QUOTATIONS

Episode 22 - Phyllis Theroux on Compliments

Phyllis Theroux is an author, journalist, and provider of insight into the always difficult topic of parenting.  In fact, this quote comes to us from Parents magazine and speaks to one of the greatest challenges of not only parenting, but life in general, compliments.  

Let's be honest, we all like to receive them, but unless we are practiced, giving them can be a real challenge.  Well Theroux's quippy, stick-in-your-craw presentation hopefully provides you the motivation to give them more freely, because, as she says, they are highly biodegradable.  

Episode 21 - Alexis Carrel on Remaking Oneself

Alexis Carrel: Doctor, inventor, and Nobel Laureate. He was the originator of multiple medical technologies still in use today. So far-reaching are they that you may actually be or know someone who has benefited from them directly!

But, as with each of us, he was not without his imperfections. He advocated for a number of theories and ideas that, today, we would find abhorrent, including forced sterilization and eugenics. Does that invalidate his medical contributions? Does that mean he was incapable of penning memorable words? Find out as I explore both sides of this coin and Carrel’s words in this episode.

Episode 20 - Olin Miller on Insecurity

Olin Miller is not likely a name of which you've heard before today.  I hadn't either when I began my search for deeper meaning in this already profound quote.  While his life remains largely a mystery, his words have echoed through the years since he first penned them.  Misattributed and oft repeated, they serve to remind that we ought not to worry about externalities as often as we do.  

Humorist, comedian, jokester and wise man.  Olin Miller's words are serious in this episode.

Episode 19 - Interview with James Settele

CAPT James Settele led sailors and Marines for nearly 3 decades.  Now he directs the School of Policy & International Affairs at the University of Maine.  

CAPT Settele and I crossed paths when he was the commanding officer of the NROTC unit at Maine Maritime Academy late in his career.  His background leading thousands of servicemembers and civilians makes him uniquely qualified to speak on leadership both in the military and civilian world.  Though different in many ways, they share a commonality in respect.  You earn respect and, once a baseline is established, every interaction with someone raises or lowers their level of it for you. 

In this, the first interview of Quotations, we discuss leadership, challenges, respect, and attempt to improve ourselves, as we always do!

Episode 18 - Corey Allan on Non-violent Communication

We all argue.  We do it with family, friends, significant others, and even complete strangers.  Corey Allan has some thoughts on how those arguments ought to take shape.  

He's got the experience to back it up too!  As a doctor, therapist, blogger, and podcaster, Corey has spent decades observing and guiding couples through difficult conversations.  

Remember, if you want your voice to be heard (and why else would you being arguing at all) then this little bit of advice might help you get there.  

Check out Corey's other work/writing at: https://smrnation.com/

Episode 17 - Brett McKay on Overcoming Entropy

Brett McKay is the owner and editor-in-chief of the Art of Manliness blog and podcast.  He serves as a personal inspiration for me and puts out a ton of valuable content regardless of your gender!  

Brett published a series of articles many years ago entitled The Virtuous Life built around Benjamin Franklin's list of virtues.  In his post on Order,  he outlined how to get control of chaos, locally and universally.  In addition to listening to this episode, be sure to give the entire article a read:

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/the-virtuous-life-order-become-a-master-of-the-universe/

 

Episode 16 - James Clark on What People Want to Hear

We all know how hard it can be to get things that need to be done done in the best of circumstances and how good it feels to complete them. Colonel James Clark, USMC-Retired knows a thing or two about how to accomplish the mission in the most challenging of circumstances. With decades of experience, he is uniquely qualified among Marines, active or retired in retrograde logistics.

Colonel Clark has a short, but educational saying about what people want to hear to help us get things done and show our appreciation.

Episode 15 - Thomas Huxley on the Value of Education

Thomas Huxley, biologist, anthropologist and ardent supporter of Charles Darwin never let his education and intellect inflate his ego above the working man.  In fact, he was a champion of education for all long before that was the status quo (this was the mid-19th century, after all).  So important was this to him that he devoted countless hours advocating for universally accessible and appropriate education at all levels.  It is from one such speech that today's quote originates.  

Episode 14 - Sydney Smith on Timidity

Sydney Smith bridged the 18th and 19th centuries. He spoke and wrote on many topics, challenging his listeners and readers in the ways of self-improvement. His ability to seamlessly transition from serious to humorous endeared him to his followers. In this episode, he lays our a basic truth about overcoming our internal fears. And 200 years into the future, his words still echo. 

Episode 13 - George Patton on Being Tired

George S. Patton Jr. led hundreds of thousands of troops throughout his career in the United States Army. He was as tenacious as they come, hardworking, and exceptionally demanding of both himself and his soldiers. Occasionally, his passions and expectations overtook his better judgment, but above all, he accepted no excuses.

In this episode, we explore his timeless words on fatigue. It won’t surprise you to learn that he didn’t buy the excuse of being “tired.”