Leadership Lessons From The Great Books
Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

Leadership Toolbox Podcast Network

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Episodes

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Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.

Recent Episodes

The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton w/Neal Kalechofsky & Jesan Sorrells
APR 1, 2026
The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton w/Neal Kalechofsky & Jesan Sorrells
The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton ---This episode dives into G.K. Chesterton’s novel The Man Who Was Thursday, exploring its psychedelic narrative twists, literary influences, and enduring philosophical questions for leaders. Jesan Sorrells and guest Neal Kalechofsky discuss Chesterton’s critique of nihilism and anarchy, the book’s connections to figures like Nietzsche and Tolkien, and the challenge of retaining moral clarity in an age saturated by distraction and technology. They reflect on the power of literature to transmit subversive ideas, the legacy of Western tradition, and the importance of rooting leadership in deeper values rather than fleeting trends.Book Title: The Man Who Was ThursdayAuthor: G.K. ChestertonGuests: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Neal Kalechofsky (Guest)---Time Stamped Overview---00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Man Who Was Thursday.05:30 Discussing G.K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday.15:41 Watching Benny Hill before school.18:17 The psychedelic ending explained.25:23 Will there ever be another Tolkien?28:53 How we pigeonhole people.34:50 How the internet changed TV.41:59 Explaining Gabriel Syme’s investigation.43:03 Gregory explains his anarchist beliefs.48:13 History of anarchism and influence.57:00 Discussing anarchists in Chesterton's time.59:03 Discussing moral dilemmas in Dark Knight.01:04:29 Hannah Arendt and the Eichmann trial.01:12:48 Chesterton's views on anarchy.01:19:23 Chesterton on class and physicality.01:23:43 Podcasting and discussing theories.01:29:37 Exploring the dark side of leadership.01:34:58 Training with a higher-ranked partner.01:40:05 Early comic influences and changes.01:44:30 Marvel's rise in popular culture.01:47:00 Listening to music on vinyl.01:53:36 Staying on the Path with The Man Who Was Thursday.---Opening theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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119 MIN
The Third Man by Graham Greene w/Jesan Sorrells & Ryan J. Stout
MAR 18, 2026
The Third Man by Graham Greene w/Jesan Sorrells & Ryan J. Stout
The Third Man by Graham Greene---Exploring Graham Greene’s postwar classic, The Third Man, Jesan Sorrells and Ryan J. Stout unravel the psychology of unreliable narrators, leadership in times of nihilism, and the timeless challenge of ethical decision-making amid a world of grifters and cons. They dive into Greene’s cinematic writing style, his nuanced character portrayals, and how postwar Vienna mirrors our own era of skepticism and manipulation. The conversation draws out practical leadership lessons—particularly the need for sincerity and humility—in a landscape shaped by both history and human nature.Book Title: The Third ManAuthor: Graham GreeneGuests: Jesan Sorrells (host), Ryan J. Stout (guest).---Time-Stamped Overview---00:00 "The Myth of Modern Nihilism."07:55 Graham Greene's Mastery of Characterization.12:38 "Relatable Characters and the Appeal of Dark Humor."20:30 "Graham Greene's Cinematic Legacy."24:03 "Post-War Struggles and Black Markets."31:58 Post-War Deals, Distrust, and Vienna.34:01 "Vienna's Loss and Legacy in The Third Man."39:21 "Friendship, Loneliness, and Keen Observation."48:00 "Observations, Language, and Hidden Motives."54:59 "AI Scams: Bots and Deception."59:01 "Children, Leadership, Ethics, and Modern Challenges."01:04:17 "Making Others Feel Heard & Valued."01:06:28 "Critiquing the 'Citizen of the World' Ideal."01:12:01 "Finding Meaningful and Spiritual Connections."01:18:18 "Harry Lime’s Iconic Ferris Wheel Scene."01:26:27 "Recognizing Transformation Through Self-Love."01:29:33 "The Importance of Open-Minded Humility."01:37:47 "Moral Choices, Lost Knowledge, and Invention."01:42:29 Defending Free Speech and Objective Truth.01:45:51 "Film Versions and Orson Welles Radio."---Opening theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.---Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON!Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!--- ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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110 MIN