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

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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

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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

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

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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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Like this show? Please leave us...

Should you endure a toxic marriage for the sake of your son's relationship with his father, or run for the hills while you can? 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're contemplating leaving your narcissistic addict husband due to his poor treatment of you and your child, but you feel trapped financially and concerned about your son losing his father. Should you try to reconcile and accept him the way he is, or run for the hills while you can?
• Betrayed by a lifelong friend who used you in an eBay scam and left you financially accountable to his victims, you found closure years later at a party by forgiving him and letting go of your own negative emotions about the situation. But you can't help but wonder if you should've just punched him in the face. Did you do the right thing?
• After years of caring for your late mother's boyfriend like family, you feel disrespected when you're labeled as a vendor at a granddaughter's wedding, highlighting the family's lack of appreciation for your efforts. Are you still expected to bring a gift, or should you send them an invoice the day after the wedding for taking care of their grandfather?
• Your close relationship with your daughter's ex-boyfriend, now reformed from the issues that facilitated their breakup, causes tension with your married daughter, forcing you to choose between transparency or secrecy to preserve your bond. Should you continue to "sneak around" with your daughter's ex, or just be honest and let the chips fall where they may?
• You're a Canadian mom worried about your 18-year-old daughter's real-life meetup with the 23-year-old American boyfriend she met online. How can you ensure her safety (on the off-chance he might be a human trafficker or drug fiend) without damaging your relationship by being seen as overbearing?
• 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/991

Jonathan Haidt is here to talk about his latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

• Social media and smartphones have drastically altered childhood since the early 2010s, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among teens, especially girls.
• Virtual interactions on social media are disembodied, shallow, and can spread mental health issues among susceptible teens. Prestige biased learning causes teens to emulate influencers, even those promoting unhealthy behaviors. Smartphones and social media also enable sexual predators to easily target children online.
• Overprotection in the real world and underprotection online are both mistakes that need to be reversed. Parents have allowed kids too much unsupervised screen time while restricting their independence and free play in the physical world out of exaggerated fears.
• Schools and parents need to set clear boundaries around technology use. No smartphones before high school, no social media until age 16, and phone-free schools from bell to bell are key norms to establish. The longer parents delay introducing these technologies, the better.
• Although the situation is serious, positive change is possible when parents, educators, and lawmakers work together. Parents can start by giving kids more independence and free play time offline, schools can go phone-free, and governments can pass laws to make online spaces safer for kids. With collective action, we can restore a healthier childhood for the next generation. Small steps like "Free Play Fridays" for neighborhood kids can make a difference right away. By coming together to solve this, we can ensure today's youth have the space to develop into competent, well-adjusted adults.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/990

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 we can thank you personally!

Your disabled father's safety is jeopardized by a violent, mentally ill relative, and legal remedies have proven insufficient. 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!

• Your paralyzed, terminally sick father's safety is at risk due to a violent, mentally ill family member, and legal interventions seem ineffective. What alternative solutions exist?
• Raised in an abusive, isolating homeschool cult, you struggle with trauma, financial hardship, and inaccessibility to college due to a lack of legitimate transcripts. Are you out of luck, or might there be a workaround? [Thanks to licensed mental health counselor and cult expert Steven Hassan for helping us with this one!]
• After enduring a volatile, unprofessional manager who alienated staff and customers, how can you diplomatically end your forced friendship now that he's been fired?
• Your mother's disapproval of your loving husband has led to an 'all or none' ultimatum resulting in estrangement and heartbreak for your son, who wonders why you "don't visit grandma anymore." What can you do?
• A dyslexic listener shares their journey to success, urging others with dyslexia to embrace their strengths, seek accommodations, and overcome shame by being open and advocating for their needs.
• 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/989

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

Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 2/2. [Pt 1 can be found here!]

What We Discuss with Robert Mazur:

• How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations.
• Money laundering enables cartels to produce their most lethal product: corruption. Corrupt officials and governments facilitate drug trafficking operations.
• Money laundering methods are highly sophisticated, involving legitimate businesses, secret codes, and multi-national operations to evade detection.
• Banks and the global financial system need to change to combat money laundering effectively, with severe penalties for those involved in facilitating the flow of illicit funds.
• Despite the risks and close calls, Robert continued his undercover work to gather intelligence and evidence against drug cartels until it became clear that the price his family was paying was not worth continuing.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/988

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 we can thank you personally!