Pour It On

In this episode, Ben, Chris, and Shaun dive deep into the evolving dynamics of communicating with their children as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The hosts explore the profound lessons young adults teach us, emphasizing the value of their unclouded, pragmatic perspectives. The conversation also tackles the struggle of stepping back—shifting from the parental urge to give unsolicited...

In this one-year anniversary episode of Pour It On , Chris, Shaun, and Ben dive deep into the often-misunderstood concept of regret. Moving past the modern "toxic positivity" trope of living with "no regrets," the hosts explore how looking backward with a critical eye can actually serve a pragmatic, evolutionary purpose. By analyzing counterfactual thinking, the trio unpacks the difference between...

In a special crossover episode for our Pour It On listeners, we are revisiting one of our favorite conversations from our sister podcast, If You've Come This Far . Before Ben Feller joined Chris and Shaun as a co-host on PIO, he was a repeat guest on IYCTF. In this extended interview, we catch up with the former Chief White House Correspondent for the Associated Press to explore the humbling, empi...

In this episode of Pour It On , Shaun, Ben, and Chris tackle the friction between objective reality and our own subjective lenses. Triggered by a famous quote on human perception, the guys dive into the complex and often messy dilemma of choosing between standing your ground to be "right" and conceding to preserve a valued relationship. Applying pragmatism to everyday conflicts, the co-hosts unpac...

In this episode, hosts Ben Feller, Chris Lozier, and Sean Emerson dive into the societal expectations of masculinity and the "burden" of expressing vulnerability. Sparked by NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s recent public displays of emotion, the trio explores why men often feel the need to apologize for showing tears of joy or sadness. The conversation moves from the hardwood of the NBA to personal re...

In this episode of Pour It On , Chris recounts his recent 30-year reunion with his fellow submarine officers from the USS Trepang. The trio explores if/how "shared intensity"--whether in the isolated, high-stakes environment of a fast-attack submarine or the high-pressure "bubble" of the White House--creates a permanent, unique bond that survives decades of silence. The conversation dives into the...

In this episode of Pour It On , Shaun, Ben, and Chris gather on a Saturday morning to explore the elusive nature of wisdom . Moving beyond simple definitions, the trio discusses how wisdom differs from mere intelligence and why it is so often rooted in humility and lived experience. The conversation starts with a classic analogy—knowing a tomato is a fruit versus knowing not to put it in a fruit s...

In this episode, the trio dives into the multifaceted nature of life transitions , sparked by Ben's recent move to a new job at age 55. They explore the emotional spectrum of change—ranging from the initial spark of excitement to the "deep gulp" of uncertainty that comes with stepping into the unknown. The conversation contrasts the feeling of being the instigator of change versus having transitio...

In this episode, we delve into the profound topic of grief, sharing our personal experiences with loss and exploring the complexities of navigating emotions associated with it. We discuss the different models of grief, the impermanence of life, and how children perceive and react to loss. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about grief and the necessity of support systems d...

In this episode, Shaun, Ben, and Chris discuss the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. They share their experiences of cherishing alone time and how it can be a source of joy, the impact of the pandemic on human connection, how technology can both help and hinder connection, how loneliness can be exacerbated by societal expectations and the importance of intentionality in maintainin...

Ben is the host for the latest episode and he asks the question, "What makes a healthy life?" The guys explore the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being healthy. They discuss joy, connection, hiking, stress management, mindfulness, push-ups and cold showers, cocktails, Baskin Robbins ice cream (Banana Marshmallow?), the power of discipline and routinization, balance, and more.

Chris hosts this episode exploring the Henry Ford heuristic, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." The guys delve into mindset as a factor for success and personal growth, taking on cooking (brownie pudding!), being in a slump, Monty Python, Ina Garten, Yoda, directing traffic and more.

In the first episode of 2026, hosts Ben, Chris, and Shaun discuss their experiences with fame and legacy. Prompted by Shaun's wife and daughter's attendance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the guys discuss the lure and the "bubble" of fame. They share anecdotes of run-ins with famous folks and Ben's work in the ultimate bubble, the White House. They debate the impact of fame on pe...

In this episode, Ben, Shaun, and Chris discuss the concept of life's chapters, reflecting on past experiences and current reflections. They explore how men of a certain age navigate life transitions, emphasizing the importance of being aware of one's current chapter and when it's time to move on. The conversation highlights the value of continuous improvement, personal fulfillment, and the importa...

In this episode, Chris is the host and the topic is time. The boys discuss the importance of time as the real currency of life, sharing personal anecdotes about how they prioritize their time. They delve into the value of being present, especially in family and work contexts, and how their perspectives on time management have evolved with age. The conversation highlights the significance of intent...

In this episode, the guys explore "gambling on life," risk-taking, and its impact on society. The conversation delves into the broader implications of risk, including its psychological and societal effects. They share personal anecdotes and the importance of taking calculated risks in life and career. The discussion emphasizes the balance between risk and reward, and the value of taking chances in...

In this episode, the guys explore "gambling in life" and risk-taking, including its psychological and societal effects. They share personal anecdotes, and the importance of taking calculated risks in life and career. The discussion emphasizes the balance between risk and reward, and the value of taking chances in personal growth and connection.

In the 10th episode, Ben, Chris, and Shaun discuss the challenges of turning big problems into manageable ones. Ben reflects on his children's book, "Big Problems, Little Problems," and its impact on his life and others. They also explore the concept of role modeling problem-solving and the significance of empathy and resilience. Each of the guys share personal anecdotes, highlighting the importan...

Chris hosts this episode and focuses on the concept of essentialism, as outlined in Greg McEwan's book of the same name.. They discuss people pleasing, learning to say no to non-essential tasks, the challenge of essentialism in a culture that glorifies busyness, the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and aligning personal and professional goals, and more.

In this episode, Shaun hosts and is wondering whether every "conversation" is either one based in love or based in fear and can you love everyone. With this theme, the boys explore the nuances of love, fear, the impact of small acts of kindness, a great day of football, the definition of love, the value of genuine connection and selflessness, and more.

In this episode, hosted by Chris, the guys discuss the issue of "social capital" the focus of Robert Putnam's book "Bowling Alone" and Pete Davis' documentary "Join or Die." They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of community and authentic connections. They explore how technology, particularly social media, has disrupted traditional forms of social interaction, the need for...

In episode 6, Ben tees up the issue of "bro culture." They explore the difference between being a man and a bro, defining bro culture as hyper-masculine behaviors. They cover the x-y axis of masculinity, being male vs. being human, quiche, the power of conditioning, Superman, and more.

In episode five of "Pour It On," Shaun, Ben, and Chris discuss the pressures and challenges of living in a monetized world. Ben emphasizes the importance of financial security and the stress of comparison in New York City. Chris shares his struggles with the "arrival fallacy" and the pressure to maintain status. They all agree on the importance of balancing financial stability with personal fulfil...

In this episode of the "Pour It On" podcast, hosts Ben Feller, Shaun Emerson, and Chris Lozier discuss the pressures and expectations men face in their daily lives. They explore how societal and personal expectations can impact mental health and well-being. Ben shares his struggle with daily tasks and the pressure to be productive, while Shaun and Chris emphasize the importance of living in the mo...

In this episode of Pour It On , Chris, Ben, and Shaun dive into the timeless question: What advice would we give to our 10-year-old selves? Join us as we explore personal stories, lessons learned, and the wisdom we've gained over the years. From embracing freedom and relaxation to fostering a positive mindset, we share insights that we hope may resonate across generations. Tune in for a heartfelt...