Leadership Lessons From The Great Books

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100

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Understanding great literature is better than trying to read and understand (yet) another business book, Leadership Lessons From The Great Books leverages insights from the GREAT BOOKS of the Western canon to explain, dissect, and analyze leadership best practices for the post-modern leader.

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October 14, 20261 hr 31 min

The Builder’s Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West—and Why Only They Can Save It by Melanie Phillips with Richard Messing and Jesan Sorrells

The Builder’s Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West—and Why Only They Can Save It by Melanie Phillips with Richard Messing and Jesan Sorrells --- Exploring Melanie Phillips’ The Builder’s Stone , Jesan Sorrells and Richard Messing examine the pivotal role of Judeo-Christian values in shaping—and potentially saving—Western civilization. They discuss the cultural and ethical ramifications of the October 7th attacks, the loss of moral clarity and confidence in the West, and Phillips’ 10-point plan for revitalizing leadership and religious engagement. The conversation includes a candid analysis of religious divisions, the dangers of relativism, and the urgent need for ethical courage among today’s leaders. Book: The Builder’s Stone: How Jews and Christians Built the West and Why Only They Can Save It Author: Melanie Phillips Hosts: Jesan Sorrells, Richard Messing --- Time-Stamped Overview: --- 00:00 Religious practices saving the West 09:39 Post-Holocaust Jewish self-reliance 11:13 Melanie Phillips' political journey 20:20 Discussing The Book of Genesis and Theology 22:54 Discussing idolatry and priorities 31:45 Early feminism's Christian roots 35:36 Jewish history and survival 41:05 Debating Theological and Historical Issues 44:27 Differences between Israeli and Western Jews 54:31 Religious remnant idea and confidence 58:00 Challenges of Religious Confidence 01:06:00 Melanie's solution: Coalition proposal 01:09:48 Repentance and national sins discussion 01:17:09 National repentance and moral courage 01:20:47 Discussing spiritual solutions to problems 01:27:05 Reflections on October 7th events 01:29:26 Considering collaborating with someone --- 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 ★

October 7, 202647 min

The Man That I Would Become: Lessons from a Life of Hard Work, Faith and Purpose by Victor L. Bretting

The Man That I Would Become: Lessons from a Life of Hard Work, Faith and Purpose by Victor L. Bretting --- Exploring the intersection of legacy, grit, and faith, this episode features a candid conversation with Victor Bretting about his memoir, The Man That I Would Become . The discussion unpacks the vital role of hunting in conservation and ecological stewardship, the necessity of resilience and discipline for the next generation of leaders, and how faith shapes enduring leadership and personal purpose. Listeners gain actionable insight on leading by example, persevering through adversity, and shaping a legacy that lasts beyond a single lifetime. Book Title : The Man That I Would Become Author: Victor Bretting Hosts: Jesan Sorrells & Victor Bretting --- Time-Stamped Overview: --- 00:00 Victor's hunting and ranching journey 03:24 Transitioning Ranch to Charity Work 06:34 Understanding conservation and its benefits 11:07 Books on masculinity and fatherhood 15:15 Balancing mental and physical work 16:11 Discussing empathy in construction 20:15 Understanding hard-headed empathy 24:27 Challenges for Young Professionals 28:28 Reflections on Upbringing and Family 30:49 Parenting different age groups 35:54 Importance of Biblical Foundations 39:37 Reflections on Retirement Life 43:34 Books every leader should read 44:49 Impactful books on teamwork --- Connect with Victor by clicking the links below: --- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Man-That-Would-Become-Lessons/dp/B0H2BMNTFQ/ Website: https://brettingtexanranch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-bretting/ --- 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 ★

