The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton
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This episode dives into G.K. Chesterton’s novel The Man Who Was Thursday, exploring its psychedelic narrative twists, literary influences, and enduring philosophical questions for leaders. Jesan Sorrells and guest Neal Kalechofsky discuss Chesterton’s critique of nihilism and anarchy, the book’s connections to figures like Nietzsche and Tolkien, and the challenge of retaining moral clarity in an age saturated by distraction and technology. They reflect on the power of literature to transmit subversive ideas, the legacy of Western tradition, and the importance of rooting leadership in deeper values rather than fleeting trends.

• Book Title: The Man Who Was Thursday
• Author: G.K. Chesterton
• Guests: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Neal Kalechofsky (Guest)

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Time Stamped Overview
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00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Man Who Was Thursday.

05:30 Discussing G.K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday.

15:41 Watching Benny Hill before school.

18:17 The psychedelic ending explained.

25:23 Will there ever be another Tolkien?

28:53 How we pigeonhole people.

34:50 How the internet changed TV.

41:59 Explaining Gabriel Syme’s investigation.

43:03 Gregory explains his anarchist beliefs.

48:13 History of anarchism and influence.

57:00 Discussing anarchists in Chesterton's time.

59:03 Discussing moral dilemmas in Dark Knight.

01:04:29 Hannah Arendt and the Eichmann trial.

01:12:48 Chesterton's views on anarchy.

01:19:23 Chesterton on class and physicality.

01:23:43 Podcasting and discussing theories.

01:29:37 Exploring the dark side of leadership.

01:34:58 Training with a higher-ranked partner.

01:40:05 Early comic influences and changes.

01:44:30 Marvel's rise in popular culture.

01:47:00 Listening to music on vinyl.

01:53:36 Staying on the Path with The Man Who Was Thursday.

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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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Will our egos rule over us, or will we master them?
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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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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.

---

• 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/

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.
---

• 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.

---

• 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/

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!

---

• 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.
---

• 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!