Mark Manson is a three-time #1 New York Times bestselling author and 20-year personal development industry veteran. Solved is the most comprehensive, evidence-based, overly-researched podcast on the planet to help you get an issue in your life, err... solved.
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Resilience isn’t about pretending you’re fine or never feeling pain—it’s about learning how to act in your best interest despite the pain. In this episode of Solved, we dive deep into the science, psychology, and real-life examples of resilience—from Ernest Shackleton’s crew surviving two years stranded in Antarctica to my own slightly insane decision to run an endurance race with basically no training. Spoiler: I didn’t die.
We cover it all: the biology of resilience, why some people are “dandelions” and thrive anywhere while others are “orchids” who need the right environment, the mindsets that let you push through hardship without losing your mind, and why humor and community might secretly be your best survival tools. And of course, we deliver the real, practical, evidence-based strategies you can actually apply when life inevitably decides to kick you in the teeth.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you can’t take one more setback, this episode is for you. And if you’re one of those psychos who enjoys doing hard sh*t just to see what you’re made of… well, you’ll feel right at home here.
We also put together a free companion guide for this episode with all the takeaways, references, and tools to help you get your sh*t together once and for all. Download it here: https://solvedpodcast.com/resilience
Ready to stop listening to podcasts and actually start taking action? Join the Solved Community where you can interact with like-minded people who are taking small steps every day to make big changes in their lives: https://membership.solvedpodcast.com/
Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
04:44 Chapter 1: Reframing Resilience — Definitions & Misconceptions
13:11 The Word That Started It All
16:30 Bounce Forward, Not Back
23:50 Chapter 2: Developmental and Biological Foundations of Resilience
29:26 The Evolutionary Puzzle
38:54 Chapter 3: Biological & Physiological Foundations
44:45 Training Your Brain to Be More Resilient
48:43 The HPA Axis: Our Central Stress Response System
51:19 Heart Rate Variability: The Resilience Rhythm
54:32 Physiological Interventions
1:00:07 Gut-Brain Axis
1:17:17 Chapter 4: Psychological, Philosophical & Evidence-Based Frameworks
1:20:19 The 5 Mindsets of Resilience
1:21:46 Mindset #1: Anything Is Possible
1:38:22 Mindset #2: Stories Are Just Stories
1:44:16 MIndset #3: Focus on What You Control
1:58:55 Mindset #4: Make It Fun
2:10:34 Mindset #5: Assume a Resilient Identity
2:20:21 Pheidippides
2:27:00 Chapter 5: Sociocultural & Community Dimensions
2:37:40 Social Connection and Resilience: Why Strong People Don't Go It Alone
2:45:33 Blitz Spirit: Myth vs Reality
2:48:23 How to Build Your Resilient Circle
2:57:28 Chapter 6: The 80/20 of Becoming More Resilient
3:11:36 The Hidden Costs of Resilience
3:22:25 What We Learned
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How to Let Go of Your Shame
Monday, September 1, 2025 • Duration 03:42:59
Chances are, there’s something in your life you feel deeply ashamed about—something you’ve never told anyone, something you can’t even admit to yourself. In this episode, we go deep into the emotion we all experience but almost no one wants to talk about: shame. Where it comes from, why it’s so powerful, how it screws up our lives—and more importantly, how to deal with it.
We cover the biology of shame, the psychology, the evolutionary roots, and how modern life (especially the internet) completely messes with our shame systems. We talk about healthy vs. toxic shame, how it shows up in addiction, relationships, perfectionism, and self-sabotage, and why most of us either try to hide from it or end up being controlled by it. You’ll also hear from members of my team about how shame shaped their lives in surprising ways.
As always, this episode is brutally honest, deeply researched, and sprinkled with a few bad jokes. But more than anything, I hope it gives you the awareness—and the tools—to start facing whatever it is you’ve been avoiding. Because you can’t outrun your shame. But you can learn to live with it.