September 30, 20261 hr 29 min

Neuromancer by William Gibson with John Hill and Jesan Sorrells

Neuromancer by William Gibson with John Hill and Jesan Sorrells --- Jesan Sorrells and John Hill dive deep into William Gibson’s Neuromancer , unravelling how this seminal work predicted the psychological and societal ramifications of our fully networked times. They discuss the book’s dystopian tech vision, how its themes shaped tech leadership and culture, and why leaders must now confront meaning, value, and noise in a flattened digital world. Together, they examine Gibson’s influences, the enduring tension between art and commerce, and the urgent leadership challenge of integrating humanity and technology in the 21st century. Book : Neuromancer Author: William Gibson Guests: Jesan Sorrells, John Hill --- Time-Stamped Overview --- 00:00 Observing tech use at the store 05:36 Post-Cold War tech realities 11:57 Reflecting on book rereads 17:52 Influence of Gibson on tech leaders 27:13 Gibson's shift from sci-fi 32:45 Struggling with overwhelming concerns 38:31 Sci-fi themes of immortality 43:09 Themes of timeless cultural issues 49:49 Tolkien's Influence on Fantasy Writers 52:51 Reflecting on cyberspace concepts 01:01:13 Discussing Neuromancer 's Relevance Today 01:02:47 Discussion on demonizing new trends 01:11:43 Finding time for self-reflection 01:14:47 Discussing hierarchy of meaning 01:21:45 Expanding the franchise legally 01:27:45 Discussing human nature and warfare --- 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 ★

September 16, 20261 hr 43 min

Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells

Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo with Tom Libby and Jesan Sorrells --- Dive into Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis as Jesan Sorrells and Tom Libby unpack the novel’s critique of leadership in an era of wealth, technology, and cultural upheaval. They discuss the dangers of disconnected leadership, the ongoing crisis of accountability among elites, and the pitfalls of managing strictly by data and dashboards. The episode draws sharp parallels between fictional failures and real-world leadership challenges, offering actionable lessons for those navigating today’s ever-shifting leadership landscape. Book Title: Cosmopolis Author: Don DeLillo Hosts: Jesan Sorrells, Tom Libby --- Time-Stamped Overview --- 00:00 Eric Packer's limousine journey. 09:54 Discussing a prolific modernist author. 16:00 DeLillo's risk-taking in writing. 17:47 Reflecting on character minimalism. 25:36 Discussing key themes in book and movie. 28:33 Early AI's impact on finance. 35:52 Challenges of Leadership Disconnect. 41:42 Billionaires don't live in my town. 49:38 Reflecting on 9/11 emotions. 55:27 Catharsis in Cosmopolis . 56:19 Reflections on WWII veterans' honor. 01:06:32 AI accountability in decision-making. 01:09:49 Wealth Redistribution for Global Issues. 01:15:24 Discussing money and character. 01:18:23 Exploring Worldview and Character Development. 01:27:08 Discussing a retirement plan. 01:31:38 The crisis of tech outpacing morality. 01:35:09 Gut feeling vs data in decisions. 01:40:30 Leadership lessons from Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo. --- 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 ★

September 9, 20261 hr 44 min

"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger

"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut with Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger --- Diving into Kurt Vonnegut’s Welcome to the Monkey House , Jesan Sorrells and Libby Unger examine the prophetic warnings about conformity, institutional control, and the battle over language and individual agency. The conversation connects the stories “Harrison Bergeron,” “Report on the Barnhouse Effect,” and “Where I Live” to today’s challenges for leaders navigating a culture of safetyism, linguistic manipulation, and technological disruption. Practical takeaways center around preserving individual responsibility, resisting institutional overreach, and regrounding leadership in local, real-world community. Book title: Welcome to the Monkey House Author: Kurt Vonnegut Host: Jesan Sorrells, Guest: Libby Unger --- Time-Stamped Overview: --- 00:00 Discussing 20th-century sci-fi authors 08:46 Kurt Vonnegut's literary journey 12:12 High school memories and Vonnegut 18:13 Publication dates and context of stories 26:07 Lindsay Clancy's controversial trial 27:31 Jury deadlock in Lindsey Clancy case 34:20 Reflecting on Gloria Steinem's Impact 42:31 Authors and technology of books 47:38 Vonnegut's views on language usage 52:27 Technology, communication, and culture overlap 58:36 Hourglass analogy and chaotic transitions 01:01:24 Impact of 2020 lockdowns 01:05:56 Barnhouse effect report analysis 01:16:06 Discussing global conflict and climate agendas 01:19:58 American culture and equality debate 01:27:48 Reflecting on personal growth 01:32:19 Exploring an abandoned harbor clubhouse 01:34:09 Wendell Berry and localism themes 01:43:28 Local community and cultural shift ---- 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 ★

