

Modern Wisdom
Chris Williamson
Life is hard. This podcast will help. Lessons from the greatest thinkers on the planet with Chris Williamson. Including guests like David Goggins, Dr Jordan Peterson, Naval Ravikant, Sam Harris, Jocko Willink, Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Julie Smith, Steven Bartlett, Ryan Holiday, Robert Greene, Matthew McConaughey, Alain de Botton, Alex Hormozi, Tony Robbins, Chris Bumstead, Mark Manson and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Nov 4, 2021 • 1h 2min
#393 - Ali Abdaal - 12 Simple Ideas To Earn Passive Income
Ali Abdaal, a Doctor and YouTuber known for his expertise in passive income strategies, shares twelve effective ways to secure multiple revenue streams. He discusses why relying on a single income source is risky and reveals insights on investing in the S&P 500 versus hedge funds. Ali explains how to monetize real estate and digital content, creating online courses, and the ins and outs of affiliate marketing. With actionable tips, he emphasizes the importance of diversifying investments to enhance financial resilience.

165 snips
Nov 1, 2021 • 1h 3min
#392 - Anna Lembke - How To Reset Your Brain's Dopamine Balance
Anna Lembke, Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, explores the complex dynamics of dopamine in our lives. She discusses how modern stimuli, like phones and social media, hijack our dopamine pathways, leading to mental health challenges. Lembke explains dopamine detoxing, revealing how to reset our brain's balance. The conversation also covers the surprising connections between dopamine, intimacy, and addiction, emphasizing the necessity of embracing discomfort to foster focus and well-being.

Oct 30, 2021 • 1h 6min
#391 - Tim Stanley - Why Are We Yearning For Tradition In 2021?
Tim Stanley, a historian and Daily Telegraph writer, dives into our modern longing for tradition amidst contemporary chaos. He explains how our frustration with modern life leads us to embrace past values. Stanley critiques liberalism's impact on societal cohesion and discusses how revolutions often mirror each other. He explores evolving gender roles, the significance of cultural rituals, and the tension between individual identity and community heritage. Tune in for insights on navigating tradition in our tech-driven world.

14 snips
Oct 28, 2021 • 50min
#390 - John McWhorter - How Does Anti-Racism Hurt Black People?
John McWhorter, a linguist and author, challenges contemporary views on anti-racism. He discusses how the concept of 'woke racism' can be harmful to Black individuals, questioning popular narratives from texts like 'White Fragility.' McWhorter argues that anti-racist movements often treat Black people as simplistic, highlighting the disconnect between elite ideologies and everyday experiences. He emphasizes the need for meaningful change over performative gestures and critiques the impact of social media on activism.

8 snips
Oct 25, 2021 • 1h 14min
#389 - Joe Navarro - An FBI Agent's Guide To Body Language
Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and expert in body language, shares his invaluable insights on communication. He discusses common mistakes in conversations and the crucial role of self-awareness in saving lives. Listeners will learn techniques for managing emotions and de-escalating tense situations, along with tips for enhancing small talk. Navarro emphasizes the power of nonverbal cues and how understanding them can improve relationships, offering anecdotes from his FBI career to illustrate the complexities of human interactions.

Oct 23, 2021 • 1h 1min
#388 - David Pakman - Moving Politics Past Identity
David Pakman, a prominent political commentator and host of The David Pakman Show, dives into the tensions between left and right ideologies. He discusses the communication breakdown fueled by identity politics and social media. Pakman critiques the overemphasis on identity by right-wing narratives and advocates for focusing on economic issues that matter to the working class. The conversation also explores the role of figures like Donald Trump in shaping political discourse and the challenges of engaging diverse audiences amid rising polarization.

Oct 21, 2021 • 1h 7min
#387 - Paige Harden - Are Human Genetics An Unfair Lottery?
Kathryn Paige Harden, a behavioral geneticist and Professor at the University of Texas, explores the complexities of genetics and social equality. She discusses why societal conversations around behavioral genetics are uncomfortable and how our genetic predispositions impact success. Harden highlights intriguing topics like the connection between early puberty and academic struggles for girls, and the idea that genetic markers of hard work might complicate equal opportunities. Her insights challenge common perceptions, advocating for a deeper understanding of genetics in shaping life outcomes.

26 snips
Oct 18, 2021 • 1h 8min
#386 - Daniel Sloss - How To Stop Hating Your Love Life
In this engaging discussion, comedian and author Daniel Sloss delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the personal growth he's experienced since his Netflix special, Jigsaw. He shares humorous insights on why older generations may struggle with dating apps, humorous takes on breakups, and the cultural absurdities surrounding love. Sloss also addresses the tension between comedy and societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in navigating both relationships and life.

45 snips
Oct 16, 2021 • 1h 29min
#385 - Gurwinder Bhogal - 15 Mental Models To Understand Psychology
Gurwinder Bhogal, a programmer and insightful writer renowned for his Twitter threads on psychology, dives into the intricacies of human behavior. He explores how absurd statements can test loyalty and why ignorance is rampant. Discover the fascinating concept of the Bullshit Principle and the peculiar statistical reality of million-to-one odds. The discussion also spans racism perception, the pitfalls of superficial online engagement, and the significance of cognitive biases like the Dunning-Kruger effect. Get ready for a thought-provoking ride!

Oct 14, 2021 • 1h 16min
#384 - Zack Telander - The Female Orgasm, CrossFit & Vasectomies
Zack Telander, a weightlifter, coach, and YouTuber, dives deep into compelling cultural issues. He discusses whether men should get mandatory vasectomies at 40 and the complexities surrounding male responsibilities in unplanned pregnancies. The elusive nature of the female orgasm takes center stage, exploring its ties to emotional connection. Zack also unpacks controversies in the CrossFit world regarding performance-enhancing drugs. Rounding out the conversation, he reflects on societal perceptions of athletes and the cultural debates over sports team names.