Timothy Ferriss's Blog, page 95
July 17, 2015
Peter Diamandis on Disrupting the Education System, The Evolution of Healthcare, and Building a Billion Dollar Business
Peter Diamandis (Photo credit: Sebastiaan ter Burg)
“I think of problems as goldmines.”
– Peter Diamandis
Dr. Peter Diamandis (@PeterDiamandis) has been named one of “The World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” by Fortune magazine. His accomplishments are far too many to list, but here are a few:
Peter is Chairman and CEO of the X PRIZE Foundation. He is also the Co-Founder (along with Craig Venter and Bob Hariri) of Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI); and the Co-Founder of Planetary Resources, a company designing spacecrafts to mine asteroids for precious materials (seriously). His latest book, Bold, has endorsements from Bill Clinton, Eric Schmidt, and Ray Kurzweil.
Peter knows how to think and play big, and he can show you how to do the same.
This episode features the top-10 most popular questions you wanted Peter to answer, including:
How do we disrupt the education system?
What does the future of healthcare look like?
When should you start building your billion dollar business?
Will technology destroy all the jobs?
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Want to learn more about exponential technologies? — Listen to my conversation with Peter Diamandis in which we discuss how to think like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos (stream below or right-click here to download):
Want even more? — Listen to my conversation with Peter Diamandis and Tony Robbins where we discuss the magic of thinking big (stream below or right-click here to download):
This podcast is brought to you by LegalZoom. Matt Mullenweg (CEO of Automattic – now worth more than a billion dollars) first incorporated his company on LegalZoom. LegalZoom, which I’ve used myself, can help you with almost anything legal, including setting up a will, doing a proper trademark search, forming an LLC, starting a non-profit, or finding simple cease-and-desist letter templates. LegalZoom is not a law firm, but they do have a network of independent attorneys available in most states. They can provide contract review and help you run your business. Use the code “Tim” at checkout to get $10 off your next order. Take a gander at everything you can get for a fraction of what you’d expect — LegalZoom.com
This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run.
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What other past guests would you like to have back for a Q&A session? What questions would you want them to answer? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
Learn more about XPrize
Explore Singularity University
Learn more about compiling health records at Human Longevity
Interested in asteroid mining? Check out Planetary Resources
Explore Modern Meadows and learn to rethink food production
Start fixing the world’s biggest problems with incentive prizes, it’s easy with HeroX
Learn more about the racers seeking to provide global internet:
Internet.org | Google Loon | One Web | SpaceX Satelite Dev Facility
Show Notes
How do we disrupt the education system? [4:25]
What do your first 10 minutes of the morning look like? Do you have a morning routine? [8:00}
What are some unrealistic goals you think entire nations could aspire to? [10:00]
What are the most exciting changes happening in healthcare, and what are the timetables for them to affect the general population? [13:20]
A problem well defined is a problem half solved. How do you go about defining a problem? Or how do you ask better questions? [18:40]
What is the most important thing for a 16-year-old to do over his summer vacation to keep moving forward and be prepared? [20:45]
Whenever the question of ending hunger in Africa arises, someone always says, “There’s no sufficient distribution system.” Why couldn’t we feed African countries with a mere billion dollars, food, and a small army of powerful delivery drones? [24:00]
Have you considered crowdfunding XPRIZE? [28:30]
Will technology increase unemployment and will robots replace many jobs as the media is reporting? [30:20]
Will Google, Facebook, or Elon Musk win the race to provide global internet? Will the FCC allow it? [33:35]
How will Human Longevity differentiate itself from other biotech companies? [35:35]
If you were 20 and had no experience whatsoever, what would you do to get into Singularity U and then create change in the world? [37:50]
People Mentioned
Larry Page
Elon Musk
Craig Venter
July 15, 2015
Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
“There is no new idea, just a new application of an old idea.”
– Laird Hamilton
Laird Hamilton (@LairdLife) is widely considered the greatest big wave surfer of all-time and an innovator in board sports. He’s the creator of tow-in surfing, and largely responsible for the rebirth of stand-up paddle boarding.
Hamilton starred in multiple surfing films and was the centerpiece of Riding Giants, a documentary about big wave surfing. A contributing editor for Men’s Journal, he has appeared on Oprah, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. Laird was also a featured expert in the surfing episode of The Tim Ferriss Experiment.
Laird is known for using his healthy lifestyle to raise money for charities including, Race Across America, Pipeline for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis, Rain Catcher, and Muscular Dystrophy.
Gabrielle Reece (@GabbyReece) has been named one of the “20 Most Influential Women Sports,” and is best known for her success in volleyball, modeling, and for a starring role as a trainer on The Biggest Loser.
A volleyball champion and a dominating offensive force, Reece led the Women’s Beach Volleyball league in kills for four consecutive seasons.
Elle magazine once called Reece, “One of the five most beautiful women in the world,” and Rolling Stone placed her on their “Wonder Women” list. That crossover success led to her becoming the first female athlete to ever design a shoe for Nike.
Brian MacKenzie (@iamunscared) is the founder of CrossFit Endurance and the author of the New York Times best-selling book Unbreakable Runner.
