The Tim Ferriss Show

Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford University psychiatrist and expert in hypnosis, shares fascinating insights into the power of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. He differentiates hypnosis from meditation and explains how it can manage pain and stress effectively. The conversation touches on the neurobiology of trance, how suggestibility varies among individuals, and even explores emerging fields like therapeutic psychedelics. Listeners will learn about the groundbreaking self-hypnosis app, Reveri, designed to enhance mental well-being.

Reed Hastings, co-founder and executive chairman of Netflix, shares his insights on high performance and company culture. He discusses the importance of cultivating an environment that encourages dissent, which enhances decision-making. Hastings reflects on the significance of learning from failures, using the Quickster lesson as an example. He explores the balance between context and control in creative settings and emphasizes radical candor as essential for personal and professional relationships. His experience reveals how these principles shaped Netflix's success.

In this conversation, legendary actor Scott Glenn shares wisdom gained from nearly 60 years in Hollywood. He reflects on lessons from Marlon Brando, emphasizing authenticity in performance. Scott discusses how his childhood battle with scarlet fever shaped his life choices, including a move to Idaho for a quieter existence. He also dives into fitness tips for longevity, highlighting mindful movement and breathwork, and recounts transformative adventures that have fueled his passion for life and acting.

Seth Godin, a renowned author of 21 international bestsellers and a leading marketing blogger, discusses overcoming creative resistance. He shares insights on writing provocatively and the significance of clarity in blogging. Godin reflects on his collaboration with Isaac Asimov, emphasizing the power of decision-making. He also touches on the balance between simplicity and complexity in storytelling and offers practices for maintaining consistency in writing. Along the way, he provokes thought on authenticity and the ongoing journey of personal growth.

Claire Hughes Johnson, former COO of Stripe and author of "Scaling People," shares powerful insights on management and creating thriving teams. William Ury, co-founder of Harvard's negotiation program and author of "Getting to Yes," discusses transformative negotiation tactics from the Camp David Accords, emphasizing the importance of understanding interests over rigid positions. Together, they offer a treasure trove of advice on productivity, collaboration, and the art of negotiation, perfect for anyone looking to enhance their personal and professional lives.

Hugh Howey, a New York Times bestselling author known for his Silo trilogy and Wool, dives into the intricacies of self-publishing and navigating the traditional publishing world. He emphasizes the importance of a reader-first mindset and the power of maintaining creative control. Howey shares insights on the discipline required for daily writing and discusses the impact of AI on the publishing landscape. He reflects on the balance between optimism and existential threats in today's society, providing a thought-provoking perspective on the future of storytelling.

Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group and a veteran investor on Shark Tank, shares her incredible journey of turning a $1,000 loan into a $5 billion real estate empire. She discusses her knack for PR, revealed through a hilarious mock funeral story. Barbara dives into her innovative sales strategies, including a unique 'one price sale' approach, and reflects on life lessons learned from her competitive childhood and personal challenges like dyslexia. Her insights on perseverance and mentoring other entrepreneurs are truly inspiring.

Claire Hughes Johnson is a corporate officer and advisor at Stripe, where she previously served as COO, helping the company expand dramatically. In this engaging discussion, she emphasizes taking personal responsibility and setting clear boundaries to overcome victim mentality. Johnson also advocates for the importance of authentic communication in leadership and shares insights on the value of reading fiction for empathy and self-awareness. The conversation explores strategies for effective email management and navigating professional dynamics with personal accountability.

Greg McKeown, author of 'Essentialism,' discusses prioritizing high-leverage actions for impactful outcomes, emphasizing clarity in personal values. Dr. Nolan Williams shares transformative stories on accelerated TMS therapy for psychiatric disorders, showcasing rapid recovery. Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo.com, dives into innovative business launch strategies, highlighting networking and the importance of experimentation. The guests present actionable insights for maximizing effectiveness, mental health, and entrepreneurial creativity.

Cal Newport, a Georgetown University professor and author known for his insights on productivity, dives deep into the concept of slow productivity. He discusses the pitfalls of hustle culture and emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in creative work. Newport shares personal anecdotes about writing and the evolution of content creation, advocating for a deliberate approach to mastering skills. He also critiques the rapid changes in digital media, urging creators to focus on sustainable practices rather than immediate success.