Listen here to discover how Todd McFarlane reinvented comic book icons, founded Image Comics, and revamped the toy business with a priority on quality!

• How Todd McFarlane successfully reinvented Spider-Man and created the iconic character Venom while working at Marvel Comics, despite facing resistance from his bosses who were reluctant to change the status quo.
• Why Todd left Marvel to co-found Image Comics, which became the third-largest comic book company in the world — and where he set records for independent comic book sales with his highly successful character Spawn.
• Why Todd emphasizes the importance of creating the best possible product and offering it at a competitive price point, even if it means spending more time and money than the competition.
• How Todd's unorthodox negotiation tactics allow him to outlast opponents in meetings and get better deals.
• Todd is a living example that you can succeed by embracing your creativity, focusing on quality, and challenging the status quo. With hard work and a willingness to innovate, you can make a significant impact in your chosen field.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/999

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Dysfunctional workplaces and abyssmal bosses litter the modern corporate hellscape. What stories will you share from the rubble? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

• You worked at a company with a problematic culture focused on self-help teachings and inappropriate therapy sessions led by an unqualified manager. How'd that turn out?
• You're working at a door-to-door sales company where underperforming employees face unusual (and likely illegal) consequences. Will you be able to stomach the challenges that await you?
• Your bad boss manipulated and mistreated you, hoping you'd fail when you left for a new job. But what happened when the tables were turned?
• As a young journalist, you dealt with an alcoholic, sexually harassing boss at a small-town newspaper. How far did things have to go before karma took the wheel?
• You're a young employee at a luxury car garage, where the eccentric owner's behavior is becoming increasingly erratic. Will a chance encounter with a client change the course of your career?
• Your boss denied you time off to visit a dying loved one, forcing you to choose between work and family. How will this decision impact you in the long run?
• Years ago, your boss made your work life miserable. Now, he's interviewing for a job at your thriving company. What will you do?
• Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
• Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
• Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/998

Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

Marine veteran Christopher Ahn explains why he got involved with helping North Koreans defect to the West, and how this has put him in danger. [Part 2/2 — make sure to catch 1/2 here!]

• In 2019, activist group Free Joseon broke into the North Korean embassy in Madrid with the goal of helping staff defect to the West. But the mission didn't go according to plan and had to be aborted.
• Back in the US, Christopher Ahn was informed by the FBI that North Korea had discovered his identity as a participant in the botched embassy raid and planned to assassinate him. His identity was likely revealed when the FBI shared it with Spain.
• Christopher is now facing extradition to Spain on charges related to the embassy incident, based on statements from North Korean officials. However, the credibility of those statements is questionable given the likelihood they were coerced.
• If extradited to Spain, Christopher fears for his life from North Korean agents. His legal team is arguing there should be a humanitarian exception made to the extradition, given the unique circumstances, though this is an unprecedented legal argument.
• Despite the challenges he faces as a result of his actions, Christopher remains dedicated to helping others in need. While his particular path is not one most will be called to follow, we can all reflect on how to courageously leverage our own skills and circumstances to uplift and empower others in need.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/997

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Marine veteran Christopher Ahn explains why he got involved with helping North Koreans defect to the West, and how this has put him in danger. [Part 1/2]

• Christopher Ahn, a Korean-American Marine veteran, became involved in helping North Korean defectors escape through an organization called the Chosen Institute, founded by Adrian Hong.
• In 2017, after the assassination of Kim Jong-un's half-brother Kim Jong-nam, Christopher was called upon to provide emotional support and protection for Kim Han-sol, Kim Jong-nam's son, who feared for his life.
• Christopher met with Kim Han-sol and his family in Taiwan, providing them with a sense of safety and comfort while the Chosen Institute worked on a plan to find asylum for them.
• Christopher's role in these operations was to offer emotional support and guidance to the defectors, drawing from his own family's experience as immigrants and his understanding of the immense courage it takes to leave everything behind for a chance at a better life.
• In the second half of this two-part episode, we'll learn more about the part Christopher played in the 2019 incident at the North Korean embassy in Madrid for which he is facing life-threatening extradition.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/996

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You fathered a child with a lesbian couple without a contract absolving you of responsibility; now you've been sued for support. Welcome to Feedback Friday!

