less than one | with Kevin Rose

Valerie Forstman, a former classical musician turned Zen teacher, shares her journey from the pursuit of perfection to embracing Zen practice. She discusses how structured retreats and the power of silence transformed her perception of existence and suffering. Valerie emphasizes that spiritual freedom enhances, rather than diminishes, performance. The conversation takes a poignant turn as Kevin opens up about losing his father, highlighting how love and connection persist beyond death, revealing deep truths about presence and absence.

In a deeply personal conversation, Jason DeFillippo, a podcast producer and Kevin's long-time friend, shares his gripping journey through alcohol dependence and recovery following a near-fatal stroke. He discusses his rock bottom and the often painful path to reclaiming his life. Kevin opens up about his own struggles with sobriety, addressing social anxiety and the support of 12-step programs. Together, they delve into the challenges of navigating drinking culture, the importance of vulnerability, and the liberating power of making amends.

In this engaging conversation, Jason Fried, co-founder of 37signals and co-author of 'Rework', shares his philosophy of embracing minimalism in business. He advocates for the superpower of working less and focusing on what truly matters. Jason reflects on lessons from a silent retreat, highlighting the power of letting things happen organically. He emphasizes the importance of trust and genuine connections in both work and life, blending play with passion to foster innovation and creativity. This is a masterclass in intentional building and leading with humanity.