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How to Find the Mindsets that Work For You (ft. Derek Sivers)

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Apr 2, 2025

Guest

Derek Sivers

In this conversation, Derek Sivers, Founder of CD Baby and author of "Useful, Not True," shares his unconventional wisdom. He discusses the power of beliefs, emphasizing they don't need to be true to be helpful. The duo explores artistic reinvention, critiquing repetitive media formats, and advocating for genuine creativity. They dive into optimistic nihilism and explore the importance of finding fulfillment beyond traditional relationships, challenging societal pressures along the way. Expect a refreshing take on creativity and authenticity!

01:27:35

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ADVICE

Creative Remixing

Remix seemingly unrelated creative influences to generate unique work.
Combine unexpected elements, like Syrian wedding dance with heavy metal, for a distinctive sound.

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ANECDOTE

Artistic Reinvention

Miles Davis and Bob Dylan reinvented themselves despite fan disapproval. They prioritized creative ambition over resting on their laurels.

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ADVICE

Contrarian Creativity

Avoid blindly following trends like the podcast bookshelf cliché. Instead, focus on developing a unique style reflecting your own vision.

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Unlocking Creative Potential

02:12 • 20min

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Language, Truth, and Perspective

22:30 • 7min

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Beliefs, Actions, and Social Dynamics

29:48 • 17min

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Exploring Perspectives: The Freedom of Reinventing Meaning

46:27 • 3min

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Life as a Creative Exercise

49:15 • 12min

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Embracing the Freedom of Optimistic Nihilism

01:01:41 • 3min

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Finding Fulfillment Beyond Romance

01:04:27 • 21min

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Embracing Artistic Evolution and Personal Connection

01:25:30 • 3min

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#601

• Mentioned in 31 episodes

How to Live

27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion

Derek Sivers

In 'How to Live', Derek Sivers presents a collection of 27 independent chapters, each offering a different philosophy on how to live. These chapters often contradict each other, arguing for various approaches such as being completely independent, committing to one career or person, being fully present, or delaying gratification. The book is designed for reflection as much as instruction, providing actionable directives without quoting philosophers or naming specific ideologies. It invites readers to consider multiple perspectives and find their own way, emphasizing that there is no one right way to live life.

#1101

• Mentioned in 20 episodes

Useful Not True

Derek Sivers

In 'Useful Not True', Derek Sivers challenges readers to question their beliefs and adopt thoughts based on their usefulness rather than their inherent truth. The book emphasizes the power of reframing perspectives, recognizing that most statements are subjective rather than objective facts. Sivers argues that beliefs and meanings are tools that should serve us, helping us to take effective actions and navigate life more effectively. He encourages readers to separate events from their interpretations, question their thoughts and memories, and choose beliefs that lead to positive outcomes. The book is known for its concise and empowering approach, using practical examples and stories to illustrate its points.

#375

• Mentioned in 44 episodes

The paradox of choice

Why More Is Less

Barry Schwartz

In 'The Paradox of Choice,' Barry Schwartz argues that the abundance of choices in modern Western society, while seemingly beneficial, can actually be detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. He explains how the explosion in choices, from mundane decisions like buying jeans to profound challenges like balancing career and family, has paradoxically become a problem rather than a solution. Schwartz synthesizes current research in social sciences to make the counterintuitive case that eliminating choices can reduce stress, anxiety, and busyness. He offers practical steps to limit choices, focus on important ones, and derive greater satisfaction from decision-making. The book also introduces the concepts of 'maximizers' and 'satisficers,' highlighting the differences in their decision-making processes and outcomes.

#11073

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

The Religious Case Against Belief

James P. Carse

#7977

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Everything and Nothing

Markus Gabriel

Graham Priest

This book presents a debate between Graham Priest and Markus Gabriel on fundamental philosophical questions. Priest argues that reality is a single all-encompassing whole, while Gabriel posits that the world cannot exist as an absolute totality. Their discussion explores the concepts of everything and nothing, reflecting on the possibility of metaphysics.

#973

• Mentioned in 22 episodes

Everything is Fucked

A Book About Hope

Mark Manson

In this book, Mark Manson explores the crisis of hope in modern society, arguing that despite significant improvements in global health, wealth, and safety, people are experiencing a sense of hopelessness. He delves into the nature of human existence, the role of emotions, and the importance of pain in personal growth. Manson critiques the self-help industry and modern societal values, advocating for a more intrinsic and unconditional approach to living. He draws on philosophical ideas, particularly from Friedrich Nietzsche, and presents a unique perspective on how to find meaning and purpose in a seemingly meaningless world.

I’ve got a special episode for you today. I sat down in person with my longtime friend and first-ever podcast guest, Derek Sivers. We haven’t recorded live before, and honestly, it shows—in the best way. It’s raw, weird, and filled with the kind of conversations we usually when we’re just hanging out together.

We dig into Derek’s new book, Useful, Not True, and the big idea behind it: that our beliefs don’t need to be true to be helpful. That spins off into everything from remixing creative influences (metal + Dixieland jazz, anyone?) to why most podcasts—including mine—have gotten painfully predictable. We talk artistic reinvention, Bob Dylan, Bowie, Miles Davis, why most “thought leaders” are just regurgitating each other’s ideas, and why I'm ending the podcast as you know it—and what’s next!

We also dive into the deeper stuff: the emotional power of belief, authenticity vs. performative vulnerability, therapy culture, and why sometimes the most liberating thing you can do is reject what everyone else thinks is necessary—relationships, kids, all of it.

This was one of the most honest, meandering, and creatively energizing conversations I’ve had in a while. If you’re into big questions, unconventional ideas, and the occasional musical metaphor, this one’s for you.

Derek’s new book- Useful, Not True: https://www.amazon.com/Useful-Not-True-Derek-Sivers-ebook/dp/B0D86K4XF5

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