Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin

Joseph Nguyen, an author and mindfulness teacher, explores profound insights from his bestselling book, Don't Believe Everything You Think. He shares his journey from rock bottom to unleashing his intuition in writing, emphasizing the transformative power of minimal editing and questioning. Nguyen discusses his innovative marketing strategies via TikTok, shedding light on the challenges of maintaining creative control with publishers. He also highlights the importance of distinguishing intuition from fear, offering listeners a fresh perspective on personal growth.

Mike White, the creative mind behind HBO's *The White Lotus*, dives into a rich tapestry of topics. He shares his transformative experience at a past-life workshop with Shirley MacLaine and reflects on mortality while discussing his storytelling approach. White explains his preference for creating over consuming art and his unique writing process that fuses intense bursts with deep character development. He also touches on his adventures in reality TV, the collaborative atmosphere on film sets like *Nacho Libre*, and the importance of empathy in storytelling.

Daron Malakian, the talented guitarist and vocalist from System of a Down, dives deep into his experiences with heavy metal. He shares what he looks for in metal, discussing the significance of riffs, aggression, and mood in his songwriting. The conversation explores various metal subgenres, from the speed of thrash to the atmospheric qualities of black metal. Daron also reflects on the evolution of industrial metal and the impact of nu metal in the '90s, presenting a fascinating overview of metal's rich history and its transformative role in his artistry.

Daron Malakian, a founding member of System of a Down, delves into his deep-rooted passion for heavy metal. He discusses how iconic bands like Black Sabbath shaped the genre’s doom and vibe. From the theatrics of Kiss to the dual-guitar harmonies of Thin Lizzy, he highlights the visual influences in metal's evolution. Daron reflects on his childhood obsession with Ozzy’s imagery and how classic records taught him guitar techniques. The conversation also spans the punk influences that fueled thrash and the groundbreaking role of independent labels in metal's underground scene.

Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, dives into his transformative experience living through hyperinflation in Argentina, shaping his views on financial systems. He shares his journey from discovering Bitcoin to creating Coinbase and its challenges in fundraising. Armstrong discusses the role of stablecoins in global payments, Bitcoin's volatility, and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance. He also touches on the future of AI in finance, his vision for NewLimit in longevity research, and the importance of regulatory frameworks for innovation.

Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death, shares his visionary journey in creating a beverage brand that thrives on irreverent humor and creative marketing. He explains how entertaining advertising makes a brand memorable and distinctive. Mike reveals insights on bold campaigns, like the viral 'sell your soul' stunt, and how Liquid Death leverages social media for growth. He discusses the challenges of scaling production and crafting an engaging brand identity that feels illicit, while also turning negativity into creative content to bolster the brand's appeal.

Dan Brown, the bestselling author behind the Robert Langdon series, dives deep into his unique writing process. He discusses the moral complexities of his characters, often villains who see themselves as heroes. Exploring consciousness, Brown shares how personal grief has reshaped his perspective on life after death. He details his meticulous research methods, including on-location visits to Prague, and reveals his daily writing ritual. With a nod to the impact of censorship, he reflects on the profound conversations sparked by The Da Vinci Code.

In this engaging conversation, award-winning documentary filmmaker Nick Broomfield shares insights from his diverse career. He delves into his transformative experiences with subjects like Aileen Wuornos, exploring how trust can be built through genuine connections. Broomfield discusses his innovative approach, 'Direct Cinema,' and the challenges faced while capturing unfiltered truths, from interviews with Suge Knight to the emotional recounting of Whitney Houston's story. He also reflects on the impact of his films on both the subjects and himself, revealing the personal growth that comes from such deep investigations.

Jimmy Iovine, legendary music producer and co-founder of Beats Electronics, shares his incredible journey from working with icons like John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen to revolutionizing headphone culture with Dr. Dre. He discusses the importance of collaboration in merging art and technology, which inspired the creation of the USC Iovine and Young Academy. Iovine also reflects on his experiences during the music industry's digital transition and offers insights on building relationships in distribution, highlighting the evolving landscape of media.

Rupi Kaur, a globally acclaimed poet and author of bestsellers like Milk and Honey, dives into her creative process and performance evolution. She shares her journey from self-publishing to sold-out tours and how her work resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. Kaur reflects on balancing life as a writer, her connections with her immigrant family, and the spiritual influences in her art. She also discusses stepping back from social media, allowing for deeper creativity and connection to her roots, while teasing an upcoming blend of poetry and music.