential design firm. You want to reach out to prospective companies to learn what skills you need to develop, but crafting that perfect networking message feels daunting. How do you make that first impression count? At age 44, you're still grappling with the pain of your father leaving when you were 12 after getting another woman pregnant. While you love your dad and half-brother, you harbor deep resentment toward his new wife. Can old wounds ever truly heal? Your college roommate's boyfriend is moving into your building, and his behavior has always concerned you — from uncomfortable PDA to concerning power dynamics. Additionally, your friend has shared some troubling details about their relationship. How do you protect your friend while respecting boundaries? Recommendation of the Week: Inflatable Hot Tub For 40 years, you've crafted creative, personalized Christmas ornament cards that tell your family's annual story. While many cherish this tradition, some never acknowledge receiving them. Should you keep investing time and emotion into reaching out to an unresponsive void? 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...

Want to write a great screenplay? Little Miss Sunshine writer Michael Arndt shares secrets from Pixar, Hollywood, and a decade of script doctoring! What We Discuss with Michael Arndt: Success in screenwriting often requires extreme persistence and resilience — Michael Arndt wrote 10 screenplays over 10 years before selling Little Miss Sunshine, and even then did about 100 drafts of that script before it was ready. The best stories often create a "tilted universe" where the protagonist is a response to or antidote to the negative values of their world (like Robin Hood emerging in response to an unjust system, or The Dude's laid-back nature contrasting with an aggressive world in The Big Lebowski). Audience feedback is crucial but challenging to balance — as Michael quotes Billy Wilder: "Individually they're idiots, but collectively they're a genius." You have to respect audience intelligence while still maintaining your creative vision. Great endings often work by creating a false binary (win/lose) and then revealing a surprising third option that exceeds audience expectations — like in Little Miss Sunshine where Olive neither wins nor loses but creates something entirely unexpected. Anyone can improve their storytelling by studying great stories and breaking them down systematically — Michael's own journey shows that storytelling is a craft that can be learned through careful analysis, practice, and continual refinement of understanding how stories work. His video essays on screenwriting (available on YouTube) offer concrete tools for developing these skills. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1077 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Is a $2,000 bottle of wine really better than a $20 one? Pieter Colpaert decants the truth about pricing, perception, and epic fraud on 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 producer, multimedia journalist, and wine enthusiast Pieter Colpaert! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Wine fraud is surprisingly common in the fine wine market — experts estimate that as much as 20% of fine wines could be counterfeit, especially among rare and expensive bottles. The largest case involved Rudy Kurniawan, who sold approximately $550 million worth of counterfeit wines. Wine pricing is influenced by multiple factors beyond quality, including scarcity, vineyard age, production methods, aging time, and marketing. However, studies show that beyond $50-100, you're often paying for reputation and rarity rather than significantly better quality. Scientific studies have shown that even wine experts struggle to consistently identify or rate expensive wines in blind tastings. At one Wine Spectator event, 54 experts couldn't reliably distinguish between wines ranging from $1.65 to $150 per bottle. The psychology of wine pricing has a strong effect on perception — research shows that people's brains actually respond more positively to wine when they believe it's expensive, even if it's the exact same wine. This is called the "price-quality heuristic." The good news is that excellent wines can be found in the $20-30 range. By exploring different regions, grape varieties, and styles without fixating on price, you can discover fantastic wines that suit your personal taste while staying within a reasonable budget. Trust your own preferences over marketing and pricing signals. 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 Pieter at his website, Instagram, and Twitter! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1076 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?

Your 4-year-old convinced her 6-year-old brother to touch her inappropriately. Normal exploration or red flag for deeper issues? 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: You discovered your six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter engaged in concerning intimate behavior while you were away, with your daughter initiating and using manipulation tactics that seem beyond her years. What could this mean for their development, and what steps should you take? [Special thanks to licensed professional counselor and Sibling Sexual Abuse author Brad Watts for helping us with this one!] On episode 985, we heard from a listener whose mother endured years of torture from an abusive partner who kept getting released due to New York's bail reform laws, leading to a horrific incident — but is there another perspective worth considering about these controversial reforms? What do the data actually show? [Thanks to former Pittsburgh public defender Dan Eichinger for sharing his perspective!] Your brother, once successful, now lives in your mom's old apartment after losing everything to corporate fraud. He's struggling with depression while caring for his autistic son, and seems to reject all help. How can you reach someone who keeps pushing away lifelines? Your 50-person company has terrible internal communication, leaving you constantly having to chase down work and information. You've improved your own communication skills, but the company hasn't changed. Should you keep pushing for better or accept the status quo? Recommendation of the Week: Chimp Crazy Growing up in Zimbabwe with parents who constantly fight, shame others, and display toxic behaviors, you're worried about repeating their patterns. You want to cut ties once financially independent, but can you truly break free from their influence? 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...

