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Alex Hutchinson

Science journalist, former physicist, and author. Known for writing about the science of endurance and exploration.

Top 10 podcasts with Alex Hutchinson

Ranked by the Snipd community
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1,520 snips
May 3, 2025 • 1h 9min

#936 - Alex Hutchinson - How To Rewire Your Brain To Take More Risks

In this conversation, Alex Hutchinson, a science journalist and author known for his work on endurance, delves into the intricate dance between exploration and dopamine. He explains our genetic wiring for curiosity and how understanding the neuroscience behind it can enhance personal growth. Alex discusses the challenges of decision-making amid uncertainty and the critical role exercise plays in maintaining cognitive health. He emphasizes the importance of balancing routine with adventure to foster creativity and forge deeper connections in life.
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294 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 54min

The Art of Exploration — Why We Seek New Challenges and Search Out the Unknown

Alex Hutchinson, author of "The Explorer's Gene," discusses the innate human drive for exploration and adventure. He delves into how genetics influence our quest for novelty, comparing human explorations to animal behaviors. The conversation covers neuroscience, focusing on predictive processing and the Wundt curve, explaining how varying levels of uncertainty can enhance enjoyment. Hutchinson also touches on the effort paradox, emphasizing that overcoming challenges can lead to deep satisfaction, and the exploration-exploitation dilemma in our decision-making processes.
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201 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 2h 25min

The Explorer's Gene: Alex Hutchinson On Humanity’s Drive To Seek The Unknown, The Science Of Uncertainty, & Why Effort Creates Meaning

In a captivating conversation, Alex Hutchinson, an award-winning journalist and endurance science expert, delves into humanity's drive to explore the unknown. He discusses the genetic roots of uncertainty-seeking and the importance of embracing difficulties as a path to meaning. The chat also touches on the explore-exploit dilemma in decision-making and the significance of playful exploration in personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to navigate life's uncertainties for a more purposeful existence, blending scientific insights with practical wisdom.
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66 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 40min

You Were Born to Run

Alex Hutchinson, a journalist specializing in endurance and fitness, discusses the fascinating evolution of human running. He explains how our ancestors’ hunting practices shaped our physiological traits, validating the theory that we were born to run. The conversation dives into the cultural and spiritual significance of running and features insights on why it remains important today. Hutchinson also shares practical tips for those struggling to enjoy running, emphasizing manageable steps to ease into this natural human activity.
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40 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 57min

622: Alex Hutchinson - Why We Seek Big Challenges, Adding Texture To Time, The Explorers Gene, Working Through Uncertainty, Tom Hanks, and Pushing The Limits of Human Performance

In this discussion, Alex Hutchinson, a New York Times bestselling author and former long-distance runner, dives deep into the world of human performance. He highlights the importance of embracing challenges for personal growth and resilience. The conversation touches on the 'explorer's gene,' revealing how difficult experiences enrich our lives. They also explore the explore-exploit dilemma, advocating for the value of taking risks. Through insightful stories, Hutchinson emphasizes that true meaning arises from overcoming hard tasks, adding texture to our experiences.
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27 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 20min

How Chasing Uncertainty Fuels Continuous Learning with Alex Hutchinson

In this insightful discussion, Alex Hutchinson, a New York Times bestselling author and former long-distance runner, delves into the science of exploration and our innate drive for novelty. He reveals how navigating uncertainty can foster personal growth and enhance decision-making. Hutchinson explains the 'Explorer's Gene' and its role in resilience, advocating for embracing challenges as a way to strengthen our brains. He shares a powerful habit for maintaining an exploratory mindset, reminding us that small steps into the unknown can lead to meaningful rewards.
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27 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 52min

203 — Why Finding the Right Balance Between Routine and Adventure Changes Everything With Alex Hutchinson

Join Alex Hutchinson, a PhD physicist and former Olympic runner, as he explores the fine line between routine and adventure. Discover how structured habits enhance self-discipline while spontaneity fuels personal growth. Alex emphasizes that stepping out of your comfort zone can enrich life’s meaning and satisfaction. He shares insights on balancing curiosity with discipline, embracing uncertainty, and the transformative power of new experiences. Dive into this engaging dialogue that encourages finding joy in both the familiar and the unknown.
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25 snips
Mar 1, 2021 • 2h 14min

#151 - Alex Hutchinson, Ph.D.: Translating the science of endurance and extreme human performance

Joining the discussion is Alex Hutchinson, a sports science journalist and author of "Endure," who is also a former competitive runner for the Canadian national team. He shares his transformative moments in running and delves into the nuances of VO2 max, clarifying how it affects endurance and human performance. Alex also highlights the significance of mental resilience in sports, the balance of exercise for optimal health, and the science behind extreme athletic feats, offering insights that resonate with both elite athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts.
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19 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 8min

Alex Hutchinson, PhD on New Training Theory, High Mileage, Heat Training, and the Effort Paradox

Join acclaimed science journalist Alex Hutchinson, a former national class runner and author, as he dives into revolutionary training methods. He discusses the benefits of heat training and how to manage high mileage for optimal performance. Alex sheds light on the effort paradox, revealing how struggles enrich our experiences in running and beyond. He also shares insights from his latest book, encouraging us to explore personal limits and the meaning behind our challenges. Discover new perspectives on endurance and training!
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18 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 54min

When to Take a Risk or Play it Safe & Why You Need More Muscle

Join Alex Hutchinson, a columnist for Outside magazine and author of 'The Explorer's Gene', as he dives into the intriguing balance between risk-taking and playing it safe. He explores how our personalities influence our choices in adventures versus the familiar. Also featured is Michael Joseph Gross, a Vanity Fair contributing editor and author of 'Stronger', who highlights the transformative power of strength training for physical and mental health. Discover how lifting weights can enhance your well-being at any age!

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