793: Death | Skeptical Sunday

You yearn for motherhood, but your husband's always made it apparent that he doesn't want to be a parent. Can your marriage survive? It's Feedback Friday!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1136And 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:You've built a decade of adventure with someone who made his childless intentions clear from day one, hoping he'd change his mind over time. At 32, your heart yearns for the pitter-patter of little feet, but your husband remains firm in preserving the kid-free status quo. Can (and should) your marriage survive the resentment one of you will feel depending on whatever happens next?Your sister's mother-in-law inherited $500,000 in debt after her husband died, just weeks after losing her brother. Now she's leaning heavily on your brother-in-law to handle this mess and might flee the country. How entangled should you get in this financial and emotional hurricane?You're a millennial dad who grew up with uncensored internet access and saw things you shouldn't have as a kid. Now you have a six-year-old daughter of your own, and you're determined to protect her in an increasingly complicated digital landscape. What tools and strategies can keep her safe without fearmongering?You're a professional bird catcher driving 50,000 miles yearly with half the standard mileage reimbursement, no holiday pay, no overtime, and you don't get paid if another bird enters a store within 48 hours after you've removed one. Your employer actively prevents employees from communicating. What recourse do you have?Recommendation of the Week: The Ikigai vitamin caseYou've started dating a kind, funny guy who makes you feel comfortable in your own skin — but he doesn't brush his teeth regularly, needs to be "pushed in the right direction," and seems more concerned about you liking him than getting to know you. Is this mothering dynamic worth working through?Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/dealsSign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 Huhti 1h 16min

Companies harvest 6GB of your data hourly. Psychologist Sandra Matz explains how they predict everything from depression to politics—and how to fight back.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1135What We Discuss with Sandra Matz:Companies collect ~6GB of data per hour on individuals through social media, credit cards, smartphones, and location tracking, enabling predictions about personality, politics, and mental health.Facebook identified depressed teenagers in 2015 and sold this information to advertisers rather than providing support, prioritizing profit over well-being.Algorithms need just 300 likes to know someone better than their spouse, while facial recognition can determine sexual orientation with 81% accuracy from facial features alone."Anonymized" data isn't truly anonymous — three credit card transactions can uniquely identify a person, revealing unintentional information beyond our curated online personas.Data co-ops offer a practical solution for regaining control. MS patients in Europe and Uber drivers in the US have formed co-ops to collectively manage their data, allowing them to benefit from data aggregation while maintaining ownership and directing outcomes toward their shared interests rather than corporate profit.And much more...And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/dealsSign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 Huhti 1h 22min

Three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ryan McBeth brings us in from Out of the Loop to explain tech advances, geopolitical shifts, and what's next.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1134Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them.On This Episode of Out of the Loop:Three years in, the Ukraine conflict initiated by Russian invasion is deeply intertwined with broader global power plays, shifting alliances in NATO, and the rising influence of China — underscoring that military conflicts today are as much about political maneuvering as they are about battlefield tactics.The speed of technological advances — such as fiberoptic–tethered drones and adaptive intelligence systems — is reshaping modern combat with development cycles dropping from months to weeks.Russia is running low on armored vehicles (with only about 200-400 left from Soviet-era stockpiles), but has become more dangerous due to the combat experience gained during three years of war, making their military more adaptable and effective.Ukraine provides valuable intelligence to NATO through a school in Poland (JATEC), where Ukrainian soldiers share battlefield lessons about Russian tactics, electronic warfare, drone usage, and other combat insights that NATO countries would otherwise have to learn the hard way.Despite multifaceted challenges, Ukraine’s experience provides a live case study in resilience and rapid innovation. By embracing agile production methods, decentralized innovation, and strategic intelligence, Ukraine and its partners can learn to adapt more effectively to modern warfare conditions. Policymakers and military planners can use these lessons to foster systems that are flexible, continuously improving, and better prepared for future conflicts.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you’d like to stay on top of what’s happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan’s Substack!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/dealsSign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 Maalis 1h 16min

When your niece revealed her father's affair, you became the custodian of a truth that could detonate your entire family dynamic. It's Feedback Friday!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1133And 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:Your niece found evidence that her father (your brother-in-law) is having an affair, putting you in an impossible position between family loyalty and moral responsibility. What do you do when every choice seems destined to hurt someone you care about, and the consequences could reshape your family forever?You're teaching a college course where student feedback suggests you're failing them with your outdated teaching methods and questionable content. As enrollment numbers plummet and department chairs circle, you face a choice between defending your academic freedom and adapting to modern educational expectations.You've always dreamed of inheriting your grandmother's charming house, but family complications and your cousin's competing claim have turned this potential windfall into a battlefield of resentment. As inheritance negotiations intensify, you're discovering what truly matters might not be the property itself.You've realized you no longer love your wife after years of marriage, leaving you torn between honesty that could devastate her and a lifetime of emotional deception. As you contemplate separation, unexpected revelations force you to question everything you thought you knew about love, commitment, and what you really want.Recommendation of the Week: Let a stranger know how they've had a positive impact on you. (Witness this in action at the next point!)You were struggling with severe depression and contemplating ending your life when you discovered The Jordan Harbinger Show, which unexpectedly became your lifeline during your darkest moments. The insights and perspectives you gained through listening gradually pulled you back from the edge and transformed your outlook on life. After helping a few of your friends find their way through their own struggles, you’re looking to galvanize the urge for improvement in others. What can you do? [All of us here at the show are humbled and appreciate you for sharing your journey with us!]Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/dealsSign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

