This one is going to be a little more spiritual than perhaps you might be used to from me.
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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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The Third Man by Graham Greene
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Exploring Graham Greene’s postwar classic, The Third Man, Jesan Sorrells and Ryan J. Stout unravel the psychology of unreliable narrators, leadership in times of nihilism, and the timeless challenge of ethical decision-making amid a world of grifters and cons. They dive into Greene’s cinematic writing style, his nuanced character portrayals, and how postwar Vienna mirrors our own era of skepticism and manipulation. The conversation draws out practical leadership lessons—particularly the need for sincerity and humility—in a landscape shaped by both history and human nature.

• Book Title: The Third Man
• Author: Graham Greene
• Guests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Ryan J. Stout (guest).

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Time-Stamped Overview
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00:00 "The Myth of Modern Nihilism."

07:55 Graham Greene's Mastery of Characterization.

12:38 "Relatable Characters and the Appeal of Dark Humor."

20:30 "Graham Greene's Cinematic Legacy."

24:03 "Post-War Struggles and Black Markets."

31:58 Post-War Deals, Distrust, and Vienna.

34:01 "Vienna's Loss and Legacy in The Third Man."

39:21 "Friendship, Loneliness, and Keen Observation."

48:00 "Observations, Language, and Hidden Motives."

54:59 "AI Scams: Bots and Deception."

59:01 "Children, Leadership, Ethics, and Modern Challenges."

01:04:17 "Making Others Feel Heard & Valued."

01:06:28 "Critiquing the 'Citizen of the World' Ideal."

01:12:01 "Finding Meaningful and Spiritual Connections."

01:18:18 "Harry Lime’s Iconic Ferris Wheel Scene."

01:26:27 "Recognizing Transformation Through Self-Love."

01:29:33 "The Importance of Open-Minded Humility."

01:37:47 "Moral Choices, Lost Knowledge, and Invention."

01:42:29 Defending Free Speech and Objective Truth.

01:45:51 "Film Versions and Orson Welles Radio."
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Opening theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.
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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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Leading in absurd times requires a commitment to objective truth.
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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

Oil! by Upton Sinclair
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Exploring the first 100 pages of Oil! by Upton Sinclair, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby dive into the gritty realities of entrepreneurship, the evolving concept of work-life balance, and how leadership demands both killer instinct and humility. They draw parallels between entrepreneurship and film direction, critique society’s shifting attitudes toward work and success, and dissect how true leaders mentor others amidst competitive challenges. Hear lively debates on generational expectations, lessons from pop culture, and the importance of intent and teachability on the entrepreneurial journey.

• Book: Oil!
• Author: Upton Sinclair
• Guests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Tom Libby (co-host)

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Time Stamped Overview
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00:00 Welcome and Introduction - Oil! by Upton Sinclair.

10:21 "There Will Be Blood Overview."

13:12 "Upton Sinclair's Influence on There Will Be Blood."

20:17 Startup Founder as Visionary Director.

24:26 "Track Record Drives Investment."

30:28 Rethinking Work-Life Balance.

33:28 Work-Life Balance and Societal Evolution.

38:57 "Rethinking Work and Its Role."

44:48 Defining Human Nature and Oil Exploration.

53:36 "Success Requires Sustained Effort."

58:04 "Confronting Uncertainty with Resilience."

01:03:00 "Embracing Uncertainty Through Learning."

01:09:11 Entrepreneurship: Ten Years to be an 'Overnight' Success.

01:12:26 "Defining Legacy: Provider or Visionary?"

01:19:04 "Evolution of NBA Eras."

01:26:18 "Art School: Talent, Drive, and Killer Instinct."

01:31:09 "Fostering Competitive Spirit in Youth."

01:33:54 The Role of Social Media in Opportunity.

01:43:04 Humbling Arrogance Through Jiu-Jitsu.

01:48:11 "Elevating Others Through Leadership."

01:53:12 Staying on the Leadership Path with Oil! by Upton Sinclair.

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Opening theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.
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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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God, save us from the tender mercies of the social reformer.
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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

---

• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

Stomping the Blues by Albert L. Murray
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Exploring Albert Murray’s landmark book, Stomping the Blues, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the true roots of jazz and blues as uniquely American art forms. The hosts break down how Murray distinguishes the blues idiom from jazz, the importance of improvisation in both music and leadership, and why understanding America’s cultural “soundtrack” is vital for restoring meaning and moral direction in turbulent times.

• Book Title: Stomping the Blues
• Author: Albert Murray
• Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Tom Libby (Guest Host)

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Time Stamped Overview
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00:00 "Elements of Blues Composition."

07:35 "Albert Murray's Nuanced Legacy."

15:54 "Blues: An Expression of Duality."

19:37 "Blues: Music’s Deep Cultural Impact."

23:24 Unexpected Pathways to Country Music.

29:43 "Discovering Quality Writing."

34:40 "Beatles, Rebellion, and Influence."

40:10 "Blues: An American Synthesis."

46:39 "Hearing vs. Listening to Music."

49:32 "Globalization, Rugby, and Hockey."

54:28 "Data Overload and Decision-Making."

01:02:47 "Blues, Dance, and Sacred Tensions."

01:05:20 "Blues, Church, and Cultural Tensions."

01:10:31 "Temptations Shaped by the Internet."

01:19:05 "Stop Fighting, Start Riffing."

01:21:37 "Experience Over Technology in Life."
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Opening theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.
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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

Leaders, we begin rebuilding Chesterton's Fence by restoring the fences in ourselves.
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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

---

• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

A Conflict of Visions: The Hidden Origins of Ideological Conflict by Thomas Sowell
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Exploring Thomas Sowell’s A Conflict of Visions, Jesan Sorrells and Ryan J Stout break down the enduring clash between constrained and unconstrained worldviews at the root of ideological and political strife. They discuss how these visions shape society’s approach to justice, leadership, and individual responsibility, and examine practical impacts in everything from education to personal development. The episode emphasizes why understanding these competing frameworks is essential for today’s leaders and citizens striving for meaningful resolution.

• Book title: A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggle
• Author: Thomas Sowell
• Guests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Ryan J Stout (guest)
• Top talking points:
  • The foundational divide between constrained and unconstrained worldviews
  • How visions shape leadership, justice, and social policies
  • Practical implications for personal growth, conflict resolution, and societal leadership

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Time Stamped Overview
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00:00 "Leadership Lessons: Root Causes."

13:11 "Two Competing World Visions."

21:47 "Unlikely Paths and Perspectives."

37:33 Unconstrained vs. Constrained Visions.

49:16 "Job Offer Rejection and Reflection."

58:29 "Pendulum Shift and Constrained Vision."

01:05:13 "Accountability When Provoking Authority."

01:22:04 "Encouraging Constraint and Education."

01:32:07 "Constrained Vision and Self-Awareness."

01:37:37 "Gen X: Leaders of Restoration."

01:49:19 "Understanding Division and Perception."

01:58:16 "Active Participation and Leadership."

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Opening theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.
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• Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!
• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!