Books for Men

Author: Douglas Vigliotti

Do you enjoy reading but can't find the time? "Books for Men" is the perfect literary podcast for men in a hurry who want to read more and diversify their reading habits. In short episodes, every Monday, host and author Douglas Vigliotti, spotlights a different book that men will enjoy, sharing everything from novels to nonfiction, literary classics to self-help, crime fiction to memoirs, and providing key quotes and insights on authors, themes, writing styles, storytelling techniques, and life lessons from each book. Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.
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Language: en

Genres: Arts, Books, Education, Self-Improvement

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#260 | Special Edition: What Is a Birthday, Anyway?—And the Societal Pressure to Feel 'Not Enough"
Episode 260
Monday, 25 August, 2025

🎙 In this Special Edition episode of the "Books for Men” podcast, host Douglas Vigliotti shares his pop-up essay, “What is a Birthday Anyway?” Reflecting on his 39th birthday, he explores the meaning of birthdays, aging, ego, and societal pressure to feel “not enough.” Douglas encourages listeners to celebrate life itself, embrace self-acceptance, and reminds them to keep reading—and living—fully.✓ 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, check out episode #252 | From the Vault: Morning After #7 - A Letter to Love!💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:Introduction to the Special Edition Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the special edition, explains the concept of "pop up essays," and the inspiration behind this episode.Newsletter Plug and Podcast Anniversary (01:37) - Brief reminder about the companion newsletter and mention of the podcast’s third anniversary and recent featured authors.Reading the Pop-Up Essay: "What is a Birthday Anyway?" (02:48) - Douglas reads his essay reflecting on birthdays, aging, ego, and shifting perspectives on life and self-worth.Societal Pressures and the Meaning of Birthdays (03:54) - Discussion on societal constructs, feeling "not enough," nostalgia, and how ego shapes our birthday experiences.A New Paradigm: Celebrating Life (05:04) - Proposes a mindset shift to appreciate birthdays as a celebration of life, quoting Hemingway, and embracing being enough.Closing Remarks and Ways to Connect (06:17) - Douglas shares how to connect with him, plugs his new book, and thanks listeners, with reminders about the newsletter and website.