From wealth transfer myths to smart career moves, NYU Professor Scott Galloway reveals how to build real financial security in today's economic landscape. What We Discuss with Scott Galloway: The wealth transfer from Baby Boomers to younger generations ($18 trillion) is highly uneven and won't solve economic inequality. Many people will inherit nothing or even have to support their aging parents, while a small number will receive substantial inheritances, further widening the wealth gap. "Follow your passion" is dangerous career advice, typically given by people who are already wealthy. Instead, focus on finding something you're good at that can provide economic security — mastery and success will lead to passion naturally. Job-hopping every two or three years often leads to higher earnings, as companies tend to undervalue existing employees and overvalue new hires. However, switching jobs too frequently (multiple times per year) can make you appear unreliable. Economic security isn't about being rich — it's about having enough resources to remove financial stress from relationships and enable focus on what truly matters. In the US specifically, this often requires being in the top 10-20 percent due to healthcare and education costs. You can dramatically improve your financial future through consistent, practical steps: save regularly, understand compound interest, diversify investments, live below your means, and start early. While it may seem slow at first, these fundamentals reliably build wealth over time and anyone can learn to implement them. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1074 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

On this Skeptical Sunday, Jessica Wynn brushes away fluoride fears and gets to the root of this controversial mineral's cavity-fighting powers! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and food that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid. When added to water supplies at controlled levels, it has been shown to reduce cavity rates by 40-70% in children. The discovery of fluoride's benefits came from investigating "Colorado Brown Stain" in the early 1900s, where researchers found that while high fluoride levels stained teeth brown, it also made them remarkably resistant to decay. This led to research determining safe, effective fluoride levels for water supplies. Despite widespread scientific consensus on its safety and effectiveness, fluoride remains controversial, with some groups claiming health risks. However, extensive research has found no evidence linking properly fluoridated water to cancer, bone problems, or other serious health issues at recommended levels. The optimal fluoride level in water has been adjusted over time as other sources of fluoride (like toothpaste and food products) have become more common. In 2015, the US Public Health Service lowered its recommended levels, showing ongoing monitoring and adjustment of public health policies. You can take control of your dental health by understanding your local water fluoride levels (easily found on the CDC website), using fluoride toothpaste appropriately, and making informed choices about water filtration — while remembering that every $1 spent on water fluoridation saves about $38 in dental healthcare costs! 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 and subscribe to her newsletter: Between the Lines! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1073 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By...

Your conservative grandparents smuggled their ex-adoptee with a violent past into the country to live with them. Should you worry? It's 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: Your staunchly conservative grandparents who harbor anti-immigrant sentiments recently paid $15,000 to smuggle a man with a violent past into the US — someone they had previously adopted and returned to Mexico when he was just a boy. Now he's living with them and reaching out to connect with you. What the heck is going on, and what do you do about it? You have a friend with potential who seems perpetually stuck, always blaming others for his lack of progress in career, relationships, and health. Despite your care for him and attempts to help, he always has a convenient excuse for why nothing will work. Can you find a way through to him? You discovered your restaurant job wasn't paying legally required overtime, and when you brought this up to your boss, things quickly escalated in an unexpected direction. How do you navigate the aftermath and protect your rights? Your 11-year-old son splits time between your home and his father's, where he witnesses concerning behavior and feels increasingly afraid and unhappy. With limited legal options before he turns 14, what can you do to protect him while keeping him connected to his siblings? Recommendation of the Week: Audiobook efficiency hacks! Jordan shares a wild story from his teenage years when he got involved with Detroit police doing unofficial undercover work in schools. With no paperwork or protection, he was walking a dangerous line. How did he make it out unscathed? 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/1072 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and...

