The Tim Ferriss Show

Ep 47: Bryan Callen on Eating Corgis (Yes, The Dogs) and Improving Creativity

Dec 1, 2014

Bryan Callen, a prolific actor and world-class standup comic, talks about the craft of comedy, fixing education, boosting creativity, writing, and the pursuit of excellence. They also touch on eating corgis, being well read, and the negative effects of sugar and processed foods. Additionally, they discuss boxing techniques, reflecting on the Iraq War, and their admiration for a podcast about difficult individuals becoming softer.

01:23:18

Episode guests

Bryan Callen

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Bryan Callen discusses the craft of comedy and tricks for boosting creativity.

The impact of Joseph Campbell's books on the speaker's worldview and appreciation for different cultures.

The speaker's interest in personal growth and pursuit of excellence through books like 'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin.

Deep dives

The Surprising Impact of Joseph Campbell's Works

Joseph Campbell's books, such as 'The Power of Myth' and 'Hero of a Thousand Faces', had a profound impact on the speaker's worldview. Campbell's exploration of mythology, comparative religion, and the human experience helped the speaker appreciate the vastness and interconnectedness of different cultures and belief systems.

Introduction

2min

Introduction to Bullet Friday and Podcast Feedback

6min

Developing Material and Performing in Comedy

13min

Changing Belief Systems and Creating Equality in Education

30min

Bryan Callen's First Paid Gig

8min

Philosophy, Responsibility, and Favorite Drinks

2min

Sugar, Processed Foods, and the Influence of Food Companies

4min

The Importance of Torquing Your Hip: Boxing Tips and Reflecting on the Iraq War

10min

Reflecting on Inspiration and Success

12min

Bryan Callen is a prolific actor and world-class standup comic. He's appeared on shows including Entourage, Law & Order, CSI, Sex and the City, Oz, and others. He also travels the globe performing stand-up comedy for sold-out audiences. This episode is a hilarious romp. We delve into the craft of comedy, fixing education (or shortcuts within it), habits and tricks for boosting creativity, writing, and the general pursuit of excellence. And, of course, eating corgis... Last but not least, Bryan is also INCREDIBLY well read. Don't miss the show notes at www.fourhourworkweek.com/podcast

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Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.