The Metagame

Philosopher and neuroscientist Michael Johnson discusses qualia formalism, the symmetry theory of valence, and the connection between symmetry and harmony in relation to pleasure and cognition. They also explore somatic practices, creating harmony internally and externally, and building virtue in the nervous system. Additionally, they touch on the concept of major mind dump to improve productivity and Johnson's intellectually ambitious work in philosophy.

Steve Schlafman, a recovering venture capitalist turned professional transition coach, discusses the importance of tuning into our bodies and the power of listening to body signals. They share their own journey of quitting their job and finding their calling in coaching, emphasizing the significance of asking 'why' and optimizing for congruent interestingness. They explore concepts like life transitions, decision-making, the 'adjacent possible', and the role of fear in personal growth.

Wildman systems design expert Malcolm Ocean discusses undomesticated productivity, goal crafting, and intentionality-maxxing. Topics include trust dynamics in building stronger human connections, the importance of embodying wisdom and expanded design thinking, managing tasks as a spiritual discipline, letting go of intentions, finding rest amidst societal pressures, considerations in choosing a name, and defining goals without compromises.

Howard Bloom is an author and polymath. He was also a publicist in the 70s and 80s, running the biggest PR firm in the music industry. He helped build or sustain the careers of Michael Jackson, Prince, Bob Marley, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Queen, Kiss, Run DMC, ZZ Top, Joan Jett, Chaka Khan and 100 more. What’s his deal? He’s a student of ecstatic experiences. You can learn more about Howard on his website. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

Today I talk to Wolf Tivy, the founder of Palladium Magazine. It’s a San Francisco-based publication that’s low-key coordinating the next generation of elites to do great things.Skip this episode if you don’t want to quit your job.Topics include:* Why you should quit your job.* Why civilization suffers from philosophical problems — not technical ones.* Why American technology basically stopped advancing in 1973.* “Pre-rational commitments” and how they rule your world.* Why today’s elites are uncoordinated and what that means for citizens.* Why psychedelics are haram.* What it takes to live your convictions and be a live player.Resources:* Quit Your Job This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

Khe Hy is the Founder and CEO of RadReads, an online education company that helps professionals lead productive, examined and joyful lives. He used to be one of the youngest managing directors at Blackrock, outperforming other teams by teaching his analysts GTD. Now he teaches the popular cohort-based course Supercharge Your Productivity, using productivity as a trojan horse for existential inquiry.Khe is enchantingly candid and conspicuously kind. In this conversation, his presence gave me the permission to be more honest with myself. It will likely do the same for you.Topics include:* How Khe went from high-powered Wall Street MD to professional blogger, teacher and online creator* How “fuck it” moments tend to improve people’s lives (e.g. quitting your job)* How Khe’s team at Blackrock outperformed others because he taught them GTD* Why being a “tinkerer” is an insane competitive advantage* How having kids has radical effects on your experience of time* How samskaras (persistent emotional patterns) dictate your life and what to do about them* How to use the Enneagram test to identify your childhood wounds* Why “emotional solvency” is the real obstacle to financial freedom* Golden handcuffs and the fragility of never seeing your bank account go downCheck out Khe’s blog RadReads.co, his Twitter and his course Supercharge Your Productivity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

Serial tech entrepreneur and NYT best-selling author, Julien Smith, discusses topics like courage, the flinch, art and suffering, exceptional founders, Silicon Valley's executive coaching secret, successful long-term projects, and accepting discomfort for vitality.

Daniele Bolelli is martial artist, writer, professor, and host of History On Fire and The Drunken Taoist podcasts. He’s the author of several books on philosophy and he’s disarmingly down to earth.He also has a cool name and very smooth Italian accent.Topics include:* Real Philosophers vs Academic Philosophers.* The story of Ikkyu Sojun. An enlightened monk that loved sake and women.* How to deal with tragedy.* Foundational insights on parenting and being a good spouse.* What is sacred and what is profane? * How rituals can maintain sacredness.* Why kindness is the best measure of one’s philosophy.* Speculations on Nietzsche and his perspective on Love.* On being “life-affirming.” Why is it so important and why is it so hard?* The defiant power of gallows humour. Check out Daniele’s website and his Twitter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

This is probably the most inspiring conversation I’ve had all year.Fen de Villiers turns blocks of stone into powerful art. Just look at this. He willed it out of stone. With. His. Hands.Fen studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. He’s on a mission to reinvigorate sculpture to its most vital and energetic form. Maybe you’ll be reinvigorated too.Topics include:* How do you even become a fine art sculptor?* What makes art energizing? Why is most contemporary art the opposite?* Cultural vitality and it’s relationship to physical vitality* Modernism, art deco, futurism and vorticism* How western culture forgot how to celebrate life (and became a death cult)* Why now is the best time to create a new artistic movement* The revolutionary act of simply making things* How Fen has been shunned by the current art scene* Why Duchamp’s Urinal was legitimate art at the time (but wouldn’t be today)* How Fen stays motivated to wake up every day and make thingsResources:* Fen’s Manifesto for Aesthetic Invigoration This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themetagame.substack.com

Daniel Görtz, a prominent political philosopher and sociologist of the Nordic school of metamodernism, dives into his intriguing new book, exploring 12 transformative rules for life. He discusses the art of sublime mediocrity and the importance of playfulness in personal growth. Görtz critiques popular ideas around success while advocating for the practice of Rogerian listening to navigate conflicts. He also emphasizes learning from secular interpretations of Jesus' teachings and highlights why enhancing our emotional states can lead to greater fulfillment.