MetaLearn Podcast

Demetri Kofinas is a media entrepreneur, financial analyst and the host of the Hidden Forces Podcast. In this episode we discuss:- The key events that shaped the modern world including 9/11 and the 2008 Financial Crisis- The rise of ‘financial nihilism’ and how it’s playing out in asset markets including crypto - How to build a profitable media business with integrity in a post truth world We also talk about Demetri’s recovery from a brain tumour that almost completely wiped his memory, the pros and cons of the different forms of media & the power of memes in crypto.

Oliver Burkeman is a journalist and author of the book 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. In this episode we discuss: - The time management myths that are holding you back - Practical strategies that help you focus on what matters most- The true cost of convenience culture and what you lose We also talk about how writing the book changed Oliver’s relationship to time, the path to producing original creative work and the issues with self-help culture.

Armand D’Angour is a professor of classics at the University of Oxford and the author of several books including Socrates in Love and his latest, How To Innovate. In this episode we discuss:- The 3 different types of innovation and how to use them to your advantage - How the Greeks thought about change and what we can learn from them- The relationship between innovation and ethicsWe also cover the true story behind Archimedes’ famous “Eureka!” moment and Aristotle’s thoughts on political innovation.

Larry Grobel is a writer and interviewer who has interviewed every big name in Hollywood from Robert de Niro to Nicole Kidman, Al Pacino to Angelina Jolie. In this episode we discuss:- The art of a great interview informed by Larry’ work with the world’s biggest stars- Techniques for building rapport fast to make people feel comfortable and open up - Larry’s principles for great storytelling that he’s used in his writing & interviewing We also talk about Larry’s 10 days on Marlon Brando’s private island, his close 30 year friendship with Al Pacino and his controversial interview with former Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight.

Gary Lachman is a writer and philosopher, whose work focuses on human imagination and the history of occult ideas. In this episode we discuss: - Moving between the rational and the imaginative modes of consciousness - The rise of meme magic in politics and how Trump, Putin others have used it - How to make sense of a world dominated by philosophies of nihilism We also discuss Gary’s experience in the rock band Blondie in the mid 70s, how the internet shapes reality and the history of some of the most important ideas about consciousness.

Andrea Domenichini is a media producer and podcaster who runs his own show Voices in the Dark, and has been helping me with the latest episodes of the MetaLearn podcast. In this episode we discuss:- The role curiosity plays in learning and how to cultivate it in yourself and others- The nature of knowledge and the thread running between science and the arts- What Dungeons & Dragons has taught Andrea about storytelling, creativity and media We also talk about growing up in different cultures, neurodivergence and the HBO Series Westworld and what it teaches us about consciousness.

James Hollis is Jungian analyst and author of 16 books, including his latest work Prisms and Living Between Worlds. In this episode we cover: - How to deal with competing desires and create the life you want to live- The meaning of Jung’s big ideas like the shadow and what they mean for you- How James has written a book every two years for the last 3 decadesThis was a wide ranging, deep conversation that will give you a fresh perspective on how to live a meaningful life.

Sergey Young is the Founder of the Longevity Vision Fund and author of the book The Science and Technology of Growing Young. In this episode we discuss: - How using health data will eventually enable us to reverse aging - The current state of aging research and progress made in recent years - The simple things you can do to extend your lifes and stay healthy This episode will give you a broad overview of the longevity field and unique insights into what you can do to live a longer, healthier life.

Tom Chatfield is a philosopher and author of the books Critical Thinking and How To Think. In this episode we discuss:- How to avoid common thinking mistakes and deal with your biases to be less wrong- The three characteristics of valuable information sources- How to understand statistics and form an accurate picture of reality in a data driven world  We also discuss Tom’s experience writing a book during the pandemic and the task of teaching people to think. This episode will help you overcome thinking mistakes and make sense of the world around you.

Visakan ‘Visa’ Veerasamy is a creator, marketer and the author of two books, Friendly Ambitious Nerd and Introspect. In this episode we discuss:  - How to reframe your ambition so you can succeed your way- How to create content that helps people, makes money and connects you to your tribe- How to market yourself and your work without selling out We also discuss Visa’s experience growing up as a child of multiple worlds, turning ADHD into a superpower, and the importance of creative scenes like the Golden Age in Ancient Greece and the Renaissance in Italy. Visa is one of the most interesting and unique thinkers I’ve come across and this episode will give you a lot of valuable insight into creating, marketing and more.