Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
---
Exploring Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, hosts unpack the dangers of self-deception and the challenge of living with integrity as a leader. They analyze how self-awareness without mastery leads to alienation, the importance of matching words with actions, and the societal consequences of habitual lying. The episode weaves Dostoevsky’s legacy with real-world leadership, discussing how courage and honest self-examination are vital in modern organizations.

• Book Title: Notes from Underground
• Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Guest Hosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Dr. Hana Kabele Gala (Guest)

---
Time Stamped Overview
---
00:00 The enduring power of truth

06:38 Introducing Co-Host Dr. Hana Kabele Gala

12:52 Discussing Dostoyevsky's challenging books

20:55 Living and writing in Arkansas

22:52 Dostoevsky's productivity and inspirations

30:58 Dr. Hana Kabele Gala's Internship with Vaclav Havel

33:44 Christianity and modern evangelicalism

40:04 Dealing with societal challenges

48:26 Navigating choices as a leader

52:46 Discussing moral courage and context

56:37 Struggling with self-identity

01:03:10 Discussion on storytelling and conflict

01:09:16 Meaningless corporate mission statements

01:12:17 AI's impact on middle management

01:20:07 Mentoring and coaching team members

01:22:51 Putting aside self-righteousness

01:29:04 Seeking constructive feedback

01:36:46 Money and social status in Russia

01:42:45 American perception of wealth and class

01:45:33 Comparing serfdom and chattel slavery

01:53:27 American Christianity's future challenges

01:57:30 Lessons from Dostoevsky's characters

---

• Dr. Hana Kabele Gala Substack, Tough Cookies - https://hanakabelegala.substack.com/
• Dr. Hana Kabele Gala LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanakabelegala/
• Dr. Hana Kabele Gala Website - https://www.rtncwithhana.com/
• The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck - https://www.amazon.com/Way-Integrity-Finding-Path-Your/dp/1984881507/
• On Bullshit by Harry Frankfurt - https://www.amazon.com/Bullshit-Harry-G-Frankfurt/

---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Leaders, can I get a witness?
---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov
---
Exploring the surreal world of Vladimir Nabokov's Invitation to a Beheading, Jesan Sorrells and Claire Chandler analyze the novel’s absurdist critique of totalitarianism and the societal pressures for conformity. They examine Nabokov’s literary style, the challenge of translating Russian nuance into English, and how the narrative’s exploration of meaning, individuality, and truth remains relevant for modern leaders. The episode draws powerful connections between the search for meaning in the 20th and 21st centuries, the impact of technological noise, and the leader’s responsibility to pursue authenticity in an increasingly absurd world.

• Book Title: Invitation to a Beheading
• Author: Vladimir Nabokov
• Guest Names: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Claire Chandler (Guest)

---
Time-Stamped Overview
---
00:00 Discussing influential dystopian literature

11:20 Discussing Nabokov's complex themes

13:03 Nabokov and totalitarian regimes

22:52 Discussing the book's translation challenges

24:25 Discussing multilingual communication challenges

29:04 Discussion on Cincinnatus's imprisonment

37:35 Bringing Jungian myth to academia

43:36 Russian writers and dystopian themes

49:18 Moving furniture and family tensions

51:06 Cincinnatus C. helps move furniture

01:01:30 Choosing truth over conformity

01:06:42 Local debate over data centers

01:12:31 Finding clarity amidst distractions

01:16:12 Deconstruction and authority confusion

01:20:41 Addressing lack of accountability

01:28:53 The impact of AI on society

01:34:00 Surviving social media surveillance

01:40:11 Discussing societal complacency and noise

01:47:02 Discussing Cincinnatus' writings

01:48:37 Legacy and leadership importance

01:53:28 End of the conversation

---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Leaders, Dostoyevsky had some ideas about how to navigate the prison known as the Land of Nod.
---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

East of Eden by John Steinbeck
---
Exploring John Steinbeck’s magnum opus, East of Eden, Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby break down how the novel’s multi-generational narrative reveals timeless truths of human nature, leadership, and morality. They discuss Steinbeck’s powerful depiction of rural California and the tension between rural and urban values, dissect the novel’s deep biblical allusions and the theme of free will, and examine how leaders can leverage the diversity of personalities within teams for collective success. The episode emphasizes the novel’s ongoing relevance and what modern leaders can learn from Steinbeck’s nuanced insights about character, motivation, and human dignity.

