The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Sebastian Junger not only wrote The Perfect Storm which inspired the movie starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, but he has written arguably the best book and produced the best documentary about men in war. He has just released Tribe, which begins as a look at soldiers returning from war and becomes a wise, insightful examination of how modern society works against community, belonging and even the idea of home. Stephen believes that Junger’s new book fits perfectly with what he has been saying to men for many years and with his own upcoming book, Building Your Band of Brothers. Tribe is an essential summer read and Stephen's review in this podcast will make you eager to get it and devour it. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘']

Just in time for the start of summer, Stephen lists his favorite podcasts. You’ll learn all about what he listens to that helps him understand politics better, that helps him be a better man, that helps him with his spiritual life, and that even helps him use his Apple technology more skillfully. You’ll learn how to learn more enjoyably in this romp through Stephen’s list of some of the best podcasts available: MacMost Now EntreLeadership Podcast The Art of Manliness The McLaughlin Group NPR Politics Backstory with the American History Guys Stuff You Missed in History Class Stuff You Should Know [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘'] [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Giuseppe Milo on Flickr[/custom_font]

Greatness is often associated today with wealth, talent and fame. Yet the great lives of history reveal a different story. True greatness comes from defending a defenseless people, giving voice to those who have no voice, or helping to strengthen the weak. In this sense, greatness comes not from fame, talent nor wealth, but rather from giving oneself to a people or cause without hope of personal gain. In this podcast, Stephen explores this theme and urges us all to ponder our opportunities to invest in lives other than our own. True greatness, he believes, is in reach for all of us. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘'] [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Emily Pidgeon[/custom_font]

Summer’s here, and that means it’s time for Stephen’s summer reading list. From historical fiction to politically-charged social narrative, tune in to get turned on to the best available books for the summer season. Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging: Sebastian Junger Between the World and Me: Ta-Nehisi Coates Necessary Endings: Henry Cloud The Tribune: Patrick Larkin Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity from Our Presidential Candidates: Stephen Mansfield Mansfield's Book of Manly Men: Stephen Mansfield [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘'] [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of cyn on Flickr[/custom_font]

In one of our nation's most notable—and most brutal—primary elections, the verdict seems to be out: Donald Trump on the right vs. Hillary Clinton on the left. So what does that mean for you? In this informative episode, Stephen lays out what is (probably) to come for the remaining months in terms of the faiths, platforms and political strategies of two very disliked candidates. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘'] [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of DonkeyHotey on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen is often asked how a person who can’t write or who doesn’t have time to write can get their story on the page. Well, there are firms that specialize in helping people get their story told, their information recounted engagingly, even their family histories captured for generations yet unborn. One of these firms is headed by Beverly Mansfield. In this podcast, Stephen interviews Beverly about this sometimes overlooked part of the publishing industry, a part increasing numbers of people today are thrilled to discover. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘']   [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']Image by Isaac Darnall[/custom_font]

In a continuation of his last podcast, Stephen explores the biggest lessons he learned from speaking at a TED event. As he states it, "We are living in a knowledge revolution and the future belongs to those skilled in self-education.” Stephen urges us to understand the revolution we are living through and to use it to both succeed in our professions and to enjoy life more fully. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘'] [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of TEDx GeorgeMasonU on Flickr[/custom_font]

Stephen recently spoke at a TED event and learned a great deal about effective speaking. He also learned a great deal about how to improve his own approach to speaking. In this humorous but insightful podcast, he lists the lessons he learned and describes how we can all apply those lessons to our own communicating: 1) You Can Always Get Better; 2) Brevity is Best; 3) Clarity is Everything; 4) Flood the Senses; 5) Practice Sets You Free; 6) Packaging Pays; and 7) Know the One Thing. Check out Stephen's pro video-series on public speaking: 12 Truths About Speaking for Leaders on GreatLeaders.TV     [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘']   [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of TEDx GeorgeMasonU on Flickr[/custom_font]

The numbers don’t lie. Sure, they might change often or dramatically depending on unforeseen circumstances, but for the most part we can use big data and simple statistics to predict the most likely outcome of the presidential primary elections. Stephen does not profess the ability to prophesy by any means, but in this episode he lays out the hard numbers and the brass tax regarding what to expect from the remainder of the primary season. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘'] [custom_font font_family='Open Sans' font_size='11' line_height='26' font_style='none' text_align='left' font_weight='300' color='' background_color='' text_decoration='none' text_shadow='no' padding='0px' margin='0px']CC image courtesy of Ali Zifan on Wikipedia[/custom_font]

No novelist has influenced Stephen as did Pat Conroy, author of moving, mystical tales like The Great Santini, Prince of Tides, The Water is Wide and Lords of Discipline. In this tribute, Stephen describes how Conroy’s life, themes and literary voice have shaped him. [button size='large' style='' text='SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES' icon='' icon_color='' link='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephen-mansfield-podcast/id433416409?mt=2?mt=2' target='_blank' color='' hover_color='' border_color='' hover_border_color='' background_color='' hover_background_color='' font_style='normal' font_weight='' text_align='center' margin=‘']