Indoor air quality affects us more than we realize. Here, Jaspr founder Mike Feldstein explains why what we breathe matters and how to fix it. What We Discuss with Mike Feldstein: Indoor air quality is often significantly worse than outdoor air, as homes lack natural filtration systems like wind, sun, and trees. After cooking, poor air quality can persist for up to 48 hours without proper filtration. Most air quality issues can't be detected by human senses — we can't smell or see many harmful particles and chemicals that affect our health. This is especially concerning since we spend most of our time indoors. Common household activities like cooking (even healthy cooking), using air fresheners, and burning incense create significant indoor air pollution. Many cleaning products and deodorizers actually mask problems rather than solving them. Bedroom air quality is particularly critical since we spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping. Your body does its best repair work during sleep — and it needs clean air to do that job effectively. There are several simple ways to improve your indoor air quality today: Open windows on opposite sides of your house for cross-ventilation when outdoor air is clean, use your range hood when cooking (verify it vents outside), remove artificial air fresheners, and consider air filtration for rooms where you spend the most time, especially bedrooms. These small changes can make a big difference in your indoor air quality. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1071 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Scared of squatters taking your home? Nick Pell brings perspective to what the media tells us is a "growing crisis" on this week's Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Squatting occurs when people occupy a property without legal right or permission, often in vacant homes or rental properties. While they may create fake leases or documentation to appear legitimate, they are distinct from legal tenants who have stopped paying rent or are being evicted. Most squatting cases become complex civil matters rather than criminal ones because squatters often create fake leases and establish utility bills in their names, making it difficult for police to immediately remove them. The current housing situation contributes to squatting — average rent has increased 13.7% year over year since 1980, while wages have only grown 0.2% year over year since the early 1970s, making housing increasingly unaffordable for many. Changes to squatting laws need careful consideration, as overly strict laws could potentially be weaponized against legitimate occupants (such as domestic abuse victims) or lead to frivolous claims against legitimate tenants. Property owners can protect themselves by regularly checking on their properties, maintaining good documentation of ownership and occupancy, and quickly establishing a paper trail with authorities if issues arise. Being proactive rather than reactive is the best defense against potential squatting situations. 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! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1070 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter...

Your friend's suicide leaves you questioning their psychiatric care. Is someone liable, or does the system just fail sometimes? 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: Your best friend since middle school took their own life while under psychiatric care, and you've discovered concerning details about their treatment, including billing after death and continued prescriptions despite missed check-ins. With their family reluctant to pursue legal action, how can you channel your grief and anger into meaningful change? As a successful, independent woman in your 30s with no desire to have children, you're questioning whether you actually want a relationship. Dating apps leave you anxious and disinterested, yet something keeps pulling you back. Is your conflict avoidance masking deeper relationship fears? You run a music school and you've just learned that one of your most engaging teachers, who mentors impressionable students aged 8-14, believes in the flat Earth theory and other conspiracies. Do you let this talented instructor go now, or wait to see if their objectionable beliefs affect their teaching? You've reconnected with a high school friend and started dating, but his divorce decree prevents new partners from meeting his children for six months. You want to respect boundaries but feel this rule is excessive. Is there a reasonable way to move past this awkward stage sooner rather than later? [Thanks again to attorney Corbin Payne for helping us answer this one!] Recommendation of the Week: Homemade matcha lattes. Episode 924: Chris DeArmitt | Rethinking Plastic's Environmental Impact was controversial (as expected). Listeners wrote in with questions and criticisms about Chris' industry ties and scientific claims — and he was kind enough to answer all of them! 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/1069

AI is reshaping society, challenging democracy, and raising ethical concerns. Nexus author Yuval Noah Harari explains its risks and potential solutions. What We Discuss with Yuval Noah Harari: Stories and shared beliefs are fundamental to human cooperation and society, from money to religion to nations. These "fictions" enable large-scale collaboration. Populism erodes trust in institutions and promotes a cynical view that all human relations are power struggles, paving the way for authoritarian rule. AI is not just a tool but an agent that can make independent decisions, potentially surpassing human capabilities in many areas, which raises concerns about control and understanding. The rise of AI and extensive data collection enables unprecedented surveillance and control, as seen in social credit systems and automated law enforcement. We can shape the future of AI by creating living institutions to monitor its development, implementing regulations to hold companies accountable, and ensuring transparency in AI interactions. By focusing on solving the right problems and establishing trust between humans, we can work toward a more positive future with AI. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1068 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