• Book Title: East of Eden
• Author: John Steinbeck
• Guest Names: Tom Libby, Jesan Sorrells

---
Time Stamped Overview
---
00:00 Interesting place names and history

05:22 Analyzing a timeless 1940s novel

10:45 Recording mishap and frustrations

16:23 Steinbeck's portrayal of characters

24:06 Post-war literary influences in Europe

26:33 Steinbeck's Nobel Prize and Retirement

31:45 Discussing the Northeast landscape

41:38 Samuel's intellectual pursuits

42:26 Samuel's early years in Salinas

48:11 Skepticism about AI's future impact

56:57 Understanding sin in the Hebrew context

01:01:19 Discussing unconventional views on the Bible

01:08:36 Urbanization trends and population growth

01:11:58 Commentary on author intentions

01:17:17 Finding Value in Team Members

01:20:43 Exploring physical and mental anomalies

01:28:16 Analyzing Kathy as a tragic figure

01:34:22 Confronting dishonesty in a team

01:36:24 Dealing with consequences and accountability

01:46:16 Misunderstanding narcissism and self-preservation

01:50:50 Discussing the appeal of rural stories

01:53:50 Discussing the timelessness of classic literature

---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Leaders, the myth of the city is almost as old as the city itself.
---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Mash Up Episode ft. 12 Rules For Leaders Deep Dive - Leadership Models from Sun-Tzu to Albert Murray w/David Baumrucker & Jesan Sorrells
---
Explore the gap between leadership models and real-world practice as Jesan Sorrells and guest David Baumrucker examine the pitfalls of rigid frameworks and the necessity for leader courage in today’s volatile environment. They discuss the enduring value of classical wisdom, the influence of myth according to Carl Jung, and the critical challenge technology poses to authentic leadership and organizational culture. The conversation is rooted in Sorrells’ own "12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership" and explores how timeless principles offer guidance for navigating the uncertainty ahead.

• Book Title: 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership
• Author: Jesan Sorrells
• Guests: David Baumrucker (Co-Host), Jesan Sorrells (Host)

---
Time-Stamped Overview
---
00:00 Developing leadership principles

10:02 Models as compass, not map

11:04 Modern leadership and experiential learning

20:47 Rediscovering true leadership basics

25:20 Signs of ineffective leadership

30:54 Understanding leadership and the shadow

33:39 Understanding leadership archetypes and the shadow

41:55 Returning to healthy masculine and feminine

46:29 Fire as a metaphor for growth

52:07 Rethinking our relationship with technology

58:58 Disconnecting from nature and myth

01:04:08 Practical AI tools for everyday use

01:06:03 AI's impact on workplace loyalty

01:13:10 Society's challenges and survival pressures

01:17:11 The new American project vision

01:25:24 Questioning leadership and blind faith

01:29:31 Talking about the Word and creation

01:35:59 The role of Gen Z in change

01:37:59 Passing wisdom to future generations

---
Opening and closing themes 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 ★

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out HSCT Publishing at: https://www.hsctpublishing.com/.
• Check out LeadingKeys at: https://www.leadingkeys.com/
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/
• Contact HSCT for more information at 1-833-216-8296 to schedule a full DEMO of LeadingKeys with one of our team members.

---

• Leadership ToolBox website: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/.
• Leadership ToolBox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldrshptlbx/.
• Leadership ToolBox YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptoolbox/videos
• Leadership ToolBox Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldrshptlbx.
• Leadership ToolBox IG: https://www.instagram.com/leadershiptoolboxus/.
• Leadership ToolBox FB: https://www.facebook.com/LdrshpTl

The death of the novel isn't exaggerated, but the death of the book is.
---

• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro - Bach - Silotti - "Air" from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
• Closing 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!

---

• Subscribe to the Leadership Lessons From The Great Books Podcast: https://bit.ly/LLFTGBSubscribe
• Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/

---
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★