Josh Brolin, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in No Country for Old Men and the Avengers, shares his journey through life's messiness. He discusses shedding the ‘young talent’ label and the profound impact of gratitude. The conversation touches on the evolution of parenting, highlighting the joy and lessons learned from his children. Brolin reflects on the emotional complexities of artistic transitions and the importance of self-acceptance in creative endeavors, ultimately embracing the uncertainties of life with a Stoic mindset.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Transitioning from Young Talent
Josh Brolin discusses the challenge of shedding the "young talent" image as an actor.
He was labeled as "old man" in two roles within a single year, marking a shift in his perceived age and career.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Audiobook Anxiety
Josh Brolin hated recording the audiobook for "From Under the Truck," finding it unexpectedly difficult and wanting to destroy any evidence of its existence.
He eventually accepted his performance, but the experience caused him significant anxiety and self-doubt.
insights INSIGHT
Finding Meaning in Art
Brolin contrasts his objective view of his acting with his more personal connection to writing and painting.
He feels these art forms hold deeper meaning, unlike acting, which he associates with his father's complicated relationship with celebrity.
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In this memoir, Josh Brolin recounts his unconventional childhood on a ranch in Paso Robles, California, surrounded by wild animals gathered by his fearless and explosive mother, Jane Agee Brolin. Her tragic early death haunts the book, and her personality is felt throughout. Brolin also shares his career in the film industry, from his breakout role in *The Goonies* to the set of *No Country for Old Men*, along with professional and personal ups and downs. With unflinching honesty and humor, he discusses relationships, addiction, love, and fatherhood, grappling with the mysteries of life and death in a surprising and riveting way.
Awareness
a de Mello spirituality conference in his own words
Anthony de Mello
In 'Awareness', Anthony de Mello combines Christian spirituality, Buddhist parables, Hindu breathing exercises, and psychological insight to challenge readers to wake up from the go-go-go world of illusion. The book, composed of short chapters and lectures, encourages readers to become aware of their thoughts, actions, and motivations. De Mello argues that true happiness and freedom come from dropping illusions and living in the present, free from the constructs of culture, conditioning, and fear. He emphasizes the need to observe oneself, understand negative feelings, and practice detachment to achieve a more authentic and fulfilling life[1][3][5].
The Daily Stoic
366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism[4][5][6].
In today’s Part 2 episode, Josh Brolin and Ryan talk about shedding the ‘young talent’ image, the transformative power of gratitude, and the evolving journey of parenting through life’s different phases.
Josh Brolin's breakout role was in The Goonies (1985), and after a hiatus from Hollywood, he made a powerful comeback in No Country for Old Men (2007). He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dan White in the biopic Milk (2008). Brolin is also known for playing Thanos in the Avengers series, Cable in the Deadpool films, and Gurney Halleck in the Dune franchise.
The Daily Stoic 