On Skeptical Sunday, Jessica Wynn schools us in higher education's flaws — privilege, rankings, debt, and inequity — and examines ways to fix them. On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Higher education in the United States has a long history of privilege and exclusivity, with prestigious institutions reinforcing social and economic disparities. College rankings, such as those by US News & World Report, have a significant influence on the perception of educational quality but often fail to measure the actual academic experience. The cost of higher education has increased dramatically, outpacing inflation and creating substantial student loan debt, which raises questions about the return on investment (ROI) for many students. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, as well as admissions processes, tend to favor wealthier students, perpetuating inequalities in access to higher education. There is potential for positive change in higher education through innovative models, technology integration, and alternative credentialing systems. By embracing new approaches to learning and assessment, we can work toward a more accessible, diverse, and effective educational system that better serves students and employers in the 21st century. 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 and subscribe to her newsletter: Between the Lines! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider leaving your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1067 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for

Your boyfriend faces serious allegations from his past. You want to trust him, but doubts linger. How do you uncover the truth? 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: You're dating a man whose ex-girlfriend accused him of molesting her son and his own children. He claims innocence, but you're torn between trusting him and your gut feelings. What steps can you take to uncover the truth while maintaining your integrity and safety? Your father, recently single and grieving, is asking to move into your new home. You and your partner want your own space, but you feel guilty given all your father has done for you. How do you balance family obligations with your own needs? You were recruited into what seemed like a promising business opportunity, only to discover it was an MLM scheme. The tactics used were manipulative and cult-like. What red flags did you encounter, and how did you respond? Your father is nearing the end of his life, leaving behind an inheritance. Your mother suggests giving up your share for your struggling siblings. You're torn between fairness and helping family. How do you decide what's right? Recommendation of the Week: Anker Prime Power Bank You're interested in starting therapy but unsure about what "processing emotions" actually entails. You're also concerned about the cost. How can you make the most of therapy and find affordable options? 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/1066 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?

Spycraft utilizes psychology more than gadgets. Ex-CIA officer Andrew Bustamante reveals the human side of intelligence gathering and deception. [Pt. 2/2 — find Pt. 1 here!] What We Discuss with Andrew Bustamante: The psychology of espionage and the process of recruiting assets, with an emphasis on the importance of building relationships and trust. The CIA uses a process called SADRAT (Spot, Assess, Develop, Recruit, Handle, and Terminate) to develop intelligence sources, which is similar to sales techniques and relationship building. The concept of public, private, and secret lives, highlighting how understanding and accessing someone's secret life is crucial for intelligence work. The strengths and operational styles of the CIA, Russia's SVR, Israel's Mossad, and China's MSS. Anxiety, often viewed negatively in society, can be a valuable asset in intelligence work and other high-performance fields. By reframing anxiety as a potential superpower, individuals can harness its benefits to drive success in their personal and professional lives. 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/1065 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Spycraft utilizes psychology more than gadgets. Ex-CIA officer Andrew Bustamante reveals the human side of intelligence gathering and deception. [Pt. 1/2] What We Discuss with Andrew Bustamante: After becoming the youngest US Air Force Officer in history to command 200 nuclear ICBMs from an underground bunker and spending seven years in the CIA, Everyday Spy founder Andrew Bustamante gives us an inside look into the recruitment and training process for CIA officers. The CIA uses personality assessments and carefully constructed team dynamics to build high-performance teams, often pairing people who may not naturally get along to create productive conflict. Lie detection through visual cues like micro-expressions is largely ineffective outside of controlled interrogation settings. More reliable methods involve establishing baselines and asking specific types of questions. Effective lying requires preplanning and rehearsal to align the rational and emotional parts of the brain. Spontaneous lying is much riskier and easier to detect. Understanding the RICE framework (Reward, Ideology, Coercion, Ego) can help you better motivate yourself and others in positive ways. This powerful tool for influencing behavior ethically will be explored further in part two later this week. And much more — be sure to check out part two of this conversation later this week! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1064 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Constant belittling and a trip to Ukraine: The perks of working for your father-in-law. How do you escape the family business? 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: You're working for your father-in-law's company abroad, but his constant belitting has pushed you to your limits. After he sent you on a risky trip to war-torn Ukraine that ultimately didn't benefit the business (and blamed you for the non-results), you're ready to bow out and make a go of it on your own. But how? Your father recently passed away in a plane crash, and you're struggling to support your grieving mother while also maintaining boundaries. How can you balance being there for her emotionally while also respecting your own needs and responsibilities? You're concerned about your 45-year-old husband's increasing memory lapses, which go beyond typical forgetfulness. As he won't acknowledge the problem, how can you convince him to seek medical attention without causing more tension? An unexpected turn of events has brought your troubled teenage nephew into your child-free home. You want to help, but the sudden responsibility is overwhelming. How can you provide stability for him while preserving your own lifestyle and boundaries? Recommendation of the Week: When he's feeling dapper, Gabe likes to shelter his dome with hats from SCALA. After a painful breakup with your high school sweetheart due to infidelity, you're struggling to re-enter the dating world. As a busy medical student, you're hesitant to make yourself vulnurable to potential hurt again. How can you overcome these fears and open your heart to new possibilities? 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/1063 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please...

