Embrace Discomfort: Lean Into Challenge to Improve Your Life

by Michael Easter

In Embrace Discomfort, Michael Easter seeks out off-the-grid visionaries, disruptive genius researchers, and mind-body conditioning trailblazers who are unlocking the life-enhancing secrets of a counterintuitive discomfort. Each of the 10 episodes except for the final one will feature an expert in a discomfort area, including ultra-runner Courtney Dauwalter, survivalist Laura Zerra, nutritionist Dr. Trevor Kashey, and fear expert Dr. Joseph E. LeDoux

Award-winning author of NYT best seller The Comfort Crisis and the creator of 2%–a popular Substack and podcast—Michael Easter is a contributing editor at Men’s Health magazine, columnist for Outside magazine, and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Health, Psychology, Personal Development

Audible Audio

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

Michael Easter is the author of The Comfort Crisis, a contributing editor at Men’s Health magazine, columnist for Outside magazine, and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His work has appeared in over sixty countries and can also be found in Men’s Journal, New York, Vice, Scientific American, Esquire, and others. He lives in Las Vegas on the edge of the desert with his wife and two dogs.

Reviews

[Jon Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great nuggets and real-life experiences from a variety of people. I found some sound biblical principles interwoven into their stories. Very inspirational.

[Barry Engelhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must listen to regardless of your story or circumstances . While I throughly enjoyed both of Easter’s books, this audio collection is my favorite.

A series of short and powerful conversations with fascinating individuals who has accomplished extraordinary things, with each channeled towards an actionable tool. While man’s quest towards comfort has given us many conveniences, this collection looks at the potential costs with an effort towards sharpening the stone.

[Alish French · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and quick read about all of the things we can do to improve our lives. Being uncomfortable contributes to our overall sense of well-being, which is generally the opposite of what human beings desire.

There is a lot about the benefit of walking in this book, as well as enduring uncomfortable temperatures.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. I recommend Michael Easter to everyone! He makes it make sense & doable. This was fun because it was podcast style. Especially loved the part with Dr Kashey

[Evelyn Amaral Garcia · Rating 1 out of 5]

So useless. The author calls discomfort a walk in nature 🥲 The book is written for the fat people in wall-e.

[Erik Molyneaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first stumbled upon Micheal Easter on an episode of the Huberman Lab podcast that I listened to around a year or so ago. It was one of those episodes that really resonated with me and I really wanted to dive more into some of the concepts Easter had brought up through the podcast. The concept of misogi was quite intriguing to me as well as many of his other points. I had intended on reading his book Comfort Crisis, but heard some mixed things and I felt like I wasn't going to get more out of it than I had on the podcast episode.

Eventually, I came across this audiobook that was a tighter version of Comfort Crisis, that also brought in some of his ideas from his book Scarcity Brain as well. While this audiobook does play out like more of a podcast, with each section being an interview with a separate person and diving into a particular topic along the lines of embracing some form of discomfort; it was done exceptionally well. I actually preferred this interview style and I think it touched on every topic quite well.

There is a lot of good knowledge and points in this. I think everybody could benefit from some of the concepts here, even if they aren't taken to the same extremes. It's definitely one of the better personal development style books I've come across. It doesn't linger too much, and having it within the structure of interviews was far more interesting to me.

Funny thing was, I spent a lot of my time listening to this book while doing something that brought discomfort. Stretching, working out and I even finished the last 30-45 minutes while listening on an acupressure mat struggling to settle my body down. There was an added meditative layer I got from the combination of doing these things along with the book and I think it helped reinforce some of the teachings in the book even more and made me appreciate them.

I'm no stranger to discomfort, but I definitely get caught in the trappings of modern comfort. While my job and other life choices have put me in places of discomfort (working in remote locations and extreme conditions, doing cold training, pushing myself physically in my own personal time through the gym etc.) this book made me reflect on a lot of the benefits I've gained from that. While at the moment it's easy to overlook the benefits these bring in order to seek comfort, this book made me appreciate what I have gained and learned in my own personal experiences in this regard and strive to bring more discomfort to my life.

Now to begin brainstorming on a yearly misogi challenge.

[Andrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

> The Book Review You Didn’t Ask For—But Here It Is Anyway

Right, let’s get this over with quickly because we both know you’re either too busy working or pretending to work while scrolling aimlessly. So here’s a two-part breakdown based on your work-life misery levels.

> For the Shift Workers and “Real Job” Crowd:

Your life revolves around odd hours, caffeine, and the occasional existential crisis between shifts. This book wants you to “touch grass”—not metaphorically, but literally, as in go outside and remind yourself the world exists beyond your workplace walls. But don’t get carried away, because if you start doing this every hour at work, your manager will assume you’ve lost it. Do it on a weekend. Alone. And try to feel something.

> For the Starbucks-Sipping, Office-Dwelling Professionals:

If your life consists of spreadsheets, passive-aggressive emails, and measuring success by how overpriced your coffee order is, then this book is not for you. It won’t help. Instead, take a break from staring at screens, walk to some mediocre café that smells slightly questionable, and pretend to experience “inspiration.” Bonus tip: you can read the book while waiting in line for your Starbucks order, because let’s be honest, you’re already spending ten bucks on a glorified cup of frothy regret anyway.

[Amy Fly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a series of interviews with people who are 100% crazy.

