Hour 2: The Santa Claus Paradox | Dr. Anthony Silard on Love and Suffering
Podcasts > Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas
Tune in each week, as an established lawyer, and a self- proclaimed “man of the people,” debate some of the hottest issues impacting our city, state and nation.
Monday, December 22, 2025
This second hour unpacks the enigma of Santa Claus—how a beloved childhood figure evolved into a global symbol shaped by commerce, culture, and social conditioning, with belief patterns, global traditions, and psychological impacts woven throughout. The hour continues with an examination of Santa’s origins, commercialization, and cultural influence, capped by a lighthearted trivia quiz that highlights both the charm and complexity of the myth. The show wraps with an interview featuring Dr. Anthony Silard, a leadership scholar and professor of public policy, whose new book Love and Suffering (2025) examines the emotional barriers that hold us back from love, leadership, and meaning.
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