Young men today face a crisis of mental health and social connection. BoyMom author Ruth Whippman is here to explore causes and potential solutions. What We Discuss with Ruth Whippman: Boys in the West are going through a crisis, facing higher rates of suicide, mental health problems, loneliness, and academic underachievement compared to girls. Society sends conflicting messages to boys about masculinity, telling them to be dominant and make the first move, while also cautioning them not to overstep or be seen as creepy. This leads many boys to avoid relationships altogether. Boys receive less emotional nurturing and communication from parents compared to girls, which contributes to gaps in social and emotional skills as they grow older. The "incel" movement and extreme ideologies like those of Andrew Tate are symptoms of broader issues with how society socializes boys and sets unrealistic standards of masculinity. Parents and educators can help by providing boys with more emotional nurturing, teaching social-emotional skills, exposing them to diverse role models, and creating spaces for them to express themselves. With the right support, boys can develop into emotionally intelligent, well-adjusted men capable of forming deep connections. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1062 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Will being too cautious stifle your dreams? Never Play It Safe author Chase Jarvis reveals how embracing risk can reward you with a more fulfilling life! What We Discuss with Chase Jarvis: Creativity is not limited to traditional artistic pursuits; it's a fundamental human trait that can be applied to all aspects of life, including career choices and personal development. Our brains are designed to keep us safe, which can discourage risk-taking. However, rewards often lie on the other side of uncertainty and discomfort. Time management is less important than understanding and changing our relationship with time. Viewing life as long rather than short can lead to more thoughtful and fulfilling decisions. Intuition is a powerful tool that combines rational thought with cellular memory. Developing and trusting your intuition can lead to better decision-making in various aspects of life. Embracing creativity and personal growth is always possible, regardless of your past or current situation. By making a conscious decision to tap into your creative potential and applying even a small amount of effort, you can create significant positive changes in your life. Start by acknowledging your creative abilities and taking small steps towards expressing them in your daily activities. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1061 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

What's really happening when we sleep? Michael Regilio tucks us in and takes us to the alluring world of dreams and their purpose 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 skeptic, comedian, and podcaster Michael Regilio! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Dreams serve important biological functions, including problem-solving, emotional processing, and memory consolidation. Scientists have observed that dreaming can improve task performance and help solve complex problems. Sleep cycles consist of four phases: NREM 1, NREM 2, NREM 3, and REM sleep. REM sleep is when most vivid dreaming occurs, and certain areas of the brain are even more active during this phase than when awake. Common dream themes exist across cultures, such as being chased, being late for an exam, or being naked in public. These may serve evolutionary purposes like threat simulation or primitive instinct rehearsal. Sleep disorders like REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be dangerous, as people may physically act out their dreams. Conversely, sleep paralysis prevents most people from acting out dreams but can lead to frightening experiences. Anyone can increase their chances of having lucid dreams — where you're aware you're dreaming and can sometimes control the dream – through simple techniques like regularly asking yourself if you're awake or asleep throughout the day, or setting an intention to have a lucid dream before going to sleep. Practicing these techniques can lead to fascinating dream experiences and potential benefits for problem-solving and creativity. 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 Michael Regilio at Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and make sure to check out the Michael Regilio Plagues Well With Others podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1060 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please

Your childhood abuser runs a daycare. Can you get justice for his past misdeeds while preventing him access to future victims? 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: You discovered that a man who sexually abused you as a child is now running a childcare program in another state. With this alarming information, how can you protect potential victims and seek justice after so many years? [Thanks — once again — to attorney Corbin Payne for helping us answer this one!] Your girlfriend recently moved for a demanding new job, drastically reducing your communication. As she asserts her individuality, you're struggling with insecurity and distance. Is there a path forward that honors both her independence and your need for intimacy? After a traumatic brain injury, you've overcome many obstacles but still struggle with a limited "social battery" as a business owner. How do you balance your professional obligations with your need for reduced social interaction? As a hard-working cook taking on extra responsibilities, you're torn between giving your all and potentially being taken advantage of. How will you decide whether to continue going above and beyond or set firmer boundaries? Recommendation of the Week: Venus Fly Trap You spent years in a relationship with a narcissist who isolated you from loved ones and subjected you to verbal and physical abuse. What gave you the strength to finally leave, and how did your life change afterward? 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/1059 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making...