MacKenzie created controversy by suggesting a counterintuitive approach to distance running, which challenges high-mileage runs, high-carb diets, and incorporates intense strength training to conquer everything from 5K runs to ultra marathons. He was also prominently featured in The Four-Hour Body where he revealed how to prepare for a marathon in record time.
MacKenzie has been featured in Runner’s World, Men’s Journal, ESPN, Outside, and The Economist.
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here
Download both as MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear another podcast discussing underwater training from a friend of Laird Hamilton’s? — Listen to my conversations with Rick Rubin. In this episode we discuss cultivating world-class artists (Jay Z, Johnny Cash, etc.), losing 100+ pounds, and breaking down the complex (stream below or right-click here to download):
This episode is sponsored by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is, inevitably, Athletic Greens. It is my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in the The 4-Hour Body and did not get paid to do so. Get 50% off your order at Athletic Greens.com/Tim
This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run…
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: In this interview we discussed training, emotional intelligence, and innovation. Of the topics covered, which would you like to hear more about in the future? And what questions do you have about each? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
Check out Riding Giants, the documentary on big wave surfing
The Unbreakable Runner by Brian McKenzie
Watch Laird teach Tim to Surf on The Tim Ferriss Experiment
Learn more about Elevation Masks
Learn more about the chaga mushroom
Tao Te Ching by Laozi – recommend by Brian
Way of the Peaceful Warrior – recommend by Brian
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand – recommended by Gabby
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – recommended by Gabby
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – recommended by Laird
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach and Russell Munson – recommended by Laird
Dune by Frank Herbert – recommended by Laird
Natural Born Heroes by Christopher McDougall – recommended by Laird
Deep Survival by Lawerence Gonzales – recommended by Laird
Check out the documentary recommended by Brian McKenzie, Spinning Plates
Connect with Brain McKenzie:
Athlete Cell | Instagram | Twitter
Learn more about Gabby Reece:
GabbyAndLaird.com | GabbyReece.com | High X | Twitter | Instagram
Learn more about Laird Hamilton:
LairdHamilton.com | LairdStandUp.com | LairdLife.com | GolfBoard.com
Show Notes
Challenging your beliefs and physicality with underwater weightlifting, elevation masks, and exercise efficiency [6:39]
Laird Hamilton’s potent magic yellow energy elixir [16:39]
Gabby’s experience of fear as a volleyball champion and the host of The Extremists [18:24]
When MacKenzie thinks of successful who comes to mind and what are the characteristics that make people that way [23:24]
On a healthy integrated life and how Hamilton and Reece think about parenting [26:09]
On how to cultivate a thriving relationship: Training, Confidants and Value Systems [34:49]
Most gifted books [41:09]
Laird Hamilton’s formula for invention in sports [46:54]
On the foil board and the goal to ride the biggest waves in the world [53:29]
What makes Laird Hamilton so resilient at sticking to crazy ideas like the foil board [1:02:54]
Advice for an older, perhaps beat up, athlete seeking to get back to high-level performance [1:05:49]
Laird Hamilton’s mantra of “training for life” [1:08:39]
On isolating your weaknesses, identifying flaws and working to make them better [1:13:49]
Discussing Don Wildman and what attributes to his incredible physical prowess at the age of 82 [1:19:54]
Who are the people who inspire Brian McKenzie [1:26:39]
Advice for your thirty-year-old self from Gabby, Laird, Brian and Tim [1:31:29]
Recommendations/Asks for the audience [1:39:59]
People Mentioned
Rick Rubin
Chase Jarvis
July 10, 2015
General Stan McChrystal on Anti-War Americans, Pushing Your Limits, and The Three Military Tests You Should Take
MAZAR-E-SHARIFF, Afghanistan (March 15, 2010)–U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, works on board a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft between Battlefield Circulation missions. (NATO photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Mark O’Donald/Released)
“Push yourself harder than you think you’re capable of. You’ll find new depth inside yourself.”
– Stanley McChrystal
Stanley McChrystal (@StanleyMcChrystal) retired from the U.S. Army as a four-star general after more than 34 years of service. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates described McChrystal as “perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I ever met.”
From 2003 to 2008, McChrystal served as Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he was credited with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
The follow-up questions are really fun. In this particular episode, he answers questions such as:
If he could put a billboard anywhere and write anything on it, where would it be and what would it say?
What are three tests/practices from the military that civilians could use to help develop mental toughness?
What are his favorite documentaries or movies? Why?
What $100 or less purchase has most positively impacted his life in the last twelve months and why?
These are a bunch of questions from you guys! Thank you for submitting your questions and requesting for this follow-up segment. Still want more? Please feel free to learn more about the McChrystal Group at their website.
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here
Download both as MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear my interview with Stanley McChrystal and his former aid du camp, Chris Fussell? — You can listen to our two-hour-long conversation and see the show notes here. In this episode, we discuss eating one meal per day, special ops, and mental toughness (stream below or right-click here to download):
This episode is brought to you by Audible which I have used for years. I love audiobooks. I have two to recommend right off the bat:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – Perhaps my favorite audiobook of all time.
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts – This book had a huge impact on my life and formed the basis for a lot of what has become The 4-Hour Workweek
To get your free audiobook and a free 30-day trial, go to Audible.com/Tim. You can choose from the two audiobooks listed above or from 180,000+ audio programs. They offer audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and even classes. It’s that easy. Go to Audible.com/Tim and grab your free audiobook.
