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
EPISODE #1,000! Rules for the Modern Man
The Epic Adventures of America’s Forgotten Mountain Man
Dad's Essential Role in Making Kids Awesome
The Laws of Connection — The Scientific Secrets of Building Stronger Relationships
Remembering D-Day 80 Years Later
Why You're So Bad at Giving and Receiving Compliments (And How to Fix That)
A Guide to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Tactics and Mindset Shifts for Making the Most of Life
The Shadows Over Men's Hearts and How to Fight Them
Patton and the Bulge: Blood, Guts, and Prayer
Embracing the Strive State
The Dude's Guide to Laundry: How to Save Time, Money, and Your Wardrobe
How to Get Better at Anything
Of Strength and Soul — Exploring the Philosophy of Physical Fitness
The No-BS Secrets of Success
How to Eliminate the Two Biggest Sources of Financial Stress
The Secret World of Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Why Your Memory Seems Bad (It’s Not Just Age)
Grid-Down Medicine — A Guide for When Help Is NOT on the Way
Skills Over Pills
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free