We also put together a free companion guide for this episode with all the takeaways, references, and tools to help you get your sh*t together once and for all. Download it here: https://solvedpodcast.com/shame
Ready to stop listening to podcasts and actually start taking action? Join the Solved Community, a group of like-minded people who are taking small steps every day to make big changes in their lives: https://findmomentum.com/shame
Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction
00:04:35 Chapter 1: Shame's Hidden Architecture
00:14:38 Chapter 2: Key Definitions
00:18:32 Distinguishing Shame from Guilt
00:20:49 State Shame vs. Trait Shame
00:21:47 Shame vs. Embarrassment and Humiliation
00:24:03 Shame, Trauma, and their Interrelationship
00:25:14 Chapter 3: The Neurobiology of Shame
00:29:56 The Shame Spiral
00:36:04 The Learning Paradox of Shame
00:44:12 Chapter 4: The Shame Compass
00:47:33 Personal Experiences with Shame
00:49:21 Workaholism as a Coping Mechanism
00:59:13 The Allure of Shamelessness
01:01:15 Chapter 5: Individual, Familial, & Cultural Sources of Shame
01:11:05 Geographical Impact on Shame
01:13:08 Cultural Values and Shame
01:14:35 How the Greater Culture Shapes Shame
01:26:12 Chapter 6: Digital Technology & Shame 2.0
01:28:02 The Digital Divide
01:31:05 The Relationship Between Technology and Anxiety
01:33:55 Protection Strategies
01:39:21 Chapter 7: Developmental Stages of Shame
01:40:19 Understanding the Origin of Shame
01:42:57 The Role of Parenting in Shame Development
01:56:49 Chapter 8: How Therapy Transformed Our Understanding of Shame
02:01:06 Carl Rogers and the Safety Revolution
02:07:31 Albert Ellis and the Cognitive Revolution
02:11:58 The Influence of Albert Ellis and Carl Rogers
02:13:31 The Emergence of Reparenting and Inner Child Work
02:17:18 The Rise of Internal Family System
02:20:24 Brene Brown's Work on Shame
02:27:59 Chapter 9: Tools to Address Your Shame
02:40:19 Stoic Principles for Perspective
02:47:05 Perspective Shifting Techniques
02:58:26 Chapter 10: Tuning Your Shame System
03:10:39 Recognizing Unsustainable Shame Patterns
03:16:28 Kristen Neff's Self-Compassion Framework
03:25:33 Understanding Shame as Obsession and Resentment
03:29:53 Overcoming Shame and Personal Growth
03:31:39 Takeaways fr...
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Mastering Resilience, AI’s Unstoppable Rise, and Can We Truly Change?
Episode 70
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • Duration 01:08:29
Resilience isn’t just about gritting your teeth and enduring pain—it’s about managing the stories you tell yourself. In this episode, I break down why most people get resilience wrong and how mastering the “second arrow” is the real key to bouncing back. We dive into post-traumatic growth, why caring about something bigger than yourself makes you stronger, and how focusing on what you can control changes everything.
We also talk about AI—how it’s not here to save or destroy humanity, but it is going to change everything. We look at how AI is already transforming creative and knowledge-based jobs, why you should be using it right now, and what you can do to stay ahead. Plus, we tackle the ultimate question: Can people change? That three-word question is lot more complex than it seems. Check it out.
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Chapters:
0:00 Mark feels the AGI—Drew does not
3:42 The Fck of the Week: Resilience
25:48 Brilliant or Bullsht: AI will doom/save us all
46:27 Q&A: Can people change?
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Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery, used with permission from Periphery.
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How to Stop Letting Fear Control Your Life (ft. Dr. Julie Smith)
Episode 69
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 01:05:05
You know that voice in your head that loves to tell you that you suck? Yeah, that one. The one that compares you to everyone on Instagram, tells you you’re a failure for eating cereal at 11 p.m., and insists you’ll never get your life together. Well, today, we’re calling in a professional to deal with that assh*le. Dr. Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist and viral mental health educator who’s built a massive following by actually making psychology make sense. In this episode, she breaks down how to quiet that inner critic, stop getting crushed by comparison, and reframe your self-loathing into something a little more useful—like self-respect.
We also dig into what it’s like to become internet famous when you’re an introvert, why emotions are not facts (even though they feel like they are), and how to stop letting social media, your parents, and your own bullsh*t beliefs define your worth. Whether you’re stuck in a shame spiral, wondering why life feels pointless, or just trying to figure out how to not hate yourself so much, this episode is for you.
