In 'The Power of Now', Eckhart Tolle discusses the importance of living in the present moment to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The book draws from various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and mysticism, to explain how people's emotional problems are rooted in their identification with their minds. Tolle argues that the present moment is the only truly real time and that past and future are mere mental constructs. He provides methods for relaxation and meditation to help readers anchor themselves in the present, such as avoiding multitasking, spending time in nature, and letting go of worries about the future. The book also introduces concepts like the 'pain-body' and the distinction between one's thoughts and true self, emphasizing the need to recognize and separate from the destructive influence of the mind[2][4][5].
This book delves into the purpose and power of sleep, explaining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Walker discusses how sleep enriches our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions, recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. He also explores the consequences of sleep deprivation and provides actionable steps to improve sleep quality, including ways to prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, slow the effects of aging, and increase longevity.
In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the world of three plant-based drugs: opium, caffeine, and mescaline. Through a blend of history, science, memoir, and participatory journalism, Pollan examines the cultural, historical, and personal contexts of these substances. He explores why humans are drawn to these plants and how they have been perceived and regulated differently over time. The book challenges the conventional narratives around these drugs, presenting them in a more nuanced and neutral light, and highlights their profound impact on human consciousness and our relationship with nature[1][3][4].
This book explores how toxic shame is the core motivator behind various toxic behaviors such as compulsion, co-dependency, addiction, and the drive to superachieve. It explains how these behaviors can break down family systems and destroy personal lives. Bradshaw provides techniques to identify, understand, and address the root causes of shame, and offers methods such as affirmations, visualizations, 'inner voice' and 'feeling' work, and guided meditations to release and heal from this shame. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and working through internalized shame to achieve wholeness and well-being[2][4][5].
This book, 'Women Who Love Too Much: Keep love yourself (NO LOVE NO LIFE)', explores the concept of love and its impact on women's lives. It is a short, 100-page book that delves into the importance of self-love and maintaining a balance in emotional relationships.
In 'The Seat of the Soul', Gary Zukav argues that humanity is undergoing a spiritual evolution, transitioning from a focus on external power based on the five senses to authentic power derived from aligning with the soul. He explores concepts such as karma, reincarnation, and the idea that our thoughts and intentions shape our reality. The book emphasizes the importance of harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for life, and encourages readers to live by the values of the spirit rather than the ego. With contributions from notable figures like Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, the book offers a profound perspective on personal and spiritual growth.
Published in 1937, 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression. The narrative revolves around their dream of owning a small farm, a symbol of the American Dream. However, their plans are continually thwarted by circumstances, including Lennie's accidental killing of the ranch owner's daughter-in-law, which leads to a tragic conclusion. The book is known for its vivid portrayal of farm life, its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of the labor system, and its objective narrative style. It has been widely adapted into stage and film versions and remains a significant work in American literature[1][3][5].
In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.
The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
When Genius Failed is a detailed account of the spectacular collapse of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM), a hedge fund that was founded by Nobel Prize-winning economists and managed by some of the most brilliant minds in finance. The book explores the fund's rapid ascent, its complex trading strategies, and the catastrophic events that led to its downfall. Lowenstein provides a gripping narrative that delves into the psychological and financial factors that contributed to LTCM's failure, offering insights into the risks and consequences of high-stakes financial speculation.
This book is a detailed account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his spiritual quest and eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States. It includes his encounters with various spiritual figures, his experiences with Kriya Yoga, and his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. The book also delves into the prophesied writing of his autobiography and its significance in spreading the message of yoga globally[1][2][5].
In 'Love Warrior', Glennon Doyle Melton shares her personal story of overcoming self-destructive behaviors, navigating a troubled marriage, and finding her inner voice. The book details her struggles with bulimia and alcohol addiction, her experiences with her husband's infidelity, and her path to healing and self-discovery. Melton's journey includes her decision to stay in her marriage and work through the issues, as well as her growth as a mother and a writer. The memoir is a candid exploration of love, family, and personal resilience.
