Patrick Bet-David interviews social scientist and author Arthur C Brooks on success, family life, anxiety and politics. Brooks argues that high-achieving “strivers” can develop a damaging belief that love must be earned, which he says can lead to workaholism and relationships built on conditional approval. He outlines practical relationship habits he claims can strengthen bonding, including shared fun, reading to each other before sleep, frequent non-sexual touch and deliberate eye contact.
On mental health, Brooks links rising anxiety and depression to heavy technology use, claiming clinical depression has tripled since 2008 and anxiety has doubled, particularly among people who grew up with smartphones. He describes common but harmful coping strategies—alcohol, drugs, compulsive internet use and pornography—and recommends exercise and some form of spiritual or transcendent practice as more sustainable tools.
Brooks also discusses higher education and politics, saying he has “data” suggesting professors are poor at “brainwashing” students and that parental influence is stronger over time. He says he has moved from Harvard to Vanderbilt University, praising Vanderbilt’s stated commitment to free expression. On economics, he argues rising prices and cronyism fuel interest in socialism; he blames inflation largely on overspending and deficits, and calls for deregulation, education choice and anti-cronyism reforms. The conversation closes with reflections on mortality, faith and what Brooks sees as the enduring value of family over money.
A guest on the PBD Podcast argues that “stupid policies”, including deficit spending and borrowing “particularly during the Biden administration”, have driven persistent inflation. He says inflation falls hardest on moderate-income Americans who must pay more for essentials like fuel and groceries.
Read this moment →A guest on the PBD Podcast argues that political conversion at university is often not permanent and says he has “data” supporting that view. He claims professors are “really bad at brainwashing” students and suggests parents have more lasting influence during children’s formative years.
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