You're probably familiar with the mythological tale of Hercules (or "Heracles" as the hero was originally called) from books, comics, and movies. But while Hercules is often rendered as a kind of one-dimensional superhero in popular culture, my guest today argues that he's actually quite a complex character, and that the story of how he completed twelve epic labors has a lot to teach us about endurance, revenge, mental illness, violence, punishment, trauma, bereavement, friendship, love, and masculinity.
His name is Laurence Alison, and he's a forensic psychologist and an expert in interrogation, who's created a written and oral retelling of the classic myth. At the start of the show, Laurence shares how he's been using the story of the twelve labors of Hercules to facilitate reflection and discussion amongst military personnel and first responders, and how the labors can provide life insights for everyone. We then dig into the details of many of the labors of Hercules, from slaying a lion to cleaning out stables, and discuss what they can teach us about grappling with life's highs and lows, and what it means to be a man.
Resources Related to the Podcast
Find Laurence Alison's Hercules Retellings
#633: The World and Vision of Lakota Medicine Man Black Elk
#632: How the Internet Makes Our Minds Shallow
#631: How to Prevent and Survive a Home Invasion
#630: The Strategy Paradox
#629: Why We Swim
#628: The Rise of Secular Religion and the New Puritanism
#627: How to Deal With Jerks, Bullies, Tyrants, and Trolls
#626: How to Declutter Every Aspect of Your Work Life
#625: The Code of the Warrior
#624: The Crazy, Forgotten Story of America's First Fitness Influencer
#479: Becoming a Digital Minimalist [RE-BROADCAST]
#623: How to Make Better Decisions by Thinking Like a Rocket Scientist
#622: How to Simplify Your Life and Get Off the Grid
#621: The Causes and Cures of Childhood Anxiety
#620: How to Deal With Life's Regrets
#619: What Driving Tells Us About Agency, Skill, and Freedom
#618: Finding Connection in a Lonely World
#617: What It's Like to Go to Army Ranger School
#616: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling
#615: How to Develop Authentic Gravitas
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Maverick Show with Matt Bowles