814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas

Jun 24, 2019

Join Penn Jillette, the legendary magician and half of Penn & Teller, as he shares insights from his enduring career. He discusses the struggles of habit change and maintaining authenticity in life and performance. The conversation delves into his unique dietary journey, leading to transformative health shifts, and the importance of empathy in the art of magic. Penn also reflects on leadership, personal fulfillment, and the impact of his upbringing on his worldview, underscoring the rich connection between creativity and community.

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ADVICE

Extreme Dieting for Habit Change

Embrace extremes when breaking bad habits, like overeating.
Try a mono-diet to eliminate food culture influences and understand true hunger.

ANECDOTE

Potato Diet Success

Penn Jillette lost significant weight using a potato-only diet for two weeks.
This extreme approach helped him break free from cravings and experience real hunger.

INSIGHT

Benefits of Rapid Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss can have positive psychological effects, such as “mirror shock” and increased energy.
It also reportedly increases the likelihood of keeping the weight off long-term.

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THE HARDEST THING TO DO WHEN YOU GET OLDER IS CHANGE A HABIT. There is a Buddhist metaphor of the elephant and the rider. We are all riding an elephant. We think that we are in control. We have the reigns. But the elephant could overpower us at any moment. No matter how much we use our minds, our emotions ultimately are more powerful. This applies to the way we eat. We become slaves to our cravings and desires. Sometimes it takes something big to get back in control of our “elephant.” On today’s episode of The School of Greatness, I talk about changing habits, being authentic, and what it takes to build the longest running act in Vegas with one of the world’s most famous magicians: Penn Jillette. Penn Jillette is a magician, actor, musician, inventor, television personality, and best-selling author best known for his work with fellow magician Teller as half of the team Penn & Teller. The duo has been featured in numerous stage and television shows such as Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, and are currently headlining in Las Vegas at The Rio. He has published eight books, including the New York Times Bestseller, God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales. Not many people can keep a marriage together for over forty years, let alone a working partnership. Penn is someone who shows up authentically every day. He isn’t afraid to express his thoughts and values even though they upset some people. So get ready to learn how to doubt yourself less and care about the things that matter on Episode 814.
Some Questions I Ask:
Why do we live in so much fear when we’re safer than ever? (8:00)
What are you most proud of in the last few years? (9:00)
Which of your parents is the most influential in your life? (47:00)
What’s the lesson you still need to learn about yourself? (54:00)
Is there anything you wish you would have done differently in the last years? (1:01:00)
What is your superpower? (1:09:00)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
About the “mono diet” (20:00)
Penn’s thoughts on religion (40:00)
What makes Penn and Teller successful as a partnership (58:00)
About “effective altruism” (1:13:00)
How empathy makes a great magician and artist (1:19:00)
If you enjoyed this episode check out the video, show notes and more at www.lewishowes.com/814 and follow at instagram.com/lewishowes

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