Share

cover art for Mark Manson: On Pain, Possibility and Profanity

Good Life Project

Mark Manson: On Pain, Possibility and Profanity

•

The first time I stumbled upon Mark Manson's writing, I didn't know what to do. It was a complete pattern interrupt.

The issues were raw and real, the ideas were rich and his lens was so contrarian and refreshing it made me think. Really think. But, then, there was the language. This particular essay was wall-to-wall F-bombs.

I was having trouble reconciling the depth of thought with the width of profanity. I found myself diving into more of his work, and discovered that I wasn't the only one. Some 2 million people read him every month. Waiting for his next philosophical provocation.

When I heard Mark had a new book out, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to sit down with him and dive into his bigger story. To get to know the person behind the writing. In this week's conversation, Mark and I take a meandering road through everything from global travel and which country emotes more than others to a more nuanced conversation of pain, possibility, writing and exactly how, when and why he began to insert profanity into his work, what it's done both for and to him.

His latest book is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living A Good Life. As you might guess from the title, the first few chapters are a pretty in-your-face setup, but as the book continues, Manson settles into a deeper, you might even say gentler voice. He explores ideas like choosing the pain you want to live with, rather than the outcome you want to attain. Just like his essay before, it made me think. I hope it'll do the same for you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

 

+++

My new book - How to Live a Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science and Practical Wisdom - is available for pre-order now! It's a joyful, story-driven, engaging and eye-opening deep dive into what really makes a difference in your pursuit of a meaningful, alive and connected life. 

Click here now to download and read the first chapter for free.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • How to Navigate Relationships When You See the World Differently | Brit Barron

    53:56|
    Ever found yourself at odds with loved ones over hot-button issues? Close friends or family believing things you just can't get behind? In this fascinating dialogue, Brit Barron, author of Do You Still Talk to Grandma?: When the Problematic People in Our Lives Are the Ones We Love, opens up about this very dilemma.If you've ever felt trapped between your values and cherished relationships, this real-talk episode offers a compassionate path to work towards mutual understanding.You can find Brit at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Prentis Hemphill about finding wholeness in your relationships.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • How to Love Midlife: 12 Ways Life Gets Better with Age | Chip Conley

    01:00:16|
    Are you navigating the profound transitions of midlife? In this insightful conversation, modern elder Chip Conley provides a brilliant reframing of the "midlife crisis" as a growth opportunity.Drawing from his book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, Chip outlines a holistic methodology for flourishing across the physical, emotional, mental, vocational and spiritual dimensions as we age. Discover how to cultivate wisdom, find your calling, and integrate your whole self during this remarkable stage of life's journey.You can find Chip at: Website | Modern Elder Academy Instagram | Chip's Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Karen Walrond about celebrating midlife.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • How to Experience Sacred, Mystical Moments in Everyday Life | Mirabai Starr

    57:11|
    In Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, renowned mystic and author Mirabai Starr reveals how mystical experiences are not just for the elite few, but our birthright as human beings. Through radical presence, loving awareness, and embracing wonder, Starr shows how the sacred can be found in the most ordinary moments of everyday life. This profound conversation is an invitation to gaze at the world through eyes of love, immerse yourself in beauty, and awaken to the truth that we all belong to one beloved community.You can find Mirabai at: Website | Instagram | Wild Heart Space | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about being present to love’s wisdom in our lives.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • Leading Integrative Psychiatrist | The Truth About Ketamine, MDMA and Psilocybin Assisted Therapy

    01:10:53|
    Could psychedelics revolutionize mental health care? Psychiatrist Dr. Will Van Derveer openingly discusses his exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapies after becoming disillusioned with conventional treatments. He details remarkable results using ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA for conditions like PTSD and depression. With the FDA's imminent decision on rescheduling MDMA, Van Derveer provides an inside look at these groundbreaking medicines' therapeutic potential. For those struggling with mental health issues, this candid conversation may reveal new hope.You can find Will at: Website | Higher Practice Podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Adam Gazzaley about cutting-edge research he’s leading in this field.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • How to Stop Pleasing Everyone But Yourself | Natalie Lue

    01:05:50|
    What if you could finally stop contorting yourself to please others and start living authentically on your own terms? In this honest episode, Natalie Lue, author of "The Joy of Saying No," opens up about her pivotal shift from people-pleasing into embodying her truest self.Natalie vulnerably shares the health crisis that made her realize she was suppressing herself to become "whatever anybody wanted." Discover her strategies for separating genuine desires from ingrained obligations. Learn empowering ways to shed the cultural conditioning disconnecting you from needs and boundaries.Unpack the subtle tendencies keeping you small, so you can courageously embrace the self you've been denying. If you crave more joy and fulfillment through radical self-honor, prioritize this dialogue.You can find Natalie at: Website | Instagram | The Baggage Reclaim Sessions podcast | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Susan Piver about the Enneagram and how it helps us relate to others and also set boundaries.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • What to Do in the Next 2 Years to Set Up Your Next 20 | The 2x20 Project™

    58:42|
    What would you do with 2 years to purposefully design your ideal next 20? Join Jonathan as he reveals his brilliant "two by 20" project - spending 24 months meticulously crafting a future centered on simplicity, significance and joy through intentional experiments across work, health and relationships.If you've ever felt restless about your life's next chapter, this fascinating framework will have you rethinking how to invest the precious time you have left.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • The Surprising Science of Cynicism & Hope | Jamil Zaki

    58:37|
    Are you feeling cynical about human nature? This fascinating discussion with psychologist Jamil Zaki, author of Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, will renew your faith in people. Zaki demolishes common myths about cynicism and explains how hope - the belief that a better future is possible through our actions - is what empowers positive change. Discover practical ways to move from a stance of corrosive cynicism to one of "hopeful skepticism" rooted in curiosity, empathy, and accurate understanding.You can find Jamil at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Robert Waldinger about the power of relationships.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • How to Create Deep, Secure Bonds with Kids, Family & Friends | Attachment Expert Eli Harwood

    56:38|
    Got that craving for a deep, soulful bond with your child? Attachment expert Eli Harwood is here to make it happen.The author of "Raising Securely Attached Kids" drops mind-blowing truths on how early attachments shape our emotional patterns, relationships, and even physical health. But Eli also serves up game-changing ways to become your child's lifelong "protective factor."You'll learn to repair your own attachment wounds and foster that unbreakable sense of security that allows little souls to soar. Whether struggling to bond or nurturing sacred connections, this primer will help build meaningful attachments to last forever.You can find Eli at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode:You’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Shefali about raising kids.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes

  • 6 Habits that Make Life So Much Better | Spotlight Convo

    55:07|
    Discover simple yet powerful daily habits to rewire your brain, boost confidence, and unlock your full potential.In this insightful compilation episode, Mel Robbins unveils the transformative High 5 Habit from her book and how high-fiving yourself daily can reprogram self-perception and resilience.Host Jonathan Fields also shares five cornerstone "good life habits" backed by science, like mindfulness, nature immersion, and intentional movement. Whether you're seeking more joy, focus, or inner calm, don't miss these deceptively simple tools to reshape your mindset and thrive through small consistent wins.Episode TranscriptYou can find Mel at: Join The High 5 Challenge | Website | Instagram | The Mel Robbins Podcast | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with MelYou can find Jonathan at: Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with Jonathan on 5 Life-Changing HabitsCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
Copyright © Good Life Project 2016
Hosted with ❤️ by Acast