Get a free sample pack with any drink mix purchase at https://drinklmnt.com/idgaf
Use code IDGAF to get 10% your health services at https://marekhealth.com/idgaf
Dr. Julie’s new book, Open When: A Companion for Life's Twists & Turns: https://www.amazon.com/Open-When-Companion-Lifes-Twists-ebook/dp/B0D3CB1XX6
Dr. Julie’s first book, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Nobody-Told-This-Before-ebook/dp/B0983L6T32
Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
Follow Dr. Julie:
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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction'
01:21 Using social media to improve mental health?
04:50 How Dr. Julie stays sane
07:01 When Dr. Julie has to take her own advice
14:01 How to deal wit...
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How to Fear Less, Spark More Creativity, and Choose Better Problems in Life
Episode 68
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Duration 56:59
Fear of failure isn’t really about failure—it’s about what failure means to us. We’re not scared of messing up; we’re scared of being judged, embarrassed, or proving our worst insecurities right. But the people who actually succeed at anything are the ones willing to suck at it long enough to get good. Today, we break down why failure feels so terrifying, how social comparison messes with our heads, and why the loudest critics are usually the ones who’ve never done a damn thing themselves. Tune in for some practical tips on overcoming all of this.
We also dig into the science of why boredom can spark better ideas, why our addiction to content might be making us less creative, and whether we should all do a digital detox before our brains turn into overstimulated mush. Finally, we wrap things up with a simple but profound question: If life is just an endless series of trade-offs, what are the best problems to have? Because problems never go away—you just get to level up to better ones.
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Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
The Creative Benefits of Boredom: https://hbr.org/2014/09/the-creative-benefits-of-boredom
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Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery , used with permission from Periphery.
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The Unexpected Truth About Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll (ft. Randy Blythe)
Episode 67
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • Duration 01:18:28
Life in a rock band isn’t all sold-out shows and backstage parties—it’s a high-pressure, all-consuming commitment that tests friendships, sanity, and survival. In this episode, I sit down with Randy Blythe, legendary frontman of Lamb of God, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to last in the music industry. From the brutal realities of band relationships to the myths of the rockstar lifestyle, Randy shares unfiltered insights on creativity, addiction, and personal transformation.
We also dig into his journey to sobriety, the impact of punk rock’s DIY ethos, and the surprising ways today’s generation is redefining rebellion. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just someone navigating your own challenges, this conversation is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying true to yourself.
Randy’s books:
Just Beyond the Light: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Beyond-Light-Making-Inside-ebook/dp/B0DJHMN7C1
Dark Days: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Days-D-Randall-Blythe/dp/0306825090
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Theme music: "Icarus Lives" by Periphery, used with permission from periphery.
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Snake Oil or Self-Help?, Minimalism’s Real Value, and Atheists Who Go to Church
Episode 66
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 54:08
Self-help is supposed to, you know, help. But what if, sometimes, it actually makes things worse? In this episode, we take a hard look at the self-improvement industry that promises transformation but often sells little more than feel-good illusions. From outdated advice that preys on your insecurities to the dopamine hit of "life-changing" content that changes nothing, we break down why self-help often fails the people who need it most.
Along with unpacking the biggest traps of self-improvement, Drew and I also tackle whether or not minimalism was just an aesthetic rebellion against our parents’ McMansion dreams. We were both once staunch minimalists and we look back on what we learned and what principles still apply to our lives today. We wrap up with a listener question about the ethics of going to church if you’re an atheist. It’s another grab bag episode full of rabbit holes. Check it out.
Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person:https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
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Chapters
00:00 Drew's legs are too short for his chair
00:40 The F*ck of the Week: Self-Help that doesn't help26:23 Brilliant or Bullshit: Minimalism43:05 Q&A: Is it ok for atheists/agnostics to go to church?
Theme song: Icarus Lives byPeriphery, used with permission from Periphery.
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Ask Mark Anything: Live from Australia
Episode 65
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Duration 01:09:57
Australia, you absolute legends. Back in November, I did a speaking tour across seven cities, talking to thousands of you about life, purpose, relationships, and why giving fewer fucks is the key to actually living a life you don’t hate.
We recorded some of the best Q&A moments to share with you here on the podcast. We diving into the big existential stuff—how to stop procrastinating, how to know if a relationship is right for you, and whether Australia’s ban on social media for kids is actually a good thing or not.
We’ll also talk about the brutal truth behind imposter syndrome, how to stop caring so much about what other people think, and one thing that actually helps you figure out what the hell you should be doing with your life. Plus, I’ll share some hard-earned wisdom on drinking, quitting, and why people stay in bad relationships way too long. So if you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or just overwhelmed by the sheer absurdity of life, this one’s for you. Hit play and let’s get into it.
