Book 3, Episode 1: Foreword. Professional Success And Personal Happiness. Why Influence Is All About PEOPLE.

In the first episode of Book 3 of the Explain This Book To Me podcast, host Josh Lipstone begins his discussion with the author of the book Influence People: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical, Brian Ahearn. They discuss why Brian wrote the book, what the Loyal Readers will learn by the end of the series, and what the word PEOPLE actually means. And there's a chance a popular Marvel character will make a surprise appearance at some point.   Episode Highlights: Does Brian prefer to read a physical book or an Ebook? (1:40) What is Brian’s favorite book? (2:43) Brian mentions that he wrote a blog post called “Five books that impacted my life.” (2:54) Would Brian say it’s nature or nurture that made him the person that he is today? (4:42) Josh talks about Kobe Bryant’s quote that he has read which is “I was blessed with talent, but worked as if I had none.” (6:06) Josh and Brian discuss a story from a book written by Dave Lakhani. (6:40) Brian talks about the fear of rejection. (9:11) Brian explains why there are no chapters in his book. (11:59) Brian says that if you find yourself in a situation where the technique doesn't work, you're dead in the water, But if you understand the philosophy and the psychology behind it, then you can pivot. (14:30) Brian defines what social psychology and behavioral economics are. (15:40) Brian says that people will learn throughout the book that small changes can make a big difference in people’s willingness to say yes and do what you want them to do. (17:22) Brian mentions that his goal is to take what people are learning through research and help individuals and organizations put it into practice. (18:49) What advice can Brian give to Josh to get over the hump and be able to promote himself? (20:59) Brian talks about the bio on his website. (21:53) Brians talks about the acronym he came up for the word PEOPLE (Powerful, Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical). (24:37) How much could Brian deadlift, bench, or squat back when he was doing competitive bodybuilding? (26:03) Should the loyal readers try to emulate their heroes that may have certain gifts that they are not blessed with? And if not who should they try to emulate? (27:56) Brian mentions that he encourages people to understand what research says about how humans think and behave. (30:02) Brian gives an example of what non-sales selling is. (32:45)