Michael Easter is a New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and professor at the University of Nevada. His books, The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, explore how embracing discomfort and understanding our evolutionary roots can help us lead healthier, more fulfilled lives. Michael’s ideas have been adopted by top-tier universities, Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and elite military units. In this conversation, we explore: - Why, despite life getting easier, people are feeling less happy. - The concept of "problem creep" and how it affects our well-being. - Key practices he's integrated from his research, like rucking, stillness, and exploration that can lead to an improved quality of life. - The psychological reasons we struggle with moderation and how the scarcity loop affects our behavior. - The optimal time we should be spending in nature on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. And more. You can learn more about Michael’s work at https://eastermichael.com. --- Michael Easter is a leading voice on how humans can integrate modern science and evolutionary wisdom for improved health, meaning, and performance in life and at work. He travels the globe to embed himself with brilliant thinkers and people living at the extremes. He then shares his findings and experiences with people around the world in his books and podcast and TV appearances. He is the author of The Comfort Crisis, a bestseller. The Comfort Crisis been translated into 10 different languages and adopted by Major League Baseball teams, top-ranked NCAA D1 football programs, top-tier universities and law programs, major corporations, and tier-one military units. His work shows that science has many answers. But it also proves that many aspects of the human experience and living well cannot be measured. To that end, his work combines the statistical and mystical. It melds topics ranging from medicine and anthropology to theology and philosophy, along with case studies of everyday people doing extraordinary things. He believes that new discoveries and a deeper understanding don’t happen from behind a screen. To that end, Michael’s investigations have taken him to meet with monks in ancient monasteries in Bhutan, lost tribes in the jungles of Bolivia, US Special Forces soldiers in undisclosed locations, gene scientists in Iceland, drug kingpins in Iraq, CEOs in Fortune-500 boardrooms, and elsewhere. Michael’s work and ideas have appeared in over 60 countries. They’ve been endorsed by directors of the CIA and Navy SEALs, gold medal-winning Olympians, leading physicians, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, Buddhist and environmental leaders, and more. His writing has appeared in Men’s Health, where he’s a Contributing Editor, and Outside, Men’s Journal, Cosmopolitan, Vice, Esquire, Scientific American, and Women’s Health. He’s also talked about his work and ideas on the world’s largest, most influential podcasts, like The Joe Rogan Experience, Art of Manliness, Impact Theory, NPR, EconTalk, and more. He’s spoken to or consulted for various top-tier universities, medical schools, Fortune-500 companies, government agencies, and some of the country’s largest nonprofits. When he’s not on the ground reporting, Michael is a professor in the journalism department at UNLV. He co-founded and co-directs the Public Communications Institute, a think tank at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). He lives in Las Vegas on the edge of the desert with his wife and their two dogs, Stockton and Conway. --- Interview Link: — Michael’s website - https://eastermichael.com

Geoff Thompson, a BAFTA-winning writer, martial artist, and author of nearly fifty books, shares his profound journey of overcoming adversity. He discusses a life-altering encounter with his former abuser and emphasizes the healing power of forgiveness. Listeners will be inspired by his insights on transforming negativity into personal growth through creativity and love. Geoff also explores finding one’s true purpose and the critical role of confronting fears to cultivate emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Anita Moorjani, a New York Times bestselling author and renowned speaker, shares her incredible journey from terminal cancer to transformative healing. She recounts her near-death experience filled with unconditional love, reshaping her views on consciousness and life. Anita emphasizes how emotional stress influences health and reveals that being sensitive can be a powerful strength for empaths. Listeners are inspired to embrace fearlessness through self-love and to recognize their true essence beyond societal expectations.

Dr. Sabina Brennan is a neuroscientist, chartered health psychologist, and bestselling author. Known for her ability to translate complex neuroscience into practical advice, Sabina empowers people to take control of their brain health and manifest their goals more effectively. Her latest book, *The Neuroscience of Manifesting*, offers a scientific framework for understanding manifestation and its real-world applications, grounded in cutting-edge brain research. Expect to learn: — What manifestation really is and the myths that need debunking. — How neuroscience can explain the power of manifestation. — The psychological processes and brain areas involved in effective manifesting. — Why self-compassion is such a vital component of the process. And more. You can learn more about Sabina’s work at https://superbrain.ie. --- Sabina Brennan is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the ADAPT Centre in Trinity College Dublin where she is a principal investigator in E-Health. Prior to this she was a research assistant professor at the School of Psychology and a principal investigator at the Institute of Neuroscience. She was co-director of the NEIL Research Programme and director of the NEIL Memory Research Unit which profiles cognitive function in a cohort of ~1000 Irish adults aged 50 and over. Understanding differential decline in cognitive ageing and dementia, cognitive reserve, brain health, modifiable risk and protective factors and the development of interventions to prevent or delay the onset of decline, She was a member of the applicant team that secured the biggest philanthropic grant (138 million) in Irish history She coordinated ASAPS, an FP7 Project under the 2012-HEALTH-2012 which promoted brain health and brain research outputs of this project include a website (www.hellobrain.eu) a series of films and a brain health app She is principal Investigator on a US funded 2-year project aimed at assessing the Impact of relationship-based mealtime intervention on quality of life, cognitive function, social connection, mood, BMI, and walking speed. She is also a principle investigator on a 3-year cohort study, DeStress looking at Cognitive function, caregiver stress and cortisol: Mechanisms and implications for prevention of adverse health consequences in spouse dementia caregivers. funded by the Medical Research Charities Group and the Health Research Board. She is Principle Investigator on a project that developed a series of 10 films (www.freedliving.com) aimed at addressing fears about memory loss and dementia. She has co-supervisor PhD students investigating Protective Effect of Cognitive Reserve against Cognitive Impairment (IRCHSS), a second PhD, looking at the relationship between caregiver stress and frailty and indices of cognitive decline, (IRC Enterprise Partnership scheme and third investigating the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline. Her own PhD thesis entitled 'Neurocognitive and Electrophysiological Indices of Cognitive Performance in Ageing' explored individual differences in cognitive performance in healthy elderly and aimed to identify neurocognitive and electrophysiological markers that index cognitive decline. As part of the TCIN-GSK Neurodegeneration Programme she was responsible for a research project aimed at identifying novel cognitive, electrophysiological and behavioural endpoints in human participants that offer greater sensitivity to age-induced cognitive changes than previous endpoints. --- Interview Links: — Sabina’s website - https://superbrain.ie.

Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher and bestselling author whose books have been published in more than 25 languages. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing and the founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum. His latest book, History for Tomorrow, explores how we can use historical lessons to confront today’s biggest challenges. Expect to learn: — The concept of "history from below" and why moving away from the “great men” narrative matters. — How 17th and 18th-century coffee houses offer a model for taming social media’s negative effects. — Insights into temporal intelligence and why long-term thinking is vital for our future. — The hidden history of the “radical flank” and how this has helped to create large scale societal breakthroughs. And more. You can learn more about Roman’s work at https://www.romankrznaric.com. --- Roman Krznaric is a social philosopher who writes about the power of ideas to create change. His internationally bestselling books including The Good Ancestor, Empathy, The Wonderbox and Carpe Diem Regained, have been published in more than 25 languages. He is Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University’s Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing and founder of the world’s first Empathy Museum. His latest book, published in July 2024, is History for Tomorrow: Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity. After growing up in Sydney and Hong Kong, Roman studied at the universities of Oxford, London and Essex, where he gained his PhD in political science. Particularly known for his work on empathy and long-term thinking, his writings have been widely influential amongst political and ecological campaigners, education reformers, social entrepreneurs and designers. An acclaimed public speaker, his talks and workshops have taken him from a London prison to the TED global stage. Roman is a member of the Club of Rome and a Research Fellow of the Long Now Foundation. He previously worked as an academic, a gardener, a conversation activist and on human rights issues in Guatemala – the subject of his book What the Rich Don’t Tell the Poor. He is also a fanatical player of the medieval sport of real tennis, whose history he explores in The First Beautiful Game. --- Interview Link: — Roman’s website - https://www.romankrznaric.com

Byron Reese, a futurist and technologist, explores the concept of humanity as a conscious superorganism in his discussions. He argues that viewing ourselves as part of a larger whole can transform our interactions and urban environments. The internet is likened to humanity's 'nervous system,' enhancing connectivity. He draws parallels between cities as units of evolution and highlights the importance of kindness in society. Additionally, he emphasizes collective resilience, the evolution of moral intuition, and humanity's role as guardians of Earth.

A.J. Jacobs, a New York Times bestselling author known for his immersive nonfiction experiments, shares his creative journey. He discusses treating creativity like a muscle that can be trained through routine. Jacobs reveals how method writing shaped his career and offers tips for aspiring authors. He shares wild stories, including carrying a musket in New York City, to explore marketing within creative processes. With insights into flexible thinking, ethical meat consumption, and the essence of free speech, this conversation is a treasure trove for budding creatives.

Simon Mundie is an insightful author and BBC Sports Reporter who bridges the worlds of sports and nondual wisdom. In this fascinating conversation, he unpacks why success doesn't guarantee happiness and shares spiritual insights gleaned from elite athletes. Mundie emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities for their own sake, rather than fixating on outcomes. The discussion also touches on the transformative aspects of finding flow in sports and how interconnectedness can foster love, kindness, and a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.

Dr. Robert Glover, a seasoned therapist and relationship expert, shares his insights on 'Nice Guy Syndrome'—a mindset that often traps well-meaning men in the friend zone. He discusses the detrimental effects of early life programming and the importance of emotional tension in relationships. Glover offers practical strategies for self-soothing anxiety, emphasizes the value of vulnerability, and reveals what women truly seek in partners. His transformative approach encourages men to embrace honesty, fostering deeper connections and personal growth.

Dr. Ned Hallowell, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and a leading authority on ADHD, shares his unique perspective on the condition. He argues that ADHD is a misnomer and highlights its surprising connection to addiction, noting that those with ADHD are significantly more prone to addiction issues. The conversation delves into the benefits of an ADHD diagnosis, practical management strategies, and the transformative power of leveraging ADHD's strengths for success. Hallowell emphasizes the importance of support and comprehensive treatment in navigating these intertwined challenges.