I’m joined by Daniel Hulse, who until recently was Associate Director of College Counseling at Mercersburg Academy. Beyond guiding students, Mr. Hulse has spent years reflecting on what love, compromise, and authenticity really mean — in marriage, work, and family.

Episode in a 🌰:In this first part of our conversation, we put aside the central question and instead dive into love. In all its everyday messiness, love goes from tattoos and Shakespeare to farting in front your partner. Mr. Hulse shares what it means to build a relationship that is equal parts friendship and hard work, and why knowing your “non-compromisables” is just as important as compromise itself.

In season 2, I highlight one-to-one chats with teachers, professors, and mentors. The primary question for this entire season will remain the same: What makes a human, human?

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:16] Mr. Hulse on Shakespeare and love beyond the surface

[00:04:40] Discovering a true “connection of the mind”

[00:07:05] Comfort in silence, farting, and being real

[00:09:49] Marriage as hard work and compromise

[00:13:29] Authentic disagreement vs. constant pleasing

[00:17:09] Compromise vs. self-betrayal at work and in life

[00:20:21] Family as a non-compromisable

🥜 Hypothetical Nut of the Day:

If soulmates don’t exist, how do you know when you’ve found the right person?

Hope you enjoyed the ep!