It’s that easy. Enjoy!
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What is your perception of U.S. military team efficiency? How about U.S. military team effectiveness? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
The Road to Character by David Brooks
Watch The Battle of Algiers, Stanley McChrystal’s favorite documentary
Show Notes
What are 3 tests or practices from the military that civilians can use to help develop mental toughness? [3:04]
What is the greatest attribute of an excellent soldier that you wish all politicians had? [3:50]
What was your biggest frustration with being in the military? What is your biggest frustration being out of the military? [4:22]
What is the Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, and Analyze (F3EA) methodology? How did your approach change over time? [5:10]
What can low to mid-level management do to encourage a more decentralized, agile, and flexible work environment? [8:45]
What is one thing you want average Americans, particularly anti-war Americans, to understand regarding wars and conflicts you’ve been involved in or about the military in general? [8:35]
What is something that you see in military movies, or movies involving the military that drives you crazy? [10:20]
What filters can the public use to sift through the noise of news to a feel for the real truth being the stories? [10:45]
What $100 or less purchase has most positively impacted your life in the last 6 months? [11:45]
What is one of your favorite documentaries or movies and why? [12:25]
If you could put a billboard anywhere and write anything on it, one billboard, where would it be and what would it say? [13:40]
July 8, 2015
Sam Harris on Daily Routines, The Trolley Scenario, and 5 Books Everyone Should Read
Sam Harris (Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson)
“On one level, wisdom is nothing more than the ability to take your own advice.”
– Sam Harris
This is Sam Harris’s second appearance on the show. Sam is a neuroscience Ph.D. and the author of the bestselling books, The End of Faith, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, and Waking Up. His work has been discussed in The New York Times, Time, Scientific American, Nature, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and many other journals.
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here
Download both as MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear my previous interview with Sam Harris? — In this episode, we discuss spirituality, neuroscience, meditation, and more (stream below or right-click here to download):
This podcast is also brought to you by LegalZoom. Matt Mullenweg (CEO of Automattic – now worth more than a billion dollars) first incorporated his company on LegalZoom. LegalZoom, which I’ve used myself, can help you with almost anything legal, including setting up a will, doing a proper trademark search, forming an LLC, setting up a non-profit, or finding simple cease-and-desist letter templates. LegalZoom is not a law firm, but they do have a network of independent attorneys available in most states. They can give you advice on the best way to get started, provide contract review, and otherwise help you run your business. Use the code “Tim” at checkout to get $10 off your next order. Take a gander at everything you can get for a fraction of what you’d expect — LegalZoom.com
This podcast is brought to you by MeUndies. Have you ever wanted to be as powerful as a mullet-wearing ninja from the 1980’s, or as sleek as a black panther in the Amazon? Of course you have, and that’s where MeUndies comes in. I’ve spent the last 2-3 weeks wearing underwear from these guys 24/7, and they are the most comfortable and colorful underwear I’ve ever owned. Their materials are 2x softer than cotton, as evaluated using the Kawabata method. Check out MeUndies.com/Tim to see my current faves (some are awesomely ridiculous) and, while you’re at it, don’t miss lots of hot ladies wearing MeUndies.
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What was your biggest takeaway from this session? How has your thinking changed? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell
Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit
The Last Word and Mortal Questions by Thomas Nagel
Read The Quran, it’s shorter than the bible and you can read it in a weekend
Super Intelligence by Nick Bostrom
Our Final Invention by James Barrat
Humiliation and The Anatomy of Disgust by William Ian Miller
The Flight of the Garuda translated by Keith Dowman
I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj
Machete Season by Jean Hatzfeld a short book about the Rwandan genocide
The End of Faith by Sam Harris
Stumbling Upon Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Watch Sam Harris’s debate with William Lane Craig
Islam and the Future of Tolerance by Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz
God is Not Great and Hitch-22 by Christopher Hitchens
Learn more about the Trolley Problem
Show Notes
What are five books you think everyone should read? [6:53]
In The End of Faith, you briefly discuss the challenging reality of having children. Why did you decide to have children? [18:58]
Why have you stopped doing public debates? Who would you like to debate? [23:18]
Could you talk about one of your differences with Christopher Hitchens on? Specifically, his pro-life stance. [29:03]
What fact/event has made you change your mind recently? [32:53]
What are Sam Harris’s morning rituals? I would especially like to know his meditation rituals. [36:03]
If you had to recommend one thing for brain health outside meditation or exercise, what would that be? [46:18]
Your first book, The End of Faith, featured a blistering attack on religious moderates. Now you strive to encourage religious moderation in the Islamic world. Have you changed your mind on religious moderation? [49:48]
Would you push the fat man in the trolley scenario? Do you think a society could occupy a peak on the moral landscape if it’s inhabitants would all push the fat man? [55:28]
People Mentioned
Daniel Dennett
Thomas Nagel
Jaan Tallinn
William Lane Craig
Robert Pape
David Eagleman
Ray Kurzweil
July 5, 2015
General Stan McChrystal on Eating One Meal Per Day, Special Ops, and Mental Toughness
General Stan McChrystal (Photo credit: David E. Alvarado, ISAF Public Affairs)
Stanley McChrystal (@StanleyMcChrystal) retired from the U.S. Army as a four-star general after more than 34 years of service. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates described McChrystal as “perhaps the finest warrior and leader of men in combat I ever met.”
