The Jordan Harbinger Show

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

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 co

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 p

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

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

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

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 a

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 you

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 conte

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

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