In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook dive deeply into The Courage to Be Disliked, exploring the core ideas of Adlerian psychology and how they contrast with the more widely known Freudian approach. Jodie explains why this single book has followed her across continents—literally part of her 23-kilo life—and how its central messages about agency, choice, and goal-driven behavior have shaped her worldview.
Chris shares his own experience reading the book for the first time, remarking on how its ideas often feel like someone has put his own thoughts on paper. Together, they unpack how the book’s dialogue between a philosopher and a student challenges conventional thinking around trauma, past experiences, and personal responsibility.
Timestamps
(00:00) – Intro
(04:01) – Meaning we assign events
(07:04) – Freudian vs Adlerian psychology
(10:09) – Goal-based behavior explained
(14:00) – Blushing example breakdown
(17:59) – Radical responsibility and agency
(22:01) – Three ways books change us
(24:59) – Seeking acceptance and approval
(28:30) – Courage to choose happiness
(32:10) – Self-sufficiency and social harmony
(36:15) – Shifting life paths intentionally
(40:20 – Misunderstanding discomfort and growth
(44:10) – Rewriting old personal narratives
(48:30) – Breaking approval-seeking patterns
(53:15) – Culture, conflict, and expectations
(57:40) – Detaching identity from past
(01:02:05) – Finding autonomy in decisions
(01:06:20) – How belief drives behavior
(01:11:10) – Designing a life intentionally
(01:15:38) – Closing reflections on freedom
Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook
Websites: https://www.jodiecook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_/?hl=en
Check out The Futur:
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Check out Chris Do:
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Behance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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