From 2003 to 2008, McChrystal served as Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he was credited with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
His last assignment was as the commander of all American and coalition forces in Afghanistan. He is a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and the co-founder of CrossLead, a leadership consulting firm.
In this episode, we discuss everything imaginable, including:
– Why he only eats one meal per day, and what he eats
– His exact exercise regimen
– Tactical and psychological lessons of combat
– Self-talk used before and after difficult missions
– The development of mental toughness
– Favorite books, documentaries, etc.
– And much, much more
Chris Fussell (@FussellChris), who also joins the conversation, is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, former Aide-de-Camp for General McChrystal, and a current senior executive at CrossLead.
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear a podcast related to personal security in the digital age? — Listen to my conversation with Marc Goodman, a former FBI futurist focused on defeating high-tech crime. Learn how not to be an easy target — stream below or right-click here to download:
Also, don’t miss my interview with hacker Samy Kamkar. — Listen to our conversation on conquering online dating, opening locked cars, and his story of accidentally taking down MySpace with the fastest-growing “worm” of all time (stream below or right-click here to download):
This episode is sponsored by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is, inevitably, Athletic Greens. It is my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in the The 4-Hour Body and did not get paid to do so. Get 50% off your order at Athletic Greens.com/Tim
This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run..
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: In your opinion, what makes a good leader, and who exemplifies those qualities? Please share in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
Please say hello to the guests on Twitter – @StanleyMcChrystal and @FussellChris
Team of Teams – Stan and Chris’s New York Times bestseller
Read the article 10,000 Hours with Reid Hoffman by Ben Casnocha
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield
Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer
Mental Toughness Training for Sports by James Loehr
Do you know the Naval officer who championed the development of aircraft carriers between WWI and WWII? Please let me know in the comments. I’m fairly certain that Stan is referencing Rear Admiral William Moffett, but can anyone confirm?
Steve Jobs, The Innovators and Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson
Learn more about The War Room, a documentary about Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign
Learn more about the McChrystal Group and Team of Teams:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Show Notes
Why eat one meal per day? [5:36]
Understanding SOCOM and JSOC [9:21]
On the role of an aide-de-camp (ADC) [13:21]
How Chris Fussell reduced friction as Stanley McChrystal’s ADC [15:46]
Stanley McChrystal’s daily exercise habits and why they’re important [19:36]
Most gifted books for those entering combat situations [28:21]
On West Point: Slugs and Area Tours [31:01]
On mischief in school and success in the Army [34:11]
How peer reviews worked at West Point [35:11]
On vetting applicants for important positions [38:11]
Stanley McChrystal’s selection criteria for candidates [47:11]
Why Chris Fussell left the service early and defining “intelligence fusion cells” [53:21]
The most underrated military leaders? [57:36]
Fanatical audiobook listening habits and book selection [59:36]
Why Stanley McChrystal personally attended battlefield operations [1:06:21]
Hopeless dilemmas and managing self-talk in high-pressure environments [1:14:31]
Who comes to mind when Chris Fussell thinks of “successful”? [1:20:21]
Common organizational misperceptions between civilians and military personnel [1:24:21]
Meditation practices [1:29:11]
The “Red Team” concept in the military [1:31:11]
What are good ways for the average citizens to practice military strategy? Games? Activities? [1:36:06]
Stanley McChrystal on chess vs. backgammon and the complexities of modern day leadership [1:38:51]
What surprised Stanley McChrystal about Yale University [1:41:21]
The story behind Team of Teams and modern leadership challenges [1:44:01]
Stanley McChrystal’s advice to his thirty-year old self [1:55:06]
People Mentioned
Ulysses S. Grant
T.E. Lawrence
June 26, 2015
Whitney Cummings on Turning Pain Into Creativity
“In order for art to imitate life, you have to have a life.”
– Whitney Cummings
“I promise: if you just tell the truth and get your heart broken as a comedian, you will have a house.”
– Whitney Cummings
This episode how to turn pain and struggle into amazing creative projects.
Whitney Cummings (@whitneycummings) is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, writer and producer.
She is executive producer and, along with Michael Patrick King, co-creator of the Emmy nominated CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls, which was recently picked up for a fifth season.
Whitney also wrote, produced and starred in Whitney, which aired on NBC from 2011 to 2013.
She has headlined with comics including Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K., Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari, and others.
Her first one-hour stand up special, Money Shot, premiered on Comedy Central in 2010 and was nominated for an American Comedy Award. Her second stand-up special, Whitney Cummings: I Love You, debuted on Comedy Central in 2014 and she is shooting a third hour for HBO this August, which is set to air in 2016.
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear another podcast with a world-class comedian? — Listen to my conversation with Bryan Callen. In it, we discuss eating corgis (yes, the dogs) and improving creativity (stream below or right-click here to download):
This podcast is brought to you by MeUndies. Have you ever wanted to be as powerful as a mullet-wearing ninja from the 1980’s, or as sleek as a black panther in the Amazon? Of course you have, and that’s where MeUndies comes in. I’ve spent the last 2-3 weeks wearing underwear from these guys 24/7, and they are the most comfortable and colorful underwear I’ve ever owned. Their materials are 2x softer than cotton, as evaluated using the Kawabata method. Check out MeUndies.com/Tim to see my current faves, some of which are awesomely ridiculous.