28 Maalis 1h 8min

How do ordinary people become dangerous extremists? Former FBI agent Scott Payne infiltrated America's most violent hate groups and reveals their playbook. What We Discuss with Scott Payne: Scott Payne worked as an undercover FBI agent infiltrating various extremist organizations, including white supremacists like the KKK and accelerationists such as The Base, which aimed to trigger societal collapse and establish a white ethnostate. Accelerationist groups differ from traditional white supremacist organizations in that they don't believe in political solutions, but train for violence and "Boogaloo" (race war), preparing with tactical gear and weapons while planning attacks on infrastructure and targeted individuals. During his undercover work, Scott encountered disturbing rituals and behaviors, including a goat sacrifice during which members drank blood and took LSD as part of a neo-pagan ceremony associated with white supremacist ideology. White supremacist recruitment often targets vulnerable individuals from broken homes who are seeking belonging and connection, with online platforms like Telegram and Gab serving as recruitment grounds where extremist content can radicalize disaffected youth. Deescalation and communication skills proved to be Scott's most valuable tools throughout his career. His experience shows that even in hostile environments, the ability to talk through situations and remain calm under pressure is often more effective than physical confrontation — a skill anyone can develop and apply to their own difficult interactions. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1132 And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Maalis 1h 28min

Feeling rough after drinks? On Skeptical Sunday, Jessica Wynn reveals why hangovers hurt, why "cures" fail, and why dark liquors might be your worst enemy. 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 Jessica Wynn! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Hangovers aren't just about dehydration — they're your body's complex response to processing alcohol as a toxin. When your liver breaks down alcohol, it produces acetaldehyde, a nasty chemical that causes inflammation throughout your body. Meanwhile, your blood sugar goes haywire, your sleep quality plummets, and your entire system essentially stages a biochemical rebellion. Despite a $2 billion (and growing) hangover remedy industry, there's no scientifically proven cure for hangovers. All those miracle pills, electrolyte drinks, and bizarre remedies — from pickle juice to rabbit dung tea — are essentially sophisticated placebos. Your body needs time to process and eliminate alcohol's toxic byproducts, and no amount of coconut water can accelerate that biological reality. Drinking more alcohol to cure a hangover merely postpones the inevitable crash when your blood alcohol returns to zero. Similarly, the concept of "healthy moderation" has been debunked by research showing that no amount of alcohol consumption is actually safe — many studies suggesting otherwise were funded by the alcohol industry and used flawed methodologies. Darker alcohols like whiskey and bourbon contain higher levels of congeners (byproducts of fermentation) than clear spirits, potentially leading to worse hangovers. These compounds, along with other additives and ingredients in alcoholic beverages, contribute significantly to hangover severity beyond just the alcohol content. When dealing with a hangover, embrace the basics: hydration, rest, bland foods to stabilize blood sugar, and perhaps some mild pain relief (though be cautious with acetaminophen). While not glamorous, these approaches support your body's natural recovery processes. Understanding why hangovers happen empowers you to make more informed choices about drinking habits — whether that means switching to clearer spirits, drinking water between alcoholic beverages, or simply accepting that sometimes the most profound wisdom lies in listening to what your body is telling you about that third cocktail. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know! Connect with Jessica Wynn at Instagram and Threads, and subscribe to her newsletter:  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Maalis 1h 9min

Your wife's dreams soar beyond the stratosphere, but you can't even pay for the launch pad. Can you ground her without crushing her? It's 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: You're struggling to support your disabled wife who dreams impossibly big — chief of medicine, political crusader, famous artist—all at once. When you ask practical questions about these grandiose ambitions, she shuts down. How can you support her dreams without reinforcing potential delusions? Your Indian wedding plans are being hijacked by family drama over your cousin's boyfriend from a different ethnic background. Your grandparents and relatives are threatening to make scenes or leave early if you invite him. How do you protect your special day without burning family bridges? At 24, you've hidden your porn consumption from your wife throughout your marriage. She separated from you, then moved back with one condition: no more lies. Now you've "acted out" multiple times, and she's left again, wanting you to file for divorce. What should your next move be? As an esthetician, your industry is imploding — unlicensed social media hustlers, changing regulations, and economic pressures have slashed your income by $20,000. You're working unpaid hours and making less than minimum wage. Do you stick with your passion in hopes of weathering the storm or pivot to something stable? Recommendation of the Week: Hand towels in the bathroom. At 41, you and your husband are frozen in indecision about having children. You've secured embryos but lack the unquestioning desire for parenthood that others seem to have. He fears regret over not having kids; you fear resenting them. How can you push past this life-altering stalemate? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi. Full show notes and resources can be found here: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 Maalis 1h 19min

From postage stamps to diamond-dusted $20s: Former counterfeiter Russ Swain takes us inside the addictive world of artistic forgery and its moral reckoning. What We Discuss with Russ Swain: Russ Swain's counterfeiting career began with painting a postage stamp for a job application. This minor forgery later evolved into currency counterfeiting when financial troubles hit, demonstrating how small ethical compromises can cascade into major criminal activity. Russ became physiologically addicted to the fear and risk of passing counterfeit bills. The constant state of alertness produced adrenaline rushes that became compelling enough to override moral concerns. Russ' operation showcased remarkable ingenuity: diamond dust for texture authenticity, printed textile fibers, and UV-inhibiting suntan lotion in the ink. This demonstrated how artistic talents can be repurposed for illicit endeavors. Despite financial gains, Russ paid heavily with his conscience, describing it as a "ghost" that constantly questioned his new identity. The ultimate price included divorce, church excommunication, and having to explain his crimes to his children. A full-circle moment with Russ' former high school principal shows how our talents can be redirected toward positive ends when we . We all have skills that can serve either harm or healing — the application remains our choice. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1129 And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Maalis 1h 23min