In *Silicon Valley Porn Star*, Jason Portnoy shares his personal transformation from a life of extramarital affairs and superficial excess to one of chosen values and renewed relationships. His journey sheds light on a crisis of masculinity in the modern world, where quests for power and success can lead to addiction and dependency. The book offers insights into overcoming addiction and trauma, inspiring readers to find their own path to fulfillment.
The Lost Booklets of Emmett Fox is a compilation of previously unpublished works by Emmet Fox, a renowned spiritual leader. This collection provides readers with additional insights into his teachings on spirituality and New Thought, which were influential in the early 20th century. The booklets offer practical advice and spiritual guidance, reflecting Fox's emphasis on personal transformation and spiritual growth.
In this book, William Hendriksen offers a detailed commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, a key section of the New Testament. The work provides theological and exegetical analysis, helping readers understand the historical and spiritual context of Jesus' teachings. Originally published in 1934, it remains a valuable resource for biblical studies.
Brought to you by LinkedIn Marketing Solutions marketing platform with ~770M users, Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement, and Shopify global commerce platform providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business.
Entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author Jason Portnoy began his career at PayPal, working closely with technology icons like Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Max Levchin, and Reid Hoffman. He served as the first chief financial officer of Palantir Technologies and later founded Oakhouse Partners, a top-performing venture capital firm.
Jason is sought after as a trusted advisor to technology company CEOs and has spoken on topics ranging from executive leadership to the intersections of technology and humanity. He holds engineering degrees from both Stanford University (MS) and the University of Colorado (BS).
His new book is Silicon Valley Porn Star.
Please enjoy!
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This episode is also brought to you by Shopify! Shopify is one of my favorite platforms and one of my favorite companies. Shopify is a platform designed for anyone to sell anywhere, giving entrepreneurs the resources once reserved for big business. In no time flat, you can have a great looking online store that brings your ideas to life, and you can have the tools to manage your day-to-day and drive sales. No coding or design experience required.
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This episode is also brought to you by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1 by Athletic Greens, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system.
Right now, Athletic Greens is offering you their Vitamin D Liquid Formula free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit AthleticGreens.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive the free Vitamin D Liquid Formula (and five free travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive all-in-one daily greens product.
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[04:45] A caffeine-free breakfast
[08:22] Background basics
[10:52] Education and career diversions
[16:51] Getting a job on the merits of an eclectic reading list and company t-shirt
[21:47] Early days at PayPal
[25:54] Lessons learned from Thiel, Hoffman, and Musk
[31:40] Why were so many disparate projects seeded by the PayPal diaspora?
[36:59] Peering into Palantir and the low-profile mindset
[41:22] Origins of the title Silicon Valley Porn Star
[44:02] Recognizing addiction, its escalating consequences, and its contributing factors
[53:50] Escaping self-imposed victimhood and rescuing the marriage
[1:05:52] Shared therapy and vocabulary
[1:08:06] Simplifying and subtracting
[1:15:20] Shame spirals and 12 steps (not South Africa)
[1:25:22] From Porn Star to The Monk with help via choice reading selections and Coach Melissa
[1:30:12] Reconciliation
[1:33:22] Most important keys to the repair process
[1:34:54] Safeguards against relapse
[1:38:02] Modern porn vs. “natural” urges
[1:40:11] What compelled Jason to write Silicon Valley Porn Star?
[1:44:51] Time for surrender: filling in the post-book timeline
[1:50:26] Enduring challenges
[1:51:49] Retreat lessons
[1:55:36] Jason’s billboard
[1:57:34] Books most gifted
[1:59:29] Good investments made
[2:02:03] The obscure side of Microsoft Excel
[2:04:36] What makes a great CFO?
[2:08:52] Finance: on the job vs. school
[2:11:21] Opening up to a partner about secrets we’ve been holding
[2:17:52] Parting thoughts
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