logo
episode-header-image
May 12
1h 2m

Alex Petkas Returns - Julius Caesar: Mod...

Connor Beaton
About this episode

Talking points: history, psychology, mindset, culture

Like George Santayana said, those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it. There's so much we can learn about ourselves, where we come from, and what needs our attention when we study the past. Grateful for the host of Cost of Glory, Alex Petkas, coming back on the show to lay down some real history, difficult truths, and deep insights on ol' Gaius himself.


(00:00:00) - What the modern man can learn from Julius Caesar

(00:17:52) - The importance of philosophy and poetry to ancient men

(00:23:06) - Why Caesar’s storytelling ability was so important, and how modern men can benefit from being better storytellers

(00:35:51) - The usefulness of old stories and ideas, and the psychological strategies that Caesar used

(00:45:48) - How Caesar handled women

(00:52:12) - Misconceptions of Caesar’s demise and attitude


Alex Petkas is writer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Cost of Glory,  a bridge for the virtues of ancient heroes and the modern world’s demands. With a PhD in Classics from Princeton University, Alex has transcended traditional academic boundaries to bring the power of ancient wisdom into contemporary leadership. Recognizing that figures like Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, and Cato were not just intellectual giants but also formidable leaders and entrepreneurs, he blends their timeless insights with modern leadership needs, offering actionable strategies that resonate with today’s leaders. Alex challenges the modern disregard for classical education, championing its vital role in moral and intellectual development. His mission is to reignite the heroic spark within men, empowering them to tackle contemporary challenges with unmatched courage and clarity.


Connect with Alex

-Website: https://www.costofglory.com/

-The Authoritative Speakers Guide: https://costofglory.kit.com/gift

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpetkas/


***

Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worth

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment

Check out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your Relationship

Build brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance

Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or

Up next
Aug 21
The Masculinity Modern Men Have Forgotten
I explore the character of Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings as a model of virtuous masculinity. I break down how he embodies the protector, the healer, and the humble king, and what that means for us as men today. Aragorn shows us how strength and gentleness, ambition and humil ... Show More
22m 41s
Aug 18
Facing Shame, Finding Strength & Leadership: Men’s Work Session
I sit down with Roger for a powerful conversation about intimacy, leadership, and the courage it takes to be fully honest in a relationship. We explore how childhood wounds can carry into adult partnerships, and the work it takes to break free from old cycles of shame and avoidan ... Show More
53m 43s
Aug 14
Why Your Shadow Self Keeps Destroying Your Love Life (Jungian Philosophy)
I dive into how your shadow self might be quietly sabotaging your love life — and what you can do about it. Drawing from Jungian philosophy, I explore why we’re drawn to partners who embody the very traits we’ve disowned in ourselves. I share practical ways to spot your shadow at ... Show More
16m 34s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2020
Meditation + sex + hormonal health: secrets for creating happy, loving and long lasting intimate relationships with John Gray
Up next on the Mahasoma Podcast we have author, speaker and relationship coach John Gray. He is the author of the most well-known and trusted relationship book of all time, Men Are from Mars, Women Are From Venus. It was the #1 best-selling book in the 90’s and one of the top 10 ... Show More
1h 59m
Oct 2020
68. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus: John Gray, Ph.D.
There are relationship experts…and then there’s John Gray. The author of the most popular relationship book of all time, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, John’s wisdom about the inherent differences between women and men, as well as what it takes to build a lasting, lovin ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 2017
Beyond Mars and Venus: Tips That Truly Bring Men and Women Together – John Gray - #414
John Gray, author of the best-selling, most well-known relationship book ever, “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus”, sits down with Dave LIVE to discuss the down-and-dirty differences between men and women, and how it’s all about the hormones. His Mars/Venus book series has ... Show More
1h 6m
Oct 2023
Episode 229: Men, Masculinity, & Male Sexuality in the 21st Century
There’s a growing narrative out there in the popular media and on social media that “men are trash” and that they need to “do better.” The response of some men has been to push back, and this has led to the rise of the "manosphere," an online network of men’s rights activists pus ... Show More
32m 11s
Jun 23
Rethinking Masculinity: Strength and Connection w/ Terry and Justin Real
Forrest is joined by renowned therapist Terry Real and his son Justin for a frank exploration of modern masculinity. They talk about why so many men feel like they’re struggling these days, and how the traditional model of masculinity perpetuates this problem. They discuss the ap ... Show More
1h 5m
Jul 24
#971 - Adam Lane Smith - 13 Semi-Controversial Truths About Masculinity
Adam Lane Smith is a psychotherapist and an author. Are men the problem? In a time when blame is easily assigned, it’s worth asking whether men need to re-examine how they show up in the world, including their values, behavior, & accountability. In doing so, they might uncover su ... Show More
1h 25m
Jul 2024
216: Beyond Mars and Venus with John Gray
Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/ Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new In this episode, Shane talks with John Gray about Beyond Mars and Venus and what he’s been up to since his la ... Show More
1h 3m
Apr 2025
#929 - Rob Henderson - The Psychology Of What Women Want
Rob Henderson is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge and a US Air Force Veteran.Who holds the power in modern dating? With growing gender divides and political polarization, it’s no wonder dating feels harder than ever. So, how did we get here, and what’s the way forwa ... Show More
1h 33m
Jul 2024
Episode 307: Testosterone Myth Versus Fact
A growing number of men seem to be in a panic about their testosterone levels. Social media platforms are full of posts from guys who are convinced that they don’t have enough of this hormone in their bodies and that their sex and dating lives are suffering because of it. The res ... Show More
37m 2s
Nov 2024
This why you’re becoming distant in your relationship! Resentment in Relationships: Signs, Causes, and Solutions - #106
Are you feeling emotionally distant in your relationships but unsure why? Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp. Listeners get 10% off your first month when you sign up using the link #AD (https://www.betterhelp.com/sinead)“30 Days to a New YOU!” rewires your mind for clarity, conf ... Show More
35m 11s