Good Anger — Harnessing a Misunderstood Emotion

The Art of Manliness

Society & Culture, Education, Philosophy

4.7 • 14.5K Ratings

🗓️ 2 September 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Most people think of anger as a problem — something to avoid or repress. It’s irrational, immature, and best left behind.

But what if anger isn’t bad? What if it can actually be an incredibly positive, productive, energizing life force?

My guest argues we’ve misunderstood anger — and that doing so has made us more anxious, depressed, and stuck. His name is Sam Parker, and he’s a journalist and the author of Good Anger: How Rethinking Rage Can Change Our Lives. Today on the show, we explore the surprising psychology and philosophy of anger. Sam explains how anger should be understood as a neutral emotion that imparts valuable information. He shares why we confuse anger with aggression, how anger can point to unmet needs and violated boundaries, and why repressing it might be damaging our health. We also talk about anger’s role in work, creativity, and relationships, and how to channel anger to help us achieve more, maintain our self-respect, and live a more grounded life.

If you’ve ever thought anger was something to outgrow, this conversation may just change your mind.

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Transcript

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1:37.1	Brett McKay here and welcome to another edition of the Art of Manliness podcast.
1:41.7	Most people think of anger as a problem, something to avoid or repress.
1:45.8	It's irrational, immature, and best left behind.
1:49.5	But what if anger isn't bad?
	...

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