Boundless Life Healthy Eating & Fitness For Kids, How Unschooling Works, Top Book Recommendations, Common Kitchen Mistakes & Much More: Ben Greenfield Puts His Sons In The Hot-Seat (The Official River & Terran Greenfield Interview).
Jan 9, 2021
In this engaging conversation, two creative 12-year-olds share their takes on healthy eating, including delicious breakfast ideas like fresh sourdough and smoothies. They dive into their unschooling journey, emphasizing practical learning and the power of reading, especially graphic novels. The duo offers cooking tips and culinary adventures, showcasing their love for food and nature. They stress the importance of physical activity, breathwork, and minimal screen time, all while maintaining strong family bonds and community connections.
01:19:22
Breakfast for a Productive Day
- Prioritize fresh ingredients like eggs, bacon, and sourdough bread for a healthy breakfast.
- Consider smoothies with layered ingredients and toppings for variety.
Graphic Novel Recommendations
- Explore graphic novels, which combine art and storytelling, like Wings of Fire or Asterix.
- Consider Neil Gaiman's Graveyard Book for a captivating graphic novel experience.
Graveyard Book
- Ben Greenfield's sons haven't read Neil Gaiman's Graveyard Book yet.
- Tim Ferriss recommended the audio version, but a graphic novel exists.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
Breakfast Banter and the Hero's Journey
04:34 • 16min
The Power of Reading and Writing
20:34 • 5min
Experiential Learning: Bridging Education and Real-Life Applications
25:43 • 2min
The Intersection of Technology and Human Creativity
27:49 • 5min
The Art of Learning Through Play
32:51 • 14min
Incorporating Activity and Breathwork
47:10 • 4min
Healthy Eating Habits and Snack Choices for Kids
51:03 • 2min
Healthy Choices and Screen Time
52:42 • 6min
Culinary Journeys: From Cooking to Foraging
58:59 • 14min
Daily Spiritual Practices and Growth
01:13:05 • 7min
Emphasizing Family Bonds and Community Connections
01:20:15 • 3min
The writer's journey
Mythic Structure for Writers
Christopher Vogler
This book details a twelve-stage, myth-inspired method for storytelling that has significantly influenced cinematic narrative. Originally based on a memo Vogler wrote for Walt Disney Animation executives regarding 'The Lion King', the book expands on Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces' and provides a practical guide for writers using examples from myths, fairy tales, and classic movies. It includes stages such as 'The Ordinary World', 'The Call to Adventure', 'Meeting with the Mentor', and 'The Resurrection', among others, and is widely acclaimed for its impact on screenwriting worldwide.
The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman
The Graveyard Book tells the story of Nobody 'Bod' Owens, a young boy who escapes his family's murderer, known as the man Jack, and finds refuge in a graveyard. There, he is adopted and raised by the ghostly residents, Mr. and Mrs. Owens, and protected by the mysterious caretaker Silas. As Bod grows up, he learns supernatural abilities and faces various dangers both within and outside the graveyard. The book follows Bod's adventures and his eventual transition into the world of the living, exploring themes of identity, family, and the intersection of life and death[1][2][4].
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
A Guide to Wealth and Happiness
Naval Ravikant
Eric Jorgenson
Tim Ferriss
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant is a compilation of Naval's thoughts on fundamental principles for happiness, wealth creation, decision-making, and personal growth. The book distills his insights from the last ten years into practical advice, guiding readers on how to walk their own unique path toward a happier, wealthier life. It emphasizes the importance of compound interest, leveraging resources, and productizing oneself. The book also delves into key aspects of life, including relationships, health, and purpose, offering a holistic approach to wealth and happiness.
The 4-Hour Chef
The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life
Tim Ferriss
In 'The 4-Hour Chef', Tim Ferriss uses cooking as a vehicle to teach 'meta-learning', a step-by-step process for mastering any skill quickly. The book is divided into five sections: Meta-Learning, The Domestic, The Wild, The Scientist, and The Professional. It includes tips and stories from world-class chefs, athletes, and other experts, and focuses on overcoming common obstacles in learning and cooking. The book aims to make readers self-sufficient in the kitchen and in life, applying principles of failure points and margin of safety to ensure success.
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook
Practices That Transform Us
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
This handbook provides practical, accessible guidance on various spiritual disciplines, from classical practices like prayer, worship, and scripture study to more contemporary disciplines such as mentoring, journaling, and unplugging. It is designed to help readers transform their spiritual lives by offering clear definitions and practices of these disciplines. The book is structured into several parts, including Worship, Open Myself to God, Relinquish the False Self, Share My Life with Others, Hear God's Word, and Incarnate the Love of Christ. It is highly recommended for both new and seasoned Christians seeking to enhance their spiritual growth and intimacy with Christ.
The lost language of plants
Stephen Harrod Buhner
Stephen Harrod Buhner's *The Lost Language of Plants* is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate communication systems of plants. The book delves into the various ways plants interact with their environment and each other, highlighting their intelligence and sensitivity. Buhner explores the historical and cultural significance of plants, emphasizing their medicinal properties and their role in human societies. He advocates for a deeper understanding and respect for the plant kingdom, urging readers to reconnect with the natural world. The book is a call to action, encouraging readers to learn the language of plants and to protect their vital role in the ecosystem.
Wings of Fire
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
This autobiography tells the story of Dr. Kalam's life, from his childhood in Rameswaram to his career as a scientist and later as the President of India. It highlights his perseverance and contributions to India's space and missile programs, offering valuable insights into leadership and personal growth.
