

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

3,719 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 2h 24min
#925 - Joe Hudson - 23 Lessons For Being Kinder To Yourself
In this engaging conversation, Joe Hudson, a coach, entrepreneur, and podcast host, shares profound insights on kindness and self-compassion. He highlights the significance of making your 'bed' before changing the world and explores the pitfalls of excessive self-reliance. Listeners will learn how to navigate painful emotions, the importance of vulnerability in relationships, and how to transform fear into opportunities for growth. Hudson emphasizes the balance between authenticity and perfectionism, ultimately advocating for genuine connections and deeper emotional awareness.

360 snips
Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 37min
#924 - William Costello - What Netflix’s “Adolescence” Got Wrong
William Costello, a psychology researcher focusing on evolutionary psychology, discusses the recent Netflix miniseries 'Adolescence' and its misrepresentation of youth and incel culture. He critiques the dangers of glorifying violence, examines the societal implications of media portrayals, and addresses the disconnect between adults and young people. Costello delves into the incel community's responses, the challenges surrounding masculinity today, and the mental health implications related to incel ideologies. The conversation encourages a nuanced dialogue on these pressing issues.

379 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 14min
#923 - Matt Ridley - Why Evolution Favours Beauty Over Survival
Matt Ridley, a renowned science writer and journalist, dives into the captivating world of evolution and aesthetics. He explores why beauty exists if survival reigns supreme, challenging traditional views on mate selection. Discover the 'sexy son hypothesis' and how female preferences shape male traits through sexual selection. Ridley unveils the delicate balance between attractiveness and survival in species like puffins and the intricate mating strategies of birds. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the significance of beauty in both nature and human evolution.

37,443 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 3h 16min
#922 - Naval Ravikant - 44 Harsh Truths About Human Nature
Naval Ravikant, entrepreneur and co-founder of AngelList, drops profound insights on success and happiness. He discusses the true cost of chasing wealth and the importance of personal fulfillment over societal status. Naval shares wisdom on self-esteem, urging listeners to embrace their worth and make intentional life choices. He tackles the paradox of happiness, emphasizing the need for present-moment acceptance and meaningful connections. Additionally, he reflects on the evolution of medicine, the value of attention, and the complexities of modern parenting.

1,039 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 17min
#921 - Catherine Price - How To Defeat Your Social Media Addiction
Catherine Price, a journalist and author known for her insights on technology's impact on our minds, dives into the pervasive influence of smartphones. She discusses alarming statistics on phone usage, revealing many spend up to six hours daily on devices. The conversation explores how this affects attention spans, the dopamine trap of social media, and the importance of mindfulness. Price provides practical strategies for restoring focus and enhancing memory, urging listeners to seek real-life fulfillment over digital distractions.

597 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 2h 4min
#920 - Dr John Delony - Why Do We Date People That Need Fixing?
Join John Delony, a mental health expert, author, and dynamic speaker, as he delves into the complexities of relationships. Discover why many feel compelled to 'fix' their partners and the challenges of walking away from unfulfilling connections. He offers insights into self-worth, emotional presence, and practical advice for navigating breakups. Delony emphasizes the importance of self-love for healthier relationships and explores how childhood experiences shape our romantic dynamics. Tune in for a mix of wisdom and engaging anecdotes!

3,904 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 56min
#919 - George Mack - How To Take Control Of Your Own Destiny
George Mack, a thought leader on high agency, explores how taking control of one's destiny can transform lives. He discusses the impact of social dynamics on individual agency, illustrating concepts with engaging examples from music festivals and compliance experiments. Mack critiques traditional education for stifling creativity and shares compelling stories, including the Wright brothers' journey to flight. The conversation emphasizes the power of intentionality in overcoming overthinking and fostering personal growth, urging listeners to embrace agency amidst life's uncertainties.

554 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 1h 14min
#918 - Critical Drinker - Why Do Modern Movies Suck So Much?
In this engaging conversation, Critical Drinker, a sharp-witted movie critic and YouTuber, dissects the failures of modern cinema. He reveals how studios prioritize messaging over storytelling, leading to disappointing adaptations of cherished franchises like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. The discussion also covers the Oscar's decline in excitement, the evolving role of celebrity culture in film, and the ambitious future of smaller productions. Tune in for his candid insights on Hollywood's changing landscape and what it means for the future of storytelling.

2,894 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 23min
#917 - Vanessa Van Edwards - The Art Of Effortless Confidence & Social Persuasion
Vanessa Van Edwards, a behavioral researcher and author, shares her expertise on social interactions. She reveals the secrets to making great first impressions and overcoming social awkwardness. Discover the power of nonverbal cues and how to improve charisma. Learn practical tips for effective small talk and how to detect deception by recognizing behavioral cues. Vanessa also discusses transforming self-doubt into confident communication, making the art of compliments, and navigating the complexities of attraction and connection.

965 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 28min
#916 - Freya India - Why Modern Women Feel More Lost Than Ever
Freya India, a writer and journalist focused on female mental health and modern culture, dives into the complex challenges faced by young women today. The discussion highlights the appeal of therapy culture as a substitute for traditional religion and the pitfalls of social media on self-perception and relationships. Freya explores the feelings of aimlessness among women, the commodification of vulnerability in the digital age, and how modern influences are reshaping notions of femininity and empowerment.