And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

• You fathered a child with a lesbian couple without a contract absolving you of responsibility during a break from your sexless marriage. Now you've been sued for support and you fear the fallout once your wife finds out. What can you do?
• Aside from just offering him a place to stay, how can you effectively and sensitively support your friend who's facing legal issues and suicidal thoughts after his partner took off with the kids?
• The rapid advancement streak you've been experiencing has you worried about how long it'll take your higher-ups to realize you're just not cut out for the promotions they've given you. How can you overcome this imposter syndrome before it becomes self-fulfilling prophecy?
• How do visitors to North Korea make purchases? Do merchants there take AMEX?
• A listener shares heartstring-pulling news with us, and we feel compelled to share it with this community to which he belongs.
• Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
• Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
• Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/995

Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so...

What can a year of following the US Constitution per the founding fathers' intentions teach us about the future of democracy? A.J. Jacobs has answers here!

• The founding fathers were not entirely in favor of pure democracy. They feared mob rule and wanted checks and balances to prevent a tyranny of the majority. The Constitution was a big step forward for democracy at the time, but still had elements of elitism.
• The original meaning and interpretation of parts of the Constitution, such as the Second Amendment and free speech rights, are quite different from how they are viewed today. Both liberal and conservative perspectives would likely disapprove of some of the original 18th century understandings.
• The founding fathers seemed more open to changing minds and flexible thinking compared to the intransigent political positions common today. Examples like Ben Franklin and James Madison illustrate their willingness to admit uncertainty and change opinions based on reason and evidence.
• American democracy is fragile and must be actively maintained and protected. A.J. Jacobs remains optimistic that reforms and hard work can help save the American democratic system, but it requires dedication and the American people deciding to "lift the sun up" on the country's future.
• We can help revive an appreciation for democracy by making it fun and celebratory again, like it was back in the early days of America. Baking "election cakes" to share and enjoy while voting, or hosting festivities at polling places, can inject some much-needed positivity and help encourage participation. Simple acts like this are a good starting point to begin strengthening our civic society and democratic institutions.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/994

Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

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Are new weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy "magic" pills that can put an end to the obesity epidemic? Johann Hari is here to give us the skinny!

• Processed and ultra-processed foods are a major driver of the obesity epidemic, as they undermine the body's natural ability to feel full and satisfied after eating. Moving from fresh, whole foods to mostly processed foods is strongly linked to the dramatic rise in obesity rates.
• Obesity is a complex issue with biological, psychological, and social causes. Factors like genetics, emotional eating, trauma, and the food environment all play a role. Stigmatizing or shaming people for their weight is cruel and counterproductive.
• New weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work by artificially boosting satiety hormones like GLP-1, helping people feel full faster and eat less. They are showing impressive weight loss results, but also come with potential risks and side effects that are not yet fully understood, especially in the long-term.
• While these new drugs may help many people, they are not a magic solution. They don't address the underlying drivers of the obesity crisis in the food system and environment. To make a real difference, we need broader changes to make healthy eating the easy, default option.
• The good news is, each of us can take positive steps today to improve our health, no matter our current weight. Focus on adding more whole, minimally processed foods to your diet, and find physical activities you truly enjoy. Prioritize getting good sleep, managing stress, and building a strong social support network. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. Be patient and kind with yourself in the process. You have the power to transform your health, one choice at a time.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/993

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What's the point of the publicly funded British Royal family in the modern world? Andrew Gold puts the monarchy under a microscope on this Skeptical Sunday!

• The British monarchy is a centuries-old institution that has had a significant impact on the UK's culture, politics, and history. While the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, the royal family still holds influence and plays a significant part in British society.
• The British Royal Family receives public funding through the Sovereign Grant, which is calculated as a percentage of the profits made by the Crown Estate. The Sovereign Grant covers official expenses, while the monarch also has personal income from private estates.
• The monarchy faces challenges in maintaining its relevance in an increasingly democratic and progressive world. The royal family must balance tradition with adapting to changing societal values and expectations.
• The popularity of individual members of the royal family, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, can significantly impact public perception of the monarchy as a whole.
• Despite the controversies and challenges surrounding the British monarchy, it remains an integral part of the nation's identity and continues to captivate people worldwide. By focusing on their roles as symbols of unity, continuity, and tradition, while also embracing positive change and engaging in meaningful charitable work, the royal family can maintain its relevance and contribute to the well-being of the British people and the global community.
• Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
• Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/992

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