Well, not really but if you are like me you'll think it is quite a few times.

This book dedicates each chapter to a person who has embraced discomfort in a myriad of ways and what they have learned from it. From permanently living outdoors to running barefoot, they will all initially make you think " what a weirdo."
However, with the book written like a series of interviews, it becomes clear that there is something we can all glean from their stories. While we ( not the nutty people) don't have to embrace the same extremes we can share the same benefits mentally and physically. I'll let you read the book to see what those are. I need more coffee and the cats need fed.

[Luca Nicoletti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 10‑episode audio series, not a book with a start and an end.
The stories cover 3 main ideas:
1. Discomfort = Growth
2. Nature as an antidote
3. Mental toughness & awareness

It’s a practical, evidence-backed audio primer on how stepping into mild-to-moderate discomfort—whether mental, physical, or emotional—can reboot resilience, health, and perspective. Ideal if you want proof-led advice plus real expert voices (e.g. ultrarunners, survivalists, neuroscientists).
If you're after frameworks and fast tips with a gritty, real-world edge, go for it. If you prefer gentler self-help or worry about unqualified guidance, maybe approach with caution.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

A motivational read built around a series of curated interviews from the author’s podcast rather than a fully original book. While the format allows for a wide range of perspectives and inspiring anecdotes, it also means the content often feels fragmented and lacks a strong, cohesive narrative.
The biggest drawback is that most of the advice presented here is fairly basic and can be found—often in more depth and with greater clarity—in other, more specialised books. As a result, the insights sometimes come across as surface-level, offering breadth rather than depth. That said, the conversational tone and diversity of voices make it accessible.

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, enjoyable, and genuinely interesting listen. I finished it in one sitting because it completely held my attention from start to finish. Michael Easter blends storytelling and science in such a captivating way that it never feels like a lecture. I left feeling incredibly inspired and energized to try things I never would’ve imagined myself doing before. Highly recommend to anyone looking for motivation, perspective, or a reminder of what we’re capable of when we step outside our comfort zone.

[Heather Kimball · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Quick and to the point. I would have liked to see a bit more about the next steps. The next steps were rather vague. When I learn about things like this —life-changing behavior —I want more about how I, as a common human, can implement these practices in my life. As a person who absolutely loathes the idea of running, I would have liked to see more about starting small. He focused on people who are only 2% of the population. Is that inspiring? Yes. But now I want to know, how do I start that journey? Great food for thought, though.

[Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of podcast conversations, Embrace Discomfort provides an interesting look at the multiple factors that make up wellness and promote longevity. Easter taps into the stories of his previous titles and allows his guests to share directly with the audience. With topics ranging from nutrition to meditation to the many benefits of walking in and communing with nature, Embrace Discomfort will motivate (and challenge) you to want to be a part of the two percent.

[Jenni Ritchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got some good tips from this production, and also got annoyed with some of the people interviewed because they sounded stoned and unprepared to speak cogently about their topic. You'll also hear contradictory opinions about pushing yourself to do more when you exercise and not pushing yourself at all.

[Chappyfamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had some very interesting things and some things to think about. The title alone is one of them. I did get some great information from it. I can’t recommend it to my kids or my classes though because it has the f word in it. I don’t understand why. I know it’s everywhere but it is also very unprofessional. Just leave it out of books. Especially self help books.

[Rootul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick listen. I would classify this as a series of podcasts and not an audiobook. I recommend the chapters on rucking and hunger. I recommend skipping the chapter on meditation. Same underlying takeaways as Easter's previous books.

[Samantha Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the interview format as well as research included. I may be biased coming into this book since I am someone who already seeks to embrace discomfort and have some knowledge around the benefits of being challenged and uncomfortable.

[May Alattar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring but unrealistic. Who wouldn’t love to be free from the shackles of living the mundane life; however not everyone has that luxury to leave everything behind and go climb mountains, stay in the arctics or live off the grid. Also it feels like a podcast rather than a book, I couldn’t finish

[Destinyy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather than offering fresh insights, this book reads more like a compilation of podcast episodes, each circling the same theme of being outside ‘in the wild.’ If you’re looking for substance or something truly meaningful, you’ll likely be disappointed.

[Donna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author interviews numerous people who have the science behind a different way to look at discomfort.
Some of the chapters are will speak to you and some may not.
This book is brilliant and I learned a lot.

[Gregg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd collection of experts. Not a bad format or concept. Quick, easy read.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid companion audiobook to the Comfort Crisis. Goes into a set of specific topics in more detail in audio interviews with experts. A relatively short, quick read/listen.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting.. but feels like a podcast.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Jen Headley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible listen. Super inspiring!

[Geoffrey Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very easy to digest and most reader won't discover anything new to the idea of growth through pushing ourselves past our comfort zone there is still plenty of stories to keep us motivated.

[Justin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read with real testimonials from some badass people!

[AttackGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly why I think military service should be mandatory and first duty assignment a hardship tour.

[Mathias · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok bra bok.

Handlar egentligen om att man ska göra saker lite svåra för sig själv för den stora nyttan. Jag håller med om att vara ute till skogs oftare utan tekning och gö med tyngre packningar

[Eileen Yu · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Go out in nature to exercise", "use weights in your walk", this book is irrelevant, inappropriately titled and a bit misleading.