A simple Google image search reveals countless images of a shirtless Vladimir Putin, riding horseback, fishing, and brandishing weapons. On today’s show: how the Russian leader uses machismo and gender stereotypes to build political legitimacy.
Then, among the most popular New Year resolutions, getting in shape ranks close to the top, but less than 10% of weight-loss resolutions last. A philosopher shares his take on how we should think about exercise, in order to maintain a regimen.
Listen to the full show and click Read more for individual segments.
Sex, Politics, & Putin
- Valerie Sperlingis professor of political science at Clark University and author of the new book: Sex, Politics, and Putin: Political Legitimacy in Russia.
- The practice of photoshopping Vladimir Putin into odd situations is now an internet standard. We looked at a few and tried one of our own. Check it out here: Photoshopping Vladimir Putin
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Sex, Politics, & Putin
Don Draper vs. Seth Rogan
- To young television viewers in the U.S., Don Draper, the fictional character played by John Hamm in AMC's Mad Men is the epitome of masculinity: he is serious, well-dressed, chiseled, and enigmatic. Eric Molinsky tries to understand why fans of the show are ready to ditch their t-shirts and jeans for dapper suits and ties.
- You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.
How to Think About Exercise
- Damon Young is an honorary fellow in philosophy at the University of Melbourne – his latest book is called How To Think About Exerciseand is part of the “School Of Life” series. It won’t offer you tips for getting perfect abs or teach you how to run a five-minute mile – but it might just help your resolutions stick.
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How to Think About Exercise
A Dance Class For Dancers with Big Dreams...and Leg Warmers
- On Sunday mornings, in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, a group of dance students have found a way to enjoy exercise that not only gets them in shape but lets them play the part of sassy back-up dancer for a day. Producer David Boyer takes us to Sunday Skool.
- You can listen to this story again at PRX.org.
