We just started talking. No Intro!
Mark brings up human nature. He suggests that men and women have unique natures as well
He says recognizing and acknowledging human nature is necessary as part of any discussion of behavior
Jim asks Mark his opinion about homosexuality
Mark shares his ignorance and his opinion as well as his curiosity
Mark brings up the Catholic Church
Jim shares his significant skepticism about the Catholic church, but he doesn't want to go any deeper
So Mark shifts the topic to "standing". Who has it, how we give it to people and how it impedes our progress
He say we're all judgmental and that it's also part of human nature
He brings up toxic bosses and personal accountability
Jim brings up unconscious bias and the evolution of the podcast from a point of self awareness
Jim shares his recent experience at a "Green build" event
How did we all become "activists"?
Mark says he thinks it comes from a need to belong and how human nature produces this need to belong to something
Jim brings back up agency and specifically writing a book. He thinks all men have a story/book in them. Jim thinks this "contribution" need is also part of our nature
Jim thinks it's more a male than female need
Mark thinks this is an interesting conversation
Jim thinks men do things "in silence" and he ties that into one of the purposes of the Imperfect Mens Club
Mark reflects on his own sensitivity. The disadvantages and the advantages. Jim looks for clarity about his sensitivity and Mark shares how his sensitivity has been a double edged sword
Jim identifies what he thinks is the important part of being sensitive. It's good, unless it keeps you from being functional
Sensitivity and weakness are NOT the same
Jim shares a story - about conversation with a woman, "don't take it so personal"…"I take everything personal"
Jim challenged her and she got a bit defensive and awkward
Jim says he thinks we get softer as we age and Mark suggests some people do and some don't
You get bitter or you get better
Mark loves the topic of sensitivity
Jim says to be good at something you have to be sensitive to feedback
Jim quotes about being respected versus liked
Mark shares his experience seeing a quote from Al Capone about weakness
Mark goes back to Jim's point about being functional. Weakness is a problem when it keeps you from functioning
Jim calls this "hypersensitivity"
Mark shares his perspective on the different "stages" or "chapters" in his life and how he needed to adjust as life evolved
He moved around a bit confused about his sensitivity
Mark observes how he's seen Jim evolve too
"A good human is going to evolve"
The other choice is misery. Bitter and better
Jim. "We are all actors in the theater of life"
Jim agrees - different roles at different stages
Mark shifts to his recent "Out of body experience with a sound healing session"
Both guys appreciate the topic and share their respective opinions about it
Mark had 4 out of body experiences at 4 different ages of his life. He likens it to dreaming
Mark was inclined to share his experience with certain friends, including Jim
Mark talks about how this kind of event can be really great…or much less so
Jim talks about Steve Job's experience with meditative reflection and success
Mark talks about his different reflections on different protocols of self reflection, like his breath work. He reflects on the time he went looking for a church and a yoga studio and the importance of resonating with instructors
Jim shares more quotes
Fast - alone. Far - go together
"Don't become addicted to your own struggles"
"Everything is hard. If it's not hard, you're not trying hard enough
Mark - "It's the Cool thing about wisdom". Anyone can be wise and say wise things in different ways
Mark talks about getting advice from friends. Nice versus kind
Jim cautions about getting advice from friends and family…"some of the worst advice you can get"
Mark agrees but takes a slightly different approach. His father's opinion about starting his own company