This episode is also sponsored by Onnit. I have used Onnit products for years. If you look in my kitchen or in my garage you will find Alpha BRAIN, chewable melatonin (for resetting my clock while traveling), kettlebells, maces, battle ropes, and steel clubs. It sounds like a torture chamber, and it basically is. A torture chamber for self-improvement! Ah, the lovely pain. To see a list of my favorite pills, potions, and heavy tools, click here.
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What really offends you, and how might you analyze the reasons to improve yourself? Please share in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Enjoy!
Selected Links from the Episode
Visit Whitney on Twitter — say hello!
Check out 2 Broke Girls
Learn more about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming (EMDR)
Lying by Sam Harris
Learn more about Final Draft, which Whitney uses.
Whitney Cummings’s resources for early morning research:
Huffington Post | Salon | Slate | Psychology Today | Jezebel | The Frisky
Watch Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech, Make Good Art
Learn more about the Friar’s Roast
Enjoy standup from a few of Whitney’s recommended comics:
Sebastian Maniscalco | Tig Notaro | Jerrod Carmichael
Natasha Leggero | Chris D’Elia | Neal Brennan
Listen to my previous podcast with Paul Levesque (Triple H)
Watch the Jerry Seinfeld documentary, The Comedian
Learn more about horses and control in the documentary Buck
Learn more about equine therapy near Los Angeles at The Reflective Horse
Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart
The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller
The Fantasy Bond by Robert Firestone
The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff
Connect with Whitney Cummings:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Show Notes
Whitney Cummings’s tattoo stories: leadership, emotional intelligence, and managing trauma triggers [6:33]
Strategies for handling the weakness of impatience (aka “the impatient dick syndrome”) [19:33]
Has emotional intelligence work removed the magic of her success? [25:53]
The story of when Whitney realized her workaholic nature was killing her [34:13]
The emotional habits which helped Whitney to achieve so much at such a young age [37:03]
On managing the challenges of immediate gratification [40:33]
The process behind Whitney’s best writing [42:53]
Deconstructing Whitney’s most recommended work [55:13]
Defining “blue” comedy and exploring why it’s a strange title [45:48]
On roasts, insult comedy, adulation from fans, and differing comedic styles [1:08:08]
Whitney Cummings’s training for taking someone from beginner to stand-up comic in 8 weeks [1:23:33]
On equine therapy [1:57:23]
Most gifted books [2:04:18]
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person to come to mind? [2:12:43]
If you could put a billboard up anywhere you wanted, what would be on it, and where would it be? [2:20:48]
Advice to her 20-year old self [2:25:18]
People Mentioned
George Carlin
Dan Carlin
Demetri Martin
Mitch Hedberg
Zach Galifianakis
Steven Wright
Dan Mintz
Lisa Lampanelli
Jim Gaffigan
Dave Attell
Bill Burr
Sebastian Maniscalco
Natasha Leggero
Tig Notaro
Chris D’Elia
Neal Brennan
Jerry Seinfeld
Marc Maron
Joe Rogan
Steve Jobs
Sheryl Sandberg
Drew Barrymore
Elon Musk
June 22, 2015
The Maverick of Brain Optimization
“My lab is interested in pursuing how we can enhance cognition to improve quality of life.”
– Adam Gazzaley
Dr. Adam Gazzaley (@adamgazz) obtained an M.D. and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, then postdoctoral training in cognitive neuroscience at UC Berkeley. He is now the director of the Gazzaley Lab at UC San Francisco, a cognitive neuroscience laboratory.
His recent studies go far beyond mere description — he and his lab are exploring neuroplasticity and how we can optimize cognitive abilities, even in healthy adults. So, what happens when you combine cognitive-focused video games with neurofeedback, magnetic and electrical stimulation, and even performance-enhancing drugs? Well, that’s just one of many things we cover in this conversation.
As someone with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease on both sides of my family, I find Adam’s work to be of incredible importance and promise. I hope this discussion blows your mind, in the best way possible.
Enjoy!
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download as MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear more from world-class scientists?
Check out my conversations with Dr. Peter Attia. In the below episode, we discuss life-extension, drinking jet fuel, ultra-endurance, human foie gras, and more (stream below or right-click here to download):
Want even more from unorthodox scientists?
Listen to my conversation with Dr. Rhonda Patrick. In this episode, we discuss life extension, optimal performance, and much more (stream below or right-click here to download):
This podcast is brought to you by a new sponsor, LegalZoom. Matt Mullenweg (CEO of Automattic – now worth more than a billion dollars) first incorporated his company on LegalZoom. LegalZoom, which I’ve used myself, can help you with almost anything legal, including setting up a will, doing a proper trademark search, forming an LLC, setting up a non-profit, or finding simple cease-and-desist letter templates. LegalZoom is not a law firm, but they do have a network of independent attorneys available in most states. They can give you advice on the best way to get started, provide contract review, and otherwise help you run your business. Use the code “Tim” at checkout to get $10 off your next order. Take a gander at everything you can get for a fraction of what you’d expect — LegalZoom.com
This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run..