River and Terran Greenfield are my twin 12 year old sons. They are unschooled, they are hyper-creative, they can survive in the wilderness with a knife, backpack and wool blanket, they know more kitchen and cooking tricks than most adults (and have an amazing cooking podcast), and they are generally crushing life.
So in this very special episode, I put my twin boys in the podcasting hot seat to discuss life, creativity, cooking and healthy eating for kids, fitness, and much more.
During our discussion, you'll discover: -Best breakfast to crush the day.. 4:40- Fresh-baked sourdough bread w/ jam and butter
- Eggs and bacon
- Smoothies made w/ Organifi
- Florida Cells French restaurant in N. Idaho
- Graphic novels (novel illustrated in comic book style)
- Wings of Fire
- Asterisk
- Graveyard by Neil Gaiman
- The Hero's Journey by
- The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
- Graphic novels always contain a distinct style in the artwork
- The Lost Language of Plants (television destroyed dreaming)
- Almanac of Naval Ravikant
- Essay by Naval Ravikant Ben mentions on the 5 core skills needed for life
- Reading
- Writing (long form)
- Logic and/or computer programming
- Arithmetic
- Rhetoric/persuasion
- The Almanac of Charlie Munger
- Mathnasium program River and Terran use for their schooling
- Unschooling allows learning how the world works alongside the subjects being learned (math, logic, etc.)
- Advantages of AI and robots outweigh the negatives (skills becoming obsolete)
- Rhetoric game
- Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em; then tell 'em; then tell 'em what you told 'em
- Board/card games
- Quibbler
- Web of Spies
- Telestrations
- Boggle
- Scattergories
- Scrabble
- BGF podcast w/ James Altucher on game theory
- Feed rabbits, play a game, play piano, workout, shoot bow
- More scheduled or structured play/learning til 3-5 pm
- Is life school, or is school life?
- BGF podcast on unschooling
- Journal on daily activities
- St. Andrews College in Moscow, ID
- Liberal arts studies is a good way to get a well-rounded education
- Make up own workouts; workouts w/ dad give more motivation
- Animal Movements by Darrell Edwards
- Irwin Lecour movement fitness
- Sandbags, kettlebells
- Exercise is more than workouts, gyms; movement throughout the day
- Breathwork:
- 4 in, 8 out promotes parasympathetic nervous system
- SOMA breathwork course
- BGF article on the SOMA course
- Far better for stress control than pill popping
- BGF podcast w/ Niraj Naik, the Renegade Pharmacist
- Fish oil supplement
- Restore for gut health
- Glutathione supplement
- Limit screen time
- Breakfast: natural eggs and meat
- Lunch: Sandwiches w/ mom's sourdough bread
- Wild Planet fish
- Pickles, lettuce, arugula in the sandwiches
- Walnuts, raisins for snacks
- Sesame seed rice crackers
- Sparkling water
- Halo stevia drink
- Mocktails at restaurants
- Izzy for parties
- Chai tea and Italian sodas
- Coconut ice cream for dessert
- Mediterranean diet seems more agreeable than other diets
- Eating w/ people, long family dinners
- Making your own food helps you appreciate it more
- Easy to overeat from packages vs. food prepared yourself
- They both have an iPod Touch and is for business purposes (podcast)
- Computer used mostly for school
- Started 4+ years ago
- Began learning to cook at age of 3 (made mom eggs for Mothers Day)
- The Four Hour Chef by Tim Ferris
- Eggs are a great starting point for learning to cook
- Favorite recipes:
- Paleo doughnuts made w/ Magic Spoon cereal
- Terran: Soufflé
- River: Risotto
- Top baking tip from Terran: Don't overcook; don't rely on looks to determine if it's done
- Top risotto tip from River: Keep stirring, pay attention constantly
- Top tip from the chef: Don't add too many seasonings; keep it simple
- Clean up as you go
- Pay attention to recipes
- Do it a lot at home to appreciate the diversity in other locales
- Bow hunting is more natural and dependent on physicality than w/ a rifle
- First thing in the day: read Bible, journal, express gratitude
- Sing doxology every Sunday
- Spiritual Disciplines handbook by Adele Calhoun
- Abide app
- Self-examination at the end of each day allows you to reflect on how you did that day
- "To make the love and joy of God through writing and art"
- "To use my art to make people feel strong emotions"
- They enjoy seeing dad more
- Different reactions w/ kids vs. adults
-The Kion Fasting Challenge: The Challenge starts January 6th, it's completely FREE to join, and when you do you'll get a bunch of exclusive content including access to a Q&A by yours truly answering all your burning fasting questions. To join just go to getkion.com/fasting-ben
-Organifi Green Juice: Now you can get all your healthy superfoods in one glass...with No Shopping, No Blending, No Juicing, and No Cleanup. Get a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code: BENG20
-Lucy Nicotine Gum: If you are looking for a cleaner and tastier alternative to other nicotine products, then this product is for you. The gum comes in three flavors - Wintergreen, Cinnamon, and Pomegranate - and the lozenges in cherry ice. To save 20% on any order, just use discount code: BEN 20.
-Water and Wellness: The best solution for clean and safe drinking water. Water and Wellness also offers an amazing line of essential water additives such as Quinton Marine plasma which contain over 78 trace minerals and elements from the ocean to help restore your biological-terrain. Get 15% off your order when you use discount code: GREENFIELD
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for River Greenfield, Terran Greenfield or me? Leave your comments at bengreenfieldfitness.com/gogreenfields and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.