September 2, 20262 hr 5 min

A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World

A Conversation on How to Lead in a Post-Literate Work World --- The panel examines the meaning and crisis of literacy in a post-literate society and what it means for 21st-century leadership. The discussion highlights how declining long-form reading impacts critical thinking, decision-making, and social cohesion, while exploring the evolving responsibilities of leaders as communicators, teachers, and curators of insight in a digital, short-attention world. Practical strategies and perspectives are shared for bridging generational gaps, fostering book-based conversation, and adapting leadership to new realities. Mentioned Book Titles and Authors: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Leadership Lessons from the Five Books of Moses by Jonathan Sacks The Odyssey by Homer (referencing Emily Wilson’s translation) Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Ulysses by Alfred, Lord Tennyson Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist Papers Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill Host: Jesan Sorrells Guest Panelists: Richard Messing John Hill Tom Libby Brian Bagley Hana Kabele Gala Neal Kalechofsky Dorollo Nixon, Jr. David Baumrucker Christen B. Horne Dr. Moumin Quazi Hana Kabele Gala --- The Articles that Inspired the Conversation: The End of Reading is Here by Rose Horowich - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/08/reading-crisis-postliterate-age/687618/ Leading in the Post-Literate West by Jesan Sorrells - https://jesanmsorrells.micro.blog/2026/07/16/leading-in-the-postliterate-west.html --- 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 ★

August 26, 20261 hr 44 min

The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells

The Power of the Powerless by Vaclav Havel [REDUX] w/Harvey Seifter & Jesan Sorrells --- Exploring Václav Havel’s influential essay, The Power of the Powerless , Jesan Sorrells and Harvey Seifter unpack what it means for leaders to “live in truth” in the face of societal conformity. They examine the dangers of moral and cultural hollowness, the practical implications of dissidence, and how authentic leadership begins with individual conscience rather than systemic change. The episode also connects Havel’s ideas to modern challenges in leadership, ethics, and the search for a transcendent anchor in turbulent times. Book: The Power of the Powerless Author: Václav Havel Guest: Harvey Seifter Host: Jesan Sorrells --- Time-Stamped Outline: --- 00:00 Discussing "The Power of the Powerless" 11:43 Forming and Scaling Arts-Based Organizations 17:12 Raising kids as future leaders 23:11 Discussing LLMs and historical figures 24:37 Discovering Vaclav Havel's Plays 30:48 Generational challenges in Hollywood writing 37:13 The need for societal self-reflection 42:12 Rereading a book in Prague 46:35 Reflecting on 9/11 and authenticity 52:32 Weekly Bible discussion lunch 57:36 Relatable job struggles and realities 01:05:45 Feeling disconnected from larger systems 01:08:49 Havel's philosophy on private pursuits 01:16:14 Turning to Biblical truth 01:23:22 Exploring the concept of truth 01:28:10 Value of truth in oppressive regimes 01:34:33 Differentiating ethics from morals 01:40:03 Connection between arts and ethical leadership 01:42:09 Empowering leaders for innovation --- Connect with Harvey Seifter by clicking on the links below: Creating Futures That Work - https://futuresthatwork.com/ The Art of Science Learning - https://www.artofsciencelearning.org/ Harvey Seifter LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hseifter/ --- 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 ★

August 21, 20262 hr 36 min

Henry V by Shakespeare — Legitimate Authority and the Leader Who Rebuilds (w/Zac Stucki)

The Life of Henry V by William Shakespeare w/Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki --- Delving into William Shakespeare’s The Life of Henry V , Jesan Sorrells and Zac Stucki analyze the cultural foundation of leadership, the decline of cultural confidence in Western societies, and the complex responsibilities leaders face when making consequential decisions. They connect Shakespeare’s lessons on accountability and mentorship to today’s leadership crises—highlighting generational gaps, the impact of cultural narratives, and how leaders can prepare to uphold a standard in turbulent times. Play: The Life of Henry V Author: William Shakespeare Guest: Zac Stucki Host: Jesan Sorrells --- Time-Stamped Outline: --- 00:00 Debating France's royal succession 21:07 Discussing OK Boomer Cultural Dynamics 24:34 Emergence of New Political Powers 42:06 Discussing future Shakespeare episodes 43:58 Portraying the French as complex characters 01:00:11 The thin red line of America 01:05:25 Shakespeare's historical context and audience 01:23:28 Defining true intelligence beyond academics 01:31:32 Child's simple requests for water 01:46:11 Current insurgency tactics and alliances 01:55:04 Post-War Nuremberg Trials Discussion 02:00:40 Discussing moral standards and politics 02:15:59 Discussing King Harry's Agincourt dilemma 02:28:08 Learning from older generations 02:35:29 Wrapping up the podcast episode --- 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 ★

