The Jordan Harbinger Show

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 ma

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 fac

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 scientifi

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 you

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. Hi

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 insight

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 pa

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

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 improv

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 connecti

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, depr

Students you aided became assailants, and now you deal with trauma and sleepless nights. Can you ever trust or rest easy again? 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: After a disturbing incident with two students you mentored, you're grappling with unexpected trauma and insomnia. How can you rebuild your sense of safety and trust? [Thanks to clinical psychologist Dr. Erin Margolis for helping us with this one!] You've leveraged your networking skills to secure two six-figure director-level jobs simultaneously, but you're unsure about disclosing this to one employer. What's your strategy for

How does ISIS radicalize Westerners? Here, Tareena Shakil, who joined and escaped the group, reveals the manipulation behind her own recruitment. [Pt. 2/2 — find part 1 here!] What We Discuss: Tareena Shakil, a British woman, ran away to join ISIS in Syria in 2014 after experiencing domestic abuse and being radicalized online. While in Syria, Tareena realized ISIS was not what she expected and decided to escape across the border to Turkey with her young son. Tareena was arrested upon return to the UK and served three years in prison for joining ISIS. She was the first British woman to be imprisoned for joining the group. Tareena went through a deradicalization program in prison, which she found helpful in understanding how she has been groomed and radicalized. Tareena now works to raise awareness about online radicalization and grooming, showing that it's possible to learn from past mistakes and use one's experiences to prevent others from falling into similar traps. Her story demonstrates the importanc

How does ISIS radicalize Westerners? Here, Tareena Shakil, who joined and escaped the group, reveals the manipulation behind her own recruitment. [Pt. 1/2] What We Discuss: Tareena Shakil, a British woman, traveled to Syria with her young son and joined ISIS in 2014 at age 24 after being groomed online for about six weeks. Tareena's decision to join ISIS was influenced by a combination of factors, including online radicalization, a desire to escape an abusive relationship, and a misguided attempt at religious devotion. While in Syria, Tareena quickly realized she had made a mistake and wanted to leave. She witnessed disturbing events and became increasingly fearful for her and her son's safety. After about eight weeks, Tareena managed to escape ISIS-controlled territory with her son and return to the UK, where she was subsequently arrested and became the first British woman jailed for joining ISIS. Tareena's story highlights the importance of critical thinking, especially when it comes to online interac

Is gold really worth its weight? Michael Regilio digs into the precious metal's glittering past and fool-baiting present 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: Gold has been valued throughout human history, playing a significant role in economics, trade, and even exploration. It has been used as currency and the basis for monetary systems like the gold standard. The gold standard, which linked the value of currency to gold, was widely adopted but eventually abandoned. The United States officially ended its use of the gold standard in 1971 under President Nixon. There are many scams and misleading practices in the gold market, particularly involving the sale of gold coins. These often target older,

Your abusive ex still occupies your thoughts. How do you move on when part of you yearns for a past steeped in trauma? 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 struggling with conflicting emotions after leaving an abusive relationship with an alcoholic partner. Despite the trauma you endured, you find yourself missing aspects of the relationship. How do you process these complex feelings and move forward? Your father, diagnosed with cancer, also struggles with severe depression. As his health declines, you grapple with a strained relationship and unfulfilled hopes for connec

Renowned divorce lawyer James Sexton reveals the secrets to maintaining a healthy marriage and avoiding his office altogether! [Pt. 2/2 — find part 1 here!] What We Discuss with James Sexton: Many people enter marriage without understanding its legal implications. James Sexton estimates that 95% of people who come to his office are learning about the marriage contract for the first time. Social media has made infidelity much easier and more accessible. James notes that platforms like Facebook and Instagram create opportunities for inappropriate private conversations and flirtations. Prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common, especially among younger people in their 20s and 30s. James observes a growing pragmatism and realism in approaching marriage. All marriages end, either through death or divorce. James encourages people to be mindful of endings, as it can make them more appreciative of their current relationships. Being open and honest about your concerns and fears in a relationship can

Renowned divorce lawyer James Sexton reveals the secrets to maintaining a healthy marriage and avoiding his office altogether! [Pt. 1/2] What We Discuss with James Sexton: Marriage is statistically risky, with a 56% failure rate for first marriages. There's often an economic aspect to relationships that people don't openly discuss. People tend to fall in love quickly but fall out of love slowly. Constantly criticizing or trash-talking your partner, even in jest with friends, can be toxic to a relationship. Preventative maintenance is key to a healthy relationship. Just as you wouldn't wait until your teeth are falling out to go to the dentist, don't wait for major issues to arise in your relationship. 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/1035 This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relat

On Skeptical Sunday, Michael Regilio dishes out the skinny on fat-free foods and their weighty consequences that led to our 21st-century obesity epidemic! 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: The low-fat diet trend, popularized in the 1960s and 1970s, was based on flawed science and cherry-picked data, particularly from the selective research of physiologist Ancel Keys. Removing fat from food products often led to increased sugar and refined carbohydrate content, contributing to the obesity and diabetes epidemics in the United States. The American Heart Association and other institutions have been slow to change their dietary recommendations due to conflicts of interest and corporate donations. Consuming healthy fats is

Your ex-best friend groped someone, and now he's flirting with a mutual friend on Twitter. Do you warn her or stay out of it? 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: Your now ex-best friend groped your wife's best friend during an overnight visit. Now he seems to be courting a mutual friend on social media. How can you warn her about his problematic history without overstepping boundaries? Your 93-year-old mother, with whom you've had a rocky relationship, stole a cherished toy your late father gifted to you and gave it to your sibling. This was the last straw in a long history of mistreatmen