Happy Friday, Dudes. On this day in 1975, Bruce Springsteen dropped his first big hit, "Born to Run." Let’s run through today’s edition.

Dude of the Week

Bob Van Dillen

Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen isn’t just a guy who talks about storms—he’s a guy who runs into them. Back in the chaos of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, Van Dillen found himself in the heart of Atlanta during some brutal flooding. Instead of just reporting on the scene, he stepped up like a true hero when he noticed a woman trapped inside her car, caught in the rising floodwaters. Without hesitation, Van Dillen dove in, proving he’s not only about forecasting danger but also confronting it head-on.

While most people would understandably keep their distance from a flooded vehicle, Van Dillen’s quick thinking and bravery saved the woman from a potentially deadly situation. Wading through the swirling waters, he managed to reach the vehicle, pry open the door, and pull her to safety. It’s the kind of moment that would make you double-take if you saw it on TV, but for Van Dillen, it was just instinct. No fanfare, no spotlight—just action.

In the world of meteorology, where you’re constantly warning people about natural dangers, it’s something else to put yourself in the middle of one to save someone’s life. Bob Van Dillen didn’t just talk about the storm—he fought it and won. It’s the kind of grit and guts that makes you respect the guy behind the weather map a little more.

Watch the video here of Rob in action.

Interesting Stuff

Third Man Syndrome: Your Brain’s Secret Survival Sidekick

Picture this: you’re stuck in a life-or-death situation—maybe after a plane crash, lost in the wilderness, or hanging by a thread during a solo climb. Just when you think you’re out of options, something strange happens. You sense someone else is there with you. You can’t see them, but you can feel their presence. It’s like they’re guiding you, keeping you calm, and even giving advice. It’s eerie but feels incredibly real. Welcome to Third Man Syndrome, a survival phenomenon where people in extreme situations experience the presence of an unseen companion.

Shackleton's Fourth Companion

This sensation is nothing new. Ernest Shackleton, the legendary Antarctic explorer, popularized the idea in 1916. He and his crew, stranded on the Weddell Sea’s ice, felt like a “fourth man” was with them, guiding them to safety. Shackleton wasn’t alone in this feeling—many adventurers have reported the same thing.

What’s Really Going On?

While it sounds supernatural, the science behind Third Man Syndrome is rooted in psychology. When you’re starved, exhausted, or on the brink of collapse, your brain kicks into overdrive. It pulls out all the stops to help you survive, even if that means inventing an imaginary friend.

Here are some theories on why this happens:

1. Hallucinations: Your brain, lacking food, sleep, or oxygen, might create sensory hallucinations, making you feel like you’re not alone.

2. Cognitive Splitting: The mind may divide itself into two parts—the struggling one and the one that steps up to guide you, which feels like an external presence.

3. Dissociation: Severe stress can make you feel disconnected from your own body, creating the sensation that there’s someone else beside you.

Famous Examples

Shackleton isn’t the only one to experience this. Reinhold Messner, a famous mountaineer, felt a companion next to him while descending Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s deadliest peaks. Charles Lindbergh also described “ghostly figures” during his solo transatlantic flight, which helped him stay focused during intense fatigue.

A Survival Superpower?

Many who’ve experienced Third Man Syndrome believe it saved their lives. The presence often gives critical advice, motivates you, or simply keeps you moving. It’s like your brain’s built-in survival tool, conjuring up a guiding hand when you need it most. Whether it’s a hallucination or a deeply ingrained survival mechanism, Third Man Syndrome shows just how far the mind will go to keep you alive.

Here are 23 personal stories from individuals who have experienced Third Man Syndrome firsthand.

Stuff to Check Out

🎨 Art: Animation from 1988 done entirely with ink-wash paintings

📹 Video: I made a Porsche Taycan with a 3D pen

🎧 Song: The Streets of Whiterun | Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

🎥 Movie: The greatest movie of all time (it’s Shawshank obviously)