August 5, 20262 hr 36 min

Coriolanus by Shakespeare — Pride, the Crowd, and the General Who Couldn't Bend (w/John Hill)

The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare w/John Hill and Jesan Sorrells --- Unpacking Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Coriolanus , this episode draws out timeless leadership insights on integrity, social hierarchies, and the tension between individual values and the demands of the group. The hosts explore how Coriolanus’ unwavering personal code clashes with political and social expectations, what the play reveals about family as the first organizational structure, and why the forces of social conformity remain so powerful for modern leaders. The discussion also connects classic themes to today’s leadership challenges, including sales management, organizational power, and navigating cultural shifts in a digitized world. Play Title : The Tragedy of Coriolanus Author: William Shakespeare Hosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host); John Hill aka Small Mountain (Co-host) --- Time-Stamps: --- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction - The Tragedy of Coriolanus by William Shakespeare 02:49 Information overload and war reporting. 10:39 European history and colonization context of Coriolanus . 25:35 Shakespeare's portrayal of motherhood in Coriolanus . 35:15 Discussing a sales coach's priorities. 44:53 Historical view on war from Coriolanus as opportunity. 55:22 Coriolanus's pride and public perception. 01:10:39 Challenges in sales and marketing ethics. 01:18:22 Realizing the value of partnership. 01:29:00 Redefining the employee-supervisor relationship. 01:38:05 Dealing with manipulative conversations. 01:49:55 Conversations on genuine apologies. 02:02:21 Discussing Volumnia from Coriolanus . 02:10:34 Finding Your Own Community. 02:28:00 Discussing salesperson job interviews. 02:29:48 Encouraging kids to ask why. --- 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 ★

July 29, 20262 hr 5 min

Macbeth by Shakespeare — Ambition, Tyranny, and the Ruin of a Leader (w/Katie Mestres)

The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare w/Katie Mestres & Jesan Sorrells --- Exploring William Shakespeare’s Macbeth , this episode examines the enduring power of tragic storytelling in leadership and culture. The conversation focused on why Macbeth continues to resonate with modern audiences, the complexities of Lady Macbeth’s ambition and gender roles, and how marriage dynamics shape decision-making under pressure. Key themes include the absence of redemption in tragedy, lessons for leaders about ambition and balance, and the timeless human struggle to make meaning from adversity. Book: Macbeth Author: William Shakespeare Guest: Jesan Sorrells (Host) Katie Mestres (Guest) --- Time-Stamped Overview --- 00:00 Battle update for King Duncan 06:33 Exploring Macbet h's tragedy and relevance today 11:17 Analyzing A.C. Bradley's perspective on Macbeth 17:47 Modern interpretation of Macbeth 's design and themes 26:29 Modernizing Shakespeare for Today's Audience 31:43 Shakespeare's Role in Historical Popular Entertainment 37:50 Lady Macbeth learns of the prophecy 43:55 Lady Macbeth and expectations of women leaders 48:04 Lady Macbeth's challenge to gender norms 51:35 Discussing European History and Enlightenment Origins 01:00:10 Lady Macbeth, gender roles, and ambition 01:05:56 Exploring Enlightenment ideas and assumptions 01:10:31 Struggling with narrative amid tragedy --- Resources Featured Book: William Shakespeare: A Brief Life by Paul Menzer. The best primer for understanding the man behind the plays. 37:01 Performance Picks: Macbeth (dir. Justin Kurzel; Michael Fassbender & Marion Cotillard). Available on Amazon Prime. BBC Macbeth (David Tennant) --- 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 ★