Lonnie Lowery, Ph. D, is an exercise physiologist, professor and a bodybuilder. Rob “Fortress” Fortney has been an editor for magazines like Muscle Intenrational, Peak training, among others. Rob is a former competitive bodybuilder and currently competes in powerlifting. Lonnie and Rob are the co-hosts of Iron Radio, a podcast dedicated to strength sports. Both of them joined my in this conversation about their passion for strength sports, the role of science and practice in strength training, and what makes them such good friends. Join us as we break away from the interview format and create a conversation about life, iron and self mastery, both intellectual and physical. 

Helene Wecker’s debut novel is “The Golem and the Jinni,” out now from Harper Collins. Helene talked to me about her evolution as a writer through her MFA work at Columbia University. The stories she constructed early on about immigrant families and characters stuck between two worlds transformed over seven years into the final published novel. This book pits two immigrants — a golem from eastern Europe and a jinni from the Middle East — as potential lovers in late 19^th-century New York. We talk magic, love, and the strangest thing that ever happened to Helene. 

Michael Largo, author of the new book “The Big, Bad Book of Beasts” talked with me about his path to becoming a writer, mythology, nature and science, as well as the ways in which medieval bestiaries reflect the way certain cultures saw (or see) the world. Michael is also the author of several other encyclopedic non-fiction books, a poetry collection, and three novels.

NEW: You can now also call me and leave me a voice mail about the strangest thing that ever happened to you. Call 773-413-8638 and let m know if you want your name read on the air, or if you want to remain anonymous. 

I am so psyched to welcome back Daniele Bolelli to the Labyrinth. Daniele's new book "Create Your Own Religion" is a romp through the fallacies, myths and history of some of the major world religions. Daniele suggests that people can find what works for them best and develope their own religion or philosophy, and he does this with humor, wit, and academic attention to detail. Time to roll up our sleeves and talk religion.

Today I am honored to talk to one of the legends of fantasy, Guy Gavriel Kay. Guy is the author of “The Fionavar Tapestry,” “Under Heaven,” Ysabel,” and he is also a published poet. His new book, “River of Stars,” is an epic fantasy tale set in Kitai, which is inspired by Song Dynasty in 12^th century China. Guy also worked with the Christopher Tolkien in his earlier years in compiling materials for “The Silmarillion,” and he talks to us about how that helped shape his future as a fantasist of his own. 

Peter Larson, Ph. D, is the author of the running book "Tread Lightly" and the creator of the running site Runblogger. Pete's interest in the anatomy of the human foot and the evolutionary aspects of running led him to create his blog, which has been so successful that he will take a leave of absence from his current teaching position at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. Though we talk about barefooting for a bit, this show goes deep into all aspects of running and running shoes, and while we're at it, we tap into the sources of inspiration that prompted Peter to pursue his passion.

NOTE: As some of you may have noticed, I made a mistake with the numbering of this episode. Episode 39 is actually James Clear, and Peter Larson takes the 40th spot. Sorry for the inconvenience.

James Clear is a writer, weightlifter, photographer and entrepreneur. He talked about some of his latest insights in nutrition and diet, and also what inspires him. If you liked previous episodes with people like Vanessa Runs, Matthew Fizgerald or Abel James, you're gonna dig on James.

Nathaniel Wolfe is back. In this episode he illustrates Pragmataoism, a philosophy he's implemented combining elements of pragmatism and Taoism. In this episode we talk about what Nathaniel used from both these philosophies, and how it interlocks with martial arts, sustainable farming, aquaponics, and chickens. Join us in a conversation about ethics and philosophy in this corridor of The Labyrinth. 

C. Robert Cargill is the author of the new fantasy novel "Dreams and Shadows," and the screenwriter of the film "Sinister," starring Ethan Hawke. Cargill talked to me about his evolution from movie-loving kid, to journalist, and now, novelist and screenwriter. We also find out exactly how it is that a genie can share a place at the bar with a fairy, and do a shot of whiskey together. In Austin, Texas.

Abel James found overnight fame with his podcast "Fat-Burning Man," one of the most popular health podcasts out there. But Abel is not a man that consists just of Paleo lifestyle or primal living. He's a musician, writer and life adventurer. In this episode we find out how Abel changed his dietary and lifestyle habits to fix his health problems, and how he lives today. We talk about the controversies of the Paleo movement, and how conventional advice from magazines sends out an opposite message about what we should eating and doing.