End Honour Killings co-founder Nina Aouilk reveals the shocking reality of forced marriage, domestic slavery, and honor killings in the West. [Pt. 2/2 — find Pt. 1 here!] What We Discuss with Nina Aouilk: Nina Aouilk survived multiple instances of severe domestic abuse, including an attempted honor killing by her family and years of control and violence from her partner. Honor killings and forced marriages are still occurring in Western countries like the UK, USA, and Canada, often hidden within certain cultural communities. The imprisonment of Nina's father for trafficking his own child highlights the urgent need for awareness and action against human trafficking in all communities. Many victims of abuse and potential honor killings are afraid to speak out due to cultural pressures, shame, and fear, which enables the cycle of abuse to continue. There are ways we can all help combat these issues: trust your intuition if you suspect someone is in danger, ask simple questions to disrupt potential violent situations, make discreet calls to authorities if you're concerned about someone's safety, and support organizations working to end honor killings and forced marriages (like Nina's own End Honour Killings). 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/1058 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join...

End Honour Killings co-founder Nina Aouilk reveals the shocking reality of forced marriage, domestic slavery, and honor killings in the West. [Pt. 1/2] What We Discuss with Nina Aouilk: Nina Aouilk grew up in an abusive household in the UK, where she was treated as a servant and subjected to severe physical and emotional abuse by her family. At age 14, Nina was gang-raped by her father and his friends, resulting in a pregnancy that was forcibly aborted. Her mother blamed Nina for the assault. At age 15, Nina was traded by her father to one of her rapists in a sham marriage arrangement, where she continued to face extreme abuse and exploitation. Nina witnessed horrific cultural practices like bride burnings and infanticide of baby girls in her community, with little intervention from authorities. Despite the trauma, Nina found ways to persevere, such as excelling at work and finding moments of kindness. Her story shows that it's possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances through resilience, seeking opportunities, and holding onto hope for a better future. As co-founder of End Honour Killings, she now empowers and educates women and girls worldwide to break their cycles of abuse and live the lives they deserve. And much more — be sure to tune in to part two of this conversation later this week! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1057 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Can sugar pills heal or harm? Neuroscientist Dr. Helena Hartmann unravels the mysteries of placebo and nocebo effects 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 neuroscientist, psychologist, and science communicator Dr. Helena Hartmann of University Hospital Essen! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Placebo and nocebo effects are powerful psychological phenomena that can have a significant impact on health outcomes. Placebos can lead to positive effects, while nocebos can cause negative effects, even without any active medical ingredients. Expectations play a crucial role in placebo and nocebo effects. Positive expectations can enhance treatment outcomes, while negative expectations can diminish or even reverse the effects of otherwise effective medications. These effects are not just "in our heads" but involve complex psychoneurobiological processes. They can trigger real physiological changes in the brain and body, including the release of pain-relieving substances and alterations in pain transmission in the spinal cord. Social and environmental factors, such as the price of medication, invasiveness of treatment, and information from others (including social media), can influence the strength of placebo and nocebo effects. We can harness the power of placebo effects to improve medical treatments. By fostering positive expectations, healthcare providers can potentially enhance treatment efficacy, reduce required medication dosages, and minimize side effects. Patients can also benefit by maintaining an optimistic outlook and engaging in positive self-talk about their treatments. 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 Dr. Helena Hartmann at her website, Twitter, or LinkedIn, check out her research here and here, and have a look at her Science and Fiction site where accessible scientific results and exciting fictional stories intersect! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1056