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: Are you afraid of losing cognitive function with age? If so, WHAT are you doing to prevent it? If nothing, why? Please share in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Selected Links from the Episode
Learn more about Neuroracer, the game that enhances cognition for older adults
Learn more about Nature, the international journal of science
The Cosmos Series by Carl Sagan
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
The Reality Dysfunction (The Night’s Dawn Trilogy) by Peter Hamilton
Dune by Frank Herbert
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
Check out Body Brain Trainer, a game from Gazzaley Labs
Watch The Lady in Number Six, a story about a 109-year-old pianist and Holocaust survivor
Watch the transformative effect of music on this man with Alzheimer’s disease
Check out the book that inspired Adam Gazzaley’s photography Mountain Light by Galen Rowell
Explore the photography of Adam Gazzaley at ComeWander.com
Read Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman and watch The Pleasure of Finding Things Out
Try some WhistlePig Rye
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Tuxedo Park by Jennet Conant
Learn more about Omni, a tool to walk in virtual reality
Check out the Glass Brain Flythrough, a video of flying through an active brain
Connect with Adam Gazzaley
The Lab: Gazzlab.com | Photography: ComeWander.com
Show Notes
Why Neuroracer was considered a ‘game changer’ [7:40]
Theories of cognition [13:50]
On making the cover of Nature magazine [17:35]
The self-talk behind Adam’s crazy idea to build a video game to rewire the brain [19:20]
What inspired Adam to become a scientist [21:40]
Why Gazzaley Lab is unique/unusual and concepts that have jumped into the private sector [25:35]
Why Gazzaley decided to focus on improving cognition [34:40]
How Adam Gazzaley thinks about “success” [39:40]
Vetting people who want to be a part of Gazzaley Lab [34:05]
Common misconceptions about the brain and cognitive function [36:15]
On the likelihood that pre-existing video games have similar cognitive effects to cognition as as described in Gazzaley Lab’s video game research [43:20]
Most gifted books [47:10]
About the ‘Neuroman’ project [50:50]
Learn more about the games Gazzaley Labs has created to improve cognition: MetaTrain, Body Brain Trainer (BBT) and Rhythmicity [56:50]
How inspiration for Rhythmicity came from New Orleans, The Grateful Dead, and the AARP [1:05:30]
The origin of Adam Gazzaley’s interest in photography [1:10:20]
Morning rituals for Adam Gazzaley [1:16:20]
Rapid Fire Questions: Inspiration for downtimes, most listened to music, favorite cocktails, losing an eye, and plans for virtual reality [1:25:00]
Exploring the crossroads of hallucinogens and neuroscience [1:40:50]
Shortlisted compounds for pairing pharmaceuticals and video games to improve cognition [1:43:20]
On the neurological impacts of modafinil [1:46:05]
The most exciting studies related to Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TDCS) [1:47:20]
Advice to Adam Gazzaley’s thirty-year-old self [1:51:20]
What Adam Gazzaley would do with an additional 100 million dollars [1:52:50]
People Mentioned
Carl Sagan
Mickey Hart
Galen Rowell
Richard Feynman
June 18, 2015
Sam Kass on Reinventing Yourself and Baptism by Fire
Sam Kass, right, in official White House gear. (Photo: Bob Nichols, USDA)
“Yankees, we’ve won!”
– Austrian sous-chef to unprepared Americans hustling at a Michelin 3-star restaurant
“75% of success is staying calm. The rest you figure out.”
– Sam Kass
Sam Kass almost became a pro baseball player. Instead, he pivoted a history major from U. Chicago into becoming the private chef for the Obamas in the White House.
He then broke into national nutrition policy and was named #11 on Fast Company magazine’s 2011 list of “100 Most Creative People” for his work, which focused on establishing private-sector partnerships to reduce childhood obesity to just 5% by 2030.
His story is amazing, his career turns unexpected, and his trials by fire hilarious.
In this conversation, we talk about:
– Baseball and the art of fielding, plus how he set records at U. Chicago
– His odd leap to the culinary world and escapades one of the best Austria kitchens
– His favorite books, routines, and breakfast eggs
– Simple cooking tricks and common mistakes
– A go-to meal for impressing any date
– Nutrition, top-soil depletion, and organic food
– Why he doesn’t like black pepper
– And much, much more…
We delve into his incredible batting average (literal and metaphorical), his trials by fire, what it’s like to cook for the First Family, and well beyond. Enjoy!
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Want to hear another podcast from a world class chef? Listen to my conversation with Andrew Zimmern. In that episode, we discuss simple cooking tricks, developing TV, his success secrets, and beating addiction (stream below or right-click here to download):
This podcast is brought to you by Mizzen + Main. Mizzen + Main makes the only “dress” shirts I now travel with — fancy enough for important dinners but made from athletic, sweat-wicking material. No more ironing, no more steaming, no more hassle. Click here to see the exact shirts I wear most often.
This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run…
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: If you had to pack the essence of life into a burrito, what would that burrito look like? OR What simple meal have you used to impress dates? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links, resources, and show notes…
Selected Links from the Episode
Sam Kass on Twitter (say hello!)
