🎙 In the inaugural episode of "Sh*t I Tell My Friends", Douglas Vigliotti introduces a candid advice format inspired by real conversations with friends, while tackling the very concept of “advice” itself. He discusses the pitfalls of generic advice, emphasizing the importance of understanding who’s giving guidance and why. Vigliotti shares personal insights, highlights the value of vulnerability, and encourages listeners to be discerning about advice, inviting them to reach out if/when needed. He also outlines the podcast’s future focus on fiction for 2026.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #278 | Special Edition: “One Plus One Doesn’t Equal Two” (+ Big Updates for 2026)!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the new "Sh*t I Tell My Friends" advice series and outlines upcoming podcast changes for 2026.
• Newsletter and Podcast Companion Info (01:39) - Details about the monthly companion newsletter, including episode summaries, book info, and how to sign up.
• Purpose and Format of the Advice Column (03:02) - Douglas explains the intent behind the advice column, emphasizing honesty, vulnerability, and the experimental nature of the format.
• Episode Length and Experimental Nature (04:09) - Notes on expected shorter episode lengths and the evolving, experimental approach to this new series.
• Douglas’s Philosophy on Advice (05:07) - Douglas shares his view that most advice is just personal projection, not tailored to the recipient’s situation.
• The Problem with Most Advice (06:21) - Explains why advice often fails, highlighting the lack of context and empathy from advice-givers.
• The Need for Direction and Choosing Advisors (07:33) - Discusses society’s desire for direction, the risks of following the wrong people, and the importance of knowing your advisors.
• Quotes on Advice and Friendship (08:35) - Shares relevant quotes from Don Draper and Solon about advice, friendship, and the value of private support.
• Closing Remarks and Contact Information (09:49) - Wraps up the episode with reminders on how to subscribe, contact Douglas, and learn more about his book and the podcast.

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti kicks off 2026 by spotlighting Jonathan Lethem’s crime novel "Motherless Brooklyn." Vigliotti explores Lethem’s genre-blending career and the book’s unique and inventive protagonist, Lionel Essrog, a private investigator with Tourette’s syndrome. He discusses the novel’s plot, themes of found family, mentorship, loyalty, reinvention, and embracing differences, sharing favorite quotes and personal reflections. The episode also highlights the importance of not underestimating people and judging them by appearances.

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #97: Lush Life | Richard Price!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Host introduces the podcast, episode, featured book, and companion newsletter.
• About Jonathan Lethem (01:08) - Overview of Lethem’s career, genres, notable works, and writing style.
• Lethem’s Career & Writing Risks (02:08) - Discussion on authors taking stylistic risks, financial realities, and Lethem’s teaching role.
• Detective Story & Film Adaptation (03:15) - Introduction to "Motherless Brooklyn" as a detective story and its 2019 film adaptation.
• Plot Overview & Main Character (04:09) - Summary of the book’s plot, protagonist Lionel Shrag, and unique elements like Tourette’s.
• Themes & Character Analysis (05:12) - Exploration of themes: found family, mentorship, loyalty, difference, and reinvention.
• Favorite Quotes & Their Meaning (08:37)- Host shares and analyzes favorite quotes, focusing on character relationships and underestimated qualities.
• Closing Remarks & Contact Info (10:49) - Host wraps up, promotes his book, and shares ways to connect and subscribe.

🎙 In this special year-end episode of "Books for Men," host Douglas Vigliotti shares his pop-up piece "One Plus One Doesn’t Equal Two" and reflects on embracing uncertainty and mystery in life. Vigliotti announces major updates for 2026: the podcast will focus exclusively on fiction, with a new "Advice for Men" series on alternate weeks. He discusses the unique value of fiction in an AI-driven world and encourages listeners to find meaning beyond facts. Or as Vigliotti calls it in the essay, “…life’s ultimate task and skill.”

✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!

⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.

🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.

⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.

🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #233 | Morning, Boys. How’s the Water?—The Life-Changing Importance of David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Commencement Speech ‘This Is Water’!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

• Introduction to the Special Edition Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the episode, explains its special format, and reminds listeners about the monthly companion newsletter.
• Year-End Reflections and the Importance of Checkpoints (01:19) - Douglas reflects on the significance of the New Year as a time to reset and recalibrate, especially for adults.
• Big Podcast Updates for 2026: Fiction Focus (02:16) - Announcement that the podcast will focus exclusively on fiction books in 2026, with rare exceptions for creative nonfiction.
• Why Fiction Matters in the Age of AI (03:38) - Douglas discusses the unique value of fiction versus nonfiction, especially as AI makes information more accessible.
• Advice for Men Series Announcement (04:45) - Introduction of a new series, "Advice for Men," to be featured on alternate weeks in 2026.
• Episode Structure for 2026 (05:50) - Explanation of the new alternating format: one week fiction, the next week advice for men.
• Pop-Up Piece Introduction: “One Plus One Doesn't Equal Two” (05:50) - Douglas introduces and contextualizes his pop-up piece, inspired by a visit to the Met and a Jackson Pollock painting.
• Reading of "One Plus One Doesn't Equal Two" (07:06) - Douglas reads his reflective essay on uncertainty, art, knowledge, and the metaphorical nature of life.
• Reflections on the Piece and Closing Thoughts (09:45) - Douglas connects the piece to the episode’s themes, thanks listeners, and encourages subscribing and connecting.
• Contact Information and Final Reminders (10:50) - Douglas shares how to reach him via Instagram or his website, and reminds listeners about the newsletter.