Your nephew denies the Holocaust and spews antisemitic hate. Can you shut down his nonsense without shutting him out? 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: You can now rate The Jordan Harbinger Show in Pocket Casts! Please be gentle. Your nephew is a Holocaust denier who has been sending you antisemitic rants. You've tried to counter his beliefs with historical facts, but he's become increasingly aggressive. How can you shut down his nonsense without shutting him out of your life? You recently divorced your abusive, serial-cheating ex-husband. Now he's dating a colleague of yours, and you feel compelled to warn her about his behavior. Should you reach out, and if so, how can you do it without coming across as the "crazy ex-wife"? You're a successful family physician offered a position at a new clinic that aligns with your dream of focusing on lifestyle medicine. The catch? It comes with a significant pay cut. Is pursuing your passion worth the financial sacrifice? You received an aggressive email threatening to expose compromising information about you unless you pay a hefty sum. The sender claims to have access to your devices and personal data. How would you respond to this potential scam? Recommendation of the Week: The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 Instant Camera You've always felt like a "fringe friend," never quite making it into anyone's inner circle. Recent life changes have left you feeling isolated. Is it possible to change your social status without completely reinventing yourself? 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/1055 If you love...

Invisible Rulers author Renee DiResta explains how disinformation has reshaped online discourse with real-world consequences — and who benefits from it! What We Discuss with Renee DiResta: The phenomenon of "audience capture" — influencers and content creators becoming more extreme in their views to cater to their audience's expectations and maintain engagement. The concept of "flooding the zone" with multiple explanations or theories to create confusion and make it difficult to determine the truth, often used in disinformation campaigns. The "Liar's dividend" — the ability to deny real events or information by claiming they are fake or manipulated, enabled by the existence of advanced manipulation technologies. The challenges of maintaining a shared reality in the age of social media, where people can easily find confirmation for their existing beliefs and form echo chambers. To combat misinformation and propaganda, we can develop media literacy skills by being aware of our emotional responses to content, taking time to verify information from multiple sources, and learning to recognize common propaganda techniques. By cultivating these skills, we can become more discerning consumers of information and contribute to a healthier online discourse. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1054 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

Are generic drugs as good as their name-brand counterparts? On Skeptical Sunday, Dave Farina compares their development, prices, and efficacy. 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 Is This Wi-Fi Organic?: A Guide to Spotting Misleading Science Online author and host of the Professor Dave Debates podcast, Dave Farina! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but are typically much cheaper due to not having to absorb research and development costs. Drug patents typically last around 20 years, giving companies a period of market exclusivity to recoup their investment before generics can be produced. While the active ingredients are identical, there can be minor differences in inactive ingredients (excipients) between brand-name and generic drugs that may slightly affect bioavailability. Regulatory bodies like the FDA play a crucial role in ensuring drug safety and efficacy, though rare oversights can still occur. Consumers can make informed decisions about medications by understanding the similarities between brand-name and generic drugs, consulting with healthcare providers, and staying aware of drug safety information from reliable sources. This knowledge empowers individuals to potentially save money on prescriptions while still receiving effective treatment. 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 Dave Farina on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out the Professor Dave Debates podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts. Dave’s book, Is...

Your engagement's on thin ice after a lackluster presentation and surprise prenup request. Is it time to say "I don't" instead? 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: Do your habits align with your ideal healthspan/lifespan? You're engaged to a man who suddenly asked for a prenup during a romantic date night, leading to a fight where you returned the ring. His proposal seemed half-hearted, and there are potential red flags about his commitment. How do you process this unexpected twist in your engagement? You organized a charity run with a local business owner to qualify for a marathon, but he withheld the funds raised for months. Now you're grappling with anger and the desire for revenge. How will you handle this betrayal and protect future charitable efforts? As a self-employed carpenter, you sometimes get a bad feeling about potential clients but struggle to turn them down politely. How can you trust your instincts and maintain professional boundaries without burning bridges or damaging your reputation? Your coworker and close friend recently threatened suicide while armed, putting you in a dangerous situation. Now you're dealing with the aftermath and conflicting emotions. How will you process this traumatic experience and decide the future of your friendship? Recommendation of the Week: Mafbeanl Rocket Launcher for Kids Your sister, who you've grown close to as adults, has become distant since you set boundaries with her verbally abusive husband. She's going through fertility struggles and depression. How can you support her while respecting her space and protecting yourself? 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/1052 If you love listening to...

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 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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 As the founding CEO of a startup, you sacrificed relationships and recreation to build the company. Just as things were going well, you were replaced by the shareholders and are now owed a significant sum. How can you reclaim your professional path while rediscovering personal fulfillment? 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...

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 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee...

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? 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 peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game...

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 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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 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! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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! Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider leaving your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1042 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you...