A History of World Agriculture by Marcel Mazoyer and Laurence Roudart
Restaurants mentioned in this episode:
avec | Alinea | Frankies 457
Learn more about the White House vegetable garden
Learn more about Ogimi, Japan, which is famous for long lifespans
Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Clean 15 food list
Read the article mentioned in the podcast: The Future of Food is Food by Steve Case
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
The Man Who Quit Money
Just Eat It a documentary about food waste
Check out the wine selections from Wolffer Estates
Learn more about the American Farmland Trust
Pick up selected cookbooks: Plenty, Jerusalem and Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi
The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
Visit Sam on the Internet:
Show Notes
Eggs, coffee, and morning routines [5:50]
Why Sam Kass loves baseball [9:25]
Fulfilling University of Chicago academic requirements while setting records as a baseball player [11:55]
The story behind how he was baptized by fire in kitchens [17:05]
Mental preparation for high-stress situations [22:35]
Unusual restaurants that put out great food [25:35]
If you had to limit your herbs or spices to 3 choices for the rest of your life, what would they be? [27:55]
How Sam Kass was introduced to the Obama family, and what it’s like cooking for the POTUS [33:15]
Food pet peeves [39:00]
On ecosystem challenges, including soil degradation and the declining bee population [43:05]
Rapid-fire questions: Who is successful, most gifted book, favorite documentary and a purchase $100 or less that has had the most value? [57:40]
More morning routines [1:03:05]
“What is the best use of wine that’s too old to drink?”
“What should home chefs stop doing?”
When to know your pan is hot enough to sear a fish and what oil to use [1:13:35]
“When you fall into a rut in the kitchen, what resource do you turn to for inspiration?”
Simple starting points for incorporating more healthy food [1:16:50]
“What’s the best meal to impress a girl but is easy to make?”
“What dish have you most frequently made for house guests?”
Common mistakes made when grilling [1:27:30]
“What is the best way to systematically refine and develop your pallet.” [1:28:35]
“If you had to pack the essence of life into a burrito, what would that burrito look like?” [1:31:15]
Advice to a younger Sam Kass just after graduation from the University of Chicago [1:33:45]
Sam Kass’s one “ask” of the audience [1:36:45]
Find Sam on the Internet:
People Mentioned
Barack Obama
Andrew Zimmern
Yotam Ottolenghi
June 16, 2015
An Unusual $100,000 Birthday Present (Plus: Free Round-Trip Anywhere in the World)
Turning 38-years young… and still not acting my age. (Photo: Sir Garrett Camp)
38! I’ll turn a glorious 38 soon.
It’s going to be a great natal year–I can already feel it. Perhaps it will be good luck for you, too. In this post, I’m giving away a round-trip ticket anywhere in the world.
But back to that strange birthday gift…
Much to the chagrin of my momma-san, I’ve become difficult to buy presents for. Some friends even think I’m impossible to find presents for. Not so. I love handwritten letters, homemade brownies, and–most of all–when people do something nice.
You, dear readers, have a record of being nice and making it count. In fact, you’ve changed thousands of lives with small acts of kindness!
For my b-day in 2010, you all raised more than $100,000 for high-need public school classrooms in the US. More recently, you helped build libraries overseas (See the construction progress on Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka here, as well as the completed schools in Vietnam).
In lieu of gifts this year, my birthday wish is…
To create the FIRST elementary school in the world with exclusively stand-up desks!
Why?
This is a chance to be part of history.
THE PROBLEM:
8-18-year olds spend ~85% of their waking hours sitting (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation), and researchers like Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic now compare the health risks of extended sitting to those of smoking.
THE PROTOTYPE THAT COULD CHANGE THE FUTURE:
This is the pilot experiment that could change how schools worldwide are designed. I’m joining forces with Kelly and Juliet Starrett, the brains behind this project and founders of StandUpKids. The goal is to get every public school student in the US at a standing desk within 10 years. This massive goal is achievable if the right snowballs are put in motion now, and this proof-of-concept school is the most important. Media coverage, national attention, political pressure/alliances, etc. can all stem from this. It’s super high leverage.
Here’s what we’re doing, plus a few things to sweeten the pot:
Join my 38th birthday challenge by clicking here. It’s worth clicking through just to check out the site; Donorschoose.org is one of the most creative non-profits in the world. This is also their most ambitious project ever.
To get your engines started, and to put money where our mouths are: I’ve ready donated $10,000 of my own money, and Kelly and Juliet Starrett have done the same. We have lots of skin in the game.
If the spirit moves you, please make a $38 tax-deductible donation (for my 38 years), or whatever you can ($1, $35, $1,000, etc.).
4. We hit $100K and outfit a school that could affect the nation…or even the world! This isn’t hyperbole. This is precisely how movements are started.
So, to get this party started in force…
Sweetening the Pot…
I’m giving away a free round-trip ticket anywhere in the world that Star Alliance flies, which is just about everywhere. There is no expiration date on the trip, so no rush on deciding where or when to go.
Here’s how to get it:
Spread the word however you can. Send people to this post or to the Donorschoose.org page.
Leave a comment below telling me what you did (Facebook, Twitter, blog post, e-mail blast, e-mail signature, encouraged employees/friends to do the same, company donation matching, etc.). Measurement of any type gets huge bonus points. This comment must be put up no later than 5pm PST on Friday, June 26th, 2015.
