Modern Wisdom

Shi Heng Yi, a Shaolin master and head of Shaolin Temple Europe, shares insights on the art of self-mastery. He emphasizes the importance of mindful reflection to counteract the distractions of modern life. Discussing the mind-body connection, he explores how physical awareness can aid emotional healing. Yi dives into navigating regret and the importance of embracing self-acceptance alongside ambition. He also highlights discipline as a key to personal growth, making the ancient Shaolin principles accessible for today's challenges.

Will Storr, an author and journalist renowned for his work on storytelling, dives deep into how narratives shape human behavior and identity. He discusses the powerful impact of storytelling on societal perceptions, especially in advertising and technology. Storr explores the balance between identity and belief, revealing how stories forge social connections and can influence consumer dynamics. He also critiques modern crises and the role of storytelling in navigating reputations, while addressing evolving trends like body positivity and Gen Z's shift away from binge drinking.

Will Ahmed, an entrepreneur and CEO of WHOOP, shares insights on the evolution of fitness technology. He explains the dramatic decline of CrossFit, driven by leadership failures and shifting fitness trends. Ahmed discusses the importance of using health data without becoming obsessed, detailing the balance between insight and empowerment. He also emphasizes overcoming self-doubt and managing mental health amid personal challenges. The conversation highlights the joy of pursuing fitness and the impact of sleep on overall performance.

Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star U.S. Army general, shares insights on building discipline and character. He emphasizes that small, consistent choices lead to success, both on the battlefield and in daily life. McChrystal explains the thin line between stubbornness and discipline, and how leadership requires balancing personal ambition with the greater good. He also discusses the foundational role of character and the importance of humility in ambition, revealing how moral courage shapes effective leadership.

Martha Beck, a sociologist and life coach known for her work on anxiety, shares insights on breaking free from chronic anxiety. She discusses how modern narratives and societal pressures contribute to anxiety's rise, emphasizing self-acceptance and positive self-talk. Beck introduces loving kindness meditation as a powerful technique for fostering compassion and creativity. She stresses the link between mental health and rest, offering practical strategies to rejuvenate creativity while tackling the stigma surrounding personal joy and authenticity.

Cameron Hanes, an accomplished bowhunter, ultramarathon runner, podcaster, and author, shares his insights into the nature of suffering and resilience. He discusses how embracing pain can deepen gratitude for meaningful moments. Hanes also reflects on his tough upbringing and its influence on his work ethic, alongside parenting struggles and balancing discipline with encouragement. He explores the competitive mindset, the balance of hard work versus talent, and the significance of genuine connections over mere achievements, all while recounting his extraordinary endurance challenges.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Charan Ranganath, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor, dives into the fascinating world of memory. He explains the difference between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self', revealing how our memories shape reality. Discussion includes why some memories stick while others fade, techniques for improving memory, and the emotional dynamics of recalling experiences. Dr. Ranganath also offers practical advice on harnessing mindfulness for better memory retention, encouraging personal growth through literature.

Dr Paul Turke is a pediatrician, evolutionary anthropologist, and an author. How did humans raise kids 1,000 years ago? Today’s parenting is all routines, data-driven insights and what the latest research says. But what can ancient wisdom teach us about parenting, and where might it call our modern methods into question? Expect to learn how child rearing might look different if parents were educated in evolutionary theory, what the evolutionary role of grandparents are, and why it matters for raising kids today, Where babies would have slept ancestrally, why toddlers wake up at night, throw food, or act out and why might those be smart behaviors, what parents should know about “normal” child development from an evolutionary view, what we can we learn from cultures that co-sleep, breastfeed longer, and parent together and much more… Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Get 10% discount on all Gymshark’s products at https://gym.sh/modernwisdom (use code MODERNWISDOM10) Get a Free Sample Pack of all LMNT Flavours with your first purchase at https://drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period from Shopify at https://shopify.com/modernwisdom Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Renner, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Avengers and The Hurt Locker, shares his remarkable journey of survival following a near-fatal snowplow accident. He details the excruciating pain he endured and the surprising insights gained through meditation during recovery. Renner reflects on the importance of resilience, the highs and lows of fame, and how prioritizing health transformed his views on success. With humor and vulnerability, he emphasizes the healing power of connection and support from loved ones.

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.