Build Your Foundation, Keep Your Promises | Dr. Gregory Borse

What does it actually mean to be free?For Dr. Gregory Borse , it begins long before success, titles, or achievement. It begins with the habits you practice, the virtues you cultivate, and whether you’ll keep your promises when life becomes difficult.In Episode 10 of The Personal Freedom Podcast, I sit down with English and Philosophy professor Dr. Gregory Borse for a conversation that spans Aristotle, courage, education, AI, literature, travel, and the unexpected adventures that shaped Dr. Borse’s remarkable life.From traveling the world with almost no money, sleeping in airports, navigating impossible situations through sheer boldness, and eventually earning a Ph.D., Dr. Borse shares how seemingly small decisions, and a willingness to move when others remain comfortable, opened doors he never could have planned.The discussion also explores the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence, why universities are facing enormous challenges, and why character will matter more than ever in a rapidly changing world.If you’ve ever wondered how to build a life of purpose rather than comfort, this conversation is for you.In This Episode* What Aristotle meant by the “Golden Mean”* Why courage exists between cowardice and recklessness* Building habits that create lasting character* The importance of keeping promises to yourself* Why integrity matters most when life becomes difficult* Dr. Borse’s unlikely journey to becoming a professor* Traveling with almost no money and why it changed his life* The role of boldness in creating opportunity* Lessons from sleeping in airports, missed flights, and trusting strangers* Why moving toward opportunity changes your life* AI’s impact on education and higher learning* Why face-to-face learning still matters* Literature, philosophy, and storytelling as tools for understanding lifeMemorable Quotes“What are the virtues that I want developed? What are the habits that are going to develop those virtues?”“Do I possess the kind of personal integrity that will cause me to follow them even in situations that are not good?”“A deficit of courage is cowardice. An excess of courage is rashness.”“Don’t panic. There’s a way to figure out how to fix whatever this little thing is.”“My willingness to get up and go... constitutes a certain kind of boldness.”About Dr. Gregory BorseDr. Gregory Borse is an English and Philosophy professor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and earned his Ph.D. in English from LSU. Throughout the conversation he reflects on decades of teaching, his passion for literature and philosophy, and how an unconventional path—filled with risk, persistence, and curiosity—ultimately led him into academia.You can find him on Substack and X. Why This Conversation MattersIn a culture obsessed with shortcuts, instant gratification, and external success, Dr. Borse argues that lasting freedom comes from something much deeper:* Character before comfort.* Habits before outcomes.* Integrity before achievement.Whether you’re rebuilding after hardship, pursuing a new career, or simply trying to become a better person, this episode is a reminder that the strongest foundations are built one decision at a time.Books, Thinkers & Topics Mentioned* Aristotle* The Golden Mean* Virtue Ethics* Plato* Shakespeare* Literary Theory* Artificial Intelligence* Higher Education* Philosophy* Classical Literature* Personal ResponsibilityThe Personal Freedom PodcastThe Personal Freedom Podcast shares the stories of people who chose a different path—overcoming adversity, rebuilding their lives, pursuing purpose, and defining freedom on their own terms.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be looking for their own way out of the wilderness.RV Life_Digital Nomad _Fisherman that is trying to be a better Hunter_Lover of poems and songs_An enjoyable drinker, eater, and breather_A man who is rebuilding something greaterThere are rainbows in the storms.Signing Off,The Personal Freedom Podcast, Mac DohmWant to Share Your Personal Freedom Story?Almost everyone has a personal freedom story.Maybe yours involved rebuilding after heartbreak.Maybe it meant leaving behind a toxic environment.Maybe it involved taking a risk, changing direction, rediscovering your faith, starting over, pursuing a dream, or simply waking up to the realization that you were meant for something more.If you have a story you feel called to share, I’d love to hear it.You can apply to be a guest on The Personal Freedom Podcast by booking a 1-on-1 Personal Freedom Story Pitch conversation with me.This podcast is about real people, real crossroads moments, and real stories of growth, resilience, and freedom.How You Can Support the ShowCheck out my nomadic art gallery for pictures, posters and prints showcasing my life on the road! Use the Code FREEDOM for 20% off.Art Gallery:https://macnomadicfineartfromtheroad.pic-time.com/Ritual OrganicsSun Tallow – Whipped Beef Tallow Face Cream with Non-Nano ZincProduct Description from Ritual Organics’ website:Grass-fed tallow meets mineral zinc in one whipped, do-it-all balm. Six ingredients. Zero white cast. Zero nonsense.Why people are obsessed:One step. Done. Moisturize, nourish, and shield from UV in a single swipe.Clear Zinc Tech: real UV defense, no chalky ghost face.6 ingredients. Grass-fed whipped tallow, organic jojoba, non-nano zinc, vitamin E, organic rosehip, organic lavender. The end.Non-greasy, non-comedogenic, all skin types, including the dramatic ones.Skinimalist & non-toxic: no fragrances, parabens, preservatives, or mystery chemicals.90 days to fall in love. if you don’t, email or DM us for a full refund. No returns. No questions.Ever AccountableIf you’re trying to build a more intentional life and create healthier digital habits, I’ll leave a link to a tool I personally use called Ever Accountable.Freedom isn’t just about where you go. It’s also about who’s driving the wheel. Tools like Ever Accountable help create honesty, intentionality, and accountability in a world designed to distract and consume you.This is a great tool also if you are a parent and want better protection for your kids online.* Try this link for a limited 14 day free trial and 20% off after that 14 day trial expires.Want to promote your business?Email [email protected] and/or book some time to chat.Subscribe to The Personal Freedom PodcastNew episodes every week featuring conversations about:* Purpose* Adventure* Creativity* Faith* Relationships* Recovery* Rebuilding* Mindset* And the ongoing pursuit of personal freedomIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder to keep pursuing freedom in their own life.Where to Find PFPWatch on YouTubeWatch & Listen on SubstackListen on AppleListen on Spotify Get full access to The Personal Freedom Podcast with Mac Dohm at thepersonalfreedompodcast.substack.com/subscribe