Modern Wisdom

Richard Shotton, behavioural scientist, founder of Astroten and author, explains how brands use psychology to stick in memory. Short takes cover concrete language, packaging and price signals, scarcity and habituation, humour and distinctiveness, messenger credibility, and the illusion of effort. Quick, punchy examples show why some marketing feels inevitable and memorable.

Paul Rosolie, naturalist, author and wildlife filmmaker who founded Jungle Keepers, shares wild firsthand jungle tales. He recounts stingray attacks, barefoot survival techniques, bullet ant horrors and the anaconda stunt controversy. He also reflects on conservation strategies, encounters with uncontacted Mashco-Piro people, and the threats driving Amazon deforestation.

HARDY, a Mississippi-born singer-songwriter and producer who pens hits for Nashville stars and himself. He talks about the craft of songwriting, the tension between writing for others and performing his own work. He shares the story of a near-fatal tour bus crash, recovery, and how vulnerability and mental health shape his music.

Donald Robertson, cognitive-behavioral therapist and Stoic scholar, shares practical psychological tools for anxiety, anger, and resilience. He explains how emotions form, why avoidance fuels fear, and how exposure and worry-postponement techniques work. He also contrasts cognitive and acceptance approaches and revisits Stoic exercises for voluntary emotional control.

Dr. Jay Wiles, a health educator and HRV researcher, dives into the fascinating world of Heart Rate Variability (HRV). He reveals how HRV is a noninvasive measure of nervous system adaptability and discusses what it really tells us about our health. Jay explains why everyone's HRV isn't comparable and emphasizes the importance of stability over high scores. Discover the nuances of resonance breathing, its quick effects on the vagus nerve, and how sleep plays a vital role in optimizing HRV. Get ready to learn actionable strategies for better health!

Trevor Wallace, a comedian and viral content creator, shares insights on what it really feels like to go viral. He discusses the rising trend of claiming autism on dating apps and its implications in meme culture. Trevor reflects on Charlie Sheen's controversial fame and the fine line between comedic persona and reality. With humor, he dives into youth trends like energy drinks, shares his creative process, and tackles the challenges of modern dating, revealing how social media complicates relationships.

Jonathan Swanson, co-founder of Thumbtack and creator of Athena, dives into the art of buying time instead of things. He shares insights on effective delegation, emphasizing that using assistants—both human and AI—can supercharge productivity. Swanson discusses the pitfalls of delegation, offers practical first steps for hiring help, and illustrates how time sovereignty impacts health and ambition. He also outlines the process of building a supportive assistant relationship, ultimately advocating for a strategic life with less clutter and more focus.

Join Russ, the talented rapper and songwriter known for his independent rise, as he delves into balancing ambition with vulnerability. He candidly discusses the relentless grind behind his success, the costs of obsession, and whether true work-life balance is attainable. Learn why he believes fear of embarrassment can hinder dreams and the significance of taking life seriously. Russ also reflects on emotional sovereignty in the macho music industry and the journey of self-discovery that shapes identity beyond just success.

Joe Hudson, a transformative coach and entrepreneur, dives into the complexities of emotional openness. He discusses how embracing vulnerability can lessen long-term suffering, while also exploring the patterns that cause relational issues. Hudson reframes heartbreak as an opportunity for growth and explains the importance of leaning into emotions like depression for healing. He highlights how healthy boundaries foster love and underscores the need for transparency to combat shame. With practical tips, he guides listeners toward a more authentic and fulfilling emotional life.

Nick Shirley, a YouTuber and investigative journalist, unveils the shocking $10B childcare fraud scandal in Minnesota. He shares how a local tip sparked his investigation into empty daycares raking in millions and discusses the alarming surge in autism funding that facilitated this abuse. Delving into the political and regulatory factors that made Minnesota a fraud hotspot, Nick highlights dangerous cash transactions and ties to political figures like Tim Walz. With security threats looming, he reveals plans for future investigations into similar scams across the country.