Lastly, answer one question at the very top of your comment: “What does education mean to you?” Put “#EducationMeans” at the very top, followed by your answer. This is an IQ test in following directions, as we’ll skip entries without #EducationMeans at the top.
I’ll pick the winner (if clear), OR my team will pick the top 3-5 promoters, and you’ll vote on the winner of the round-trip. As always: over 18 only, any taxes are your responsibility, void where prohibited, no minotaurs, etc.
Fun!
But the best reason of all…
Beyond the bribes, you’ll feel awesome about yourself for doing real good.
Trust me. It feels great.
Will you pause for a moment and step up, even if for $1? It would mean the world to me. I’ll share updates as I get them.
Again, here is where you can donate $38, $1, $1,000, or whatever you can. Just click here.
Thank you for reading this post. You are all rock stars, and I continue to write on this blog purely because of you.
Pura vida,
Tim
June 12, 2015
The Rags to Riches Philosopher: Bryan Johnson’s Path to $800 Million
Bryan Johnson is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder of OS Fund and Braintree, the latter of which was bought by eBay in 2013 for $800 million in cash.
Bryan launched OS Fund in 2014 with $100 million of his personal capital to support inventors and scientists who aim to benefit humanity by rewriting the operating systems of life. In other words: he fuels real-world mad scientists.
His investments include endeavors to cure age-related diseases and radically extend healthy human life to 100+ (Human Longevity), replicate the human visual cortex using artificial intelligence (Vicarious), mine an asteroid (Planetary Resources), reinvent transportation using autonomous vehicles (Matternet), and reimagine food using biology (Hampton Creek), among others.
Our conversation includes his rags to riches story, his philosophical hardwiring, negotiating/sales tactics, and even parenting. We cover a ton of ground with a fascinating and deep mind.
Enjoy!
Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download it as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.
Do you enjoy listening to world-class entrepreneurs? If so, you might enjoy my conversations with Peter Thiel. He co-founded PayPal in 1998, which was sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. He was also the first outside investor in Facebook (!) and has since created another billion-dollar+ startup called Palantir. Stream our conversation below or right-click here to download:
This episode is sponsored by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is, inevitably, Athletic Greens. It is your all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in the The 4-Hour Body and did not get paid to do so. Get 50% off your order at Athletic Greens.com/Tim
This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run…
QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: Do you have a story of an untested assumption that held you back? How did you identify it and change your behavior? Please let me know in the comments.
Scroll below for links and show notes…
Selected Links from the Episode
Watch the trailer and learn more about Ex Machina
Learn more about Braintree
Read about Derek Sivers and successful e-mails
Pick up a copy of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide by James Fadiman
Learn more about OS Fund and the companies in which they’ve invested, including:
Human Longevity | Ginkgo Bioworks
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Learn more about irrelevant alternatives, Dan Ariely’s TED talk, and his
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
A Good Man by Mark Shriver
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Shackleton by Nick Bertozzi
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Bryan on Twitter
Show Notes
Gasoline bombs, baseball cards, and deconstructing high school power structure [2:00]
How Ecuador and cell phones helped Bryan as an entrepreneur [8:20]
From broke and unemployable to a record-setting sales person [12:35]
The critical failure point for Bryan’s real estate company [16:50]
What to look for when hiring sales people [18:30]
How long until a computer can identify trustworthy people? [21:00]
The transition from sales person to founding Braintree [22:35]
How to build a technical team without being a technical founder [25:30]
The three main goals Bryan had in mind when founding Braintree [27:05]
On deciding to pivot the direction of the first profitable company [30:40]
Appreciating Ernest Shackleton and the “Shackleton sniff test” [33:40]
Are you glad that you got an MBA? [35:15]
On firing the rocket ship that was Braintree and market targeting for re-broadcasting [38:45]
Breakaway moments, primary competitors, and convincing big companies to use Braintree [42:20]
What it means to code to the Application Programming Interface (API) and the growth potential if done well [45:00]
Keys to building a workplace loved by employees [47:45]
Why storytelling was critical for cultivating a great company culture [52:15]
On becoming a pilot, the process, and estimated costs [58:30]
How Bryan Johnson defines “success” [1:00:45]
The OS Fund, why it exists, and how to think on the “operating system level” [1:02:10]
On the moral questions of advanced technology at scale [1:07:20]
Challenging assumptions and the story of five monkeys sprayed with cold water [1:14:30]
How Bryan Johnson unpacks feelings of overwhelm [1:18:35]
The historical figure Bryan Johnson most identifies with [1:22:10]
Entrepreneurs who Bryan Johnson admires for their aggression [1:26:30]
What is an entrepreneur? How does one develop entrepreneurial characteristics? [1:28:30]
Rapid Fire Questions: Most gifted books, billboards, and advice to his 30-year-old self [1:32:00]
Non-obvious traditions to hold with your kids and common problem points when parenting [1:35:55]
People Mentioned
Ernest Shackleton
Derek Sivers
John Huntsman Jr.
Peter Singer
Ben Horowitz
Craig Venter
Peter Diamandis
Joshua Tetrick
Jason Kelly
Danielle Fong
Scott Fenix
Mustafa Suleyman
