Books for Men

🎙 In part three, Douglas Vigliotti continues the four-part series by overviewing Principles #9, #10, #11, and #12 from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the screen an...

🎙 In part two, Douglas Vigliotti provides an overview of Principles #5, #6, #7, and #8 from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the screen and stage—the same stories yo...

🎙 In part one, Douglas Vigliotti discusses the first four principles from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the screen and stage—the same stories you stream and watch...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of October 2024, discussing the classic literary novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the pragmatic acting guide "True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor" by David Mamet, and the literary noir novel "The Rope Artist" by Fuminori Nakamura. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is a great starter ep...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores “The Rope Artist” by Fuminori Nakamura, an acclaimed Japanese author whose noir-tinged literary fiction delves into the dark underbelly of the human psyche. Vigliotti delves into the author's lack of appeal in the United States, distinctive minimalistic style, and powerful usage of metaphor—in this case, ropes, tethering people to their pasts and struggles. Nakamura co...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the pragmatic acting guide “True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor” by David Mamet, sharing 17 essential quotes and how this reference book holds profound implications for anyone seeking to live more authentically. Discover how Mamet's unorthodox and hard-edged wisdom can transform the way you approach your role in the world. Tap into your inner actor...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the acclaimed classic “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a story of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan and the American Dream. Tracing the complexities of social class, wealth, and the very essence of the American spirit, this literary masterpiece remains a timeless testament to the allure and fragility of the human conditio...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of September 2024, discussing the emotional crime novel "Mystic River" by Dennis Lehane, the philosophical work "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi, the novel and film adaptation of "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk, and the memoir "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the thought-provoking memoir “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who powerfully explores the profound questions of meaning, purpose, and mortality that arise when the young doctor faces his own terminal illness. Through Kalanithi's deeply personal and eloquent writing, listeners are confronted with the existential challenges of what it means to...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the cult classic "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk, a transgressive, minimalistic literary novel that inspired the now-iconic film of the same name. Discover how this story of an unnamed protagonist battling himself and societal norms became a defining work of 90s art and literature. Delve into the book's enduring themes of masculinity, mental health, loneliness, and d...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the powerful wisdom of legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi in “The Book of Five Rings," a philosophical work on combat strategy that offers profound insights applicable to life beyond the battlefield. Uncover Musashi's teachings on both the physical and mental aspects of swordsmanship and discover how his Zen-like approach to understanding one's opponents can unlock new...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the gritty, emotional world of “Mystic River” by Dennis Lehane, a Boston crime novel about friendship, loyalty, and trauma that seamlessly blends drama and mystery. Learn why the adaptation to film was so successful, and why Lehane's distinctive "crime with heart" style is a rarity in today's literary landscape. “Mystic River” is a masterclass in storytelling and a m...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of August 2024, discussing the Stoic classic "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, the literary novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan, and the foundational Buddhist text “The Dhammapada” translated by Eknath Easwaran. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is a great starter for new listeners and readers seeking...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the spiritual and philosophical work, "The Dhammapada," translated by Eknath Easwaran. He delves into the core teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path (aka The Dharma Wheel), offering insights into the myth of Siddhartha and the applicability of Buddhist principles for anyone. With thought-provoking quotes from Buddha, this episode...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan. Through 13 interconnected stories (mostly) centered around New York City and rock and roll, the book explores the themes of lost innocence, change, and impermanence. Vigliotti praises Egan's ability to weave together different voices, perspectives, and timelines, creating a compelling and...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the timeless wisdom of "Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. With a focus on the core tenets of his philosophy and Stoicism, Vigliotti explores the principles of willing acceptance, unselfish action, and objective judgment in navigating life's challenges. Join him as he uncovers practical insights, philosophical gems, and key quotes that will inspire men to live with pur...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of July 2024, discussing the memoir "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion, the novels "Be Brief and Tell Them Everything" by Brad Listi and “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt, and a special edition episode that delves into the debate of listening to audiobooks versus reading books. With quick summaries and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is a...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into the captivating world of "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. He explores the book's mysterious and suspenseful narrative, masterful characterization, and pitch-perfect embodiment of a Greek tragedy. With insightful takeaways on the dangers of longing for elite status and the duality of beauty, this episode is a thought-provoking exploration of a literary masterpiec...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into the modern debate of listening to audiobooks versus reading books. With seven compelling reasons why listening is not the same as reading, Vigliotti challenges listeners to consider the unique qualities and intimate experience that only reading books can provide. From novels to nonfiction, prepare to question your own reading habits and gain a deeper appreciation fo...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the National Book Award-winning memoir “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. Drawing on Didion’s heartfelt story of losing her husband and daughter in the same year and her subtle yet piercing writing style, Vigliotti delves into themes of grief, loss, and the idea that stories we tell ourselves shape our perceptions, emotions, and lives, raising the importan...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the book "Be Brief and Tell Them Everything" by Brad Listi. With a focus on brevity and honesty, Listi, host of the literary podcast Otherppl, explores the uncertainty of a creative life, parenting a child with disabilities, and the challenges of writers and artists living in a modern overexposed world. Join Vigliotti as he shares three key takeaways from this though...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of June 2024, discussing the novel "Trust" by Hernan Diaz, which explores themes of wealth, power, and the distortion of truth, the biography "Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson, highlighting 20 life lessons that can be learned from the iconic Renaissance artist, and lastly, an interview “From the Vault” of his previous podcast, with negotiation expert Herb...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti shares an interview “From the Vault” of his previous podcast “It’s Not What It Seems”, with negotiation expert Herb Cohen, who has advised US Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Cohen shares his insights and experiences negotiating everything from personal relationships to business deals, like mergers and acquisitions, to terrorist and host...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the biography “Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson, delving into Leonardo’s art, theories, techniques, and 20 life lessons we can learn from the creative genius himself. From embracing curiosity and retaining a childlike sense of wonder to relying on experience and avoiding silos, Vigliotti shares the secrets behind Leonardo's artistic brilliance and most famous work...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Trust" by Hernan Diaz. With themes of wealth, marriage, and the distortion of truth, Vigliotti discusses the captivating exploration of power, influence, and the super-rich’s ability to bend reality, warp relationships, and shape history. Discover the intricate structure, unique style, and thought-provoking questions that make this n...