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Chapters
00:00 Mark goes down under
02:10 How do you discover what truly matters to you?03:45 How can I stop procrastinating so much?07:26 How do you deal with negative thoughts and feelings after a trauma?09:39 How long should I wait on my "experiments" before I move on?13:18 How do you deal with people who want you to tell you how to live your life?14:36 What are some of the hardest things to give up?16:43 What's your best advice on marriage?19:40 Do you think we'll get back together?22:12 Is society rewarding more and more bad behavior?26:10 What are some tradeoffs that more people should do?28:55 What can your books and content teach children?31:57 How do you overcome imposter syndrome?34:00 How to know if your relationship is good enough for you?35:28 How can I deal with being overly empathetic and letting people walk all over me?38:58 What do you think of the ban on kids using social media in Australia?40:47 What's your advice for teenagers?42:44 How do you overcome analysis paralysis?44:38 How can you stop caring about other people's opinions so much?46:56 How can we be more relevant in the AI future?49:20 Why are so many good people not happy?51:46 How do you go about finding your purpose in life?54:38 What should I do if I'm focused too much on other people's problems instead of my own (codependency)?57:42 How do continue to overcome failure after failure?1:00:32 How can I find motivation to do anything when the world is so f*cked?1:04:15 How can we more fully face death, grief, and loss?
Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery , used with permission from Periphery.
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How to Build a Life Full of Meaning and Purpose (ft. Arthur Brooks)
Episode 64
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 01:13:22
Today, I sit down with Arthur Brooks, a renowned social scientist and happiness expert, for a deep dive into the realms of meaning, faith, and love. Our conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and personal growth. From discussing the evolutionary roots of our search for meaning to examining the role of faith in modern life, this episode challenges conventional wisdom and offers fresh perspectives on age-old questions.
We cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of boredom in fostering creativity, the dangers of political activism as a substitute for religion, and the keys to a successful marriage. Arthur shares insights from his work with the Dalai Lama, explains why young men are increasingly turning to religion, and offers advice on finding meaning in a world dominated by technology. Whether you're grappling with questions of faith, seeking to understand the nature of love, or simply looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life, this conversation will leave you with plenty to ponder and explore further.
Arthur’s latest book with Oprah Winfrey: Build the Life You Want: https://www.amazon.com/Build-Life-You-Want-Science-ebook/dp/B0C38FCTJC
All of Arthur’s books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arthur-C.-Brooks/author/B001HOU7RE
Arthur’s online workshop: https://www.scienceofhappier.com/
Arthur’s newsletter: https://arthurbrooks.com/newsletter
Arthur’s column in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/projects/how-build-life/
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Chapters:
0:12 Arthur and Mark's failed music careers6:28 Trading meaning for acclaim11:41 How to live a more meaningful life19:28 Is finding meaning a 1st world problem?22:27 The role of religion and/or spirituality25:43 The meaning struggle for young men and women29:44 Is religion making a comeback?37:48 What's love got to do with it?45:12 The case for religious/spiritual practice49:58 Healthy forms of spirituality55:22 Dealing with toxic people59:52 Spotting the people who will bring you down1:02:44 Marriage and meaning
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Building Real Confidence, The Motivation Puzzle, and Understanding All Your “Parts”
Episode 63
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 • Duration 52:18
Drew comes in hot today as we dig into the nitty gritty of confidence and motivation. We explore the counterintuitive idea that true confidence doesn't come from expecting success, but from being comfortable with failure. If you've ever struggled with self-doubt or felt demotivated despite external achievements, this episode might just change your perspective.
We start by dissecting what I call the "Confidence Conundrum" and how it applies to various aspects of life, from business to relationships. Then, we challenge some long-held beliefs about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, discussing research that questions the idea that external rewards always undermine our natural interests. We wrap up with a thought-provoking exploration of Internal Family Systems theory and how understanding the different "parts" of our psyche can lead to greater self-integration. This is a grab bag episode that we had a lot of fun with, so I hope you enjoy it.
Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
Chapters:
00:00 Drew comes in hot00:53 The F*ck of the Week: Confidence21:55 Brilliant or Bullsh*t: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation42:44 Q&A: What do you think of "parts work"?
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Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery , used with permission from Periphery.
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